bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A perspective on sustained marine observations for climate modelling and prediction
Authors: Dunstone Nick J.
Published: August 2014

Here, I examine some of the many varied ways in which sustained global ocean observations are used in numerical modelling activities. In particular, I focus on the use of ocean observations to initialize predictions in ocean and climate models. Examples are also shown of how models can be used to assess the impact of both current ocean observations and to simulate that of potential new ocean observing platforms. The ocean has never been better observed than it is today and similarly ocean models have never been as capable at representing the real ocean as they are now. However, there remain important unanswered questions that can likely only be addressed via future improvements in ocean observations. In particular, ocean observing systems need to respond to the needs of the burgeoning field of near-term climate predictions. Although new ocean observing platforms promise exciting new discoveries, there is a delicate balance to be made between their funding and that of the current ocean observing system. Here, I identify the need to secure long-term funding for ocean observing platforms as they mature, from a mainly research exercise to an operational system for sustained observation over climate change time scales. At the same time, considerable progress continues to be made via ship-based observing campaigns and I highlight some that are dedicated to addressing uncertainties in key ocean model parametrizations. The use of ocean observations to understand the prominent long time scale changes observed in the North Atlantic is another focus of this paper. The exciting first decade of monitoring of the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation by the RAPID-MOCHA array is highlighted. The use of ocean and climate models as tools to further probe the drivers of variability seen in such time series is another exciting development. I also discuss the need for a concerted combined effort from climate models and ocean observations in order to understand the current slow-down in surface global warming.
Proportionality: a valid alternative to correlation for relative data
Authors: Lovell David , Pawlowsky-Glahn Vera , Egozcue Juan José , Marguerat Samuel , Bähler Jürg
Published: August 2014

In the life sciences, many measurement methods yield only the relative abundances of different components in a sample. With such relative—orcompositional—data, differential expression needs careful interpretation, and correlation—a statistical workhorse for analyzing pairwise relationships—is an in-appropriate measure of association. Using yeast gene expression data we show how correlation can be misleading and presentproportionalityas a valid alternative for relative data. We show how the strength of proportionality between two variables can be meaningfully and interpretably described by a new statisticΦwhich can be used instead of correlation as the basis of familiar analyses and visualization methods, including co-expression networks and clustered heatmaps.

While the main aim of this study is to present proportionality as a means to analyse relative data, it also raises intriguing questions about the molecular mechanisms underlying the proportional regulation of a range of yeast genes.
Generation of picosecond electron bunches in storage rings
Authors: Huang Xiaobiao , Rabedeau Thomas , Safranek James
Published: August 2014

Approaches to generating short X-ray pulses in synchrotron light sources are discussed. In particular, the method of using a superconducting harmonic cavity to generate simultaneously long and short bunches in storage rings and the approach of injecting short bunches from a linac injector into a storage ring for multi-turn circulation are emphasized. If multi-cell superconducting RF (SRF) cavities with frequencies of ∼1.5 GHz can be employed in storage rings, it would be possible to generate stable, high-flux, short-pulse X-ray beams with pulse lengths of 1–10 ps (FWHM) in present or future storage rings. However, substantial challenges exist in adapting today's high-gradient SRF cavities for high-current storage ring operation. Another approach to generating short X-ray pulses in a storage ring is injecting short-pulse electron bunches from a high-repetition-rate linac injector for circulation. Its performance is limited by the microbunching instability due to coherent synchrotron radiation. Tracking studies are carried out to evaluate its performance. Challenges and operational considerations for this mode are considered.
First multi-bend achromat lattice consideration
Authors: Einfeld Dieter , Plesko Mark , Schaper Joachim
Published: August 2014

By the beginning of 1990, three third-generation synchrotron light sources had been successfully commissioned in Grenoble, Berkeley and Trieste (ESRF, ALS and ELETTRA). Each of these new machines reached their target specifications without any significant problems. In parallel, already at that time discussions were underway regarding the next generation, the `diffraction-limited light source (DLSR)', which featured sub-nm rad electron beam emittance, photon beam brilliance exceeding 1022and the potential to emit coherent radiation. Also, at about that time, a first design for a 3 GeV DLSR was developed, based on a modified multiple-bend achromat (MBA) design leading to a lattice with normalized emittance of ∊x= 0.5 nm rad. The novel feature of the MBA lattice was the use of seven vertically focusing bend magnets with different bending angles throughout the achromat cell to keep the radiation integrals and resulting beam emittance low. The baseline design called for a 400 m ring circumference with 12 straight sections of 6 m length. The dynamic aperture behaviour of the DLSR lattice was estimated to produce > 5 h beam lifetime at 100 mA stored beam current.
Lattice design challenges for fourth-generation storage-ring light sources
Authors: Borland Michael , Decker Glenn , Emery Louis , Sajaev Vadim , Sun Yipeng , Xiao Aimin
Published: August 2014

