bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperbolic crystallography of two-periodic surfaces and associated structures
Authors: Pedersen Martin Cramer , Hyde Stephen T.
Published: February 2017

This paper describes the families of the simplest, two-periodic constant mean curvature surfaces, the genus-two HCB and SQL surfaces, and their isometries. All the discrete groups that contain the translations of the genus-two surfaces embedded in Euclidean three-space modulo the translation lattice are derived and enumerated. Using this information, the subgroup lattice graphs are constructed, which contain all of the group–subgroup relations of the aforementioned quotient groups. The resulting groups represent the two-dimensional representations of subperiodic layer groups with square and hexagonal supergroups, allowing exhaustive enumeration of tilings and associated patterns on these surfaces. Two examples are given: a two-periodic [3,7]-tiling with hyperbolic orbifold symbol {\sf {2223}} and a {\sf {22222}} surface decoration.
B
7 as a supergroup of crystal and quasicrystal symmetries
Authors: Stróż Kazimierz
Published: February 2017

In sharp contrast to the generation of a finite group that includes all the 14 types of Bravais lattices as its subgroups [Hosoya (2000). Acta Cryst. A56, 259–263; Hosoya (2002). Acta Cryst. A58, 208], it was proved that a signed permutation group Bk
may be interpreted as the supergroup of both crystal and quasicrystal symmetries. Minimal dimension k = 6 is adequate for lattices referred to their three non-coplanar shortest vectors, or for symmetry groups of most quasicrystal types. If one prefers complete, well defined semi-reduced lattice descriptions or needs a dodecagonal group, the B
7 supergroup is necessary. All considered matrix groups correspond to isometric transformations in extended k-bases and may be easily derived from B
7 and projected onto three-dimensional crystallographic space. Three models of extended bases are proposed: semi-reduced, cyclic and axial. In all cases additional basis vectors are strictly (functionally) related to three original basis vectors.
Ring-expansion synthesis and crystal structure of dimethyl 4-ethyl-1,4,5,6,7,8-hexahydroazonino[5,6-b]indole-2,3-dicarboxylate
Authors: Nguyen Van Tuyen , Sorokina Elena A. , Listratova Anna V. , Voskressensky Leonid G. , Lobanov Nikolai N. , Dorovatovskii Pavel V. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: February 2017

The title compound, C20H24N2O4, is the product of a ring-expansion reaction from a seven-membered hexahydroazepine to a nine-membered azonine. The azonine ring of the molecule adopts a chair–boat conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by bifurcated N—H...(O,O) hydrogen bonds, generating [010] zigzag chains. The title compound shows inhibitory activity against acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase, and might be considered as a candidate for the design of new types of anti-Alzheimer's drugs.
Modeling non-normality using multivariatet: implications for asset pricing
Authors: Kan Raymond , Zhou Guofu
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to show that multivariatet-distribution assumption provides a better description of stock return data than multivariate normality assumption.

Design/methodology/approach

The EM algorithm is applied to solve the statistical estimation problem almost analytically, and the asymptotic theory is provided for inference.

Findings

The authors find that the multivariate normality assumption is almost always rejected by real stock return data, while the multivariatet-distribution assumption can often be adequate. Conclusions under normality vs undertcan be drastically different for estimating expected returns and Jensen’sαs, and for testing asset pricing models.

Practical implications

The results provide improved estimates of cost of capital and asset moment parameters that are useful for corporate project evaluation and portfolio management.

Originality/value

The authors proposed new procedures that makes it easy to use a multivariatet-distribution, which models well the data, as a simple and viable alternative in practice to examine the robustness of many existing results.
Credit enhancement and bond rating
Authors: Hu Yiming , Yang Ying , Han Pengfei
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the difference of credit enhancement of variously secured bonds issued by local government financing platform bond (LGFPB).

Design/methodology/approach

The approaches to secure the bonds usually include mortgage, collateral, guarantee, etc.

Findings

Using a sample of LGFPBs issued during the 2007-2013 period, the authors find that all of the approaches to secure the bonds would increase the bond rating and that compounded approaches have a higher credit enhancement effect than single approaches. Among these approaches, the requirement of collateral has the strongest enhancement effect. Moreover, the authors find that the guarantee provided by a state-owned bank or enterprise increases the bond rating more than the guarantee provided by other local government financing platforms.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this study suggest that the credit enhancement would be deeply affected by the approach used to secure the bond.

Practical implications

These results can help the local government make better decisions when issuing bond.

Originality/value

This study empirically analyzes the different credit enhancement approaches for securing LGPFBs for the first time and contributes to the literature regarding credit ratings of local government bonds.
3D fluid-structure interaction (FSI) simulation of new type vortex generators in smooth wavy fin-and-elliptical tube heat exchanger
Authors: Lotfi Babak , Sunden Bengt , Wang Qiu-Wang
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the numerical fluid-structure interaction (FSI) framework for the simulations of mechanical behavior of new vortex generators (VGs) in smooth wavy fin-and-elliptical tube (SWFET) heat exchanger using the ANSYS MFX Multi-field® solver.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-dimensional FSI approach is proposed in this paper to provide better understanding of the performance of the VG structures in SWFET heat exchangers associated with the alloy material properties and geometric factors. The Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with shear stress transport turbulence model are applied for modeling of the turbulent flow in SWFET heat exchanger and the linear elastic Cauchy-Navier model is solved for the structural von Mises stress and elastic strain analysis in the VGs region.

