bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
State of the art vs biological variability: Comparison on hematology parameters using Spanish EQAS data
Authors: Molina A. , Guiñon L. , Perez A. , Segurana A. , Bedini J. L. , Reverter J. C. , Merino A.
Published: February 2018

Introduction

It is important for clinical laboratories to maintain under control the possible sources of error in its analytical determinations. The objective of this work is to perform an analysis of the total error committed by laboratories using the data extracted from the Spanish External Quality Assessment Program in Hematology and to compare them with the specifications based on the biological variability proposed by the Ricós group.

Material and Methods

We analyzed a total of 3 89 000 results during the period 2015‐2016 from the following quantitative schemes of Spanish External Quality Assessment Program: complete blood count, blood coagulation tests, differential leukocyte count, reticulocytes, hemoglobin A2, antithrombin, factor VIII, protein C, and von Willebrand factor.

It has been considered as an indicator of the current performance the value of total error that 90% of laboratories are able to achieve, taking into account 75% of their results.

Results

We found some magnitudes whose biological variability specifications are achievable by most of the laboratories for either minimum, desirable, or optimum criteria: white blood cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, platelets, fibrinogen, neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, von Willebrand factor, and protein C. However, current performance for mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration and hemoglobin A2 only allows to meet the specifications based on the state of the art.

Conclusion

Our results reflect the feasibility of establishing specifications based on biological variability criteria or the state of the art, which may help to select the proper criteria for each parameter.
Cross‐cultural validity of integrity assessments for lower‐level and higher‐level jobs
Authors: Billings Steven W. , Dages Kelly D.
Published: February 2018

This research brief examines the cross‐cultural validity of two multi‐dimensional integrity assessments, one for lower‐level jobs and one for higher‐level jobs. Job applicants for a global company completed the assessments as a part of the hiring process in three countries: the United States, South Africa, and Mexico. U.S. applicants tended to score higher (i.e., higher integrity) on these assessments and make fewer admissions of counterproductive work behaviors than applicants from South Africa and Mexico. The overall scores for these assessments (and most of the individual scales) were correlated significantly with, for each country separately and globally, three composites of self‐reported counterproductive work behavior criterion measures (Theft, Counterproductivity, and Overall Risky Behavior). Construct validity evidence was examined with a measure of Collusion Avoidance (tolerance for colluding with external organized criminals). Overall, the results of this research highlight the importance of including an integrity assessment in the hiring processes for lower‐level and higher‐level (i.e., professional and managerial) jobs globally. Integrity assessments appear to have practical value in countries with higher prevalence of crime and corruption. The results also bolster previous research indicating that integrity assessments are valid outside of the U.S. context in which they were initially developed over 60 years ago.
Rule breakers and attention seekers: Personality predictors of integrity and accountability in leaders
Authors: Nei Kimberly S. , Foster Jeff L. , Ness Alisha M. , Nei Darin S.
Published: February 2018

Unethical leadership behavior can encourage follower CWBs and have costly organizational impacts. In this meta‐analysis, we use data from 3,000 managers and executives to identify antecedents of ethical behaviors: integrity and accountability. Results suggest that many five factor model (Big Five) personality scales, personality derailers (dark side attributes), and values predict integrity and accountability. Leaders who are more conscientious, professional, and rule following and less attention seeking receive higher ratings of integrity and accountability. The strongest relationships were often for personality derailers (Excitable, Leisurely, Mischievous, Imaginative). Values and preferences (Aesthetics, Hedonism, Recognition) also had notable relationships. We discuss our results and their implications for organizations seeking to reduce CWBs, promote OCBs, or establish a climate of ethical behavior.
Skewed general variable neighborhood search for the cumulative capacitated vehicle routing problem
Authors: Smiti Noura , Dhiaf Mohamed Mahjoub , Jarboui Bassem , Hanafi Saïd
Published: February 2018

The cumulative capacitated vehicle routing problem (CCVRP) is a relatively new version of the classical capacitated vehicle routing problem, and it is equivalent to a traveling repairman problem with capacity constraints and a homogeneous vehicle fleet, which aims to minimize the total arrival time at customers. Many real‐world applications can be modeled by this problem, such as the important application resulting from the humanitarian aid following a natural disaster. In this paper, two heuristics are proposed. The first one is a constructive heuristic to generate an initial solution and the second is the skewed variable neighborhood search (SVNS) heuristic. The SVNS algorithm starts with the initial solution. At each iteration, the perturbation phase and the local search phase are used to improve the solution of the CCVRP, and the distance function in acceptance criteria phase is used to improve the exploration of faraway valleys. This algorithm is applied to a set of benchmarks, and the comparison results show that the proposed algorithms provide better solutions than those reported in the previous literature on memetic algorithms and adaptive large neighborhood search heuristics.
Electrocardiographic parameters effectively predict ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation in acute phase and abnormal cardiac function in chronic phase of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Yu Ziqing , Chen Zhangwei , Wu Yuan , Chen Ruizhen , Li Minghui , Chen Xueying , Qin Shengmei , Liang Yixiu , Su Yangang , Ge Junbo
Published: February 2018

