bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic interdependence between the US and the securitized real estate markets of the Asian-Pacific economies
Authors: Liow KimHiang , Zhou Xiaoxia , Li Qiang , Huang Yuting
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to revisit the dynamic linkages between the US and the national securitized real estate markets of each of the nine Asian-Pacific (APAC) economies in time-frequency domain.

Design/methodology/approach

Wavelet decomposition via multi-resolution analysis is employed as an empirical methodology to consider time-scale issue in studying the dynamic changes of the US–APAC cross-real estate interdependence.

Findings

The strength and direction of return correlation, return exogeneity, shock impulse response, market connectivity and causality interactions change when specific time-scales are involved. The US market correlates with the APAC markets weakly or moderately in the three investment horizons with increasing strength of lead-lag interdependence in the long-run. Moreover, there are shifts in the net total directional volatility connectivity effects at the five scales among the markets.

Research limitations/implications

Given the focus of the five approaches and associated indicators, the picture that emerges from the empirical results may not completely uniform. However, long-term investors and financial institutions should evaluate the time-scale based dynamics to derive a well-informed portfolio decision.

Practical implications

Future research is needed to ascertain whether the time-frequency findings can be generalizable to the regional and global context. Additional studies are required to identify the factors that contribute to the changes in the global and regional connectivity across the markets over the three investment horizons.

Originality/value

This study has successfully decomposed the various market linkage indicators into scale-dependent sub-components. As such, market integration in the Asia-Pacific real estate markets is a “multi-scale” phenomenon.
Industry capital intensity and firms’ utilization of HCWS: does firm size matter?
Authors: Zhang Bo , Chen Jianxun , Tian Amy , Morris Jonathan , Fan Hejun
Published: January 2019

Purpose

Following industry-based view’s (IBV) isomorphic trend among firms in the same industries, the purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate whether industry capital intensity encourages or inhibits firm’s utilization of strategic HRM systems, particularly, high-commitment work systems (HCWS); and second, to examine the quadratic moderating role of firm size on the relationship between industry capital intensity and firms’ utilization of HCWS, drawing on the interactionist view of IBV and the resource-based view, as well as the interactive perspective in the contextualized HRM field.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design was time lagged. Firm-level subjectively rated data were collected from 168 large firms with more than 200 employees in Beijing. Industry-level objectively rated data were collected from the statistics yearbooks of Beijing city.

Findings

The industry capital intensity was positively related to firms’ utilization of HCWS, all else being equal. For large firms in this research, the relationship between industry capital intensity and firms’ utilization of HCWS was moderated by firm size in a quadratic way.

Originality/value

This research contributes to contextualized HRM literature by empirically examining the complex interactive effects of industry capital intensity and firm’s utilization of HCWS. First, it established the direct cross-level relationship between industry capital intensity and firms’ utilization of strategic HRM systems. Moreover, it explored the boundary conditions of such relationship by investigating the quadratic moderating role of firm size.
Symbolic representations of financial events in the Korean media
Authors: Kim Amee
Published: January 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to explore and investigate the maintenance or (re)construction of (South) Korean identity during turbulent times of rapid social and economic change, especially since the 2008 financial crisis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores how the Korean media responded to financial events over the period between 2008 and 2013, and the ways in which iconographies of yin-yang were incorporated into Korean financial magazine cover images were investigated. Semiotic analysis of 20 magazine front covers was performed based on adapted Barthesian semiotics, which included front-cover background color, text color and vowel-structure interpretation following yin-yang principles. Findings were validated through semi-structured interviews with designers employed by the magazines.

Findings

Results show that Korean identity remains loyal to the traditional symbolic uses of yin-yang harmony to illustrate positive and negative sides of financial events, although there is some degree of following Western thinking in the use of symbols. This mirrors the modern Korean identity, which intertwines Western thinking with traditional values.

Originality/value

This paper provides an extended evaluation of the articulation of yin-yang principles by Koreans as elements of a worldview combining both Confucian and Western values. Yin-yang provides an inflexion to the ways in which events are depicted and denoted in “Confucian capitalistic” Korea. The suggested methodology triangulating semiotic interpretation with verification through interviews with designers can be extrapolated in other studies investigating the representation of events within a specific population or society.
Investigation on the elasto-plastic constitutive equation of parts fabricated by fused deposition modeling
Authors: Xia Yang , Xu Ke , Zheng Guojun , Zou Rui , Li Baojun , Hu Ping
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The strength of printed parts by application of fused deposition modeling (FDM) has been broadly studied through experimental methods. However, constitutive behaviors of the printed parts in theory are still unclear. Therefore, this paper aims to focus on building an elasto-plastic model of the printed parts to reveal the constitutive behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

An elasto-plastic constitutive model that considers anisotropic characteristics is proposed. Tensile tests are performed for parameter identification by using different samples with varying printing angles. Finally, the constitutive model is completed and applied to the numerical analysis of a tensile procedure.