Findings

Parametric studies conducted in the course of this research successfully identified illustrate that the maximum magnitude of von Mises stress and elastic strain occurs at the root of the VGs and depends on geometrical parameters and material types. These results reveal that the titanium alloy VGs shows a slightly higher strength and lower elastic strain compared to the aluminum alloy VGs.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first in the literature that provides original information mechanical behavior of a SWFET heat exchanger model with new VGs in the field of FSI coupling technique.
Intelligent motion control of voice coil motor using PID-based fuzzy neural network with optimized membership function
Authors: Chen Syuan-Yi , Lee Cheng-Yen , Wu Chien-Hsun , Hung Yi-Hsuan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a proportional-integral-derivative-based fuzzy neural network (PIDFNN) with elitist bacterial foraging optimization (EBFO)-based optimal membership functions (PIDFNN-EBFO) position controller to control the voice coil motor (VCM) for tracking reference trajectory accurately.

Design/methodology/approach

Because the control characteristics of the VCM are highly nonlinear and time varying, a PIDFNN, which integrates adaptive PID control with fuzzy rules, is proposed to control the mover position of the VCM. Moreover, an EBFO algorithm is further proposed to find the initial optimal fuzzy membership functions for the PIDFNN controller.

Findings

Due to the gradient descent method used in back propagation (BP) to derive the on-line learning algorithm for the PIDFNN, it may reach the local optimal solution due to the inappropriate initial values. Hence, a hybrid learning method, which includes BP and EBFO algorithms, is proposed to improve the learning performance of the PIDFNN controller.

Research limitations/implications

Future work will consider reducing the computational burden of bacterial foraging optimization algorithm for on-line parameters optimization.

Practical implications

The real-time control system is implemented on a 32-bit floating-point digital signal processor (DSP). The experimental results demonstrate the favorable effectiveness of the proposed PIDFNN-EBFO controlled VCM system.

Originality/value

A new PIDFNN-EBFO control scheme is proposed and implemented via DSP for real-time VCM position control. The experimental results show the superior control performance of the proposed PIDFNN-EBFO compared with the other control systems.
A novel compressive sensing method based on SVD sparse random measurement matrix in wireless sensor network
Authors: Ma Zhen , Zhang Degan , Liu Si , Song Jinjie , Hou Yuexian
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The performance of the measurement matrix directly affects the quality of reconstruction of compressive sensing signal, and it is also the key to solve practical problems. In order to solve data collection problem of wireless sensor network (WSN), the authors design a kind of optimization of sparse matrix. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the sparse random matrix, it optimizes the seed vector, which regards elements in the diagonal matrix of Hadamard matrix after passing singular value decomposition (SVD). Compared with the Toeplitz matrix, it requires less number of independent random variables and the matrix information is more concentrated.

Findings

The performance of reconstruction is better than that of Gaussian random matrix. The authors also apply this matrix to the data collection scheme in WSN. The result shows that it costs less energy and reduces the collection frequency of nodes compared with general method.

Originality/value

The authors design a kind of optimization of sparse matrix. Based on the sparse random matrix, it optimizes the seed vector, which regards elements in the diagonal matrix of Hadamard matrix after passing SVD. Compared with the Toeplitz matrix, it requires less number of independent random variables and the matrix information is more concentrated.
Using a cycle reverting price process in modeling metal mining project profitability
Authors: Savolainen Jyrki , Collan Mikael , Luukka Pasi
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate how managerial estimates of long-term market price trends can be included into investment analysis of metal mining. The inclusion of subjective market information with a new cycle reverting price process is proposed.

Design/methodology/approach

Subjective managerial estimates are included into stochastic metal price modeling by defining separately the following parameters of each price cycle phase: approximated length, approximated long-term price level and volatility. An net present value-based investment analysis model is applied together with Monte Carlo simulation.

Findings

It is plausible to combine managerial estimates about metal price trends and cycles with stochastic modeling for shorter term and to include the information into investment analysis. The results show that the difference between the proposed process and the commonly used mean reverting process is remarkable in terms of decision-making implications.

