bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The use of ABC score in activation of massive transfusion: The yin and the yang
Authors: Motameni Amirreza T. , Hodge Rebekah A. , McKinley William I. , Georgel Jiliene M. , Strollo Brian P. , Benns Matthew V. , Miller Keith R. , Harbrecht Brian G.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Hemorrhage is the most common cause of early death in trauma patients. Massive transfusion protocols (MTPs) have been designed to accelerate the release of blood products but can result in waste if activated inappropriately. The Assessment of Blood Consumption (ABC) score has become a widely accepted score for MTP activation. In this study, we compared the use of ABC criteria to physician judgment in MTP activation.

METHODS

Adult trauma patients treated at University of Louisville Trauma Center from January 2016 to December 2016 were studied. Activation via ABC score was assessed retrospectively from emergency department (ED) data. Location, timing of activation, percent of patients using more than 5 units of packed red blood cells, amount of product waste, factors associated with early activation by physicians, and mortality were analyzed.

RESULTS

Three thousand four hundred twenty-one patients were included in this study. Only 33% of the patients who would have had MTP activation based on the ABC criteria used more than 5 units of blood products within 24 hours of admission compared with 65% of the patients in whom clinical judgment was used. Seventy-six percent of all MTP activations from clinical judgment would have been activated by the ABC criteria in the ED. Fifty-five percent of all MTP activations via clinical judgment were activated in the operating room and 41% in the ED. Eighty-one percent of activations that occurred in the operating room by physician judgment could have been activated earlier in the ED if the ABC criteria had been used. However, ABC score can lead to higher potential fresh frozen plasma waste (588 vs. 84 units) compared with physician judgment.

CONCLUSIONS

The ABC criteria overestimate need for massive transfusion and can lead to increased product waste compared with physician judgment, but its use leads to earlier MTP activation. Criteria to trigger MT activation should rely on both clinical acumen and validated prediction tools.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic, level III.
A dual-method approach to identifying intimate partner violence within a Level 1 trauma center
Authors: DiVietro Susan , Beebe Rebecca , Grasso Damion , Green Christa , Joseph D’Andrea , Lapidus Garry D.
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious public health problem leading many health care organizations to recommend universal screening as part of standard health care practice. Prior work shows that most IPV victims and perpetrators are unidentified by health care staff. We sought to enhance the capacity of an urban trauma center to identify IPV using a dual-method screening tool, and to establish prevalence of IPV victimization and perpetration among this population.

METHODS

Patients aged 18 and older were recruited from a Level 1 trauma center from May 2015 to July 2017. Participants were assessed for IPV using a touch-screen tablet and then via face-to-face assessment. The data were used to determine feasibility of this dual method and to establish prevalence of IPV in this sample.

RESULTS

Of 586 eligible patients, 250 were successfully recruited for the study (43% response rate). Using the subscales of physical abuse, severe psychological abuse, and sexual coercion from the tablet-based Conflict Tactics Scale 2, 40% of women and 34% of men met criteria for IPV exposure in the past year and 35.6% of men and 50.6% of women met criteria using the face-to-face screen. In total, 102 patients (40.8%) screened positive using the dual method.

CONCLUSION

This study reports on a dual method to improve screening and identification of IPV in a Level 1 trauma center. Ultimately, the dual screening method identified more victims than either method on its own. Our findings provide evidence to standardize universal screening in our trauma center. Moving forward, we will link screening results to medical record data to identify predictors of patients’ current experiences of psychological and physical IPV. Our ultimate goal is to use these predictors to build a model for identifying patients who are at high risk for IPV victimization or perpetration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Epidemiologic study, level III.
Reappraising the human mitochondrial DNA recombination dogma
Authors: Perera Simόn , Ramos Amanda , Alvarez Luis , Jurado Débora , Guardiola Maria , Lima Manuela , Aluja Maria Pilar , Santos Cristina
Published: April 2018

With the “mitochondrial Eve” theory proposed by Rebecca Cann in the eighties, human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) has been used as a tool in studying human variation and evolution. Although the existence of recombination in human mtDNA has been previously advocated, studies dealing with human variation and evolution have assumed that human mtDNA does not recombine and should be considered as pathological or very infrequent. Using both direct and indirect approaches, we provide consistent evidence of mtDNA recombination in humans. We applied the single molecule PCR procedure to directly test for recombination in multiheteroplasmic individuals without any overt pathology. Moreover, we searched for past recombination events in the whole mitochondrial genomes of more than 15,000 individuals. Results from our study update and expand both the seminal indirect findings and the scarce direct evidence observed to date, paving the way for the definitive rejection of the non-recombination dogma for human mtDNA. Acknowledgment of recombination as a frequent event in mtDNA will require the description of the population recombination rate(s) and to apply it to past and future studies involving mtDNA. MtDNA recombination affects our knowledge of human evolutionary history, regarding haplogroup divergence times, as well as the time to the mitochondrial most recent common ancestor. Finally, mtDNA recombination will have a substantial impact on our understanding of the etiology and transmission of mitochondrial diseases.
Sorting Nexin 27 (SNX27): A Novel Regulator of Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Trafficking
Authors: McDermott Mark I. , Thelin William R. , Chen Yun , Lyons Patrick T. , Reilly Gabrielle , Gentzsch Martina , Lei Cai , Hong Wanjin , Jackson Stutts M. , Playford Martin P. , Bankaitis Vytas A.
Published: April 2018

