bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thinking about Entry of Firms: A Theoretical Discussion
Authors: Garavaglia Christian
Published: January 2016

This paper analyses the factors that play a role in determining entry of new firms into markets from a theoretical point of view. We analyse the traditional interpretation of entry as a mechanism of re-equilibrating profits towards their long-run level. Then, we concentrate on other theoretical approaches, showing how the characteristics of technological innovation, the endowment of skills and competencies of the entrants, the role of information signals, the phases of the industry life cycle, the sociological concepts of legitimization and competition, and the psychological aspects might play fundamental roles in explaining new entry. The paper debates possible cross-fertilizations among theories: The discussion results in some fruitful intertwinements among the different relevant features about entry and spawns new collaborative and interdisciplinary research to create additional knowledge about entry. Insights about international entrepreneurship (IE) are also discussed.
Board Size, Board Composition and Performance: An Investigation on Turkish Banks
Authors: ISIK Ozcan , Riza INCE Ali
Published: January 2016

We investigate the impact of board size and board composition on performance for a sample of 30 commercial banks from 2008 to 2012 in Turkey. We measure bank performance by two alternative measures widely used in the banking literature, i.e. operating return on assets (OROA) and return on assets (ROA). Controlling for bank size, credit risk, liquidity risk, net interest margin and non-interest income, the results of panel fixed effects regression suggest that board size has a significantly positive effect on bank’s financial performance. This means that Turkish commercial banks may improve their financial performance by increasing their board size. Our findings, however, show clearly that there is no significant relationship between board composition (ratio of outside directors on the board) and banks’ financial performance.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol. 9, No. 1
Authors: Sun Sherry
Published: January 2016

Reviewer Acknowledgements for Journal of Sustainable Development, Vol. 9, No. 1, 2016
Perturbation of nucleo‐cytoplasmic transport affects size of nucleus and nucleolus in human cells
Authors: Ganguly Abira , Bhattacharjee Chumki , Bhave Madhura , Kailaje Vaishali , Jain Bhawik K. , Sengupta Isha , Rangarajan Annapoorni , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu
Published: January 2016

Size regulation of human cell nucleus and nucleolus are poorly understood subjects. 3D reconstruction of live image shows that the karyoplasmic ratio (KR) increases by 30–80% in transformed cell lines compared to their immortalized counterpart. The attenuation of nucleo‐cytoplasmic transport causes the KR value to increase by 30–50% in immortalized cell lines. Nucleolus volumes are significantly increased in transformed cell lines and the attenuation of nucleo‐cytoplasmic transport causes a significant increase in the nucleolus volume of immortalized cell lines. A cytosol and nuclear fraction swapping experiment emphasizes the potential role of unknown cytosolic factors in nuclear and nucleolar size regulation.
Examining moisture pathways and extreme precipitation in the U.S. Intermountain West using self‐organizing maps
Authors: Swales Dustin , Alexander Mike , Hughes Mimi
Published: January 2016

Self‐organizing maps (SOMs) were used to explore relationships between large‐scale synoptic conditions, especially vertically integrated water vapor transport (IVT), and extreme precipitation events in the U.S. Intermountain West (IMW). By examining spatial patterns in the IVT, pathways are identified where moisture can penetrate into the IMW. A substantial number of extreme precipitation events in the IMW are associated with infrequently occurring synoptic patterns. The transition frequency between each of the SOM nodes, which indicate temporal relationships between the patterns, identified two synoptic settings associated with extreme precipitation in the IMW: (1) a landfalling, zonally propagating trough that results in a concentrated IVT band that moves southward as the system moves inland and (2) a southwesterly storm track associated with strong ridging over the coast that results in persistent IVT transport into the Pacific Northwest that can last for several days.
Large‐displacement, hydrothermal frictional properties of DFDP‐1 fault rocks, Alpine Fault, New Zealand: Implications for deep rupture propagation
Authors: Niemeijer A. R. , Boulton C. , Toy V. G. , Townend J. , Sutherland R.
Published: January 2016

The Alpine Fault, New Zealand, is a major plate‐bounding fault that accommodates 65–75% of the total relative motion between the Australian and Pacific plates. Here we present data on the hydrothermal frictional properties of Alpine Fault rocks that surround the principal slip zones (PSZ) of the Alpine Fault and those comprising the PSZ itself. The samples were retrieved from relatively shallow depths during phase 1 of the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP‐1) at Gaunt Creek. Simulated fault gouges were sheared at temperatures of 25, 150, 300, 450, and 600°C in order to determine the friction coefficient as well as the velocity dependence of friction. Friction remains more or less constant with changes in temperature, but a transition from velocity‐strengthening behavior to velocity‐weakening behavior occurs at a temperature of T = 150°C. The transition depends on the absolute value of sliding velocity as well as temperature, with the velocity‐weakening region restricted to higher velocity for higher temperatures. Friction was substantially lower for low‐velocity shearing (V < 0.3 µm/s) at 600°C, but no transition to normal stress independence was observed. In the framework of rate‐and‐state friction, earthquake nucleation is most likely at an intermediate temperature of T = 300°C. The velocity‐strengthening nature of the Alpine Fault rocks at higher temperatures may pose a barrier for rupture propagation to deeper levels, limiting the possible depth extent of large earthquakes. Our results highlight the importance of strain rate in controlling frictional behavior under conditions spanning the classical brittle‐plastic transition for quartzofeldspathic compositions.
Discriminating induced seismicity from natural earthquakes using moment tensors and source spectra
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Eaton David W. , Li Ge , Liu Yajing , Harrington Rebecca M.
Published: January 2016

