bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure-induced phase transition of SnH4: a new layered structure
Authors: Zhang Huadi , Jin Xilian , Lv Yunzhou , Zhuang Quan , Li Ying , Bao Kuo , Li Da , Liu Bingbing , Cui Tian
Published: January 2016

Using a structure searching technique, a new layered metallic phase for SnH4 with a C2/m symmetry was obtained at high pressure.
Heat seal properties of polymer–aluminum–polymer composite films for application in pouch lithium-ion battery
Authors: Guo Zhansheng , Fan Yang
Published: January 2016

Failure modes of heat seal properties of polymer–aluminum–polymer composite films.
Synthesis of rigid cores based on 1,1′-biadamantane
Authors: Lai Xiangfeng , Guo Jianwei , Fu Shuqin , Zhu Dongyu
Published: January 2016

An efficient strategy has been developed for the preparation of a series of rigid cores based on 1,1′-biadamantane.
Conductivity of individual Geobacter pili
Authors: Adhikari Ramesh Y. , Malvankar Nikhil S. , Tuominen Mark T. , Lovley Derek R.
Published: January 2016

Measurements of the conductivity of hydrated individual pili of Geobacter sulfurreducens that were not subjected to chemical fixation revealed conductivity along cytochrome-free regions comparable to conducting organic polymer nanowires of similar diameter.
N-type polymers as electron extraction layers in hybrid perovskite solar cells with improved ambient stability
Authors: Shao S. , Chen Z. , Fang H.-H. , ten Brink G. H. , Bartesaghi D. , Adjokatse S. , Koster L. J. A. , Kooi B. J. , Facchetti A. , Loi M. A.
Published: January 2016

We studied three n-type polymers of the naphthalenediimide-bithiophene family as electron extraction layers (EELs) in hybrid perovskite solar cells.
Enhanced intracellular delivery of small molecules and drugs via non-covalent ternary dispersions of single-wall carbon nanotubes
Authors: Boyer Patrick D. , Shams Hengameh , Baker Stefanie L. , Mofrad Mohammad R. K. , Islam Mohammad F. , Dahl Kris Noel
Published: January 2016

Non-covalent dispersions of carbon nanotubes using albumin proteins pre-loaded with hydrophobic molecules increase intracellular delivery and promote cell-mediated release of small molecules and drugs for therapy.
Three label-free thrombin aptasensors based on aptamers and [Ru(bpy)2(o-mopip)]2+
Authors: Li Juanjuan , Hu Xiaochun , Shi Shuo , Zhang Yiwei , Yao Tianming
Published: January 2016

The label free aptasensor based on an aptamer pair and [Ru(bpy)2(o-mopip)]2+–GO has been successfully applied to sandwich assays for thrombin detection.
The fabrication of helical fibers with circularly polarized luminescence via ionic linkage of binaphthol and tetraphenylethylene derivatives
Authors: Ye Qiang , Zhu Dandan , Xu Lianyi , Lu Xuemin , Lu Qinghua
Published: January 2016

Circularly polarized luminescence material was fabricated by ionic binaphthol and tetraphenylethylene derivatives. Due to electrostatic interactions and chiral induction, the assemblies had a helical fiber structure with a high dissymmetry factor to the order of 10−2.
Coordination of generation maintenance scheduling and long‐term SCUC with energy constraints and N − 1 contingencies
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhong Haiwang , Xia Qing , Kang Chongqing , Wang Tieqiang , Cao Xin
Published: January 2016

This study presents a closed‐loop coordination mode and model between generation maintenance scheduling (GMS) and long‐term security‐constrained unit commitment (SCUC) considering energy constraints and N − 1 contingencies that aims at improving the security and economy of power system operations. Given the calculation complexity, this study employs constraint transformation techniques and an efficient approach termed the relaxation induced method, which is based on the solution of the relaxed mixed‐integer programming (MIP) model. The proposed approach can quickly obtain a near‐optimal solution. If the near‐optimal solution is not acceptable for system operators, it can be used to warm‐start the solution of the original MIP problem. The modified IEEE 30‐bus test system and a provincial power system in China are employed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm.
Wideband distributed coherent aperture radar based on stepped frequency signal: theory and experimental results
Authors: Zeng Tao , Yin Pilei , Liu Quanhua
Published: January 2016

As the next generation radar, although the distributed coherent aperture radar (DCAR) has been proposed and some basic works have been developed in recent years, this new radar technology has not been researched systematically. In this study, the concept and closed‐loop workflow of DCAR are described in detail first. Then, the coherent parameters (CPs), which play an important role to realise full coherence in DCAR, are estimated based on orthogonal signal and coherent signal. To investigate the limits of estimation accuracy of CPs, the Cramer–Rao lower bounds are derived. The estimation values of CPs are filtered using Kalman filter to improve the estimation accuracy. In the following, the wideband full coherence technology based on stepped frequency signal is proposed to improve system robustness to time synchronisation error, which makes the DCAR technology more realisable in engineering. Furthermore, a grating lobe suppression method based on modified genetic algorithm in synthetic array pattern of DCAR is presented. Ultimately, the experiments are carried out using test system to verify the theory of wideband DCAR.
Learning in mean field games: The fictitious play
Authors: Cardaliaguet Pierre , Hadikhanloo Saeed
Published: January 2016