Background

Abnormal cardiac repolarization is closely associated with ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation (VT/VF). Myocardial ischemia and infarction aggravate cardiac repolarization dispersion, and VT/VF could be lethal in the early stage of ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). Unfortunately, VT/VF cannot be effectively predicted in current clinical practice. The present study aimed to assess electrocardiographic parameters of the sinus rhythmic complex in relation to cardiac repolarization, e.g., QT interval and T‐peak to T‐end interval (TpTe), to independently predict VT/VF in acute STEMI. Additionally, we hypothesized that QT and TpTe of PVC would be also valuable to predict VT/VF in STEMI.

Methods and results

A total of 198 cases diagnosed as STEMI with PVC on admission by electrography were included. During hospitalization, VT/VF values were recorded. Logistic analysis was performed between patients with and without VT/VF to validate independent electrocardiographic predictors. QTcPVC interval > 520 ms (OR = 3.2; P = 0.027), TpTe interval > 100 ms (OR = 3.1; P = 0.04), TpTePVC > 101 ms (OR = 3.6; P = 0.029), TpTe/QT > 0.258 (OR = 5.7; P = 0.003), and TpTe/QTPVC > 0.253 (OR = 3; P = 0.048). However, QRS duration, QTc interval, coupling interval, and QRSPVC duration did not predict VT/VF. Besides, QRSPVC duration >140 ms (OR = 2.6; P = 0.001) independently predicted LVEF decrease after 1 year or more.

Conclusions

QTcPVC interval, TpTe interval, TpTePVC interval, TpTe/QT ratio, and TpTe/QTPVC ratio are risk factors for ECG independent from other confounding factors in predicting VT/VF in the acute phase of STEMI. In addition, PVC characteristics as risk factors for VT/VF in acute phase and LVEF decrease in chronic phase were firstly reported.
Characterization and virus susceptibility of a continuous cell line derived from the brain of Aequidens rivulatus (Günther)
Authors: Yeh S W , Cheng Y H , Nan F N , Wen C M
Published: February 2018

Cell cultures derived from the brain tissues of Aequidens rivulatus (Günther) have been characterized previously. In this study, a continuous cell line ARB8 was further established, and its growth characteristics, transcription and susceptibility to fish viruses—including chum salmon reovirus (CSV), marbled eel infectious pancreative necrosis virus (MEIPNV), grouper nervous necrosis virus (GNNV), giant seaperch iridovirus (GSIV), red seabream iridovirus (RSIV), koi herpesvirus (KHV), herpesvirus anguilla (HVA) and marbled eel polyoma‐like virus (MEPyV)—were examined. ARB8 cells that showed epithelioid morphology and were passaged >80 times grew well at temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C in L‐15 medium containing 5%–15% foetal bovine serum. The cells constitutively transcribed connexion 43, glutamine synthetase, nestin and nkx6‐2, which are markers for neural progenitor cells. The cells were highly susceptible to CSV, MEIPNV, GSIV and RSIV and showed the typical cytopathic effect (CPE). However, the cells were resistant to GNNV, KHV, HVA and MEPyV because no significant CPE was noted after infection. Optimal temperatures for virus production ranged from 25°C to 30°C. The results revealed that the neural progenitor cell line ARB8 can potentially serve as a useful tool for investigating fish viruses and isolating new viruses in ornamental cichlid fishes.
Bias correcting instantaneous peak flows generated using a continuous, semi‐distributed hydrologic model
Authors: Spellman P. , Webster V. , Watkins D.
Published: February 2018

Flood risk analysis in the United States follows the guidelines recommended in Bulletin 17B, which inherently ties the probability of exceeding a selected peak flow to the historical record. However, insufficient streamflow data, land use change, or climate change can render these recommended techniques impractical, forcing alternative measures. One such alternative is hydrological models which use climate and landscape data to simulate streamflow. Daily time steps or finer, however, are required to extract the necessary peak flow series. Accurately simulating flows at a daily time step can be challenging, and bias in prediction of hydrological extremes can be large. In this analysis, we compare three types of statistical bias‐correction measures for peak flow series data extracted from simulations using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), a widely used continuous, semi‐distributed hydrologic model. Results show that a correction method that only adjusts the mean of the peak flow series was the most robust. This efficacy is likely a result of persistent bias in watershed simulation due to uncertainty in calibration parameters and simplified watershed processes, suggesting that correcting for the mean of the peak flow series may be sufficient when applying bias corrections for flood risk analysis using hydrological models.
Activation of organum vasculosum neurones and water intake in mice by vasopressin neurones in the suprachiasmatic nucleus
Authors: Gizowski C. , Zaelzer C. , Bourque C. W.
Published: February 2018

