bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Palliative Care in Oncology
Authors: Agarwal Rajiv , Epstein Andrew
Published: December 2017

Palliative care is a powerful adjunct to oncology that adds distinct value to the physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of patients living with cancer. Its expanding role and integration with standard oncologic care has proven clinical benefit, as the practice of palliative care can help alleviate symptom burden, enhance illness and prognostic understanding, and improve both the quality of life and overall survival for patients. The primary aim of this review article is to highlight the significant interplay between palliative care and oncology and, in doing so, shed light on the areas for improvement and modern challenges that exist to meet the complex palliative care needs of patients with cancer.
Incorporating Quality of Life Metrics in Interventional Oncology Practice
Authors: Li David , Madoff David
Published: December 2017

Interventional radiologists care for a large number of cancer patients with the breadth of palliative intent minimally invasive procedures that we provide. Understanding our meaningful impact on patients' quality of life is essential toward validating our role in the palliation of cancer patients. As such, it is critically important for interventional radiologists to understand common instruments used for the reporting of patient's quality of life measures. Common instruments used to measure pain and quality of life for cancer patients include the numerical rating scale, visual analog scale, brief pain inventory, the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy. An ideal quality of life instrument should be a patient reported outcome measure across multiple domains (e.g., physical health, psychological, social), and be both validated and reliable.
Biliary Obstruction: Endoscopic Approaches
Authors: DaVee Tomas , Lee Jeffrey
Published: December 2017

Painless jaundice is a harbinger of malignant biliary obstruction, with the majority of cases due to pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Despite advances in treatment, including improved surgical techniques and neoadjuvant (preoperative) chemotherapy, long-term survival from pancreatic cancer is rare. This lack of significant improvement in outcomes is believed to be due to multiple reasons, including the advanced stage at diagnosis and lack of an adequate biomarker for screening and early detection, prior to the onset of jaundice or epigastric pain. Close attention is required to select appropriate patients for preoperative biliary decompression, and to prevent morbid complications from biliary drainage procedures, such as pancreatitis and cholangitis. Use of small caliber plastic biliary stents during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography should be minimized, as metal stents have increased area for improved bile flow and a reduced risk of adverse events during neoadjuvant therapy. Efforts are underway by translational scientists, radiologists, oncologists, surgeons, and gastroenterologists to augment lifespan for our patients and to more readily treat this deadly disease. In this review, the authors discuss the rationale and techniques of endoscopic biliary intervention, mainly focusing on malignant biliary obstruction by pancreatic cancer.
Congenital Intracerebral Pial Arteriovenous Fistula: A Case Report
Authors: Xin Shun-Bao , Wang Guang-Bin , Liu Wen-Juan , Liu Qiang
Published: December 2017

Pial arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an extremely rare intracranial vascular lesion. The pediatric type of AVF has a high percentage of varix, leading to mass effect with symptoms. We report a 12-year-old boy who was admitted due to sudden confusion and urinary incontinence. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) confirmed the diagnosis of congenital pial AVF. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) revealed the lesion originating from the left middle cerebral artery and draining into the superior sagittal sinus. The AVF was successfully obliterated with six microcoils and 2.5-mL ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer using a middle cerebral artery approach. This patient was discharged without neurologic deficits. The AVF became smaller and ultimately disappeared on the DSA and MRA at follow-up.
Celiac Plexus Block and Neurolysis in the Management of Chronic Upper Abdominal Pain
Authors: Cornman-Homonoff Joshua , Holzwanger Daniel , Lee Kyungmouk , Madoff David , Li David
Published: December 2017

Chronic upper abdominal pain occurs as a complication of various malignant and benign diseases including pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis, and when present may contribute to lower quality of life and higher mortality. Though various pain management strategies are available as part of a multimodal approach, they are often incompletely effective and accompanied by side effects. Pain originating in upper abdominal viscera is transmitted through the celiac plexus, which is an autonomic plexus located in the retroperitoneum at the root of the celiac trunk. Direct intervention at the level of the plexus, referred to as celiac plexus block or neurolysis depending on the injectate, is a minimally invasive therapeutic strategy which has been demonstrated to decrease pain, improve function, and reduce opiate dependence. Various percutaneous techniques have been reported, but, with appropriate preprocedural planning, use of image guidance (usually computed tomography), and postprocedural care, the frequency and severity of complications is low and the success rate high regardless of approach. The main benefit of the intervention may be in reduced opiate dependence and opiate-associated side effects, which in turn improves quality of life. Celiac plexus block and neurolysis are safe and effective treatments for chronic upper abdominal pain and should be considered early in patients experiencing such symptoms.
Epigenetic Regulation of the Nitric Oxide Pathway, 17-α Hydroxyprogesterone Caproate, and Recurrent Preterm Birth
Authors: Smeester Lisa , Martin Elizabeth , Tomlinson Martha , Smith Christina , Varner Michael , Fry Rebecca , Manuck Tracy
Published: December 2017

Objective We sought to evaluate nitric oxide pathway placental gene expression and the epigenome (CpG methylation) among women receiving 17-α hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17-OHPC) with and without recurrent preterm birth (PTB).