Mean Field Game systems describe equilibrium configurations in differential games with infinitely many infinitesimal interacting agents. We introduce a learning procedure (similar to the Fictitious Play) for these games and show its convergence when the Mean Field Game is potential.
Change in Off-Label Use of Bone Morphogenetic Protein in Spine Surgery and Associations with Adverse Outcome
Authors: Poeran Jashvant , Opperer Mathias , Rasul Rehana , Mazumdar Madhu , Girardi Federico P. , Hughes Alexander P. , Memtsoudis Stavros G. , Vougioukas Vassilios
Published: January 2016

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Objective

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration issued a warning in 2008 against off-label bone morphogenetic protein (BMP-2) use. We aimed to determine (off-label) BMP-2 use in two periods and associations with complications.

Methods

We included 340,393 patients undergoing spinal fusions from the Premier Perspective database (2006 to 2012). BMP-2 use was determined from billing in 2006 to 2008 versus 2009 to 2012. Outcomes included revisions, length of hospital stay (LOHS), and cost of hospital stay (COH). Multilevel regressions measured associations between BMP-2 and outcomes; odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported.

Results

BMP-2 use decreased from 18.7% in 2006 to 11.5% in 2012. Off-label use remains but is decreasing, particularly for cervical anterior (5.1 versus 2.0%) and cervical posterior procedures (15.3 versus 8.5%; both p < 0.01 comparing 2006 to 2008 with 2009 to 2012). BMP-2 remains associated with increased LOHS (median 2 versus 3 days; both periods) and COH (median $15,455 versus $27,881 in 2006 to 2008; $17,007 versus $30,331 in 2009 to 2012). Adjusted ORs for the association between BMP-2 and adverse outcomes were generally lower in 2009 to 2012 compared with 2006 to 2008. Most notably, we demonstrate lower ORs for revision after cervical fusions in 2009 to 2012 (OR 1.67, CI 1.01 to 2.78) compared with 2006 to 2008 (OR 2.43, CI 1.66 to 3.54).

Conclusions

Using a previously untapped data source, we show decreased (off-label) BMP-2 use in spinal fusions, particularly in cervical fusions. Although there was a tendency of decreased odds in 2009 to 2012, higher resource utilization and odds for complications remain in patients using BMP-2. A national registry or prospective observational studies will benefit the ongoing discussion.
The Effects of Smoking and Smoking Cessation on Spine Surgery: A Systematic Review of the Literature
Authors: Jackson Keith L. , Devine John G.
Published: January 2016

Study Design

Literature review.

Objective

The aim of this literature review was to detail the effects of smoking in spine surgery and examine whether perioperative smoking cessation could mitigate these risks.

Methods

A review of the relevant literature examining the effects of smoking and cessation on surgery was conducted using PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases.

Results

Current smokers are significantly more likely to experience pseudarthrosis and postoperative infection and to report lower clinical outcomes after surgery in both the cervical and lumbar spines. Smoking cessation can reduce the risks of these complications depending on both the duration and timing of tobacco abstinence.

Conclusion

Smoking negatively affects both the objective and subjective outcomes of surgery in the lumbar and cervical spine. Current literature supports smoking cessation as an effective tool in potentially mitigating these unwanted outcomes. Future investigations in this field should be directed toward developing a better understanding of the complex relationship between smoking and poorer outcomes in spine surgery as well as developing more efficacious cessation strategies.
Fingering instability in the flow of a power-law fluid on a rotating disc
Authors: Arora Akash , Doshi Pankaj
Published: January 2016

A computational study of the flow of a non-Newtonian power law fluid on a spinning disc is considered here. The main goal of this work is to examine the effect of non-Newtonian nature of the fluid on the flow development and associated contact line instability. The governing mass and momentum balance equations are simplified using the lubrication theory. The resulting model equation is a fourth order non-linear PDE which describes the spatial and temporal evolutions of film thickness. The movement of the contact line is modeled using a constant angle slip model. To solve this moving boundary problem, a numerical method is developed using a Galerkin/finite element method based approach. The numerical results show that the spreading rate of the fluid strongly depends on power law exponent n. It increases with the increase in the shear thinning character of the fluid (n < 1) and decreases with the increase in shear thickening nature of the fluid (n > 1). It is also observed that the capillary ridge becomes sharper with the value of n. In order to examine the stability of these ridges, a linear stability theory is also developed for these power law fluids. The dispersion relationship depicting the growth rate for a given wave number has been reported and compared for different power-law fluids. It is found that the growth rate of the instability decreases as the fluid becomes more shear thinning in nature, whereas it increases for more shear thickening fluids.
Time resolved structural dynamics of butadiyne-linked porphyrin dimers
Authors: Camargo Franco V. A. , Hall Christopher R. , Anderson Harry L. , Meech Stephen R. , Heisler Ismael A.
Published: January 2016

