bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface science at the PEARL beamline of the Swiss Light Source
Authors: Muntwiler Matthias , Zhang Jun , Stania Roland , Matsui Fumihiko , Oberta Peter , Flechsig Uwe , Patthey Luc , Quitmann Christoph , Glatzel Thilo , Widmer Roland , Meyer Ernst , Jung Thomas A. , Aebi Philipp , Fasel Roman , Greber Thomas
Published: December 2016

The Photo-Emission and Atomic Resolution Laboratory (PEARL) is a new soft X-ray beamline and surface science laboratory at the Swiss Light Source. PEARL is dedicated to the structural characterization of local bonding geometry at surfaces and interfaces of novel materials, in particular of molecular adsorbates, nanostructured surfaces, and surfaces of complex materials. The main experimental techniques are soft X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, photoelectron diffraction, and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). Photoelectron diffraction in angle-scanned mode measures bonding angles of atoms near the emitter atom, and thus allows the orientation of small molecules on a substrate to be determined. In energy scanned mode it measures the distance between the emitter and neighboring atoms; for example, between adsorbate and substrate. STM provides complementary, real-space information, and is particularly useful for comparing the sample quality with reference measurements. In this article, the key features and measured performance data of the beamline and the experimental station are presented. As scientific examples, the adsorbate–substrate distance in hexagonal boron nitride on Ni(111), surface quantum well states in a metal-organic network of dicyano-anthracene on Cu(111), and circular dichroism in the photoelectron diffraction of Cu(111) are discussed.
The coordination complex structures and hydrogen bonding in the three-dimensional alkaline earth metal salts (Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) of (4-aminophenyl)arsonic acid
Authors: Smith Graham , Wermuth Urs D.
Published: December 2016

(4-Aminophenyl)arsonic acid (p-arsanilic acid) is used as an antihelminth in veterinary applications and was earlier used in the monosodium salt dihydrate form as the antisyphilitic drug atoxyl. Examples of complexes with this acid are rare. The structures of the alkaline earth metal (Mg, Ca, Sr and Ba) complexes with (4-aminophenyl)arsonic acid (p-arsanilic acid) have been determined, viz. hexaaquamagnesium bis[hydrogen (4-aminophenyl)arsonate] tetrahydrate, [Mg(H2O)6](C6H7AsNO3)·4H2O, (I), catena-poly[[[diaquacalcium]-bis[μ2-hydrogen (4-aminophenyl)arsonato-κ2
O:O′]-[diaquacalcium]-bis[μ2-hydrogen (4-aminophenyl)arsonato-κ2
O:O]] dihydrate], {[Ca(C6H7AsNO3)2(H2O)2]·2H2O}
n
, (II), catena-poly[[triaquastrontium]-bis[μ2-hydrogen (4-aminophenyl)arsonato-κ2
O:O′]], [Sr(C6H7AsNO3)2(H2O)3]
n
, (III), and catena-poly[[triaquabarium]-bis[μ2-hydrogen (4-aminophenyl)arsonato-κ2
O:O′]], [Ba(C6H7AsNO3)2(H2O)3]
n
, (IV). In the structure of magnesium salt (I), the centrosymmetric octahedral [Mg(H2O)6]2+ cation, the two hydrogen p-arsanilate anions and the four water molecules of solvation form a three-dimensional network structure through inter-species O—H and N—H hydrogen-bonding interactions with water and arsonate O-atom and amine N-atom acceptors. In one-dimensional coordination polymer (II), the distorted octahedral CaO6 coordination polyhedron comprises two trans-related water molecules and four arsonate O-atom donors from bridging hydrogen arsanilate ligands. One bridging extension is four-membered via a single O atom and the other is eight-membered via O:O′-bridging, both across inversion centres, giving a chain coordination polymer extending along the [100] direction. Extensive hydrogen-bonding involving O—H...O, O—H...N and N—H...O interactions gives an overall three-dimensional structure. The structures of the polymeric Sr and Ba complexes (III) and (IV), respectively, are isotypic and are based on irregular MO7 coordination polyhedra about the M
2+ centres, which lie on twofold rotation axes along with one of the coordinated water molecules. The coordination centres are linked through inversion-related arsonate O:O′-bridges, giving eight-membered ring motifs and forming coordination polymeric chains extending along the [100] direction. Inter-chain N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions extend the structures into three dimensions and the crystal packing includes π–π ring interactions [minimum ring centroid separations = 3.4666 (17) Å for (III) and 3.4855 (8) Å for (IV)].
In-between strengthened accessibility and economic demands
Authors: Engström Lisa , Rivano Eckerdal Johanna
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the implementation of self-service at public libraries from the perspective of their users. The implementation of self-service is related to a diverse societal context including, for example, an overall digitalisation, budget constraints and political expectations on public libraries to contribute to marketing the local community.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews with users and observations have been undertaken at self-service libraries in the south of Sweden. The material is analysed by means of a theoretical framework consisting of previous critical LIS-research, Fairclough’s critical discourse analysis and Habermas’ theory of the colonisation of the life world.