Study Design This was a case–control study. We prospectively recruited women with ≥ 1 prior singleton spontaneous PTB <34 weeks receiving 17-OHPC. DNA and RNA were isolated from placentas. RNA abundance (gene expression) and the methylome were analyzed for 84 genes in nitric oxide pathways. Women with recurrent PTB <34 weeks (cases) were compared with those delivering at term (controls). Statistical analysis included multivariable models with Bonferroni's corrected p-values.

Results In this study, 17 women met inclusion criteria; 7 preterm cases (delivered at 22.6 ± 2.9 weeks) and 10 term controls (delivered at 38.5 ± 0.8 weeks). Groups had similar PTB history, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic risk factors for PTB. Twenty-seven nitric oxide genes displayed differential expression (p < 0.05 and q < 0.10) when comparing placentas from preterm cases and term controls; all were downregulated in preterm cases. Eight hundred sixty corresponding CpG sites were differentially methylated between the preterm cases and term controls (Bonferroni's p-value <0.05).

Conclusion CpG methylation and gene expression patterns in nitric oxide pathway genes differ among placentas from recurrent PTB compared with term birth following 17-OHPC exposure.
Aromatherapie: wann können ätherische Öle medizinisch eingesetzt werden?
Authors: Steflitsch Wolfgang
Published: December 2017

Essential oils (EOs), also known as volatile oils, are concentrated natural plant products which contain volatile aroma compounds. Most EOs are derived by steam distillation, a tradition which can be traced back as many as 5000 years. They possess unique properties which result in various possibilities for application, also in modern medical contexts. Areas for medical aromatherapy include respiratory diseases, pain management or stress alleviation, amongst many others. Different modes of application exist: The rich ingredients can be absorbed by the body by anointment, gentle massage, inhalation, or oral intake of capsules. Also the risks of EO application in medical contexts should be considered, such as rare allergic reactions, overdosing, poor substance quality or overestimation of the effectiveness.
Pulmonary Rehabilitation after Stroke
Authors: Liu Jia , Ren Hui , Yu Yi , Chen Zhihui , Xu Kaiwu
Published: December 2017

Respiratory dysfunction is a common complication following a stroke; however, the pulmonary rehabilitation of stroke patients has not been heavily emphasized until recently. PUBMED databases were searched systematically (since inception to December 2016) using the following search terms: “stroke” in Title/Abstract and “pulmonary rehabilitation” in all field. Articles published in a language other than English excluded. The original search yielded 404 articles, of which 57 articles were included in this systematic review.

After a stroke, the respiratory center and related motor pathways can directly decrease respiratory muscle strength and subsequently induce a change in breathing patterns. As a result, pneumonia, pulmonary ventilation disorders, lung injury, lung ischemia reperfusion injury, decreased pulmonary compliance, abnormal posture, and obstructive sleep apnea can occur following a stroke. Thus, pulmonary rehabilitation is critical to reducing these complications. The main forms of pulmonary rehabilitation include exercise training, respiratory muscle training, oxygen therapy, noninvasive ventilation, nutrition support, social psychological support, and health education.

Although pulmonary rehabilitation has become a definitive therapy of chronic respiratory diseases, the mechanisms of pulmonary rehabilitation, including the specific methods used for stroke patients requires further investigation. To provide some useful information for clinicians on treating respiratory dysfunction, we reviewed the type of stroke-related respiratory dysfunction and pulmonary rehabilitation methods in our manuscript.
Multiband mucosectomy for the treatment of challenging non-pedunculated colorectal polyps
Authors: Rodríguez-Sánchez Joaquín , De la Santa Belda Eva , Olivencia Palomar Pilar , Úbeda Muñoz Margarita , Olmedo Camacho José
Published: December 2017

Background and study aims Endoscopic mucosal resection is the gold standard treatment for non-pedunculated colorectal polyps; however, some specific situations (location behind folds, scarred or flat morphology) can make this technique challenging. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of multiband mucosectomy (MBM) for resection of non-pedunculated colorectal polyps.

Patients and methods This was a retrospective study of patients in whom MBM was performed to resect large non-pedunculated colorectal polyps. All procedures were carried out using the Shooter multiband ligator kit (Cook Medical, Limerick, Ireland). A 3-month follow-up colonoscopy was performed in all patients.

Results 10 patients underwent MBM for resection of 10 large (median 33.5 mm) non-pedunculated polyps. A total of 45 MBM sessions were carried out to resect all of the lesions using on average one rubber band per 1.5 cm2 of resected tissue. Complete resection was possible in 9 out of 10 lesions, although en bloc resection was only feasible in one lesion. Follow-up colonoscopy revealed residual adenoma in just one patient. No major complications were registered.