The underlying defect in cystic fibrosis is mutation of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), a cAMP-activated chloride channel expressed at the apical surface of lung epithelia. In addition to its export and maintenance at the cell surface, CFTR regulation involves repeated cycles of transport through the endosomal trafficking system, including endocytosis and recycling. Many of the known disease mutations cause CFTR intracellular trafficking defects that result in failure of ion channel delivery to the apical plasma membrane. Corrective maneuvers directed at improving transport to the plasma membrane are thwarted by rapid internalization and degradation of the mutant CFTR proteins. The molecular mechanisms involved in these processes are not completely understood but may involve protein-protein interactions with the C-terminal type I PDZ-binding motif of CFTR. Using a proteomic approach, we identify sorting nexin 27 (SNX27) as a novel CFTR binding partner in human airway epithelial Calu-3 cells. SNX27 and CFTR interact directly, with the SNX27 PDZ domain being both necessary and sufficient for this interaction. SNX27 co-localizes with internalized CFTR at sub-apical endosomal sites in polarized Calu-3 cells, and either knockdown of the endogenous SNX27, or over-expression of a dominant-negative SNX27 mutant, resulted in significant decreases in cell surface CFTR levels. CFTR internalization was not affected by SNX27 knockdown, but defects were observed in the recycling arm of CFTR trafficking through the endosomal system. Furthermore, knockdown of SNX27 in Calu-3 cells resulted in significant decreases in CFTR protein levels, consistent with degradation of the internalized pool. These data identify SNX27 as a physiologically significant regulator of CFTR trafficking and homeostasis in epithelial cells.
π–π-Induced aggregation and single-crystal fluorescence anisotropy of 5,6,10b-triazaacephenanthrylene
Authors: Ostrowska Katarzyna , Ceresoli Davide , Stadnicka Katarzyna , Gryl Marlena , Cazzaniga Marco , Soave Raffaella , Musielak Bogdan , Witek Łukasz J. , Goszczycki Piotr , Grolik Jarosław , Turek Andrzej M.
Published: April 2018

The structural origin of absorption and fluorescence anisotropy of the single crystal of the π-conjugated heterocyclic system 5,6,10b-triazaacephenanthrylene, TAAP, is presented in this study. X-ray analysis shows that the crystal framework in the space group P\overline{1} is formed by centrosymmetric dimers of face-to-face mutually oriented TAAP molecules joined by π–π non-covalent interactions. The conformation of the TAAP molecule is stabilized by intramolecular C—H...N(sp
2), N(sp
2)H...π(CN), and C—H...O(sp
2) hydrogen bonds. The presence of weak π–π interactions is confirmed by quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and non-covalent interaction (NCI) analysis. The analysis of the optical spectra of TAAP in solution and in the solid state does not allow the specification of the aggregation type. DFT calculations for the dimer in the gas phase indicate that the lowest singlet excitation is forbidden by symmetry, suggesting H-type aggregation, even though the overall absorption spectrum is bathochromically shifted as for the J-type. The experimental determination of the permanent dipole moment of a TAAP molecule in 1,4-dioxane solution indicates the presence of the monomer form. The calculated absorption and emission spectra of the crystal in a simple approximation are consistent with the experimentally determined orientation of the absorption and emission transition dipole moments in TAAP single crystals. The electrostatic interaction between monomers with a permanent dipole moment (ca 4 D each) could result in the unusual spectroscopic JH-aggregate behaviour of the TAAP dimer.
Crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and antioxidant capacity of 2,2′-{(1E,1′E)-[1,2-phenylenebis(azanylylidene)]bis(methanylylidene)}bis(5-benzyloxy)phenol
Authors: Ghichi Nadir , Benboudiaf Ali , DJebli Yacine , Bensouici Chawki , Merazig Hocine
Published: April 2018

The whole molecule of the title Schiff base compound, C34H28N2O4, is generated by mirror symmetry, with the mirror bisecting the central benzene ring. It was synthesized via the condensation reaction of 1,2-diaminebenzene with 4-benzyloxy-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde. The molecule is V-shaped and there are two intramolecular O—H...N hydrogen bonds present forming S(6) ring motifs. The configuration about the C=N imine bonds is E. The central benzene ring makes dihedral angles of 41.9 (2) and 43.6 (2)° with the phenol ring and the outer benzyloxy ring, respectively. The latter two rings are inclined to each other by 84.4 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...π interactions, forming layers lying parallel to the ab plane. The Hirshfeld surface analysis and the two-dimensional fingerprint plots confirm the predominance of these interactions in the crystal structure. The antioxidant capacity of the compound was determined by the cupric reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC) process.
Al13Fe3
Authors: Xia Zheng , Liu Cong , Fan Changzeng
Published: April 2018