In this work, the timescales and mechanisms associated with the structural dynamics of butadiyne-linked porphyrin dimers are investigated through time resolved narrowband pump/broadband probe transient absorption spectroscopy. Our results confirm previous findings that the broadening is partly due to a distribution of structures with different (dihedral) angular conformations. Comparison of measurements with excitations on the red and blue sides of the Q-band unravel the ground and excited state conformational re-equilibration timescales. Further comparison to a planarized dimer, through the addition of a ligand, provides conclusive evidence for the twisting motion performed by the porphyrin dimer in solution.
Aversive behaviour by koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus) during the course of a music festival in northern New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Phillips Stephen
Published: January 2016

The effects of short-term disturbances that result in changes to movement patterns and/or behaviour of wildlife are poorly understood. In this study the movements of seven koalas were monitored before, during and after a five-day music festival. During the monitoring program koalas occupied home-range areas of 0.6–13 ha with one or more core areas of activity. Aversive behaviour in the form of evacuation of known ranging areas was demonstrated by three koalas that had core areas within 525 m of the approximate centre of the festival area, the associated responses comprising movements that were perpendicular to and away from staging areas where music was played. Responses contained within known ranging areas were observed in three other koalas whose core areas were located up to 600 m away. The type of response appeared related to the proximity of koala home ranges to music-staging areas, while the maximum distance associated with an aversive response was 725 m. Six of the radio-tracked koalas returned to their home-range areas following the conclusion of festival activities. While the specific stimulus eliciting aversive behaviour was not identified, responses in all instances were initiated during the musical phase of the festival event. The potential for short-term disturbances such as music festivals to significantly influence the ranging patterns of koalas warrants recognition of possible longer-term ecological consequences for planning and management purposes.
Preliminary genomic survey and sequence analysis of the complement system in non-eutherian mammals
Authors: Ong Oselyne T. W. , Young Lauren J. , Old Julie M.
Published: January 2016

The complement system is a major mediator of the vertebrate immune system, which functions in both innate and specific immune responses. It comprises more than 30 proteins working to remove foreign cells by way of anaphylatoxins, opsonins or the membrane attack complex. Over the last few years, whole genome sequences of non-eutherian mammals (marsupials and a monotreme), the gray short-tailed opossum (Monodelphis domestica), tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii), Tasmanian devil (Sarcophilus harrisii), koala (Phascolarctos cinereus) and platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus), have become publicly available. Using these sequences, we have identified an array of complement components in non-eutherians using online search tools and algorithms. Of 57 complement and complement-related genes investigated, we identified 46 in the gray short-tailed opossum genome, 27 in the tammar wallaby genome, 44 in the Tasmanian devil genome, 47 in the koala genome and 40 in the platypus genome. The results of this study confirm the presence of key complement components in the immune repertoire of non-eutherian mammals and provide a platform for future studies on immune protection in young marsupials.
Long noncoding RNA
UPAT
promotes colon tumorigenesis by inhibiting degradation of UHRF1
Authors: Taniue Kenzui , Kurimoto Akiko , Sugimasa Hironobu , Nasu Emiko , Takeda Yasuko , Iwasaki Kei , Nagashima Takeshi , Okada-Hatakeyama Mariko , Oyama Masaaki , Kozuka-Hata Hiroko , Hiyoshi Masaya , Kitayama Joji , Negishi Lumi , Kawasaki Yoshihiro , Akiyama Tetsu
Published: January 2016

Significance

Many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play critical roles in tumor development. Here we show that an lncRNA termed
UPAT
[ubiquitin-like plant homeodomain and really interesting new gene finger domain-containing protein 1 (UHRF1) Protein Associated Transcript] is required for the tumorigenicity of colorectal cancer cells.
UPAT
interacts with and stabilizes the epigenetic factor UHRF1 by interfering with its ubiquitination and degradation. Furthermore, the UHRF1–
UPAT
axis up-regulates
Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1
and
Sprouty 4
, which are required for the survival of colon tumor cells. Our study provides evidence for an lncRNA that regulates protein ubiquitination and degradation and thereby plays a critical role in the survival and tumorigenicity of tumor cells. Our results suggest that
UPAT
and UHRF1 may be promising molecular targets for the therapy of colon cancer.
Destination evaluation through the prioritization of competitiveness pillars: the case of Brazil.
Authors: Gândara J. M. , Chim-Miki A. F.
Published: January 2016

This chapter analyses the tourism competitiveness of Curitiba, Parana, through the determination of the level of efficiency and the prioritization of competitiveness determinants. The determinants used in this analysis were based on the tourism competitiveness pillars defined by the Ministry of Tourism (MTur) in Brazil. The relevance of each pillar was first evaluated through a focus group technique with the participation of tourism stakeholders. Building on the qualitative results of the group of tourism experts, the efficiency of factors of competitiveness at the destination was evaluated. This allowed the prioritization of actions for improving destination competitiveness from a policy point of view. This research validated a methodology to understand the data available from the MTur, and also developed a simple methodology to apply to cities.
Networking for sustainable cultural tourism activities and dynamics: the case of Oporto.
Authors: Stević I. , Breda Z.
Published: January 2016