Third-generation low-emittance storage-ring light sources based on double- and triple-bend cells and undulator magnets have been in operation around the world for more than two decades. On the horizon is a new generation based on the multi-bend achromat (MBA) lattice concept promising two to three orders of magnitude higher brightness than is available in today's sources. In this paper, the challenges inherent in designing MBA lattices, as well as potential solutions, are described. Topics covered include lattice concepts, scaling of storage-ring performance, brightness optimization, nonlinear dynamics, beam lifetime and injection schemes.
Collective effects in a diffraction-limited storage ring
Authors: Nagaoka Ryutaro , Bane Karl L. F.
Published: August 2014

This paper gives an overview of collective effects that are likely to appear and possibly limit the performance in a diffraction-limited storage ring (DLSR) that stores a high-intensity ultra-low-emittance beam. Beam instabilities and other intensity-dependent effects that may significantly impact the machine performance are covered. The latter include beam-induced machine heating, Touschek scattering, intra-beam scattering, as well as incoherent tune shifts. The general trend that the efforts to achieve ultra-low emittance result in increasing the machine coupling impedance and the beam sensitivity to instability is reviewed. The nature of coupling impedance in a DLSR is described, followed by a series of potentially dangerous beam instabilities driven by the former, such as resistive-wall, TMCI (transverse mode coupling instability), head–tail and microwave instabilities. In addition, beam-ion and CSR (coherent synchrotron radiation) instabilities are also treated. Means to fight against collective effects such as lengthening of the bunch with passive harmonic cavities and bunch-by-bunch transverse feedback are introduced. Numerical codes developed and used to evaluate the machine coupling impedance, as well as to simulate beam instability using the former as inputs are described.
On the characterization of ultra-precise X-ray optical components: advances and challenges inex situmetrology
Authors: Siewert F. , Buchheim J. , Zeschke T. , Störmer M. , Falkenberg G. , Sankari R.
Published: August 2014

To fully exploit the ultimate source properties of the next-generation light sources, such as free-electron lasers (FELs) and diffraction-limited storage rings (DLSRs), the quality requirements for gratings and reflective synchrotron optics, especially mirrors, have significantly increased. These coherence-preserving optical components for high-brightness sources will feature nanoscopic shape accuracies over macroscopic length scales up to 1000 mm. To enable high efficiency in terms of photon flux, such optics will be coated with application-tailored single or multilayer coatings. Advanced thin-film fabrication of today enables the synthesis of layers on the sub-nanometre precision level over a deposition length of up to 1500 mm. Specifically dedicated metrology instrumentation of comparable accuracy has been developed to characterize such optical elements. Second-generation slope-measuring profilers like the nanometre optical component measuring machine (NOM) at the BESSY-II Optics laboratory allow the inspection of up to 1500 mm-long reflective optical components with an accuracy better than 50 nrad r.m.s. Besides measuring the shape on top of the coated mirror, it is of particular interest to characterize the internal material properties of the mirror coating, which is the domain of X-rays. Layer thickness, density and interface roughness of single and multilayer coatings are investigated by means of X-ray reflectometry. In this publication recent achievements in the field of slope measuring metrology are shown and the characterization of different types of mirror coating demonstrated. Furthermore, upcoming challenges to the inspection of ultra-precise optical components designed to be used in future FEL and DLSR beamlines are discussed.
Optics for coherent X-ray applications
Authors: Yabashi Makina , Tono Kensuke , Mimura Hidekazu , Matsuyama Satoshi , Yamauchi Kazuto , Tanaka Takashi , Tanaka Hitoshi , Tamasaku Kenji , Ohashi Haruhiko , Goto Shunji , Ishikawa Tetsuya
Published: August 2014

Developments of X-ray optics for full utilization of diffraction-limited storage rings (DLSRs) are presented. The expected performance of DLSRs is introduced using the design parameters of SPring-8 II. To develop optical elements applicable to manipulation of coherent X-rays, advanced technologies on precise processing and metrology were invented. With propagation-based coherent X-rays at the 1 km beamline of SPring-8, a beryllium window fabricated with the physical-vapour-deposition method was found to have ideal speckle-free properties. The elastic emission machining method was utilized for developing reflective mirrors without distortion of the wavefronts. The method was further applied to production of diffraction-limited focusing mirrors generating the smallest spot size in the sub-10 nm regime. To enable production of ultra-intense nanobeams at DLSRs, a low-vibration cooling system for a high-heat-load monochromator and advanced diagnostic systems to characterize X-ray beam properties precisely were developed. Finally, new experimental schemes for combinative nano-analysis and spectroscopy realised with novel X-ray optics are discussed.
The role of prospective screening in the diagnosis of dementia in people with Down's syndrome
Authors: Starkey Hayley , Bevins Shelley , Bonell Simon
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– People with Down's syndrome are at increased risk of developing early onset Alzheimer's disease. It has been recommended that all adults with Down's syndrome receive baseline neuropsychological testing for dementia. In certain areas prospective screening of people with Down's syndrome takes place to ensure the early diagnosis of the condition. However, little has been published on the value of this type of screening. The purpose of this paper is to report on a prospective screening programme and asks whether the programme is effective in identifying dementia-related changes in people with Down's syndrome and whether the current screening intervals are appropriate.

