bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discrete structures in continuum descriptions of defective crystals
Authors: Parry G. P.
Published: March 2016

I discuss various mathematical constructions that combine together to provide a natural setting for discrete and continuum geometric models of defective crystals. In particular, I provide a quite general list of ‘plastic strain variables’, which quantifies inelastic behaviour, and exhibit rigorous connections between discrete and continuous mathematical structures associated with crystalline materials that have a correspondingly general constitutive specification.
Notions of similarity for computational biology models
Authors: Henkel Ron , Hoehndorf Robert , Kacprowski Tim , Knüpfer Christian , Liebermeister Wolfram , Waltemath Dagmar
Published: March 2016

Computational models used in biology are rapidly increasing in complexity, size, and numbers. To build such large models, researchers need to rely on software tools for model retrieval, model combination, and version control. These tools need to be able to quantify the differences and similarities between computational models. However, depending on the specific application, the notion of “similarity” may greatly vary. A general notion of model similarity, applicable to various types of models, is still missing. Here, we introduce a general notion of quantitative model similarities, survey the use of existing model comparison methods in model building and management, and discuss potential applications of model comparison. To frame model comparison as a general problem, we describe a theoretical approach to defining and computing similarities based on different model aspects. Potentially relevant aspects of a model comprise its references to biological entities, network structure, mathematical equations and parameters, and dynamic behaviour. Future similarity measures could combine these model aspects in flexible, problem-specific ways in order to mimic users’ intuition about model similarity, and to support complex model searches in databases.
CHITOSAN FROMPortunus PelagicusIN THE SYNTHESIS OF REDUCED GOLD NANOPARTICLE AS POTENTIAL CARRIER FOR THE DELIVERY OF ERYTHROPOIETIN
Authors: Duque Maria Angelica M. , Tiozon Rhowell N. , Nueva España Rebecca C.
Published: March 2016

Nanotechnology and its promises for clinical translation to targeted drug delivery with limited accompanying toxicity provide exciting research opportunities that demands multidisciplinary approaches. The colloidal metallic systems have been recently investigated in the area of nanomedicine. Gold nanoparticles have found themselves useful for diagnostics and drug delivery applications. In this study, we have reported a novel method for the synthesis of gold nanoparticles using natural, biocompatible and biodegradable chitosan which came from deacetylating chitin from Portunus Pelagicus. It serves many purposes, as a reducing agent, stabilizer and absorption and penetration enhancer.

Erythropoietin would have high loading efficiency with chitosan reduced gold nanoparticles; the binding is predominantly through hydrogen bonding. Chitosan reduced gold nanoparticles improve the pharmacodynamics and cellular uptake of Erythropoietin across mucosal sites and have immunoadjuvant properties.

There is almost 50 % shell waste in crustacean industry. It is resourceful if it would be bioconverted. The process of bioconversion is deproteination, demineralization and deacetylation to obtain chitosan. In synthesizing gold nanoparticles, 1.48 × 10−2M chloroauric acid will be reduced by heating for 15 minutes in 100mL chitosan solution prepared in 1% acetic acid to yield a ruby-red solution. Erythropoietin would be loaded into it and will undergo 13,000rpm of centrifuge followed by calculating the loading efficiency.
Whole Genome Analysis of 132Clinical Saccharomyces cerevisiaeStrains Reveals Extensive Ploidy Variation
Authors: Zhu Yuan O. , Sherlock Gavin , Petrov Dmitri A.
Published: March 2016

Budding yeast has undergone several independent transitions from commercial to clinical lifestyles. The frequency of such transitions suggests that clinical yeast strains are derived from environmentally available yeast populations, including commercial sources. However, despite their important role in adaptive evolution, the prevalence of polyploidy and aneuploidy has not extensively analyzed in clinical strains. In this study, we have looked for patterns governing the transition to clinical invasion in the largest screen of clinical yeast isolates to date. In particular, we have focused on the hypothesis that ploidy changes have influenced adaptive processes. We sequenced 145 yeast strains, 132 of which are clinical isolates. We found pervasive large-scale genomic variation in both overall ploidy (34% of strains identified as 3n/4n) and individual chromosomal copy numbers (36% of strains identified as aneuploid). We also found evidence for the highly dynamic nature of yeasts genomes, with 35 strains showing partial chromosomal copy number changes and 8 strains showing multiple independent chromosomal events. Intriguingly, a lineage identified to be baker/commercial derived with a unique damaging mutation inNDC80was particularly prone to polyploidy, with 83% of its members being triploid or tetraploid. Polyploidy was in turn associated with a >2x increase in aneuploidy rates as compared to other lineages. This dataset provides a rich source of information of the genomics of clinical yeast strains and highlights the potential importance of large-scale genomic copy variation in yeast adaptation.
A setup for synchrotron-radiation-induced total reflection X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption near-edge structure recently commissioned at BESSY II BAMline
Authors: Fittschen U. , Guilherme A. , Böttger S. , Rosenberg D. , Menzel M. , Jansen W. , Busker M. , Gotlib Z. P. , Radtke M. , Riesemeier H. , Wobrauschek P. , Streli C.
Published: March 2016