Earthquake source mechanisms and spectra can provide important clues to aid in discriminating between natural and induced events. In this study, we calculate moment tensors and stress drop values for eight recent induced earthquakes in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin with magnitudes between 3.2 and 4.4, as well as a nearby magnitude 5.3 event that is interpreted as a natural earthquake. We calculate full moment tensor solutions by performing a waveform‐fitting procedure based on a 1‐D transversely isotropic velocity model. In addition to a dominant double‐couple (DC) signature that is common to nearly all events, most induced events exhibit significant non‐double‐couple components. A parameter sensitivity analysis indicates that spurious non‐DC components are negligible if the signal to noise ratio (SNR) exceeds 10 and if the 1‐D model differs from the true velocity structure by less than 5%. Estimated focal depths of induced events are significantly shallower than the typical range of focal depths for intraplate earthquakes in the Canadian Shield. Stress drops of the eight induced events were estimated using a generalized spectral‐fitting method and fall within the typical range of 2 to 90 MPa for tectonic earthquakes. Elastic moduli changes due to the brittle damage production at the source, presence of multiple intersecting fractures, dilatant jogs created at the overlapping areas of multiple fractures, or non‐planar pre‐existing faults may explain the non‐DC components for induced events.
Methods of calculation of the Atlantic meridional heat and volume transports from ocean models at 26.5°N
Authors: Stepanov Vladimir N. , Iovino Doroteaciro , Masina Simona , Storto Andrea , Cipollone Andrea
Published: January 2016

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) and the associated meridional heat transport (MHT) at 26.5°N are investigated in two global ocean models at different resolutions and setup and compared with observational estimates from the Rapid Climate Change programme (RAPID). Three different methods of calculation are used to compute the modelled meridional transports: the first method (MOCmod) is based on simulated velocity fields, the second (MOC_endpoint) relies on the same assumptions as for the RAPID calculations, and the third (MOC_ff_baro) is also based on hydrostatic and geostrophic relationships, but relative to the model barotropic circulation. All methods correctly reproduce the time‐mean AMOC strength at 26.5°N, although some differences with observations are present at depth. Similar to other model results, despite the higher AMOC simulated by our eddy‐rich global model, the corresponding heat transport is significantly lower than the RAPID estimates. The above described differences between the deep structure of the modelled and observed AMOC impact the heat transport less than the discrepancies between the MOCmod and MOC_endpoint AMOC structure in the upper ∼500 m layer. The comparison of the AMOC obtained by the three methods suggests that an inadequate representation of currents near the western boundary by geostrophy leads to underestimate the southward circulation in the upper‐mid ocean and largely impact the heat transport calculations. In our analysis, calculation based on RAPID assumptions (applied in MOC_endpoint) result in a higher mean heat transport (>25%) compared to MOCmod calculation.
Observed and modeled tropospheric cold anomalies associated with sudden stratospheric warmings
Authors: Lehtonen Ilari , Karpechko Alexey Yu.
Published: January 2016

Surface weather patterns related to 35 major sudden stratospheric warmings (SSWs) in 1958–2010 are analyzed based on reanalysis data. Similar analyses are conducted with data from seven stratosphere‐resolving Earth system models. The analyses are carried out separately for displacement and splitting SSWs. On the basis of the observational analysis, it is shown that in northern Eurasia, the cold anomalies linked to the SSWs tend to be stronger and more widespread before the central date of the SSWs than during the first 2 months after the event central dates. This is particularly true for the displacement events. The cold anomalies preceding the SSWs are coupled to atmospheric blocking events which trigger the SSWs. While the role of SSWs as important predictors of cold air outbreaks in the Northern Hemisphere is well recognized, our results indicate that the impact of the preceding blocking on near‐surface temperatures is, in fact, widely more significant than the downward impact of the SSWs. Thus, stratosphere‐troposphere coupling provides only limited predictability for cold air outbreaks in Eurasia. The models reproduce qualitatively well the typical large‐scale surface weather patterns following the SSWs, but they largely miss the cooling preceding the SSWs over Europe and western Siberia. Hence, the strongest modeled temperature anomalies related to the SSWs occur after the events. Moreover, the model results indicate that the tropospheric response to SSWs is stronger following split events. At the same time, many models simulate too few splitting SSWs.
Automatic detection of alpine rockslides in continuous seismic data using hidden Markov models
Authors: Dammeier Franziska , Moore Jeffrey R. , Hammer Conny , Haslinger Florian , Loew Simon
Published: January 2016