Design/methodology/approach

– All adults with Down's syndrome in Plymouth (UK) are identified and offered a comprehensive test battery at baseline at the age of 20 and then have testing biennially from 40 to 50 and annually after 50. All individuals diagnosed with dementia between 2001 and 2013 were identified and their case notes examined. The symptoms at the time of diagnosis were identified and whether these symptoms had been identified through the screening programme or by other routes were recorded. Prevalence data and age at diagnosis were also recorded.

Findings

– In total, 26 people were diagnosed with dementia during the study period. Of these, the diagnosis of dementia followed concerns being identified during the routine screening programme in 54 per cent of cases. In the younger age group (age 40-49) 63 per cent of people were identified through the screening programme. At the time of diagnosis a mean of 5.5 areas of concern were in evidence.

Research limitations/implications

– Limited by small sample size, however service development not original research. Implications for the use of prospective dementia screening in people with Down's syndrome.

Practical implications

– Implications for how services choose to run their Down's syndrome and dementia screening programmes, including the frequency of screening.

Originality/value

– The paper adds to a growing evidence base around the value of prospective dementia screening in people with Down's syndrome. It is also one of a few studies exploring the frequency of screening. Additionally, it adds further data about prevalence of dementia in people with Down's syndrome.
An urban growth model of office property development
Authors: Wadu Mesthrige Jayantha
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to estimate an empirical model for new office space development starts, based on the theoretical treatment of urban growth. The study introduces a new parameter, namely, office space-usage pattern, to the office space development equation and tests whether developers respond to non-price measures in deciding to commence new developments.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study first introduces a co-integration approach based on an error correction model to test for long-run relations and short-run dynamics of new office space development. A multivariate regression model is then introduced to identify significant determinants that influence office development starts. The study uses annual data over a time span of 30 years.

Findings

– Estimated results provide strong evidence that the newly introduced parameter exerts a positive impact on new office space development. It suggests that if the average floor space per employee changes by one percentage point, new office development starts would change by 1.5 percentage point, indicating even a marginal change in floor-space usage per employee (SPE) would have a significant impact on new office space development. Empirical estimates also suggest a strong response of office development starts to the lagged land supply and office space stock.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper raises the concern about the importance of non-price measures of the supply-side of the office market. There is scope to address the research questions using better data sets. It is also possible to model the supply adjustment process more dynamically in an error correction framework.

Practical implications

– The findings would suggest that non-price measures, such as space-usage pattern, need to be taken into account when planning and estimating future office space needs. This finding provides valuable insight for our current knowledge on factors affecting new office supply.

Originality/value

– This is the first study to introduce office floor space usage as a determinant of office development starts in an urban growth conceptual framework for the Hong Kong office market.
Developing a fuzzy risk assessment model for guaranteed maximum price and target cost contracts in South Australia
Authors: Chan Daniel W.M. , Chan Joseph H.L. , Ma Tony
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to develop a fuzzy risk assessment model for construction projects procured with target cost contracts and guaranteed maximum price contracts (TCC/GMP) using the fuzzy synthetic evaluation method, based on an empirical questionnaire survey with relevant industrial practitioners in South Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 34 major risk factors inherent with TCC/GMP contracts were identified through an extensive literature review and a series of structured interviews. A questionnaire survey was then launched to solicit the opinions of industrial practitioners on risk assessment of such risk factors.

Findings

– The most important 14 key risk factors after the computation of normalised values were selected for undertaking fuzzy evaluation analysis. Five key risk groups (KRGs) were then generated in descending order of importance as: physical risks, lack of experience of contracting parties throughout TCC/GMP procurement process, design risks, contractual risks and delayed payment on contracts. These survey findings also revealed that physical risks may be the major hurdle to the success of TCC/GMP projects in South Australia.

Practical implications

– Although the fuzzy risk assessment model was developed for those new-build construction projects procured by TCC/GMP contracts in this paper, the same research methodology may be applied to other contracts within the wide spectrum of facilities management or building maintenance services under the target cost-based model. Therefore, the contribution from this paper could be extended to the discipline of facilities management as well.