A new trigonal phase with composition Al13Fe3(tridecaaluminium triiron) was obtained in the binary Fe–Al diagram by high-pressure sintering (HPS) of a stoichiometric Al3Fe mixture. The refined crystal structure agrees with the descriptions of an unresolved rhombohedral phase reported 30 years ago [Chandrasekaranet al.(1988).Scr. Metall.22, 797–802]. The structure was refined as an inversion twin with a ratio of 0.506 (18):0.494 (18) for the two twin components.
Gain without pay causes lazybones’ loss
Authors: Wu Wen , Liu Jingli , Shang Xiaopu
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Building on social informational processing theory, the purpose of this paper is to develop and test a theoretical model of moderated mediation in which social loafing tendency serves as an intervening mechanism that explains associations among two dimensions of leader–member relationships (formal and informal relationships, namely, leader–member exchange and leader–member guanxi) and customer service performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors designed a field study to test the hypotheses presented in this paper. A survey of 304 supervisor–employee pairs and matched customers generally provide support for this model.

Findings

The authors found that social loafing tendency played a mediating role between leader–member relationships and customer service performance. Co-worker service-oriented OCB moderated the positive relationship between leader–member guanxi and loafing tendency.

Research limitations/implications

More samples should be collected from both private and state-owned company. Both the informal and formal leader–member relationships should be unanimously included in examining how the leader–member relationships influence focal employee’s attitude and behavior, particularly in societies where the informal relationship plays noticeable role.

Practical implications

Managers should properly deal with formal and informal relationship with subordinates.

Originality/value

The influence of leader–member guanxi on employees and organization is controversial in extant literature. In some sense, this finding contributes to extant literature by further clarifying the influence of guanxi on the focal employee’s performance.
Business user impact on information system projects
Authors: Eichhorn Bradford , Tukel Oya
Published: April 2018

Purpose

There are differing views and results in the literature regarding whether the user’s participation has a positive or negative impact, if any, on the success of an information system (IS) project. The purpose of this paper is to develop a comprehensive model with four main hypotheses to test the relationships between seven constructs using survey data conducted in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop a structural equation model (SEM) with four constructs defining the activities the user participates in and three constructs defining user satisfaction as a measure of project success. As such, the proposed SEM is the most comprehensive among the models offered in the literature to date, and includes, for the first time, a presentation requirement construct as a specific system requirement for possible user participation.

Findings

The authors find that a business user’s participation in functional requirements benefits project outcome, whereas business users should not participate in gathering presentation requirements unless they are experienced middle managers.

Research limitations/implications

This study surveyed many industries across the USA and provided a solid statistical base for analysis. Future research should consider exploring IS projects in other countries since various cultures can differ in how they approach to such projects. Additionally, industries are known to have dissimilar needs; therefore, a study exploring specific industries would add to the available research.

Practical implications

The authors find that when the general business user participates in certain activities that relate to presentation of the system, his/her involvement negatively impacts the project success. However, if that business user is a middle manager, he/she has a positive impact on the project success. Similarly, when the business user participates in managing the projects, that involvement negatively impacts the project outcome (although the amount of negative impact is relatively small). These results should have an influence on the way the IS project managers allocate business resources to activities, and their decisions regarding whether and where the business users participate.

Social implications

The authors expect higher levels of business user satisfaction on IS projects if they are allocated to a limited subset of project activities that has a positive impact on project outcomes.

Originality/value

The authors believe these findings contribute to this research domain considerably since they are based on a large sample size on a new comprehensive model of business users that can be generalized across industries. The separation of business requirements into functional and presentation requirements has suggested that there are differing impacts to the project depending on the type of business user involved.
An integrated model for allocation and leveling of human resources in IT projects
Authors: Celkevicius Roberto , Russo Rosaria F.S.M.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an integrated model for allocation and leveling of human resources in IT projects.

Design/methodology/approach

A single case study was conducted in a large company of IT outsourcing services, which were assessed the management of 14 projects. The survey was conducted through interviews with project managers, and digital files and internal documents of the organization related to these projects.

Findings

In the analysis, it was identified that the critical path is not identified in all projects, and even when this happens, resources are not allocated in the first tasks in that path. A committee controls the allocation of resources with the assessment of skills, but there is no control of all resource constraints.

Research limitations/implications

The main limiting factors for this study are: use of data of one company in the IT industry, making it difficult to generalize the model for other sectors companies; it was noted during interviews that the project managers interviewed do not always know in detail all the company’s processes for allocation and resource leveling, due to the large number of processes and different management activities of these professionals.