Data from continuously recording permanent seismic networks can contain information about rockslide occurrence and timing complementary to eyewitness observations and thus aid in construction of robust event catalogs. However, detecting infrequent rockslide signals within large volumes of continuous seismic waveform data remains challenging and often requires demanding manual intervention. We adapted an automatic classification method using hidden Markov models to detect rockslide signals in seismic data from two stations in central Switzerland. We first processed 21 known rockslides, with event volumes spanning 3 orders of magnitude and station event distances varying by 1 order of magnitude, which resulted in 13 and 19 successfully classified events at the two stations. Retraining the models to incorporate seismic noise from the day of the event improved the respective results to 16 and 19 successful classifications. The missed events generally had low signal‐to‐noise ratio and small to medium volumes. We then processed nearly 14 years of continuous seismic data from the same two stations to detect previously unknown events. After postprocessing, we classified 30 new events as rockslides, of which we could verify three through independent observation. In particular, the largest new event, with estimated volume of 500,000 m3, was not generally known within the Swiss landslide community, highlighting the importance of regional seismic data analysis even in densely populated mountainous regions. Our method can be easily implemented as part of existing earthquake monitoring systems, and with an average event detection rate of about two per month, manual verification would not significantly increase operational workload.
Younger Dryas sea level and meltwater pulse 1B recorded in Barbados reef crest coral Acropora palmata
Authors: Abdul N. A. , Mortlock R. A. , Wright J. D. , Fairbanks R. G.
Published: January 2016

The Younger Dryas climate event occurred during the middle of the last deglacial cycle and is marked by an abrupt shift in the North Atlantic polar front almost to its former glacial position, trending east to west. Using high‐precision and high‐accuracy U‐Th‐dated Barbados reef crest coral, Acropora palmata, we generate a detailed sea level record from 13.9 to 9000 years before present (kyr B.P.) and reconstruct the ice volume response to the Younger Dryas cooling. From the mid‐Allerød (13.9 kyr B.P.) to the end of the Younger Dryas (11.65 kyr B.P.), rates of sea level rise decreased smoothly from 20 mm yr−1 to 4 mm yr−1, culminating in a 400 year “slow stand” before accelerating into meltwater pulse 1B (MWP‐1B). The MWP‐1B event at Barbados is better constrained as beginning by 11.45 kyr B.P. and ending at 11.1 kyr B.P. during which time sea level rose 14 ± 2 m and rates of sea level rise reached 40 mm yr−1. We propose that MWP‐1B is the direct albeit lagged response of the Northern Hemisphere ice sheets to the rapid warming marking the end of the Younger Dryas coinciding with rapid warming in the circum‐North Atlantic region and the polar front shift from its zonal to meridional position 11.65 kyr B.P. As predicted by glaciological models, the ice sheet response to rapid North Atlantic warming was lagged by 400 years due to the thermal inertia of large ice sheets. The regional circum‐North Atlantic Younger Dryas climate event is elevated to a global response through sea level changes, starting with the global slowdown in sea level rise during the Younger Dryas and culminating with MWP‐1B. No meltwater pulses are evident at the initiation of the Younger Dryas climate event as is often speculated.
Addendum to Trimethylbenzene [BAT Value Documentation, 2009]
Authors: Kraus T. , Schaller K.H. , Knecht U. , Csanády G. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the biological tolerance value at the work place (BAT value) for trimethylbenzene, considering dimethylbenzoic acids in urine to characterize the internal exposure.

The BAT value for trimethylbenzene from 2007 was established based on the 95th percentiles. After redefinition of the BAT value as correlate for the mean value from several investigations in one worker, a reevaluation of the BAT value has become necessary.

Inhalation chamber studies by Kostrzewski et al. (1997) and Knecht et al. (2000, 2003) provide mean values for dimethylbenzoic acid (DMBA) excretion. With a trimethylbenzene concentration at the MAK value level of 100 mg/m
3
(20 ml/m
3
), Kostrzewski et al. (1997) found a mean sum concentration of the DMBA metabolites of 450 mg/g creatinine, and Knecht et al. (2000) of 417 mg/g creatinine. With a trimethylbenzene concentration of 90 mg/m
3
(18 ml/m
3
), 269 mg DMBA metabolites/g creatinine were determined (Knecht et al. 2003).

Based on these studies by Kostrzewski et al. (1997) and Knecht et al. (2000, 2003) the sum concentration (mean value) of the DMBA metabolites of 400 mg dimethylbenzoic acids (sum of all isomers after hydrolysis)/g creatinine is established as BAT value.

Samples should be taken at the end of exposure or the end of the shift, and after several shifts for long‐term exposures, because Jones et al. (2006) described cumulative effects after repeated exposure, whereas this phenomenon was not observed by Knecht et al. (2000).
Addendum to Aluminium [BAT Value Documentation, 2009]
Authors: Letzel S. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the biological tolerance value at the work place (BAT value) for aluminium.