This chapter elaborates on the networking nature of sustainable cultural tourism activities and dynamics in the Historic Centre of Oporto, Portugal. The chapter aims to (1) understand and discuss the importance of networking at the cultural tourism level; (2) identify if there is an official network of stakeholders involved in management, planning, organization, strategic decisions and protection of the heritage site, or merely collaboration among them; and (3) identify the main difficulties and challenges when it comes to management, preservation and protection of cultural heritage and sustainable tourism development at the World Heritage Site.
IREN, a novel EF-hand motif-containing nuclease, functions in the degradation of nuclear DNA during the hypersensitive response cell death in rice
Authors: Ootsubo Yuka , Hibino Takanori , Wakazono Takahito , Mukai Yukio , Che Fang-Sik
Published: January 2016

The hypersensitive response (HR), a type of programmed cell death that is accompanied by DNA degradation and loss of plasma membrane integrity, is a common feature of plant immune responses. We previously reported that transcription of IREN which encodes a novel EF-hand containing plant nuclease is controlled by OsNAC4, a key positive regulator of HR cell death. Transient overexpression of IREN in rice protoplasts also led to rapid DNA fragmentation, while suppression of IREN using RNA interference showed remarkable decrease of DNA fragmentation during HR cell death. Maximum DNA degradation associated with the recombinant IREN was observed in the presence of Ca2+ and Mg2+ or Ca2+ and Mn2+. Interestingly, DNA degradation mediated by the recombinant IREN was completely abolished by Zn2+, even when Ca2+, Mg2+, or Mn2+ were present in the reaction buffer. These data indicate that IREN functions in the degradation of nuclear DNA during HR cell death.
Diagnostics and control for the steady state and pulsed tokamak DEMO
Authors: Orsitto F.P. , Villari R. , Moro F. , Todd T.N. , Lilley S. , Jenkins I. , Felton R. , Biel W. , Silva A. , Scholz M. , Rzadkiewicz J. , Duran I. , Tardocchi M. , Gorini G. , Morlock C. , Federici G. , Litnovsky A.
Published: January 2016

The present paper is devoted to a first assessment of the DEMO diagnostics systems and controls in the context of pulsed and steady state reactor design under study in Europe. In particular, the main arguments treated are: (i) The quantities to be measured in DEMO and the requirements for the measurements; (ii) the present capability of the diagnostic and control technology, determining the most urgent gaps, and (iii) the program and strategy of the research and development (R&D) needed to fill the gaps. Burn control, magnetohydrodynamic stability, and basic machine protection require improvements to the ITER technology, and moderated efforts in R&D can be dedicated to infrared diagnostics (reflectometry, electron cyclotron emission, polarimetry) and neutron diagnostics. Metallic Hall sensors appear to be a promising candidate for magnetic measurements in the high neutron fluence and long/steady state discharges of DEMO.
Implementing balanced harvesting: practical challenges and other implications
Authors: Reid David G. , Graham Norman , Suuronen Petri , He Pingguo , Pol Michael
Published: January 2016

Balanced harvesting (BH) has been proposed as an alternative to the paradigm of more selective fishing as practiced in most European and North American fisheries management. We examine options for the implementation of BH and evaluate the issues raised in such an implementation. Implementation is considered at the whole ecosystem level, in terms of the patterns of removal for all species, both commercial and bycatch. We suggest that a “laissez-faire” approach analogous to the African lakes where BH was first observed is inappropriate in managed developed world fisheries. We consider two further approaches: focusing on either the species caught or on the sizes of animal alone. We find that aiming to harvest all species with an exploitation rate appropriate to their productivity would require a degree of micro-management that is probably unachievable, with all captured species “choking” the fishery in sequence. The size-based approach works with an exploitation rate appropriate to the productivity at size, with no consideration of the species involved. This might superficially be easier to implement, as management would involve a limited number of size classes only. However, problems may arise due to the likely faster capture of the more easily catchable fish, and also likely targeting of the more valuable species within a size class. We identify a possible third option of “broad brush” métier-based management that may resolve some of these problems. Other issues include the management of protected, endangered, and threatened species (including mammals, reptiles, and birds), the management of already severely depleted stocks, and the capture of benthic invertebrates.
Impact of electronic personal health record use on engagement and intermediate health outcomes among cardiac patients: a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Toscos Tammy , Daley Carly , Heral Lisa , Doshi Riddhi , Chen Yu-Chieh , Eckert George J , Plant Robert L , Mirro Michael J
Published: January 2016

Objectives To determine the impact of tethered personal health record (PHR) use on patient engagement and intermediate health outcomes among patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods Adult CAD patients ( N = 200) were enrolled in this prospective, quasi-experimental observational study. Each patient received a PHR account and training on its use. PHRs were populated with information from patient electronic medical records, hosted by a Health Information Exchange. Intermediate health outcomes including blood pressure, body mass index, and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) were evaluated through electronic medical record review or laboratory tests. Trends in patient activation measure® (PAM) were determined through three surveys conducted at baseline, 6 and 12 months. Frequency of PHR use data was collected and used to classify participants into groups for analysis: Low , Active , and Super users.

