bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exceptional body sizes but typical trophic structure in a Pleistocene food web
Authors: Segura Angel M. , Fariña Richard A. , Arim Matías
Published: May 2016

In this study, we focused on the exceptionally large mammals inhabiting the Americas during the Quaternary period and the paramount role of body size in species ecology. We evaluated two main features of Pleistocene food webs: the relationship between body size and (i) trophic position and (ii) vulnerability to predation. Despite the large range of species sizes, we found a hump-shaped relationship between trophic position and body size. We also found a negative trend in species vulnerability similar to that observed in modern faunas. The largest species lived near the boundary of energetic constraints, such that any shift in resource availability could drive these species to extinction. Our results reinforce several features of megafauna ecology: (i) the negative relationship between trophic position and body size implies that large-sized species were particularly vulnerable to changes in energetic support; (ii) living close to energetic imbalance could favour the incorporation of additional energy sources, for example, a transition from a herbivorous to a scavenging diet in the largest species (e.g.
Megatherium
) and (iii) the interactions and structure of Quaternary megafauna communities were shaped by similar forces to those shaping modern fauna communities.
Predicting the impact of urban flooding using open data
Authors: Tkachenko Nataliya , Procter Rob , Jarvis Stephen
Published: May 2016

This paper aims to explore whether there is a relationship between search patterns for flood risk information on the Web and how badly localities have been affected by flood events. We hypothesize that localities where people stay more actively informed about potential flooding experience less negative impact than localities where people make less effort to be informed. Being informed, of course, does not hold the waters back; however, it may stimulate (or serve as an indicator of) such resilient behaviours as timely use of sandbags, relocation of possessions from basements to upper floors and/or temporary evacuation from flooded homes to alternative accommodation. We make use of open data to test this relationship empirically. Our results demonstrate that although aggregated Web search reflects average rainfall patterns, its eigenvectors predominantly consist of locations with similar flood impacts during 2014–2015. These results are also consistent with statistically significant correlations of Web search eigenvectors with flood warning and incident reporting datasets.
Submesoscale currents in the ocean
Authors: McWilliams James C.
Published: May 2016

This article is a perspective on the recently discovered realm of submesoscale currents in the ocean. They are intermediate-scale flow structures in the form of density fronts and filaments, topographic wakes and persistent coherent vortices at the surface and throughout the interior. They are created from mesoscale eddies and strong currents, and they provide a dynamical conduit for energy transfer towards microscale dissipation and diapycnal mixing. Consideration is given to their generation mechanisms, instabilities, life cycles, disruption of approximately diagnostic force balance (e.g. geostrophy), turbulent cascades, internal-wave interactions, and transport and dispersion of materials. At a fundamental level, more questions remain than answers, implicating a programme for further research.
Reproductive dynamics shapes genomotype composition in an allopolyploid complex
Authors: Morgado-Santos M. , Carona S. , Magalhães M. F. , Vicente L. , Collares-Pereira M. J.
Published: May 2016

Hybrid complexes are composed of organisms with multiple combinations of parental genomes (genomotypes) that interconnect through nets of crosses. Although several such complexes are well established without speciation or extinction, mechanisms shaping their dynamics remain poorly understood. In this study, we quantified the reproductive success of the allopolyploid Iberian fish
Squalius alburnoides
in experimental free-access and directional crosses involving the most common genomotypes. Specifically, we analysed the paternity of the offspring produced when females had free access to male genomotypes and quantified variations in egg allocation, fertilization rate, and offspring survival among crosses involving each male genomotype. The composition of the offspring produced from free-access crosses varied significantly from that expected from random mating, suggesting that offspring production and viability are not independent of parental male genomotype. Moreover, directional crosses producing the genomotype most commonly found in wild populations appeared to be the most successful, with females laying more eggs, and fertilization rate and offspring survival being the highest. These results suggest that reproductive dynamics plays a relevant role in structuring the genomotype composition of populations and opens a path to future research on the ecology and evolutionary biology of allopolyploids and their multiplicity of possible evolutionary pathways.
Spatial and temporal genetic structure at the fourth trophic level in a fragmented landscape
Authors: Nair Abhilash , Fountain Toby , Ikonen Suvi , Ojanen Sami P. , van Nouhuys Saskya
Published: May 2016

A fragmented habitat becomes increasingly fragmented for species at higher trophic levels, such as parasitoids. To persist, these species are expected to possess life-history traits, such as high dispersal, that facilitate their ability to use resources that become scarce in fragmented landscapes. If a specialized parasitoid disperses widely to take advantage of a sparse host, then the parasitoid population should have lower genetic structure than the host. We investigated the temporal and spatial genetic structure of a hyperparasitoid (fourth trophic level) in a fragmented landscape over 50 × 70 km, using microsatellite markers, and compared it with the known structures of its host parasitoid, and the butterfly host which lives as a classic metapopulation. We found that population genetic structure decreases with increasing trophic level. The hyperparasitoid has fewer genetic clusters (K= 4), than its host parasitoid (K= 15), which in turn is less structured than the host butterfly (K= 27). The genetic structure of the hyperparasitoid also shows temporal variation, with genetic differentiation increasing due to reduction of the population size, which reduces the effective population size. Overall, our study confirms the idea that specialized species must be dispersive to use a fragmented host resource, but that this adaptation has limits.
Impact of the crystallization condition on importin-β conformation
Authors: Tauchert Marcel J. , Hémonnot Clément , Neumann Piotr , Köster Sarah , Ficner Ralf , Dickmanns Achim
Published: May 2016

