bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reactivity trends of cobalt(III) complexes towards various amino acids based on the properties of the amino acid alkyl chains
Authors: Arderne Charmaine , Batchelor Kyle Fraser , Uprety Bhawna , Chandran Rahul , Abrahamse Heidi
Published: June 2020

The reactivity of the cobalt(III) complexes dichlorido[tris(2-aminoethyl)amine]cobalt(III) chloride, [CoCl2(tren)]Cl, and dichlorido(triethylenetetramine)cobalt(III) chloride, [CoCl2(trien)]Cl, towards different amino acids (L-proline, L-asparagine, L-histidine and L-aspartic acid) was explored in detail. This study presents the crystal structures of three amino acidate cobalt(III) complexes, namely, (L-prolinato-κ2
N,O)[tris(2-aminoethyl)amine-κ4
N,N′,N′′,N′′′]cobalt(III) diiodide monohydrate, [Co(C5H8NO2)(C6H18N4)]I2·H2O, I, (L-asparaginato-κ2
N,O)[tris(2-aminoethyl)amine-κ4
N,N′,N′′,N′′′]cobalt(III) chloride perchlorate, [Co(C4H7N2O3)(C6H18N4)](Cl)(ClO4), II, and (L-prolinato-κ2
N,O)(triethylenetetramine-κ4
N,N′,N′′,N′′′)cobalt(III) chloride perchlorate, [Co(C4H7N2O3)(C6H18N4)](Cl)(ClO4), V. The syntheses of the complexes were followed by characterization using UV–Vis spectroscopy of the reaction mixtures and the initial rates of reaction were obtained by calculating the slopes of absorbance versus time plots. The initial rates suggest a stronger reactivity and hence greater affinity of the cobalt(III) complexes towards basic amino acids. The biocompatibility of the complexes was also assessed by evaluating the cytotoxicity of the complexes on cultured normal human fibroblast cells (WS1) in vitro. The compounds were found to be nontoxic after 24 h of incubation at concentrations up to 25 mM.
Fourfold alkyl wrapping of a copper(II) porphyrin thwarts macrocycle π–π stacking in a compact supramolecular package
Authors: Nalaoh Phattananawee , Bureekaew Sareeya , Promarak Vinich , Lindsey Jonathan S.
Published: June 2020

Porphyrins are valuable constituents in optoelectronic, catalytic, and other applications, yet control of intermolecular π–π stacking is invariably essential to attain the desired properties. Superstructures built onto the porphyrin, often via meso-aryl groups, can afford facial encumbrance that suppresses π–π stacking, although some molecular designs have provided insufficient facial coverage and many have entailed cumbersome syntheses. In this study, a copper(II) porphyrin bearing four meso substituents, namely, {10,20-bis[2,6-bis(octyloxy)phenyl]-5,15-dibromoporphinato}copper(II), [Cu(C64H82Br2N4O4)], was prepared by metalation of the corresponding free-base porphyrin and was characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure reveals a dihedral angle of 111.1 (2)° for the plane of the meso-aryl group relative to the plane of the porphyrin, with both aryl groups tilted in the same direction. Each of the four octyloxy groups exhibits a gauche conformation for the –OCH2CH2– unit but is extended with four or five anti (–CH2CH2–/H) conformations thereafter, causing each octyl group to span the dimension of the macrocycle. In a global frame of reference where the two Br atoms define the north/south poles and the two aryl groups are at antipodes on the equator, two octyl groups of one aryl unit project over the northern hemisphere (covering pyrroles A and B), whereas those of the other aryl unit project over the southern hemisphere (covering pyrroles C and D). Together, the four octyl groups ensheath the two faces of the porphyrin in a self-wrapped assembly. The closest approach of the Cu atom to an octyl methylene C atom (position 6) is 3.5817 (18) Å, the mean separations of neighboring porphyrin planes are 8.059 (4) and 4.693 (8) Å along the a and c axes, respectively, and the center-to-center distances between the Cu atoms of neighboring porphyrins are 10.2725 (4), 12.2540 (6), and 12.7472 (6) Å along the a, b, and c axes, respectively. The Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional (2D) fingerprint plots provide information concerning contact interactions in the supramolecular assembly of the solid crystal.
Crystal structure of the SH3 domain of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2
Authors: Bolgov Alexandr , Korban Svetlana , Luzik Dmitrii , Zhemkov Vladimir , Kim Meewhi , Rogacheva Olga , Bezprozvanny Ilya
Published: June 2020

