bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Issues in the Design and Administration of Distributed Model Management Systems
Authors: Agarwal Ritu , Ghosh Deb 
Published: December 2018

Distributed model management systems (DMMS) represent the next frontier in the organizational usage of DSS technology. Due to the growing popularity of distributed computing systems and increased level of modelling activity in most organizations, significant benefits can be realized through the implementation of a DMMS. In several ways, the functions of a DMMS can be viewed as isomorphic to those of a distributed database system. This paper describes the objectives of a distributed model management system and discusses several important issues that must be considered before constructing the distributed model base. In addition, a layered schema architecture is suggested for designing the DMMS. The proposed architecture facilitates sharing, control, consistency and integration of models, without altering the current model representation schemes. This paper also examines the roles of different individuals responsible for managing the DMMS.
Information Technology as a Service Operation
Authors: Rands Tony 
Published: December 2018

Research into service management has revealed concepts and ideas which may be usefully applied in other management settings. In order to evaluate their potential relevance to managing information technology (IT), several aspects of service management are explored, including the nature of service products, customer-supplier contact, the design of service delivery systems, and measuring and achieving service quality. Some ideas have already been applied to IT, but others could also be relevant. These include examining contacts between users and IT specialists, using process flow charts to design IT services, and employing service quality measures in IT management. A general model is proposed for managing IT service quality; the application of this model at the strategic level of firms is examined.
Risky Ideas in the Risk Society
Authors: Mumford Enid 
Published: December 2018

This paper describes a new kind of risk with which managers are now confronted. This is the risk that arises from their rapid response to new, often untested, ideas that are offered to the management community and eagerly accepted by it. I am aware that humanity Is approaching a crisis In which its residual ignorance, shortsightedness And circumstance-biased viewpoints May dominate Thus carrying humanity Beyond the point of no return. R. Buckminster Fuller
Adopting SAP at Siemens Power Corporation
Authors: Hirt Sabine Gabriele , Swanson E. Burton 
Published: December 2018

This case describes how Siemens Power Corporation, a Richland, Washington, USA-based manufacturer of nuclear fuel assemblies, came to adopt and implement SAP's R/3 application suite, the world's leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) package. The case introduces the reader to the type of decision making related to an ERP adoption and implementation and provides some interesting examples of factors which may influence actual decisions and outcomes. Among other things, the case touches on the following issues: the relationship between restructuring (re-engineering) and software adoption and implementation, the choice of package software, the pros and cons of alternative implementation approaches (‘big bang’ versus ‘phased'), the selection of hardware and the value of consultants. By January 1999 Siemens Power Corporation's (SPC's) restructuring project was more than 2 years under way. To SPC's top management's great relief, the company had made major progress ever since SPC's German parent Siemens AG hired a consulting team to help SPC get back on its path towards profitability. In particular, the largest and riskiest of its individual restructuring subprojects – SPC's SAP R/3 implementation – seemed on the way to becoming a success.
On the genealogy of group analysis: Our version of the Greek context
Authors: Mylona Dominique , Lamnidis Nikos , Moraitou Sophia-Maria 
Published: December 2018

This article aims at pinpointing some aspects of group analysis, especially in relationship to psychoanalysis, as they have emerged and developed in the context of Greek group-analytic (and psychoanalytic) institutions. Group analysis in our country has been trapped and rigidified either as a ‘therapeutic-community-oriented’, anti-psychoanalytic polemic or as a ‘psychoanalytically-informed-group-work’ project, applied in institutional settings and attributing secondary importance to group matrix. This situation has been amplified by the prevailing psychoanalytic institutions’ tendency (in opposition to Freud’s legacy) to minimize the social origins of the unconscious processes. In our current Greek context, the Institute of Group Analysis ‘S.H. Foulkes’, has as its core aim a healing return to the original, integrative Foulkesian vision: A search for integration of contemporary psychoanalytic developments and the legacy of group analysis.
Blood Thiamine Level and Cognitive Function in Older Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Pourhassan Maryam , Angersbach Bjoern , Lueg Gero , Klimek Christiane Nicola , Wirth Rainer 
Published: December 2018