An automatic sample changer chamber for total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) analysis in TXRF geometry was successfully set up at the BAMline at BESSY II. TXRF and TXRF-XANES are valuable tools for elemental determination and speciation, especially where sample amounts are limited (<1 mg) and concentrations are low (ng ml−1to µg ml−1). TXRF requires a well defined geometry regarding the reflecting surface of a sample carrier and the synchrotron beam. The newly installed chamber allows for reliable sample positioning, remote sample changing and evacuation of the fluorescence beam path. The chamber was successfully used showing accurate determination of elemental amounts in the certified reference material NIST water 1640. Low limits of detection of less than 100 fg absolute (10 pg ml−1) for Ni were found. TXRF-XANES on different Re species was applied. An unknown species of Re was found to be Re in the +7 oxidation state.
Supramolecular hydrogen-bonding patterns in the organic–inorganic hybrid compound bis(4-amino-5-chloro-2,6-dimethylpyrimidinium) tetrathiocyanatozinc(II)–4-amino-5-chloro-2,6-dimethylpyrimidine–water (1/2/2)
Authors: Karthikeyan Ammasai , Zeller Matthias , Thomas Muthiah Packianathan
Published: March 2016

Zinc thiocyanate complexes have been found to be biologically active compounds. Zinc is also an essential element for the normal function of most organisms and is the main constituent in a number of metalloenzyme proteins. Pyrimidine and aminopyrimidine derivatives are biologically very important as they are components of nucleic acids. Thiocyanate ions can bridge metal ions by employing both their N and S atoms for coordination. They can play an important role in assembling different coordination structures and yield an interesting variety of one-, two- and three-dimensional polymeric metal–thiocyanate supramolecular frameworks. The structure of a new zinc thiocyanate–aminopyrimidine organic–inorganic compound, (C6H9ClN3)2[Zn(NCS)4]·2C6H8ClN3·2H2O, is reported. The asymmetric unit consist of half a tetrathiocyanatozinc(II) dianion, an uncoordinated 4-amino-5-chloro-2,6-dimethylpyrimidinium cation, a 4-amino-5-chloro-2,6-dimethylpyrimidine molecule and a water molecule. The ZnIIatom adopts a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry and is coordinated by four N atoms from the thiocyanate anions. The ZnIIatom is located on a special position (twofold axis of symmetry). The pyrimidinium cation and the pyrimidine molecule are not coordinated to the ZnIIatom, but are hydrogen bonded to the uncoordinated water molecules and the metal-coordinated thiocyanate ligands. The pyrimidine molecules and pyrimidinium cations also form base-pair-like structures with anR22(8) ring motifviaN—H...N hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is further stabilized by intermolecular N—H...O, O—H...S, N—H...S and O—H...N hydrogen bonds, by intramolecular N—H...Cl and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, and also by π–π stacking interactions.
π–π stacking motifs in dialkylbis{5-[(E)-2-aryldiazen-1-yl]-2-hydroxybenzoato}tin(IV) complexes
Authors: Linden Anthony , Basu Baul Tushar S.
Published: March 2016

The diorganotin(IV) complexes of 5-[(E)-2-aryldiazen-1-yl]-2-hydroxybenzoic acid are of interest because of their structural diversity in the crystalline state and their interesting biological activity. The structures of dimethylbis{2-hydroxy-5-[(E)-2-(4-methylphenyl)diazen-1-yl]benzoato}tin(IV), [Sn(CH3)2(C14H11N2O3)2], and di-n-butylbis{2-hydroxy-5-[(E)-2-(4-methylphenyl)diazen-1-yl]benzoato}tin(IV) benzene hemisolvate, [Sn(C4H9)2(C14H11N2O3)2]·0.5C6H6, exhibit the usual skew-trapezoidal bipyramidal coordination geometry observed for related complexes of this class. Each structure has two independent molecules of the SnIVcomplex in the asymmetric unit. In the dimethyltin structure, intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds and a very weak Sn...O interaction link the independent molecules into dimers. The planar carboxylate ligands lend themselves to π–π stacking interactions and the diversity of supramolecular structural motifs formed by these interactions has been examined in detail for these two structures and four closely related analogues. While there are some recurring basic motifs amongst the observed stacking arrangements, such as dimers and step-like chains, variations through longitudinal slipping and inversion of the direction of the overlay add complexity. The π–π stacking motifs in the two title complexes are combinations of some of those observed in the other structures and are the most complex of the structures examined.
The personalization-privacy paradox: implications for new media
Authors: Aguirre Elizabeth , Roggeveen Anne L. , Grewal Dhruv , Wetzels Martin
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to investigate personalized communications through digital media, which include display, search, social and mobile communications.

Design/methodology/approach

– Drawing on the literature pertaining to different digital mediums, the authors explore how different factors influence consumers’ responses to personalized communications. The current study integrates and reviews prior literature related to personalization, seeking a richer understanding of when personalized communications improve or hinder customer–firm interactions.

Findings

– Personalization can both enhance and diminish consumer engagement with the firm: it may heighten privacy concerns because consumers worry about how their data are collected and used, and it can also benefit them in meaningful ways. Thus, firms must use the information that they collect in a strategic manner to balance this personalization-privacy paradox. This paper finds that the benefits of personalization may vary as a function of the medium through which the communication is conveyed. It suggests directions for research in each of these media and strategies firms can implement to mitigate privacy concerns.