Findings

The experimental study indicated that the anisotropic characteristics are significant for elastic modulus and strength of printed parts. The polar anisotropic model is suitable for describing the anisotropic behavior of parts during the elastic deformation. The Hill model is suitable to describe the yield property. The elastic modulus and yield point of parts printed in any specific orientation can be calculated using the proposed constitutive model.

Originality/value

A theoretical model has been developed to describe the constitutive behavior of FDM printed part. This model can precisely describe the elastic behavior and yield point of parts printed with various orientations. This model can be applied to the finite element simulation of printed structures.
Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal’s contributions to corporate social responsibility disclosure research
Authors: Patten Dennis M. , Shin Hyemi
Published: January 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review and assess Sustainability Accounting, Management and Policy Journal (SAMPJ)’s contributions to the body of sustainability disclosure research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors review the 31 sustainability disclosure-themed articles published in SAMPJ up through Volume 8 (2017) and assess the strengths and weaknesses of the body of research, as well as its contributions to the understanding of the reporting phenomenon.

Findings

The assessment by the authors suggests SAMPJ has been very inclusive with respect to methods and topics, although we note certain areas where future research could be expanded.

Research limitations/implications

The authors limit the review to articles in SAMPJ, so they cannot assess the degree to which the general findings as to trends might reflect the overall body of sustainability disclosure research.

Practical implications

The review provides suggestions for where researchers looking to publish in SAMPJ might focus so as to enhance the overall body of knowledge.

Social implications

The primary social implication is that the preponderance of the evidence in the articles the authors review suggests that sustainability disclosure remains incomplete, biased and driven by concerns with legitimation. As such, it provides more evidence in support of the need for better regulation and enforcement.

Originality/value

While prior studies have summarized aspects of social and environmental accounting in general or with regard to specific journals, none has assessed the contributions specifically to sustainability disclosure research through this journal.
Variation in offspring development is driven more by weather and maternal condition than predation risk
Authors: de Zwaan Devin R. , Camfield Alaine F. , MacDonald Elizabeth C. , Martin Kathy
Published: January 2019

Variation in offspring development is expected to be driven by constraints on resource allocation between growth and maintenance (e.g. thermoregulation). Rapid post‐natal development decreases predation risk to offspring, while inclement weather likely prolongs development. For taxa with parental care, parental behaviour may partially buffer offspring against extrinsic drivers like predation risk and severe weather.

Using a 7‐year dataset from an alpine population of horned lark Eremophila alpestris, a ground‐nesting songbird in northern British Columbia, Canada, we investigated multiple potential drivers of variation in the duration of incubation and nestling development.

Using path analysis, we evaluated the direct effects of weather, predation risk and parental care on offspring development, as well as indirect developmental “carry‐over” effects of conditions during incubation on the nestling period.

Nestling period duration varied by nearly 100% (7–13 days) and incubation duration by 40% (10–14 days). Cold ambient temperatures late in the nestling period prolonged development by 1 day for every 2 days below 10°C, particularly when combined with heavy precipitation. Rapid nestling development was associated with high predation risk, and prolonging development incurred a nest survival cost (–2.3% per day). Females in good condition created nest environments that promoted rapid nestling development periods (average = 8–9 days) compared to poor condition females during harsh, early‐season conditions (10–11 days), indicating parental buffering capabilities against environmental constraints. Fledging age was weakly correlated with incubation duration (r = –0.21) suggesting minimal developmental carry‐over effects.

Given high nest predation risk, immediate fitness benefits can be derived by overcoming environmental constraints and reducing development time. While predation risk was influential, inclement weather and maternal condition had stronger effects on variation in offspring development. Addressing multiple drivers of variation in key life‐history traits can provide important context for understanding life‐history theory under changing environmental conditions.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Vancomycin dosing, monitoring and toxicity: Critical review of the clinical practice
Authors: Zamoner Welder , Prado Iara Ranona Sousa , Balbi André Luis , Ponce Daniela
Published: January 2019

Vancomycin is an antibiotic used in the treatment of infections caused by multidrug‐resistant Gram‐positive bacteria, especially methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus. In the last decades, vancomycin has been widely used in hospital environments due to the increasing incidence of sepsis and septic shock. Sepsis may lead to multiple organ failure; it is considered a risk factor for the development of acute kidney injury (AKI), with an overall mortality rate of around 45%, which can reach the surprising rate of 70% with the combination of AKI and sepsis. Considering the high mortality rate of sepsis and its related costs of hospitalization and treatment, specific measures should be adopted, such as early‐goal treatment protocols: proper and early administration of antimicrobials, fluids, vasoactive drugs and transfusion support. Besides the careful selection of the antimicrobial, another concern related to critically ill patients is the proper dose of the antimicrobial, since pharmacokinetic changes are observed due to drug absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination. Gram‐positive pathogens are very common in hospitalized patients with septic shock, so vancomycin has been the antimicrobial of choice for more than 60 years. However, discussions about its dosage, administration and monitoring are extremely important, considering the risk of nephrotoxicity and the emergence of resistant S. aureus. This narrative review aims to discuss controversial aspects related to the efficacy and safety of vancomycin, correlating them with data available in the literature and identifying knowledge gaps in guide future lines of research.
Drought and cool temperature cue general flowering synergistically in the aseasonal tropical forests of Southeast Asia
Authors: Satake Akiko , Chen Yu‐Yun , Fletcher Christine , Kosugi Yoshiko
Published: January 2019