Aim: We sought to identify any association between whole blood thiamine level and functional status in older hospitalized patients. Methods: This cross-sectional study retrospectively analyzed the results of routine measurements of whole blood thiamine levels of 233 older patients who were consecutively hospitalized to a geriatric acute care ward. Nutritional status, depression, and the participants’ cognitive impairment were evaluated using the Mini Nutritional Assessment–Short Form, Depression in Old Age Scale, and Montreal Cognitive Assessment, respectively. Activities of daily living were determined using Barthel Index (BI) on admission and at the time of discharge. Diagnoses of dementia and delirium were derived from the patients’ medical records. Results: Of 233 participants (mean age 82.1 [7.1]), 47.0% and 39.0% were at risk of malnutrition and malnourished, respectively. There was no thiamine deficiency (<20 ng/mL) in total population. Nearly all patients (95%) were screened with impaired cognitive function, in which 36% and 9% had the diagnosis of dementia and delirium, respectively. Patients with dementia ( P = .040) and delirium ( P = .002) demonstrated lower mean thiamine blood levels compared to patients without. Mean blood vitamin B1 was higher in patients with functional recovery (change in BI ≥5 points during hospitalization; P = .018). In a binary logistic regression analysis, blood vitamin B1, weight loss, and female gender were the major independent risk factors for delirium but not for dementia. Conclusion: Despite the absence of thiamine deficiency, whole blood thiamine was lower in patients with dementia and delirium compared to those without. Higher thiamine levels were significantly associated with functional recovery during hospitalization.
Feline head trauma: a CT analysis of skull fractures and their management in 75 cats
Authors: Knight Rebekah , Meeson Richard L 
Published: December 2018

Objectives The aim of this study was to describe and evaluate the configurations and management of feline skull fractures and concurrent injuries following head trauma. Methods Medical records and CT images were reviewed for cats with skull fractures confirmed by CT that were managed conservatively or with surgery. Details of signalment, presentation, skull fracture configuration, management, re-examination, and complications or mortality were recorded and analysed. Results Seventy-five cats (53 males, 22 females) with a mean age of 4.8 ± 3 years met the inclusion criteria. Eighty-nine percent of cats had fractures in multiple bones of the skull, with the mandible, upper jaw (maxilla, incisive and nasal bones) and craniofacial regions most commonly affected. Temporomandibular joint injury occurred in 56% of cats. Road traffic accidents (RTAs) were the most common cause of skull fractures, occurring in 89% of cats, and caused fractures of multiple regions of the skull. RTAs were also associated with high levels of concurrent injuries, particularly ophthalmic, neurological and thoracic injuries. A more limited distribution of injuries was seen in non-RTA cats. Equal numbers of cats were managed conservatively or surgically (47%). Mortality rate was 8% and complications were reported in 22% of cats. Increasing age at presentation and presence of internal upper jaw fractures were risk factors for development of complications. No risk factors were identified for mortality. Conclusions and relevance RTAs were the most common cause of feline skull fractures and resulted in fractures in multiple regions of the skull and concurrent injuries occurred frequently. Problems with dental occlusion were uncommon post-treatment. An increased risk of implant loosening and malocclusion was seen with palatine and pterygoid bone fractures and hard palate injuries. This study provides useful additional information regarding feline skull fractures, concurrent injuries and management techniques following head trauma.
An upbringing with substance-abusing parents: Experiences of parentification and dysfunctional communication
Authors: Tedgård Eva , Råstam Maria , Wirtberg Ingegerd 
Published: December 2018