Originality/value

The proposed method allows the inclusion of more relevant information into the metal price modeling used in mining investment analysis. Results suggest that the cyclical nature of metal prices affects project value of metal mining projects, and it should be considered when making irreversible investment decisions. The proposed method can be generalized for any cyclical processes.
Tutors and gatekeepers in sustainability MOOCS
Authors: Mishra Danish , Cayzer Steve , Madden Tracey
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the nature of interactions between learners in a massive open online course (MOOC), particularly role of the tutors in such interactions. For educators concerned with sustainability literacy, the authors are necessarily both affected by, and effectors of, digital pedagogies. The call for papers for this special issue challenged the authors to consider whether digital pedagogies are “supportive of sustainability or perpetuators of unsustainability”. As might be expected, this question is not a simple binary choice and the authors have chosen to address it indirectly, by considering the nature of interaction in a global, digitally connected community of learners. In particular, the changing role of tutors in these communities, and the possible implications of this change on sustainable literacy, are examined.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focus on the “Sustainability for Professionals” massive open online course (MOOC) delivered by the University of Bath on the FutureLearn platform which hosts the “Inside Cancer” MOOC, also from Bath. “Sustainability for Professionals” is pedagogically connectivist, with “Inside Cancer” being more traditional and instructor led. The authors used social network analysis (SNA) for the research. It is a key tool to understand interactions in an online environment and allows quantitative comparison between different networks and thus between courses. In the context of digital pedagogy, the authors used a number of relevant SNA metrics to carry out analysis of MOOC network structures.

Findings

It was found that MOOCs are different in their network structure but tend to adapt to the subject matter. Digital pedagogies for sustainability result in a qualitative as well as quantitative change in learning where course design affects the learning process and gatekeepers are critical for information flow. These gatekeepers are distinct from tutors in the network. In such a network, tutors’ role is limited to course delivery and verifying, depending on course content, the information within the network. The analysis shows that network learning is dependent on course design and content, and gatekeepers exercise influence over the information within the network.

Originality/value

This study has implications for sustainability literacy. The authors examined the extent to which patterns of interaction in the network affect the learning process, and how this can help participants engage with the concept of sustainability. They used SNA to explore the nature of interaction between learners in a MOOC, particularly the role of the tutors in mediating such interactions. They also found that tutors can and do take a central role in early runs of the MOOC; however, with the subsequent runs, the removal of tutor nodes has little effect, suggesting that different modes of learning driven by participants are possible in a MOOC community.
The contextual nature of the association between managerial ability and audit fees
Authors: Li Yutao , Luo Yan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study examines whether auditors’ pricing decisions on managerial ability are affected by auditor litigation risk (financial distress or financial crisis), auditor’s familiarity with their client or regulatory changes in the post-Sarbanes–Oxley Act of 2002 (SOX) era.

Design/methodology/approach

Building on the extant audit fee literature, this study constructs an audit fee determinants model to examine how context affects auditors’ pricing of managerial ability.

Findings

Auditors offer a larger fee discount to more able client management teams when auditors face lower litigation risks or are more familiar with the client. Furthermore, managerial ability has a more pronounced effect on audit fees in the post-SOX era when managers are mandated to play more active roles in financial reporting (i.e. certification of financial statements required by SOX 302).

Research limitations/implications

Based on the audit risk model (Simunic, 1980), Krishnan and Wang (2015) show that the managerial ability of an audit client is relevant and important to auditors’ pricing decisions. This study demonstrates that managerial ability exhibits a non-linear relationship with audit fees and contextual factors, such as litigation risk, and that auditors’ familiarity with managers can alter the negative association between audit fees and managerial ability. This study extends Krishnan and Wang’s study by offering additional insights into auditors’ use of soft information such as managerial ability. Furthermore, the findings add to the literature on the impact of SOX on audit fees by suggesting that SOX has not only increased overall audit fees (Ghosh and Pawlewicz, 2009; Huanget al., 2009), it has also increased auditors’ price sensitivity to soft information (e.g. managerial ability).

Practical implications

This study provides insights for audit firms and client companies who are interested in understanding audit fee-pricing decisions. The findings also suggest that auditors need to be sensitive and responsive to various contextual factors when making pricing decisions.

Originality/value

Previous studies have not addressed the non-linear relationship between audit fees and soft information about managerial ability.
The profitability of Chinese banks: impacts of risk, competition and efficiency
Authors: Tan Yong , Floros Christos , Anchor John
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This study aims to test the impacts of risk-taking behaviour, competition and cost efficiency on bank profitability in China.

Design/methodology/approach

A two-step generalized method of moments system estimator is used to examine the impacts of risk, competition and cost efficiency on profitability of a sample of Chinese commercial banks over the period 2003-2013.

Findings

The paper finds that credit risk, liquidity risk, capital risk, security risk and insolvency risk significantly influence the profitability of Chinese commercial banks. To be more specific, credit risk is significantly and negatively related to bank profitability; liquidity risk is significantly and positively related to return on assets (ROA) and net interest margin (NIM) but negatively related to return on equity (ROE); capital risk has a significant and negative impact on ROA and NIM but a positive impact on ROE; there is a significant and negative impact of security risk on bank profitability (ROA and NIM). It is found that Chinese commercial banks with higher levels of insolvency risk have higher profitability (ROA and ROE). Finally, higher competition leads to lower profitability in the Chinese banking industry, and Chinese commercial banks with higher levels of cost efficiency have lower ROA. In other words, the structure–conduct–performance paradigm rather than the efficient–structure paradigm holds in the Chinese banking industry.