The family Dipterocarpaceae, along with species from many other families, flower synchronously at irregular intervals of several years in the extensive humid forests of Southeast Asia. The intermittent mast seeding in these forests satiates seed predators whose populations remain low due to starvation in non masting periods, effectively increasing seed survival and seedling recruitment. A previous study demonstrated that a synergistic interaction between drought and cool temperatures, instead of either climate factor alone, best explains the occurrence of general flowering events observed over 14 years at the Pasoh Research Forest, Malaysia. However, several measures of drought were proposed and which drought measure should be used to explain general flowering remains untested. Here we examined the relationship between flowering of five Shorea species and three drought indices, the difference between the mean daily accumulation of precipitation and a threshold level of precipitation, water deficit and antecedent precipitation index. Our analyses confirmed that for most of Shorea species we studied the synergistic model that considers both cool temperature and drought performs the best regardless of the choice of drought index. In addition, a simplest drought measure using cumulative precipitation is sufficient to explain flowering activities in Shorea species.
Specialized pollination by honeybees inCymbidium dayanum, a fall–winter flowering orchid
Authors: Matsuda Yoshiyuki , Sugiura Naoto
Published: January 2019

Floral biology and pollination mechanisms ofCymbidium dayanum, an endangered epiphytic orchid, were investigated in south Kyushu, Japan. The flowering period spanned approximately 4 months from fall to winter, with the inflorescences often blooming asynchronously on each plant and individual flowers commonly lasting for a month. The nectarless flowers are self‐compatible but cannot autonomously self‐pollinate; the orchid needs to attract pollinators by deceit for capsule production. The field observations showed that the flowers were pollinated exclusively by the Japanese honeybeeApis ceranajaponica, despite its long flowering period. The worker bees pollinated flowers and/or received the pollinarium on the thorax, while escaping from the labellum chamber. The natural fruit‐set ratios at the population level, an estimate of pollination success, varied interannually but were generally low, as the result of infrequent flower visits by honeybee workers owing to the cold winter climate and the lack of a nectar reward. Because most flowers that were artificially pollinated in the winter successfully developed into capsules, the coldness was not considered a direct cause of the low fruit‐set ratios. Our results explicitly indicate that the bee pollination niche could be available to temperate plant species even during mid‐winter. We inferred advantages for the winter flowering ofC. dayanum.
Genomic and transcriptomic insights into the survival of the subaerial cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme in arid and exposed habitats
Authors: Shang Jin‐Long , Chen Min , Hou Shengwei , Li Tao , Yang Yi‐Wen , Li Qi , Jiang Hai‐Bo , Dai Guo‐Zheng , Zhang Zhong‐Chun , Hess Wolfgang R. , Qiu Bao‐Sheng
Published: January 2019

The cyanobacterium Nostoc flagelliforme is an extremophile that thrives under extraordinary desiccation and ultraviolet (UV) radiation conditions. To investigate its survival strategies, we performed whole‐genome sequencing of N. flagelliforme CCNUN1 and transcriptional profiling of its field populations upon rehydration in BG11 medium. The genome of N. flagelliforme is 10.23 Mb in size and contains 10 825 predicted protein‐encoding genes, making it one of the largest complete genomes of cyanobacteria reported to date. Comparative genomics analysis among 20 cyanobacterial strains revealed that genes related to DNA replication, recombination and repair had disproportionately high contributions to the genome expansion. The ability of N. flagelliforme to thrive under extreme abiotic stresses is supported by the acquisition of genes involved in the protection of photosynthetic apparatus, the formation of monounsaturated fatty acids, responses to UV radiation, and a peculiar role of ornithine metabolism. Transcriptome analysis revealed a distinct acclimation strategy to rehydration, including the strong constitutive expression of genes encoding photosystem I assembly factors and the involvement of post‐transcriptional control mechanisms of photosynthetic resuscitation. Our results provide insights into the adaptive mechanisms of subaerial cyanobacteria in their harsh habitats and have important implications to understand the evolutionary transition of cyanobacteria from aquatic environments to terrestrial ecosystems.
Enlightenment and individuation: syncretism, synchronicity and beyond
Authors: Cambray Joe
Published: January 2019