Conclusions In this small series of patients, MBM proved to be a safe and effective endoscopic resection technique for challenging non-pedunculated colorectal polyps.
Active damping by Q-control for fast force-distance curve measurements in atomic force microscopy
Authors: Kohl D. , Kerschner C. , Schitter G.
Published: December 2017

This paper investigates the benefit of active damping by an analog Q-control circuit for measuring fast force-distance curves in atomic force microscopy. By active damping of the cantilever oscillation after snap-off, the down-ring time-constant is reduced significantly from 385 μs to 23 μs. Experimental results demonstrate that the number of force-distance curves per second can be increased by a factor of more than 30.
Detection of frequency-mode-shift during thermoacoustic combustion oscillations in a staged aircraft engine model combustor
Authors: Kobayashi Hiroaki , Gotoda Hiroshi , Tachibana Shigeru , Yoshida Seiji
Published: December 2017

We conduct an experimental study using time series analysis based on symbolic dynamics to detect a precursor of frequency-mode-shift during thermoacoustic combustion oscillations in a staged aircraft engine model combustor. With increasing amount of the main fuel, a significant shift in the dominant frequency-mode occurs in noisy periodic dynamics, leading to a notable increase in oscillation amplitudes. The sustainment of noisy periodic dynamics during thermoacoustic combustion oscillations is clearly shown by the multiscale complexity-entropy causality plane in terms of statistical complexity. A modified version of the permutation entropy allows us to detect a precursor of the frequency-mode-shift before the amplification of pressure fluctuations.
Quantum simulation of the general semi-classical Rabi model in regimes of arbitrarily strong driving
Authors: Dai Kunzhe , Wu Haiteng , Zhao Peng , Li Mengmeng , Liu Qiang , Xue Guangming , Tan Xinsheng , Yu Haifeng , Yu Yang
Published: December 2017

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a scheme to simulate the interaction between a two-level system and a classical light field. Under the transversal driving of two microwave tones, the effective Hamiltonian in an appropriate rotating frame is identical to that of the general semi-classical Rabi model. We experimentally realize this Hamiltonian with a superconducting transmon qubit. By tuning the strength, phase, and frequency of the two microwave driving fields, we simulate the quantum dynamics from the weak to extremely strong driving regime. Under these conditions, we observe that, as a function of increased Rabi drive strength, the qubit evolution gradually deviates from the normal sinusoidal Rabi oscillation, in accordance with the predictions of the general semi-classical Rabi model far beyond the weak driving limit. Our scheme provides an effective approach to investigate the extremely strong interaction between a two-level system and a classical light field. Such strong interactions are usually inaccessible in experiments.
Atomistic simulations of carbon diffusion and segregation in liquid silicon
Authors: Luo Jinping , Alateeqi Abdullah , Liu Lijun , Sinno Talid
Published: December 2017

The diffusivity of carbon atoms in liquid silicon and their equilibrium distribution between the silicon melt and crystal phases are key, but unfortunately not precisely known parameters for the global models of silicon solidification processes. In this study, we apply a suite of molecular simulation tools, driven by multiple empirical potential models, to compute diffusion and segregation coefficients of carbon at the silicon melting temperature. We generally find good consistency across the potential model predictions, although some exceptions are identified and discussed. We also find good agreement with the range of available experimental measurements of segregation coefficients. However, the carbon diffusion coefficients we compute are significantly lower than the values typically assumed in continuum models of impurity distribution. Overall, we show that currently available empirical potential models may be useful, at least semi-quantitatively, for studying carbon (and possibly other impurity) transport in silicon solidification, especially if a multi-model approach is taken.
Nonlinear oscillations of TM-mode gyrotrons
Authors: Chang Tsun-Hsu , Yao Hsin-Yu , Su Bo-Yuan , Huang Wei-Chen , Wei Bo-Yuan
Published: December 2017

This study investigates the interaction between the relativistic electrons and the waves in cavities with fixed field profiles. Both the transverse electric (TE) and the transverse magnetic (TM) cavity modes are examined, including three first-axial modes, TE011, TM011, and TM111, and two zero-axial modes, TM010 and TM110. The first-axial modes have the same resonant frequency, so a direct comparison can be made. By sweeping the electron pitch factor (α) and the electron transit angle (Θ), the optimal converting efficiency of TM modes occurs at α = 1.5 and Θ = 1.5π, unlike the TE mode of α = 2.0 and Θ = 1.0π. The converting efficiencies of both the first-axial TM modes are much lower than that of TE011 mode. The starting currents of TM011 and TM111 modes are four times higher than that of TE011 mode, indicating that these two TM modes are very difficult to oscillate. This evidences that under the traditional operating conditions, the TM-mode gyrotrons are insignificant. However, the two unique, zero-axial TM modes have relatively high converting efficiency. The highest converting efficiency of TM110 is 27.4%, the same value as that of TE011 mode. The starting currents of TM110 mode and TE011 mode are at the same level. The results suggest that some TM-mode gyrotron oscillators are feasible and deserve further theoretical and experimental studies.
Single mode to dual mode switch through a THz reconfigurable metamaterial
Authors: Zhang Wu , Zhang Meng , Yan Zongkai , Zhao Xin , Cheng Jianping , Liu Ai Qun
Published: December 2017

