bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Carotid Endarterectomy with Primary Closure
Authors: Cheng Ivy , Vyas Krishna , Velaga Santhosh , Davenport Daniel , Saha Sibu
Published: March 2017

Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) reduces the risk of stroke in patients with internal carotid artery stenosis, although the optimal surgical technique is debated. The literature suggests that patch angioplasty reduces complication risk, although primary closure shortens cross-clamp time and eliminates complications associated with grafts.

The objective of this study was to assess the complication rate after CEA with primary closure.

Retrospective review of 240 consecutive patients between 2002 and 2010. Of these patients, 70% returned for follow-up visits for at least 2 or more years.

Primary closure was used in all patients. The average cross-clamp time was 18 minutes. Complications in the immediate postoperative period within 30 days were as follows: stroke (n = 3; 1.1%), transient ischemic attack (TIA; n = 4; 1.5%), myocardial infarction (MI; n = 3; 1.1%), and death (n = 1; 0.4%). Short-term follow-up revealed eight patients who were found to have significant restenosis (>80%) by carotid duplex imaging. Two to ten year postoperative complication rates were as follows: stroke (n = 7; 4.2%), TIA (n = 7; 4.2%), amaurosis fugax (n = 1; 0.6%), MI (n = 8; 4.8%), and death (n = 28; 17%). Mortality was due to stroke or heart attack (n = 2; 1.2%), cancer (n = 7; 4.2%), and unknown causes (n = 19; 11%).

This study presents our experience with complications after primary closure after CEA. In our experience, CEA is a safe and effective surgical means of preventing stroke in the short term. Well-designed prospective studies are needed to confirm specific patient characteristics in which primary closure and patch angioplasty are indicated.
Evidence-Based Guidelines for the Pharmacological Management of Acute Methamphetamine-Related Disorders and Toxicity
Authors: Wodarz Norbert , Krampe-Scheidler Anne , Christ Michael , Fleischmann Heribert , Looser Winfried , Schoett Katharina , Vilsmeier Frank , Bothe Lydia , Schaefer Corinna , Gouzoulis-Mayfrank Euphrosyne
Published: March 2017

Consumption of methamphetamine (“crystal”) has spread dramatically over several European countries. The management of methamphetamine-induced acute disorders has become a growing challenge to the health system. Pharmacological treatment strategies for methamphetamine-induced intoxication syndromes, acute withdrawal symptoms, and methamphetamine-induced psychosis are particularly important.

The development of interdisciplinary and evidence- and consensus-based (S3) German Guidelines was based on a systematic literature and guideline search on therapeutic interventions in methamphetamine-related disorders (April, June 2015). Consideration was given to 9 guidelines and 103 publications. Recommendations on pharmacological treatment strategies were drawn up using the nominal group technique.

Overall, only limited evidence is available. Benzodiazepines are first-line medication for methamphetamine-induced intoxication syndromes, particularly when they present with acute agitation and aggressive behavior. There is no evidence-based medication for the treatment of methamphetamine-related withdrawal symptoms and cravings. When treating methamphetamine-induced psychosis, second-generation antipsychotics should be favored, given their more favorable side-effect profile. The indication for continuation of antipsychotic medication must be reviewed regularly. In most cases, the antipsychotic should be tapered off within 6 months.
Effects of Intramuscular Midazolam and Lorazepam on Acute Agitation in Non-Elderly Subjects – A Systematic Review
Authors: Kousgaard Sabrina , Licht Rasmus , Nielsen René
Published: March 2017

Benzodiazepines are commonly used for the treatment of acute agitation in a psychiatric setting.

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) for relevant publications. Randomized trials evaluating intramuscular (IM) midazolam or lorazepam given as monotherapy or as add-on treatment, with more than 10 patients aged 18–65 years, conducted in a psychiatric setting, and published between January 1, 1980, and February 3, 2016, were included.

16 studies from a search result of 5 516 studies were included. In total, 577 patients were treated with lorazepam IM 2–4 mg, and 329 patients were treated with midazolam IM 5–15 mg.

It is unclear whether lorazepam IM or midazolam IM is as efficacious as an antipsychotic IM. It is a bit more certain that the combination of benzodiazepines IM and a low dose antipsychotic IM is more efficacious than the benzodiazepine and the antipsychotic alone. However, there is no doubt that benzodiazepines are less likely to be associated with treatment emergent side effects, as compared to antipsychotics.
Mucosal breaks show same circumferential distribution in majority of patients with recurrent reflux esophagitis
Authors: Fukuda Naoki , Ishimura Norihisa , Okada Mayumi , Izumi Daisuke , Mikami Hironobu , Okimoto Eiko , Aimi Masahito , Mishiro Tsuyoshi , Oshima Naoki , Ishihara Shunji , Kinoshita Yoshikazu
Published: March 2017

Background and study aims Esophageal mucosal breaks in patients with reflux esophagitis (RE) have a unique circumferential distribution. However, the specific location of mucosal breaks during recurrence of RE remains unclear. We investigated the circumferential distribution of mucosal breaks in patients with recurrent RE and compared their location to that noted at the initial diagnosis.