Results There was no statistically significant improvement in patient engagement as measured by PAM scores during the study period. HbA1c levels improved significantly in the Active and Super user groups at 6 months; however, no other health outcome measures improved significantly. Higher PAM scores were associated with lower body mass index and lower HbA1c, but there was no association between changes in PAM scores and changes in health outcomes. Use of the PHR health diary increased significantly following PHR education offered at the 6-month study visit and an elective group refresher course.

Conclusions The study findings show that PHR use had minimal impact on intermediate health outcomes and no significant impact on patient engagement among CAD patients.
NIHAO V: too big does not fail – reconciling the conflict between ΛCDM predictions and the circular velocities of nearby field galaxies
Authors: Dutton Aaron A. , Macciò Andrea V. , Frings Jonas , Wang Liang , Stinson Gregory S. , Penzo Camilla , Kang Xi
Published: January 2016

We compare the half-light circular velocities, V1/2, of dwarf galaxies in the Local Group to the predicted circular velocity curves of galaxies in the Numerical Investigations of Hundred Astrophysical Objects (NIHAO) suite of Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) simulations. We use a subset of 34 simulations in which the central galaxy has a stellar luminosity in the range 0.5 × 105 < LV/ L⊙ < 2 × 108. The NIHAO galaxy simulations reproduce the relation between stellar mass and halo mass from abundance matching, as well as the observed half-light size versus luminosity relation. The corresponding dissipationless simulations overpredict the V1/2, recovering the problem known as too big to fail (TBTF). By contrast, the NIHAO simulations have expanded dark matter haloes, and provide an excellent match to the distribution of V1/2 for galaxies with LV ≳ 2 × 106  L⊙. For lower luminosities, our simulations predict very little halo response, and tend to overpredict the observed circular velocities. In the context of ΛCDM, this could signal the increased stochasticity of star formation in haloes below Mhalo ∼ 1010 M⊙, or the role of environmental effects. Thus, haloes that are ‘TBTF’, do not fail ΛCDM, but haloes that are ‘too small to pass’ (the galaxy formation threshold) provide a future test of ΛCDM.
Toroidal vortices as a solution to the dust migration problem
Authors: Lorén-Aguilar Pablo , Bate Matthew R.
Published: January 2016

In an earlier letter, we reported that dust settling in protoplanetary discs may lead to a dynamical dust–gas instability that produces global toroidal vortices. In this Letter, we investigate the evolution of a dusty protoplanetary disc with two different dust species (1 mm and 50 cm dust grains), under the presence of the instability. We show how toroidal vortices, triggered by the interaction of mm grains with the gas, stop the radial migration of metre-sized dust, potentially offering a natural and efficient solution to the dust migration problem.
Case-Based Review: meningioma
Authors: Fogh Shannon E. , Johnson Derek R. , Barker Fred G. , Brastianos Priscilla K. , Clarke Jennifer L. , Kaufmann Timothy J. , Oberndorfer Stephan , Preusser Matthias , Raghunathan Aditya , Santagata Sandro , Theodosopoulos Philip V.
Published: January 2016

Meningioma is by far the most common primary intracranial tumor in adults. Treatment of meningioma is complex due to a tremendous amount of variability in tumor behavior. Many patients are incidentally found to have tumors that will remain asymptomatic throughout their lives. It is important to identify these patients so that they can be spared from potentially morbid interventions. On the other end of the spectrum, high-grade meningiomas can behave very aggressively. When treatment is necessary, surgical resection is the cornerstone of meningioma therapy. Studies spanning decades have demonstrated that extent of resection correlates with prognosis. Radiation therapy, either in the form of external beam radiation therapy or stereotactic radiosurgery, represents another important therapeutic tool that can be used in place of or as a supplement to surgery. There are no chemotherapeutic agents of proven efficacy against meningioma, and chemotherapy treatment is generally reserved for patients who have exhausted surgical and radiotherapy options. Ongoing and future studies will help to answer unresolved questions such as the optimum use of radiation in resected WHO grade II meningiomas and the efficacy of additional chemotherapy agents.
Utilization of Community Health Centers in Medicaid Expansion and Nonexpansion States, 2013–2014
Authors: Hoopes Megan J. , Angier Heather , Gold Rachel , Bailey Steffani R. , Huguet Nathalie , Marino Miguel , DeVoe Jennifer E.
Published: January 2016