Metamaterials interact with incident electromagnetic waves through their consisting subwavelength metamolecules. In this paper, we reported a reconfigurable metamaterial which tunes its THz response experimentally from a single mode resonance at 2.99 THz to a dual mode resonance at 2.94 THz and 2.99 THz. The reconfiguration is realized through a micromachined actuator, and the tunability is achieved by breaking the symmetry of the metamolecule. An abrupt change in the transmission is experimentally observed when the gap between two metallic structures is closed, and a decrease in transmission from 40% to 5% at 2.94 THz is obtained. Such a tunable metamaterial promises widespread applications in optical switches, filters, and THz detectors.
Can Typicality Arguments Dissolve Cosmology’s Flatness Problem?
Authors: McCoy C. D.
Published: December 2017

Several physicists, among them Hawking, Page, Coule, and Carroll, have argued against the probabilistic intuitions underlying fine-tuning arguments in cosmology and instead propose that the canonical measure on the phase space of Friedman-Robertson-Walker space-times should be used to evaluate fine-tuning. They claim that flat space-times in this set are actually typical on this natural measure and that therefore the flatness problem is illusory. I argue that they misinterpret typicality in this phase space and, moreover, that no conclusion can be drawn at all about the flatness problem by using the canonical measure alone.
K
2 and K2*: efficient alignment-free sequence similarity measurement based on Kendall statistics
Authors: Lin Jie , Adjeroh Donald A , Jiang Bing-Hua , Jiang Yue
Published: December 2017

Motivation

Alignment-free sequence comparison methods can compute the pairwise similarity between a huge number of sequences much faster than sequence-alignment based methods.

Results

We propose a new non-parametric alignment-free sequence comparison method, called K2, based on the Kendall statistics. Comparing to the other state-of-the-art alignment-free comparison methods, K2 demonstrates competitive performance in generating the phylogenetic tree, in evaluating functionally related regulatory sequences, and in computing the edit distance (similarity/dissimilarity) between sequences. Furthermore, the K2 approach is much faster than the other methods. An improved method, K2*, is also proposed, which is able to determine the appropriate algorithmic parameter (length) automatically, without first considering different values. Comparative analysis with the state-of-the-art alignment-free sequence similarity methods demonstrates the superiority of the proposed approaches, especially with increasing sequence length, or increasing dataset sizes.

Availability and implementation

The K2 and K2* approaches are implemented in the R language as a package and is freely available for open access (http://community.wvu.edu/daadjeroh/projects/K2/K2_1.0.tar.gz).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Genetic Relationship of Stripe Rust Resistance Genes Yr34 and Yr48 in Wheat and Identification of Linked KASP Markers
Authors: Qureshi N. , Bariana H. S. , Zhang P. , McIntosh R. , Bansal U. K. , Wong D. , Hayden M. J. , Dubcovsky J. , Shankar M.
Published: December 2017

The Australian continent was free from wheat stripe rust caused by Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici until exotic incursions occurred in 1979 and 2002. The 2002 incursion enabled the identification of a new stripe rust resistance gene (Yr34) in the advanced breeding line WAWHT2046. In this study, we developed and validated markers closely linked with Yr34, which is located in the distal region in the long arm of chromosome 5A. Four kompetitive allele-specific polymerase chain reaction (KASP) and three sequence-tagged site (STS) markers derived from the International Wheat Genome Sequencing Consortium RefSeq v1.0 scaffold-77836 cosegregated with Yr34. Markers sun711, sun712, sun725, sunKASP_109, and sunKASP_112 were shown to be suitable for marker-assisted selection in a validation panel of 71 Australian spring wheat genotypes, with the exception of cultivar Orion that carried the Yr34-linked alleles for sunKASP_109 and sunKASP_112. Markers previously reported to be linked with adult plant stripe rust resistance gene Yr48 also cosegregated with Yr34. Wheat genotypes carrying Yr34 and Yr48 produced identical haplotypes for the Yr34-linked markers identified in this study and those previously reported to be linked with Yr48. Phenotypic testing of genotypes carrying Yr34 and Yr48 showed that both genes conferred similar seedling responses to pre-2002 and post-2002 P. striiformis f. sp. tritici pathotypes. Further testing of 600 F2 plants from a cross between WAWHT2046 and RIL143 (Yr48) with P. striiformis f. sp. tritici pathotype 134 E16A+Yr17+Yr27+ failed to reveal any susceptible segregants. Our results strongly suggest that Yr34 and Yr48 are the same gene, and that Yr48 should be considered a synonym of Yr34.
Survey Results from the Philippines: NPUAP Changes in Pressure Injury Terminology and Definitions
Authors: Ayello Elizabeth A. , Delmore Barbara , Smart Hiske , Sibbald R. Gary
Published: December 2017

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the opinions of healthcare clinicians in the Philippines regarding the 2016 National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) terminology changes and revised staging definitions.