In eukaryotic cells, the exchange of macromolecules between the nucleus and cytoplasm is highly selective and requires specialized soluble transport factors. Many of them belong to the importin-β superfamily, the members of which share an overall superhelical structure owing to the tandem arrangement of a specific motif, the HEAT repeat. This structural organization leads to great intrinsic flexibility, which in turn is a prerequisite for the interaction with a variety of proteins and for its transport function. During the passage from the aqueous cytosol into the nucleus, the receptor passes the gated channel of the nuclear pore complex filled with a protein meshwork of unknown organization, which seems to be highly selective owing to the presence of FG-repeats, which are peptides with hydrophobic patches. Here, the structural changes of free importin-β from a single organism, crystallized in polar (salt) or apolar (PEG) buffer conditions, are reported. This allowed analysis of the structural changes, which are attributable to the surrounding milieu and are not affected by bound interaction partners. The importin-β structures obtained exhibit significant conformational changes and suggest an influence of the polarity of the environment, resulting in an extended conformation in the PEG condition. The significance of this observation is supported by SAXS experiments and the analysis of other crystal structures of importin-β deposited in the Protein Data Bank.
Thermal contraction of aqueous glycerol and ethylene glycol solutions for optimized protein-crystal cryoprotection
Authors: Shen Chen , Julius Ethan F. , Tyree Timothy J. , Moreau David W. , Atakisi Hakan , Thorne Robert E.
Published: May 2016

The thermal contraction of aqueous cryoprotectant solutions on cooling to cryogenic temperatures is of practical importance in protein cryocrystallography and in biological cryopreservation. In the former case, differential contraction on cooling of protein molecules and their lattice relative to that of the internal and surrounding solvent may lead to crystal damage and the degradation of crystal diffraction properties. Here, the amorphous phase densities of aqueous solutions of glycerol and ethylene glycol atT= 77 K have been determined. Densities with accuracies of <0.5% to concentrations as low as 30%(w/v) were determined by rapidly cooling drops with volumes as small as 70 pl, assessing their optical clarity and measuring their buoyancy in liquid nitrogen–argon solutions. The use of these densities in contraction matching of internal solvent to the available solvent spaces is complicated by several factors, most notably the exclusion of cryoprotectants from protein hydration shells and the expected deviation of the contraction behavior of hydration water from bulk water. The present methods and results will assist in developing rational approaches to cryoprotection and an understanding of solvent behavior in protein crystals.
Recovery of data from perfectly twinned virus crystals revisited
Authors: Ginn Helen Mary , Stuart David Ian
Published: May 2016

Perfect merohedral twinning of crystals is not uncommon and complicates structural analysis. An iterative method for the deconvolution of data from perfectly merohedrally twinned crystals in the presence of noncrystallographic symmetry (NCS) has been reimplemented. It is shown that the method recovers the data effectively using test data, and an independent metric of success, based on special classes of reflections that are unaffected by the twin operator, is now provided. The method was applied to a real problem with fivefold NCS and rather poor-quality diffraction data, and it was found that even in these circumstances the method appears to recover most of the information. The software has been made available in a form that can be applied to other crystal systems.
Hacienda Flandes: the ups and downs of a Colombian coffee farm
Authors: Ossa Henry , Gonzalez Ana Cristina
Published: May 2016

Subject area

Strategic Planning for family businesses.

Study level/applicability

MBA family businesses courses and/or executive education courses that focus on family businesses. The case can be used in introductory sessions related to family business strategy.

Case overview

This case tells the story of two generations of coffee plant growers at Hacienda Flandes in Colombia’s coffee region. It describes external and internal factors that affected the family business from 1970 to 2013. The case presents antecedents and consequences of environmental circumstances and family members’ decisions that drive this business from boom to decline and later on to its potential reinvention. Through an analysis of this family-owned coffee plantation across generations, students are expected to understand the importance of strategic planning in family businesses, in a changing and competitive environment. Family businesses in emerging economies are the most common type of businesses. In Latin America, most of family businesses might be younger than those in Europe and even in North America. Therefore, family businesses in these economies can be going through or will soon go through a succession. Succession success rate is low, regardless of the culture or country in which the family business develops. This case deals with the preparation (or lack of preparation) of the next generation in family businesses management and its consequences and helps students suggest alternatives and better decisions to run family businesses in an emerging economy.