This paper opens with a personal introduction to the topic of syncretism within the context of a comparison of enlightenment associated with Eastern religious traditions and individuation as experienced through Jungian analysis. A brief exploration of the recent scholarly revival of interest in syncretism follows. Some close parallels with Jungian theory are highlighted, especially in the work of Timothy Light. Applications to the syncretic trends in Tang culture along the Silk Road(s) suggest deeper patterns of interconnectedness lie at the heart of these trends. A complex systems view highlights similarities between syncretic connections and non‐local aspects of synchronistic field events. The final section attempts to extend this approach to innovation in general terms through the recently articulated concept of the ‘adjacent possible’ from the writing of Stuart Kauffman. From this, the notion of a collective pre‐conscious dimension to the psyche is extrapolated. The unifying thread of acausal emergent forms provides a potential synthetic network for these phenomena.
Development of Protein‐Based High‐Oxygen Barrier Films Using an Industrial Manufacturing Facility
Authors: Chang Yoonjee , Joo Eunmi , Song Hong‐geon , Choi Inyoung , Yoon Chan Suk , Choi Young Ju , Han Jaejoon
Published: January 2019

In this study, protein‐based high‐oxygen barrier multilayer films were manufactured at a pilot plant scale by a roll‐to‐roll coating process and an adhesive lamination process. Also, their characteristics were examined to evaluate their industrial feasibility. Oxygen transmission rates (OTRs) of the protein‐based films (polyethylene terephthalate [PET]/pea protein isolate [PPI]/nylon/cast polypropylene [CPP], PET/whey protein isolate [WPI]/CPP, PET/WPI/nylon/CPP, and PET/PPI/nylon/low‐density polyethylene [LDPE]) were significantly lower than OTR of the PET/nylon/CPP film without a protein‐coating layer and that of the commercial high‐barrier multilayer film copolymer (PET/aluminum/CPP). In addition, water vapor transmission rates of the films containing protein layer were significantly lower than that of the commercial high‐barrier film containing ethylene vinyl alcohol [nylon/nylon/EVOH/easy peel layer [EPL]). Among the tested polymers, the PET/WPI/nylon/LDPE film showed the highest heat‐sealing ability, tensile strength, and elastic modulus. Moreover, transparency and haze of the PET/WPI/nylon/CPP film were similar to the film without WPI coating. Taken together, our results indicate that the protein‐based coating films showing high‐oxygen and high‐water barrier properties can be manufactured using industrial facilities and could replace commercial multilayer films based on synthetic materials.

Practical Application

Oxygen barrier property is an important feature in food packaging materials. Therefore, protein‐coated high‐oxygen barrier multilayer films were manufactured at a pilot scale to verify the possibility of their mass production. Specifically, high‐oxygen and high‐moisture barrier coating was produced by pea and whey proteins. Finally, the protein‐based multilayer films made by an industrial facility were confirmed to be able to replace current commercial films containing synthetic barrier materials.
How Can the Value and Use of Egg Yolk Be Increased?
Authors: Huang X. , Ahn Dong U.
Published: January 2019

The major driving force for the egg consumption in the United States over the past few decades was processed egg. However, the consumption of egg through the processed egg reached the plateau in recent years because of the imbalance in the demands between the egg white and yolk products. The consumer demands for egg white products are very high while those for the egg yolk, the co‐product of dried egg white, are low because of the negative perceptions on egg yolk. Two key approaches that can be used to increase the value and use of egg yolk are: (1) developing new commodity products by fractionating egg yolk and apply them in various food processing, and (2) separating functional proteins and lipids from yolk and use them as is or further develop functional peptides and functional lipids and use them as pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical agents. These approaches can diversify the use of egg yolk, which eventually will help increase the consumption of egg. This review (1) discusses the current use of egg yolk products and the development of new functional commodity products from egg yolk, (2) review the important functional components in egg yolk and overview the current separation methods and their applications, (3) discuss the production of functional peptides and lipids using the separated egg proteins and lipids, and (4) suggest the future directions for the best use of egg yolk components. Development of scale‐up production methods, which is vital for the practical applications, is discussed when appropriate.
Identification of a Salt Blend: Application of the Electronic Tongue, Consumer Evaluation, and Mixture Design Methodology
Authors: Barnett Sasha M. , Diako Charles , Ross Carolyn F.
Published: January 2019

Replacement of NaCl with other salts is becoming increasingly common as part of a salt reduction strategy, but these salts may confer unwanted sensory changes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the relationship between consumer perception and electronic tongue detection of different salts and their mixtures currently used in salt reduction. NaCl and replacement salts (KCl and CaCl2) were identified, and using mixture design methodology, mixtures (n = 10) were prepared in aqueous solutions and validated in tomato soup. A potentiometric electronic tongue, panelists with orientation (n = 30), and a consumer panel (n = 94 ‐ solutions; n = 100 ‐ soups) were used to evaluate the samples. Significant differences were found between salt mixtures in solutions and soups by both panelists and consumers (P < 0.05). Electronic tongue analysis showed a high discrimination index (D.I. = 96%) indicating distinct differences among the salt mixtures, and strong positive correlations (R2 > 0.90) were found between sensory and electronic tongue data. Upon application of contour plots and desirability function analysis, an optimal replacement value was identified as one containing 96.4% NaCl, 1.6% KCl, and 2.0% CaCl2. Additional salt blends could be created to continue to reduce NaCl and increase the other two salts, for further potential health benefits, without significantly impacting predicted acceptance scores. Results from this study indicate the potential for the electronic tongue, sensory evaluation, and mixture design methodology to work together during product reformulations to achieve salt reduction targets.