DESIGN AND SETTING:

A survey methodology was used in Manila, Philippines. Convenience samples of healthcare clinicians of varying disciplines and employment settings were invited to participate in this research.

INTERVENTIONS:

A survey was administered at key intervals regarding the revised NPUAP terminology changes and revised staging definitions. The survey was administered before and after an interactive, basic 2-day wound course was conducted.

MAIN RESULTS:

Results revealed strong support for the 2016 NPUAP terminology change from pressure ulcer to pressure injury and the revised staging definitions.

CONCLUSIONS:

Since the NPUAP changed its terminology and revised the staging definitions, the wound care community has been responding to those changes. Because pressure injuries are a global health concern, the opinions of clinicians outside the United States are equally valuable. The healthcare clinicians in the Philippines surveyed appear to embrace the new terminology changes and revised staging definitions put forth by the NPUAP.
Podophyllotoxin in Dermatology
Authors: Johnson Cassandra , Goddard Lindsey , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: December 2017

A drug, by definition, is a medicine or substance that has a physiological effect when ingested or introduced into the body. Medications are utilized daily in the field of dermatology to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and warts. The purpose of this column is to highlight common medicines used in dermatology, focusing on their mechanisms of action, usage and function, and available alternatives. This article describes the features of podophyllotoxin, utilized in diluted solution as podofilox, a topical treatment for external genital warts, such as condylomata acuminata.
Apple Cider Vinegar Baths
Authors: Lee Kun W. , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: December 2017

Nursing care and patient education are integral to compliance with dermatologic medical treatments. This column has been developed in partnership with caring nurses dedicated to optimizing patient care through practicum-based education and treatment. This article focuses on apple cider vinegar baths for atopic dermatitis.
Appropriateness of Sample Sizes in Published Research on Prosthetic Knee Componentry
Authors: Beaudette Rachel , Fiedler Goeran
Published: December 2017

Introduction

A research study's sound approach to statistical analysis holds the key to its validity and, thereby, its credibility in the medical community. Previous research shows that the credibility of prosthetics research is often rated at comparably low levels, partly because of its reported small sample sizes. We analyzed how authors of studies on prosthetic knee componentry have reported limitations regarding sample size and sample composition. To that end, we calculated the observed statistical powers in the recent literature to investigate whether sample sizes were sufficient. We further investigated how representative sample demographics and limitations were of the overall target population.

Methods

Observed power was used as the main identifier of a study's appropriate (i.e., large enough) sample size. Powers of at least 0.80 were considered to indicate a sufficient sample size for the studies in this review. Reported study limitations were qualitatively analyzed and compared with observed powers.

Results

A comprehensive search of PubMed resulted in 32 articles meeting the inclusion criteria. Studies on average had around 20 participants and rarely more than 50 participants. Of the 32 articles, 19 either reported statistical power or contained enough information to calculate it. Only three of these articles achieved a power of at least 0.80. Regardless of specific sample size or power, most studies reported some sort of limitation in relation to the size or homogeneous nature of their sample.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that most research studies in the field of prosthetics are underpowered. Given the noted difficulty of increasing sample sizes, it seems important to choose comparison variables that promise a large effect size and/or to deliberately reduce the heterogeneity (i.e., the standard deviation) of the subject sample to address this problem.
In Vitro Characterization of the Pittsburgh Pediatric Ambulatory Lung
Authors: Orizondo Ryan A. , May Alexandra G. , Madhani Shalv P. , Frankowski Brian J. , Burgreen Greg W. , Wearden Peter D. , Federspiel William J.
Published: December 2017