This study presents the crystal structure of the N-terminal SH3 (SH3N) domain of growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 (Grb2) at 2.5 Å resolution. Grb2 is a small (215-amino-acid) adaptor protein that is widely expressed and involved in signal transduction/cell communication. The crystal structure of full-length Grb2 has previously been reported (PDB entry 1gri). The structure of the isolated SH3N domain is consistent with the full-length structure. The structure of the isolated SH3N domain was solved at a higher resolution (2.5 Å compared with 3.1 Å for the previously deposited structure) and made it possible to resolve some of the loops that were missing in the full-length structure. In addition, interactions between the carboxy-terminal region of the SH3N domain and the Sos1-binding sites were observed in the structure of the isolated domain. Analysis of these interactions provided new information about the ligand-binding properties of the SH3N domain of Grb2.
Crystal structure of SrCo4(OH)(PO4)3, a new hydroxyphosphate
Authors: Cherif Fatima-Zahra , Taibi Mhamed , Boukhari Ali , Aride Jilali , Assani Abderrazzak , Saadi Mohamed , El Ammari Lahcen
Published: June 2020

Single crystals of strontium tetracobalt tris(orthophosphate) hydroxide, SrCo4(OH)(PO4)3, were grown serendipitously under hydrothermal conditions at 473 K. The crystal structure consists of undulating chains of edge-sharing [CoO6] octahedra that are linked into (010) layers by common vertices between chains. Adjacent layers are linked along [010] into a framework structure by tetrahedral [CoO4] units and by PO4 tetrahedra. The framework delimits channels extending along [100] in which the eleven-coordinate strontium cations are situated. Bifurcated O—H...O hydrogen bonds of weak strengths consolidate the crystal packing. The title compound was also characterized by infrared spectroscopy.
Event- and self-triggered control of attitude coordination to multi-spacecraft system
Authors: Zhang Chengxi , Wu Jin , Dai Ming-Zhe , Li Bo , Wang Mingjiang
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the attitude cooperation control of multi-spacecraft with in-continuous communication.

Design/methodology/approach

A decentralized state-irrelevant event-triggered control policy is proposed to reduce control updating frequency and further achieve in-continuous communication by introducing a self-triggered mechanism.

Findings

Each spacecraft transmits data independently, without the requirement for the whole system to communicate simultaneously. The local predictions and self-triggered mechanism avoid continuous monitoring of the triggering condition.

Research limitations/implications

This investigation is suitable for small Euler angle conditions.

Practical implications

The control policy based on event-triggered communication can provide potential solutions for saving communication resources.

Originality/value

This investigation uses event- and self-triggered policy to achieve in-communication for the multi-spacecraft system.
JPEG 2000: guide for digital libraries
Authors: Barina David , Klima Ondrej
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The joint photographic experts group (JPEG) 2000 image compression system is being used for cultural heritage preservation. The authors are aware of over a dozen of big memory institutions worldwide using this format. This paper aims to review and explain choices for end users to help resolve trade-offs that these users are likely to encounter in practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The JPEG 2000 format is quite complex and therefore sometimes considered as a preservation risk. A lossy compression is governed by a number of parameters that control compression speed and rate-distortion trade-off. Their inappropriate adjustment may fairly easily lead to sub-optimal compression performance. This paper provides general guidelines for selecting the most appropriate parameters for a specific application.

Findings

This paper serves as a guide for the preservation of digital heritage in cultural heritage institutions, including libraries, archives and museums.

Originality/value

This paper serves as a guide for the preservation of digital heritage in cultural heritage institutions, including libraries, archives and museums.
Barriers to adopting lean construction in the construction industry: a literature review
Authors: Albalkhy Wassim , Sweis Rateb
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify and theoretically explain the general barriers to adopting lean construction practices in the construction industry regardless of the country or the company size or specialization, and to suggest future research studies in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

Systematic literature review was conducted to identify and explain the list of the barriers from scientific sources that were published before May 2018.

Findings

Twenty-nine barriers were identified and explained, and a proposed model to classify the sources of the barriers was chosen. Seventeen barriers were classified as internal environment-related barriers, five were labor-related, three were materials-related and four were exogenous barriers. In addition, some directions for the future research studies were suggested.

Research limitations/implications

The barriers that are related to the advanced levels of lean construction (LC) implementations, to a specific location or to a specific LC tool were excluded.

Originality/value

This review will help to increase the understanding of the new concept of LC and might help to encourage the adoption of LC practices. Also, it might be useful for identifying the strategies to achieve successful application of these practices.
Team dynamics within activity-based working
Authors: Divett Megan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to evaluate perceptions of leaders and team members on productivity, satisfaction and leader-led team dynamics within an activity-based, flexible environment compared to an open plan workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses cross-sectional (N = 1,275) and longitudinal survey data (N = 138) collected from three offices in Australia. Baseline responses were collected 3–12 months prior to the transition into a new environment and comparison responses were collected after at least three months of working in the new environment. Paired sample t-tests and linear regression were used.