Originality/value

– This investigation of emerging themes related to search, display, social and mobile communications provides a more comprehensive overview of current research, as well as a foundation for further research into personalization.
Integration of institutional repositories and e-learning platforms for supporting disabled students in the higher education context
Authors: Skourlas Christos , Tsolakidis Anastasios , Belsis Petros , Vassis Dimitris , Kampouraki Argyrw , Kakoulidis Panos , Giannakopoulos Georgios A.
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– Institutional repositories (IR) are usually used to archive and manage digital collections including research results, educational material, etc. Learning management systems (LMS) form a popular basis for e-learning and blended learning. This paper aims to study how to integrate IR and LMS to support accessibility of disabled students and students with learning difficulties (dyslexic students) in higher education. Customised ontologies focusing on disabled students can be used to facilitate indexing, and access of items in the repository.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors propose a simple methodological approach to establish an integrating system for supporting accessibility. First, the authors review research works related to adaptive learning environments (ALEs) and blended learning, and discuss issues of the interoperability of IR and LMS. Then, based on the review, the authors discuss the use of an integrated ALE for supporting disabled students in the domain of higher technological education. The integrated system is based on IR, LMS and assistive and adaptive technology. The open source software platform DSpace is used to build up the repository applications Use of the web ontology language (OWL) ontologies is also proposed for indexing and accessing the various, heterogeneous items stored in the repository. Various open source LMS (e.g. openeclass) could be used to build up the integrated system. Finally, the authors describe experimentation with a prototype implemented to provide the mentioned capabilities.

Findings

– The technology is mature enough for building up integrated systems, combining capabilities of IR and LMS, for supporting disabled students. The use of ontologies focused on disabled students could facilitate the use of such integrated systems. Customisation and operation of a platform, for the selection and use of portions of OWL ontologies, could be based on the open source software Protégé. Such a platform forms a basis to create an appropriate ontology suitable for specific domains, e.g. the domain of technological education. Finally, the authors argue that the combined use of the OWL platform and the DSpace repository with open source LMS platforms could support domain experts for creating customised ontologies and facilitating searching.

Originality/value

– A new perception of the term integrated system for supporting disabled students in the higher education context is presented. This perception tries to combine the IR technology that supports the self-archiving approach of information, open LMS technology and the user-centred approach to support students and manage the “life of information”.
Dietary habit and other lifestyles and serum lipid profile of type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Chikwere Prince , Annan Reginald Adjetey
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to review evidence spanning the relation of dietary habits and other lifestyles to the lipid profile of type 2 diabetes patients.

Design/methodology/approach

– Search was done in PubMed, Biomed, Cochrane and Nutrition and Metabolism databases from 20 to 29 June 2013 for studies published on dietary intakes and lifestyle effect on lipid profile of type 2 diabetes patients.

Findings

– A total of 54 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. These included observational, randomized control trials, prospective, cross-sectional and retrospective studies. Studies obtained covered macronutrients, micronutrients, dietary pattern, specific foods and lifestyle (alcohol intake, smoking, physical activity level and fasting).

Research limitations/implications

– The review did not consider unpublished articles/findings, and only studies in the English language and on humans were considered.

Practical implications

– The results of the review evidenced limited data on the lifestyle pattern of type 2 diabetes patients.

Social implications

– Dietary habits and other lifestyle patterns for a good lipid profile among type 2 diabetes patients have not been established.

Originality/value

– The review demonstrates the need for studies in dietary pattern and other lifestyle patterns in relation to lipid profile of type 2 diabetes patients.
Extracts of red peppers: antioxidant activity and sensory evaluation
Authors: Jorge Neuza , Veronezi Carolina Médici , Pereira Danusa Cassiano
Published: March 2016

Purpose

– This study aims to deal with the evaluation of the antioxidant capacity of lyophilized hydroalcoholic extracts of red peppers in natura. Furthermore, preference was evaluated for the taste and color of soybean oil added red pepper extracts.

Design/methodology/approach

– The antioxidant capacity was determined by four methods. The content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and ascorbic acid in the extracts was determined by chromatographic, spectrophotometric and titration methods, respectively.

Findings

– The results showed that the highest antioxidant capacity was found in Malagueta pepper extract through reducing power (FRAP) method. In this same extract, high amount of phenolic compounds was found. However, the extracts of Bode and Dedo-de-moça peppers had higher amounts of carotenoids and ascorbic acid, respectively. Sensorially, the oil added extracts were preferred.

Practical implications

– Red peppers are very popular and consumed worldwide, besides being constituted of important phytochemicals. Results showed high antioxidant activity in the extracts of peppers, and high content of phenolic compounds, carotenoids and ascorbic acid mainly in chili. This study highlights the importance of the extracts of red peppers, genus Capsicum, as a source of antioxidants, in addition to vegetable oils.