Practical implications

A model and actions for this implementation was proposed, such as training for the use of the technique of critical path; allocation and leveling done simultaneously; decisions of the management committee based on information of availability, key skills, holidays, days off of human resources; development of a software tool that integrates this information, generating graphical interfaces that are not provided by project management software with the use of an allocation factor.

Social implications

The characteristics of the proposed model, as well as the use of the allocation factor, can help managers to validate their allocation models and leveling of human resources in an integrated manner.

Originality/value

The study explains that the granularity of analysis of resource allocation increases by decomposition of the duration of each activity in fixed time segments. It is suggested to use the mathematical concept of the allocation factor (Fa).
Microfinance and microenterprise performance in Indonesia: an extended and updated survey
Authors: Atmadja Adwin Surja , Sharma Parmendra , Su Jen-Je
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to address the small, women micro-entrepreneur dominated and heterogeneity limitations of the Atmadjaet al.(2016) study. The sample is much larger, includes more men and is more heterogeneous, which allows deeper insights and more meaningful explanation of the relationship between microfinance and microenterprise performance in the case of Indonesia, including the effects of gender, lending scheme and money separation.

Design/methodology/approach

This study used a survey of 556 respondents across five microcredit providers in the city of Surabaya using an updated instrument. Ordered probit is used to analyse data.

Findings

Microfinance may not matter for microenterprise performance in the case of Indonesia. Additionally, microcredit schemes (individual vs group) and gender may also not matter for performance, but money separation might have some influence.

Practical implications

Non-financial factors such as human capital, spousal involvement, and money separation should be considered as important factors for improving microenterprise business performance in Indonesia, with less focus on microcreditper se.

Originality/value

This study provides further evidence that microfinance may not matter for microenterprise performance in the case of Indonesia, a populous middle income country with a very long history of microfinance.
The impact of remittances on Sudan’s economic growth: does the exchange rate matter?
Authors: Awad Atif , Sirag Abdalla
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the presence of the Dutch disease hypothesis through examining the remittance-growth nexus using annual data for Sudan covering the period 1977-2015. The paper seeks to answer the following critical questions: what is the impact of remittance on Sudanese economy? How exchange rate influences the impact of remittance on growth? To what extent the impact of remittance on growth differs between the short and long run.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper employs the autoregressive distributive lag (ARDL) technique because of its several advantages.

Findings

The ARDL results show evidence against the existence of such a hypothesis. More specifically, the results show that over time, due to the structured nature of the economy, remittances may affect economic growth negatively through several mechanisms including the depreciation rather than the appreciation of the exchange rate.

Originality/value

After 2011 and the secession of South Sudan, Sudan lost more than 80 per cent of foreign exchange revenues which reflected in the sharp gap between the official rate and the parallel exchange rate equal to 150 per cent. To lessening this gap, the attention was given to expatriates to encourage them to transfer their remittances through official channels. Since remittance and exchange rate mechanism may affect growth positively or negatively, no study addressed this possibility. This is the first empirical study in this matter that considers both the temporary and the permanent impacts.
Chinese consumers’ willingness to pay for rice
Authors: Xu Pei , Su Hang , Lone Todd
Published: April 2018

Purpose

China’s expanded rice imports offer a profitable business opportunity for both domestic and international grain marketers. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of select variables on Chinese consumers’ rice choices, specifically focusing on country-of-origin, price, organic, brand, freshness, and taste. The study concludes with suggestions for domestic and international rice marketers to help them develop more efficient rice marketing plans.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a conditional logit model to analyze survey data gathered from Chongqing and Chengdu, two of China’s largest rice consumption cities.

Findings

Chinese consumers are price sensitive in their rice choices. Country-of-origin is the most imperative factor affecting rice selection for lower food expense consumers but branded rice attracts the attention of higher food expense consumers. Furthermore, these higher food expense consumers are willing to pay a small premium of $0.22 for a pound of organic rice.

Research limitations/implications

A general trend in demand for organic rice from higher food expense consumers was identified, and this trend predicts a profitable market for organic rice sellers. However, these research findings are geographically limited and may only represent a consumption trend from the two sampled cities rather than all of China.

Originality/value

The study concludes with meaningful recommendations to rice marketers to aid in developing profitable market entrance strategies to China.
Compensation for harm caused by nuclear installations: what’s the damage?
Authors: Lee Robert , Stech Radek
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to explain the changes to the liability regime for nuclear installations before reviewing the traditional heads of damage under the 1965 Act. It argues that while there is some welcome clarification of what amounts to an “occurrence” in the purposes of the 1965 Act, disappointingly, little has been done to clarify how concepts of personal injury and property damage under the Act sit alongside traditional tort notions leaving the law highly dependent on earlier, but not always consistent, case law. The paper then goes on to consider the impact of the new categories of compensation, introduced by the Order, evaluating the extent to which these draw upon EU law structures for environmental impairment liability. Again, it questions whether this approach will achieve sufficient clarity and certainty.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a desk-based legal research.