Findings

Team members were more satisfied and felt more productive within the activity-based working (ABW) environment compared to the open plan workplace. Leaders were more satisfied and felt team productivity improved, yet individual productivity for leaders remained the same. Occupants felt the key drivers of productivity were team Interaction and decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

This study focused on one activity-based building based in Australia that was consciously designed for individual focus, team working and cross-team collaboration. This style of workplace may not be representative of all activity-based environments.

Originality/value

Most research into ABW has relied on cross-sectional data. This study also adopts a within group, longitudinal approach to directly compare the perceptions of the same individuals over time. Activity-based environments are changing the way we think of leaders and the way they encourage productivity. This study showed that despite relinquishing an office, leaders were more satisfied and equally productive within an activity-based environment. The study also showed that teams realise greater productivity by focussing on team interaction and effective decision-making.
Public health challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak in Nepal: a commentary
Authors: Sharma Sharmistha , Bhatta Jeevan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to depict the current scenario of coronavirus diseases 2019 (COVID-19) in Nepal, how the government is tackling this pandemic as well as look at the public health challenges that Nepal is facing and might face in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper is a viewpoint of COVID-19 activities conducted in Nepal.

Findings

Nepal is vulnerable to COVID-19, as it shares borders with China and India. Cases have started to be seen in different parts of Nepal. Government of Nepal has started various measures to control the spread of the virus such as deploying health workers, information sharing via different mediums. However, there are still many challenges that the government and public health officials need to be concerned about as well.

Originality/value

This paper provides information about the situation of COVID-19 in Nepal, how the government is handling, and public health challenges that may arise. This paper can be beneficial for further public health interventions.
Exploring mental health carers’ caregiving experiences in France
Authors: De Jesus Nancy Santiago , Maurice Aurelie
Published: June 2020

Purpose

France, once a pioneer in psychiatry, is now sinking as its population faces major mental health challenges. This includes the 12 Million French individuals with psychiatric conditions, the lack of appropriate structures and the shortage of skilled mental health professionals, but it also leaves families in critical situations. The purpose of this study is to explore the carers’ caregiving experiences and to suggest ways to organise educational programmes to support mental health carers in France.

Design/methodology/approach

The research was conducted from January 2018 to November 2019. It included French carers of patients with mental conditions. Recorded semi-structured interviews were used and findings were analysed through an inductive thematic analysis and regrouped into key themes.

Findings

Participants had overwhelming negative representations of “mental illness”. The fact that they were excluded from participating in the patient’s health management further added to their misconceptions around mental disability, it limited their communication with their family and amplified their burdens.

Research limitations/implications

There is an urgent need for carer empowerment; carers should be included in educational programmes, they should benefit from French Government subsidies and social-network assistance and receive quality assistance by trained mental health professionals. The critical situation of carers can only be addressed by combining these three steps and through the action of appropriate actors in the field of mental health, thus alleviating the current paradigm of psychiatric care in France.

Originality/value

Thousands of research papers regarding carers have been published in other countries. In addition yet, to the knowledge, only a few investigations on French mental health carers have been conducted to this day. The singularity of this research lies in the rare individual interviews, which provided us with first-hand testimonies of mental health carers in France. This data could be of vital aid for professionals and for policymakers when advocating for better support of carers in mental health.
Leader honesty/humility and subordinate organizational citizenship behavior: a case of too-much-of-a-good-thing?
Authors: Ete Ziya , Sosik John J. , Cheong Minyoung , Chun Jae Uk , Zhu Weichun , Arenas Fil J. , Scherer Joel A.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

On the basis of theories of social cognition and moral identity and the meta-theoretical principle of “too-much-of-a-good-thing,” the purpose of this study is to develop and test a model that explains when and why leader honesty/humility promotes subordinate organizational citizenship behavior directed at individuals (OCBI) as mediated through subordinate moral identity centrality.

Design/methodology/approach

In this field study, with online surveys, multisource data were collected from 218 United States Air Force officers and their subordinates. Data were analyzed with MEDCURVE SPSS macro tools.

Findings

A nonlinear indirect effect of leader honesty/humility on subordinate OCBI through subordinate moral identity centrality was found. This conditional indirect effect occurred through a curvilinear (inverted U-shape) relationship between leader honesty/humility and subordinate moral identity centrality and a positive linear relationship between subordinate moral identity centrality and OCBI.

Research limitations/implications

Cross-sectional data were collected. Future research might replicate findings using experimental and longitudinal designs.

Practical implications

Recruiting and selecting leaders who possess a moderate level of honesty/humility may serve as the first step in producing prosocial behavior during social interactions with subordinates.

Originality/value

This study extends the literature on character and leadership by applying the too-much-of-a-good-thing principle to empirically test the complex nature of the relationship between leader honesty/humility and subordinate OCBI as mediated through subordinate moral identity centrality.
The impact of service innovation on firm performance: a meta-analysis
Authors: Feng Changli , Ma Ruize , Jiang Lin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

With the rise of service economy, many companies are attempting to gain a competitive advantage through service innovation. However, the existing research has not drawn consistent conclusions about the relationship between service innovation and firm performance. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to provide a quantitative review on the service innovation-performance relationship based on research findings reported in the extant literature.

