bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Management of complications following pancreatic resection: An evidence‐based approach
Authors: Mezhir James J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDespite significant improvements in operative mortality, morbidity remains a significant problem following pancreatectomy. Management of postpancreatectomy complications, namely pancreatic fistula, begins with a clear understanding of how these events are defined. There are now several unifying definitions for complications following pancreatectomy which have led to improved reporting of operative outcomes across institutions. Several randomized controlled trials have been performed in recent years that may lead to continued improvement in operative outcomes. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:58–66. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of an elastoplastic spectral‐element method to 3D slope stability analysis
Authors: Gharti Hom Nath , Komatitsch Dimitri , Oye Volker , Martin Roland , Tromp Jeroen 
Published: April 2012

SUMMARYWe implement a spectral‐element method for 3D time‐independent elastoplastic problems in geomechanics. As a first application, we use the method for slope stability analyses ranging from small to large scales. The implementation employs an element‐by‐element preconditioned conjugate‐gradient solver for efficient storage. The program accommodates material heterogeneity and complex topography. Either simple or complex water table profiles may be used to assess effects of hydrostatic pressure. Both surface loading and pseudostatic seismic loading are implemented. For elastoplastic behavior of slopes to be simulated, a Mohr–Coulomb yield criterion is employed using an initial strain method (i.e., a viscoplastic algorithm). For large‐scale problems, the software is parallelized on the basis of domain decomposition using Message Passing Interface. Strong‐scaling measurements demonstrate that the parallelized software performs efficiently. We validate our spectral‐element results against several other methods and apply the technique to simulate failure of an earthen embankment and a mountain slope.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biomarkers for risk stratification of febrile neutropenia among children with malignancy: A pilot study
Authors: Mian Amir , Becton David , Saylors Robert , James Laura , Tang Xinyu , Bhutta Adnan , Prodhan Parthak 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundPatients receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy remain at increased risk for developing febrile neutropenia (FN). For this heterogeneous population, a biomarker based risk stratification of FN patients may be a useful clinical tool. We hypothesized that serum biomarkers during initial presentation of an FN event could be predictive of subsequent clinical outcome.ProcedureEighty‐nine FN events from 36 non‐consecutive subjects were analyzed. “High‐risk” FN criteria included prolonged hospitalization (≥7 days), admission to pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) or a microbiology confirmed bacteremia. Patients with “low risk” FN had none of the above. Biomarkers measured during the first 2 days of FN hospitalization were analyzed and correlated with respective clinical outcome.ResultsOf the 89 FN events, 44 (49%) fulfilled pre‐defined high‐risk criteria and 45 (51%) were low‐risk. Procalcitonin level (>0.11 ng/ml) was found to be associated with the high‐risk FN outcome with sensitivity of 97%. With an increase in log scale by 1, the odds of being high‐risk FN increased twofold. Hs‐CRP >100 mg/L had sensitivity of 88% in predicting high‐risk FN. The odds of a high‐risk FN event increased by approximately 1.8‐fold with an increase in the log scale of hs‐CRP by 1 (10‐fold). In univariate analysis, IL‐6, IL‐8, and IL‐10 were statistically significant and associated with high‐risk FN. However, no statistically significant difference was found for IL‐1α, sIL‐2Ra, IL‐3, or TNF‐α.ConclusionsBiomarkers with appropriate critical threshold values may be a useful clinical tool for appropriate risk stratification of children with FN. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2012;59:238–245. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malignant ectomesenchymoma in children and adolescents: Report from the Cooperative Weichteilsarkom Studiengruppe (CWS)
Authors: Dantonello Tobias M. , Leuschner Ivo , Vokuhl Christian , Gfroerer Stefan , Schuck Andreas , Kube Stefanie , Nathrath Michaela , Bernbeck Benedikt , Kaatsch Peter , Pal Niklas , Ljungman Gustaf , Bielack Stefan S. , Klingebiel Thomas , Koscielniak Ewa ,   on behalf of CWS
Published: April 2012

AbstractBackgroundMalignant ectomesenchymoma (MEM) is a soft tissue tumor with heterologous rhabdomyoblastic components believed to arise from pluripotent migratory neural crest cells. To date merely 50 cases have been published and the knowledge about the course of disease and optimal treatment is limited.MethodsSix patients with MEM were registered 1996–2009. The diagnosis was confirmed according to current criteria. Their treatment and outcome was analyzed.ResultsThe median age of the three females and three males was 0.6 years (range, 0.2–13.5). The mesenchymal component in all tumors was rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the neural component ganglioneuroblastoma/neuroblastoma (n = 5) and peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor in one case. Five patients presented with localized, one with metastatic disease. All but one patient received multiagent chemotherapy during their initial treatment. The tumors of 4/5 patients with localized MEM were at least grossly resected at best surgery; the patient without gross resection was additionally irradiated. Three of four evaluable tumors responded well to induction chemotherapy. All patients achieved a first complete remission (CR), but three recurrences (two local, one systemic) occurred. The individual with metastatic MEM did not survive, but all five patients with localized MEM are currently alive in CR with a median follow‐up of 5 years (range: 2.1–13.7).ConclusionsRisk‐factors and outcome of MEM appear to be comparable with other highly malignant pediatric soft tissue sarcoma when a multimodal treatment strategy including chemotherapy and adequate local treatment is pursued. We propose that treatment of patients with MEM be done according to pediatric protocols similar to other rhabdomyosarcoma‐like soft tissue sarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2013;60:224–229. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electric‐field tuning of magnetoelectric properties in Metglas/piezofiber composites