Previous studies have shown that mice housed under a 12:12 h light/dark cycle display a pronounced increase in water intake during a 2‐h anticipatory period (AP) near the end of their active period (Zeitgeber Time ZT; ZT 21.5‐23.5) compared to the preceding basal period (BP, ZT 19.5‐21.5). This increased water intake during the AP is not associated with physiological stimuli for thirst, such as food intake, hyperosmolality, hyperthermia or hypovolaemia. Denying mice the water intake supplement during the AP causes them to be dehydrated at wake time. These observations suggest that this form of thirst may be driven by the circadian clock and serve to mitigate the dehydrating effect of an absence of water intake during sleep. Here, we review recent findings showing that this behaviour is mediated by vasopressin (VP) containing neurons in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). SCN VP neurones project to the organum vasculosum lamina terminalis (OVLT) where the activity dependent release of VP causes excitation of thirst‐promoting neurones. SCN VP neurones increase their electrical activity during the AP and the resultant release of VP causes an increase in the action potential firing rate of OVLT neurones. Experiments involving optogenetic control of VP release from the axon terminals of SCN neurones indicate that this network mechanism is necessary and sufficient to mediate pre‐sleep water intake in mice. These findings provide insight into the output mechanisms that are used by the central clock to generate circadian rhythms and also reveal that the regulation of water intake contributes to osmoregulatory homeostasis during sleep.
The function of fatigue and illness perceptions as mediators between self‐efficacy and health‐related quality of life during the first year after surgery in persons treated for colorectal cancer
Authors: Johansson Ann‐Caroline , Brink Eva , Cliffordson Christina , Axelsson Malin
Published: February 2018

Aims and objectives

To measure changes in health‐related quality of life, two dimensions of illness perceptions (i.e., consequences and emotional representations), fatigue and self‐efficacy in persons treated for colorectal cancer during the first year after surgical treatment, and to study how fatigue, illness perceptions and self‐efficacy measured at 3 months affect health‐related quality of life at 12 months postsurgery.

Background

There are fluctuations in health‐related quality of life during the first year after treatment for colorectal cancer, and fatigue may negatively influence health‐related quality of life. Illness perceptions (consequences and emotional representations) and self‐efficacy have been shown to be associated with health‐related quality of life in other cancer diagnoses. Concerning colorectal cancer, there is a lack of knowledge concerning how illness perceptions and self‐efficacy change during recovery, and how these variables and fatigue at 3 months relate to health‐related quality of life at 12 months.

Design

A prospective longitudinal design.

Methods

Thirty‐nine persons surgically treated for colorectal cancer, of whom 17 had a colostomy, participated. Health‐related quality of life, fatigue, illness perceptions and self‐efficacy were assessed using QLQ‐C30, the Revised Illness Perception Questionnaire and the Maintain Function Scale. Descriptive and analytical statistics were used.

Results

No changes were reported in levels of health‐related quality of life, fatigue or illness perceptions. Self‐efficacy was lower at 12 months compared to 3 months. Fatigue and one dimension of illness perceptions mediated the effect of self‐efficacy at 3 months on health‐related quality of life at 12 months.

Conclusion

Persons treated for colorectal cancer who have lower self‐efficacy 3 months postsurgery are inclined to have more negative illness perceptions concerning emotions and to experience more fatigue.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurses need to support persons with fatigue and negative illness perceptions concerning emotions and to bolster their self‐efficacy, that is carry out follow‐up consultations focusing on illness management, symptoms, emotions and information on ways to increase self‐efficacy.
Placental mesenchymal dysplasia with severe fetal growth restriction in one placenta of a dichorionic diamniotic twin pregnancy
Authors: Jitsumori Shoko , Shiro Michihisa , Kojima Fumiyoshi , Ota Nami , Minami Sawako , Ino Kazuhiko
Published: February 2018