Design/methodology/approach

Studies from 46 peer-reviewed articles were sampled and analyzed. A meta-analytic approach was adopted to conduct a quantitative review on the relationship between service innovation and firm performance, and the effects of any potential moderators were further explored.

Findings

The results found that service innovation has a significant positive impact on firm performance. Additionally, the relationship between service innovation and firm performance is influenced by measurement moderators (economic region and performance measurement), and contextual moderators (firm type, innovation type, customer factors and attitudes toward risk).

Originality/value

The meta-analysis has been used to explore the relationship between service innovation and firm performance, and the findings have contributed to the literature on service innovation, as well as providing future research directions.
Weak evidence for strong pandemic interventions: a 2019 WHO warning for the current COVID-19 crisis
Authors: Roth Steffen
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Social distancing. Travel bans. Confinement. The purpose of this paper is to document that more than 50% of the world population is affected by World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations for the 2020 coronavirus crisis. The WHO admits that the evidence quality for the effectiveness of these recommendations is low or very low.

Design/methodology/approach

This self-contradiction is confirmed by a WHO document published in October 2019 as well as supporting documentation from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.

Findings

This viewpoint concludes that an obvious resolution of this self-contradiction would be to limit restrictions and interventions to those for whose effectiveness the WHO’s document reported that there was at least moderate evidence.

Originality/value

A shift of focus is suggested from discussions on the commensurability and social costs of anti-COVID-19 interventions to their actual effectiveness.
Rethinking bibliographic utilities for library consortia
Authors: Odede Israel
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to critically examine the bibliographic utility as a roadmap to increase library consortia and provide an insight into a new library consortia strategy that integrates librarians into a system of sharing both resources and knowledge.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopted a literature review approach with a focus on bibliographic utility as a necessary prerequisite for effective library consortia, which is a paradigm shift from the concept of individual ownership to a collective access of distributed network resources and knowledge.

Findings

The reviewed literature indicated that significant bibliographic utilities and integrated library systems are factors that shaped and developed consortia activities in libraries.

Originality/value

The bibliographic utility has limited literature, and a few published scholarly studies have combined bibliographic utility and library consortia as strategies to share resources and knowledge
Genistein supplementation improves some cardiovascular risk factors in postmenopausal women with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Braxas Hassan , Rafraf Maryam , Karimi Hasanabad Saadat , Asghari Jafarabadi Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide health problem. Blood pressure (BP) and inflammation are well-established risk factors for the cardiovascular complications of T2DM. Genistein is known to improve endothelial dysfunction. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of genistein supplementation on BP, high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and homocysteine (Hcy) levels in postmenopausal women with T2DM.

Design/methodology/approach

This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial is conducted on postmenopausal women with T2DM. A total of 54 subjects aged between 47 and 69 years are divided into two groups. Participants in the genistein group (n = 28) are given two genistein capsules (each capsule contained 54 mg genistein) and those in the placebo group (n = 26) received two placebo capsules (each capsule contained 54 mg maltodextrin) daily for 12 weeks. General characteristics, BP, hs-CRP and Hcy levels are measured at the baseline and at the end of the trial.

Findings

Genistein supplementation resulted in a significant reduction in systolic BP (SBP) (p < 0.001), diastolic BP (DBP) (p = 0.020), mean arterial pressure (MAP) (p < 0.001), serum levels of hs-CRP (p = 0.005) and Hcy (p = 0.001) in genistein group compared with placebo group at the end of the study. Significant decreases are also found in SBP by 5.4%, p < 0.001, DBP by 6.7%, p < 0.001, MAP by 6.2%, p < 0.001, serum levels of hs-CRP by 47.0%, p = 0.015 and Hcy by 18.4%, p < 0.001 in the genistein supplemented group. No significant changes are observed in terms of all post-intervention values in the placebo group.

Originality/value

Genistein administration improved BP, hs-CRP and Hcy levels in postmenopausal women with T2DM and may be useful in control of some CVD risk factors in these subjects.
Mandatory dividend and corporate investment: a multi-country analysis
Authors: Vancin Daniel , Kirch Guilherme
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to empirically verify the impact of the mandatory dividend law on the investment of publicly traded companies.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes 212,595 observations from publicly traded companies from 47 different countries over the period from 2000 to 2016. The authors estimated a regression model by panel data methods to show the impact of the mandatory dividend on firm’s investment, more specifically in their sensitivities of investment to cash flow and to growth opportunities. In addition, the average treatment effect on the treated was estimated through sample matching.

Findings

The results indicate that the mandatory dividend have a direct and indirect impact on corporate investment.