Findings

The implementation of self-service is affecting the users’ library practices as well as their expectations on the library. These expectations are shaped by various and sometimes competing discourses.

Social implications

To support public libraries’ role as democratic, public spheres, the complexity of the users’ understandings should be taken into consideration when implementing self-service.

Originality/value

The differing expectations articulated by the users, and the various discourses they can be related to, implicate a hegemonic struggle, corresponding to a changing view on public libraries.
An analytical approach to building a core ontology for food
Authors: Madalli Devika P. , Chatterjee Usashi , Dutta Biswanath
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate the construction of a core ontology for food. To construct the core ontology, the authors propose here an approach called, yet another methodology for ontology plus (YAMO+). The goal is to exhibit the construction of a core ontology for a domain, which can be further extended and converted into application ontologies.

Design/methodology/approach

To motivate the construction of the core ontology for food, the authors have first articulated a set of application scenarios. The idea is that the constructed core ontology can be used to build application-specific ontologies for those scenarios. As part of the developmental approach to core ontology, the authors have proposed a methodology called YAMO+. It is designed following the theory of analytico-synthetic classification. YAMO+ is generic in nature and can be applied to build core ontologies for any domain.

Findings

Construction of a core ontology needs a thorough understanding of the domain and domain requirements. There are various challenges involved in constructing a core ontology as discussed in this paper. The proposed approach has proven to be sturdy enough to face the challenges that the construction of a core ontology poses. It is observed that core ontology is amenable to conversion to an application ontology.

Practical implications

The constructed core ontology for domain food can be readily used for developing application ontologies related to food. The proposed methodology YAMO+ can be applied to build core ontologies for any domain.

Originality/value

As per the knowledge, the proposed approach is the first attempt based on the study of the state of the art literature, in terms of, a formal approach to the design of a core ontology. Also, the constructed core ontology for food is the first one as there is no such ontology available on the web for domain food.
GAFA speaks: metaphors in the promotion of cloud technology
Authors: Lindh Maria , Nolin Jan Michael
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore persuasive rhetoric by critically scrutinizing metaphorical devices utilized by leaders of the cloud industry. This paper introduces a critical approach to the promotion of cloud technology.

Design/methodology/approach

In total, 13 video clips from YouTube were analyzed, containing presentations and talks delivered by leaders of Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon – four of the most influential companies within the information technology industry, sometimes referred to as GAFA. With the help of conceptual metaphor theory, often-repeated metaphors for cloud technologies reveal what properties were promoted and hidden.

Findings

GAFA mainly used the same persuasive metaphors to promote cloud computing’s positive aspects. Potentially negative or complex issues were mostly avoided. Cloud technology was uniformly described in metaphors of control, empowerment, transformation and automation. Implicitly, GAFA exerts power through the extensive dissemination of their metaphors and these are used in order to negotiate and overcome doubts about cloud computing and related technologies.

Originality/value

This is the first study aimed at understanding the persuasive rhetoric of GAFA, seen as a uniform object of study.
A knowledge management framework for effective integration of national archives resources in China
Authors: An Xiaomi , Bai Wenlin , Deng Hepu , Sun Shuyang , Zhong Wenrui , Dong Yu
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationship between different mechanisms for integrating national archival resources, leading to the development of a knowledge management-based framework for facilitating the optimal utilization of national archives resources in China.

Design/methodology/approach

The study adopts a mixed-methods approach consisting of a review of existing mechanisms for integrating national archival resources and site visits and interviews for investigating the effectiveness of these mechanisms in real world practices for managing and utilizing national archives resources in China.

Findings

The knowledge management-based framework is shown to be useful for building interdependence, interconnections and interactions between diversified integration mechanisms to meet national, societal and public needs in China. The framework is significant for rearranging the role of knowledge management in collaboration to protect the value of national archives resources as the knowledge asset of a state. It can reengineer the knowledge management activities in communication to share the value of national archives resources as the knowledge asset of a society. Furthermore, the framework can reconfigure knowledge management artifacts in connectivity to increase the value of national archives resources as the knowledge asset of the public.

Research limitations/implications

The review of the related literature is selective rather than comprehensive, and the interviews are based on a self-selected convenience sample, which is rather skewed demographically.

Practical implications

The proposed framework can be used to guide the development of a national strategy for the effective integration of national archives resources to promote a better delivery of public-centric knowledge services in a specific society.

Originality/value

This study provides a knowledge management framework for the effective integration of national archives resources toward their optimal utilization. It contributes to the examination of the role of different integration mechanisms in interactive knowledge management processes and the advancement of academic debate on the effectiveness of these mechanisms for the integration of national archives resources to facilitate their optimal utilization in China.
The conceptual ecology of digital humanities
Authors: Poole Alex H.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to dissect key issues and debates in digital humanities, an emerging field of theory and practice. Digital humanities stands greatly to impact the Information and Library Science (ILS) professions (and vice versa) as well as the traditional humanities disciplines.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper explores the contours of digital humanities as a field, touching upon fundamental issues related to the field’s coalescence and thus to its structure and epistemology. It looks at the ways in which digital humanities brings new approaches and sheds new light on manifold humanities foci.