Authors: Wang Yaojin , Hasanyan Davresh , Li Menghui , Gao Junqi , Viswan Ravindranath , Li Jiefang , Viehland D. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe tunability of magnetoelectric (ME) properties by applied dc electric field (E) was systematically investigated for a laminate composite consisting of Metglas, Pb(Zrx Ti1–x)O3 fiber, and interdigitated electrodes. The ME coefficients and equivalent magnetic noise were found to be dependent on E. This dependence is attributed to variations in the magnetic properties. The dielectric properties and noise charge density were relatively invariant to E. A 1.3× improvement in the ME coefficient was obtained at the Villari point under E = 300 V/mm relative to E = 0 V/mm. (© 2012 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Organizational differences, relational mechanisms, and alliance performance
Authors: Lavie Dovev , Haunschild Pamela R. , Khanna Poonam 
Published: April 2012

AbstractIn studying the antecedents of alliance performance, one stream of research has underscored the alignment between partners' characteristics whereas another has concentrated on relational mechanisms such as mutual trust, relational embeddedness, and relational commitment. We integrate these two perspectives by examining how congruence of the partners' cultures and organizational routines facilitates the emergence of relational mechanisms in non‐equity alliances. Our analysis of 420 non‐equity alliances in the information technology industry demonstrates how differences in partners' internal task routines undermine relational mechanisms that in turn impact alliance performance. Partners who acknowledge their latent differences can overcome some of these negative consequences. We advance alliance research by studying the performance implications of alliance partners' organizational differences and by demonstrating how these effects are mediated by relational mechanisms. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of separation methods in starch analysis: The importance of size exclusion chromatography and field flow fractionation
Authors: Rübsam Heinrich , Krottenthaler Martin , Gastl Martina , Becker Thomas 
Published: April 2012

AbstractStarch is the most important source of human food energy and also an important polymer for biofuels, processed food, and pharmaceutical industries. Precise determination of structural and functional properties of starch has been an outstanding factor for the improvement of dissolution and degradation processes, which are important procedures for commercial applications. Distinct separation techniques coupled with multiple detection methods such as Size Exclusion Chromatography (SEC), Field Flow fractionation (FFF), Analytical Ultracentrifugation, and Hydrodynamic Chromatography have provided powerful information about starch conformation. In the present review, we describe the usefulness and limitations of different separation methods particularly SEC and FFF, which are currently widely used.
Accuracy of transvaginal sonography and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance‐colonography for the presurgical staging of deep infiltrating endometriosis
Authors: Vimercati A. , Achilarre M. T. , Scardapane A. , Lorusso F. , Ceci O. , Mangiatordi G. , Angelelli G. , Van Herendael B. , Selvaggi L. , Bettocchi S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the accuracy of transvaginal sonography (TVS) and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance‐colonography (CE‐MR‐C) for the presurgical assessment of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE).MethodsNinety women were enrolled prospectively for suspicion of DIE. All patients underwent TVS and CE‐MR‐C, with each operator blinded to the results of the other exam, before laparoscopy. The sites of DIE examined by both imaging techniques were: rectovaginal septum, pouch of Douglas, uterosacral ligaments, vesicouterine pouch, bowel, bladder and vagina. The presence of adhesions and the involvement of adnexa and of a previous abdominal scar, when there was clinical suspicion, were also evaluated. TVS and CE‐MR‐C findings were compared with laparoscopic and histological results.ResultsEndometriosis was confirmed by laparoscopy in 95.6% (86/90) of cases. In 82.2% (74/90) of patients there was DIE. The global accuracy for TVS in the detection of DIE was 89.2%, sensitivity was 81.1%, specificity was 94.2%, positive predictive value was 89.6%, negative predictive value was 89.0%, the positive likelihood ratio was 13.9 and the negative likelihood ratio was 0.2. For CE‐MR‐C, these values were 87.2%, 71.1%, 97.1%, 93.7%, 84.6%, 24.4 and 0.3, respectively. CE‐MR‐C allowed diagnosis of all cases of bowel involvement; the accuracy for infiltration and stenosis was 100%. The accuracy of TVS for rectosigmoid nodules was 91.1% and that for infiltration was 88.9%.ConclusionsBoth TVS and CE‐MR‐C showed satisfactory results for the presurgical assessment of DIE. TVS appears to be a powerful, simple, feasible, cost‐effective tool for preoperative staging of DIE. CE‐MR‐C is an ‘X‐ray free’ technique, which could be reserved for cases with deep infiltrating rectosigmoid lesions and for the prediction of stenosis and involvement of the upper part of the colon and small intestine.