Findings

This study is a discussion of statutory material and case law.

Originality/value

This paper is a first in-depth treatment of changes to liability principles in the Nuclear Installations Act 1965.
Sanokondu
Authors: Busari Jamiu , Chan Ming-Ka , Dath Deepak , Matlow Anne , Meschino Diane de Camps
Published: April 2018

Purpose

This paper aims to describe the evolution of Sanokondu, highlighting the rationale, achievements and lessons learnt from this initiative. Sanokondu is a multinational community of practice dedicated to fostering health-care leadership education worldwide. This platform for health-care leadership education was conceived in 2014 at the first Toronto International Summit on Leadership Education for Physicians (TISLEP) and evolved into a formal network of collaborators in 2016.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a case study of a multinational collaboration of health-care leaders, educators, learners and other stakeholders. It describes Sanokondu’s development and contribution to global health-care leadership education. One of the major strategies has been establishing partnerships with other educational organizations involved in clinical leadership and health systems improvement.

Findings

A major flagship of Sanokondu has been its annual TISLEP meetings, which brings various health-care leaders, educators, learners and patients together. The meetings provide opportunities for dialog and knowledge exchange on leadership education. The work of Sanokondu has resulted in an open access knowledge bank for health-care leadership education, which in addition to the individual expertise of its members, is readily available for consultation. Sanokondu continues to contribute to scholarship in health-care leadership through ongoing research, education and dissemination in the scholarly literature.

Originality/value

Sanokondu embodies the achievements of a multinational collaboration of health-care stakeholders invested in leadership education. The interactions culminating from this platform have resulted in new insights, innovative ideas and best practices on health-care leadership education.
Turning the Titanic: physicians as both leaders and managers in healthcare reform
Authors: Grady Colleen Marie , Hinings C.R. (Bob)
Published: April 2018

Purpose

Physicians are instrumental in healthcare reform and their capacity to employ both leadership and management skills can affect change at all levels. This paper aims to present the challenges and opportunities for physicians in influencing system change and discuss how the two different but complementary skill sets may enable them to contribute to transformation of healthcare.

Design/methodology/approach

This is a conceptual paper and represents the viewpoints of both authors while incorporating current evidence through the literature.

Findings

Healthcare reform is important and underway in many Canadian provinces, yet it is difficult to achieve change. Leadership and management skills differ although these differences are often subtle in language. Physicians both lead and manage in the healthcare system; their capacity to do both is an advantage for healthcare reform.

Originality/value

This paper represents the opinions of both authors and is considered original as a conceptual paper.
Can leader “humility” spark employee “proactivity”? The mediating role of psychological empowerment
Authors: Chen Yanhong , Liu Baowei , Zhang Li , Qian Shanshan
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of humble leadership on employee proactive behavior. The authors propose that such effect is mediated by psychological empowerment, and identification with leader moderates the intervening role of psychological empowerment in the humble leadership-employee proactive behavior relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 286 subordinate-supervisor dyads from 4 industries in Northern China. Hierarchical linear modeling analyses were applied to test the research model.

Findings

Humble leadership has a significantly positive effect on employee proactive behavior, and this effect is mediated by psychological empowerment. Furthermore, the identification with leader moderates the mediated relationships between humble leadership and employee proactive behavior via psychological empowerment.

Research limitations/implications

One limitation is that the data were collected cross-sectionally. Further research could conduct longitudinal research to retest the hypotheses. The present research has a number of implications. First, the authors extend humble leadership research. Second, the authors also contribute to humble leadership literature by addressing the lack of attention paid to the explanatory mechanism linking humble leader behavior to follower outcomes. Third, the authors provide a new insight into the boundary condition of humble leadership.

Practical implications

Managers should demonstrate more humble behaviors in their leading process to influence employees’ psychological empowerment and proactive behavior. In addition, managers should provide employees with sincere care in relation to work and life issues to produce employees’ identification with leader.

Social implications

Humility is a modifiable trait that individuals can increase dramatically by practice. Humble behavior is more accessible and easier to cultivate, contrary to the stable trait of humility. Besides, our results confirmed the individuals with the virtue of humility are most likely to succeed. Thus, humble behaviors should be highly advocated and encouraged in our society.

Originality/value

This research extends humble leadership research by constructing and verifying the theoretical model of humble leader behavior and employee proactive behavior and by demonstrating the value of humble leader behavior in a non-Western context, and identifies the different roles of psychological empowerment and identification with leader on employee proactive behavior.
A more accurate solution of nonlinear conservative oscillator by energy balance method
Authors: Molla Md Helal Uddin , Razzak Md Abdur , Alam M.S.
Published: April 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present an analytical approximate technique to solve nonlinear conservative oscillator based on the He’s energy balance method (improved version recently presented by Khan and Mirzabeigy). The method is illustrated by solving double well Duffing oscillator.