Using electronic health record data, we examined longitudinal changes in community health center (CHC) visit rates from 2013 through 2014 in Medicaid expansion versus nonexpansion states. Visits from 219 CHCs in 5 expansion states and 4 nonexpansion states were included. Rates were computed using generalized estimating equation Poisson models. Rates increased in expansion state CHCs for new patient, preventive, and limited-service visits (14%, 41%, and 23%, respectively, P < .01 for all), whereas these rates remained unchanged in nonexpansion states. One year after ACA Medicaid expansions, CHCs in expansion states saw an influx of new patients and provided increased preventive services.
Statistical Primer on Biosimilar Clinical Development
Authors: Isakov Leah , Jin Bo , Jacobs Ira Allen
Published: January 2016

A biosimilar is highly similar to a licensed biological product and has no clinically meaningful differences between the biological product and the reference (originator) product in terms of safety, purity, and potency and is approved under specific regulatory approval processes. Because both the originator and the potential biosimilar are large and structurally complex proteins, biosimilars are not generic equivalents of the originator. Thus, the regulatory approach for a small-molecule generic is not appropriate for a potential biosimilar. As a result, different study designs and statistical approaches are used in the assessment of a potential biosimilar. This review covers concepts and terminology used in statistical analyses in the clinical development of biosimilars so that clinicians can understand how similarity is evaluated. This should allow the clinician to understand the statistical considerations in biosimilar clinical trials and make informed prescribing decisions when an approved biosimilar is available.
Intratumoral Heterogeneity for Ki-67 Index in Invasive Breast Carcinoma: A Study on 131 Consecutive Cases
Authors: Boros Monica , Moncea Denisa , Moldovan Cosmin , Podoleanu Cristian , Georgescu Rares , Stolnicu Simona
Published: January 2016

Introduction:

In addition to conventional histopathologic parameters, the assessment of proliferation is a major factor in treatment decision in breast carcinoma patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether Ki-67 heterogeneity in invasive breast carcinomas could have an impact over treatment decision.

Materials and Methods:

Immunohistochemistry for Ki-67 was evaluated in resection specimens of 131 consecutive invasive breast carcinomas. Heterogeneity was defined as the presence of a low (<17%) and high (>35%) proliferative activity within the same tumor in the same histologic section. The rest of the cases were defined as homogenous. Clinical-pathologic features were also analyzed.

Results:

A total of 107 (81.67%) of the cases were homogenous and 24 of 131 cases (18.32%) showed heterogeneity as defined above. Among these, 10 (41.6%) cases showed a gradient of increasing staining toward the tumor edge and 14 (58.4%) cases showed hot spots. In general, the proliferative activity varied from 1% to 90% in different areas of the tumor. A higher incidence of breast carcinoma was observed after menopause in both groups (83.33% in heterogeneous cases and 79.43% in homogeneous cases) (P=0.783). These groups were similar as far as the most frequent histologic types were concerned: no special type (95.83% vs. 56.07%) (P=0.0001). Tumor histologic grade, T and N stage were similar in both groups. We noted a higher proportion of stage N3 cases in the heterogeneous tumor group (54.16% vs. 34.57%) (P=0.14). Prognostic markers analysis in the heterogeneous cases revealed 100% positivity for hormone receptors (compared with 94.65%) and a much higher proportion of HER2-negative cases (87.5% vs. 73.83%) (P=0.19).

Conclusion:

As Ki-67 heterogeneity can be encountered in breast carcinomas and Ki-67 value could have an impact on clinical decisions, it is mandatory to evaluate the whole specimen and not only the core biopsy specimen and to correlate it with mitotic count.
Immunohistochemical Expression of Progesterone Receptors in Nonmeningothelial Central Nervous System Tumors
Authors: Mezmezian Mónica B. , B. Carassai Mónica , Dopazo Valeria , Deforel María L. , Puzzo María Á.
Published: January 2016

Introduction:

Immunostaining of progesterone receptors (PRs) has been described as a prognostic factor related to recurrences in meningiomas. However, its expression in other primary intracranial tumors has been poorly studied. In this paper, we compare the pattern of expression of the receptor in meningiomas with that of nonmeningothelial intracranial tumors to evaluate its value in the diagnosis of the former.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 42 nonmeningothelial intracranial tumors (21 glioblastomas, 4 anaplastic oligodendrogliomas, 4 oligodendrogliomas, 1 pilomyxoid astrocytoma, 3 ependymomas, 8 schwannomas, 1 chordoid chordoma) and 32 meningiomas (1 rhabdoid, 1 papillary, 5 atypical, 7 with histologic features of more aggressive behavior, 1 microcyst, 8 meningothelial, 7 transitional, 2 fibroblastic) were studied for PR by immunohistochemistry.

Results:

About 73.8% of the nonmeningothelial tumors and 100% of the meningiomas were positive for the receptor, the difference being statistically significant (P=0.0017). The mean percentage of positive tumor cells per high-power field was frequently higher than 30% in meningiomas and lower than 10% in nonmeningothelial tumors (P=0.0001).