Originality/value

– It is important to check the acceptance of the application of extract in vegetable oil, so it can be marketed as a natural antioxidant. This study provides valuable information about the antioxidant capacity of extracts of red peppers and its acceptance.
Formate‐derived H2, a driver of hydrogenotrophic processes in the root‐zone of a methane‐emitting fen
Authors: Hunger Sindy , Schmidt Oliver , Gößner Anita S. , Drake Harold L.
Published: March 2016

Wetlands are important sources of globally emitted methane. Plants mediate much of that emission by releasing root‐derived organic carbon, including formate, a direct precursor of methane. Thus, the objective of this study was to resolve formate‐driven processes potentially linked to methanogenesis in the fen root‐zone. Although, formate was anticipated to directly trigger methanogenesis, the rapid anaerobic consumption of formate by Carex roots unexpectedly yielded H2 and CO2 via enzymes such as formate‐H2‐lyase (FHL), and likewise appeared to enhance the utilization of organic carbon. Collectively, 57 [FeFe]‐ and [NiFe]‐hydrogenase‐containing family level phylotypes potentially linked to FHL activity were detected. Under anoxic conditions, root‐derived fermentative Citrobacter and Hafnia isolates produced H2 from formate via FHL. Formate‐derived H2 fueled methanogenesis and acetogenesis, and methanogenic (Methanoregula, Methanobacterium, Methanocella) and acetogenic (Acetonema, Clostridum, Sporomusa) genera potentially linked to these hydrogenotrophic activities were identified. The findings (i) provide novel insights on highly diverse root‐associated FHL‐containing taxa that can augment secondary hydrogenotrophic processes via the production of formate‐derived H2, (ii) demonstrate that formate can have a ‘priming’ effect on the utilization of organic carbon, and (iii) raise questions regarding the fate of formate‐derived H2 when it diffuses away from the root‐zone.
Gendering Dark Age Jesus
Authors: Coon Lynda
Published: March 2016

Jesus's body was visualised in strikingly gendered ways in the Carolingian world. The Jesus of the Carolingian Empire could move deftly between gendered styles, from feminised victim to hyper‐masculinised victor; at the same time, he could delicately dance between these two modes of gendered existence and do so within the space of one manuscript page. Three manuscripts produced in the ninth century contain bold images of a fleshly Jesus: the Stuttgart Psalter (c.820s), the Sacramentary of Gellone (c.800) and the acrostic poem produced at the abbey of Fulda, In Honour of the Holy Cross (c.810/830s). These codices are associated with a period of cultural flourishing known as the Carolingian renovatio, or the renewal of classical and patristic culture within the reforming agenda of the Frankish church. Each manuscript presents a Dark Age Jesus within distinct, interpretative backdrops – tortured, fecund and imperial – a divergence in style underscoring how the evangelical portrait of Jesus's body and its fluctuating gender were staged in the pastoral North for different audiences. The Carolingians did impart a series of images that defy the stereotypes of early medieval Christianity, including the idea that intimacy with a human saviour is the spiritual legacy of subsequent eras.
The Problem that Had a Name: French High‐Rise Developments and the Fantasy of a Suburban Homemaker Pathology, 1954–73
Authors: Mulvey Michael
Published: March 2016

Within Western Europe, France had the largest and longest postwar commitment to private social‐market housing inside dense residential suburbs called grands ensembles d'habitation (GEs). Social‐Catholic activists and planners viewed the GEs as facilitating women's maternal mission within egalitarian communities, but others across the political spectrum saw them as pathological spaces, especially for women who supposedly contracted a psychological disease dubbed ‘sarcellite’, after France's flagship GE of Sarcelles. This article analyses how a phantasmatic gendered discourse of housing disaster, first circulated by the media, strategically influenced gendered actors’ residential desires and legitimised policy shifts toward single‐family housing. The discourse of sarcellite reveals how housing realities and imaginaries shaped gendered claims to housing as an evolving aspect of social citizenship. The article considers both suburban women's demands for subsidised childcare and other services and the nuances and contradictions of the evolving discourse of sarcellite.
‘We should dress us fairly for our end’: The Significance of the Clothing Worn at Elite Executions in England in the Long Sixteenth Century
Authors: HAYWARD MARIA
Published: March 2016

This article considers the clothing choices made by some of the Tudor (and Stewart) elite who met their end on the scaffold. While the final speeches of the condemned have been analysed, what they chose to wear has been neglected – yet contemporary observers often recorded their choices in detail indicating that it was significant to both the prisoner and their audience. By exploring the clothes worn for trials and executions, and the significance of undressing in public, this article argues that most elite prisoners used clothing to make a final statement, the nature of which could range from defiance to a wish to make a dignified end.
Bion and C.G. Jung. How did the container‐contained model find its thinker? The fate of a cryptomnesia
Authors: Maier Christian
Published: March 2016

This paper investigates the possible impact of C.G. Jung's Tavistock Lectures on Bion's concept of the living container. In the first part of the paper, the author offers clues pointing to such an essential impact, which can be found in text passages as well as in the facts of the Bion‐Beckett case, up to and including Bion's first publication of ‘The imaginary twin'. The author suggests that cryptomnesia is the result of repression targeting a highly cathected author's communication which functions like a deep interpretation for the recipient, whose new theory then is a return of the repressed content as well as a transformation of it. The second part of the paper investigates the fate of the assumed cryptomnesia. From this point of view Bion's concept of the container in itself appears to be the result of growth in the container‐contained mode. Finally the author deals with the question whether cryptomnesia in psychoanalytical literature can frequently be seen as the result of psychic growth.
A Report from the Higher Education Review Board (HERB): Assessment of Undergraduate Student Learning Outcomes in Food Science
Authors: Hartel R.W. , Iwaoka W.T.
Published: March 2016