Originality/value

Legislators and economic agents can use the results of the present research to evaluate the continuity or implementation of this legal mechanism (mandatory dividend) to evaluate economic moments favorable to its use or to create different legal rules to smooth the impact of this mechanism on the investment of companies.
Effectiveness of the child-at-risk protection system in Egypt: a fiscal and institutional perspective
Authors: El Husseiny Israa A. , Gamal El-Din Amira , Amin Khaled Zakaria
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to fill a gap in the existing literature by shedding the light on four main issues. First, the relationship between child-at-risk protection and sustainable development and the key factors contributing to the failure or success of child-at-risk protection systems. Second, the main characteristics and limitations of the current institutional arrangements of the child-at-risk protection system in Egypt. Third, the budget allocations to child protection-relevant entities in Egypt. Fourth, the way forward to enhance the effectiveness of the child-at-risk protection system in Egypt.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used in this paper is of a qualitative nature. The authors relied on desk review of the international and national reports (including the un-published ones) and the relevant literature on the topic. Additionally, the authors reviewed the relevant laws and regulations and analyzed the fiscal data extracted from Egypt’s State budget. Also, semi-structured interviews were conducted with some officials from the different governmental entities covered by the study.

Findings

From the institutional perspective, the authors find that the current child-at-risk protection system in Egypt needs effective institutional arrangements, as it is attributed with the limited activation of the child protection committees, lack of coordination mechanisms and overlapping mandates with regards to case management. Hence, the authors propose two institutional approaches that could help in enhancing the performance of the current system. While the first approach has decentralized nature, the other is centralized. From the fiscal perspective, the authors analyze the trend and composition of the budget allocations to the child protection-relevant entities in Egypt. They show that such allocations are relatively small especially when items not related to child protection are excluded.

Originality/value

The paper analyzes the main characteristics and limitations of the current institutional arrangements of the child-at-risk protection system in Egypt. Moreover, it proposes two alternative institutional approaches to deal with such limitations and enhance the effectiveness of the current system. The paper also provides an analysis of the budget allocations to the child protection-relevant entities in Egypt. These issues have not been addressed sufficiently in the Egyptian context.
Research on intelligent manufacturing development approach for China's local valve industry
Authors: Chang Victor , Xu Yuanyuan Kate , Zhang Jingqi , Xu Qianwen
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current situation of China's local valve industry, the maturity of intelligent manufacturing and the way to promote intellectual development.

Design/methodology/approach

Firstly, a macro analysis of the valve market environment from the domestic and international perspective was conducted. Secondly, online surveys and in-depth interviews were administered to understand the current status of IM development and future development goals. Finally, case studies were conducted to demonstrate whether the hypothesis of the development approach is feasible.

Findings

This study finds that the overall maturity level of the local valve industry is still in the planning stage since the local valve industry lacks concentration and is relatively scattered. In addition, the feasible development approach is dependent on smart devices to improve production efficiency, ensure quality management and effectively control costs.

Research limitations/implications

The research is conducted and focused on the Yangtze River Delta region instead of the whole country, and the size of the sample is small. Therefore, there may be some characteristics omitted in the analysis.

Practical implications

Manufacturers can upgrade to smart manufacturing through intelligent software platforms in order to complete an automatic interaction of data and devices. In addition, manufacturers should complete cross-regional collaborative development through the industrial Internet of things.

Originality/value

There is little or none of research work completed for the development strategy of the valve industry internationally. Therefore, research findings of this area can provide a fundamental understanding of China's local valve industry and contribute to the existing knowledge.
Risk as strategy: defending against catastrophic turns of fortune
Authors: Calandro Jr. Joseph
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The author offers executives a strategic process for proactively mitigating the risk of catastrophic unwanted Black Swan surprises that can severely, and often abruptly, impair a balance sheet.

Design/methodology/approach

One practical way to apply the author’s approach is through hedging concentrated balance sheet exposures when market volatility is low or contracting.

Findings

Though no one can reliably anticipate pandemics and related stock market turbulence, executives do not have to predict the future to economically protect their balance sheets from Black Swan events.

Practical implications

Managers can construct Black Swan scenarios to assess how an unforeseen, disadvantageous future could develop and which risk management derivative would best mitigate it.