Conclusions:

Although we detected that immunostaining for the PR is more frequently observed in meningiomas, we confirmed its expression in diverse nonmeningothelial primary intracranial tumors. Immunohistochemistry for PR would be useful in the diagnosis of meningioma only when its positivity shows a mean higher than 30% of the positive tumor cells per high-power field.
Pervasive polymorphic imprinted methylation in the human placenta
Authors: Hanna Courtney W. , Peñaherrera Maria S. , Saadeh Heba , Andrews Simon , McFadden Deborah E. , Kelsey Gavin , Robinson Wendy P.
Published: January 2016

The maternal and paternal copies of the genome are both required for mammalian development, and this is primarily due to imprinted genes, those that are monoallelically expressed based on parent-of-origin. Typically, this pattern of expression is regulated by differentially methylated regions (DMRs) that are established in the germline and maintained after fertilization. There are a large number of germline DMRs that have not yet been associated with imprinting, and their function in development is unknown. In this study, we developed a genome-wide approach to identify novel imprinted DMRs in the human placenta and investigated the dynamics of these imprinted DMRs during development in somatic and extraembryonic tissues. DNA methylation was evaluated using the Illumina HumanMethylation450 array in 134 human tissue samples, publicly available reduced representation bisulfite sequencing in the human embryo and germ cells, and targeted bisulfite sequencing in term placentas. Forty-three known and 101 novel imprinted DMRs were identified in the human placenta by comparing methylation between diandric and digynic triploid conceptions in addition to female and male gametes. Seventy-two novel DMRs showed a pattern consistent with placental-specific imprinting, and this monoallelic methylation was entirely maternal in origin. Strikingly, these DMRs exhibited polymorphic imprinted methylation between placental samples. These data suggest that imprinting in human development is far more extensive and dynamic than previously reported and that the placenta preferentially maintains maternal germline-derived DNA methylation.
Postponement adoption in manufacturers of tomato-derived products
Authors: Ferreira Karine Araujo , Alcantara Rosane Lúcia Chicarelli
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the application of postponement strategies in companies that produce tomato-derived products in order to identify the types of postponement adopted by these companies, the implementation process, and the major changes after their adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three exploratory case studies were carried out in manufacturers of tomato products, where interviews were conducted with general managers in the manufacturing and logistics sectors.

Findings

– The application of time and form postponement was verified in the companies studied, and the implementation of the postponement strategy led to changes in the productive process of tomato-derived products. These changes involved the movement of the decoupling point and the increase in the make-to-order production, which had positive impacts on the businesses.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper analyzed the application of postponement in a specific sector of the food industry. Future research must analyze the application of this strategy in other segments of the food industry and other sectors as well.

Practical implications

– The information acquired in this can contribute to a more adequate application of postponement in a little-known industry sector.

Originality/value

– In addition to further discussion on the issue and verification of postponement application in food companies, this research presents information to assist the adoption, use, and consolidation of the postponement strategy.
The consumer testing of food package graphic design
Authors: Hamlin Robert P
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– This purpose of this paper is to present a technique for measuring the impact of package graphic designs on consumer choice and purchase intentions. The technique allows several proposed graphic designs for the same product to be compared, both with one another and with their immediate competitors up to a maximum of eight designs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The approach is based upon a fractionally replicated Latin square design with two sets of four package graphic designs and five consumer groups as the independent variables. The dependent variable is consumer choice.

Findings

– Three fully worked examples of the test are presented. The results show that graphic design has a massive and statistically significant impact on consumer choice, ceteris paribus. The test is able to discriminate strongly between package graphic designs that only apparently differ in detail.

Research limitations/implications

– The results show that graphic design has a significant impact upon consumer choice, but it also shows that this impact is highly product and situation specific. This may have considerable implications for any claimed wider “empirical generalisations” relating to the impact of graphic designs, or components thereof, on food consumer choice.

Practical implications

– The methodology presented allows graphic designs to be tested before they enter the marketplace. It replaces opinion with a reliable and quantifiable output that can be easily interfaced with econometric and market share models that have been developed within the choice modelling literature.

Originality/value

– This appears to be the first paper to appear within the literature that presents a reliable, simple and easily administered test that is capable of quantifying the performance of alternative graphic designs on food packaging.
Stakeholders
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expectations of mobile payment in retail: lessons from Sweden
Authors: Apanasevic Tatjana , Markendahl Jan , Arvidsson Niklas
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the reasons behind the slow adoption of mobile payment services. The expectations of the main groups of stakeholders – the mobile service providers, the retailers, and the consumers – of the service in the retail industry in Sweden are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors use a qualitative case study of stakeholders’ expectations. The conceptual research framework is based on the theory of diffusion of innovations, the technology adoption model, and network externalities. The proposed framework was tested and validated by empirical findings.

Findings

– One of the key findings of the research highlights that acceptance of a mobile payment service depends on the ability of mobile payment providers to build networks of both retailers and consumers simultaneously. The service will attract these stakeholders if it meets their expectations in the best possible way. Another finding is that mobile payment services do not meet expectations on an enhanced purchasing process. This is the area for future service improvement.

