bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive characterization of rhythmic spiking activity in the rat ventral striatum
Authors: van der Meer Matthijs A. A. , Gmaz Jimmie M. , Carmichael J. Eric
Published: April 2019

The ventral striatum (vStr) is anatomically interconnected with brain structures that exhibit prominent rhythmic activity, suggesting that oscillations in ventral striatal activity are potentially informative about systems-level interactions between these structures. However, rhythmic activity in ventral striatal neurons during behavior has only been characterized piecemeal, with individual studies focusing on a single cell type or frequency band. We performed a comprehensive analysis of (1) rhythmic activity in vStr neurons without reference to the local field potential, and (2) average as well as time-resolved spike-field relationships. Spike train rhythmicity tended to be limited to low frequencies such as delta and theta, whereas spike-field relationships were seen across a broad spectrum of frequencies, with about 90% of neurons showing spike-field locking to at least one rhythm. Using a novel time-resolved generalized linear model approach, we further show that the contribution of local field potential (LFP) phase to spike timing is dynamic over time, and enhanced by the inclusion of the LFP from the hippocampus – a new measure of inter-area coupling. These results provide a foundation for a more accurate interpretation of the ventral striatal LFP, suggest the possibility of an oscillatory taxonomy of ventral striatal neurons, and provide a starting point for understanding how rhythmic activity links cell-, circuit-, and systems-level phenomena in the ventral striatum.

Significance Statement

Oscillations in neural activity are ubiquitous in the brain, readily accessible in the clinic and the lab, and shared by humans and animals to facilitate translational work. The ventral striatum (vStr) is a promising target structure for such a rhythmic activity perspective, not in the least because its local field potential (LFP) shows prominent task-related oscillations across a range of frequencies. However, recent work has shown that major components of the vStr LFP are in fact generated elsewhere in the brain, raising the question of how the LFP relates to local spiking activity. Unlike previous studies that focused on a specific cell type or frequency band of interest, we characterize rhythmic activity across a full range range of frequencies and cell types, and include novel analyses appropriate for a non-local LFP. Our results provide a foundation for more accurate interpretation of the vStr LFP and a starting point for an oscillatory taxonomy of vStr neurons.
SEC issues warning to analysts profiting from “short and distort” schemes, opens the door for civil claims
Authors: Weiner Perrie Michael , Totino Edward D. , Goodman Aaron
Published: April 2019

Purpose

To analyze the evolution of market manipulation and fraud by short-sellers and online bloggers and mechanisms available for addressing and remediating the damage caused by such fraud, including recent activity by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC” or “Commission”).

Design/methodology/approach

This article discusses the development of a modern market manipulation and fraud scheme – the “short and distort” – including a review of potential claims by the targeted companies and anticipated impediments to asserting such claims.It further examines the need for regulation and the possibility that the SEC has opened the door for civil claims for this type of fraud.

Findings

Companies wrongfully targeted by illegitimate short-sellers may pursue claims for securities violations, defamation, business interference, securities fraud and extortion, among other claims.However, each of these claims has had, and still has, both business and legal challenges, as the short-seller’s initial defense tends to be to attempt to prove the truth of their statements to the market or establish those statements as legitimate opinion.The SEC has made the pursuit easier but there is still a long way to go.

Originality/value

This article contains valuable information about recent SEC enforcement activity and practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
Exploring indigenous fermented foods of India for the presence of lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Lamba Joshita , Goomer Sangeeta , Nain Lata
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The Indian diet is rich in all the essential nutrients required for the well-being of human life. Probiotics have always been part of our traditional diet but microbiota of traditional fermented foods has not been explored. This study aims to analyse various traditional Indian fermented products for their probiotic nature.

Design/methodology/approach

Fermented indigenous products such as kanji, vegetable pickles and curd were prepared under controlled conditions and stored at ambient temperatures for shelf life studies. During the shelf life study, pH, titratable acidity and Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count were estimated.

Findings

LAB counts ranged between 106 and 108 cfu/g in all the products, reflective of the probiotic nature of the products. Growth was observed even at low pH of 2.77 in product such as lemon chilli and ginger pickle. The 16S RNA-based sequencing technique was used for the identification of probiotic organisms present in the product. Enterococcus lactis, enterococcus durans, bacillus subtilis and lactobacillus plantarum were detected in the products.

Practical implications

These observations emphasise the need to undertake in-depth analysis of the viability of LAB in these fermented Indian foods for improving their nutritional properties. A need exists to explore and popularise more indigenous fermented products as probiotics.