Originality/value

This strategic approach to managing balance-sheet-threatening risks could help a firm outperform its competitors during future crises and catastrophes.
Legal Outcomes of Suspected Maltreatment Cases Evaluated by a Child Abuse Pediatrician as Part of a Multidisciplinary Team Investigation
Authors: Hendrix Amy D. , Conway Lauren K. , Baxter Michael A.
Published: June 2020

Child abuse pediatricians often carry the stigma that their sole role is to diagnose maltreatment. In reality, child abuse pediatricians use their clinical experience and current evidence‐based medicine to make the best medical diagnoses for the children they evaluate. To better understand the legal conclusion of suspected maltreatment cases with medical examinations, this study sought to: (i) evaluate the percentage of children seen for suspected maltreatment that led to a clinical diagnosis of maltreatment, (ii) determine the number and type of criminal charges associated, and (iii) analyze the legal outcomes of cases as they proceeded through the judicial system. This study retrospectively reviewed the legal outcomes of 1698 children medically evaluated in 2013–2014 as part of an investigation by a multidisciplinary team at a children’s advocacy center in a mid‐sized city in Oklahoma. Data were collected from electronic medical records, the district attorney’s office, and a public court docket. Of the original cohort, 477 (28.09%) children yielded a medical diagnosis of at least one type of maltreatment. Further analysis yielded 115 unique court cases involving 138 defendants and 151 children. A total of 286 charges were filed resulting in 190 convictions. While maltreatment allegations yield a high number of children that must be evaluated, a comprehensive medical evaluation helps determine which cases do not have sufficient medical findings for a diagnosis of maltreatment. The findings in this study indicate that a majority of suspected maltreatment cases seen by child abuse pediatricians did not result in criminal court outcomes.
Crystal Growth and Crystallization Time Scales of the Panzhihua Layered Intrusion: Constraint from Crystal Size Distribution
Authors: LI Xuejun , LUO Zhaohua , LI Xiaowei , WANG Yu , YANG Zongfeng , LI Jie , LIU Xiao
Published: June 2020

The Panzhihua layered intrusions is generated closely related to the Emeishan LIPs. This paper analyzes the spatial distribution of plagioclase and pyroxene. The quantitative texture analysis of 2209 plagioclase shows that the characteristic length of plagioclase is 0.54 to 0.96 mm, the intercept variation range is large, from –0.67 to 0.96, and the slope is –1.85 to –1.04, the Aspect Ratio shows from 1.84 to 2.59 and fractal dimension D is 1.908–1.933. The quantitative texture analysis of 2342 pyroxene shows that the characteristic length of pyroxene is 0.38–0.64 mm, the intercept shows from 0.46 to 2.26, The slope ranges from –2.6 to –1.47, the Aspect Ratio value varies from 1.53 to 1.71, the fractal dimension D is 0.93 to 1.13. All the CSDs results of the Panzhihua intrusions indicate that plagioclase and pyroxene form in an open magma system and undergo four replenishment of magma injection. The plagioclase crystals do not grow as the lathlike shape, and the fractal growth leads to complex crystal surface. The plagioclase undergoes deformation compaction during the crystal process, and then is oriented. The pyroxene crystals grow along an approximately triaxial ratio and undergo texture adjustment and small crystal dissolution reabsorption. When all crystals in magma system grows up to 2 mm, the pyroxene undergoes cumulation in the Panzhihua layered intrusions. The plagioclase crystallization time scale is 171.23–304.41 years, representing that the crystallization is the more uniform in central part of the melt. The nucleation density continuously increases during the crystallization process of the magma system. The time scale to reach the final maximum crystal nucleation density is 15.28–58.98 years.
Middle East and North Africa: Terrorism and Conflicts
Authors: Kim Wukki , Sandler Todd
Published: June 2020

During 2002–2018, the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) accounted globally for 36.1 per cent of terrorist incidents, 49.3 per cent of terrorist‐induced casualties, and 21.4 per cent of conflict deaths. One focus here is to investigate how MENA's terrorist attacks and conflicts compare with those in the world's other six regions during selected periods, drawn from 1970–2018. There is a well‐defined shift of terrorism from Latin America, Europe and Central Asia to MENA, South Asia, and sub‐Saharan Africa after 1989. A second focus is to employ panel regressions to contrast the drivers of global terrorism with those of MENA terrorism. Democracy and civil conflicts are main drivers of MENA terrorism, followed by population. Regional peacekeeping can have an ameliorating effect on terrorism by limiting conflict. The Arab Spring and associated regime changes are shown to have ushered in a wave of terrorism in MENA. Policy recommendations conclude the study.
Association of CD8 T cell apoptosis and EGFR mutation in non‐small lung cancer patients
Authors: Zhao Chao , Su Chunxia , Li Xuefei , Zhou Caicun
Published: June 2020

Background

The abundance of tumor infiltrating CD8 T cells is an important parameter for antitumor effect of PD‐1/PD‐L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors, which is less in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation than wild‐type non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The mechanism still requires further study.

Methods

In total 190 surgical lung adenocarcinoma samples were included. EGFR mutation was detected using amplification‐refractory mutation system. CD8 T cells and apoptosis were assessed by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining in tumor samples. Exosomes extracted from lung cancer cell lines with and without EGFR mutation were used to test the function of promoting apoptosis in vitro.