Patients and methods We retrospectively enrolled patients with recurrent RE with Los Angeles (LA) grade A-C who were treated at our University Hospital between July 1996 and June 2014. The circumferential distribution of esophageal mucosal breaks was evaluated at the time of the initial diagnosis and again at the time of recurrence. Information regarding clinical parameters, including proton pump inhibitor administration, presence of hiatal hernia, and mucosal atrophy, was also reviewed.

Results A total of 114 patients with recurrent RE were examined during the study period, with a mean duration to recurrence after initial diagnosis of 39.4 months. The majority (72.8 %) had the same LA grade at recurrence. In addition, recurrent mucosal breaks in 96 (84.2 %) patients were observed to have occurred in the same circumferential location as at the initial diagnosis, while those in 18 (15.8 %) were observed in a different location. When recurrent lesions had a different location, the LA grade also tended to be different (P = 0.02).

Conclusions We found that most patients with recurrent RE developed lesions in the same circumferential location as noted for the initial lesions. Those in different locations at recurrence were associated with a change in LA grade.
Gesundheitsökonomische Potenziale einer ganzheitlichen Nachsorge von Schlaganfallpatienten
Authors: Reichert Anika , Fröhlich J. , Himmler S. , Krauth C. , Amelung V. E.
Published: March 2017

Zielsetzung Diese Studie analysiert die gesundheitsökonomischen Potenziale eines Versorgungsansatzes, der eine ganzheitliche
Nachsorge und Betreuung von Schlaganfallpatienten nach ihrer Rückkehr in die eigene Häuslichkeit umfasst.

Methodik In einem Entscheidungsbaummodell werden auf Basis von Inputdaten aus der Literatur und Expertenmeinungen 4
Patientenpfade bis zu 36 Monate nach dem Schlaganfallereignis verglichen: Versorgungmanagement und Regelversorgung bei
bedarfsgerechter Versorgung und Fehlversorgung.

Ergebnisse Eine bedarfsgerechte Nachsorge führt kurzfristig zu Mehrkosten bei der Hilfsmittel-Erstausstattung. Diese können
jedoch potenziell durch eine Vermeidung adverser Ereignisse sowie durch positive Effekte auf das Risiko stationärer Pflege und die
Mortalität nach etwa fünf Monaten ausgeglichen werden.

Schlussfolgerung Eine umfassende Bedarfserfassung, die Auswahl effektiver Hilfsmittel sowie die Einbindung des Patienten in
Entscheidungen tragen nachweislich zu einer Verbesserung des funktionellen Zustandes und damit assoziierten Kosten bei.
New Knowledge About Old Drugs: The Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Cardiac Glycosides
Authors: Fürst Robert , Zündorf Ilse , Dingermann Theo
Published: March 2017

In the 19th century, cardio-active steroid glycosides, shortly cardiac glycosides, were scientifically established as drugs against heart failure. Their in vivo, cellular, and molecular actions as well as their predominant target, Na+-K+-ATPase, have been comprehensively investigated in the 20th century and the discovery of endogenous cardiac glycosides has fostered this research field. In the last years, however, results from clinical trials and meta-analyses have questioned their therapeutic value due to efficacy and safety issues. This has led to a considerable decline of their usage. Beyond the cardiovascular system, cardiac glycosides have been increasingly recognized as antitumor compounds and Na+-K+-ATPase has evolved into a promising drug target in oncology. A wealth of review articles exists that intensively discuss these topics. Surprisingly, the anti-inflammatory actions of cardiac glycosides, which were discovered in the 1960s, have so far hardly been perceived and have not yet been summarized. This review provides an overview of the in vivo and in vitro actions of cardiac glycosides on inflammatory processes and of the signaling mechanisms responsible for these effects: cardiac glycosides have been found to decrease inflammatory symptoms in different animal models of acute and chronic inflammation. Regarding the underlying mechanisms most research has focused on leukocytes. In these cells, cardiac glycosides primarily inhibit cell proliferation and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.
User interfaces for computational science: A domain specific language for OOMMF embedded in Python
Authors: Beg Marijan , Pepper Ryan A. , Fangohr Hans
Published: March 2017

Computer simulations are used widely across the engineering and science disciplines, including in the research and development of magnetic devices using computational micromagnetics. In this work, we identify and review different approaches to configuring simulation runs: (i) the re-compilation of source code, (ii) the use of configuration files, (iii) the graphical user interface, and (iv) embedding the simulation specification in an existing programming language to express the computational problem. We identify the advantages and disadvantages of different approaches and discuss their implications on effectiveness and reproducibility of computational studies and results. Following on from this, we design and describe a domain specific language for micromagnetics that is embedded in the Python language, and allows users to define the micromagnetic simulations they want to carry out in a flexible way. We have implemented this micromagnetic simulation description language together with a computational backend that executes the simulation task using the Object Oriented MicroMagnetic Framework (OOMMF). We illustrate the use of this Python interface for OOMMF by solving the micromagnetic standard problem 4. All the code is publicly available and is open source.
On the limits of discrete Painlevé equations associated with the affine Weyl group E8
Authors: Tamizhmani K. M. , Tamizhmani T. , Ramani A. , Grammaticos B.
Published: March 2017