Findings

Digital humanities work represents a vital new current of interdisciplinary, collaborative intellectual activity both in- and outside the academy; it merits particular attention from ILS.

Research limitations/implications

This paper helps potential stakeholders understand the intellectual and practical framework of the digital humanities and “its relationship” to their own intellectual and professional work.

Originality/value

This paper critically synthesizes previous scholarly work in digital humanities. It has particular value for those in ILS, a community that has proven especially receptive to the field, as well as to scholars working in many humanities disciplines. Digital humanities has already made an important impact on both LIS and the humanities; its impact is sure to grow.
Experimentally reducing species abundance indirectly affects food web structure and robustness
Authors: Barbosa Milton , Fernandes G. Wilson , Lewis Owen T. , Morris Rebecca J.
Published: December 2016

Studies on the robustness of ecological communities suggest that the loss or reduction in abundance of individual species can lead to secondary and cascading extinctions. However, most such studies have been simulation‐based analyses of the effect of primary extinction on food web structure.

In a field experiment we tested the direct and indirect effects of reducing the abundance of a common species, focusing on the diverse and self‐contained assemblage of arthropods associated with an abundant Brazilian shrub, Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. (Asteraceae).

Over a 5‐month period we experimentally reduced the abundance of Baccharopelma dracunculifoliae (Sternorrhyncha: Psyllidae), the commonest galling species associated with B. dracunculifolia, in 15 replicate plots paired with 15 control plots. We investigated direct effects of the manipulation on parasitoids attacking B. dracunculifoliae, as well as indirect effects (mediated via a third species or through the environment) on 10 other galler species and 50 associated parasitoid species.

The experimental manipulation significantly increased parasitism on B. dracunculifoliae in the treatment plots, but did not significantly alter either the species richness or abundance of other galler species. Compared to control plots, food webs in manipulated plots had significantly lower values of weighted connectance, interaction evenness and robustness (measured as simulated tolerance to secondary extinction), even when B. dracunculifoliae was excluded from calculations.

Parasitoid species were almost entirely specialized to individual galler species, so the observed effects of the manipulation on food web structure could not have propagated via the documented trophic links. Instead, they must have spread either through trophic links not included in the webs (e.g. shared predators) or non‐trophically (e.g. through changes in habitat availability). Our results highlight that the inclusion of both trophic and non‐trophic direct and indirect interactions is essential to understand the structure and dynamics of even apparently discrete ecological communities.
Magna Carta in its European Context
Authors: REYNOLDS SUSAN
Published: December 2016

Most of the celebrations of Magna Carta in 2015 concentrated on it in a more or less exclusively English context. It is the argument of this article that the ideas of Englishmen about society, government and law were much the same as those of other Europeans at the time and that Magna Carta can best be understood in that wider context. Contemporary communities in other kingdoms were also securing charters of liberties. What distinguished Magna Carta was not the character of the liberties it granted, but its length and detail; these, however, reflected not different aspirations, but rather the particularly centralized and demanding character of English royal government.
Wavelet Analysis of Resultant Velocity Belonging to Genuine and Forged Signatures
Authors: Syed Ahmad Sharifah Mumtazah , Loo Ling Yim , Wan Adnan Wan Azizun , Md. Anwar Rina
Published: December 2016

This study presents a wavelet analysis of resultant velocity features belonging to genuine and forged groups of signature sample. Signatures of individuals were initially classified based on visual human perceptions of their relative sizes, complexities, and legibilities of the genuine counterparts. Then, the resultant velocity was extracted and modeled through wavelet analysis from each sample. The wavelet signal was decomposed into several layers based on maximum overlap discrete wavelet transform (MODWT). Next, the zero crossing rate features were calculated from all the high wavelet sub‐bands. A total of seven hypotheses were then tested using a two‐way ANOVA testing methodology. Of these, four hypotheses were conducted to test for significance differences between distributions. In addition, three hypotheses were run to provide test for interaction between two factors of signature authentication versus perceived classification. The results demonstrated that both feature distributions belonging to genuine and forged groups of samples cannot be distinguished by themselves. Instead, they were significantly different under the influence of two other inherent factors, namely perceived size and legibility. Such new findings are useful information particularly in providing bases for forensic justifications in establishing the authenticity of handwritten signature specimens.
Not an Ordinary Man: Ivan Nikitich Kononov and the Problem of Frontline Defection from the Red Army, 1941–1945
Authors: Edele Mark
Published: December 2016

The question of Red Amy soldiers crossing the lines to the Germans during the German‐Soviet war of 1941–45 has long obsessed historians. Some have treated all Soviet prisoners of war as deserters to the enemy, while others have tried to minimize the phenomenon. This paper explores newly available evidence from German and Soviet sources in an empirical exploration of the reasons, the extent, and the problems of the process of switching allegiance at the frontline.
Control, Disempowerment, Fear, and Fantasy: Violent Criminality During the Early American Occupation of Germany, March‐July 1945
Authors: Kehoe Thomas
Published: December 2016