Originality/value

This is the first paper to investigate the impact of different types of risk, including credit risk, liquidity risk, capital risk, security risk and insolvency risk, on bank profitability. This is the first study which uses more accurate measurements of efficiency and competition compared to previous Chinese banking profitability literature and which tests their impact on bank profitability. The findings not only provide a general picture on the risk, efficiency and competition conditions in the Chinese banking industry, but also give valuable information to the Chinese Government and to the banking regulatory authorities to make relevant policies.
Honey buzzards don't always make a beeline
Authors: Chapman Jason W.
Published: February 2017

(a) European honey buzzards breeding in Western Europe primarily use soaring flight to make annual long‐range migrations via the Strait of Gibraltar to winter in West Africa; this adult male was photographed on migration near Gibraltar. Photo: Javier Elloriaga. (b) Autumn migration routes of 12 satellite tagged adult European honey buzzards (colour‐coded lines); compared with the shortest possible straight‐line routes (dashed lines), most routes involved substantial westerly detours in Africa. Adapted from Vansteelant et al. (2016). (c) In contrast, Montagu's harriers predominantly use flapping flight during their migrations; this adult male is carrying a satellite transmitter. Photo: Theo van Kooten. (d) Autumn migration routes of 34 satellite tagged adult Montagu's harriers; migratory tracks more closely approached straight‐line routes, and typically involved longer sea crossings, than seen in European honey buzzards. Adapted from Trierweiler et al. (2014).

In Focus: Vansteelant, W.M.G., Shamoun‐Baranes, J., van Manen, W., van Diermen, J. & Bouten, W. (2017) Seasonal detours by soaring migrants shaped by wind regimes along the East Atlantic Flyway. Journal of Animal Ecology, 86, 179–191.

Migratory birds often make substantial detours from the shortest possible route during their annual migrations, which may potentially increase the duration and energetic cost of their journeys. Vansteelant et al. (2017) investigate repeated migrations of adult European honey buzzards between the Netherlands and sub‐Saharan Africa, and find that they make large westerly detours in Africa on both the spring and autumn routes. These detours allow migrants to capitalise on more favourable winds further along the route, thus reducing energy expenditure. Lifelong tracking studies will allow researchers to identify how migration routes have evolved to exploit predictable atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.
Governed Through Ghost Jurisdictions: Municipal Law, Inner Suburbs and Rooming Houses
Authors: Freeman Lisa
Published: February 2017

This article examines the legal geography of municipal bylaws regulating rooming houses in the City of Toronto. Using a legal geography analysis of Toronto's rooming house licensing bylaw, I argue that this bylaw is a ghost jurisdiction that designates part of the city as illegal and has implications for governance of the inner suburbs. In so doing, I push the debate on legal geography forward by suggesting that we, as urban scholars, take the temporal seriously in our analysis of space. Drawing from semi‐structured interviews, archival data and participant observation, I analyse seemingly mundane legal mechanisms through the case study of suburban rooming houses. Overall, in this article I make three contributions. First, I demonstrate how a temporal analysis is important to legal geography inquiries of uneven regulation and spaces of poverty. Second, I suggest that studies of legal governance are integral for redefining suburban governance amidst socio‐economic decline in the inner suburbs. Third, I argue that studying urban legal mechanisms in the suburbs is essential for moving beyond downtown analytical frameworks and is needed to address how low‐income suburban tenants, a large majority of whom are racialized newcomers, are unevenly regulated and unfairly governed by local government.
Performance Study of a Score‐based Likelihood Ratio System for Forensic Fingermark Comparison
Authors: Leegwater Anna Jeannette , Meuwly Didier , Sjerps Marjan , Vergeer Peter , Alberink Ivo
Published: February 2017

In this article, the performance of a score‐based likelihood ratio (LR) system for comparisons of fingerprints with fingermarks is studied. The system is based on an automated fingerprint identification system (AFIS) comparison algorithm and focuses on fingerprint comparisons where the fingermarks contain 6–11 minutiae. The hypotheses under consideration are evaluated at the level of the person, not the finger. The LRs are presented with bootstrap intervals indicating the sampling uncertainty involved. Several aspects of the performance are measured: leave‐one‐out cross‐validation is applied, and rates of misleading evidence are studied in two ways. A simulation study is performed to study the coverage of the bootstrap intervals. The results indicate that the evidential strength for same source comparisons that do not meet the Dutch twelve‐point standard may be substantial. The methods used can be generalized to measure the performance of score‐based LR systems in other fields of forensic science.
Biparietal Thinning: Accidental Death by a Fall from Standing Height
Authors: Mann Robert W. , Kobayashi Masahiko , Schiller Alan L.
Published: February 2017