Design/methodology/approach

The Duffing equation with a double-well potential (with a negative linear stiffness) is an important model of a mass particle moving in a symmetric double well potential. This form of the equation also appears in the transverse vibrations of a beam when the transverse and longitudinal deflections are coupled (Thompsen, 2003).

Findings

The approximate solutions obtained by the present technique have good agreement with the numerical solution and also provide better results than other existing methods.

Originality/value

The results are more accurate than those obtained by other existing methods. The relative errors obtained by the present paper are less than those obtained by other existing methods. Therefore, the present technique is very effective and convenient for solving nonlinear conservative oscillator.
Maintenance of Remission in antineutrophil cytoplasm antibody‐associated vasculitides
Authors: Guillevin Loïc , Terrier Benjamin
Published: April 2018

The classification of the systemic vasculitides has been controversial for several decades. The Chapel Hill consensus Conference definitions originally developed in 1994, but revised and extended in 2012 are now widely accepted. The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were first published in 1990, are now generally accepted to be out of date and new criteria are needed. More recently the classical division of the ANCA vasculitides using clinical phenotype has come under scrutiny with evidence from epidemiological, genetic and outcome studies that perhaps these conditions should be classified on the basis of ANCA specificity into PR3‐ANCA positive and MPO‐ANCA positive groups. The traditional distinction between giant cell arteritis and Takayasu arteritis has been questioned and some recent studies of GCA have included patients with only extra‐cranial disease. The Diagnostic and Classification Criteria of Vasculitis study (DCVAS) will provide new validated classification criteria for the systemic vasculitides.
Bone marrow as a target organ of systemic lupus erythematosus: analysis of cases with myelofibrosis
Authors: Üsküdar Cansu Döndü , Üsküdar Teke Hava , Işiksoy Serap , Korkmaz Cengiz
Published: April 2018

Aim

Cytopenia in the course of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be due to multiple factors. In this study, we aimed primarily to evaluate the detailed results of bone marrow (BM) biopsies of SLE patients, secondly to determine the myelofibrosis (MF) frequency and thirdly to compare BM morphologic findings as well as the clinical and laboratory parameters between groups (with MF and without MF) in cytopenic SLE patients.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 224 SLE patients’ files. Patients were divided into two groups according to whether they had MF or not. Concurrent SLE organ involvements, medical therapy and detailed BM findings were recorded.

Results

Forty‐five (20%) of 224 SLE patients were found to have undergone BM biopsy due to cytopenia. Four patients were excluded (two drug‐induced cytopenia, one lymphoma, one insufficient BM biopsy samples). While MF was detected in 29 (70.7%) of the 41 patients, 12 patients did not have MF. Between the two groups, no differences were identified in terms Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index, BM cellularity, or BM dysplastic changes (P = 0.788, P = 0.672 and P = 0.494, respectively). In the SLE‐associated MF group, 27 patients responded to immunosuppressive therapy and corticosteroids, but two patients were unresponsive. The response time was longer for the SLE‐associated MF group compared to the without MF group (3.3 ± 3.1 months vs. 1.7 ± 1.2 months, P = 0.091). Correlation analysis revealed that increased degree of BM fibrosis delayed the response time (r = 0.471, P = 0.002).

Conclusions

MF is common in SLE patients. SLE‐associated MF as an additional factor for cytopenia in SLE patients may lead to delayed response to appropriate therapy, which may be dependent on the increased grade of BM fibrosis.
Applying a Developmental Framework to the Self‐Regulatory Difficulties of Young Children with Prenatal Alcohol Exposure: A Review
Authors: Reid Natasha , Petrenko Christie L. M.
Published: April 2018

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) can be associated with significant difficulties in self‐regulatory abilities. As such, interventions have been developed that focus on improving varying aspects of self‐regulation for this population. The application of a multilevel theoretical framework that describes the development of self‐regulation during early childhood could further advance the field. First, this framework could assist in elucidating mechanisms in the trajectories of early adjustment problems in this population and, second, informing the development of more precise assessment and interventions for those affected by PAE. The aims of the current review were to provide an overview of the self‐regulatory framework proposed by Calkins and colleagues (e.g., Calkins, 2007; Calkins and Fox, 2002); examine the self‐regulatory difficulties that are commonly experienced during infancy (i.e., 0 to 2 years) and early childhood (i.e., 3 to 8 years) in children with PAE in the context of the developmental framework; and describe how the framework can inform the development of future assessment and intervention provision for young children with PAE. The application of a developmental framework, such as proposed by Calkins and colleagues, allows for a systematic and theoretically driven approach to assessment and intervention programs for young children with PAE.
Genome‐wide association study confirms that the chromosome Z harbours a region responsible for rumplessness in Hongshan chickens
Authors: Wang Q. , Pi J. , Shen J. , Pan A. , Qu L.
Published: April 2018