Estimation of climatic factors relating to occurrence of the maize orange leafhopper, Cicadulina bipunctata
Authors: Matsukura Keiichiro , Yoshida Kazuhiro , Matsumura Masaya 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe maize orange leafhopper, Cicadulina bipunctata is a serious pest of forage maize in East and Southeast Asia. In temperate Japan, the occurrence of this leafhopper fluctuates widely among years. Here, we examined effects of climatic factors (temperature, precipitation and sunlight) on the occurrence of C. bipunctata. Seasonal occurrence of adult C. bipunctata in a census field from July to August, when forage maize was most susceptible to the pest, could be described by a simple exponential function with two parameter: estimated density of C. bipunctata on 1 July (N0) and intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) for each year. Forward stepwise multiple regression analysis using seasonal occurrence data from 2004 to 2009 detected positive contributions of average temperatures in the previous December and February and a negative contribution of total precipitation during the previous winter to N0. The analysis also indicated that average temperature in July of the current year and N0 contributed positively and negatively to r, respectively. These results indicated that high temperature and little precipitation during winter and high temperature in early summer induced high occurrence of C. bipunctata in summer. A prediction model based on these factors supported the actual seasonal occurrence in 2010, suggesting that this prediction model is applicable to C. bipunctata forecasting. The prediction model indicated that further global warming in the future is likely to cause further outbreaks of C. bipunctata.
Fungal succession and decomposition of beech cupule litter
Authors: Fukasawa Y. , Tateno O. , Hagiwara Y. , Hirose D. , Osono T. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractBeech cupule litter is the second largest (next to leaf litter) component of total annual litterfall in mast years, and makes an important contribution to carbon budgets in beech forest soils. We investigated the decomposition processes of beech cupule litter over a 30‐month period with reference to the role of fungal succession in the decomposition of acid‐unhydrolyzable residue (AUR) and holocellulose. During the study period, weight loss of holocellulose occurred, while there was little weight loss of AUR, and 77 % of the original cupule weight remained at the end of the study period.Xylariasp.1,Geniculosporiumsp. andNigrosporasp. that can attack holocellulose selectively caused mass loss of holocellulose and were responsible for the cupule weight loss. Although the beech cupule is a woody phyllome and its lignocellulose composition is similar to that of coarse woody debris (CWD) rather than leaf litter of beech, the selective decomposition of holocellulose by fungi was similar to the decay process of leaf litter rather than CWD.
Specialty Fats Enriched with Behenic and Medium Chain Fatty Acids from Palm Stearin by Lipase Acidolysis
Authors: Mounika Chandhapuram , Yella Reddy Sunki 
Published: April 2012

AbstractStructured lipids containing behenic and medium chain (MC) fatty acids were prepared from palm stearin using 1,3‐specific lipase‐catalyzed acidolysis. Incorporation of MC and behenic acids was affected by proportion of substrate, type of fatty acids, reaction time, addition of water and quantity of lipase. It was found that incorporation of caproic acid was less compared to other longer chain fatty acids. Caprylic, capric and behenic acids shared similar incorporation (up to 32 %), which increased with the amount of fatty acids added and the time of reaction. The incorporation of these acids increased with addition of 1 % moisture and the increasing amount of enzyme from 5 to 10 % at the beginning of the reaction. Incorporating behenic and MC fatty acids, reduced palmitic and oleic acids considerably from palm stearin, the extent being the same as those incorporated. However, the reduction of linoleic acid was marginal. The solid fats content of the modified palm stearin containing MC and behenic acids were reduced at all temperatures due to a reduction in higher molecular weight triglycerides and an increasing proportion of lower chain triglycerides. The modified products of palm stearin with added capric and behenic acids were similar to commercial bakery shortenings and those with added capric acid were like salad or cooking oils or butter in melting characteristics.
Investment in energy efficiency: do the characteristics of investments matter?