Biparietal thinning resulting in bilateral and symmetrical resorption and loss of thickness of the parietal bones is an uncommon to rare condition in the anthropological and clinical literature. This enigmatic condition of unknown etiology was first reported in the 18th century and has been variously described as a nonmetric trait, anatomical variant, anomaly, and pathology. Biparietal thinning presents grossly and radiographically as oval‐shaped depressions in 0.25–0.8% and 0.4–0.5% of individuals and with a higher frequency in females over the age of 60 years. A review of the literature revealed only one example of cranial trauma associated with biparietal thinning and none of fatal trauma associated with this condition. This case reports a rare example of fatal trauma in an elderly man that resulted from a backward fall from a standing height and highlights the increased risk of craniocerebral trauma in individuals with this condition.
The impacts of mid‐treatment CBCT‐guided patient repositioning on target coverage during lung VMAT
Authors: Mathieu Dominique , Campeau Marie‐Pierre , Bedwani Stéphane , Roberge David , Doucet Robert , Zerouali Karim , Bahig Houda , Vu Toni , Lambert Louise , Masucci Laura , Filion Edith
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The purpose of this study is quantify intrafraction motion (IFM) during lung volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and evaluate the impact of mid‐treatment cone beam computed tomography (CBCT)‐guided patient repositioning on target coverage.

Method

This analysis included lung tumours treated with VMAT to 50–60 Gy in 3–5 fractions. Treatment planning was based on four‐dimensional CT scans from which internal tumour volumes (ITV) were derived. An isotropic 5 mm margin was added to obtain the final planning target volume (PTV). Patients were treated supine with a customized dual vacuum immobilization device (BodyFIX, Elekta, Sweden). All patients underwent pre and mid‐treatment CBCTs. Following each CBCT, a rigid registration was performed by a radiation oncologist. IFM was defined as the target displacement from pre to mid‐treatment CBCT. For patients with an IFM vector ≥5 mm, a post hoc dose calculation analysis was performed to assess the dosimetric impact of CBCT‐guided repositioning.

Results

Ninety–seven patients (367 fractions) were included. Mean (±SD) overall treatment time was 53:02 ± 13:08 min. Mean time for mid‐treatment CBCT scan acquisition and patient repositioning was 15:49 ± 4:14 min. Mean IFM vector was 1.5 ± 1.4 mm (max = 8.1 mm) and was <5 mm in 354/367 (96%) of fractions. For all 13 fractions with an IFM vector ≥5 mm, dose calculation analysis of worst‐case scenario indicates that ITV coverage would have remained ≥95% without mid‐treatment repositioning.

Conclusion

For 96% of fractions, the IFM vector was within the 5 mm PTV margin. Mid‐treatment CBCT‐guided couch repositioning did not significantly impact ITV coverage and prolonged treatment duration.
Eosinophilic granule cells in Carassius auratus scale epidermis
Authors: DePasquale Joseph A.
Published: February 2017

Eosinophilic granule cells (EGCs) were characterized in Carassius auratus scale epidermis in situ and in explants. Live EGCs were readily identified by the presence of numerous large cytoplasmic granules observed with DIC microscopy. Histochemical staining with toluidine blue and alcian blue yielded granule metachromasia and pale blue granules, respectively, both consistent with mammalian mast cell staining. However, EGCs also share some features with mammalian basophils as neutral red dye was selectively incorporated into EGC granules. EGCs within scale epidermis were actively motile, displaying average speeds of 16 μm/min and maximum speeds of greater than 40 μm/min and showing morphological plasticity during migration. The predominant motile phenotype was elongate with a well‐developed leading lamella, while a broader body motile morphology was observed to a lesser extent. A trailing, relatively unchanged uropod was associated with every motile EGC and invariably contained one or a few granules. A rounded EGC shape without a leading‐edge or trailing uropod was also observed and was generally associated with static cells. Individual cells readily switched between the three major shapes during motility; static cells could abruptly develop a polarized morphology, and actively motile cells switched between elongate and broad‐bodied shapes or the static, rounded shape.
Medication‐induced SIADH: distribution and characterization according to medication class
Authors: Shepshelovich Daniel , Schechter Amir , Calvarysky Bronislava , Diker‐Cohen Talia , Rozen‐Zvi Benaya , Gafter‐Gvili Anat
Published: February 2017

Aims

The aims of the current study were to determine the distribution of aetiologies for the drug‐induced syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH) in hospitalized patients, and to characterize them according to the different drug groups.

Methods

A single‐centre retrospective study was carried out, including all patients diagnosed with SIADH in a large community hospital and tertiary centre between 1 January 2007 and 1 January 2013 who were treated with drugs known to be associated with SIADH. Two physicians reviewed every patient's medical file for predetermined relevant clinical data.

Results

The study cohort included 198 patients who had SIADH and received drugs associated with SIADH. Most patients [146 (73.7%)] were diagnosed with drug‐associated SIADH, while 52 (26.3%) were diagnosed with SIADH due to other aetiologies. The Naranjo algorithm differentiated well between the two groups (P < 0.001). Five drug classes (antidepressants, anticonvulsants, antipsychotic agents, cytotoxic agents and pain medications) were implicated in 82.3% of patients diagnosed with drug‐associated SIADH. Specific serotonin reuptake inhibitors and carbamazepine were commonly implicated. There were no clinically significant differences in the characteristics or severity of SIADH according to drug class.