In persons with workplace‐related aluminium exposure, central nervous effects and lung effects were observed. The former BAT‐value was evaluated on a linear correlation between external and internal exposure to aluminium at the MAK value of 6 mg/m
3
(measured as fine dust). The lowering of the MAK value to 1.5 mg/m
3
(respirable fraction) and 4 mg/m
3
(inhalable fraction) made re‐evaluation of the BAT value necessary. The present MAK value of 1.5 mg/m
3
serves as a correlate for this reevaluation. Investigations by Mussi et al. (1984), Sjögren et al. (1988) as well as Letzel and Roßbach (2008) indicate that a total dust concentration of 1.5 mg/m
3
corresponds to a urinary aluminium concentration in the range of about 50–66 μg aluminium/g creatinine. Thus, a BAT‐value of 60 µg aluminium/g creatinine was established.

The creatinine‐related urinary excretion is used as biological parameter, because urinary aluminium concentrations related to creatinine show closer correlations to the airborne aluminium exposure than volume‐related urinary aluminium concentrations.

No restrictions apply for the time of sampling taking account of the long biological half‐life after cumulative aluminium exposure.
Benzidine [BAT Value Documentation, 2000]
Authors: Lewalter J. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area evaluated benzidine. Benzidine is a proven human carcinogen inducing papillomas and transitional cell carcinomas.

External exposure can result from inhalation or percutaneous absorption. Internal exposure consists of the biologically relevant concentration of reactive metabolites in the target tissue, especially in the liver and in the efferent urinary tract. The benzidine concentrations in biological body fluids, such as blood, plasma and urine are exposure parameters. Exposures to benzidine can be determined via the excretion of free and conjugated benzidine with the urine. Benzidine adducts in erythrocytes (Hb adducts), plasma (HSA adducts) or leukocytes (DNA adducts) are considered to be parameters for a benzidine effect.

Unlike the Hb adducts in erythrocytes, the biological half‐life of HSA adducts of aromatic amines in the serum is significantly shorter than that of free HSA. Already after three days, the HSA adduct level is generally lower than that of corresponding Hb adducts. This fact allows a differentiation of actual individual exposures to aromatic amines. Within up to three days after exposure to aromatic amines, the value of the ratio Hb adduct:HSA adduct is below 10. Earlier exposures are recognized by ratios above 10.

Due to the nonlinearity between the air concentration and the biological values, exposure equivalents for carcinogenic substances (EKA) could neither be established for benzidine in urine nor for benzidine adducts at present.
Addendum to Creatinine as Reference Parameter for the Concentration of Substances in Urine [BAT Value Documentation, 2011]
Authors: Bader M. , Ochsmann E. , Drexler H. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has supplemented the definition of creatinine as reference parameter for the concentration of substances in urine.

Barr et al. (2005) investigated the creatinine concentration of representative urine samples from the US general population (n = 22 245 persons, aged 6 up to > 70 years old, different ethnic groups). An evaluation focussing on the results for white, non‐hispanic volunteers in the age group 20–60 years, showed that approximately 10% of the creatinine concentrations in urine were outside the WHO reference range of 0.3–3 g/l.

In agreement with the WHO criteria (1996) for biomonitoring in the field of occupational medicine, the Commission basically recommends using only those urine samples which have creatinine concentrations between 0.3–3 g/l for substance analyses and the assessment of individual measurements based on a statistically derived lower and upper reference value (5th or 95th percentile) for the creatinine concentration in urine. In addition, the working group “Setting of Threshold Limit Values in Biological Materials” considers it useful to continue to use the narrower target range of 0.5–2.5 g/l for urine samples, for further improving the reliability of analytical results with and without creatinine adjustment, and the validity of studies on the correlation between external and internal exposure. This aspect should already be considered in the preanalytical phase of a biomonitoring investigation.
3‐Methyl‐5‐isopropylhydantoin as hemoglobin adduct of N,N‐dimethylformamide and methylisocyanate [Biomonitoring Methods, 2015]
Authors: Käfferlein H. U. , Angerer J. , Leng G. , Gries W. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

The analytical method describes the specific determination of 3‐methyl‐5‐isopropylhydantoin (MIH), a hemoglobin adduct of N,N‐dimethylformamide. Following addition of13C5,15N‐3‐methyl‐5‐isopropylhydantoin (13C5,15N‐MIH) as internal standard, isolated globin is subjected to acid hydrolysis for one hour at 110°C. After pH adjustment (pH 3 – 5) the hydrolysate is extracted twice with ethyl acetate. The combined extracts are washed with sodium hydrogen carbonate solution and dried under a stream of nitrogen. The residue is dissolved in ethyl acetate. An aliquot of the solution is analyzed using GC–MS. For calibration purposes, calibration standards are prepared in pooled globin. They are processed in the same way as the samples to be analyzed.
Haemoglobin adducts of ethylene oxide (N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)valine), propylene oxide (N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)valine), acrylonitrile (N‐(2‐cyanoethyl)valine), acrylamide (N‐(2‐carbonamide ethyl)valine) and glycidamide (N‐(2‐hydroxy‐2‐carbonamide ethyl)valine) [Biomonitoring Methods, 2015]
Authors: Schettgen T. , Müller J. , Ferstl C. , Angerer J. , Göen T. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