Expected learning outcomes

Students will be able to know and explain the concept of a family business as a dynamic system: firm, family and individuals, each one with actions and outcomes; analyze opportunities for and threats to family businesses across generations; and formulate strategies that balance business and family demands.

Supplementary materials

The teaching note has specific reading materials to support class discussion.
I cross my heart, hope to live: LPCI Insurance Company’s dilemma in protecting mutual interests in Mexico
Authors: López-Fernández Andrée Marie , Rajagopal
Published: May 2016

Subject area

The subject area of the case study is strategic management with emphasis in stakeholder satisfaction and added value and business performance.

Study level/applicability

The case study illustrates the challenges of business dynamics in an emerging market. It is applicable, especially, for undergraduate and graduate students in management studies.

Case overview

The case of LPCI Insurance Company in Mexico illustrates the challenges that firms face when doing business in an unstable, rapidly changing environment. Conflict-affected areas pose significant threats and opportunities for firms; it is, however, up to the firm to decide whether to avoid change and risk or to design and execute effective strategies to tackle such external issues. The case has been developed in a narrative way as to demonstrate the intricacies of internal incidents and board meeting discussions, which lead to strategic planning and decision-making.

Expected learning

outcomes It is expected that students enhance their awareness of businesses’ role in the protection of Human Rights as a key factor in their engagement in corporate social responsibility and achievement of objectives. It is expected that students also increase their awareness of the implications of operating in a conflict-affected area in emerging markets. Also, it is expected that students learn that doing business effectively requires a holistic approach to business dynamics.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 11: Strategy.
A study of the economic impacts of the TPP on Korea: Armington and Melitz model
Authors: Roh Jae-Whak , Oh Kyungsoo
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to measure the effects of TPP on Korean economy focussing on the changes in the number of firms and productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following Melitz (2003) and Balistreri et al. (2011), the authors apply CGE simulation to five groups of 140 countries.

Findings

– The authors find that welfare increases in Korea to join the TPP regardless the size of the TPP through productivity improvement of participating firms and increases in the number of exporting firms, factor prices and outputs.

Practical implications

– This study helps tentative member countries of TPP decide to join.

Originality/value

– The effects of TPP to Korean economy is measured with Melitz model, which has not yet attempted before.
Interactions due to hall current and rotation in a magneto-micropolar fractional order thermoelastic half-space subjected to ramp-type heating
Authors: Kumar Rajneesh , Singh Kulwinder , Pathania Devinder
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate a two dimensional problem in magneto-micropolar thermoelastic half-space with fractional order derivative in the presence of combined effects of hall current and rotation subjected to ramp-type heating.

Design/methodology/approach

– The fractional order theory of thermoelasticity with one relaxation time derived by Sherief et al. (2010) has been used to investigate the problem. Laplace and Fourier transform technique has been used to solve the resulting non-dimensional coupled field equations to obtain displacement, stress components and temperature distribution. A numerical inversion technique has been applied to obtain the solution in the physical domain.

Findings

– Numerical computed results of all the considered variables have been shown graphically to depict the combined effect of hall current and rotation. Some particular cases of interest are also deduced from the present study.

Originality/value

– Comparison are made in the presence and absence of hall current and rotation in a magneto-micropolar thermoelastic solid with fractional order derivative.
Macroscopic fracture behavior of nickel foam under tension
Authors: Yang Q.C. , Zhang M.J. , Liu P. S.
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The samples of nickel foam with porosity of about 88 percent were uniaxially tensioned at room temperature, and the phenomena of tensile fracture were compared with that from the fully dense plate of metal nickel. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the differences between their behaviors of tensile fracture.

Design/methodology/approach

– The tensile test was carried out by using the tester of CMT-series microcomputer-controlled electronic universal testing machine. The difference of tensile fracture behavior between the nickel foam and the dense metal nickel was discussed by analyzing the load-displacement curve and the microscopical fracture.

Findings

– The results indicated that, nickel foam also displayed the feature of macroscopic plastic-deformation during tension, but it showed a macroscopic brittleness much more than that of the fully dense body. The axial apparent strain at the maximum load for the foamed sample was markedly less than that for the dense one. In addition, an obviously gradual course exhibited for the foamed body during tensile failure and a rapidly instant course for the dense body correspondingly.

Originality/value

– There have been some studies on the tensile behavior for metal foams, but much less than on the compression, and the relevant works are mostly for aluminum foam. The present work provides the investigations on the difference of tensile fracture behavior between the nickel foam and the dense metal nickel, as well as that of the corresponding samples in various cases with different tensile velocities. It is found that the porosity can make a remarkable decrease of the apparent strain at the maximum load and a significant increase of the macroscopical brittleness for the metallic nickel under tension.
Jefferson County Alabama: a dark cloud looms
Authors: Guess Aundrea Kay , Broom Lowell , Reburn James
Published: May 2016

Synopsis

Jefferson County was in a financial crisis as the commissioners faced a decision concerning whether the County should file for bankruptcy. The County was under an EPA mandate to update an outdated and overrunning sewer system. Estimates to do the work ranged from $250 million to $1.2 billion. The situation led to graft, corruption, bribery and illegal activities. More than 20 people were prosecuted in association with the illegal activities involved in financing and construction of the sewer system and four of the five commissioners were sentenced for their involvement in the corruption. Five new commissioners were elected and had to determine what to do after the down-grade of the County's bonds and warrants; the reduced revenues; and the corruption had put the County in a situation where funds were not available to continue to operate the County and provide services to its citizens. Should they declare bankruptcy or choose other paths open to them?