Acute and chronic respiratory failure are a significant source of pediatric morbidity and mortality. Current respiratory support options used to bridge children to lung recovery or transplantation typically render them bedridden and can worsen long-term patient outcomes. The Pittsburgh Pediatric Ambulatory Lung (P-PAL) is a wearable pediatric blood pump and oxygenator (0.3 m2 surface area) integrated into a single compact unit that enables patient ambulation. The P-PAL is intended for long-term use and designed to provide up to 90% of respiratory support in children weighing 5–25 kg. Computational fluid dynamics and numerical gas exchange modeling were used to design the P-PAL and predict its performance. A P-PAL prototype was then used to obtain pressure versus flow curves at various impeller rotation rates using a blood analog fluid. In vitro oxygen exchange rates were obtained in blood in accordance with ISO standard 7199. The normalized index of hemolysis (NIH) was measured over a 6 hour period at blood flow rates of 1 and 2.5 L/min. The P-PAL provided blood flows of 1–2.5 L/min against the pressure drop associated with its intended-use pediatric cannulas. The oxygen exchange rate reached a maximum of 108 ml/min at a blood flow rate of 2.5 L/min and met our respiratory support design target. Device-induced hemolysis was low with NIH values of 0.022–0.027 g/100 L in the intended blood flow rate range. In conclusion, the current P-PAL design met our pumping, oxygenation, and hemolysis specifications and has the potential to improve treatment for pediatric respiratory failure.
Assessing the Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities of Public Health Professionals in Big City Governmental Health Departments
Authors: McGinty Meghan D. , Castrucci Brian C. , Rios Debra M.
Published: December 2017

Objective:

To identify essential knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) for and characterize gaps in KSAs of professionals working in large, urban health departments.

Design:

A survey was disseminated to potentially eligible supervisors within 26 of 28 health departments in the largest, most urban jurisdictions in the country. A supervisor was eligible to participate if he or she supervised at least 1 staff member whose highest level of education was a master's degree.

Setting and Participants:

A total of 645 eligible supervisors participated in the workforce survey for a response rate of 27.1% and cooperation rate of 55.2%.

Main Outcome Measure(s):

Supervisors were asked to rate the importance of KSAs to their masters-level staffs' work and indicate their staffs' proficiency.

Results:

Fifty-eight percent of supervisors reported supervising staff with a master of public health/master of science in public health degree. More than 30% of supervisors indicated that all of the 30 KSAs were essential. Four of the top 10 KSAs rated as essential by supervisors pertained to the ability to communicate. The top skills gaps perceived by supervisors were professional staffs' ability to apply quality improvement concepts to their work (38.0%), understanding of the political system (37.7%), and ability to anticipate changes (33.8%).

Conclusions:

Public health practitioners receive training in methods, theories, and evidence-based approaches, yet further investment in the workforce is necessary to advance population health. A focus should be placed developing strategic skills rather than advancing narrow specialties. Findings from this research can guide the creation and implementation of training curricula and professional development programs offered within local health departments or targeted to their staff, as well as satisfaction of accreditation requirements. By focusing on building strategic skills, we can ensure a public health workforce that is equipped with the KSAs necessary to practice Public Health 3.0 and leaders who are able to serve as their communities' chief health strategists.
Combination of mitochondrial tRNA and OXPHOS mutation reduces lifespan and physical condition in aged mice
Authors: Reichart G. , Mayer J. , Tokay T. , Lange F. , Johne C. , Baltrusch S. , Tiedge M. , Fuellen G. , Ibrahim S. , Köhling R.
Published: December 2017

Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) are widely known to impact on lifespan and tissue integrity. For example, more than 250 pathogenic mtDNA mutations are known, many of which lead to neurological symptoms. In addition, major neurodegenerative diseases share key components of their etiopathogenesis with regard to mtDNA mutations, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. In our study we used a set of conplastic mouse models carrying stable point mutations in mitochondrial genes of transfer RNA (tRNA) and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS)-proteins. We analyzed the impact of these mutations on complex traits like lifespan, learning and memory in the ageing process. The combination of both point mutations in the OXPHOS complex IV gene and adenine insertions in the mitochondrially encoded tRNA arginine (tRNA-Arg) gene (mt-Tr) leads to an age-dependent phenotype with elevated mitochondrial superoxide production in the neocortex. Mice with this combination of tRNA and OXPHOS mutations show significantly reduced lifespan and poor physical constitution at the age of 24 months, whereas single point mutations in OXPHOS or mt-tRNA(Arg) do not have this impact. Therefore, we suggest a synergistic effect of these mutations.
Assembly modelling approach for special purpose machines
Authors: Farhan Uday Hameed , Tolouei-Rad Majid , Osseiran Adam
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop an assembly modelling approach to be applied with a software package, to assist in the design and assembly of special purpose machines (SPMs).

Design/methodology/approach

A database of SPM elements was established, and an assembly relationships graph was created. Mating conditions were identified between the SPM elements, and their assembly constraints were extracted and implemented in SolidWorks application programming interface.

Findings

The implementation of this assembly modelling approach was validated by selecting SPM layouts as examples. A significant reduction in the assembly time was achieved compared to the traditional assembly procedure for the same examples.