We report a rare case of placental mesenchymal dysplasia (PMD) with fetal growth restriction (FGR) in one placenta of a dichorionic diamniotic (DD) twin pregnancy. A 24‐year‐old woman was referred to our hospital at 24 weeks’ gestation due to FGR and ipsilateral placental abnormality in DD twins. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging showed one placenta of the FGR fetus was bulky and had multiple cysts, while the other fetus placenta appeared normal. Cesarean section was performed at 32 weeks’ gestation; the first and second neonates weighted 1799 and 1215 g, respectively. Macroscopically, chorionic vessels on the placental surface of the second neonate were prominently enlarged. Pathological findings demonstrated swelling stem villi with enlarged vessels and increased interstitial cells without trophoblast proliferation. Immunostaining for p57kip2 was negative in interstitial cells and cytotrophoblasts of the swelling stem villi. This suggested that PMD occurred in one placenta of the DD twin, leading to early‐onset FGR.
Persistent Extreme Hyperextension of the Fetal Neck: Clinical and Neuroimaging Findings
Authors: Shrot Shai , Johnson Clark T. , Golden W. Christopher , Baschat Ahmet A. , Bullard Janine E. , Tekes Aylin , Poretti Andrea , Dunn Emily , Huisman Thierry A.G.M.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Persistent hyperextension of the fetal craniocervical junction or neck is one of several fetal positions commonly observed on prenatal imaging. Underlying fetal structural etiologies such as fetal neck masses and iniencephaly can be detected as causes of hyperextension. Caesarean delivery is considered in cases of vaginal delivery or obstructed labor for fear of cervical spinal cord injury. In this case series, we describe the prenatal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings and their potential role in obstetric management and discuss postnatal outcomes in fetuses demonstrating prenatal imaging findings of persistent extreme hyperextension of the neck.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort of fetuses with extreme fetal neck hyperextension on prenatal ultrasound and subsequent MRI is described.

RESULTS

Persistent extreme neck hyperextension was demonstrated in four pregnancies. One patient showed resolution of head positioning prior to labor. In the other 3 patients, neck hyperextension persisted until labor. In these three pregnancies, caesarean section with early intubation was performed due to concern for airway compromise and cervical cord injury. An underlying structural neck abnormality with airway compromise was noted only in 1 patient (large venolymphatic malformation). No airway compromise, cervical spine, or spinal cord anomaly was identified in the remaining 3 patients. Noncervical fetal anomalies were detected only in 1 patient (arthogryposis multiplex and clubfoot deformities). In patients with no structural neck abnormality, early extubation was performed shortly following labor.

CONCLUSIONS

Detailed, high‐resolution fetal MRI may serve as a valuable secondary imaging modality for clinical decision making regarding management of pregnancy, in utero therapy, mode of delivery, and postnatal care.
Classic Block Design “Pseudo”‐Resting‐State fMRI Changes After a Neurorehabilitation Program in Patients with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Pareto Deborah , Sastre‐Garriga Jaume , Alonso Juli , Galán Ingrid , Arévalo Maria Jesus , Renom Marta , Montalban Xavier , Rovira Àlex
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The goal of this study was to assess changes in the resting‐state networks (RSNs) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) after a cognitive rehabilitation program (CRP), by retrospectively analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies using the classical block design.

METHODS

Fifteen patients with MS (2 primary progressive, 3 relapsing‐remitting, 10 secondary progressive) were scanned before and after the CRP on a 1.5T MRI scanner. In addition, patients underwent pre‐ and post‐CRP neuropsychological assessment using a battery of standardized tests. Five healthy individuals were scanned at the same time points to confirm the test‐retest reliability of the imaging technique. For each study, the individual fMRI blocks of rest were merged to produce a “pseudo”‐resting‐state (pseudo‐RS) of 3 minutes duration. RS studies were analyzed with the MELODIC toolbox. A dual regression analysis was applied to estimate the longitudinal changes in RSNs of patients and test controls relative to a set of predefined RSNs used as templates.

RESULTS

In healthy individuals, there were no significant differences in RSN results between the two time points studied. In the group of patients with MS, significant differences were found post‐CRP in the visual medial, cerebellar, auditory, and frontal‐executive RSNs. Furthermore, synchronization increases in the frontal‐executive RSN were associated with cognitive improvement on neuropsychological testing.

CONCLUSIONS

Results obtained using a pseudo‐RS approach to analyze data from block‐design fMRI studies suggest that a CRP of 5 weeks’ duration induces measurable changes in specific RSNs of patients with MS.
Physical Activity and Energy Expenditure During an After‐School Running Club: Laps Versus Game Play
Authors: Kahan David , McKenzie Thomas L.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

After‐school programs (ASPs) have the potential to contribute to student physical activity (PA), but there is limited empirical evidence to guide program development and implementation.

METHODS

We used pedometry to assess the overall effectiveness of an elementary school ASP running program relative to national and state PA recommendations and to compare 2 different formats (laps vs games) on PA and energy expenditure.

RESULTS

Both running laps and running games contributed substantially to PA accrual and energy expenditure (overall 24.2 minutes of PA and 52.6 kcal during sessions averaging 37 minutes), but the formats provided different outcomes relative to PA intensity and energy expenditure. Overall PA% was higher on lap days, but MVPA% (moderate‐to‐vigorous PA) was higher on game days. Only game days met the stipulation that ASPs provide activities at an intensity in which MVPA% of PA ≥ 50%.