For the past 15 years, Institute of Food Technologists (IFT) has mandated assessment of undergraduate student learning outcomes as the basis for approving food science (FS) programs. No longer is a check‐off course system sufficient to be an IFT‐approved program. The 4 steps to gaining IFT approval include developing learning outcomes for all required FS courses, developing outcomes for the program as a whole, assessing student learning through a comprehensive series of assessment tools, and developing and reporting a plan to use the assessment data collected for continuous program improvement. This article reviews these steps in some detail, providing guidance on possible approaches that may be used. In the end, the aim of the IFT requirements is to improve student learning in FS to advance the field.
Large‐scale gene expression reveals different adaptations of Hyalopterus persikonus to winter and summer host plants
Authors: Cui Na , Yang Peng-Cheng , Guo Kun , Kang Le , Cui Feng
Published: March 2016

Host alternation, an obligatory seasonal shifting between host plants of distant genetic relationship, has had significant consequences for the diversification and success of the superfamily of aphids. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains unclear. In this study, the molecular mechanism of host alternation was explored through a large‐scale gene expression analysis of the mealy aphid Hyalopterus persikonus on winter and summer host plants. More than four times as many unigenes of the mealy aphid were significantly upregulated on summer host Phragmites australis than on winter host Rosaceae plants. In order to identify gene candidates related to host alternation, the differentially expressed unigenes of H. persikonus were compared to salivary gland expressed genes and secretome of Acyrthosiphon pisum. Genes involved in ribosome and oxidative phosphorylation and with molecular functions of heme–copper terminal oxidase activity, hydrolase activity and ribosome binding were potentially upregulated in salivary glands of H. persikonus on the summer host. Putative secretory proteins, such as detoxification enzymes (carboxylesterases and cytochrome P450s), antioxidant enzymes (peroxidase and superoxide dismutase), glutathione peroxidase, glucose dehydrogenase, angiotensin‐converting enzyme, cadherin, and calreticulin, were highly expressed in H. persikonus on the summer host, while a SCP GAPR‐1‐like family protein and a salivary sheath protein were highly expressed in the aphids on winter hosts. These results shed light on phenotypic plasticity in host utilization and seasonal adaptation of aphids.
Sustainable Mechanism to Reduce Emergency Department (ED) Length of Stay: The Use of ED Holding (ED Transition) Orders to Reduce ED Length of Stay
Authors: Haydar Samir A. , Strout Tania D. , Baumann Michael R.
Published: March 2016

Objective

The objective was to evaluate the effect of an emergency clinician–initiated “ED admission holding order set” on emergency department (ED) treatment times and length of stay (LOS). We further describe the impact of a performance improvement strategy with sequential plan‐do‐study‐act (PDSA) cycles used to influence the primary outcome measures, ED LOS, and disposition decision to patient gone (DDTPG) time, for admitted patients.

Methods

We developed and implemented an expedited, emergency physician–facilitated admission protocol that bypassed typical inpatient workflows requiring inpatient evaluations prior to the placement of admission orders. During the 48‐month study period, ED flow metrics generated during the care of 27,580 admissions from the 24‐month period prior to the intervention were compared to the 29,978 admissions that occurred during the 24‐month period following the intervention. The intervention was the result of an in‐depth, five‐phase PDSA cycle quality improvement intervention evaluating ED flow, which identified the requirement of bedside inpatient evaluations prior admission order placement as being a “non–value‐added” activity. ED output flow metrics evaluating the admission process were tracked for 24 months following the intervention and were compared to the 24 months prior.

Results

The use of an emergency physician–initiated admission holding order protocol resulted in sustainable reductions in ED LOS when comparing the 2 years prior to the intervention, with median LOS of 410 (interquartile range [IQR] = 295 to 543) and 395 (IQR = 283 to 527) minutes, to the 2 calendar years following the intervention, with the median LOS of 313 (IQR = 21 to 431) and 316 (IQR = 224 to 438) minutes, respectively. This overall reduction in ED LOS of nearly 90 minutes was found to be primarily the result of a decrease in the time from the emergency physician's admitting DDTPG times with median times of 219 (IQR = 150 to 306) and 200 (IQR = 136 to 286) minutes for the 2 years prior to the intervention compared to 89 (IQR = 58 to 138) and 92 (IQR = 60 to 147) minutes for the 2 years following the intervention. It is notable that there was a modest increase in the door to disposition decision of admission times during this same study period with annual medians of 176 (IQR = 112 to 261) and 178 (IQR = 129 to 316) minutes, respectively, for the 2 years prior to 207 (IQR = 129 to 316) and 202 (IQR = 127 to 305) minutes following the intervention.