Originality/value

This is a new application of assembly modelling that assists engineers and designers in the design and assembly processes of SPMs. This approach can also be applied to other machine tools with similar attributes.
Blockchain based financial case analysis and its implications
Authors: Yoo Soonduck
Published: December 2017

Purpose

In Korea and abroad, this paper investigates the use of blockchains in the financial sector. This study aims to examine how blockchains are applied to the financial sector and how to respond to the Korean conditions.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates the movements of the financial sector and related services using the blockchain in the current market.

Findings

First, as a result of examining domestic and foreign cases, it can be seen that the areas where blockchains are most actively applied in the financial sector are expanding into settlement, remittance, securities and smart contracts. Also, in Korea, many of the authentication procedures based on the equipment possessed by the consumers are used so that introduction of the blockchain in the authentication part is prominent. Second, the move to introduce a closed (private) distributed ledger that does not go through the central bank is accelerating in payments between banks. Third, domestic financial institutions also need joint action by financial institutions through a blockchain consortium to apply blockchain technology to the financial sector. Fourth, consumer needs and technological developments are changing. At the same time, as the opportunity to infringe on the information held by individuals has expanded, the need for blockchain technology is strongly emerging because of the efforts of the organizations to defend it.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to understanding the changes in the financial sector using the blockchain.
A case study on business model innovations using Blockchain: focusing on financial institutions
Authors: Oh JaeShup , Shong Ilho
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Blockchain is a distributed ledger, in which the blocks containing transaction details are connected chronologically to form a series of chains, thus raising the possibility of improving the process and innovating business model for the financial institutions. The purpose of this paper is to study the actual cases of Blockchain applied in Korea in 2017, so that a vision of business model innovation of financial institutions can be drawn.

Design/methodology/approach

The financial institutions in Korea are in the technology verification stage to introduce Blockchain technology. Since there is an insufficient amount of actual measurement data, case study method was adopted. The authors interviewed ICT officers of major banks in Korea. The purpose of the interview was to understand the relationship between Blockchain and business models of financial institutions, and the effects and challenges that Blockchain has on the business model of financial institutions.

Findings

From the perspective of financial institutions, the emergence of Blockchain does not just have technical significance – emergence of highly efficient database system – but has the possibility that if the business model of existing financial intermediaries disappears or get reduced, the financial services relying on them can disappear altogether, or some of them can be replaced, and financial transaction patterns of consumers can be changed. As a case studies researched for this paper, it was discovered that the distributed characteristic of Blockchain cannot be applied when actually developing financial services.
On the survival of earnings fixated traders in an informational environment
Authors: Luo Guo Ying
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the long-run survival of earnings fixated traders.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper builds a theoretical model of a competitive securities market where both rational traders and earnings fixated traders receive an informational signal about the asset payoff before any trade occurs. Since earnings fixated traders underestimate the mean and variance of the risky asset payoff, earnings fixated traders is shown to make less expected profits than rational traders.

Findings

If traders’ types replicate according to the relative profitability of their trading strategies, then earnings fixated traders will disappear in the long run. The results of this paper provide analytical support to Tinic’s (1990) intuition about the eventual disappearance of earnings fixated traders.

Research limitations/implications

In the literature, the underestimation of risk is popularly viewed as the cause of irrational traders being better able to exploit the misvaluations (created by noise traders) than rational traders. Hence, it favors the survival of irrational traders over rational traders. However, this paper disapproves this intuition in the informational environment of the competitive securities market.

Practical implications

The market environment plays a crucial role in determining the long-run survival of irrational traders.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to present a theoretical result showing that in this informational environment of the competitive securities market, the underestimation of risk by irrational traders does not give them advantage over rational traders in exploiting the misvaluations (created by noise traders) as it does in Callen and Luo (2011) and Hirshleifer and Luo (2001).
Hosting the Small Island Developing States: two scenarios
Authors: Vaha Milla Emilia
Published: December 2017

Purpose

It has been estimated that some Small Island Developing States might have only decades before their territories become uninhabitable. Future of these states poses timely questions to world politics. The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between the potential hosts and endangered states at the time of relocation by looking at two relocation scenarios: Kiribati/New Zealand and the Maldives/Sri Lanka.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses normative international political theory to explore the nature of relocation. It critically examines the proposal for the free right to choose the new host state. Guided by two examples, the paper proposes that we should not ignore the contingent reasoning when evaluating these hypothetical scenarios.

Findings

The paper argues that the endangered state might have ethical grounds for its rights–claims to continuous existence on a chosen territory. At the same time, both scenarios looked at here also impose serious constraints. By illustrating these constraints, the paper aims at mapping some central challenges that the continuity of endangered states creates to international state-system. The paper argues that the complex relationships between the potential hosts and the relocating communities should not be ignored.