CONCLUSIONS

Both running laps and running games in an ASP can contribute to PA accrual. ASP providers should weigh the demands and outcomes of program activities, and especially consider the quality of activities, students' feelings about them, and the implementation demands on instructors.
Drinker Identity: Key Risk Factor for Adolescent Alcohol Use
Authors: Lee Chia‐Kuei , Corte Colleen , Stein Karen F.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

Adolescent alcohol use continues to be a critical public health problem with both short‐ and long‐term negative health consequences. Defining oneself in terms of alcohol, a drinking‐related identity, has been shown to predict high levels of alcohol use. Because adolescence is the developmental period during which identity development is most salient, preventing the development of the drinker identity and early identification of youth who have a developing drinker identity may be important for prevention and early intervention.

METHODS

We review the theory‐ and evidence‐based literature about identity development and the effects of a drinker identity on alcohol use behaviors in adolescents, discuss potential determinants of the drinker identity, and discuss future implications for practice and research.

RESULTS

There is some evidence that the drinker identity forms in early adolescence and becomes more well‐developed during adolescence. The drinker identity predicts alcohol use behaviors both concurrently and over time in adolescence and young adulthood. There is also some evidence that early exposure to alcohol may contribute to formation of the drinker identity.

CONCLUSIONS

Identity‐based approaches may be promising strategies to identify adolescents who are at risk for alcohol use and to intervene with early prevention or treatment within the school setting.
Reflection of paleoclimate oscillations and tectonic events in the phylogeography of moustache toads in southern China
Authors: Li J. , Wei S. , Hu M. , Luo Z. , Zhao M. , Wu H.
Published: February 2018

Current genetic variation patterns across different geographic areas are mainly the result of various historical processes, including paleoclimate oscillations and tectonic events. Southern China, characterized by a complex paleoclimate and topography, presents an opportunity to examine such genetic variation patterns. Herein, we selected three species of moustache toads (Leptobrachium boringii, Leptobrachium liui and Leptobrachium leishanense) distributed across southern China to elucidate historical processes that shaped their current phylogeographic patterns based on two mitochondrial genes and eight microsatellite loci. L. boringii and L. liui are estimated to have genetically diverged from the late Miocene to the Pleistocene, which were largely associated with paleoclimate oscillations and geological barriers generated by complex mountain systems in southern China. Within L. liui, a recent split was caused by the rising of the Wuyi Mountains during the early Pleistocene. Demographic analyses revealed that complex topography might play buffering roles in Leptobrachium species during the last glacial maximum. These findings not only highlight the combined effects of climatic oscillations and tectonic events on driving genetic divergences, but also contribute to the general understanding of the phylogeography in this biodiversity hotspot.
Contractile injection systems of bacteriophages and related systems
Authors: Taylor Nicholas M. I. , van Raaij Mark J. , Leiman Petr G.
Published: February 2018

Contractile tail bacteriophages, or myobacteriophages, use a sophisticated biomolecular structure to inject their genome into the bacterial host cell. This structure consists of a contractile sheath enveloping a rigid tube that is sharpened by a spike‐shaped protein complex at its tip. The spike complex forms the centerpiece of a baseplate complex that terminates the sheath and the tube. The baseplate anchors the tail to the target cell membrane with the help of fibrous proteins emanating from it and triggers contraction of the sheath. The contracting sheath drives the tube with its spiky tip through the target cell membrane. Subsequently, the bacteriophage genome is injected through the tube. The structural transformation of the bacteriophage T4 baseplate upon binding to the host cell has been recently described in near‐atomic detail. In this review we discuss structural elements and features of this mechanism that are likely to be conserved in all contractile injection systems (systems evolutionary and structurally related to contractile bacteriophage tails). These include the type VI secretion system (T6SS), which is used by bacteria to transfer effectors into other bacteria and into eukaryotic cells, and tailocins, a large family of contractile bacteriophage tail‐like compounds that includes the P. aeruginosa R‐type pyocins.
Flexibility in the gig economy: managing time on three online piecework platforms
Authors: Lehdonvirta Vili
Published: February 2018

Gig economy platforms seem to provide extreme temporal flexibility to workers, giving them full control over how to spend each hour and minute of the day. What constraints do workers face when attempting to exercise this flexibility? We use 30 worker interviews and other data to compare three online piecework platforms with different histories and worker demographics: Mechanical Turk, MobileWorks, and CloudFactory. We find that structural constraints (availability of work and degree of worker dependence on the work) as well as cultural‐cognitive constraints (procrastination and presenteeism) limit worker control over scheduling in practice. The severity of these constraints varies significantly between platforms, the formally freest platform presenting the greatest structural and cultural‐cognitive constraints. We also find that workers have developed informal practices, tools, and communities to address these constraints. We conclude that focusing on outcomes rather than on worker control is a more fruitful way to assess flexible working arrangements.
Disease prevention and delayed aging by dietary sulfur amino acid restriction: translational implications
Authors: Dong Zhen , Sinha Raghu , Richie John P.
Published: February 2018