Results

The ratio of CD8 tumor infiltration lymphocytes was significantly lower in EGFR‐mutant than in wild‐type patients (P = 0.026). A higher ratio of apoptosis was also prone to occur in EGFR‐mutant patients (P = 0.035). The distribution of apoptosis was not statistically associated with the ratio of CD8 TILs. An in vitro experiment indicated that exosomes secreted by EGFR‐mutant non‐small cell lung cancer cell lines PC9 and HCC827 were more capable of promoting CD8 T cell apoptosis than EGFR wild‐type cell lines H1299 and SK‐MES‐1 (P = 0.007 and P = 0.010, respectively).

Conclusions

Non‐small cell lung cancer EGFR mutation could promote CD8 T cell apoptosis more than wild‐type. Inhibiting CD8 + TILs apoptosis may strengthen immunotherapy effects in EGFR‐mutant NSCLC patients.
Dopamine D2/3 receptor availability in alcohol use disorder and individuals at high risk: Towards a dimensional approach
Authors: Gleich Tobias , Spitta Gianna , Butler Oisin , Zacharias Kristin , Aydin Semiha , Sebold Miriam , Garbusow Maria , Rapp Michael , Schubert Florian , Buchert Ralph , Heinz Andreas , Gallinat Juergen
Published: June 2020

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common substance use disorder worldwide. Although dopamine‐related findings were often observed in AUD, associated neurobiological mechanisms are still poorly understood. Therefore, in the present study, we investigate D2/3 receptor availability in healthy participants, participants at high risk (HR) to develop addiction (not diagnosed with AUD), and AUD patients in a detoxified stage, applying 18F‐fallypride positron emission tomography (18F‐PET). Specifically, D2/3 receptor availability was investigated in (1) 19 low‐risk (LR) controls, (2) 19 HR participants, and (3) 20 AUD patients after alcohol detoxification. Quality and severity of addiction were assessed with clinical questionnaires and (neuro)psychological tests. PET data were corrected for age of participants and smoking status. In the dorsal striatum, we observed significant reductions of D2/3 receptor availability in AUD patients compared with LR participants. Further, receptor availability in HR participants was observed to be intermediate between LR and AUD groups (linearly decreasing). Still, in direct comparison, no group difference was observed between LR and HR groups or between HR and AUD groups. Further, the score of the Alcohol Dependence Scale (ADS) was inversely correlated with D2/3 receptor availability in the combined sample. Thus, in line with a dimensional approach, striatal D2/3 receptor availability showed a linear decrease from LR participants to HR participants to AUD patients, which was paralleled by clinical measures. Our study shows that a core neurobiological feature in AUD seems to be detectable in an early, subclinical state, allowing more individualized alcohol prevention programs in the future.
Peri‐operative administration of tranexamic acid in lower limb arthroplasty: a multicentre, prospective cohort study
Authors: Lloyd T. D. , Neal‐Smith G. , Fennelly J. , Claireaux H. , Bretherton C. , Carr A. J. , Murphy M. , Kendrick B. J. , Palmer A. J. R. ,   collaborators
Published: June 2020

In the UK, tranexamic acid is recommended for all surgical procedures where expected blood loss exceeds 500 ml. However, the optimal dose, route and timing of administration are not known. This study aimed to evaluate current practice of peri‐operative tranexamic acid administration. Patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty, total knee arthroplasty or unicompartmental knee arthroplasty during a 2‐week period were eligible for inclusion in this prospective study. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving tranexamic acid in the peri‐operative period. Secondary outcomes included: dose, route and timing of tranexamic acid administration; prevalence of pre‐ and postoperative anaemia; estimated blood loss; and red blood cell transfusion rates. In total, we recruited 1701 patients from 56 NHS hospitals. Out of these, 1523 (89.5%) patients received tranexamic acid and of those, 1052 (69.1%) received a single dose of 1000 mg intravenously either pre‐ or intra‐operatively. Out of the 1701 patients, 571 (33.6%) and 1386 (81.5%) patients were anaemic (haemoglobin < 130 g.l−1) in the pre‐ and postoperative period, respectively. Mean (SD) estimated blood loss for all included patients was 792 (453) ml and 54 patients (3.1%) received a red blood cell transfusion postoperatively. The transfusion rate for patients with pre‐operative anaemia was 6.5%, compared with 1.5% in patients without anaemia. Current standard of care in the UK is to administer 1000 mg of tranexamic intravenously either pre‐ or intra‐operatively. Approximately one‐third of patients present for surgery with anaemia, although the overall red blood cell transfusion rate is low. These data provide useful comparators when assessing the efficacy of tranexamic acid and other patient blood management interventions in future studies.
Are high‐cost drug funding mechanisms fit for purpose? A retrospective study of individual funding requests in an NHS tertiary hospital
Authors: Sanghvi Sonali , Allen Rachel , Cho Steven , Ferner Robin E. , Urquhart Robert , Sofat Reecha
Published: June 2020

Aims

To report on a retrospective study of individual funding request (IFR) submissions from a large tertiary hospital and describe gaps in current mechanisms for funding of high‐cost medicines in England.