The method permits the simultaneous quantification of the N‐terminal haemoglobin adducts N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)valine (HEV), N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)valine (HPV), N‐(2‐cyanoethyl)valine (CEV), N‐(2‐carbonamide ethyl)valine (AAV), and N‐(2‐hydroxy‐2‐carbonamide ethyl)valine (GAV) of the carcinogens ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, acrylonitrile, acrylamide, as well as of glycidamide the metabolite of acrylamide in blood.

The adducts which are covalently bound to the N‐terminal valine of the globin chain are cleaved off from the globin chain by a modified Edman degradation. The resulting pentafluorophenyl thiohydantoine derivatives of the valine adducts are extracted with diethyl ether, purified and then subjected to tandem mass spectrometric detection. To protect the vicinal hydroxyl group of the glycidamide adduct, the modified Edman degradation is followed by a second derivatization using sulphuric acetone. For calibration, standards are prepared in non‐smoker pooled globin, adding solutions of dipeptide standards simulating the adduct‐bearing latter two N‐terminal amino acids of the haemoglobin chain. They are processed in the same way as the samples to be analyzed. As internal standards, solutions of isolated globin, which has prior been transformed with the deuterated compounds d3‐acrylo‐nitrile, d3‐acrylamide or d3‐propylene oxide, are used. As internal standard for glycidamide, the d8‐labeled, acetonized pentafluorophenyl thiohydantoine of the glycidamide valine adduct is used.
Triethanolamin [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2016]
Authors: Laube B. , Bartsch R. , Leibold E. , Schriever‐Schwemmer G. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

MAK Value Documentation for Triethanolamine

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value) of triethanolamine, considering the endpoints respiratory tract irritation and developmental toxicity.

The critical effect of triethanolamine is respiratory tract irritation (focal larynx inflammation). The previous MAK value of 5 mg/m
3
for the inhalable fraction is based on 5‐day and 28‐day aerosol studies in rats with a LOAEC of 20 mg/m
3
. A benchmark calculation gives a BMDL05 of 14,1 mg/m
3
. Since 2014, the Commission uses an empirical approach to set MAK values for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes. Based on this approach, a concentration of 4,7 mg/m
3
for the work place air can be calculated from this BMDL05. Therefore the MAK value of 5 mg/m
3
is retained.

As local effects are critical, Peak Limitation Category I is retained. At an excursion factor of 2, the allowable maximum concentration is still below the BMDL05.

NOAEL for fetotoxicity are 300 mg/kg bw and day in rats and 1125 mg/kg bw and day in mice. Teratogenicity was not tested. Nevertheless, because the calculated margins between NOAEL and MAK value are very high, and alkylamines lack teratogenicity, damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed. Therefore, triethanolamine is assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C.
Calcium hydroxide [MAK Value Documentations, 2013]
Authors: Bartsch R. , Michaelsen S. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has derived a maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value) for calcium hydroxide, considering all toxicity endpoints. Available publications are described in detail. The critical effect of calcium hydroxide is irritation of eyes and upper airways. From studies in volunteers with calcium oxide, which is hydrolysed in aqueous media to calcium hydroxide, a MAK value of 1 mg/m
3
for the inhalable fraction is derived. Since local effects are critical, calcium hydroxide is assigned to Peak Limitation Category I and as there were no irritation effects after 20 minutes exposure to 2 mg/m
3
, an excursion factor of 2 is set. Studies with the read‐across calcium oxide show that damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value for calcium hydroxide is observed, and the substance is assigned to Pregnancy Risk Group C. Calcium hydroxide is neither genotoxic nor carcinogenic. Skin contact is not expected to contribute significantly to systemic toxicity or to lead to sensitization.
Glycerin [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2016]
Authors: Laube B. , Bartsch R. , Schriever‐Schwemmer G. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

MAK Value Documentation for Glycerol

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value) of glycerol, considering the endpoints irritation of the respiratory tract and developmental toxicity.

Since 2014, the Commission uses an empirical approach to set MAK values for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes. However, examination of the study results showed that this approach does not apply for glycerol, because glycerol is not an eye irritant and the minimal to slight metaplasia of the squamous epithelium of the larynx seen in rats at 662 mg/m
3
with glycerol aerosol is not interpreted as adverse. The response does not increase with the exposure duration. Therefore, the MAK value is raised to 200 mg glycerol/m
3
for the inhalable fraction.

Peak Limitation Category I for local effects with an excursion factor of 2 is retained, as the effect is hardly concentration‐dependent, a sensory irritation is not known, and glycerol is, if at all, only slightly irritating to the eye.