Aim: To increase understanding of the consequences of growing up with substance-abusing parents, including how this can influence the experience of becoming a parent. Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 19 parents who had participated in an Infant and Toddler Psychiatry Unit intervention programme and who had experienced substance-abusing parents in their family of origin. Directed qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. Results: Analysis of the interview material revealed both a high incidence of parentification and a conspiracy of silence concerning the substance abuse that helped generate symptoms of cognitive dissonance in the children. As parents they experience a high degree of inadequacy, incompetence and stress. Conclusion: A majority of the children who had grown up with substance-abusing parents responded by taking a parenting role for themselves, their siblings and their parents. These children, often well-behaved and seemingly competent, need to be identified and offered support as they risk developing significant psychological and emotional difficulties that can extend into adulthood. They form an extra sensitive group who may need special support up to and including the time when they become parents themselves. This finding underlines the importance of further research on parenting among those who have grown up with abusive parents.
Fibronectin modulates formation of PF4/heparin complexes and is a potential factor for reducing risk of developing HIT
Authors: Krauel Krystin , Preuße Patricia , Warkentin Theodore E. , Trabhardt Catja , Brandt Sven , Jensch Inga , Mandelkow Martin , Hammer Elke , Hammerschmidt Sven , Greinacher Andreas 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is caused by platelet-activating anti–platelet factor 4 (PF4)/heparin antibodies. Platelet activation assays that use “washed” platelets are more sensitive for detecting HIT antibodies than platelet-rich plasma (PRP)–based assays. Moreover, heparin-exposed patients vary considerably with respect to the risk of PF4/heparin immunization and, among antibody-positive patients, the risk of subsequent “breakthrough” of clinical HIT with manifestation of thrombocytopenia. We used washed platelets and PRP, standard laboratory HIT tests, and physicochemical methods to identify a plasma factor interfering with PF4/heparin complexes and anti-PF4/heparin antibody–platelet interaction, thus explaining differences in functional assays. To investigate a modulating risk for PF4/heparin immunization and breakthrough of HIT, we also tested 89 plasmas from 2 serosurveillance trials. Fibronectin levels were measured in 4 patient groups exhibiting different degrees of heparin-dependent immunization and expression of HIT. The heat-labile plasma protein, fibronectin, inhibited PF4 binding to platelets in a dose-dependent fashion, particularly in washed (vs PRP) systems. Fibronectin also inhibited PF4/heparin binding to platelets, anti-PF4/heparin antibody binding to PF4/heparin complexes, and anti-PF4/heparin antibody–induced platelet activation as a result of PF4/heparin complex disruption. In addition, plasma fibronectin levels increased progressively among the following 4 patient groups: enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)+/serotonin-release assay (SRA)+/HIT+ &lt; ELISA+/SRA+/HIT− ∼ ELISA+/SRA−/HIT− &lt; ELISA−/SRA−/HIT−. Altogether, these findings suggest that fibronectin interferes with PF4/heparin complex formation and anti-PF4/heparin antibody–induced platelet activation. Reduced fibronectin levels in washed platelet assays help to explain the greater sensitivity of washed platelet (vs PRP) assays for HIT. More importantly, lower plasma fibronectin levels could represent a risk factor for PF4/heparin immunization and clinical breakthrough of HIT.
Platelet-specific deletion of SNAP23 ablates granule secretion, substantially inhibiting arterial and venous thrombosis in mice
Authors: Williams Christopher M. , Li Yong , Brown Edward , Poole Alastair W. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Platelet secretion is central to physiological and pathophysiological platelet function. SNAP23 has long been implicated as being a principal SNARE protein regulating platelet granule secretion, although this has not been definitively demonstrated in genetic models. Here, using a platelet-specific conditional SNAP23 knockout mouse, we show that absence of SNAP23 results in complete ablation of dense granule, α granule, and lysosomal secretion. Measured granule cargo content and granule numbers were normal, suggesting SNAP23 regulates fusion of granules with the extracellular membrane, rather than granule loading or formation. A macrothrombocytopenia was also observed, which, combined with ablation of secretion, resulted in a pronounced bleeding defect in a tail bleed assay and almost complete ablation of arterial and venous thrombosis. The macrothrombocytopenia was not due to reduced megakaryopoiesis but instead likely was due to the increased loss of platelets through bleeding, consistent with an increase in platelet total RNA content indicating a greater number of reticulated platelets. The data definitively show SNAP23 to be critical for granule release of any kind from platelets, irrespective of stimulus, and this is the first single gene to be shown to be universally essential for exocytosis in platelets.
Association of outdoor temperature with lung function in a temperate climate
Authors: Rice Mary B. , Li Wenyuan , Wilker Elissa H. , Gold Diane R. , Schwartz Joel , Zanobetti Antonella , Koutrakis Petros , Kloog Itai , Washko George R. , O'Connor George T. , Mittleman Murray A. 
Published: December 2018