Conclusions

The clinical characteristics of SIADH caused by different drugs are comparable. Patients with SIADH treated with drugs from five common medication classes will probably be diagnosed with drug‐induced SIADH. Physicians should be aware of the significance of these medication classes as SIADH aetiologies.
Allogeneic transplantation using CD34+ selected peripheral blood progenitor cells combined with non‐mobilized donor T cells for refractory severe aplastic anaemia
Authors: Purev Enkhtsetseg , Tian Xin , Aue Georg , Pantin Jeremy , Vo Phuong , Shalabi Reem , Reger Robert N. , Cook Lisa , Ramos Catalina , Cho Elena , Worthy Tat'yana , Khuu Hanh , Stroncek David , Young Neal S. , Childs Richard W.
Published: February 2017

Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation is curative for severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) unresponsive to immunosuppressive therapy. To reduce chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD), which occurs more frequently after peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation compared to bone‐marrow transplantation (BMT), and to prevent graft rejection, we developed a novel partial T‐cell depleted transplant that infuses high numbers of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor‐mobilized CD34+ selected PBSCs combined with a BMT‐equivalent dose of non‐mobilized donor T‐cells. Fifteen patients with refractory SAA received cyclophosphamide, anti‐thymocyte globulin and fludarabine conditioning, and were transplanted with a median 8 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg and 2 × 107 non‐mobilized CD3+ T‐cells/kg from human leucocyte antigen‐matched sibling donors. All achieved sustained engraftment with only two developing acute and two developing chronic GVHD. With a 3·5‐year median follow‐up, 86% of patients survived and were transfusion‐independent. When compared to a retrospective cohort of 56 bone‐marrow failure patients that received the identical transplant preparative regimen and GVHD prophylaxis with the exception that the allograft contained unmanipulated PBSCs, partial T‐cell depleted transplant recipients had delayed donor T‐cell chimerism and relative reduction of 75% in the incidence of acute grade II‐IV GVHD (13% vs. 52%; P = 0·010) and of 82% in chronic GVHD (13% vs. 72%; P = 0·0004). In multivariate analysis, partial T‐cell depleted transplants remained significantly associated with a reduced risk of GVHD. In conclusion, for patients with refractory SAA, this novel transplant strategy achieves excellent engraftment and survival when compared to unmanipulated PBSC transplants and dramatically reduces the incidence of both acute and chronic GVHD.
Usefulness of temporal bone prototype for drilling training: A prospective study
Authors: Aussedat C. , Venail F. , Nguyen Y. , Lescanne E. , Marx M. , Bakhos D.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Dissection of cadaveric temporal bones (TBs) is considered the gold standard for surgical training in otology. For many reasons, access to the anatomical laboratory and cadaveric TBs is difficult for some facilities. The aim of this prospective and comparative study was to evaluate the usefulness of a physical TB prototype for drilling training in residency.

Design

Prospective study.

Setting

Tertiary referral centre.

Participants

Thirty‐four residents were included. Seventeen residents (mean age 26.7±1.6) drilled on only cadaveric TBs (“traditional” group), in the traditional training method, while seventeen residents (mean age 26.5±1.7) drilled first on a prototype and then on a cadaveric TB (“prototype” group).

Main outcome measures

Drilling performance was assessed using a validated scale. Residents completed a mastoid image before and after each drilling to enable evaluation of mental representations of the mastoidectomy.

Results

No differences were observed between the groups with respect to age, drilling experience and level of residency. Regarding drilling performance, we found a significant difference across the groups, with a better score in the prototype group (P=.0007). For mental representation, the score was statistically improved (P=.0003) after drilling in both groups, suggesting that TB drilling improves the mental representation of the mastoidectomy whether prototype or cadaveric TB is used.

Conclusion

The TB prototype improves the drilling performance and mental representation of the mastoidectomy in the young resident population. A drilling simulation with virtual or physical systems seems to be a beneficial tool to improve TB drilling.
The associations of resting metabolic rate with chronic conditions and weight loss
Authors: Christensen R. A. G. , Raiber L. , Wharton S. , Rotondi M. A. , Kuk J. L.
Published: February 2017

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between baseline and changes in resting metabolic rate (RMR) with chronic condition(s) and weight loss (WL). Sex stratified analysis was undertaken on 393 adults from the Wharton Weight Management Clinics. The association between baseline RMR and WL was examined adjusting for age, BMI, ethnicity and treatment time. The association between changes in RMR (ΔRMR) and WL was also examined adjusting for baseline RMR and above covariates. Models were further adjusted for high glucose, triglycerides, blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and low high‐density lipoprotein (HDL). While men (6.0 ± 8.6 kg) and women (5.6 ± 8.3 kg) had significant WL throughout the intervention, their measured decreases in RMR (−48 ± 322 kcal and −5 ± 322 kcal, respectively) were non‐significant (P > 0.05). Individuals with a high blood pressure had a higher baseline RMR and women with a high LDL had a lower baseline RMR than those without the chronic condition (P < 0.05). Regardless of sex, WL was not significantly associated with baseline RMR or ΔRMR (P > 0.05) in both models. Participants with a low baseline RMR do not appear to be at a disadvantage for WL. Further, WL can occur without decreases in RMR in populations with high levels of obesity and obesity‐related comorbidities.
Validation of impedance cardiography in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Panagiotou Marios , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Jayasekera Geeshath , Louvaris Zafeiris , Mackenzie Alison , Mcglinchey Neil , Baker Julien S. , Church Alistair C. , Peacock Andrew J. , Johnson Martin K.
Published: February 2017