We study the discrete Painlevé equations that can be obtained as limits from the equations associated with the affine Weyl group E8(1). We obtain equations associated with the groups E7(1) and E6(1) as well as linearisable systems. In the E7(1) and E6(1) cases, we obtain several new discrete Painlevé equations along with equations which can be related to the ones already known. The same is true for linearisable systems. In the case of new linearisable mappings, we present their explicit linearisation.
Influence of thickness on crystallinity in wafer-scale GaTe nanolayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Bae Che Jin , McMahon Jonathan , Detz Hermann , Strasser Gottfried , Park Junsung , Einarsson Erik , Eason D. B.
Published: March 2017

We grew wafer-scale, uniform nanolayers of gallium telluride (GaTe) on gallium arsenide (GaAs) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. These films initially formed in a hexagonal close-packed structure (h-GaTe), but monoclinic (m-GaTe) crystalline elements began to form as the film thicknesses increased to more than approximately 90 nm. We confirmed the coexistence of these two crystalline forms using x-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy, and we attribute the thickness-dependent structural change to internal stress induced by lattice mismatch with the substrate and to natural lattice relaxation at the growth conditions.
High-temperature mechanical properties of Inconel-625: Role of carbides and delta phase
Authors: Liu Dexue , Zhang Xiao , Qin Xiaoqiong , Ding Yutian
Published: March 2017

Based on the temperature sensitivity characteristics, high-temperature tensile tests were performed at different temperatures and after different solid solution treatments to investigate the effect of Cr-rich M23C6, Nb-rich MC and the delta phase on the mechanical properties of Inconel 625. The experimental results indicated that the Cr-rich M23C6 carbides and the Nb-rich MC carbides decomposed at 700°C, which could be the reason for resulting tensile strength anomaly that was observed in a narrow temperature range from 650 to 700°C during the tensile tests at different temperatures. For the samples subjected to a prior solid solution treatment, the size of the δ phase was found to increase with the solution treatment temperature, whereas the elongation at fracture decreased.
“Wait anaphase” signals are not confined to the mitotic spindle
Authors: Heasley Lydia R. , Markus Steven M. , DeLuca Jennifer G.
Published: March 2017

The spindle assembly checkpoint ensures the faithful inheritance of chromosomes by arresting mitotic progression in the presence of kinetochores that are not attached to spindle microtubules. This is achieved through inhibition of the anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome by a kinetochore-derived “wait anaphase” signal known as the mitotic checkpoint complex. It remains unclear whether the localization and activity of these inhibitory complexes are restricted to the mitotic spindle compartment or are diffusible throughout the cytoplasm. Here we report that “wait anaphase” signals are indeed able to diffuse outside the confines of the mitotic spindle compartment. Using a cell fusion approach to generate multinucleate cells, we investigate the effects of checkpoint signals derived from one spindle compartment on a neighboring spindle compartment. We find that spindle compartments in close proximity wait for one another to align all chromosomes before entering anaphase synchronously. Synchrony is disrupted in cells with increased interspindle distances and cellular constrictions between spindle compartments. In addition, when mitotic cells are fused with interphase cells, “wait anaphase” signals are diluted, resulting in premature mitotic exit. Overall our studies reveal that anaphase inhibitors are diffusible and active outside the confines of the mitotic spindle from which they are derived.
Opioid-type Respiratory Depressant Side Effects of Cebranopadol in Rats Are Limited by Its Nociceptin/Orphanin FQ Peptide Receptor Agonist Activity
Authors: Linz Klaus , Schröder Wolfgang , Frosch Stefanie , Christoph Thomas
Published: March 2017

Background

Cebranopadol is a first-in-class analgesic with agonist activity at classic opioid peptide receptors and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor. The authors compared the antinociceptive and respiratory depressant effects of cebranopadol and the classic opioid fentanyl and used selective antagonists to provide the first mechanistic evidence of the contributions of the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide and μ-opioid peptide receptors to cebranopadol’s respiratory side-effect profile.

Methods

Antinociception was assessed in male Sprague–Dawley rats using the low-intensity tail-flick model (n = 10 per group). Arterial blood gas tensions (Paco
2 and Pao
2) were measured over time in samples from unrestrained, conscious rats after intravenous administration of cebranopadol or fentanyl (n = 6 per group).