Conclusions

We conclude that the use of emergency physician–initiated holding orders can lead to marked reductions in ED LOS for admitted patients. Continued improvement can be demonstrated with an effective performance improvement initiative designed to continuously optimize the process change.
Hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative metastatic breast cancer: Future treatment landscape
Authors: REDFERN Andrew , BURSLEM Katie , WOODWARD Natasha , BEITH Jane , MCCARTHY Nicole , DE BOER Richard , BELL Richard
Published: March 2016

Endocrine therapy is an established and effective treatment strategy for hormone receptor positive metastatic breast cancer. The clinical utility of endocrine therapy is lost over time due to evolving changes in tumor biology and the development of endocrine resistance.

Many agents targeting the intracellular signaling pathways associated with endocrine resistance are in development. Encouraging early results have been seen for agents which directly target the estrogen receptor (ER), inhibitors of co‐signaling pathways, inhibitors of ER chaperones, ER antagonists able to inhibit mutated or otherwise activated ERs, and modulators of histone acetylation restoring synthesis of ER signaling components.

Following our systematic review of treatments with established benefits in this supplement, we review some of the more promising new strategies for overcoming endocrine resistance, looking at the impact on disease control and quality of life for women with hormone receptor positive, HER2 negative breast cancer. We also examine the biomarkers that may guide selection of the best therapy for the individual.
From St Petersburg to Rome: Understanding the Evolution of the Modern Laws of War
Authors: Killingsworth Matt
Published: March 2016

Despite arguments to the contrary, the state continues to defiantly resist efforts to “extend the reach of legality”, especially as it pertains to attempts to bound the use of organised violence within international legal mechanisms. Yet this defiance is something of a paradox, where the evolution of the modern laws of war are characterised by a contradictory pattern. By focusing on important junctures in the short evolution of the codification of the laws of war it will be argued here that the writings of Swiss jurist Emer de Vattel provide the best insights into this contradictory development.
Modified lumbar artery perforator flaps for gluteal pressure sore reconstruction
Authors: Yoon Chi Sun , Yim Ji Hong , Kim Min Ho , Ha Won , Kim Kyu Nam
Published: March 2016

Background

Gluteal perforator flaps (GPFs) are the most useful for gluteal region pressure sore reconstruction. However, application is difficult if the surrounding area has scar tissue from previous operations or trauma, especially with recurrent sores. We describe the use of modified lumbar artery perforator flaps when GPFs cannot be used.

Methods

Between May 2009 and April 2014, 51 patients underwent gluteal pressure sore reconstructions with gluteal (n = 39) or modified lumbar artery (n = 12) perforator flaps. Patients in the modified lumbar artery perforator group had scar tissue from trauma or previous surgery. In this retrospective review, we analyzed patient age and sex, defect size and location, operative time, follow‐up duration, immediate postoperative issues, flap necrosis, dehiscence, re‐operation, donor‐site morbidity and recurrence. Complications and clinical outcomes were compared between groups.

Results

We found no significant differences in patient demographics, surgical complications or clinical outcomes. There were eight cases of temporary congestion (20.51%) and four of partial flap necrosis (10.25%) in the gluteal perforator group. In the modified lumbar artery perforator group, there were three cases of temporary congestion (25%) and one of partial flap necrosis (8.33%). No pressure sores recurred during follow‐up in either group.

Conclusion

GPFs are the gold standards for gluteal pressure sores, but modified lumbar artery perforator flaps are relatively easy and useful when GPFs cannot be used due to scar tissue.
Hemodynamic responses to single sessions of aerobic exercise and resistance exercise in pregnancy
Authors: Petrov Fieril Karolina , Glantz Anna , Fagevik Olsen Monika
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Previous research on maternal hemodynamic responses to a single exercise session during pregnancy is sparse, especially considering immediate responses to resistance exercise. The aim of the study was to examine blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature, and Rating of Perceived Exertion in healthy pregnant women during single sessions of continuous submaximal exercise in pregnancy week 21.

Material and methods

A cross‐over design was used. Twenty healthy pregnant women from four prenatal clinics in Gothenburg, Sweden, were included. On day 1, the women did 30 min of aerobic exercise and on day 3 they did 30 min of resistance exercise. Blood pressure, heart rate, and Rating of Perceived Exertion were measured after 15 and 30 min of exercise.

Results

After 15 and 30 min of exercise, there was a significant increase in systolic blood pressure and heart rate (p < 0.001). Diastolic blood pressure increased slightly more after 15 and 30 min of aerobic exercise (p = 0.01) than resistance exercise (p = 0.03). Resistance exercise was perceived as more intense than aerobic exercise after 15 min (p = 0.02) and 30 min (p = 0.001) of exercise. Five minutes after completing the exercise, blood pressure quickly reverted to normal although heart rate was still increased (p = 0.001). There was no correlation between heart rate and Rating of Perceived Exertion (rs = 0.05–0.43).

Conclusions

Maternal hemodynamic responses were essentially the same, regardless of whether the exercise was submaximal aerobic or resistance exercise, although resistance exercise was perceived as more intense. Aerobic and resistance exercise corresponding to “somewhat hard” seems to have no adverse effect with regard to maternal hemodynamic responses in healthy pregnancy.
The more things change, the more things stay the same: maternal attitudes 3 to 18 months postpartum
Authors: Cost Katherine T. , Plamondon André , Unternaehrer Eva , Meaney Michael , Steiner Meir , Fleming Alison S. ,   the MAVAN team
Published: March 2016

Aim

Becoming a parent precipitates changes in new mothers' psychological and social domains. Previous literature has focused exclusively on pregnancy and the early postpartum, but parenting is an evolving process, necessitating adaption to changing circumstances. We extended previous literature and investigate the changes in the postpartum from 3 to 18 months that occur in maternal attitudes.