To date, scholars have provided seemingly contradictory accounts of violent crime during the US occupation of Germany. Social disorder and violence are commonly described extending for months or years after the war. For scholars of US Military Government, however, the imposition of a strict military regime precluded such crime. Meanwhile, Alan Kramer's quantitative study suggests lower rates of violent criminality and Jose Canoy found fear of crime may have exaggerated perceptions of violence. Both studies reveal how little is known about criminality during the early occupation. This article seeks to clarify divergent accounts by examining new records from German and American archives, and providing a more comprehensive account of criminal violence in the US Zone during the transition from war to peace, March to July 1945. This narrow window of time complements a well‐documented increase in American‐perpetrated violent crime. The present study uses data of civilian criminality alongside discovery of higher rates of American crime. It reveals a wave of severe disorder that Military Government rapidly brought under control. But in the process, Germans were disempowered and left at the mercy of American soldiers. Consequently, society remained violent even as civilians were forced to live by tight military standards.
BASALIT trial: double‐blind placebo‐controlled allergen immunotherapy with rBet v 1‐FV in birch‐related soya allergy
Authors: Treudler R. , Franke A. , Schmiedeknecht A. , Ballmer‐Weber B. , Worm M. , Werfel T. , Jappe U. , Biedermann T. , Schmitt J. , Brehler R. , Kleinheinz A. , Kleine‐Tebbe J. , Brüning H. , Ruëff F. , Ring J. , Saloga J. , Schäkel K. , Holzhauser T. , Vieths S. , Simon J. C.
Published: December 2016

Background

Conflicting results exist on the effect of allergen immunotherapy (AIT) on pollen‐related food allergy. We aimed to investigate the efficacy of one‐year AIT with the folding variant (FV) of recombinant (r) Bet v 1 on birch‐related soya allergy.

Methods

Of 138 subjects with Bet v 1 sensitization, 82 were positive at double‐blind placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) with soya. A total of 56 of 82 were randomized in the ratio of 2:1 (active: placebo). Per‐protocol population (PPP) had received ≥150 μg of allergen or placebo preparation. Outcome measures: lowest observed adverse effect levels (LOAEL), postinterventional occurrence of objective signs (objS) at any dose level, sIgE/IgG4 against Bet v 1 and Gly m 4. Between‐group changes were investigated (ancova, Mann–Whitney U‐test, Fisher exact test).

Results

Baseline characteristics including LOAELs were comparable in both groups with objS and subjS occurring in 82% and 95% of active (n = 38) vs 78% and 83% of placebo group (n = 18). After AIT, objS occurred in 24% and 47%, respectively. LOAEL group differences showed a beneficial tendency (P = 0.081) for LOAELobjective in PPP (30 active, 15 placebo). sIgG4 raised only in active group (Bet v 1: P = 0.054, Gly m 4: P = 0.037), and no relevant changes occurred for sIgE. Only 56% of the intended sample size was recruited.

Conclusion

For the first time, we present data on the effect of rBet v 1‐FV on birch‐related soya allergy. rBet v 1‐FV AIT induced significant immunogenic effects. Clinical assessment showed a tendency in favour of the active group but did not reach statistical significance.
Frequent inundation helps counteract land use impacts on wetland propagule banks
Authors: Dawson Samantha K. , Kingsford Richard T. , Berney Peter , Keith David A. , Hemmings Frank A. , Warton David I. , Waters Cathy , Catford Jane A.
Published: December 2016

Question

How do contrasting influences of inundation and historical land uses affect restoration of soil propagule bank composition in floodplain wetlands?

Location

Northern Nature Reserve (large ephemeral floodplain), Macquarie Marshes, New South Wales, Australia.

Methods

We conducted germination assays on soil samples collected from fields with different land‐use histories, stratified along an inundation gradient. We used GLM to determine whether native and exotic species richness and abundance varied along gradients of inundation and land use.

Results

Species richness and plant abundance in soil propagule banks were positively related to inundation and negatively related to intense historic land use. The abundance of native species was significantly higher in more frequently inundated areas. Abundances of exotic and ruderal species were higher in areas of intense prior land use. Overall species richness was generally similar across land‐use histories.

Conclusions

Land‐use legacies compromised the ability of propagule banks to rejuvenate native vegetation in this floodplain wetland, especially in less frequently flooded parts of the floodplain, which harboured more ruderal and exotic species. Negative effects of prior land use may be alleviated by increased inundation. Native soil propagule banks were remarkably intact, providing a reservoir for restoration of wetland vegetation, even in soils highly disturbed by up to 20 yr of agricultural cropping. With appropriate inundation, soil propagule banks in less degraded areas of the Macquarie Marshes can provide diverse mixtures of desired species in high abundance but, in highly degraded areas, full restoration may be delayed.
Response of understorey plant communities and traits to past land use and coniferous plantation
Authors: Bergès Laurent , Feiss Thomas , Avon Catherine , Martin Hilaire , Rochel Xavier , Dauffy‐Richard Emmanuelle , Cordonnier Thomas , Dupouey Jean‐Luc
Published: December 2016

Questions

How did past land use and conifer plantation affect understorey plant communities? What plant traits explain understorey vegetation response to agricultural past land use and coniferous plantation?