Originality/value

– An overall risk index associated with TCC/GMP construction projects and the risk indices of individual KRGs can be generated from the model for reference. An objective and a holistic assessment can be achieved. The model has provided a solid platform to measure, evaluate and reduce the risk levels of TCC/GMP projects based on objective evidence instead of subjective judgements. The research methodology could be replicated in other countries or regions to produce similar models for international comparisons, and the assessment of risk levels for different types of TCC/GMP projects (including new-build or maintenance) worldwide.
Supply network design in the residential-FM sector
Authors: Huuskonen Arto Pekka Juhani
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine supply network designs that large service organisations use in the residential-FM sector to respond to the organising requirements of their operating environments.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is theoretically grounded in the well-established literature on the organisational design and structural contingency theory. Utilising a framework of generic organising problems proposed by Miles and Snow (1978) and a multiple-case study design, the study elaborates how large service organisations organise and manage their supply networks in the Finnish residential-FM sector.

Findings

– The study identifies four supply network designs that organisations use for responding to the organising problems inherent in the property and resident services domains in the residential-FM sector. These include regional production organisation, horizontal decentralisation, environment stabilisation and demand – supply pooling, reflecting the type of the service-market domain and the organisation’s service strategy.

Originality/value

– The study contributes to the facilities management literature by expanding the field of inquiry from the commercial real estate sector into the emerging field of professional residential facility services. In particular, the study adds to the discussion on supply strategies and design, offering a service provider perspective to the organisation of service supply in housing.
Implementing an integrated ABC and TOC approach to enhance decision making in a Lean context
Authors: Alsmadi Majed , Almani Ahmad , Khan Zulfiqar
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to implement an integrated activity-based costing (ABC) and theory of constraints (TOC) approach to enhance decision making in a Lean company.

Design/methodology/approach

– Based on the literature, this paper proposes an integrated ABC and TOC approach and applies it to a Lean plastic manufacturing company to improve its product-mix decision.

Findings

– The results of the case study show that the current conventional product-mix decision used by the company and the proposed integrated approach can give significantly different results concerning the optimal product-mix and the associated bottlenecks. Moreover, the paper suggests that managers who implement Lean production without utilising a supportive management accounting system may experience disappointing financial results.

Research limitations/implications

– The validation of the suggested method is based on a single case study with an action research approach. For future research, the authors suggest the implementation of the approach in different industries.

Practical implications

– Overall, the integration of ABC and TOC provides managers with an accurate, timely and reliable tool that can help in making decisions about pricing, production line development, process improvements and product-mix.

Originality/value

– This paper contributes to Lean and management accounting literature by demonstrating the value of a method of integrating ABC and TOC. Also a case study is chosen for the empirical aspect of the study as there are no case studies available in the literature that illustrate a real life case of integrating ABC and TOC within Lean companies as an alternative to the current used cost accounting systems.
An empirical analysis of Lean Six Sigma implementation in SMEs – a migratory perspective
Authors: J. Thomas Andrew , Davies Alan , Ringwald Kath , Parfitt Scott , John Elwyn
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the migratory nature of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) implementation and adoption in manufacturing-based SMEs in the UK. The companies were surveyed at two points over a five-year period. These periods were before and after the 2008 recession point. This being done in order to identify the level of LSS adoption as a result of the tougher economic climate that has prevailed since 2008.

Design/methodology/approach

– Analysis is carried out on a sample of 96 manufacturing SMEs from a range of manufacturing sectors in the UK. Data were gathered from company CEOs via a triangulated method of questionnaire, direct observation and interviews.

Findings

– The paper provides research information into the characterisation, compatibility and innovativeness of SMEs towards LSS implementation and goes on to provide an implementation classification system and characterises the dynamical nature of LSS development in manufacturing SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings analyse the dynamic nature of LSS implementation in SMEs. Further work will include extending the LSS categorisation system to provide a wider category set that further defines the dynamical nature of LSS implementation. Also, more focused studies in to specific manufacturing sectors will yield greater understanding of the effects of LSS on those sectors.

Practical implications

– The paper provides practical research information into the characterisation, compatibility and innovativeness of SMEs towards LSS implementation. It will be of use to practitioners seeking to implement or develop LSS further in their organisations.

Originality/value

– This study compares at depth the LSS implementation issues within SMEs. It not only analyses the survey data but characterises their attitudes towards implementing LSS and as such this work makes a contribution to this under researched area.
A model for reliability analysis of multi-state manufacturing systems
Authors: Ahmad Niknam Seyed , Sawhney Rapinder
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the reliability analysis of a multi-state manufacturing system with different performance levels. In, fact, reliability assessment of manufacturing systems gives a reasonable demonstration of system performance.

Design/methodology/approach

– This research utilizes a multi-state system reliability analysis to develop a new metric for evaluating production systems.

Findings

– The proposed model provides a sensible measure to assess the system situation against the best-case scenario of a production line.