Research methodology

Data sources – this case is based on field research and interviews with a commissioner, court documents and from many other public sources. Extent of disguise – the case is not disguised.

Relevant courses and levels

The case can be used in graduate or upper division undergraduate courses in accounting, strategy, public administration or finance. There are several topics in the case that could be addressed: governance; economics, government and political issues, ethics, accounting, financial instruments, and strategy.
The Neenan Company: rebuilding from a crisis
Authors: Albert Lumina S. , Wright Grace Hanley , Dean Thomas J.
Published: May 2016

Synopsis

The Neenan Company is a construction firm based in Fort Collins, Colorado, known for their efforts in pioneering the advancement of the design/build approach to construction. With a history of industry leadership, innovative contracting methods, and ethical business practices, the company now faces management, customer relations, and financial challenges. Serious structural problems were discovered in a number of public schools and other buildings built by the company. Thrown into a whirlwind of shock, Randy Myers, President of the company, must consider how to respond to the crisis, and how to prevent these issues in the future. Written from his perspective, this case provides a platform for considering the challenges that can result from industry innovation, ethical decision-making, and crisis management.

Research methodology

For the development of this case, the authors interviewed the top management at the Neenan Company: Founder David Neenan, President Randy Myers, and Donna Smith, Vice President of Business Development. The authors also interviewed current employees, previous employees of Neenan, representatives of school buildings built by Neenan, stakeholders, other experts in the construction field and existing customers of the company. The company made internal documents available to the authors, including financial statements and quality control and assessment tools, which were provided by Ryan Dellos, Chief Financial Officer. The authors surveyed financial documents and business documents to analyze pertinent information and data relevant to the case. All the interviews were recorded, coded, and analyzed to include multiple perspectives. Extensive online research was conducted on the construction industry and The Neenan Company which included several news articles and interviews on David and Randy. Additionally, the authors carefully studied the news reports by The Denver Post and other related press materials. Experts from the construction field and financial field provided assistance with data analysis and interpretation. The authors used a variety of academic resources to draw connections between the issues faced by Neenan and concepts discussed in business courses.

Relevant courses and levels

This case has applications in entrepreneurship, small business management, business ethics, leadership, organizational structure/design, and new venture management courses at both undergraduate and graduate levels. It also contains critical areas of decision-making relevant to an advanced strategic management course. The case can be introduced at any stage of the term, and is specifically relevant to discussions focussing on innovation and growth, corporate social responsibility, ethical decision-making, stakeholder theory, entrepreneurial crisis management, and long-term venture success.
Metadata-based data quality assessment
Authors: Aljumaili Mustafa , Karim Ramin , Tretten Phillip
Published: May 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop data quality (DQ) assessment model based on content analysis and metadata analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

A literature review of DQ assessment models has been conducted. A study of DQ key performances (KPIs) has been done. Finally, the proposed model has been developed and applied in a case study.

Findings

The results of this study shows that the metadata data have important information about DQ in a database and can be used to assess DQ to provide decision support for decision makers.

Originality/value

There is a lot of DQ assessment in the literature; however, metadata are not considered in these models. The model developed in this study is based on metadata in addition to the content analysis, to find a quantitative DQ assessment.
Predator refuges for conservation biological control in an intermediately disturbed system: the rise and fall of a simple solution
Authors: Liman Anna‐Sara , Eklund Karin , Björkman Christer
Published: May 2016

Managed systems harvested at intermediate time‐scales have advantages over annual short‐cycled systems in maintaining top‐down control of insect herbivores, and the flexible harvest regimes in these systems provide opportunities for habitat management that can stabilize predator–prey population dynamics across harvests – resulting in reduced risk of pest outbreaks.

In a large‐scale field experiment, we explored whether retaining refuges, that is preserving parts of the stand to reduce predator mortality, could reduce the risk of pest insect outbreaks in willow short‐rotation coppice. Population densities of three omnivorous predator species and three outbreaking herbivorous leaf beetle species were monitored over four years after coppice (stem harvest) in eight stands with refuges (treatment) and eight stands without refuges (control). Predation pressure was estimated in years three and four.

Contrary to our predictions, leaf beetle densities were higher in stands with refuges and predator densities were higher in stands without refuges. Leaf beetle egg mortality increased with total predator density, but did not differ between stands with and without refuges.

These unexpected results can be attributed to interactions between dispersal and patch age. The altered phenology of coppiced stems may have triggered leaf beetle aggregation in refuges and migration from stands without refuges. A behavioural response to resource concentration in retained old patches likely transformed the predator refuge from a ‘source’ to a ‘sink’.