Rumplessness in Hongshan chickens has been reported as a novel sex‐linked characteristic. Re‐sequencing data suggest that a pseudogene on the Z chromosome, LOC431648, is affiliated with this phenotype. In this study, we chose 23 rumpless and 25 normal Hongshan chickens to localize the potential variation by means of a genome‐wide association study using a high density microarray. A region on the Z chromosome was found to be closely associated with rumplessness in Hongshan chickens. The region, located in gene LINGO2, was approximately 3 Mb away from pseudogene LOC431648. The function of this gene has not yet been studied in birds. Differential expression of the candidate genes in the tail feather follicles was not detected by q‐PCR, which suggests that the rumplessness trait could be attributed to other genetic mechanisms.
Efficacy, feasibility and patient acceptability of ultrasound‐guided manual vacuum aspiration for treating early pregnancy loss
Authors: Chung Jacqueline Pui Wah , Chung Cathy Hoi Sze , Mak Jennifer Sze Man , Li Tin Chiu , Kong Grace Wing Shan
Published: April 2018

Background

Ultrasound‐guided manual vacuum aspiration (USG‐MVA) is an effective but underutilised alternative to medical or surgical evacuation of the uterus following first trimester miscarriage.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy, feasibility and patient acceptability of USG‐MVA for treating early pregnancy loss.

Material and Methods

We invited patients with early pregnancy losses to participate in this prospective cohort study. We reviewed the medical records of the participants and their visual analogue pain score during MVA. Primary outcomes were efficacy, feasibility and patient acceptability of USG‐MVA. Secondary outcomes included the success rate of culture of chorionic villi for chromosomal analysis and complications from the USG‐MVA procedure.

Results

We included a consecutive series of 35 women who underwent the USG‐MVA procedure. The efficacy of USG‐MVA in achieving complete evacuation was 97.1%. The procedure was well tolerated and the mean procedure‐related pain score was 6.25 out of 10 (SD 1.55). Overall, all patients were satisfied with the procedure. The successful culture rate of chromosomal analysis was 94.3%. There were no major complications.

Conclusion

USG‐MVA is an effective treatment for the management of early pregnancy loss in an out‐patient setting. It is an alternative to surgical evacuation under general anaesthesia, particularly for women desiring chromosomal analysis of products of conception. Further studies are required to investigate its health‐related and economic benefits in hospital service provision.
Characteristics of children less than 2 years of age undergoing anaesthesia in Denmark 2005–2015: a national observational study
Authors: Strøm C. , Afshari A. , Lundstrøm L. H. , Lohse N.
Published: April 2018

There are few data available that describe the current anaesthetic management of children. We have analysed anaesthetic practice and peri‐operative complications for children in Denmark aged less than two years. We conducted a population‐based observational cohort study using the Danish Anaesthesia Database to identify children who received anaesthesia in hospital from 1 January 2005 until 31 December 2015. Data were combined with that from the Danish National Patient Registry and the Danish Civil Registration System. Age, sex, height, weight, ASA physical status, days in hospital before anaesthesia, number of anaesthetics per child, indications for anaesthesia, methods of anaesthesia, airway management and complications were all recorded. A total of 17,436 children (64% of whom were male) received 27,653 anaesthetics during the study period. In 58% of cases, the child had an ASA physical status score of 1. Thirty‐seven percent had a previous anaesthetic episode. Seventy‐nine percent were anaesthetised at a university hospital. The indications for anaesthesia were surgery (70%), diagnostic radiology (16%), non‐surgical care (11%) and other indications (3%). General anaesthesia combining intravenous and inhalational agents was the most common approach for surgery (68%) and diagnostic radiology (47%). For non‐surgical care, general anaesthesia using inhalational agents was the most common method (42%). Neuraxial blocks were used infrequently. The most common regional anaesthetic nerve block was an infraclavicular brachial plexus block (11%). Peri‐operative complications occurred in 1.71% of cases. A large proportion of anaesthetics were conducted in children with comorbidities. Non‐surgical indications for anaesthesia were frequent and peri‐operative complications were rare.
Cstf2t Regulates expression of histones and histone‐like proteins in male germ cells
Authors: Grozdanov P. N. , Li J. , Yu P. , Yan W. , MacDonald C. C.
Published: April 2018