Practical Application

The results show that salt mixtures vary in perception and acceptance in different matrices, and thus should be evaluated on a product by product basis. With its ability to discriminate among various salts, the application of the electronic tongue could be useful for industry in the development of products with different salt formulations to reduce NaCl within processed foods. Additionally, mixture design can help find a predicted optimum mixture for the product under investigation.
The symbiotic bacteria Alcaligenes faecalis of the entomopathogenic nematodes Oscheius spp. exhibit potential biocontrol of plant‐ and entomopathogenic fungi
Authors: Shan Shaojie , Wang Wenwu , Song Chunxu , Wang Minggang , Sun Bingjiao , Li Yang , Fu Yaqi , Gu Xinghui , Ruan Weibin , Rasmann Sergio
Published: January 2019

Soil‐dwelling entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) kill arthropod hosts by injecting their symbiotic bacteria into the host hemolymph and feed on the bacteria and the tissue of the dying host for several generations cycles until the arthropod cadaver is completely depleted. The EPN–bacteria–arthropod cadaver complex represents a rich energy source for the surrounding opportunistic soil fungal biota and other competitors. We hypothesized that EPNs need to protect their food source until depletion and that the EPN symbiotic bacteria produce volatile and non‐volatile exudations that deter different soil fungal groups in the soil. We isolated the symbiotic bacteria species (Alcaligenes faecalis) from the EPN Oscheius spp. and ran infectivity bioassays against entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) as well as against plant pathogenic fungi (PPF). We found that both volatile and non‐volatile symbiotic bacterial exudations had negative effects on both EPF and PPF. Such deterrent function on functionally different fungal strains suggests a common mode of action of A. faecalis bacterial exudates, which has the potential to influence the structure of soil microbial communities, and could be integrated into pest management programs for increasing crop protection against fungal pathogens.
Referral rates to multidisciplinary team meetings: Is there disparity between tumour streams?
Authors: Atwell Daisy , Vignarajah Dinesh D , Chan Bryan A , Buddle Nicole , Manders Peter M , West Katrina , Knesl Marcel , Long Jeremy , Min Myo
Published: January 2019

Introduction

The multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM) approach is accepted as standard of care to optimise treatment for patients diagnosed with cancer. This retrospective audit reviews the proportion of patients whose care is being discussed at cancer MDTMs within the Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS).

Methods

Patients included were those diagnosed with cancer within the SCHHS between 2010 and 2015, and subsequently referred to a public MDTM for discussion. Data were extracted from the Queensland Cancer Control Analysis Team (QCCAT) database regarding the incidence of breast, lung, upper gastrointestinal (GI), colorectal, genitourinary and malignant haematological cancers and the number of patients referred to the corresponding MDTM.

Results

Data from 2015 show referral rates to MDTMs as follows: lung 100%, upper gastrointestinal 100%, colorectal 64%, breast 60%, malignant haematology 40% and genitourinary 28%. Of the genitourinary presentations, 70% were prostate cases and 14% bladder cases. Review of genitourinary MDTM outcomes found that, of the patients with prostate cancer discussed, 30% were metastatic, 19% were poor surgical candidates and 15% had biochemical recurrence.

Conclusion

This audit demonstrates variable utilisation of MDTMs between tumour streams. Our study shows a high and increasing referral rate to all tumour stream MDTMs except for genitourinary. This suggests a possible underutilisation of genitourinary MDTMs to discuss treatment options for patients with genitourinary cancer. Collaborative research is warranted to further investigate whether this is a local or widespread issue.
Factors influencing aquatic and terrestrial bacterial community assembly
Authors: Langenheder Silke , Lindström Eva S.
Published: January 2019

During recent years, many studies have shown that different processes including drift, environmental selection and dispersal can be important for the assembly of bacterial communities in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. However, we lack a conceptual overview about the ecological context and factors that influence the relative importance of the different assembly mechanisms and determine their dynamics in time and space. Focusing on free‐living, i.e., nonhost associated, bacterial communities, this minireview, therefore, summarizes and conceptualizes findings from empirical studies about how (i) environmental factors, such as environmental heterogeneity, disturbances, productivity and trophic interactions; (ii) connectivity and dispersal rates (iii) spatial scale, (iv) community properties and traits and (v) the use of taxonomic/phylogenetic or functional metrics influence the relative importance of different community assembly processes. We find that there is to‐date little consistency among studies and suggest that future studies should now address how (i)–(v) differ between habitats and organisms and how this, in turn, influences the temporal and spatial‐scale dependency of community assembly processes in microorganisms.
Survival in early lung cancer patients treated with high dose radiotherapy is independent of pathological confirmation
Authors: Zehentmayr Franz , Sprenger Martin , Rettenbacher Lukas , Wass Romana , Porsch Peter , Fastner Gerd , Pirich Christian , Studnicka Michael , Sedlmayer Felix
Published: January 2019

Background

Approximately 15% of lung cancer patients are diagnosed in early stages. Microscopic proof of disease cannot always be obtained because of comorbidity or reluctance to undergo invasive diagnostic procedures. In the current study, survival data of patients with and without pathology are compared.