Originality/value

– The proposed model incorporates not only failures that stop production but also deals with partial failures where the system continues to operate at reduced performance rates. The analyses are represented in a best-case vs worst-case situation. Each of these cases provides insight for managers with respect to planning operation and maintenance activities.
Information literacy learning as epistemological process
Authors: K. Morgan Patrick
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to discuss the reasons for an approach to teaching information literacy (IL) as an epistemological process of discovery, in which emphasis is shifted away from short-term mastery of library skills and re-centered on higher-order intellectual concerns.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on evaluation of personal experience, readings within and outside the field of teaching librarianship and research into the ways students interact with information.

Findings

– An open approach to working with undergraduate students offers a fruitful way forward for teaching librarians and IL learners, both of whom stand constantly on the edge of an unpredictable information universe.

Originality/value

– Learner-oriented approaches to teaching IL are quite common, but relatively few studies have considered, in any depth, the possibility for a truly open model for IL learning that approaches the world of information as unified but not monolithic. This study draws on a variety of perspectives from outside librarianship to present a different vision for the future of information interaction and its facilitation by teaching librarians.
Librarians and instructors developing student learning outcomes
Authors: Lundstrom Kacy , Anna Fagerheim Britt , Benson Elizabeth
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper if to design a workshop that effectively facilitates the collaborative revision of student learning outcomes based on current research relating to competencies in information literacy (IL).

Design/methodology/approach

– This case study describes collaborations between librarians and writing instructors throughout an eight-week workshop. The workshop focused on using the results of assessments to revise learning outcomes and restructure instruction practices to help students in the areas they struggle with the most. Three significant frameworks, including threshold concepts, backward design and decoding the disciplines, were used to facilitate effective discussion and revise learning outcomes.

Findings

– The structure of the workshop based on three key frameworks stimulated innovation, fostered collegiality, prompted future collaborative opportunities and garnered buy-in for the importance and implementation of IL initiatives. This collaboration served as a pilot workshop for future plans to write and revise IL outcomes with other departments across campus.

Practical implications

– This study can serve as a model for future collaborations with any department faculty, especially when IL learning outcomes need to be articulated or revised. The frameworks described are particularly helpful for guiding this process.

Originality/value

– While much is written on librarian collaborations, this case study emphasizes the importance of creating even closer collaborative opportunities that place both non-library faculty and teaching librarians on equal footing, allowing everyone in the workshop to take part in the design and implementation of integrating IL into a program. It also gives concrete ways to use threshold concepts to discuss IL issues with faculty, which is a major focus of the newly drafted Framework for Information Literacy for Higher Education.
Resource description and access: cataloging standards affect reference service
Authors: M. Keenan Teressa
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to highlight the relationship between cataloging data and reference service and the importance of including reference librarians, in general resource description and access (RDA) training.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review and the author’s experiences related to implementing RDA are presented with minimal cataloging jargon to help librarians better understand the effects of cataloging standards on reference service.

Findings

– There is a noticeable lack of research and training related to RDA for audiences beyond technical services. More research is needed to determine how users are interacting with the catalog, how bibliographic data is supporting their discovery and access, what, if any, obstacles reference librarians encounter as a result of RDA and how future iterations of RDA may open bibliographic data to communities beyond the library.

Originality/value

– This paper is one the few that discuss how RDA may affect reference service. It will be useful for providing librarians with a general understanding of the relationship between cataloging and reference and may serve as a starting point for further research.
Revisionist or simply wrong? A response to Armstrong's article on chronic illness
Authors: Gilleard Chris , Higgs Paul
Published: August 2014

This article is a response to David Armstrong's recent, revisionist account of the epidemiological transition which he claims replaced earlier discourses of ageing with new discourses of chronic disease. We argue (i) that he misrepresents a key element in Omran's account of the epidemiological transition, namely the decline in infant, child and maternal mortality; (ii) that he fails to acknowledge debates going back centuries in Western medicine over the distinctions between natural and accidental death and between endogenous and extrinsic causes of ageing and (iii) that he misrepresents the growth of medical interest in the everyday illnesses of old age over the course of the 20th century as a discourse of suppression rather than a process of inclusion. While we would acknowledge that the chronic illnesses of today are different from those of the past, this amounts to something more than the changing semantics of senility.
Comparison of intubation performance by emergency medicine residents using gum elastic bougie versus standard stylet in simulated easy and difficult intubation scenarios
Authors: Walsh Ryan , Cookman Laura , Luerssen Emily
Published: August 2014

Objective

We sought to evaluate the success rate and time to endotracheal intubation by emergency medicine residents with stylet reinforced endotracheal tube (ETT‐S) versus intubation with a gum elastic bougie (GEB) in simulated easy and difficult airways on a cadaveric model.