Formation of the 3′ ends of mature mRNAs requires recognition of the correct site within the last exon, cleavage of the nascent pre‐mRNA, and, for most mRNAs, addition of a poly(A) tail. Several factors are involved in recognition of the correct 3′‐end site. The cleavage stimulation factor (CstF) has three subunits, CstF‐50 (gene symbol Cstf1), CstF‐64 (Cstf2), and CstF‐77 (Cstf3). Of these, CstF‐64 is the RNA‐binding subunit that interacts with the pre‐mRNA downstream of the cleavage site. In male germ cells where CstF‐64 is not expressed, a paralog, τCstF‐64 (gene symbol Cstf2t) assumes its functions. Accordingly, Cstf2t knockout (Cstf2t−/−) mice exhibit male infertility due to defective development of spermatocytes and spermatids. To discover differentially expressed genes responsive to τCstF‐64, we performed RNA‐Seq in seminiferous tubules from wild‐type and Cstf2t−/− mice, and found that several histone and histone‐like mRNAs were reduced in Cstf2t−/− mice. We further observed delayed accumulation of the testis‐specific histone, H1fnt (formerly, H1t2 or Hanp1) in Cstf2t−/− mice. High‐throughput sequence analysis of polyadenylation sites (A‐seq) indicated reduced use of polyadenylation sites within a cluster downstream of H1fnt in knockout mice. However, high‐throughput sequencing of RNA isolated by cross‐linking immunoprecipitation (HITS‐CLIP) was not consistent with a direct role of τCstF‐64 in polyadenylation of H1fnt. These findings together suggest that the τCstF‐64 may control other reproductive functions that are not directly linked to the formation of 3′ ends of mature polyadenylated mRNAs during male germ cell formation.
Electro‐vectorcardiographic demonstration of bifascicular block associated with ventricular preexcitation
Authors: Pérez‐Riera Andrés R. , Barbosa‐Barros Raimundo , Daminello‐Raimundo Rodrigo , de Abreu Luiz Carlos , Nikus Kjell
Published: April 2018

Down syndrome occurs more frequently in the offsprings of older pregnant women and may be associated with atrioventricular septal defect. This refers to a broad spectrum of malformations characterized by a deficiency of the atrioventricular septum and abnormalities of the atrioventricular valves caused by an abnormal fusion of the superior and inferior endocardial cushions with the midportion of the atrial septum and the muscular portion of the ventricular septum.
Clinical outcomes of ultrashort sloping shoulder implant design: A survival analysis
Authors: Markose Joji , Eshwar Shruthi , Srinivas Suresh , Jain Vipin
Published: April 2018

Background

Short implants are preferred in cases of limited bone height. Length and design of implant credits to stability and implant success, shorter implants tend to survive for longer time duration.

Purpose

Retrospective cohort study was conducted with an aim to assess the clinical outcome and cumulative survival rate of sloping shoulder implants over a period of 8 years.

Materials and Methods

Data was collected from all patients attending private clinics in Dubai, UAE. Subjects received ultrashort sloping shoulder (Bicon) implant. Implants of 6 mm and less than 6 mm length were included in the study. Subject's information like age, gender, systemic condition, habits, and radiographs were collected. Implant variables that is number of implants placed, location of placement, loading type, bone type, bone condition, and graft type were collected. Data was analyzed using multivariate cox regression model to evaluate the correlation between implant variables and to identify the implant variables associated with failure. Kaplan–Meier method was adopted to assess the survival pattern of implants.

Results

Cumulative survival rate was 97% with average follow up of 28 months. Statistically significant differences were seen with implant length, arch type, bone type, and bone condition with P value <.001.

Conclusion

Short implants with sloping shoulder design and plateau‐type roots have superior survival rates when compared with regular implants. The bone condition was also witnessed to be statistically significantly superior
A long‐term prospective cohort study on immediately restored single tooth implants inserted in extraction sockets and healed ridges: CBCT analyses, soft tissue alterations, aesthetic ratings, and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Raes Stefanie , Eghbali Aryan , Chappuis Vivianne , Raes Filiep , De Bruyn Hugo , Cosyn Jan
Published: April 2018

Background

Although many studies have been published on single implants, long‐term data remain scarce.

Purpose

To evaluate immediately restored single implants after at least 8 years of follow‐up in terms of buccal bone, soft tissue alterations, aesthetic ratings, and patient‐reported outcomes.

Materials and Methods

This prospective cohort study included patients who were consecutively treated with an immediately restored single implant installed in an extraction socket (IIT) or a healed ridge (CIT) in the anterior maxilla. Biomaterials were never used. CBCTs were taken at study termination, soft tissue alterations, and Pink Esthetic Score were evaluated between 1 year and study termination using standardized clinical images. Patient satisfaction was also registered.

Results

About 11/16 initially treated patients in the IIT cohort (10 men, 6 women; mean age 45) and 18/23 initially treated patients in the CIT cohort (12 men, 11 women; mean age 40) could be evaluated after more than 8 years. A buccal bone wall less than 2 mm was found at all implant sites. A thin buccal bone wall less than 1 mm was found at 42% of the implant sites. In the CIT cohort, 8 patients had a missing buccal bone in the crestal area, although bone was present at the time of surgery. Alveolar process deficiency significantly deteriorated (P ≤ .046), whereas vertical soft tissue levels and PES remained stable over time in both cohorts. Patients expressed high overall satisfaction.

Conclusions

Substantial dimensional changes may be expected at the buccal aspect of single implants inserted in the premaxilla. As a result, contour augmentation procedures at the time of implant placement should be considered to counteract these bone alterations, even when implants are fully embedded in bone upon insertion.