Synthesis and applications. This study shows that retaining refuges in willow short‐rotation coppice to facilitate predator population recovery after harvest can come at the cost of more attractive herbivore habitats – and thus increased pest problems. We conclude that crop refuges in systems with intermediate disturbance regimes pose new challenges for conservation biological control, in particular the need to consider how patch age affects dispersal and recolonization of both pest and predators.
Sliding doors in Brussels: A career path analysis of EU affairs managers
Authors: COEN DAVID , VANNONI MATIA
Published: May 2016

This article investigates the revolving doors phenomenon in the European Union (EU). It proposes a management approach that treats this phenomenon as a form of corporate political activity through which companies try to gain access to decision makers. By using sequence analysis to examine the career paths of almost 300 EU affairs managers based in public and private companies across 26 countries, three different ideal‐typical managers are identified: those EU affairs managers coming from EU institutions and public affairs; those who make a career through the private sector; and those who establish themselves in national political institutions. This identification confirms that EU institutions need different types of information and companies need EU affairs managers with different professional backgrounds able to provide it. Rather than observing a revolving door of EU officials into EU government affairs, what the authors term ‘sliding doors’ – namely the separation of careers, especially between the public and private sectors – is discerned.
Ineffective Health Management in People With Heart Failure: A Pilot Study
Authors: Carneiro Camila de Souza , Lopes Camila Takao , Lopes Juliana de Lima , Santos Vinicius Batista , Bachion Maria Márcia , de Barros Alba Lucia Bottura Leite
Published: May 2016

OBJETIVO

Investigar a aplicabilidade clínica das definiçõs conceituais e operacionais
das características definidoras (CD) e fatores relacionados (FR) de Controle ineficaz da saúde em pessoas com insuficiência cardíaca.

MÉTHODS

Estudo piloto transversal. A presença das CD e FRfoi investigada com base nas definiçõses conceituais e operacionais. As frequênciasforam utilizadas para análise.

RESULTADOS

Dos 33 participantes, 32 (97%) tinham Controle ineficaz da saúde.A principal CD foi Escolhas na vida diária ineficazes para atingir as meta de saúde, e oprincipal FR foi Impotência

CONCLUSÂO

As definições conceituais e operacionais foram aplicáveis à prática clínica, com exceçâo de Benefício percebido, Suscetibilidade percebida e Gravidade da condiçâo percebida, as quais devem ser modificadas.
Correlates of physical activity in people living with psychotic illness
Authors: Suetani S. , Waterreus A. , Morgan V. , Foley D. L. , Galletly C. , Badcock J. C. , Watts G. , McKinnon A. , Castle D. , Saha S. , Scott J. G. , McGrath J. J.
Published: May 2016

Objective

In the light of the high prevalence of physical comorbidities in people with psychotic illness, there is a need to explore modifiable risk factors that may contribute to this disease burden. The benefits of physical activity to both physical and mental health have been well established. We aimed to examine the prevalence and correlates of physical activity in a national sample of adults living with psychotic illness.

Methods

Physical activity was assessed in 1801 people using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Participants were dichotomised into low and moderate–high physical activity groups and associations between physical activity and a range of sociodemographic, clinical and physical comorbidity variables were examined using logistic regression.

Results

More than half the participants were categorised in the moderate–high physical activity group with nearly half of the sample engaged in physical activity every day. There were significant associations between low physical activity and older age, unemployment, educational non‐participation, antipsychotic medication use, social dysfunction, self‐reported loneliness and obesity. However, there was no significant association between physical activity and sex, psychosis type, illness duration, physical comorbidity or negative symptoms.

Conclusion

The findings from this study may inform future interventions designed to increase physical activity in people with psychotic illness.
Uterine leiomyosarcoma – incidence, treatment, and the impact of morcellation. A nationwide cohort study
Authors: Skorstad Mette , Kent Andrew , Lieng Marit
Published: May 2016

Introduction

The risk of morcellation of occult uterine leiomyosarcomas (LMS) during laparoscopic procedures has been under scrutiny over recent years. The objective of this study was to assess the operative treatment performed in women with uterine LMS in Norway in 2000–2012, including the number of morcellated LMS.

Material and methods

Retrospective nationwide cohort study. The study participants were all women with histopathologically verified uterine LMS in Norway during 2000–2012. The data were collected from the Cancer Registry of Norway, National Patient Registry and medical records.

Results

There were 212 women diagnosed with uterine LMS in Norway in 2000–2012. Mean age at time of diagnosis was 58.1 years (SD ± 12.5). The most frequent symptom in women suffering from LMS was abnormal uterine bleeding [110/212 (51.9%)]. LMS was histopathologically verified in 49/212 (23.1%) preoperatively. In 48/212 (22.6%), a malignant condition was suspected and they were treated accordingly. In 115/212 (54.2%), malignancy was not suspected at time of surgery and the women were treated according to the treatment protocol for fibroids. In only four patients was tissue retrieval by power morcellation conducted, accounting for 1.9% of all LMS cases.