Methods

One hundred and sixty three patients with NSCLC I–IIb (T3 N0) treated between 2002 and 2016 were eligible: 123 (75%) had pathological confirmation of disease, whereas 40 (25%) did not. In accordance with international guidelines, both groups received radiotherapy. Comorbidity was assessed with the Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI).

Results

The median follow‐up was 28.6 months (range: 0.3–162): 66 (40%) patients are still alive, while 97 (59%) patients died: 48 (29%) cancer‐related deaths and 49 (30%) from causes other than cancer. Median overall survival (OS) in patients without pathological confirmation was 58.6 months (range: 0.5–162), which did not differ from those with microscopic proof of disease (39.4 months, range: 0.3–147.5; logrank P = 0.481). Median cancer‐specific survival (CSS) also did not differ at 113.4 months (range: 0.5–162) in the non‐confirmation group (logrank P = 0.763) versus 51.5 months (range: 3.7–129.5) in patients with pathology. In Cox regression, a CCI of ≥ 3 was associated with poor OS (hazard ratio 2.0; range 1.2–3.4; P = 0.010) and CSS (hazard ratio 2.0; 1.0–4.0; P = 0.043).

Conclusion

OS and CSS in early lung cancer patients depend on comorbidity rather than on pathological confirmation of disease.
Prehospital National Early Warning Score predicts early mortality
Authors: Pirneskoski Jussi , Kuisma Markku , Olkkola Klaus T. , Nurmi Jouni
Published: January 2019

Background

National Early Warning Score (NEWS) has been shown to be the best early warning score to predict in‐hospital mortality but there is limited information on its predictive value in a prehospital setting. The aim of the current study was to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of NEWS in a prehospital setting using large population‐based databases in terms of short‐term mortality.

Methods

We calculated the NEWS scores from retrospective prehospital electronic patient record data and analysed their possible relationship to mortality. We included all patient records for patients 18 years or older with sufficient prehospital data to calculate NEWS from 17 August 2008 to 18 December 2015 encountered by the emergency medical services (EMS) in the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa, Finland. The primary outcome measure was death within 1 day of EMS dispatch.

Results

35 800 patients were included. Their mean (SD) age was 65.8 (19.9) years. The median value of NEWS was 3 (IQR 1‐6). The primary outcome of death within 1 day of EMS dispatch occurred in 378 (1.1%) cases. Area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) for primary outcome of death within 1 day was 0.840 (95% CI 0.823‐0.858). AUROC for 1 day mortality in trauma subgroup was 0.901 (95% CI 0.859‐0.942).

Conclusion

Prehospital NEWS predicts mortality within 1 day of EMS dispatch with good diagnostic accuracy.
Central nucleus of the amygdala as a common substrate of the incubation of drug and natural reinforcer seeking
Authors: Roura‐Martínez David , Ucha Marcos , Orihuel Javier , Ballesteros‐Yáñez Inmaculada , Castillo Carlos Alberto , Marcos Alberto , Ambrosio Emilio , Higuera‐Matas Alejandro
Published: January 2019

Relapse into drug use is a major problem faced by recovering addicts. In humans, an intensification of the desire for the drug induced by environmental cues—incubation of drug craving—has been observed. In rodents, this phenomenon has been modeled by studying drug seeking under extinction after different times of drug withdrawal (or using a natural reinforcer). Although much progress has been made, an integrated approach simultaneously studying different drug classes and natural reward and examining different brain regions is lacking. Lewis rats were used to study the effects of cocaine, heroin, and sucrose seeking incubation on six key brain regions: the nucleus accumbens shell/core, central/basolateral amygdala, and dorsomedial/ventromedial prefrontal cortex. We analyzed PSD95 and gephyrin protein levels, gene expression of glutamatergic, GABAergic and endocannabinoid elements, and amino acid transmitter levels. The relationships between the areas studied were examined by Structural Equation Modelling. Pathways from medial prefrontal cortex and basolateral complex of the amygdala to central nucleus of the amygdala, but not to the nucleus accumbens, were identified as common elements involved in the incubation phenomenon for different substances. These results suggest a key role for the central nucleus of amygdala and its cortical and amygdalar afferences in the incubation phenomenon, and we suggest that by virtue of its regulatory effects on glutamatergic and GABAergic dynamics within amygdalar circuits, the endocannabinoid system might be a potential target to develop medications that are effective in the context of relapse.
Patterns and correlates of polysubstance use among US youth aged 15–17 years: wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study
Authors: Silveira Marushka L. , Green Victoria R. , Iannaccone Robert , Kimmel Heather L. , Conway Kevin P.
Published: January 2019

Background and Aims

Youth aged 15–17 years are at high risk of tobacco, alcohol and drug use. Given the changing landscape with respect to availability, use of emerging products and regulatory environments, we examined patterns and correlates of polysubstance use among US youth aged 15–17 years.