Results

The ED50 for peak antinociceptive effect in the tail-flick model was 7.4 μg/kg for cebranopadol (95% CI, 6.6 to 8.2 μg/kg) and 10.7 μg/kg for fentanyl citrate (9 to 12.7 μg/kg). Fentanyl citrate increased Paco
2 levels to 45 mmHg (upper limit of normal range) at 17.6 μg/kg (95% CI, 7.6 to 40.8 μg/kg) and to greater than 50 mmHg at doses producing maximal antinociception. In contrast, with cebranopadol, Paco
2 levels remained less than 35 mmHg up to doses producing maximal antinociception. The nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor antagonist J-113397 potentiated the respiratory depressant effects of cebranopadol; these changes in Paco
2 and Pao
2 were fully reversible with the μ-opioid peptide receptor antagonist naloxone.

Conclusions

The therapeutic window between antinociception and respiratory depression in rats is larger for cebranopadol than that for fentanyl because the nociceptin/orphanin FQ peptide receptor agonist action of cebranopadol counteracts side effects resulting from its μ-opioid peptide receptor agonist action.
Causes and Characteristics of Death in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Orban Jean-Christophe , Walrave Yannick , Mongardon Nicolas , Allaouchiche Bernard , Argaud Laurent , Aubrun Frédéric , Barjon Geneviève , Constantin Jean-Michel , Dhonneur Gilles , Durand-Gasselin Jacques , Dupont Hervé , Genestal Michèle , Goguey Chloé , Goutorbe Philippe , Guidet Bertrand , Hyvernat Hervé , Jaber Samir , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Mallédant Yannick , Morel Jerôme , Ouattara Alexandre , Pichon Nicolas , Guérin Robardey Anne-Marie , Sirodot Michel , Theissen Alexandre , Wiramus Sandrine , Zieleskiewicz Laurent , Leone Marc , Ichai Carole ,   for the AzuRéa Network
Published: March 2017

Background

Different modes of death are described in selected populations, but few data report the characteristics of death in a general intensive care unit population. This study analyzed the causes and characteristics of death of critically ill patients and compared anticipated death patients to unexpected death counterparts.

Methods

An observational multicenter cohort study was performed in 96 intensive care units. During 1 yr, each intensive care unit was randomized to participate during a 1-month period. Demographic data, characteristics of organ failures (Sequential Organ Failure Assessment subscore greater than or equal to 3), and organ supports were collected on all patients who died in the intensive care unit. Modes of death were defined as anticipated (after withdrawal or withholding of treatment or brain death) or unexpected (despite engagement of full-level care or sudden refractory cardiac arrest).

Results

A total of 698 patients were included during the study period. At the time of death, 84% had one or more organ failures (mainly hemodynamic) and 89% required at least one organ support (mainly mechanical ventilation). Deaths were considered unexpected and anticipated in 225 and 473 cases, respectively. Compared to its anticipated counterpart, unexpected death occurred earlier (1 day vs. 5 days; P< 0.001) and had fewer organ failures (1 [1 to 2] vs. 1 [1 to 3]; P< 0.01) and more organ supports (2 [2 to 3] vs. 1 [1 to 2]; P< 0.01). Withdrawal or withholding of treatments accounted for half of the deaths.

Conclusions

In a general intensive care unit population, the majority of patients present with at least one organ failure at the time of death. Anticipated and unexpected deaths represent two different modes of dying and exhibit profiles reflecting the different pathophysiologic underlying mechanisms.
Frequency of Subungual Melanoma in Longitudinal Melanonychia: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Decker Ashley , Connolly Karen L. , Lee Erica H. , Busam Klaus J. , Nehal Kishwer S.
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Clinical and dermatoscopic guidelines are used to differentiate between benign longitudinal melanonychia (LM) and subungual melanoma; however, the frequency of malignancy among patients undergoing a biopsy for LM is not well defined.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the histologic diagnoses and malignancy among patients undergoing a biopsy for clinical LM.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients who underwent a nail biopsy for LM at a single cancer center between 2000 and 2014. Clinical features, biopsy techniques, and histopathologic results were reviewed.

RESULTS

Forty-two patients with 43 biopsied lesions were included. Three of the 43 biopsies revealed melanoma (mean depth 2.1 mm). The mean age among patients with malignant lesions was 60 years compared with 58.1 years for benign lesions. The mean width of all biopsied lesions was 4.2 mm, with a mean of 10.7 mm for malignant and 3.4 mm for benign. The first digit was the most commonly involved nail in both malignant and benign lesions.

CONCLUSION

Most nail biopsies performed for LM revealed benign pathology; however, melanoma was diagnosed in a small subgroup. Although clinical and dermatoscopic guidelines help guide biopsies, they should not replace clinical judgment as malignant lesions can deviate from these guidelines.
Acute Decompensation in Pediatric Cardiac Patients: Outcomes After Rapid Response Events
Authors: Bavare Aarti C. , Rafie Kimia S. , Bastero Patricia X. , Hagan Joseph L. , Checchia Paul A.
Published: March 2017

Objective:

We studied rapid response events after acute clinical instability outside ICU settings in pediatric cardiac patients. Our objective was to describe the characteristics and outcomes after rapid response events in this high-risk cohort and elucidate the cardiac conditions and risk factors associated with worse outcomes.