After scaling the oral NOAELs for developmental toxicity of 1310, 1280 and 1180 mg/kg bw and day for rats, mice, and rabbits, respectively, to a concentration at the work place (2293, 1280, and 3442 mg/m
3
), the differences to the MAK value are considered so large, that damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely when the MAK value is observed. The classification in Pregnancy Risk Group C is therefore retained.
Trimethylamin [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2016]
Authors: Kreis P. , Michaelsen S. , Bartsch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

MAK Value Documentation for Trimethylamine

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value) of trimethylamine of 2 ml/m
3
, considering the endpoints local and systemic toxicity as well as developmental toxicity. Available publications are described in detail. Daily exposure of rats to trimethylamine for 14 days resulted in inflammation of the respiratory epithelium at 74 ml/m
3
, the lowest concentration tested. Since 2014, the Commission uses an empirical approach to set MAK values for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes. According to this approach, the MAK value would have to be lowered to 1 ml/m
3
. However, several data show, that the previous MAK value can be retained. Workers reported no irritation at 5 ml trimethylamine/m
3
. In addition cyclohexylamine and dimethylamine with a MAK value of 2 ml/m
3
are used as a read‐across due to similar alkalinity and RD
50
values, and in a recent volunteer study a NOAEC of 2 ml cyclohexylamine/m
3
is found. The MAK value will also protect from possible blue hazy vision which is caused by other tertiary amines since trimethylamine is assumed to be less effective than N,N‐dimethylethylamine with a MAK value of 2 ml/m
3
. The assignment is to Peak Limitation Category I, because local effects are critical, and the excursion factor of 2 is confirmed. Developmental toxicity studies with trimethylamine show that damage to the embryo or foetus is unlikely if the MAK value is observed, and the assignment to Pregnancy Risk Group C is retained.
Methylacetat [MAK Value Documentation in German language, 2016]
Authors: Michaelsen S. , Kreis P. , Bartsch R. , Hartwig A. ,   MAK Commission
Published: January 2016

MAK Value Documentation for Methyl acetate

The German Commission for the Investigation of Health Hazards of Chemical Compounds in the Work Area has re‐evaluated the maximum concentration at the work place (MAK value) of methyl acetate of 100 ml/m
3
considering the critical endpoint respiratory tract irritation. A 28‐day study with rats shows a NOAEC for degeneration and necrosis of the olfactory epithelium of 350 ml/m
3
. A chronic NAEC of 125 to 167 ml/m
3
can be extrapolated. Since 2014, the Commission uses an empirical approach to set MAK values for substances with critical effects on the upper respiratory tract or the eyes. According to this approach, the NAEC would correspond to a concentration of 63 to 84 ml/m
3
for work place air. However, acetic acid resulting from the local enzymatic cleavage of methyl acetate by carboxylesterases is responsible for the effects to the olfactory epithelium, and not the substance itself. Thus, the activity of rat and human carboxylesterases is decisive in the respiratory tract irritation of methyl acetate. Based on a comparative analysis on vinyl acetate, in which rat olfactory enzyme activity was shown to be almost equivalent to that in humans, the same is assumed for methyl acetate and the interspecies extrapolation step is deemed unnecessary. The MAK value is retained at 100 ml/m
3
. As local effects are critical, the assignment to Peak Limitation Category I and the excursion factor of 4 are also retained.
Medication Persistence of Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs and Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor Agents in a Cohort of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in Brazil
Authors: Acurcio Francisco A. , Machado Marina A. A. , Moura Cristiano S. , Ferre Felipe , Guerra Augusto A. , Andrade Eli I. G. , Cherchiglia Mariangela L. , Rahme Elham
Published: January 2016

Objective

To assess the use and persistence of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) versus disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapies in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Brazil.

Methods

This was a new‐user cohort study of RA patients from 2003 to 2010, using administrative data. Individuals were classified as being persistent using a drug at the first year and the first 2 years after cohort entry, if they did not discontinue that drug during that period. Cox regression was used to identify potential determinants of discontinuation of therapy in each medication group.

Results

Among 76,351 patients, 14,313 were using anti‐TNF (+/− DMARD) therapy. At the end of the first year of followup, 48.2% continued using anti‐TNF (+/− DMARD) therapy compared to 42.6% who persisted with DMARDs only. At the end of the second year, 23.1% of anti‐TNF (+/− DMARD) users and 19.3% of DMARD‐only users continued with therapy. Infliximab users had the lowest persistence rates. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that among anti‐TNF (+/− DMARD) users, higher discontinuation rates were observed in female patients, in patients with lower income (only at the first 2 years of followup), in nonresidents of the region with the highest Human Development Index (HDI) rates, in those with a higher comorbidity score, and in those enrolled in the 2003–2006 period. Among DMARD‐only users, younger patients, patients with lower income, nonresidents in regions with high HDI, those with a higher comorbidity score, and those enrolled in the 2003–2006 period were also more likely to discontinue therapy.