Sulfur amino acids (SAAs) play numerous critical roles in metabolism and overall health maintenance. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that SAA‐restricted diets have many beneficial effects, including extending life span and preventing the development of a variety of diseases. Dietary sulfur amino acid restriction (SAAR) is characterized by chronic restrictions of methionine and cysteine but not calories and is associated with reductions in body weight, adiposity and oxidative stress, and metabolic changes in adipose tissue and liver resulting in enhanced insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure. SAAR‐induced changes in blood biomarkers include reductions in insulin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1, glucose, and leptin and increases in adiponectin and fibroblast growth factor 21. On the basis of these preclinical data, SAAR may also have similar benefits in humans. While little is known of the translational significance of SAAR, its potential feasibility in humans is supported by findings of its effectiveness in rodents, even when initiated in adult animals. To date, there have been no controlled feeding studies of SAAR in humans; however, there have been numerous relevant epidemiologic and disease‐based clinical investigations reported. Here, we summarize observations from these clinical investigations to provide insight into the potential effectiveness of SAAR for humans.
Oesophageal atresia: Are “long gap” patients at greater anesthetic risk?
Authors: Powell Laura , Frawley Jacinta , Crameri Joe , Teague Warwick J. , Frawley Geoff P.
Published: February 2018

Background

Long gap oesophageal atresia occurs in approximately 10% of all oesophageal atresia infants and surgical repair is often difficult with significant postoperative complications. Our aim was to describe the perioperative course, morbidity, and early results following repair of long gap oesophageal atresia and to identify factors which may be associated with complications.

Methods

This is a single center retrospective cohort study of consecutive patients with oesophageal atresia undergoing surgical repair at The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne from January 2006 to June 2017.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐nine consecutive oesophageal atresia infants included 44 long gap oesophageal atresia infants and 195 non‐long gap infants. A high rate of prematurity (24.7%), major cardiac (17%), and other surgically relevant malformations (12.6%) was found in both groups. The median age at oesophageal anastomosis surgery was 65.5 days for the long gap group vs 1 day for the oesophageal atresia group (mean difference 56.8 days, 95% CI 48.1‐65.5 days, P < .01). Surgery for long gap oesophageal atresia included immediate primary anastomosis (n = 10), delayed primary anastomosis (n = 11), oesophageal lengthening techniques (n = 12) and primary oesophageal replacement (n = 6). Long gap oesophageal atresia was not associated with an increased incidence of difficult intubation (OR 2.8, 95% CI 0.6‐22.1, P = .17), intraoperative hypoxemia (OR 1.6, 95% CI 0.6‐4.5, P = .32), or hypotension (OR 0.9, 95% CI 0.5‐1.8, P = .81). The surgical duration (177.7 vs 202.1 minute, mean difference [95% CI], 28 [5.5‐50.4 minutes], P = .04) and mean duration of postoperative mechanical ventilation (107 vs 199.8 hours, mean difference [95% CI], 91.8 [34.5‐149.1 hours], P < .01) were shorter for the non‐long gap group. Overall in‐hospital mortality was 7.5% (15.9% long gap vs 5.6% non‐long gap oesophageal atresia OR 1.1, 95% CI 0.4‐3.4, P = .85).

Conclusion

Long gap oesophageal atresia infants have a similar incidence of perioperative complications to other infants with oesophageal atresia. Current surgical approaches to long gap repair, however, are associated with longer anesthetic exposures and require multiple procedures in infancy to achieve oesophageal continuity.
Train‐of‐four recovery precedes twitch recovery during reversal with sugammadex in pediatric patients: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Vieira Carlos Ricardo , Luis Abramides Torres Marcelo , de Boer Hans Donald
Published: February 2018

Background

After reversal of a rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex, the recovery of train‐of‐four ratio to 0.9 is faster than recovery of first twitch of the train‐of‐four to 90% in adults. These findings after reversal of neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex have not yet been investigated in pediatric patients.

Aims

The aim of this retrospective analysis was to investigate the relationship of the recovery of first twitch of the train‐of‐four height and train‐of‐four ratio after reversal of rocuronium‐induced neuromuscular blockade with sugammadex in pediatric patients.

Methods

Patients ASA I‐III, aged 2‐11 years, and who underwent abdominal and/or perineal surgery were included in the analysis. After extracting the necessary data from the hospital database, the patients were divided into 2 groups based on the dose of sugammadex received: group A: 2 mg.kg−1 for reversal of moderate neuromuscular blockade and group B: 4 mg.kg−1 for reversal of deep neuromuscular blockade. The relationship of the recovery of first twitch of the train‐of‐four height and train‐of‐four ratio in these 2 groups were analyzed.

Results

Data from 43 pediatric patients aged 2‐11 years could be analyzed. The first twitch of the train‐of‐four height at the recovery of train‐of‐four ratio to 0.9 in group B was statistically significantly lower compared with group A. This height 3 and 5 minutes after the train‐of‐four ratio reached 0.9 showed no statistically significant differences between groups.