Design:

A retrospective single-center study was carried out over a 3-year period from July 2011 to June 2014.

Setting:

Referral high-volume pediatric cardiac center located within a tertiary academic pediatric hospital.

Patients:

All rapid response events that occurred during the study period were reviewed to identify rapid response events in cardiac patients.

Interventions:

None.

Measurements and Main Results:

We reviewed 1,906 rapid response events to identify 152 rapid response events that occurred in 127 pediatric cardiac patients. Congenital heart disease was the baseline diagnosis in 74% events (single ventricle, 28%; biventricle physiology, 46%). Seventy-four percent had a cardiac surgery before rapid response, 37% had ICU stay within previous 7 days, and acute kidney injury was noted in 41% post rapid response. Cardiac and/or pulmonary arrest occurred during rapid response in 8.5%. Overall, 81% were transferred to ICU, 22% had critical deterioration (ventilation or vasopressors within 12 hr of transfer), and 56% received such support and/or invasive procedures within 72 hours. Mortality within 30 days post event was 14%. Significant outcome associations included: single ventricle physiology—increased need for invasive procedures and mortality (adjusted odds ratio, 2.58; p = 0.02); multiple rapid response triggers—increased ICU transfer and interventions at 72 hours; critical deterioration—cardiopulmonary arrest and mortality; and acute kidney injury—cardiopulmonary arrest and need for hemodynamic support.

Conclusions:

Congenital heart disease, previous cardiac surgery, and recent discharge from ICU were common among pediatric cardiac rapid responses. Progression to cardiopulmonary arrest during rapid response, need for ICU care, kidney injury after rapid response, and mortality were high. Single ventricle physiology was independently associated with increased mortality.
Frederick Gerard Friedlander. 25 December 1917 — 20 May 2001
Authors: Edmunds D. E. , Fraenkel L. E. , Pemberton M.
Published: March 2017

Gerard Friedlander was the son of Austrian communist intellectuals, who divorced when he was four. From the age of two he was raised by grandparents in Vienna, while his mother lived in Berlin as a communist organizer. Hitler came to power in 1933; Friedlander was sent to England, aged 16, in 1934; two years later, he won a scholarship to Trinity College, Cambridge. By 1940 he was a fully fledged applied mathematician who came to embrace both the European and British traditions of that subject. His work was marked by profound originality, by the importance of its applications and by the mathematical rigour of his treatment. The applications of his work changed over the years. The first papers (written between 1939 and 1941, but published only in 1946 for security reasons) were a contribution to Civil Defence: they presented entirely new and explicit results on the shielding effect of a wall from a distant bomb blast. The late papers were contributions to the general, more abstract theory of partial differential equations, but, characteristically, with concrete examples that illuminated obscure aspects of the general theory. Between these two, the middle years brought a flowering of results about the wave equation (including results for a curved space-time), of importance to both physicists and mathematicians.
Effect size and statistical power in the rodent fear conditioning literature – a systematic review
Authors: Carneiro Clarissa F. D. , Moulin Thiago C. , Macleod Malcolm R. , Amaral Olavo B.
Published: March 2017

Proposals to increase research reproducibility frequently call for focusing on effect sizes instead of p values, as well as for increasing the statistical power of experiments. However, it is unclear to what extent these two concepts are indeed taken into account in basic biomedical science. To study this in a real-case scenario, we performed a systematic review of effect sizes and statistical power in studies on learning of rodent fear conditioning, a widely used behavioral task to evaluate memory. Our search criteria yielded 410 experiments comparing control and treated groups in 122 articles. Interventions had a mean effect size of 29.5%, and amnesia caused by memory-impairing interventions was nearly always partial. Mean statistical power to detect the average effect size observed in well-powered experiments with significant differences (37.2%) was 65%, and was lower among studies with non-significant results. Only one article reported a sample size calculation, and our estimated sample size to achieve 80% power considering typical effect sizes and variances (15 animals per group) was reached in only 12.2% of experiments. Actual effect sizes correlated with effect size inferences made by readers on the basis of textual descriptions of results only when findings were non-significant, and neither effect size nor power correlated with study quality indicators, number of citations or impact factor of the publishing journal. In summary, effect sizes and statistical power have a wide distribution in the rodent fear conditioning literature, but do not seem to have a large influence on how results are described or cited. Failure to take these concepts into consideration might limit attempts to improve reproducibility in this field of science.
A toolbox of immunoprecipitation-grade monoclonal antibodies against human transcription factors
Authors: Venkataraman Anand , Yang Kun , Irizarry Jose , Mackiewicz Mark , Mita Paolo , Kuang Zheng , Xue Lin , Ghosh Devlina , Liu Shuang , Ramos Pedro , Hu Shaohui , Bayron Diane , Keegan Sarah , Saul Richard , Colantonio Simona , Zhang Hongyan , Behn Florencia Pauli , Song Guang , Albino Edisa , Asencio Lillyann , Ramos Leonardo , Lugo Luvir , Morell Gloriner , Rivera Javier , Ruiz Kimberly , Almodovar Ruth , Nazario Luis , Murphy Keven , Vargas Ivan , Rivera-Pacheco Zully Ann , Rosa Christian , Vargas Moises , McDade Jessica , Clark Brian S. , Yoo Sooyeon , Khambadkone Seva G. , Melo Jimmy de , Stevanovic Milanka , Jiang Lizhi , Li Yana , Yap Wendy Y. , Jones Brittany , Tandon Atul , Campbell Elliot , Anderson Stephen , Myers Richard M. , Boeke Jef D. , Fenyo David , Whiteley Gordon , Bader Joel S. , Pino Ignacio , Eichinger Daniel J. , Zhu Heng , Blackshaw Seth
Published: March 2017