Methods

Using the Childbearing Attitudes Questionnaire, we collected data on mothers' ratings of maternal worries, self‐efficacy, mother–infant bonding, relationship with the partner and interest in sex (n = 171 women). Data were analysed with a latent growth curve.

Results

Results demonstrated stability in all maternal attitudes after 3 months postpartum. Further, different maternal attitudes are affected by different variables. Maternal worries and self‐efficacy are associated with parity, postpartum depression and child temperament. Interestingly, a negative evaluation of the relationship with the partner was only associated with breastfeeding status, while interest in sex was associated with parity, socio‐economic status (SES) and depressive symptoms.

Conclusion

Despite general stability, different maternal attitudes related to different sets of variables. These patterns of attitudes in relation to relevant variables are discussed in terms of the literature on self‐efficacy and gender roles, with important implications for clinical interventions.
Inflammation, lipids and aortic intima‐media thickness in newborns following chorioamnionitis
Authors: Rafferty Anthony R. , McGrory Lorraine , Cheung Michael , Rogerson Sheryle , Ziannino Diana , Pyman Jan , Davis Peter G. , Burgner David
Published: March 2016

Aim

This study investigated whether chorioamnionitis was associated with increased inflammation, dyslipidaemia and adverse cardiovascular phenotypes in the immediate postnatal period.

Methods

This prospective case–control study included preterm infants (30+0–35+6 weeks gestational age, GA) whose mothers did not have pregnancy‐related conditions that may influence outcomes. Chorioamnionitis was diagnosed by placental histology, and infants were divided retrospectively into cases (chorioamnionitis‐exposed) and controls (unexposed). Serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), lipid profile, far‐wall abdominal aortic intima‐media thickness (aIMT) and blood pressure (BP) were measured in the first week of life.

Results

There were 20 (16 male, mean GA 32.4 weeks) cases and 31 (12 male, mean GA 32.6 weeks) controls. Histological chorioamnionitis was associated with a significant increase in hsCRP and a non‐significant trend towards an adverse lipid profile. There was no evidence of differences in aIMT or BP.

Conclusion

Preterm infants exposed to chorioamnionitis have greater postnatal inflammation. There were no early postnatal differences in aIMT or BP. The inflammatory stimulus of chorioamnionitis late in gestation may be of insufficient intensity and duration to result in immediate postnatal alterations to arterial structure. Cardiovascular follow‐up of infants exposed to chorioamnionitis may identify differential risk trajectories and subsequent inflammatory responses.
The Influence of Remuneration Structures on Financial Reporting Quality: Evidence from Australia
Authors: Safari Maryam , Cooper Barry J. , Dellaportas Steven
Published: March 2016

Summary at a glance

This cross‐sectional study investigates the influence of a company's remuneration structure on managers’ opportunistic behaviour. The findings support the proposed hypothesis that a higher level of compliance with Remuneration Principle 8—ASX Corporate Governance Council) is associated with a lower level of earnings management. The findings support the efficient functioning of the ASX proposed remuneration structure.
Identifying Predictive Markers for Personalized Treatment Selection
Authors: Shen Yuanyuan , Cai Tianxi
Published: March 2016

It is now well recognized that the effectiveness and potential risk of a treatment often vary by patient subgroups. Although trial-and-error and one-size-fits-all approaches to treatment selection remain a common practice, much recent focus has been placed on individualized treatment selection based on patient information (La Thangue and Kerr, 2011; Ong et al., 2012). Genetic and molecular markers are becoming increasingly available to guide treatment selection for various diseases including HIV and breast cancer (Mallal et al., 2008; Zujewski and Kamin, 2008). In recent years, many statistical procedures for developing individualized treatment rules (ITRs) have been proposed. However, less focus has been given to efficient selection of predictive biomarkers for treatment selection. The standard Wald test for interactions between treatment and the set of markers of interest may not work well when the marker effects are nonlinear. Furthermore, interaction-based test is scale dependent and may fail to capture markers useful for predicting individualized treatment differences. In this article, we propose to overcome these difficulties by developing a kernel machine (KM) score test that can efficiently identify markers predictive of treatment difference. Simulation studies show that our proposed KM-based score test is more powerful than the Wald test when there is nonlinear effect among the predictors and when the outcome is binary with nonlinear link functions. Furthermore, when there is high-correlation among predictors and when the number of predictors is not small, our method also over-performs Wald test. The proposed method is illustrated with two randomized clinical trials.
Hidradenitis suppurativa, neutrophilic dermatoses and autoinflammation: what's the link?
Authors: Marzano A.V.
Published: March 2016

Linked Article:  Lima et al. Br J Dermatol 2016; 174:514–521.
Psoriasis, extradomain A+ fibronectin and the extracellular matrix
Authors: Pongpairoj K. , McFadden J.P.
Published: March 2016

Linked Article:  Gubán et al. Br J Dermatol 2016; 174:533–541.
Diagnosing dermatophytic infections in the molecular age
Authors: Hay R.J.
Published: March 2016

Linked Article:  Ohst et al. Br J Dermatol 2016; 174:602–609.
Epidemiology and radiological geometric assessment of pituitary macroadenomas: population‐based study
Authors: Gruppetta Mark , Vassallo Josanne
Published: March 2016

Context

Pituitary adenomas are relatively common tumours with diverse clinical features. Epidemiological data are important to help quantify health burden.