Conclusion

The results were in line with the results found in adults and showed that the train‐of‐four ratio recovered to 0.9 was faster than first twitch of the train‐of‐four height recovered to the same level.
Attachment style among outpatients with substance use disorders in psychological treatment
Authors: Gidhagen Ylva , Holmqvist Rolf , Philips Björn
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To explore the associations between self‐rated attachment style, psychological distress and substance use among substance use disorder (SUD) outpatients in psychological treatment.

Design and Methods

In this practice‐based study, 108 outpatients were asked to fill in the Experiences in Close Relationships – Short form, the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation – Outcome Measure (CORE‐OM), the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), and the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT) at treatment start and end. Patients were given psychological treatments with a directive, reflective or supportive orientation.

Results

An insecure attachment style was more common among the SUD outpatients, compared to non‐clinical groups. Patients with a fearful attachment style scored higher on psychological distress than patients with a secure attachment style. The associations between the attachment dimensions and psychological distress were stronger than those between attachment and SUD. Significantly more patients had a secure attachment style at treatment end.

Conclusions

This study shows significant relations between patients’ attachment style and their initial psychological distress. The causal relationship between attachment style and psychological distress is, however, not clear and can likely go in both directions. The psychological treatment of patients with SUD contributed significantly to changes from insecure to secure attachment style.

Practitioner Points

We found among patients with SUD a strong relation between patients’ attachment style and their psychological distress.

Knowledge of the patient's attachment style may help the therapist to tailor the treatment to the patient's needs.

A change from insecure to secure attachment style can be an important goal for a SUD treatment, as it may prevent the patient from using defence strategies involving substance use for regulating emotions and interpersonal relationships.
Constructive Criticism: Shaming, Incentives, and Human Rights Reforms
Authors: Kahn‐Nisser Sara
Published: February 2018

Shaming is an increasingly common practice. However, empirical evidence suggest that it does not always induce human rights (HR) reforms, and its effect is conditioned by intervening factors. This article hypothesizes that the combination of shaming and incentives induces policy changes in targeted countries. The hypothesis is tested using newly coded data that include 15 countries from Europe, Asia, and Africa that have been subject to the combination of shaming and incentives, as part of the European Neighborhood Policy. The article analyzes changes in the studied countries' HR policies. The results confirm the hypothesis that shaming and incentives enhance one another's effects on HR policies and induce policy reforms in targeted countries.

Related Articles

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. 2017. “Protection and Promotion of Human Rights.” http://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/policies/human-rights/
An Exploratory Case Study Focusing on the Creation, Orientation, and Development of a New Political Brand: The Case of the Jury Team
Authors: Pich Christopher , Armannsdottir Guja , Spry Louise
Published: February 2018

There are explicit calls for deeper understanding of the creation, orientation, and development of “new” political brands from an “internal relational” perspective. Responding to this gap in the body of knowledge, this study explores the establishment, orientation, and position of the Jury Team; a U.K. political brand founded in March 2008. This article opted for an exploratory case study approach. Interviews were conducted with the Party founder‐leader. Semistructured interviews were conducted from September 2012 to October 2013. Transcripts were analyzed via qualitative thematic analysis. This research presents the challenges that face new political brands, particularly the barriers from the media and existing political system and difficulties with managing candidates and a national‐local campaign. Further, this study provides a “political brand development matrix” for brands within and beyond politics; a mechanism to deconstruct their offering and make adaptations if required.

Related Articles

König, Pascal D., and
Georg Wenzelburger. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 400‐430. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12076/full

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. 2009. “Rantzen Backs Jury Team Project.” May 20. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8059333.stm

. 2009. “European Election 2009: UK Results.” June 8. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/shared/bsp/hi/elections/euro/09/html/ukregion_999999.stm
Surface vs. Air Shipment of Humanitarian Goods under Demand Uncertainty
Authors: Park John H. , Kazaz Burak , Webster Scott
Published: February 2018

The combination of insufficient funds and limited information regarding the demand in regions of desperate need presents a great challenge to many humanitarian organizations. This study examines how a humanitarian organization can minimize the expected shortage in delivering relief aid to regions of need, either though surface or air transportation, in the presence of demand uncertainty with a budget constraint. The study makes four contributions. First, we show that when there is reserved supply for air transportation, it is optimal to provide a higher service level through surface shipment to regions with greater demand uncertainty. Second, we show that the demand variation plays a significant role in the allocation of funds between surface and air shipments. The reaction of the humanitarian organization to higher degrees of demand uncertainty can be determined by the optimal level of inventory purchased for surface shipment. If the optimal inventory for surface shipment is less than the mean demand, then we show that increasing degrees of demand uncertainty leads to increasing reliance on the air shipment option with greater levels of inventory reserved for air transportation and decreasing levels of inventory reserved for surface shipment. Third, when there are opportunities to invest in better forecasting, we find that a humanitarian organization should focus its resources on improving the demand forecast in one region as opposed to evenly allocating resources to all regions. Fourth, we show that the expected amount of shortages reduces with a higher number of regions to serve due to a risk‐pooling effect.
Recycling as a Strategic Supply Source
Authors: Raz Gal , Souza Gilvan C.
Published: February 2018