Conclusions

In more than 50% of women suffering from LMS, a malignant diagnosis was not confirmed or suspected prior to surgery. In our material, power morcellation of LMS has not lead to reduced survival. We suggest that power morcellators may be used in surgical treatment of selected cases of premenopausal women with symptomatic, presumed benign uterine leiomyomas.
Prognostic Factors in Emergency Department Patients with Glyphosate Surfactant Intoxication: Point‐of‐Care Lactate Testing
Authors: Kim Yong Hwan , Lee Jun Ho , Cho Kwang Won , Lee Dong Woo , Kang Mun Ju , Lee Kyoung Yul , Lee Young Hwan , Hwang Seong Youn , Lee Na Kyoung
Published: May 2016

An increasing number of suicide attempts involve the ingestion of glyphosate surfactant; hence, clinical toxicologists may encounter severe cases of glyphosate surfactant intoxication. In several other clinical conditions, serum lactate is used to predict outcome. We investigated the relationship between lactate levels and 30‐day mortality from glyphosate surfactant poisoning. This retrospective analysis involved 232 patients who were admitted to the emergency department after acute glyphosate surfactant poisoning between January 2004 and June 2014. We used a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve to define the optimal cut‐off point for lactate levels. A Kaplan–Meier 30‐day survival curve was then analysed in terms of the defined cut‐off level. We used multi‐variate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis to determine the risk factors for 30‐day mortality. Of the 232 patients, 29 died, yielding a case fatality rate of 12.5%. Lactate was significantly higher in non‐survivors (6.5 ± 3.1 mmol/L) than in survivors (3.3 ± 2.2 mmol/L; p < 0.001), and elevated lactate was significantly associated with 30‐day mortality. The area under the ROC curve of lactate levels was 0.836 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.716–0.869]. Lactate levels higher than 4.7 mmol/L were associated with increased mortality in multi‐variable analysis (hazard ratio: 3.2; 95% CI: 1.1–8.7). Besides lactate, age >59 years, corrected QT interval >495 ms and potassium >5.5 mmol/L were independent risk factors for 30‐day mortality. Lactate is an independent predictor of 30‐day mortality in patients with glyphosate surfactant poisoning. Early measurement of lactate levels may be a simple and practical way to assess the severity of intoxication.
On the Combination of c- and D-Optimal Designs: General Approaches and Applications in Dose–Response Studies
Authors: Holland-Letz Tim
Published: May 2016

Dose–response modeling in areas such as toxicology is often conducted using a parametric approach. While estimation of parameters is usually one of the goals, often the main aim of the study is the estimation of quantities derived from the parameters, such as the ED50 dose. From the view of statistical optimal design theory such an objective corresponds to a c-optimal design criterion. Unfortunately, c-optimal designs often create practical problems, and furthermore commonly do not allow actual estimation of the parameters. It is therefore useful to consider alternative designs which show good c-performance, while still being applicable in practice and allowing reasonably good general parameter estimation. In effect, using optimal design terminology this means that a reasonable performance regarding the D-criterion is expected as well. In this article, we propose several approaches to the task of combining c- and D-efficient designs, such as using mixed information functions or setting minimum requirements regarding either c- or D-efficiency, and show how to algorithmically determine optimal designs in each case. We apply all approaches to a standard situation from toxicology, and obtain a much better balance between c- and D-performance. Next, we investigate how to adapt the designs to different parameter values. Finally, we show that the methodology used here is not just limited to the combination of c- and D-designs, but can also be used to handle more general constraint situations such as limits on the cost of an experiment.
Effect of melphalan 140 mg/m2 vs 200 mg/m2 on toxicities and outcomes in multiple myeloma patients undergoing single autologous stem cell transplantation—a single center experience
Authors: Katragadda Lakshmikanth , McCullough Lindsay M. , Dai Yunfeng , Hsu Jack , Byrne Michael , Hiemenz John , May Stratford , Cogle Christopher R. , Norkin Maxim , Brown Randy A. , Wingard John R. , Chang Myron , Moreb Jan S.
Published: May 2016

Although melphalan at a dose of 140 mg/m2 (MEL140) is an acceptable conditioning regimen for autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients, very few studies compared it to the most commonly used dose of 200 mg/m2 (MEL200). A retrospective review of records of MM patients (2001–2010) identified 33 patients who received MEL140 and 96 patients who received MEL200. As expected, significantly higher percentage of patients in the MEL140 arm were >65 years or had cardiac ejection fraction <50%, had Karnofsky score <80, or had creatinine >2 at the time of ASCT (P≤.01). There were no significant differences in incidence of treatment related mortality and morbidity. At a median follow‐up of 74 months from ASCT, there were no significant differences in relapse free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) between the two groups. Similar proportion had myeloma status improve to ≥VGPR at 3 months post‐ASCT. Usage of post‐ASCT maintenance was similar. In multivariate cox proportional hazards model, only disease status of ≥VGPR at the time of ASCT significantly improved RFS (P=.024), but not OS (P=.104). In conclusion, MM patients who received MEL140 had similar long‐term outcomes to MEL200 patients despite their older age and co‐morbidities.
Lung transplantation in patients with incidental early stage lung cancer—institutional experience of a high volume center
Authors: Klikovits Thomas , Lambers Christopher , Ghanim Bahil , Dome Balazs , Murakoezy Gabriella , Zöchbauer‐Müller Sabine , Waseda Ryuichi , Aigner Clemens , Lang Gyoergy , Taghavi Shahrokh , Klepetko Walter , Jaksch Peter , Hoda Mir Alireza
Published: May 2016