Location

Forest of Orléans (50 000 ha), Loiret, north‐central France.

Methods

Canopy cover, herb layer composition, litter and soil properties were measured in 80 100 m2 plots sampled in plantations of Pinus sylvestris or P. nigra vs natural regenerations of Quercus petraea and Q. robur along a gradient of forest continuity (using historical maps and aerial photos from 1840, 1949 and 2006). We related 15 plant traits to past land use and tree species using RLQ and fourth‐corner analyses.

Results

The magnitude of past land use effect largely exceeded that of coniferous plantation. Post‐agricultural forests, even 150 yr after afforestation, differed from ancient forests in soil properties (thinner humus layer, higher P content, higher pH and lower C/N ratio) and plant traits. Ancient forests hosted more forest core species, stress‐tolerant, competitive species and bryophytes, but fewer ruderals, annuals/biennials, shrubs and trees and nutrient‐demanding species, and had lower SLA and higher LDMC. Conifer plantations had a thicker humus layer, lower pH and higher C/N ratio than deciduous forests, and hosted more light‐demanding species but less forest core species. Importantly, differences in soil and plant traits between conifer plantations and naturally regenerated deciduous stands were discernible in both recent and ancient forests, indicating that tree species lastingly influence ecosystem functioning.

Conclusions

Past land use and coniferous plantation resulted in different understorey plant communities and traits under pine plantations and naturally regenerated oak stands. These differences were driven through soil acidification, litter decomposition rate, light conditions, canopy development, soil disturbance, stand management and dispersal and recruitment limitations. Coniferous plantations slowed down the recovery of post‐agricultural forests to ancient deciduous forest conditions. Applying natural regeneration and favouring native deciduous tree species thus helps recreate or maintain ancient forest plant communities.
Twenty years of change in riverside vegetation: what role have invasive alien plants played?
Authors: Pattison Zarah , Minderman Jeroen , Boon Philip J. , Willby Nigel
Published: December 2016

Question

Which environmental factors influence the occurrence of invasive alien plants (IAPs) in riparian habitats, and how much can IAPs account for change in native vegetation compared with other environmental variables?

Location

Rivers distributed throughout mainland Britain.

Methods

We quantified change in river bank vegetation using survey data collected approximately 20 yr apart and assessed the contribution of major IAPs (Impatiens glandulifera, Heracleum mantegazzianum and Fallopia japonica) to these changes. We also determined the importance of abiotic factors such as flow regime and land use in driving these changes.

Results

Comparing data from pre‐ and post‐1990 surveys revealed that IAPs occurred mainly on lowland rivers (<200 m a.s.l.), regardless of time period, and their probability of occurrence increased over time and with rising frequency of high flows. Native plant species diversity declined over time with increasing IAP cover, along lowland rivers and along all rivers that experienced extended low flows during the growing season. These conditions particularly favoured native dominant species, whereas native subordinate species responded both positively and negatively to increased flood frequency depending on survey period. Over time, Salix spp. and larger native hydrophilic species, such as Sparganium erectum, increased along lowland rivers, replacing smaller‐statured ruderal species and driving a shift towards increased shade tolerance of subcanopy and groundcover species. Smaller compositional changes occurred in the uplands and these changes lacked a clear environmental signature.

Conclusions

National‐scale changes in native riparian vegetation are likely driven primarily by environmental changes and land‐use effects, rather than invasion by IAPs. However, IAPs, and indeed native species that benefit from abiotic changes, in turn, likely exert secondary effects on native riparian vegetation. The trend towards reduced diversity, increased shade tolerance and increased dominance of some native species and IAPs is likely linked to a set of interacting factors, including drier summers, wetter winters, increased riparian tree cover, reduced livestock access to river banks and increased fine sediment input. Determining combined effects of land use, IAPs and climate‐related changes in flow regime over decadal time scales (i.e. ~20 yr) is important for predicting ecological responses of vulnerable habitats under future disturbance scenarios.
Outcomes from massive paracetamol overdose: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Marks Daniel J. B. , Dargan Paul I. , Archer John R. H. , Davies Charlotte L. , Dines Alison M. , Wood David M. , Greene Shaun L.
Published: December 2016

LINKED ARTICLE

This article is commented on by Bateman DN and Dear JW. Should we treat very large paracetamol overdose differently? Br J Clin Pharmacol 2017; 83: 1163–5. https://doi.org/10.1111/bcp.13279

Aims

Treatment of paracetamol (acetaminophen) overdose with acetylcysteine is standardized, with dose determined only by patient weight. The validity of this approach for massive overdoses has been questioned. We systematically compared outcomes in massive and non‐massive overdoses, to guide whether alternative treatment strategies should be considered, and whether the ratio between measured timed paracetamol concentrations (APAPpl) and treatment nomogram thresholds at those time points (APAPt) provides a useful assessment tool.