We investigate how recycling can be a strategic source of supply in the presence of a changing supply market. This research is inspired by the metal cutting tools industry, where challenges regarding a key raw material present an opportunity for the manufacturers to create an alternative supply source by recycling. In this study, there is a virgin material market that supplies two manufacturers differentiated in their recycling ability. The problem is formulated as a game, where the manufacturers first make a decision to recycle or not, and then decide on their respective production quantities, and recycling rates. Depending on the fixed recycling cost relative to the unit cost of the virgin material, as well as the recycling cost structure of the two manufacturers, there are four possible equilibria: both manufacturers recycle, neither manufacturer recycles, only the more recycling‐capable manufacturer recycles, or a scenario with two Nash equilibria (either manufacturer recycles whereas the other does not). We show that recycling is indeed a strategic supply source resulting in higher quantities and profits. Interestingly, a manufacturer may recycle less if the unit cost of the virgin material increases, at high recycling rates. This result emphasizes the importance of carefully modeling the recycling cost structure. Although a recycled unit has necessarily a lower life‐cycle environmental impact than a unit made of virgin materials, the industry‐wide environmental impact can be higher in a recycling scenario due to higher production quantities overall. Welfare, however, is higher with recycling.
Integrated Commodity Inventory Management and Financial Hedging: A Dynamic Mean‐Variance Analysis
Authors: Kouvelis Panos , Pang Zhan , Ding Qing
Published: February 2018

We consider a firm purchasing a storable raw material commodity from a spot market with volatile commodity prices and the access to an associated financial derivatives market. The purchased commodity is processed into an end product with uncertain demand and lost sales. The firm aims to integrate the inventory replenishment and financial hedging decisions to maximize the mean‐variance of terminal wealth over a finite horizon. Recognizing time‐inconsistency of mean‐variance criteria, we employ the dynamic programming approach to obtain a time‐consistent policy. Assuming no arbitrage in financial market, we show that the mean‐variance utility functions under the time‐consistent policy have a recursive representation which enables us to readily characterize the structure of the time‐consistent policy. We analyze two types of hedging instruments, vanilla hedges and exotic hedges, and show that inventory and financial hedging decisions can be separated in the presence of forward contracts and a myopic state‐dependent base stock policy is optimal. The optimal hedging policy can be obtained by minimizing the variance of the hedging portfolio, the value of excess inventory and the profit‐to‐go as a function of future price. In the presence of a continuum of option strikes, we show how to construct custom exotic derivatives using forwards and options of all strikes to replicate the profit‐to‐go function. We then show the optimality of the time‐consistent policy under exotic hedge for the initial mean‐variance objective. We further investigate the dynamic interplay of inventories and financial hedge and show that they can be substitutes in a dynamic environment. Finally, we compare the performances in different hedging environments to discuss how financial hedges add value and provide a numerical study.
Single‐Party Rule, Public Spending, and Political Rents: Evidence from Finnish Municipalities*
Authors: Meriläinen Jaakko
Published: February 2018

In this paper, I investigate the differences in public spending and extraction of political rents between single‐party and coalition governments. Common pool theories predict that coalitions tend to spend more and extract more rents than single‐party governments. Using data from Finnish municipalities for the years 1997–2012 and a regression discontinuity design approach tailored for proportional elections, I provide causal evidence consistent with the theoretical predictions.
Contributions of American Pragmatism to the Sociology of Knowledge
Authors: Delaney H. R. , Widdison Harold A.
Published: February 2018

The authors identify and develop the contribution of pragmatic thought to the sociology of knowledge. The argument presented here elucidates the pragmatist position on several controversial issues currently confronting the sociology of knowledge, namely; the issues of rationality, relativism, subjectivism, objectivity, language, truth, and the nature of theory and explanation. The paper concludes that the corpus of pragmatic thought resolves these issues in a timely, relevant, and significant way.
Styles of Intellectualism in Weber's Historical Sociology
Authors: Barrow Clyde W.
Published: February 2018

The prevailing concept of the intellectual in contemporary sociology is an ideal type derived from Weber. Intellectuals are understood as politically disinterested, socially unattached individuals, who in their subjective intentions pursue knowledge for its own sake. Weber's ideal type thus provides the action framework for a sociology of knowledge that has been used as a direct counterclaim to Marxist theories of ideology. The author challenges this position, arguing that Weber's sociology of religion embraces important elements of a Marxist theory of ideology and thus presents an ambivalent concept of the intellectual that points toward a historicist sociology of knowledge.