Acute exposure to cold dry air is a trigger of bronchoconstriction, but little is known about how daily outdoor temperature influences lung function.We investigated associations of temperature from a model using satellite remote sensing data with repeated measures of lung function among 5896 participants of the Framingham Heart Study Offspring and Third Generation cohorts residing in the Northeastern US. We further tested if temperature modified previously reported associations between pollution and lung function. We constructed linear mixed-effects models, and assessed departures from linearity using penalised splines.In fully adjusted linear models, 1-, 2- and 7-day average temperatures were all associated with lower lung function: each 5°C higher previous-week temperature was associated with a 20 mL lower (95% CI −34­–−6) forced expiratory volume in 1 s. There was significant effect modification by season: negative associations of temperature and lung function were present in winter and spring only. Negative associations between previous-day fine particulate matter and lung function were present during unseasonably warm but not unseasonably cool days, with a similar pattern for other pollutants.We speculate that temperature-related differences in lung function may be explained by behavioural changes on relatively warm days, which may increase outdoor exposures.
“T2-high” in severe asthma related to blood eosinophil, exhaled nitric oxide and serum periostin
Authors: Pavlidis Stelios , Takahashi Kentaro , Ng Kee Kwong Francois , Xie Jiaxing , Hoda Uruj , Sun Kai , Elyasigomari Vahid , Agapow Paul , Loza Matthew , Baribaud Fred , Chanez Pascal , Fowler Steve J. , Shaw Dominic E. , Fleming Louise J. , Howarth Peter H. , Sousa Ana R. , Corfield Julie , Auffray Charles , De Meulder Bertrand , Knowles Richard , Sterk Peter J. , Guo Yike , Adcock Ian M. , Djukanovic Ratko , Fan Chung Kian 
Published: December 2018

Type-2 (T2) immune responses in airway epithelial cells (AECs) classifies mild–moderate asthma into a T2-high phenotype. We examined whether currently available clinical biomarkers can predict AEC-defined T2-high phenotype within the U-BIOPRED cohort.The transcriptomic profile of AECs obtained from brushings of 103 patients with asthma and 44 healthy controls was obtained and gene set variation analysis used to determine the relative expression score of T2 asthma using a signature from interleukin (IL)-13-exposed AECs.37% of asthmatics (45% nonsmoking severe asthma, n=49; 33% of smoking or ex-smoking severe asthma, n=18; and 28% mild–moderate asthma, n=36) were T2-high using AEC gene expression. They were more symptomatic with higher exhaled nitric oxide fraction (FeNO) and blood and sputum eosinophils, but not serum IgE or periostin. Sputum eosinophilia correlated best with the T2-high signature.FeNO(≥30 ppb) and blood eosinophils (≥300 cells·µL−1) gave a moderate prediction of T2-high asthma. Sputum IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 protein levels did not correlate with gene expression.T2-high severe asthma can be predicted to some extent from raised levels ofFeNO, blood and sputum eosinophil counts, but serum IgE or serum periostin were poor predictors. Better bedside biomarkers are needed to detect T2-high.
Introducing molecular testing of pyrazinamide susceptibility improves multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treatment outcomes: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sun Feng , Li Yang , Chen Yu , Guan Wenlong , Jiang Xiangao , Wang Xiaomeng , Ren Pengfei , Li Junlian , Shi Jichan , He Guiqing , Wu Meiying , Tang Peijun , Wang Fei , Sheng Yunfeng , Huang Fuli , Zhou Zumo , Huang Heqing , Hong Liang , Liu Qihui , Zhang Ying , Zhang Wenhong 
Published: December 2018