Methods

This is a retrospective observational study of all patients (n = 545) between 2005 and 2013 admitted to a tertiary care toxicology service with acute non‐staggered paracetamol overdose. Massive overdoses were defined as extrapolated 4‐h plasma paracetamol concentrations >250 mg l−1, or reported ingestions ≥30 g. Outcomes (liver injury, coagulopathy and kidney injury) were assessed in relation to reported dose and APAPpl:APAPt ratio (based on a treatment line through 100 mg l−1 at 4 h), and time to acetylcysteine.

Results

Ingestions of ≥30 g paracetamol correlated with higher peak serum aminotransferase (r = 0.212, P < 0.0001) and creatinine (r = 0.138, P = 0.002) concentrations. Acute liver injury, hepatotoxicity and coagulopathy were more frequent with APAPpl:APAPt ≥ 3 with odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) of 9.19 (5.04–16.68), 35.95 (8.80–158.1) and 8.34 (4.43–15.84), respectively (P < 0.0001). Heightened risk persisted in patients receiving acetylcysteine within 8 h of overdose.

Conclusion

Patients presenting following massive paracetamol overdose are at higher risk of organ injury, even when acetylcysteine is administered early. Enhanced therapeutic strategies should be considered in those who have an APAPpl:APAPt ≥ 3. Novel biomarkers of incipient liver injury and abbreviated acetylcysteine regimens require validation in this patient cohort.
IL‐3 up‐regulates and activates human eosinophil CD32 and αMβ2 integrin causing degranulation
Authors: Esnault S. , Johansson M. W. , Kelly E. A. , Koenderman L. , Mosher D. F. , Jarjour N. N.
Published: December 2016

Background

Eosinophils contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including asthma. Treatment with antibodies targeting IL‐5 or IL‐5 receptor α reduces the frequency of asthma exacerbations. Eosinophil receptors for IL‐5 share a common ß‐chain with IL‐3 and GM‐CSF receptors. We recently reported that IL‐3 is more potent than IL‐5 or GM‐CSF in maintaining the ERK/p90S6K/RPS6 ribosome‐directed signaling pathway, leading to increased protein translation.

Objective

We aimed to determine disease‐relevant consequences of prolonged eosinophil stimulation with IL‐3.

Results

Human blood eosinophils were used to establish the impact of activation with IL‐3 on IgG‐driven eosinophil degranulation. When compared to IL‐5, continuing exposure to IL‐3 further induced degranulation of eosinophils on aggregated IgG via increased production and activation of both CD32 (low affinity IgG receptor) and αMß2 integrin. In addition, unlike IL‐5 or GM‐CSF, IL‐3 induced expression of CD32B/C (FCGRIIB/C) subtype proteins, without changing CD32A (FCGRIIA) protein and CD32B/C mRNA expression levels. Importantly, these in vitro IL‐3‐induced modifications were recapitulated in vivo on airway eosinophils.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

We observed for the first time upregulation of CD32B/C on eosinophils, and identified IL‐3 as a potent inducer of CD32‐ and αMß2‐mediated eosinophil degranulation.
Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds: Report of 4 cases
Authors: Wang Michael Z. , Camilleri Michael J. , Guo Ruifeng , Wieland Carilyn N.
Published: December 2016

Amicrobial pustulosis of the folds (APF) is a rare disease characterized by aseptic pustular lesions involving cutaneous folds, typically occurring in the context of an autoimmune disorder. We present 4 patients with APF, focusing on clinical and histopathologic characteristics to improve the recognition of this entity. All 4 patients had intertriginous and extra‐intertriginous involvement. Common histopathologic features of skin biopsies in these patients were intracorneal, subcorneal, intraepidermal, perivascular, perifollicular and interstitial neutrophilic inflammation. Pustules overlying adnexal ostium and papillary dermal edema were consistently observed. The pustules were negative for microorganisms on stain testing. In these cases, associated conditions were undifferentiated connective tissue disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, antiphospholipid syndrome, Crohn disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis. The aforementioned clinical and histopathologic characteristics of patients with suspected or diagnosed connective tissue disorders should lead to suspicion for APF.
Epidermal programmed cell death‐ligand 1 expression in TEN associated with nivolumab therapy
Authors: Vivar Karina L. , Deschaine Maria , Messina Jane , Divine Jennifer M. , Rabionet Alejandro , Patel Nishit , Harrington Michael A. , Seminario‐Vidal Lucia
Published: December 2016

Nivolumab is a programmed cell death receptor‐1 (PD‐1) antibody used in the treatment of metastatic or unresectable melanoma. Cutaneous reactions are the most common adverse events reported with these agents and are rarely severe or life‐threatening. Here we present a case report describing the clinicopathological findings of a patient with a fatal toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) eruption associated with use of nivolumab for treatment of metastatic melanoma. The patient developed a pruritic, morbiliform eruption, which slowly progressed over 3 months to a tender, exfoliative dermatosis. Histology initially showed interface dermatitis and subsequently revealed full thickness epidermal necrosis. The diagnosis of TEN was made. From initial biopsy to TEN presentation, there was an increase in the number of CD8+ lymphocytes within the dermal–epidermal junction and an increase of programmed death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression in both lymphocytes and keratinocytes. Despite treatment with infliximab, high‐dose steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient expired. Herein we describe what we believe is the second case of TEN associated with anti‐PD1 therapy reported in the literature. Increased expression of PD‐L1 by immunohistochemistry was observed as the eruption progressed to TEN. Early diagnosis and treatment is necessary in these fatal TEN reactions secondary to the anti‐PD‐1 antibody therapies.
The role of FLT3 inhibitors in the treatment of FLT3‐mutated acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Fathi Amir T. , Chen Yi‐Bin
Published: December 2016