Background

Incidentally discovered lung cancers in lung transplant (LuTX) recipients are rare but may affect outcome. We aim to report our single center experience with incidence, management, and survival of patients with previously unverified primary lung cancer discovered at the time of LuTX.

Methods

A total of 1262 patients undergoing LuTX between 1989 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed in our prospective database.

Results

Patients identified were six men and five women with a mean age of 54.4±9.9 years. The indication for LuTX was COPD (n=9), pulmonary fibrosis (n=1), and cystic fibrosis (n=1). Histological diagnosis of the explanted lung revealed adenocarcinoma in six, squamous cell carcinoma in three, and lepidic predominant adenocarcinoma in two cases, respectively. Staging revealed stage IA (pT1a/b pN0) in eight and IB (pT2a pN0) in two cases and one patient in stage IIA (pT1b pN1). Subsequent cancer staging after LuTX revealed no metastasis. Immunosuppression was adjusted and no adjuvant chemo‐ or radiotherapy was administered. The 5‐year survival rate was 90.5% with no detection of recurrence.

Conclusion

In patients with incidentally detected early stage lung cancer at the time of LuTX, rates of recurrence and survival based on this sample appear to be acceptable.
Histopathologic features of multiple cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas of the lower extremity
Authors: Munday William R. , Leffell David J. , McNiff Jennifer M. , Ko Christine J.
Published: May 2016

Recent studies suggest cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) of the leg, particularly those occurring multiply in sun exposed skin of nonimmunosuppressed women, are a distinct clinical subtype. There are few reports of the histopathologic features of this subtype. A retrospective chart review of 4 patients with multiple SCCs on the leg was performed and a total of 35 biopsies from the legs examined. Histopathologically, the tumors lacked adjacent actinic keratosis (AK) and often had adjacent basaloid retiform proliferations. Most lesions (all but one) were well differentiated and about 40% could be classified histopathologically as keratoacanthoma. Perineural invasion was absent in all but one case. Using the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging criteria for SCC, 21 tumors were Stage I, and 9 Stage II. During 7–10 years of follow‐up, no recurrence or metastasis occurred. Patients with multiple SCCs on the lower extremities can have a range of histopathologic features, from keratoacanthoma‐like to well‐differentiated SCC.
The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology classification for pulmonary specimens: an overview
Authors: Layfield L. J.
Published: May 2016

The Papanicolaou Society of Cytopathology has formulated guidelines for respiratory cytology which include a classification scheme. The recommended classification scheme is based on the expertise of the committee members, extensive review of the literature and feedback from presentations at national and international meetings. Each category of the classification system is closely defined and link to a known risk for malignancy. The classification contains six categories designated as: 1) Non‐diagnostic; 2) Negative for Malignancy; 3) Atypical; 4) Neoplastic (Benign and low grade cancer); 5) Suspicious for Malignancy; and 6) Malignant.
Patients with KCNJ11‐related diabetes frequently have neuropsychological impairments compared with sibling controls
Authors: Carmody D. , Pastore A. N. , Landmeier K. A. , Letourneau L. R. , Martin R. , Hwang J. L. , Naylor R. N. , Hunter S. J. , Msall M. E. , Philipson L. H. , Scott M. N. , Greeley S. A. W.
Published: May 2016

Aims

KCNJ11‐related diabetes is the most common form of permanent neonatal diabetes and has been associated with a spectrum of neurodevelopmental problems. We compared neurodevelopmental outcomes in patients with KCNJ11 mutations and their sibling controls.

Methods

Through our Monogenic Diabetes Registry (http://monogenicdiabetes.uchicago.edu/), we evaluated 23 patients with KCNJ11 mutations with (n = 9) and without (n = 14) global developmental delay successfully treated with sulfonylurea and 20 healthy sibling controls, using a battery of targeted neuropsychological and behavioural assessments with scaled scores that are comparable across a wide range of ages.

Results

Patients with KCNJ11‐related diabetes without global developmental delay had significant differences compared with sibling controls on a range of assessments including IQ, measures of academic achievement and executive function. KCNJ11 patients with global delay exhibited significant differences in behavioural symptoms with a tendency to avoid social contact and displayed a reduced ability to adapt to new circumstances. Parents reported more immature behaviour, gross mood swings, bizarre thoughts, other unusual and severe behaviours, and there were also significant deficits in all subdomains of daily living skills.