Background

Non‐invasive methods of measuring cardiac output are highly desirable in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We therefore sought to validate impedance cardiography (ICG) against thermodilution (TD) and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in the measurement of cardiac output in patients under investigation for PAH.

Methods

A prospective, cross‐sectional study was performed to compare single‐point measurements of cardiac output obtained by impedance cardiography (COICG) technology (PhysioFlow®) with (i) contemporaneous TD measurements (COTD) at rest and steady‐state exercise during right heart catheterization and (ii) CMR measurements (COCMR) at rest obtained within 72 h.

Results

Paired COICG and COTD measurements were obtained in 25 subjects at rest and 16 subjects at exercise. COCMR measurements were obtained in 16 subjects at rest. There was unsatisfactory correlation and agreement between COICG and COTD at rest (r = 0·42, P = 0·035; bias: 1·21 l min−1, 95% CI: −2·33 to 4·75 l min−1) and exercise (r = .65, P = .007; bias: 1·41 l min−1; 95% CI: −3·99 to 6·81 l min−1) and in the change in COICG and COTD from rest to exercise (r = 0·53, P = 0·033; bias: 0·76 l min−1, 95% CI: −3·74 to 5·26 l min−1). There was also a lack of correlation and unsatisfactory agreement between resting COICG and COCMR (r = 0·38, P = 0·1; bias: 1·40 l min−1, 95% CI: −2·48 to 5·28 l min−1). In contrast, there was close correlation and agreement between resting COTD and COCMR (r = 0·87, P<0·001; bias: −0·16 l min−1, 95% CI: −1·97 to 1·65).

Conclusions

In a representative population of patients under investigation for PAH, ICG showed insufficient qualitative and quantitative value in the measurement of resting and exercise cardiac output when compared with TD and CMR.
Seasonal variation in hospital encounters with hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia
Authors: Clemens K. K. , Shariff S. , Richard L. , Booth G. , Gilliland J. , Garg A. X.
Published: February 2017

Aim

To assess whether rates of hospital encounters with hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia display seasonal variation.

Methods

Time series analyses of the monthly rates of hospital encounters (emergency room visits or inpatient admissions) with hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia from 2003 to 2012 using linked healthcare databases in Ontario, Canada.

Results

Over the study period, there were 129 887 hypoglycaemia and 79 773 hyperglycaemia encounters. The characteristics of people at the time of their encounters were similar across the seasons in 2008 (median age 68 years for hypoglycaemia encounters and 53 years for hyperglycaemia encounters; 50% female; 90% with diabetes). We observed moderate seasonality in both types of encounters (R2 autoregression coefficient 0.58 for hypoglycaemia; 0.59 for hyperglycaemia). The rate of hypoglycaemia encounters appeared to peak between April and June, when on average, there was an additional 49 encounters per month (0.36 encounters per 100 000 persons per month) compared with the other calendar months (5% increase). The rate of hyperglycaemia encounters appeared to peak in January, when on average, there was an additional 69 encounters per month (0.50 encounters per 100 000 persons per month) compared with the other calendar months (11% increase).

Conclusions

In our region, there is seasonal variation in the rate of hospital encounters with hypoglycaemia and hyperglycaemia. Our findings may help to highlight periods of vulnerability for people, may inform future epidemiological studies and may aid in the appropriate planning of healthcare resources.
Fatigue failure transition analysis in load‐carrying cruciform welded joints based on strain energy density approach
Authors: Song W. , Liu X. , Berto F. , Wang P. , Fang H.
Published: February 2017

This paper details a study of the application of notch stress intensity theory to the fatigue failure mode analysis of the transition in load‐carrying cruciform welded joints. The weldment fatigue crack initiation point is difficult to predict precisely because it usually occurs in the vicinity of the weld toe or weld root. To investigate the relationship between fatigue failure location and the geometry of the weldments, we analysed the weld toe and root asymptotic notch stress fields were analysed using the notch stress intensity factors on the basis of the Williams' solution in Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics (LEFM). Numerous configurations of cruciform joints of various plate thicknesses, transverse plate thickness, weld sizes and incomplete penetration size were used to investigate the location of the fatigue failure. The strain energy density (SED) surrounding the notch tip was introduced to unify the scalar quantity and preclude the inconsistency of the dimensionality of the notch stress intensity factors for various notch opening angles. The results of the investigation showed that the SED approach can be used to determine the transition zone for a variety of joint geometries. The validity of the SED criteria was verified by comparing the experimental results of this study with the complied results for load‐carrying cruciform welded joints reported in literature.
Prognostic significance of combined albumin–bilirubin and tumor–node–metastasis staging system in patients who underwent hepatic resection for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Harimoto Norifumi , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Sakata Kazuhito , Nagatsu Akihisa , Motomura Takashi , Itoh Shinji , Harada Noboru , Ikegami Toru , Uchiyama Hideaki , Soejima Yuji , Maehara Yoshihiko
Published: February 2017