Originality/value

This paper provides a contextual analysis of two hypothetical relocation scenarios. In doing so, it relies on comparative research in two regions and offers a normative argument in relation to the rights of both endangered and host populations.
Students’ experience of sustainability: health as a lever for action
Authors: Schweizer Angélick , Miserez Sébastien , del Rio Carral Maria , Santiago-Delefosse Marie
Published: December 2017

Purpose

This study aims to deepen the authors’ understanding of higher education students’ perceptions about sustainability issues by focusing on their motivations to adopt (or not to adopt) sustainable practices in their lives. It mobilized the notion of “health” and the potential impacts of climate change on health.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative and participatory action approach, involving students acting as researchers, was implemented. All psychology students (bachelor’s degree) were trained to conduct semi-directive interviews with students from other faculties on the issues of sustainability and health. In total, 203 interviews were completed within two academic years. The authors performed a lexicographic analysis followed by a thematic analysis.

Findings

Analyses showed that the concept of sustainability was unclear for most student interviewees (SIs) and that only a few of them were able to spontaneously connect it with health. Only after being guided throughout the interview did these SIs, mainly geoscience students, become progressively aware of the direct links between sustainability and health issues, such as personal health. The perceived risks of non-sustainable practices were higher when they directly affected the body itself, and this encouraged adoption of more sustainable practices.

Originality/value

This research enables the authors to identify specific interventions to decrease the gap between awareness of sustainability and sustainable practices. These interventions may be more effective if they aim to sensitize students to the direct impacts of non-sustainable practices on their personal health. This can be made possible by using creative learning activities that involve active participation of students.
Culture and social capital network effects on the survival and performance of high-tech micro and small firms
Authors: Hallam Cory , Dorantes Dosamantes Carlos Alberto , Zanella Gianluca
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated theory to explain the effect of regional culture on high-technology micro and small (HTMS) firm outcomes. The integrated culture-social capital outcomes (CSCO) model examines the impact of culture on performance and evolution of HTMS firms through the mediating effect of intra-firm and inter-firm social capital.

Design/methodology/approach

Theoretical insights from social capital and culture are combined with the results of previous empirical observations to explain cross-cultural differences in the performance of HTMS firms. The authors then propose the CSCO model as a means to integrate and advance theory building.

Findings

The CSCO model explains the impact of culture on performance and evolution of HTMS firms through intra-firm and inter-firm social capital networks. Cultural context affects the performance of high-tech micro and small firms through the nature and structure of the networks involved in building and exploiting inter-firm and intra-firm social capital. Moreover, regional culture indirectly influences the balance between positive and negative effects of social capital on firm performance. These observations explain inconsistent findings from past empirical research and contribute to understanding the “embeddedness paradox” of social capital.

Research limitations/implications

The present model is not comprehensive. It does not account for many contextual factors identified in organizational network and cluster literature that contribute to the development of HTMS firms. Future research should consider the relationships between the three dimensions of social capital and seek to test the model with rigorous data collection and analysis.

Originality/value

While past studies focus on the direct relationship between regional culture and firm performance, this paper proposes the mediating effect of internal and external social capital between cultural context and firm performance. This proposal contributes to social capital and entrepreneurship literature and provides a potential explanation for inconsistent findings in past empirical research.
Board characteristics and credit‐union performance
Authors: Unda Luisa A. , Ahmed Kamran , Mather Paul R.
Published: December 2017

We examine the role of board characteristics on the performance of Australian credit unions during the period 2004–2012. Credit unions are unique as they are member‐owned institutions, and their directors are democratically elected by their members – an unusual governance structure that poses challenges for board effectiveness. We find that board remuneration, board expertise and attendance at meetings are associated with increased credit‐union performance and are consistent with the goal of maximising member benefits. While the unique features of credit unions limit the presence of external monitoring mechanisms, we provide evidence that these board characteristics are relevant for credit unions.
Life expectancy after the first suicide attempt
Authors: Jokinen J. , Talbäck M. , Feychting M. , Ahlbom A. , Ljung R.
Published: December 2017

Objective

To assess excess mortality among suicide attempters compared to the general population.

Method

Remaining life expectancy was calculated for a nationwide cohort of all 187 894 persons 18 years or older hospitalised for the first time attempted suicide in Sweden in 1971–2010.

Results

Life expectancy was shortened throughout the lifespan for both men and women debuting with suicide attempt. The reduction in life expectancy for men debuting with a suicide attempt at 20 years of age was 18 years while the reduction for men debuting at 50 years of age was 10 years. For women attempting suicide, the life expectancy was shortened by 11 and 8 years respectively. The gender difference in life expectancy attenuated in patients making their first suicide attempt at age 70 years or older. Suicide deaths explained about 20% of the total mortality within 10 years of the suicide attempt and 5% in those with duration of four decades since the first suicide attempt.

Conclusion

The life expectancy is dramatically reduced in patients attempting suicide. With most excess deaths being due to physical health conditions, public efforts should be directed both towards improving physical health and to prevent suicide.