Objective

To provide in‐depth epidemiological data on macroadenomas and radiologically characterize macroadenomas.

Design

Population‐based retrospective analysis, Prevalence as at 2014; Incidence based on data from 2000 to 2014, Retrospective analysis of baseline MRI.

Setting

The Maltese islands.

Patients

173/136 patients with macroadenomas for prevalence/incidence estimates respectively, 122 baseline MRI for radiological characterization.

Main outcome measures

Prevalence rates, Standardized Incidence rates (SIR), MRI findings.

Results

The prevalence for macroadenomas was 40·67/100 000 people and the SIR was 1·90/100 000/year. Giant pituitary adenomas (>40 mm) constituted 4·8% of the whole cohort of PAs and the SIR was 0·18/100 000/year. Giant prolactinomas constituted 4·7% of all the prolactinomas and the SIR was 0·07/100 000/year, while giant NFPA constituted 6·0% of all NFPA and the SIR was 0·12/100 000/year. There was a statistically significant difference in the degree of suprasellar extension (P < 0·001) and infrasellar extension (P = 0·028) between the different macroadenoma subtypes and in the vertical extension indices (median vertical extension index NFPA 3·0 mm; PRLoma −7·7 mm; GH‐secreting PA −1·7 mm; P < 0·001). Pituitary macroadenomas with cavernous sinus invasion were statistically significantly larger than those without cavernous sinus invasion (P < 0·001). NFPA had predominantly a superior extension into the cavernous sinus (63·6%) compared to the functional PAs which had predominantly an inferior extension into the cavernous sinus (59·1%) (P = 0·032).

Conclusions

The various macroadenoma subtypes' epidemiological data are presented and differences between growth patterns among the various subtypes are highlighted.
Iodine supplementation in pregnancy – is it time?
Authors: Taylor P.N. , Vaidya B.
Published: March 2016

Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormone and optimal foetal neurological development. Pregnant women living in borderline or moderate‐severe iodine deficient areas are at particularly high risk of being iodine deficient, and this may have important clinical consequences, particularly for the neurocognitive development of the offspring. It is a substantial problem and many countries including the United Kingdom are mild‐moderately iodine deficient. Although the detrimental effects of severe iodine deficiency are well recognized, the benefits of correcting mild‐to‐moderate iodine deficiency are unclear due to a lack of randomized controlled trials in this area. However, observational data increasingly indicate that there may be substantial health and economic benefits from correcting iodine deficiency in pregnancy. There is now a growing trend from learned societies that iodine supplementation should be utilized in pregnancy in countries with mild‐to‐moderate iodine deficiency. The dose of iodine supplement needs to reflect local iodine status and iodization policies and will need careful monitoring at the population level to ensure doses to prevent under/excess dosing which would undermine the potential benefits. National tailored guidance is therefore essential.
Influence of different instrumentation modalities on the surface characteristics and biofilm formation on dental implant neck, in vitro
Authors: Schmidt Kristina Emily , Auschill Thorsten Mathias , Heumann Christian , Frankenberger Roland , Eick Sigrun , Sculean Anton , Arweiler Nicole Birgit
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To evaluate surface characteristics of implants after using different instruments and biofilm formation following instrumentation.

Material and methods

Thirty‐five commercially available dental implants were embedded into seven plastic models, attached to a phantom head and randomly assigned to seven instrumentation groups: (1) stainless steel (SSC) or (2) titanium curettes (TC); air‐polisher using glycine‐based (3) perio (PP) or (4) soft (SP) powders or (5) erythritol powder (EP); and an ultrasonic device using (6) stainless steel (PS) or (7) plastic‐coated instruments (PI). Half of each implant neck in each group (n = 5) was treated once (30 s), while the other half was left uninstrumented (control). An eighth (8) treatment group used a bur/polisher to smooth two implants (SM). Following instrumentation implants were rinsed (5 ml Ringer's solution), analysed under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) and subjected twice (separately) to bacterial colonization with Streptococcus gordonii (2 h) and a mixed culture (S. gordonii, Actinomyces naeslundii, Fusobacterium nucleatum, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia; 24 h).

Results

Visual assessment of SEM pictures revealed surface modifications (smoothening to roughening) following instrumentation. These alterations differed between the instrument groups and from the control. Quantitative scoring of the photographs revealed that SSC caused a significantly rougher surface compared to other instruments (P < 0.05), except for SP (P = 0.057) and PP (P = 0.108). After bacterial colonization no significant differences (P > 0.05) were evident between instrumented or control surfaces in either culture.

Conclusions

Overall, no significant differences were observed in the surface characteristics (except for SSC) or bacterial colonization based on one‐time instrumentation.