Background

In recent years, the establishment of new staging systems for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been reported worldwide. The system combining albumin–bilirubin (ALBI) with tumor–node–metastasis stage, developed by the Liver Cancer Study Group of Japan, was called the ALBI‐T score.

Methods

Patient data were retrospectively collected for 357 consecutive patients who had undergone hepatic resection for HCC with curative intent between January 2004 and December 2015. The overall survival and recurrence‐free survival were compared by the Kaplan–Meier method, using different staging systems: the Japan integrated staging (JIS), modified JIS, and ALBI‐T.

Results

Multivariate analysis identified five poor prognostic factors (higher age, poor differentiation, the presence of microvascular invasion, the presence of intrahepatic metastasis, and blood transfusion) that influenced overall survival, and four poor prognostic factors (the presence of intrahepatic metastasis, serum α‐fetoprotein level, blood transfusion, and each staging system (JIS, modified JIS, and ALBI‐T score)) that influenced recurrence‐free survival. Patients for each these three staging system had a significantly worse prognosis regarding recurrence‐free survival, but not with overall survival. The modified JIS score showed the lowest Akaike information criteria statistic value, indicating it had the best ability to predict overall survival compared with the other staging systems.

Conclusions

This retrospective analysis showed that, in post‐hepatectomy patients with HCC, the ALBI‐T score is predictive of worse recurrence‐free survival, even when adjustments are made for other known predictors. However, modified JIS is better than ALBI‐T in predicting overall survival.
A non‐compensatory approach for trace clustering
Authors: Delias Pavlos , Doumpos Michael , Grigoroudis Evangelos , Matsatsinis Nikolaos
Published: February 2017

One of the main functions of process mining is the automated discovery of process models from event log files. However, in flexible environments, such as healthcare or customer service, delivering comprehensible process models can be very challenging, mainly due to the complexity of the registered logs. A prevalent response to this problem is trace clustering, that is, grouping behaviors and discovering a distinct model per group. In this paper, we propose a novel trace clustering technique inspired from the outranking relations theory. The proposed technique can handle multiple criteria with strongly heterogeneous scales, and it allows a non‐compensatory logic to guide the creation of a similarity metric. To reach this, we use three key components: We separate factors that are in favor of the similarity from those that are not, through discrimination thresholds; we provide non‐concordant factors with a “veto” power; and we aggregate all factors into an overall metric. We evaluated this novel, non‐compensatory approach against two of the most spotlighted trace clustering functions: variants' identification and model complexity reduction. Results suggest that the proposed technique can be used at both functions with compelling performance.
A Map of Markups: Why We Observe Mixed Behaviors of Markups
Authors: Kim Seong‐Hoon , Moon Seongman
Published: February 2017

This paper proposes an explanation for mixed evidence on the behaviors of markups. The key mechanism consists of two complementary channels through which firms handle uninsurable business losses. One channel is based on cost‐compensating motive, by which firms raise prices to reflect higher losses stochastically associated with higher output levels. The other channel is based on loss‐balancing motive, by which firms lower prices to countervail higher losses stochastically associated with higher output levels. The relative responsiveness of the two channels to a shock depends on each firm's fundamental characteristics and leads to a sharp division of markup cyclicality across sectors.
Transition from a maternal to external nitrogen source in maize seedlings
Authors: Sabermanesh Kasra , Holtham Luke R. , George Jessey , Roessner Ute , Boughton Berin A. , Heuer Sigrid , Tester Mark , Plett Darren C. , Garnett Trevor P.
Published: February 2017

Maximizing NO3− uptake during seedling development is important as it has a major influence on plant growth and yield. However, little is known about the processes leading to, and involved in, the initiation of root NO3− uptake capacity in developing seedlings. This study examines the physiological processes involved in root NO3− uptake and metabolism, to gain an understanding of how the NO3− uptake system responds to meet demand as maize seedlings transition from seed N use to external N capture. The concentrations of seed‐derived free amino acids within root and shoot tissues are initially high, but decrease rapidly until stabilizing eight days after imbibition (DAI). Similarly, shoot N% decreases, but does not stabilize until 12–13 DAI. Following the decrease in free amino acid concentrations, root NO3− uptake capacity increases until shoot N% stabilizes. The increase in root NO3− uptake capacity corresponds with a rapid rise in transcript levels of putative NO3− transporters, ZmNRT2.1 and ZmNRT2.2. The processes underlying the increase in root NO3− uptake capacity to meet N demand provide an insight into the processes controlling N uptake.