A key component to overcoming the reproducibility crisis in biomedical research is the development of readily available, rigorously validated and renewable protein affinity reagents. As part of the NIH Protein Capture Reagents Program (PCRP), we have generated a collection of 1406 highly validated, immunoprecipitation (IP) and/or immunoblotting (IB) grade, mouse monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to 736 human transcription factors. We used HuProt™ human protein microarrays to identify mAbs that recognize their cognate targets with exceptional specificity. Using an integrated production and validation pipeline, we validated these mAbs in multiple experimental applications, and have distributed them to the Developmental Studies Hybridoma Bank (DSHB) and several commercial suppliers. This study allowed us to perform a meta-analysis that identified critical variables that contribute to the generation of high quality mAbs. We find that using full-length antigens for immunization, in combination with HuProt™ analysis, provides the highest overall success rates. The efficiencies built into this pipeline ensure substantial cost savings compared to current standard practices.
Audit quality and audit report lag: case of Indonesian listed companies
Authors: Rusmin Rusmin , Evans John
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relation between two dimensions of auditor quality, namely, auditor industry specialization and auditor reputation and the audit report lag.

Design/methodology/approach

The data collection focuses on companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange for the financial year of 2010 and 2011. To ensure data homogeneity and reduce industry bias, this study focuses solely on manufacturing companies identified by the Indonesian Capital Market Directory.

Findings

This study finds a negative and significant association between industry-specialist auditors and audit report timeliness. Companies audited by industry-specialist auditors have shorter audit delays. The authors also find evidence that Big 4 auditors perform significantly faster audit work than their non-Big 4 counterparts. In addition, this study reports a statistical and significant relationship between auditing complexity, companies’ profitability, auditors’ business risk, and industry classification and audit report lag. The results show that firms with a large number of subsidiaries and firms experiencing poorer financial performance are found to be associated with longer reporting delays. Moreover, audit report timeliness is found to be faster for companies in the low-profile industry sector and owned by family members.

Research limitations/implications

Similar to other empirical investigations, this study is not without certain caveats. First, the period of audit report lag in this study reflects the audit work from the year-end to the audit report date. The authors do not consider audit work conducted outside this period in the analysis. Second, there are numerous control variables and although the authors have attempted to capture those variables to maintain the integrity of the research there are likely other excluded variables that may be important in explaining audit report timeliness. Finally, there are other factors, for example, an administrative approval process with the audit firm home office, which can affect audit report lags but have not been included in the model analysis. Future studies can seek to focus on refinements to the proxy measures for dependent and experimental variables.

Practical implications

Insights drawn from this study may be of assistance to policy makers as they consider the costs and benefits associated with varying levels of audit market concentration as well as providing a snapshot of the level of non-compliance on audit timeliness in Indonesia.

Originality/value

This study provides further empirical evidence on the relation between auditor quality and audit report lag using data from a different domestic setting. This study also enriches the auditor quality literature by employing industry-specialist and Big 4 auditors as a predictor for the timeliness of audit reports.
Strategic agility explanations for managing franchising expansion during economic cycles
Authors: Alon Ilan , Madanoglu Melih , Shoham Amir
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how franchising firms can manage system expansion by weathering the economic effects of a location (i.e. country-level economic cycles) by shifting their resources.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a comprehensive database of 151 US hybrid franchising organizations, including observations for the years between 2001 and 2008. Data analysis is conducted with count model panel data with a Poisson distribution.

Findings

The model reveals a curvilinear U-shaped relationship between location (i.e. economic cycles) and franchising expansion.

Originality/value

This study contributes to competitiveness literature by showing how franchising firms respond to changing local conditions.
International spectrum management regime: is gridlock blocking flexible spectrum property rights?
Authors: El-Moghazi Mohamed , Whalley Jason , Irvine James
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the influence of the international spectrum management regime on the introduction of flexibility in the national allocation of radiocommunication services. This is achieved through focusing on the main elements of the international regime.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative inductive methodology is adopted that examines the different elements of the international radiocommunication service allocation framework. Data are drawn from 66 semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders who are actively involved in International Telecommunication Union Radiocommunication Sector discussions.