Research limitations/implications

– The main limitation of this study is that only a few retailers were contacted.

Practical implications

– First of all, criteria from the developed research framework can be used as a guide for mobile payment service development. Second, when developing and providing a mobile payment service, mobile payment providers need to have a good understanding of the needs and expectations of retailers and consumers.

Originality/value

– Stakeholders’ expectations have not been a focus for research in previous studies. This is a new research object.
Financial institutions using social media – do consumers perceive value?
Authors: Dootson Paula , Beatson Amanda , Drennan Judy
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine consumer perceptions of value of financial institutions using social media to interact with consumers; if overall perceived value predicts a consumer’s intention to adopt, and if intention predicts self-reported adoption of social media to interact with a financial institution; and if perceptions of value in using social media to interact with a financial institution changes over time.

Design/methodology/approach

– Self-administered surveys were run at two time points; 2010 and 2014. Data were analyzed using multiple and mediated regressions, and t-tests. Comparisons are made between the two time points.

Findings

– Perceived usefulness, economic value, and social value predicted overall perceived value, which in turn predicted a consumer’s intention to adopt social media to interact with a financial institution. At Time 2, adoption intention predicted self-reported usage behavior. Finally, there were significant differences between perceptions across Time 1 and 2.

Research limitations/implications

– The implications of the research highlight the importance of overall perceived value in the role of adoption intention, and that at Time 2, adoption intention predicted self-reported adoption to read and share content. A reduction in perceptions of value and intentions from Time 1 to Time 2 could be explained by perceptions of technology insecurity. In future studies, the authors recommend examining inhibitors to adoption including hedonic value.

Practical implications

– The findings suggest that consumers will use social media if the sector creates and clearly articulates consumer value from using social media. The sector also needs to address technology security perceptions to increase usage of social media.

Originality/value

– This paper is one of the first to investigate the consumer’s perspective in social media adoption by financial institutions, by exploring the role of value in consumer adoption and usage of social media.
The impact of IFRS on financial statement data in Greece
Authors: Black Ervin L , Maggina Anastasia
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of IFRS adoption on financial statement data and their usefulness in Greece. Additionally, the authors examine the effect on the informativeness/usefulness of financial statement data for stock prices in Greece and the effect of the Greek Financial Crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

– This study examine the effects of IFRS adoption on financial statement data and their usefulness in Greece. Additionally, the authors examine the effect on the informativeness/usefulness of financial statement data for stock prices in Greece and the effect of the Greek Financial Crisis.

Findings

– The results indicate that several financial ratios were dramatically affected by IFRS adoption in Greece. In contrast to other countries, IFRS has not resulted in improved statistical behavior of these ratios in Greece: the ratios are highly skewed and the normality of their distribution is not improved. Additionally, when examining the usefulness of financial statement data for stock prices in Greece, results indicate that IFRS adoption did not necessarily improve the usefulness of the financial statements. However, the authors do find that since the financial crisis in Greece these IFRS financial statement measures are significant when regressed on stock prices.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors are not able to necessarily rule out other causal factors that may have occurred in Greece during the sample period. The authors do look at the financial crisis as a potential confounding factor, but other factors such as political or macroeconomic factors have not necessarily been ruled out. Also, this study only examines the Greek situation.

Practical implications

– This study may have implications for other countries in similar situations as that found in Greece – IFRS adoption and severe economic crisis.

Originality/value

– To date only the impact of IFRS on earnings, stockholders’ equity, and some financial ratios has been investigated in prior Greek research studies (Hellenic Capital Market Commission, 2006; Grant Thornton, 2006). However, no academic research has been developed in this area. In addition, the authors examine the impact of IFRS on stock prices emphasizing the mandatory financial disclosure and IFRS adoption in a financially and politically distressed country – Greece.
Birds of a feather: the geographic interconnection of Australian universities on Twitter
Authors: Palmer Stuart
Published: January 2016

Purpose

– Regardless of their virtual nature, research suggests that social media networks are still influenced by geography. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the connections between Australian universities on the Twitter social media system.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research employs network analysis and visualisation to characterise the connections between Australian universities on Twitter.

Findings

– A strong relationship to geography, both at the intra-state level and the inter-state level, was observed in the connections between Australian universities on Twitter. A relationship between number of followers and time since joining Twitter was also observed.

Research limitations/implications

– The research presented is limited to Australian universities only and represents a snapshot in time only.

Practical implications

– Australian universities have the opportunity to reach beyond the geographically restricted connections observed here, to actively seek new audiences, and to realise the cited benefits of online social media relating to increased connection across physical and digital frontiers. By capitalising on the strong “locality” observed in social media connections, a university could become a desirable source of information that is likely to be of interest to, and valued by, local constituents.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to the research literature on university use of social media by addressing the so far largely silent area of inter-institutional connections via social media, and the influence of physical geography on the connections between universities on Twitter. It also offers a practical methodology for those interested in further research in this area.