Conclusion

Brazilian patients with RA showed low rates of medication persistence for DMARDs and anti‐TNF agents, particularly at the first 2 years of followup. Future work could determine what other factors might contribute to drug persistence in RA.
Low‐Overpotential Li–O2 Batteries Based on TFSI Intercalated Co–Ti Layered Double Oxides
Authors: Xu Shu‐Mao , Zhu Qian‐Cheng , Long Jie , Wang Hong‐Hui , Xie Xing‐Fei , Wang Kai‐Xue , Chen Jie‐Sheng
Published: January 2016

Lithium–oxygen batteries with an exceptionally high theoretical energy density have triggered worldwide interest in energy storage system. The research focus of lithium–oxygen batteries lies in the development of catalytic materials with excellent cycling stability and high bifunctional catalytic activity in oxygen reduction and oxygen evolution reactions. Here, a hierarchically porous flower‐like cobalt–titanium layered double oxide on nickel foam with intercalated anions of bistrifluoromethane sulfonamide (TFSI) is designed and prepared. When used as a binder‐free cathode for lithium–oxygen batteries, this material exhibits low polarization (initial polarization of 0.45 V) and superior cycling stability (80 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1 at full discharge/charge). The high electrochemical performance of the cathode material is attributed to the good dispersion of binary elements in its host layer and good compatibility with lithium bistrifluoromethane sulfonamide electrolyte induced by intercalated guest anions of TFSI within its interlayer. This work provides a novel strategy for the fabrication of binder‐free cathodes based on layered double oxides for high‐performance lithium–oxygen batteries.
A Large‐Area, Flexible, and Flame‐Retardant Graphene Paper
Authors: Dong Liye , Hu Chuangang , Song Long , Huang Xianke , Chen Nan , Qu Liangti
Published: January 2016

Similar to the paper‐making process, the efficient flame retardant graphene paper is conveniently obtained by using graphene oxide (GO) and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) aqueous pulp. The “paper pulp” can also conceivably be used as ink to make other hydrophilic films become flame retardant paper. Further, the as‐prepared reduced GO‐HCCP paper (RGO‐HCCP paper), compared with GO‐HCCP paper, can maintain its intact structure for a longer time in an ethanol flame. As a consequence of these preparation methods, the bearing temperature of the as‐prepared graphene papers shows a significant increase.
Interfacially Engineered Sandwich‐Like rGO/Carbon Microspheres/rGO Composite as an Efficient and Durable Microwave Absorber
Authors: Wang Ying , Du Yunchen , Qiang Rong , Tian Chunhua , Xu Ping , Han Xijiang
Published: January 2016

Graphene‐based composites offer immense potential for overcoming the challenges related to the performance, functionality, and durability in microwave absorption. In this study, a sandwich‐like graphene‐based composite is successfully fabricated by an interfacial engineering of amorphous carbon microspheres (ACMs) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), with a structure of rGO/ACMs/rGO. The as‐prepared rGO/ACMs/rGO composite presents comparable/superior reflection loss characteristics in the frequency range of 2.0–18.0 GHz to previous composites of graphene and high‐density magnetic particles. Electromagnetic parameters and simulation results reveal that well‐matched characteristic impedance and proper dielectric loss, as well as multiple reflections and interfacial polarizations derived from the unique microstructure should account for the enhanced microwave absorption of rGO/ACMs/rGO. More importantly, rGO/ACMs/rGO exhibits durable performance after being treated at high temperature for a long time. This work provides a new idea for exploring high‐performance and durable microwave absorbers of graphene‐based materials.
Influence of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes on Biodegradable Poly(lactic acid) Nanocomposites for Electroactive Shape Memory Actuator
Authors: Mohan Raja , Subha J. , Alam Javed
Published: January 2016

Poly(lactic acid)/epoxidized soybean oil/carbon nanotubes (PLA/ESO/CNTs) nanocomposites were prepared by the solution blending process, and the influence of ESO on the properties of the composites was studied. Differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction revealed that the addition of CNTs improved the crystallinity of the nanocomposites. The modulus increased with the addition of CNTs content in the composites. Morphological characterizations were done by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Electrical conductivity of PLA/ESO/CNT composites increased with the addition of CNTs. This study revealed that the addition of ESO facilitated the dispersion of the CNTs in the PLA matrix.
Subsystem decomposition and configuration for distributed state estimation
Authors: Yin Xunyuan , Arulmaran Kevin , Liu Jinfeng , Zeng Jing
Published: January 2016

Distributed state estimation plays a very important role in process control. Improper subsystem decomposition for distributed state estimation may increase the computational burdens, degrade the estimation performance, or even deteriorate the observability of the entire system. The subsystem decomposition problem for distributed state estimation of nonlinear systems is investigated. A systematic procedure for subsystem decomposition for distributed state estimation is proposed. Key steps in the procedure include observability test of the entire system, observable states identification for each output measurement, relative degree analysis and sensitivity analysis between measured outputs and states. Considerations with respect to time‐scale multiplicity and direct graph are discussed. A few examples are used to illustrate the applicability of the methods used in different steps. The effectiveness of the entire distributed state estimation configuration procedure is also demonstrated via an application to a chemical process example used in coal handling and preparation plants. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 1995–2003, 2016
Characterization of the liquid film flow in a centrifugal separator
Authors: Ninahuanca H. E. M. , Stel H. , Morales R. E. M. , Ofuchi C. , da Silva M. J. , Neves F.
Published: January 2016