Findings

The international radio regulations (RR) are perceived to be more of a framework for harmonisation that does not constrain the flexibility of countries. Countries are only restricted on their borders with their neighbours, and flexibility is already facilitated through a range of different measures. Moreover, several elements of the RR can be used to achieve both, i.e. to promote flexibility and to restrict the decisions of others.

Practical implications

The international spectrum management regime is not one of the reasons for the unsuccessful practical application of the flexible spectrum property rights concept. This suggests the need for reviewing whether there still is a need for such a concept given the increasing importance of global harmonisation and economies of scales.

Originality/value

This paper sheds light on spectrum property rights from the perspective of the international spectrum management regime. Such a perspective is largely overlooked in the on-going current debate.
How do new ventures attract and retain talented employees? The case of Shaadisaga
Authors: Batra Safal
Published: March 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to make an attempt to highlight how small businesses and new ventures, which are invariably resource-constrained and cannot match the salaries of their larger counterparts, attract and retain talented employees. The study uses the setting of a new Indian venture called Shaadisaga to demonstrate successful employee development practices for new ventures.

Design/methodology/approach

Findings are based on in-depth interviews with the team of Shaadisaga.

Findings

Findings reveal that new ventures – which operate with limited resources and market presence – need to leverage their human resources to their highest potential. The only way to hire and retain good talent is to keep the employees motivated, offer challenging assignments which enhance their learning and skills and make them partners of the growth story of the company.

Practical implications

Managers and entrepreneurs who are building new ventures need to pay special attention to the development of their employees. Long-term promising careers, challenging assignments, diverse roles and a share in the growth of the company can help organizations retain good talent and get the best out of them.

Originality/value

Extant research offers insights into how to manage and motivate people in large organizations. However, little is still known about the management practices of new ventures, especially of those operating in the emerging economies. This study tries to highlight the human resource practices of a new venture that has been successfully building a team of motivated employees delivering to the expectations of the organization.
Determinants of health at work in the EU15
Authors: Coupaud Marine
Published: March 2017

Purpose

Workers’ health is a main concern in industrialized countries. The structural evolution of the labor market should have encouraged better working conditions, as should have increasing interest in corporate social responsibility. But work arduousness takes new forms as work organizations evolve. All workers are potentially affected by onerous working conditions. The purpose of this paper is to explore all types of working conditions that may affect workers.

Design/methodology/approach

The author creates four indicators of working conditions using the multiple correspondence analysis and also analyzes how they relate to the workers’ physical and mental health using a logit model.

Findings

Performing the analysis on data from the third and fifth waves of the European Working Conditions Survey, the author presents the results showing the growing importance of interpersonal relationships at work and observes a rise in inequalities in terms of health over the period 2000-2010 for people belonging to the vulnerable categories: women and lower-income groups.

Originality/value

The author offers to describe the evolution of the working conditions of the European workers over an interesting period during which many changes took place. Moreover, this paper investigates the respective impacts of different types of working conditions to come up with policy recommendations.
The impact of product complexity and variety on supply chain integration
Authors: Shou Yongyi , Li Ying , Park Young Won , Kang Mingu
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the antecedents of supply chain integration (SCI) at the product level. More specifically, it aims to show the relationship between product-level characteristics (i.e. product complexity and product variety) and different dimensions of SCI (i.e. internal, supplier and customer integration).

Design/methodology/approach

A survey-based research design is developed to measure different dimensions of SCI, product complexity and product variety. The authors use structural equation modelling to test the related hypotheses.

Findings

This research shows that internal integration is an enabler to supplier and customer integration. The results also show that under high product complexity, firms tend to implement internal and supplier integration, while product complexity does not have a direct impact on customer integration. Product variety is confirmed to be positively related to all dimensions of SCI.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to the SCI literature by first, providing empirical evidence which supports the study of the product design-supply chain interface; and second, exploring the relationships between product complexity, variety and internal, supplier and customer integration based on a governance view.
The electrical impedance measurements of dry electrode materials for the ECG measuring after repeated washing
Authors: Kaappa Emma Sofia , Joutsen Atte , Cömert Alper , Vanhala Jukka
Published: March 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to offer more reliable dry electrode materials for long-term measuring and determine how repeated machine washing affects the measured impedance and surface resistance of the sample electrodes. The aim was to manufacture electrodes that could be used for the measurement of ECG. Skin friendly, metal sheet type, electrodes could be a solution.

Design/methodology/approach

In addition to two conventional electrodes already used in heart rate belts, the authors prepared and tested three different sheet metal electrodes. Three 20-mm-diameter electrodes were manufactured from the following materials: silvered knit, conductive polymer, stainless steel, silver and platinum. Electrode impedance was measured at seven frequencies from 1 Hz to 1 MHz, by placing two electrodes face-to-face. Measurements were taken on unused electrodes and after multiple machine washes at 40°C.

Findings

Analysis of the measurements indicates that with every material tested, the impedances are elevated after repeated washes. All metallic materials have impedances in the range of 0.01 to 4.5 Ω. Metal sheet electrodes can be integrated comfortably into the textile, and they endure textile maintenance without loss of electrical properties.