Conclusions

This series represents the largest and most comprehensive study of neuropsychological and behavioural dysfunction of individuals with KCNJ11 diabetes and is the first to compare outcome with sibling controls. Our data demonstrate the variety of neurodevelopmental problems seen in those with KCNJ11 mutations, even in those without recognized global developmental delays. These data can be used to counsel families and guide structured neurodevelopmental assessments and treatments based on the initial genetic diagnosis in patients with neonatal diabetes.
Measurement of morphological and physiological skin properties in aged care residents: a test–retest reliability pilot study
Authors: Rayner Robyn , Carville Keryln , Leslie Gavin , Dhaliwal Satvinder S.
Published: May 2016

This test–retest pilot study investigated the intra‐rater reliability and reproducibility of non‐invasive technologies to objectively quantify morphological (colour, thickness and elasticity) and physiological (transepidermal water loss (TEWL), hydration, sebum and pH) skin properties in an aged care population. Three consecutive measurements were taken from five anatomical skin sites, with the mean of each measurement calculated. The intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) and the standard error of measurement (SEM) were used to examine the intra‐rater reliability and reproducibility of measurements. Non‐invasive technologies in this study showed almost perfect reliability for ultrasound measurements of the subepidermal low echogenicity band (SLEB) (ρ = 0·95–0·99) and skin thickness (ρ = 0·95–0·99) across all sites. The ICC was substantial to almost perfect for pH (ρ = 0·76–0·88) and viscoelasticity (ρ = 0·67–0·91) across all sites. Hydration (ρ = 0·53–0·85) and skin retraction (ρ = 0·57–0·99) measurements ranged from moderate to almost perfect across all sites. TEWL and elasticity were substantial to almost perfect across four sites. Casual sebum levels and most colour parameters showed poor ICC. The use of non‐invasive technologies in this study provided an objective and reliable means for quantifying ageing skin and may offer future studies a valuable option for assessing skin tear risk.
Structural and Physical Properties of Mixed‐Layer Aurivillius‐Type Multiferroics
Authors: Sun Shujie , Liu Changhui , Wang Guopeng , Chen Zezhi , Chen Tong , Peng Ranran , Lu Yalin
Published: May 2016

Different from the homogeneous layer structure of famous Bin+1Fen−3Ti3O3n+3 compounds with integer n values, the mixed‐layer structure of the compounds with fractional n values and their related physics have been rarely reported in recent years. In this work, the mixed‐layer compound Bi11Fe3Ti6O33 (n = 4.5) was synthesized by the modified Pechini method, and its structure was characterized as an inhomogeneous phase generating from the disordered intergrowths of the n = 4 and 5 perovskite slabs. Multiferroic properties of this compound were discussed in detail, compared with two adjacent homologous Aurivillius phases Bi5FeTi3O15 (n = 4) and Bi6Fe2Ti3O18 (n = 5). Significantly, the ferroelectric polarization of the mixed‐layer sample at room temperature is higher than that of the adjacent homologous phases with integer n, mainly arising from the intrinsic mixed‐layer structure. The ferroelectric Curie temperature (~992 K) and a magnetic transition temperature (~7 K) of the 4.5‐layer phase of Bi11Fe3Ti6O33 fall in between those of the homogeneous 4‐ and 5‐layer phases, conforming to the change trends of such oxides with integer n. These results provide important contributions to understand the Aurivillius‐type materials and open up a new avenue to enhance multiferroic properties in single‐phase multiferroics.
Glass‐Ceramics in the System BaO–SrO–ZnO–SiO2 with Adjustable Coefficients of Thermal Expansion
Authors: Thieme Christian , de Souza Gabriel Buzatto , Rüssel Christian
Published: May 2016

Glasses from the system BaO–SrO–ZnO–SiO2 with different Ba/Sr ratios were characterized regarding crystallization behavior as well as the thermal expansion of almost fully crystallized glasses. Depending on the SrO concentration, different crystalline phases precipitate from the glasses. Those with low SrO concentrations precipitate crystals with the structure of low‐temperature BaZn2Si2O7 as one of the major phases. Higher SrO concentrations cause the formation of Ba1−xSrxZn2Si2O7 solid solutions with the structure of high‐temperature BaZn2Si2O7. Both, the low‐ as well as the high‐temperature phase exhibit very different thermal expansion behaviors ranging from a very high coefficient of thermal expansion in the case of the low‐temperature phase to a very low coefficient of thermal expansion in the case of the high‐temperature phase. The glass‐ceramics with the highest and that with the lowest coefficient of thermal expansion measured between 100°C and 800°C show a difference of 7.9 × 10−6 K−1, which is caused solely by a substitution of BaO with SrO. In contrast, the maximum variation in the thermal expansion of the glasses was only 1.5 × 10−6 K−1. The microstructure of sintered and afterward crystallized glass powders was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and showed crack‐free samples with low porosity.