Design

Cross‐sectional self‐reported data.

Setting

United States.

Participants

A total of 6127 US youth aged 15–17 years from wave 1 (2013–14) of the nationally representative Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study.

Measurements

Latent class analysis was used to identify subgroups of polysubstance use, including 12 tobacco products, alcohol, marijuana, prescription drugs and other drugs. Socio‐demographic characteristics, residence in urban area, sensation‐seeking, sexual orientation and internalizing and externalizing problems were examined as correlates.

Findings

Approximately 43.5% of 15–17‐year‐olds had used at least one substance in the past 12 months. A 5‐class model was identified: class 1 ‘abstainers’ (67.3%), class 2 ‘alcohol users’ (19.2%), class 3 ‘alcohol, marijuana and tobacco (AMTpredominant AM) users’ (8.2%), class 4 ‘alcohol, marijuana and tobacco (AMTpredominant T) users’ (3.9%) and class 5 ‘alcohol, marijuana, tobacco and other drug (AMTOD) users’ (1.4%). Abstainers were considered the reference class. Higher sensation‐seeking scores, higher age and lower academic grades were each associated with greater likelihood of membership in all user classes. Gender, race/ethnicity, parents/guardians’ education, residence in non‐urban areas and sexual minority groups were associated with membership in some, but not all, user classes. Compared with no/low/moderate severity, high severity internalizing problems were associated with membership in classes 2, 3 and 5, whereas high severity externalizing problems were associated with membership in classes 3 and 5 only.

Conclusions

There appear to be three heterogeneous polysubstance use classes among US youth aged 15–17 years. Correlates of substance use among US youth include higher sensation‐seeking, poor academic performance, non‐urban residence, minority sexual orientation and mental health problems.
Waste that keeps on giving: Leaf‐cutting ants’ refuse dumps may indirectly benefit plant pollination
Authors: Ng Kat
Published: January 2019

This commentary is for the following article:
Efficacy of laser and ultrasonic‐activated irrigation on eradicating a mixed‐species biofilm in human mesial roots
Authors: Race Jonathan , Zilm Peter , Ratnayake Jithendra , Fitzsimmons Tracy , Marchant Ceilidh , Cathro Peter
Published: January 2019

This study investigated the efficacy of Er,Cr:YSGG laser and ultrasonic activated irrigation on eradicating a mixed‐species biofilm grown in root canals with complex anatomy. The biofilm was grown over 4‐weeks in the root canals of decoronated human mandibular molar teeth. Control roots received no further treatment. The remaining roots were chemomechanically prepared using different irrigating protocols: 4% NaOCl and 15% EDTAC with ultrasonic activated irrigation and laser activated irrigation using power settings of 0.5 W and 0.75 W. Cellular viability was determined using serial plating. One tooth from each group was subjected to qualitative SEM analysis. Quantification by culturing revealed significant differences between control group and all other treatment groups. This study demonstrated that chemomechanical irrigation with laser and ultrasonic activated irrigation significantly reduced the bacterial load from complex root canal systems; however, there were no significant differences found between the experimental groups.
Econometric mathematical programming: an application to the estimation of costs and risk preferences at farm level
Authors: Britz Wolfgang , Arata Linda
Published: January 2019

This study belongs to the barely explored research strand of “Econometric Mathematical Programming” and presents a simultaneous estimation of the cost function and of the farmers’ risk attitude parameter in a programming model setup. Resource and policy constraints of the model are allowed to be not binding. We use crop shares as decision variables to avoid scale bias and we consider price and crop yield variances separately. The model is formulated as a bi‐level programming model and the empirical application concerns three unbalanced panels of specialized arable farms observed for at least three consecutive years in Northern Italy, in the Cologne‐Aachen area in Germany and in the Grandes‐Cultures area in France over the time period 1995–2007. We achieve a quite satisfactory fit in the estimation exercise and find own and cross price elasticities from sensitivity experiments in reasonable ranges. We also propose a novel approach to derive confidence intervals around parameter estimates for Econometric Mathematical Programming.
Squatters make history in New York:
Authors: STARECHESKI AMY
Published: January 2019

As illegal squatters became cooperative homeowners on New York City's Lower East Side, they strategically used the logic and law of property to turn their homes into commodities. But they did so within limits: individuals can sell their apartments at fixed prices yet also collectively maintain the buildings as low‐income housing, valuing their homes as both a source of individual sustenance and an inalienable resource that ties generations together. As in many indigenous land claims cases, changing property relations produced new forms of personhood and collective peoplehood. How people form collectives to make claims on space shapes who can participate in urban processes. Squatters used history making to constitute themselves as a legitimate group that could claim urban space and steward collectively owned inalienable property. [homeownership, inalienable property, squatting, land claims, production of history, New York City]
The inflamed sputum in lower respiratory tract infection: l‐lactate levels are correlated to neutrophil accumulation
Authors: Fredman Gabriella , Kolpen Mette , Hertz Frederik Boetius , Petersen Pelle Trier , Jensen Andreas Vestergaard , Baunbæk‐Egelund Gertrud , Ravn Pernille , Jensen Peter Østrup , Faurholt‐Jepsen Daniel
Published: January 2019

Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) are common, but little is known about the response of biomarkers of inflammation in the lungs. Therefore, our primary aim was to compare the concentration of l‐lactate to the concentration of neutrophils in sputum and systemic markers of infection. Because it is difficult to differentiate viral and bacterial infection on the basis of clinical presentation in LRTI, our secondary aim was to evaluate if l‐ and d‐lactate may serve as markers of local inflammation as representatives of neutrophils and bacteria, respectively.

Methods

Patients with acute LRTI were prospectively recruited. Sputum samples were collected and analysed for neutrophil count, l‐lactate and d‐lactate. We had data on pathogens from sputum cultures and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (atypical bacteria, virus) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) from blood.

Results

In 44 sputum samples from 32 patients, the median (interquartile range (IQR)) sputum neutrophil granulocyte count was 0.615 × 107 cells/mL (0.236–1.575). The sputum neutrophil granulocyte count was associated with sputum l‐lactate (p = 0.011) and CRP (p = 0.018), but not with d‐lactate (p = 0.177). There was a strong association between sputum d‐lactate and l‐lactate (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

As l‐lactate in sputum is closely correlated to sequestration of neutrophils in the lungs, l‐lactate is a marker for local inflammation in LRTI and a potential biomarker in clinical management of LRTI. On expectorated sputum, d‐lactate had no clinical relevance.
Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy for a patient with chronic idiopathic colonic pseudo‐obstruction: Report of a case
Authors: Ozawa Tsuyoshi , Ishihara Soichiro , Okada Yuka , Ohno Kohei , Yagi Takahiro , Fukushima Yoshihisa , Shimada Ryu , Hayama Tamuro , Tsuchiya Takeshi , Nozawa Keijiro , Matsuda Keiji , Matsuoka Ryosuke , Mori Ichiro , Fukuzawa Ryuji , Takiyama Aki , Takao Yoshihiko , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Kikuchi Kiyoshi , Hashiguchi Yojiro
Published: January 2019

A 47‐year‐old male patient without a documented past medical history was referred to Sanno Hospital because of constipation and abdominal pain, which he had had for more than 5 years. Abdominal X‐ray and CT scan showed an enlarged ascending colon from the cecum to the transverse colon, without apparent mechanical obstruction. The patient was diagnosed with chronic idiopathic colonic pseudo‐obstruction, and because his symptoms were resistant to medication, surgical treatment was required. Laparoscopic subtotal colectomy was performed without any complications. Constipation was relieved, and the patient began defecating 2–3 times a day without medication. Pathological specimens showed that Meissner's plexus and Auerbach's plexus had decreased and that there were fewer ganglion cells—findings consistent with chronic idiopathic intestinal pseudo‐obstruction.
One step forward, two steps back? Consultant influence on local economic development policy in Canada
Authors: Cleave Evan , Arku Godwin , Chatwin Merlin
Published: January 2019

Cities are increasingly outsourcing economic development policy advisory and development to private consultants. To explore the role and influence of consultants, this study undertook a systematic examination of the economic development policy documents of 41 cities in the Province of Ontario, Canada. The findings of this study indicate that a small handful of consultants are key actors in economic development policy advisory in Ontario. The policy documents authored by consultants tend to be similar in style, scope, and language; and from a policy perspective, there is convergence of policy as cities are recommended the same economic development strategies.
Preclinical pharmacodynamic evaluation of a new Src/FOSL1 inhibitor, LY‐1816, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yang Wei , Meng Lingwei , Chen Kai , Tian Chenyu , Peng Bing , Zhong Lei , Zhang Chunhui , Yang Xin , Zou Jun , Yang Shengyong , Li Linli
Published: January 2019

Despite tremendous efforts, the clinical prognosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains disappointing. There is an urgent need to develop more effective treatment strategies to improve the prognosis of patients with PDAC. In this study, we evaluate the anti‐PDAC effects of LY‐1816, a new multikinase inhibitor developed by us. In in vitro assays, LY‐1816 showed significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of human PDAC cells, and induced PDAC cell apoptosis. Western blot analysis revealed that LY‐1816 markedly suppressed the Src signaling, and downregulated the expression of FOSL1; FOSL1 is an oncogene vulnerability in KRAS‐driven pancreatic cancer. In in vivo models of PDAC xenografts (Aspc‐1 and Bxpc‐3), LY‐1816 showed more potent antitumor activity than dasatinib and gemcitabine. Moreover, mice treated with LY‐1816 showed a much more significant survival advantage in a metastatic model of PDAC compared with those treated with vehicle, dasatinib, or gemcitabine. These results provide effective support for the subsequent clinical evaluation of LY‐1816 in the treatment of PDAC.