This work presents the characterization of the flow in a centrifugal separator. The study is focused on the behavior of the liquid phase in this kind of equipment, so that only single‐phase liquid flow at the inlet of the separator is considered. The parameters investigated are the film thickness, the flow velocity components, the flow streamlines angles and the liquid level height above the inlet. These quantities were assessed for different flow rates using numerical simulations and experimental measurements. Results show that an increase on the inlet flow rate causes an increase on the liquid film thickness and the liquid level height. Also, the centrifugal movement is intensified when the flow rate increases. The numerical results proved to describe the overall flow behavior satisfactorily when compared to the experiments. From the outcomes of this study, information can be extracted to understand the separation process in this type of separator. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2213–2226, 2016
Integrated approach to health screening of former department of energy workers detects both occupational and non‐occupational illness
Authors: Stange Bill , McInerney John , Golden Ashley , Benade Wendy , Neill Barbara , Mayer Annyce , Witter Roxana , Tenney Liliana , Stinson Kaylan , Cragle Donna , Newman Lee S.
Published: January 2016

Background

The National Supplemental Screening Program (NSSP) uses a Total Worker HealthTM approach to address U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) former worker health. This article provides the design of the integrated occupational health screening and promotion program.

Methods

The NSSP implemented a web‐based relational health records system to process demographic, exposure, and clinical data. We present medical findings for 12,000 DOE former workers that completed an initial NSSP medical screening between October 1, 2005 and October 4, 2013. We discuss the DOE former worker participant population and the exposure‐based and non‐occupational medical screening tests used.

Results

The NSSP identified potential occupationally related health conditions in 40.5% of those screened. Notably, we identified 85.8% of participants with addressable non‐occupational health conditions, many of which were previously undiagnosed.

Conclusion

The NSSP demonstrates that the identification of potential occupational health issues in conjunction with addressable non‐occupational health conditions provides former workers with information to more effectively manage health. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:200–211, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Triticale allergy in a farmer
Authors: Merget Rolf , Sander Ingrid , van Kampen Vera , Raulf Monika , Brüning Thomas
Published: January 2016

We present the case of a 29‐year‐old farmer with hay fever and atopic dermatitis since adolescence who had developed work‐related asthma about 5 years earlier. He was sensitized to grass pollen, wheat and rye flour, dust from the floors of the animal facilities (cows and pigs) and grain barn, and a battery of animal feed from his farm. Work‐relatedness of his asthma was demonstrated by serial measurements of spirometry and fractional exhaled nitric oxide at work and during a holiday. Immunoblot analyses revealed dominant IgE‐binding to grass pollen and triticale (a hybrid of rye and wheat). IgE inhibition experiments demonstrated that sensitization to triticale was not due to cross‐reactivity to grass pollen. Testing of specific IgE‐antibodies to recombinant wheat allergens showed sensitizations to profilin, peroxidase, and nonspecific lipid transfer proteins type I subfamily 9.1 and 9.7. We conclude that triticale allergy may occur as a distinct allergy in farmers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 59:501–505, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Botulinum toxin type A for neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury
Authors: Han Zee‐A , Song Dae Heon , Oh Hyun‐Mi , Chung Myung Eun
Published: January 2016

Objective

To evaluate the analgesic effect of botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) on patients with spinal cord injury‐associated neuropathic pain.

Methods

The effect of BTX‐A on 40 patients with spinal cord injury‐associated neuropathic pain was investigated using a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design. A 1‐time subcutaneous BTX‐A (200U) injection was administered to the painful area. Visual analogue scale (VAS) scores (0–100mm), the Korean version of the short‐form McGill Pain Questionnaire, and the World Health Organization WHOQOL‐BREF quality of life assessment were evaluated prior to treatment and at 4 and 8 weeks after the injection.

Results

At 4 and 8 weeks after injection, the VAS score for pain was significantly reduced by 18.6 ± 16.8 and 21.3 ± 26.8, respectively, in the BTX‐A group, whereas it was reduced by 2.6 ± 14.6 and 0.3 ± 19.5, respectively, in the placebo group. The pain relief was associated with preservation of motor or sensory function below the neurological level of injury. Among the responders in the BTX‐A group, 55% and 45% reported pain relief of 20% or greater at 4 and 8 weeks, respectively, after the injection, whereas only 15% and 10% of the responders in the placebo group reported a similar level of pain relief. Improvements in the score for the physical health domain of the WHOQOL‐BREF in the BTX‐A group showed a marginal trend toward significance (p = 0.0521) at 4 weeks after the injection.

Interpretation

These results indicate that BTX‐A may reduce intractable chronic neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury. Ann Neurol 2016;79:569–578