The current treatment for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) takes a lengthy period of 18–24 months and has a poor cure rate of 50–60%. A multicenter, prospective cohort study was conducted to assess the role of testing for molecular susceptibility to pyrazinamide (PZA) in optimising treatment for MDR-TB.We assigned 76 patients to an optimised molecular susceptibility group and 159 patients to a regular treatment group where PZA susceptibility was not determined. Of these patients, 152 were matched after propensity score matching (76 in the optimised group and 76 in the regular group). Treatment success rate was measured in the propensity-matched cohort as the primary outcome.Patients in the optimised group achieved a higher treatment success rate than those in the regular group (76.3%versus55.3%, p=0.006). Of 51 patients with isolates that were susceptible to PZA and who were receiving a 12-month regimen, 42 (82.4%) were treated successfully. The optimised group showed faster culture conversion than the regular group (p=0.024). After exclusion of pre-extensively drug-resistant TB (pre-XDR-TB), the treatment outcome in the optimised group was still better than the regular group (83.1%versus62.1%, p=0.009).Introducing molecular susceptibility testing for PZA improved the treatment outcomes for MDR-TB without the use of new drugs. Introducing PZA for patients with PZA-susceptible (PZA-S) MDR-TB allows the current regimen to be shortened to 12 months with comparable success rates to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended shorter regimen.
COPD is associated with an increased risk of peripheral artery disease and mortality
Authors: Terzikhan Natalie , Lahousse Lies , Verhamme Katia M.C. , Franco Oscar H. , Ikram M. Arfan , Stricker Bruno H. , Brusselle Guy G. 
Published: December 2018

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) commonly present with multimorbidity. We aimed to investigate the association between COPD and the development of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in the general population, and how this might affect mortality among individuals with COPD.
We included 3123 participants of the population-based Rotterdam Study without PAD at baseline (mean age 65 years; 57.4% female). The association between COPD at baseline and PAD during follow-up was studied using logistic regression (PAD being indicated by an ankle�brachial index (ABI) of 0.9 or less). Cox regression was used for mortality analysis and interaction terms were used to investigate mortality risk modification by PAD.
The presence of COPD was associated with incident PAD (adjusted odds ratio 1.9, 95% CI 1.1�3.2). Mortality rates per 100 000 person-years were as follows: 10.0 in individuals without COPD or PAD, 18.4 in those with COPD only, 16.1 in those with PAD only and 30.1 in individuals with both COPD and PAD. No statistical interaction was found between PAD and COPD on risk of dying.
Individuals with COPD have an almost doubled risk of developing PAD. Although PAD does not modify the association between COPD and mortality, people suffering from both diseases have substantially higher mortality rates.
Effect of the SIRT1 gene on regional cortical grey matter density in the Han Chinese population
Authors: Rao Shuquan , Luo Na , Sui Jing , Xu Qi , Zhang Fuquan 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundOur previous genome-wide association study (CONVERGE sample) identified significant association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) near the SIRT1 gene and major depressive disorder (MDD) in Chinese populations.AimsTo investigate whether SNPs across the SIRT1 gene locus affect regional grey matter density in the Han Chinese population.MethodT1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging was conducted on 92 healthy participants from Eastern China. Grey matter was segmented from the image, which consisted of voxel-wise grey matter density. The effect of SIRT1 SNPs on grey matter density was determined by a multiple linear regression framework.ResultsSNP rs4746720 was significantly associated with grey matter density in two brain cortical regions: the orbital part of the right inferior frontal gyrus and the orbital part of the left inferior frontal gyrus (family-wise error-corrected P < 0.05; voxel-wise P < 0.001). Also, rs4746720 exceeded genome-wide significance in association with MDD in our CONVERGE sample (P = 3.32 × 10−08, odds ratio 1.161).ConclusionsOur results provided evidence for a potential role of the SIRT1 gene in the brain, implying a possible pathophysiological mechanism underlying susceptibility to MDD.