Methods

The study was a prospective cross‐over design using a cohort of 29 emergency medicine residents. A fresh frozen cadaver was used in either standard positioning to facilitate a Cormack Lehane Grade 1 laryngoscopy, or with a hard cervical collar applied a Cormack Lehane Grade 3 laryngoscopy. Each participant then intubated the cadaver in each setting. The primary end‐point of our investigation was the time to intubation. Secondary end‐points were: success rate of intubation, mean ratings by study participants of perceived ease of intubation for each intubation technique in each simulated degree of difficulty, and overall preference of intubation technique in each simulated degree of difficulty.

Results

Mean time to intubation in all scenarios ranged from 28.8–116.6 s. Time to intubation was significantly different only when comparing Grade 3 ETT‐S to Grade 3 GEB. There was no significant difference in success rate when comparing Grade 1 ETT‐S to Grade 1 GEB (P = 0.99) nor Grade 3 ETT‐S to Grade 3 GEB (P = 0.21).

Conclusion

Time to intubation in a simulated grade 3 view was significantly longer in the GEB group versus the ETT‐S group. Although the differences in success rates were not statistically significant, there was a trend toward more successful intubations with the GEB in the simulated grade 3 view.
Spatially tracking 13C‐labelled substrate (bicarbonate) accumulation in microbial communities using laser ablation isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Moran James J. , Doll Charles G. , Bernstein Hans C. , Renslow Ryan S. , Cory Alexandra B. , Hutchison Janine R. , Lindemann Stephen R. , Fredrickson James K.
Published: August 2014

Microbial mats are characterized by extensive metabolic interactions, rapidly changing internal geochemical gradients, and prevalent microenvironments within tightly constrained physical structures. We present laser ablation isotope ratio mass spectrometry (LA‐IRMS) as a culture‐independent, spatially specific technology for tracking the accumulation of 13C‐labelled substrate into heterogeneous microbial mat communities. This study demonstrates the novel LA‐IRMS approach by tracking labeled bicarbonate incorporation into a cyanobacteria‐dominated microbial mat system. The spatial resolution of 50 μm was sufficient for distinguishing different mat strata and the approach effectively identified regions of greatest label incorporation. Sample preparation for LA‐IRMS is straightforward and the spatial selectivity of LA‐IRMS minimizes the volume of mat consumed, leaving material for complimentary analyses. We present analysis of DNA extracted from a sample post‐ablation and suggest pigments, lipids or other biomarkers could similarly be extracted following ablation. LA‐IRMS is well positioned to spatially resolve the accumulation of any 13C‐labelled substrate provided to a mat, making this a versatile tool for studying carbon transfer and interspecies exchanges within the limited spatial confines of such systems.
ATF4 activity: a common feature shared by many kinds of slow‐aging mice
Authors: Li Weiquan , Li Xinna , Miller Richard A.
Published: August 2014

ATF4, a DNA‐binding factor that modulates responses to amino acid availability and ribosomal function, has been shown to be altered in both liver and fibroblasts from two strains of long‐lived mice, i.e. Snell dwarf and PAPP‐A knockout mice. New data now show elevated ATF4 levels, and elevation of ATF4‐dependent proteins and mRNAs, in liver of mice treated with acarbose or rapamycin, calorically restricted mice, methionine‐restricted mice, and mice subjected to litter crowding. Elevation of ATF4, at least in liver, thus seems to be a shared feature of diets, drugs, genes, and developmental alterations that extend maximum lifespan in mice.
Review article: liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma – a critical appraisal of the current worldwide listing criteria
Authors: Menon K. V. , Hakeem A. R. , Heaton N. D
Published: August 2014

Background

Liver transplantation (LT) plays an important role in the management of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although early results following LT for HCC were poor, since the introduction of the Milan criteria in 1996 morphological criteria have since been well established. Thereafter, various expansions of the Milan criteria were introduced worldwide. Listing criteria for LT for HCC in the United Kingdom (UK) initially conformed to the Milan criteria but were re‐defined in 2009 by expansion of the Milan criteria.

Aims

To look at the evidence in literature on listing criteria and management of HCC worldwide in comparison with the UK. Secondly, we aim to review worldwide vs. UK literature on prioritisation models, loco‐regional therapy protocols and role of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) in LT for HCC.

Methods

An electronic literature search with Medline was carried out to identify articles related to LT for HCC.

Results

Although various expansions of the Milan criteria have been described, they remain the gold standard against which other criteria are measured. The UK criteria are an expansion of the Milan criteria that go beyond Milan and University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) criteria. The current UK listing criteria for LT for HCC when compared to the worldwide criteria have a worse survival benefit (projected 5‐year survival between 35‐50%) when plotted on the metroticket calculator.