FLT3 mutations are present in about one‐third of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Several FLT3 inhibitors have been used in clinical trials, and these include midostaurin, sorafenib, quizartinib, crenolanib, and gilteritinib. Monotherapy with early tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) did not have much success; however, later generation agents have shown more promising results. Combination with conventional chemotherapy may have benefit as evidenced by recently presented results, and data from ongoing trials are eagerly awaited. Several trials are also evaluating TKI given after HSCT, and a large international randomized trial is planned. We may be close to an era of targeted therapy where the standard of care for this biologically defined subset will involve incorporation of a FLT3 TKI during induction chemotherapy and after HSCT. It is important that our community continues to collaborate to conduct well‐designed clinical trials to properly define the role of FLT3 TKIs in therapy for FLT3‐mutant AML.
FKBP5 polymorphisms influence pre‐learning stress‐induced alterations of learning and memory
Authors: Zoladz Phillip R. , Dailey Alison M. , Nagle Hannah E. , Fiely Miranda K. , Mosley Brianne E. , Brown Callie M. , Duffy Tessa J. , Scharf Amanda R. , Earley McKenna B. , Rorabaugh Boyd R.
Published: December 2016

FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5) is a co‐chaperone of heat shock protein 90 and significantly influences glucocorticoid receptor sensitivity. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the FKBP5 gene are associated with altered hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis function, changes in the structure and function of several cognitive brain areas, and increased susceptibility to post‐traumatic stress disorder, major depression, bipolar disorder and suicidal events. The mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unknown, but it has been speculated that the influence of these SNPs on emotional memory systems may play a role. In the present study, 112 participants were exposed to the socially evaluated cold pressor test (stress) or control (no stress) conditions immediately prior to learning a list of 42 words. Participant memory was assessed immediately after learning (free recall) and 24 h later (free recall and recognition). Participants provided a saliva sample that enabled the genotyping of three FKBP5 polymorphisms: rs1360780, rs3800373 and rs9296158. Results showed that stress impaired immediate recall in risk allele carriers. More importantly, stress enhanced long‐term recall and recognition memory in non‐carriers of the risk alleles, effects that were completely absent in risk allele carriers. Follow‐up analyses revealed that memory performance was correlated with salivary cortisol levels in non‐carriers, but not in carriers. These findings suggest that FKBP5 risk allele carriers may possess a sensitized stress response system, perhaps specifically for stress‐induced changes in corticosteroid levels, which might aid our understanding of how SNPs in the FKBP5 gene confer increased risk for stress‐related psychological disorders and their related phenotypes.
What's your move? Movement as a link between personality and spatial dynamics in animal populations
Authors: Spiegel Orr , Leu Stephan T. , Bull C. Michael , Sih Andrew
Published: December 2016

Recent studies have established the ecological and evolutionary importance of animal personalities. Individual differences in movement and space‐use, fundamental to many personality traits (e.g. activity, boldness and exploratory behaviour) have been documented across many species and contexts, for instance personality‐dependent dispersal syndromes. Yet, insights from the concurrently developing movement ecology paradigm are rarely considered and recent evidence for other personality‐dependent movements and space‐use lack a general unifying framework. We propose a conceptual framework for personality‐dependent spatial ecology. We link expectations derived from the movement ecology paradigm with behavioural reaction‐norms to offer specific predictions on the interactions between environmental factors, such as resource distribution or landscape structure, and intrinsic behavioural variation. We consider how environmental heterogeneity and individual consistency in movements that carry‐over across spatial scales can lead to personality‐dependent: (1) foraging search performance; (2) habitat preference; (3) home range utilization patterns; (4) social network structure and (5) emergence of assortative population structure with spatial clusters of personalities. We support our conceptual model with spatially explicit simulations of behavioural variation in space‐use, demonstrating the emergence of complex population‐level patterns from differences in simple individual‐level behaviours. Consideration of consistent individual variation in space‐use will facilitate mechanistic understanding of processes that drive social, spatial, ecological and evolutionary dynamics in heterogeneous environments.
Intraspecific chemical diversity among neighbouring plants correlates positively with plant size and herbivore load but negatively with herbivore damage
Authors: Bustos‐Segura Carlos , Poelman Erik H. , Reichelt Michael , Gershenzon Jonathan , Gols Rieta
Published: December 2016