Authors: Cooremans Catherine 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
“Investment in energy efficiency: do the characteristics of firms matter?” In their famous 1998 paper, DeCanio and Watkins raised the question and answered it affirmatively. Our paper addresses a parallel question: “Investment in energy efficiency: do the characteristics of investments matter?” To answer this question, we first describe our new investment decision-making model, applicable to all investment types. We then discuss our research results, based on questionnaires submitted to finance managers of 35 major electricity consumers in various commercial and industrial sectors. We show how characteristics other than profitability play an important role in investment choices. The investment category influences profitability evaluation, profitability requirement, and, ultimately, the decision made. For half of the firms in our study, energy-efficiency investments did not exist as a category. However, wide diversity regarding investment behavior is observed between firms. Our findings lead to a different explanation of the energy-efficiency gap and open the way for a new approach to promoting energy-efficiency investments, which is briefly discussed in the conclusion.
Pulsating pipe flow with large-amplitude oscillations in the very high frequency regime. Part 1. Time-averaged analysis
Authors: Manna M. , Vacca A. , Verzicco R. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThis paper numerically investigates the effects of a harmonic volume forcing of prescribed frequency on the turbulent pipe flow at a Reynolds number, based on bulk velocity and pipe diameter, of 5900. The thickness of the Stokes layer, resulting from the oscillatory flow component, is a small fraction of the pipe radius and therefore the associated vorticity is confined within a few wall units. The harmonic forcing term is prescribed so that the ratio of the oscillating to the mean bulk velocity ($\ensuremath{\beta} $) ranges between 1 and 10.6. In all cases the oscillatory flow obeys the Stokes analytical velocity distribution while remarkable changes in the current component are observed. At intermediate values $\ensuremath{\beta} = 5$, a relaminarization process occurs, while for $\ensuremath{\beta} = 10. 6$, turbulence is affected so much by the harmonic forcing that the near-wall coherent structures, although not fully suppressed, are substantially weakened. The present study focuses on the analysis of the time- and space-averaged statistics of the first- and second-order moments, vorticity fluctuations and Reynolds stress budgets. Since the flow is unsteady not only locally but also in its space-averaged dynamics, it can be analysed using phase-averaged and time-averaged statistics. While the former gives information about the statistics of the fluctuations about the mean, the latter, postponed to a subsequent paper, shows how the mean is affected by the fluctuations. Clearly, the two phenomena are connected and both of them deserve investigation.
Age structure and life cycles of the Argentine shortfin squid Illex argentinus (Cephalopoda: Ommastrephidae) in southern Brazil
Authors: Schwarz R. , Perez J.A.A. 
Published: April 2012

Age structure and hatchling dates of the squid Illex argentinus collected by bottom-trawl fishery in southern Brazilian waters were assessed by the analysis of statolith growth increments. Catches occurred between 2001 and 2002, from 23° to 32°S at depths of 100–700 m. Squid from juvenile to post-spawning stages were collected year round, with age estimated from 98 to 320 days and mantle lengths ranging from 112 to 376 mm. Duration of life cycle events based on statolith growth zones revealed that squids can spend about 14% of their lifespan as paralarva (~30 days), 70% as juvenile (~130 days), leaving maturity and spawning condition to the terminal 10–20% (~30–60 days). The results suggest that, unlike estimates available for Patagonian populations, a general 0.5 year lifespan is predicted for I. argentinus off Brazil. The wide range of size-at-ages implied that catches of shortfin squid off southern Brazil probably include squid hatched throughout the year. Mature and spawning squid caught in summer months hatched in winter and spring, while winter catches revealed mature-spawning individuals hatched both in summer/autumn (~6 months of age) and winter/spring periods (~10–11 months of age). It has been argued that such groups may combine both squid resident of Brazilian outer shelf and slope (22°–34°S) with a six months' lifespan and migrating squid originated from the northern Patagonian shelf (~42°S) with 10–11 months' lifespan.
Trends in extinction and persistence of diurnal primates in the fragmented lowland rainforests of the Upper Brahmaputra Valley, north-eastern India
Authors: Sharma Narayan , Madhusudan M. D. , Sarkar Prabal , Bawri Mayur , Sinha Anindya 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe historical deforestation of the Upper Brahmaputra Valley in the Indian state of Assam has resulted in the transformation of its once-contiguous lowland rainforests into many isolated forest fragments that are still rich in species, including primates. We report the recent history and current status of six diurnal primates in one large (2,098 ha) and three small (<500 ha) fragments of the Upper Brahmaputra Valley. We censused primates in the small fragments during 2002, 2005, 2009, in the large fragment in 2008, and used other published census data to derive population trends. We also used key informant surveys to obtain historical occurrence data for these populations. Our analyses reveal the recent extinction of some populations and the simultaneous long-term persistence of others in these fragments over 16 years. Most populations appeared to have declined in the small fragments but primate abundance has increased significantly in the largest fragment over the last decade. Addressing the biomass needs of the local human populations, which appears to drive habitat degradation, and better protection of these forests, will be crucial in ensuring the future survival of this diverse and unique primate assemblage in the last rainforest fragments of the human-dominated Upper Brahmaputra Valley.