Practical implications

Metal sheet electrodes function well in long-term vital signs monitoring, provide a reliable signal and are resistant to maintenance. For the reasons described in this research, they can be used as a long-term wearable sensor.

Originality/value

Novel electrode material for long-term measuring research is important in many disciplines such as health care and apparel manufacturing. These findings suggest that pure metal electrodes are better than conductive textiles in long-term measuring.
Commodity Dependence and Human Development
Authors: Nkurunziza Janvier D. , Tsowou Komi , Cazzaniga Sofia
Published: March 2017

This paper explores the relationship between commodity dependence and human development measured by the human development index (HDI). Commodity dependence negatively affects human development through several channels, including the negative secular terms of trade affecting commodity‐dependent developing countries (CDDCs), slow economic growth, high macroeconomic instability, and political instability. The paper finds that although the effect of commodity dependence on human development is negative, on average, this relationship is complex. It changes with the level of dependence as well as the type of commodity a country depends on. This negative effect is strongest in countries where commodities account for more than 60 percent of total merchandise exports.
Core themes in textbook definitions of physical geography
Authors: Day Terence
Published: March 2017

Key Messages

Contemporary physical geography has core themes that define the subject as it is taught at the undergraduate level in North America and the United Kingdom.

Physical geography textbooks have responded well to the emerging theme of anthropogenic processes.

These textbooks, however, struggle to represent coherent perspectives on space, the uniqueness of places, and the apparent contradiction of physical geography as a science.
On Faith, Merit, and Eternal Life
Authors: Vainio Olli‐Pekka
Published: March 2017

Can eternal life be merited? The traditional Lutheran answer to this question has been negative. However, the question is not as simple as it first seems. For example, recently, Mats Wahlberg has argued that Lutherans should admit that eternal life can be merited, especially if they support the “Finnish Luther interpretation.” Although I find much to commend in Wahlberg's reading, there are at least two problems in his proposal. First, the language of merit is tied to a particular philosophical framework that is not shared ecumenically; and second, all Lutherans do not share all the details of the Finnish reading of Luther. However, both Wahlberg's proposal and the Finnish interpretation of Luther have genuine ecumenical potential if they are developed so that they can address the concerns related to the philosophy of action and Christian life.
DOES LIMITED PUNISHMENT LIMIT THE SCOPE FOR CROSS RETALIATION?
Authors: Chisik Richard , Onder Harun
Published: March 2017

This paper analyzes two prominent institutional rules in the international trading system: a limited cross‐retaliation rule characterized by the Understanding on Rules and Procedures Governing the Settlement of Disputes (DSU) Article 22.3 and a limited punishment rule characterized by the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) Article XXVIII. In general, both rules are designed to limit the countermeasures upon a violation; however, the former rule specifies the limits of composition in retaliation, whereas the latter one designates the limits of retaliation magnitude. We show that, albeit seemingly unrelated, the limited cross‐retaliation rule complements the limited punishment rule in permitting greater trade liberalization. Specifically, we show how the limited cross‐retaliation rule also helps limit the incentives to violate the trade agreement when the limited punishment rule prevails. (JEL F13, K33, C73)
Interactive audience response systems in oral and maxillofacial radiology undergraduate lectures
Authors: de Oliveira‐Santos Christiano , Tirapelli Camila , Rodrigues Clarissa Teles , Domaneschi Carina , Caldeira Monteiro Solange Aparecida
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of audience response systems (ARS) on student participation (SP) during Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology (OMR) undergraduate lectures and on final examination scores (FES). Furthermore, an analysis of unanimity assessed the influence of ARS on students’ responses. Students’ perceptions were also assessed.

Methods

A controlled crossover study was designed. Four lectures covering topics of OMR were each taught with ARS and without ARS (i.e. hand‐raising method). SP and FES were compared between ARS and HR groups. Unanimity of answers was analyzed for both groups. Questionnaires assessed students’ impressions about ARS.

Results

Mean SP of ARS and HR groups were 97.6% and 47.3%, respectively, and this difference was statistically significant (P<.05). Mean FES for the ARS group (77%) was slightly higher than HR group (75.1%), however, not statistically significant. There was positive correlation between SP and FES. With ARS, only 5.7% of the questions were unanimous, whilst 51.4% were unanimous with HR method. Most students reported that the use of ARS had positive influence on their attention (92%), participation (96%), classmates’ participation (82.7%), interest (74.7%), and learning (86.7%). For the five‐point scale ratings of the relevance of ARS features, anonymity had an average 3.6, whilst other items received an average 4.6 or higher.

Conclusions

ARS significantly increased participation in OMR lectures; however, an increase in FES could not be associated with ARS by itself. Not taking into consideration which method was used to answer questions posed during lectures, higher participation correlated with higher scores. ARS is well‐accepted and students believe that these devices positively influence their performance. Among the recognized advantages of ARS, anonymity was considered the least relevant.