Intraspecific plant diversity can modify the properties of associated arthropod communities and plant fitness. However, it is not well understood which plant traits determine these ecological effects. We explored the effect of intraspecific chemical diversity among neighbouring plants on the associated invertebrate community and plant traits. In a common garden experiment, intraspecific diversity among neighbouring plants was manipulated using three plant populations of wild cabbage that differ in foliar glucosinolates. Plants were larger, harboured more herbivores, but were less damaged when plant diversity was increased. Glucosinolate concentration differentially correlated with generalist and specialist herbivore abundance. Glucosinolate composition correlated with plant damage, while in polycultures, variation in glucosinolate concentrations among neighbouring plants correlated positively with herbivore diversity and negatively with plant damage levels. The results suggest that intraspecific variation in secondary chemistry among neighbouring plants is important in determining the structure of the associated insect community and positively affects plant performance.
Arctic and boreal plant species decline at their southern range limits in the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Lesica Peter , Crone Elizabeth E.
Published: December 2016

Climate change is predicted to cause a decline in warm‐margin plant populations, but this hypothesis has rarely been tested. Understanding which species and habitats are most likely to be affected is critical for adaptive management and conservation. We monitored the density of 46 populations representing 28 species of arctic‐alpine or boreal plants at the southern margin of their ranges in the Rocky Mountains of Montana, USA, between 1988 and 2014 and analysed population trends and relationships to phylogeny and habitat. Marginal populations declined overall during the past two decades; however, the mean trend for 18 dicot populations was −5.8% per year, but only −0.4% per year for the 28 populations of monocots and pteridophytes. Declines in the size of peripheral populations did not differ significantly among tundra, fen and forest habitats. Results of our study support predicted effects of climate change and suggest that vulnerability may depend on phylogeny or associated anatomical/physiological attributes.
A Process for Reviewing and Evaluating Generated Test Items
Authors: Gierl Mark J. , Lai Hollis
Published: December 2016

Testing organization needs large numbers of high‐quality items due to the proliferation of alternative test administration methods and modern test designs. But the current demand for items far exceeds the supply. Test items, as they are currently written, evoke a process that is both time‐consuming and expensive because each item is written, edited, and reviewed by a subject‐matter expert. One promising approach that may address this challenge is with automatic item generation. Automatic item generation combines cognitive and psychometric modeling practices to guide the production of items that are generated with the aid of computer technology. The purpose of this study is to describe and illustrate a process that can be used to review and evaluate the quality of the generated item by focusing on the content and logic specified within the item generation procedure. We illustrate our process using an item development example from mathematics drawn from the Common Core State Standards and from surgical education drawn from the health sciences domain.
Predicting College Performance of Homeschooled Versus Traditional Students
Authors: Yu Martin C. , Sackett Paul R. , Kuncel Nathan R.
Published: December 2016

The prevalence of homeschooling in the United States is increasing. Yet little is known about how commonly used predictors of postsecondary academic performance (SAT, high school grade point average [HSGPA]) perform for homeschooled students. Postsecondary performance at 140 colleges and universities was analyzed comparing a sample of traditional students matched to a sample of 732 homeschooled students on four demographic variables, HSGPA, and SAT scores. The matched sample was drawn from 824,940 traditional students attending the same institutions as the homeschooled students, which permitted a very precise level of matching. This comparison did not show a difference in first‐year college GPA (FGPA) or retention between homeschooled and traditional students. SAT scores predicted FGPA and retention equally well for both groups, but HSGPA was a weaker predictor for the homeschooled group. These results suggest that, among college students, those who were homeschooled perform similarly to traditionally educated students matched on demographics and academic preparedness, but there are practical implications for college admissions in the use of HSGPA versus standardized test scores for homeschooled students.
Prognostication in MELAS syndrome and other m.3243A‐G mutation‐associated disorders
Authors: Pinto W. B. V. R. , Souza P. V. S. , Oliveira A. S. B.
Published: December 2016

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N/OFQ system in brain areas of nerve‐injured mice: its role in different aspects of neuropathic pain
Authors: Palmisano M. , Mercatelli D. , Caputi F. F. , Carretta D. , Romualdi P. , Candeletti S.
Published: December 2016

Several studies showed that chronic pain causes reorganization and functional alterations of supraspinal brain regions. The nociceptin‐NOP receptor system is one of the major systems involved in pain control and much evidence also suggested its implication in stress, anxiety and depression. Therefore, we investigated the nociceptin‐NOP system alterations in selected brain regions in a neuropathic pain murine model. Fourteen days after the common sciatic nerve ligature, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis indicated a significant decrease of pronociceptin and NOP receptor mRNA levels in the thalamus; these alterations could contribute to the decrease of the thalamic inhibitory function reported in neuropathic pain condition. Nociceptin peptide and NOP mRNA increased in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and not in the somatosensory cortex, suggesting a peculiar involvement of this system in pain regulating circuitry. Similarly to the ACC, an increase of nociceptin peptide levels was observed in the amygdala. Finally, the pronociceptin and NOP mRNAs decrease observed in the hypothalamus reflects the lack of hypothalamus‐pituitary‐adrenal axis activation, already reported in neuropathic pain models. Our data indicate that neuropathic pain conditions affect the supraspinal nociceptin‐NOP system which is also altered in regions known to play a role in emotional aspects of pain.