Conclusions

In keeping with most transplant centres worldwide, the UK have adopted expansions to Milan to allow more patients to benefit from LT. However, currently, as it stands the UK criteria when plotted in the modification of the Metroticket model project worse survival that would seem unjustified.
Safety and efficacy of thrombopoietin‐receptor agonists in myelodysplastic syndromes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Prica Anca , Sholzberg Michelle , Buckstein Rena
Published: August 2014

Thrombocytopenia is common (40–65%) and potentially serious in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). A systematic review was conducted to determine the safety and efficacy of adding a thrombopoietin‐receptor (THPO‐R) agonist to standard MDS treatment. MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL databases were searched. We included randomized controlled trials comparing a THPO‐R agonist to placebo. A meta‐analysis of the effects was performed. Endpoints included bleeding and platelet transfusion rates, risk of progression to acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and mortality. Three hundred and eighty four patients from five trials were included, four using romiplostim and one using eltrombopag. Overall, the relative risk (RR) of bleeding with romiplostim versus placebo was 0·84 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0·57–1·24]. However, compared to placebo, romiplostim significantly decreased the exposure‐adjusted bleeding rate (RR 0·92; 95% CI: 0·86–0·99), as well as the exposure‐adjusted platelet transfusion rate (RR 0·69; 95% CI: 0·53–0·88). The RR of AML progression with romiplostim was 1·36 (95% CI: 0·54–3·40), however the outcome data were judged as higher risk of bias. Romiplostim is promising in its ability to decrease patient‐important outcomes: bleeding and platelet transfusion need. Although the risk of AML progression was not increased, due to unclear risk of bias in the data, this safety concern is difficult to assess. Therefore, romiplostim cannot yet be routinely recommended. Early eltrombopag data is promising.
Prognostic factors of early death in a cohort of 162 adult haemophagocytic syndrome: impact of triggering disease and early treatment with etoposide
Authors: Arca Marc , Fardet Laurence , Galicier Lionel , Rivière Sébastien , Marzac Christophe , Aumont Cédric , Lambotte Olivier , Coppo Paul
Published: August 2014

Reactive haemophagocytic syndrome is a life‐threatening disease for which factors influencing the outcome remain unclear. We sought to identify determinants of early mortality in patients with reactive haemophagocytic syndrome by conducting a non‐interventional retrospective multicentre study in three tertiary care teaching hospitals over a 6‐year period. The medical files of 162 patients fulfilling our diagnostic criteria of haemophagocytic syndrome were reviewed. Patients were classified according to 30‐d outcome following diagnosis. Thirty‐three patients (20·4%) died within 30 d. Clinical features at diagnosis associated with 30‐d death in univariate analysis were older age (P = 0·004), underlying lymphoma (P = 0·04), lower platelet count (P = 0·001) and elevated aspartate aminotransferase and lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0·04 both). The use of etoposide as a first‐line treatment tended to be associated with a better outcome (P = 0·079). In multivariate analyses, increasing age, decreasing platelet count, underlying lymphoma and no etoposide in the management were associated with a poorer prognosis (P = 0·03, 0·01, 0·003 and 0·04, respectively). These prognostic factors could help to identify those patients more severely affected by reactive haemophagocytic syndrome, who should benefit from aggressive supportive care, combined with specific treatment of the precipitating factor.
Inhibition of mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway can induce upregulation of human leukocyte antigen class I without PD‐L1‐upregulation in contrast to interferon‐γ treatment
Authors: Mimura Kousaku , Kua Ley‐Fang , Shiraishi Kensuke , Kee Siang Lim , Shabbir Asim , Komachi Mayumi , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Nakano Takashi , Yong Wei‐Peng , So Jimmy , Kono Koji
Published: August 2014

Recently, we reported that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I expression is predominantly regulated by the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway as one of the oncogenic regulations of HLA class I expression. In the present study, we examined mechanisms of how HLA class I and PD‐L1 are regulated by MAPK inhibitors and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ). Furthermore, we evaluated the expression of major signal transduction molecules by Western blot and anti‐tumor CTL activity by a cytotoxic assay when HLA class I and PD‐L1 were modulated by MAPK inhibitors and/or IFN‐γ. As a result, we confirmed, as a more general phenomenon, that the inhibition of MAPK could upregulate HLA class I expression in a panel of human solid tumors (n = 26). Of note, we showed that MAPK inhibitors act on the upregulation of HLA class I expression through a different pathway from IFN‐γ; there was an additive effect in the upregulation of HLA class I when treated with the combination of MAPK inhibitors and IFN‐γ, and there was no overlapping activation of JAK2/STAT1 and Erk1/2 molecules when treated with either IFN‐γ or MAPK inhibitors. Furthermore, we showed that IFN‐γ–treatment impaired the tumor‐specific CTL activity due to the upregulation of PD‐L1 in spite of the upregulation of HLA class I, while MAPK inhibitors can augment the tumor‐specific CTL activity due to the upregulated HLA class I without PD‐L1 alterations. In conclusion, in addition to the original anti‐proliferative activity, MAPK inhibitors may work toward the enhancement of T‐cell‐mediated anti‐tumor immunity through the upregulation of HLA class I without the upregulation of PD‐L1.
Tumor necrosis factor‐α promotes the lymphangiogenesis of gallbladder carcinoma through nuclear factor‐κB‐mediated upregulation of vascular endothelial growth factor‐C
Authors: Du Qiang , Jiang Lei , Wang Xiaoqian , Wang Meiping , She Feifei , Chen Yanling
Published: August 2014

Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)‐C is an important lymphangiogenic factor involved in the lymphangiogenesis of gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) and the lymph node metastasis of the tumor. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, a key inflammatory cytokine responding to chronic inflammation of GBC, has been reported to stimulate the expression of VEGF‐C in some nonneoplastic cells. But whether TNF‐α promotes the expression of VEGF‐C in GBC has yet to be determined. Therefore, in the present study, the concentration of TNF‐α and VEGF‐C and the lymphatic vessel density (LVD) in the clinical GBC specimens were analyzed, and a linear correlation was found between the concentration of TNF‐α and that of VEGF‐C, the lymphatic vessel density (LVD); The transcription and protein level of VEGF‐C in NOZ cell line were detected by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and TNF‐α enhanced the expression of VEGF‐C in NOZ cell lines in a dose and time‐dependent manner. Lymphatic tube formation in vitro was observed in a three‐dimensional coculture system consisting of HDLECs and NOZ cell lines, and lymphatic vessels of GBC in nude mice model was detected by immunohistochemistry. TNF‐α promoted the tube formation of lymphatic endothelial cells in vitro and the lymphangiogenesis of GBC in nude mice; The nuclear factor (NF)‐κB binding site on the VEGF‐C promoter was identified using Site‐directed mutagenesis, electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP). Taken together, TNF‐α can upregulate the expression of VEGF‐C and promote the lymphangiogenesis of GBC via NF‐κB combining with the promoter of VEGF‐C.
Tumor miR‐125b predicts recurrence and survival of patients with clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma after surgical resection
Authors: Fu Qiang , Liu Zheng , Pan Deng , Zhang Weijuan , Xu Le , Zhu Yu , Liu Haiou , Xu Jiejie
Published: August 2014

The present study aims to evaluate the impact of tumor microRNA‐125b (miR‐125b) on recurrence and survival of patients with clear‐cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) following surgery. We retrospectively enrolled 276 patients (200 in the training cohort and 76 in the validation cohort) with ccRCC undergoing nephrectomy at a single institution. Clinicopathologic features, cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were recorded. Tumor miR‐125b levels were assessed by in situ hybridization (ISH) in specimens of patients. The Kaplan–Meier method was applied to compare survival curves. Cox regression models were used to analyze the impact of prognostic factors on CSS and RFS. A concordance index (C‐index) was calculated to assess predictive accuracy. In both cohorts, tumor miR‐125b positively correlated with Fuhrman grade. High tumor miR‐125b indicated poor survival and early recurrence for patients with ccRCC, especially with advanced stage disease. After multivariable adjustment, tumor miR‐125b was identified as an independent adverse prognostic factor for survival and recurrence. The predictive accuracy of traditional TNM and UCLA Integrated Staging System prognostic models was improved when tumor miR‐125b was added. The results showed that tumor miR‐125b is a potential independent adverse prognostic biomarker for recurrence and survival of patients with ccRCC after nephrectomy.
Zirconia with laser‐modified microgrooved surface vs. titanium implants covered with melatonin stimulates bone formation. Experimental study in tibia rabbits
Authors: Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Aguilar Salvatierra Antonio , Gargallo‐Albiol Jordi , Delgado‐Ruiz Rafael Arcesio , Maté Sanchez Jose Eduardo , Satorres‐Nieto Marta
Published: August 2014

Objectives

The aim of the study was to evaluate if zirconia implants with micro‐grooved surfaces supplemented with melatonin enhance the bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC) vs. titanium implants with the same coating.

Materials and methods

Eighty implants divided in four groups were inserted in the tibia of 20 New Zealand rabbits as follows: (group A) 20 titanium implants; (group B) 20 micro‐grooved zirconia implants; (group C) 20 titanium implants supplemented with melatonin and (group D) 20 micro‐grooved zirconia implants supplemented with melatonin. Histometric and SEM evaluation of BIC were evaluated after 1 and 4 weeks.

Results

At 1 week, group C (29.7 ± 2.4%) and group D (28.9 ± 1.3%) implants showed higher BIC% compared with group A and B (P < 0.05). After 4 weeks, group D showed higher BIC compared with all the groups (47.5 ± 2.2%) (P < 0.05). Also Connective tissue was higher in groups B (78.9 ± 2.1%) and D (88.7 ± 1.2%) related to titanium and zirconia melatonin untreated at 4 weeks (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this pilot study in rabbits, we can conclude that the local application of melatonin increases the BIC values in titanium and in zirconia implants at 1 week.