Methods

Data on the number and outcome of IFR submissions submitted to commissioners between 2014/15 and 2018/19 was extracted from the electronic patient health record and a local high‐cost drug database.

Results

In total, 230 IFRs were submitted: 112 to NHS England and 118 to a Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG). The decline rate for IFRs was 71% for NHS England and 34% for CCGs. Lack of exceptionality was the primary reason cited for declining IFRs submitted between 2016–18 (n = 42/45; 93%). Half of the patients whose IFR was declined received treatment funded through other routes, the majority (13/23; 57%) from internal hospital budget. This was governed via a local high‐cost drug panel. Positive clinical outcomes were observed in 50% (4/8) of patients who received NHS England IFR‐funded treatment, 54% (19/35) who received CCG IFR‐funded treatment and 91% (21/23) who were funded via other routes.

Conclusion

The high rate of IFR decline signals inefficient use of resource expended in the IFR process. Gaps in access to high‐cost medicines remain for patients with rare and refractory disease requiring urgent treatment, largely due to the demand for exceptionality from NHS commissioners. Local mechanisms address this unmet need but have limitations. An outcomes‐based evaluation approach to commissioning and greater transparency of previous funding decisions by commissioners may improve efficiency and equity in the IFR system.
Fatigue in children and adolescents with immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Grace Rachael F. , Klaassen Robert J. , Shimano Kristin A. , Lambert Michele P. , Grimes Amanda , Bussel James B. , Breakey Vicky R. , Pastore Yves D. , Black Vandy , Overholt Kathleen , Bhat Rukhmi , Forbes Peter W. , Neunert Cindy
Published: June 2020

Immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an acquired autoimmune disorder of low platelets and risk of bleeding, has a substantial impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). Patients with ITP often report significant fatigue, although the pathophysiology of this is poorly understood. In this observational cohort of 120 children receiving second‐line therapies for ITP, we assessed reports of fatigue using the Hockenberry Fatigue Scale. Children and adolescents with ITP reported a similarly high level of fatigue with 54% (29/54) of children and 62% (26/42) of adolescents reporting moderate‐to‐severe fatigue. There was no correlation between fatigue and age or gender. Adolescents with newly diagnosed and persistent ITP had higher mean fatigue scores than those with chronic ITP (P = 0·03). Fatigue significantly improved in children and adolescents by 1 month after starting second‐line treatments, and this improvement continued to be present at 12 months after starting treatment. Fatigue scores at all time‐points correlated with general HRQoL using the Kids ITP Tool, but did not correlate with bleeding symptoms, platelet count, or platelet response to treatment. Fatigue is common in children and adolescents with ITP and may benefit from ITP‐directed treatment even in the absence of bleeding symptoms.
Favourable multi‐institutional experience with penoscrotal decompression for prolonged ischaemic priapism
Authors: Baumgarten Adam S. , VanDyke Maia E. , Yi Yooni A. , Keith Christopher G. , Fuchs Joceline S. , Ortiz Nicolas M. , Cordon Billy H. , Pagliara Travis J. , Ward Ellen E. , Jaderlund John W. , Teeple Charles S. , Christine Brian S. , Yafi Faysal A. , Hudak Steven J. , Morey Allen F.
Published: June 2020

Objectives

To report our multi‐institutional experience using penoscrotal decompression (PSD) for the surgical treatment of prolonged ischaemic priapism (PIP).

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed clinical records for patients with PIP treated with PSD between 2017 and 2020. Priapisms were confirmed as ischaemic based on clinical presentations and cavernosal blood gas abnormalities. Treatment with irrigation and injection of α‐agonists in all patients had failed prior to PSD. Patient characteristics, peri‐operative variables and outcomes, and changes in International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores were evaluated.

Results

We analysed 25 patients who underwent a total of 27 PSD procedures. The mean duration of priapism at initial presentation was 71.0 h. Irrigations and injections in all patients had failed, while corporoglanular shunt treatment in 48.0% of patients (12/25) had also failed prior to PSD. Of the 10 patients who underwent unilateral PSD, two (20.0%) had priapism recurrence. Both were treated with bilateral PSD, with prompt and lasting detumescence. Among the 15 patients undergoing primary bilateral PSD, none had priapism recurrence. Of the 15 patients with documented sexual function status at last follow‐up, nine (60%) reported spontaneous erectile function adequate for penetration, while six (40%) reported erectile dysfunction. The median (interquartile range) decrease in IIEF‐5 score was 3.5 (0–6.75) points after PSD. Two patients underwent uneventful inflatable penile prosthesis placement following PSD.

Conclusions

Penoscrotal decompression presents a simple, safe, highly effective and easily reproducible procedure for resolution of PIP. PSD should be considered as a viable salvage or alternative strategy to corporoglanular shunt procedures.