Originality/value

India has a very rich and diverse food culture which differs from one region to other. This is because of difference in climatic conditions which has led to variety of food products. There are many products prepared locally and are not studied scientifically. This study aimed to explore these products for the presence of LAB which could have a probiotic potential.
Comparative study on nutritional composition of fish available in Portugal
Authors: Marques Ivone , Botelho Goreti , Guiné Raquel
Published: April 2019

Purpose

The Mediterranean diet is one of the healthiest eating patterns and relies much on the regular consumption of fish, which is a source of unsaturated fatty acids, protein, vitamins and minerals. The purpose of this study was to describe and compare the macronutrients and micronutrients profile of 24 commercial fish species available in the Portuguese market.

Design/methodology/approach

A comparative study was undertaken based on nutritional datasheets provided by laboratories and based on the database of the Portuguese National Health Institute Doutor Ricardo Jorge.

Findings

The results obtained showed that while most of the fish species are low-fat, gilthead and salmon are considered high in fat, with salmon presenting significant amounts of unsaturated fatty acids. The blue shark shows the highest amounts of protein, whereas codfish shows significantly high levels of salt content. Sardine is much richer in terms of vitamins than the other species. With respect to minerals, there is a lot of variation among species. It is worth noticing the skate, with high amounts of sodium, calcium and phosphorous. Statistical analysis evidenced some relations between the properties evaluated, and it was possible to establish two distinct groups of fish through cluster analysis.

Practical implications

The species evaluated revealed a highly important nutritional value that should be an incentive to their regular consumption. Moreover, a lack of nutritional information about some micronutrients was found in several fish species, which should be studied in future studies.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils an identified need to compare nutritional composition of fish available in Portugal.
Drivers of customer satisfaction and loyalty in swimming pools
Authors: Moura e Sá Patrícia , Cunha Patrícia
Published: April 2019

Purpose

It is widely accepted that doing exercise regularly is essential to promote physical, psychological and social well-being. Yet, often dropout rates tend to be high. The purpose of this paper is to propose a model to understand the potential drivers of satisfaction and loyalty in the sports and fitness context looking in particular at four main dimensions of service quality: infrastructures/physical environment, relationship with instructors/staff, outcomes achieved and customer-to-customer interaction.

Design/methodology/approach

An extensive literature review was conducted to identify potential drivers of customer satisfaction and loyalty in sports. The proposed model was estimated using data collected from a sample of 384 users of four Portuguese swimming pools facilities by means of a survey questionnaire.

Findings

The majority of the hypotheses tested found support in the data. In particular, the quality of the interaction with instructors and the results obtained from exercising have a strong impact on satisfaction, which, in turn, is highly correlated with psychological commitment and positive word-of-mouth communication.

Research limitations/implications

Based on the findings some managerial implications can be derived. Such recommendations can enhance users’ perceptions of service quality and indirectly contribute to a more regular and effective sports practice.

Originality/value

The importance of enhancing loyalty has been emphasised in sports management literature. Yet, few studies have empirically investigated the simultaneous relationships among service quality dimensions, customer satisfaction and loyalty. This research partially addresses this gap.
Molecular and functional characterization of three odorant‐binding proteins from the wheat blossom midge, Sitodiplosis mosellana
Authors: Cheng Wei‐Ning , Zhang Yu‐Dong , Liu Wei , Li Guang‐Wei , Zhu‐Salzman Keyan
Published: April 2019

Sitodiplosis mosellana, a periodic but devastating wheat pest, relies on wheat spike volatiles as a cue in selecting hosts for oviposition. Insect odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) are thought to play essential roles in filtering, binding and transporting hydrophobic odorant molecules to specific receptors. To date, the molecular mechanisms underlying S. mosellana olfaction are poorly understood. Here, three S. mosellana antenna‐specific OBP genes, SmosOBP11, 16 and 21, were cloned and bacterially expressed. Binding properties of the recombinant proteins to 28 volatiles emitted from wheat spikes were investigated using fluorescence competitive binding assays. Sequence analysis suggested that these SmosOBPs belong to the Classic OBP subfamily. Ligand‐binding analysis showed that all three SmosOBPs preferentially bound alcohol, ester and ketone compounds, and SmosOBP11 and 16 also selectively bound terpenoid compounds. In particular, the three SmosOBPs had high binding affinities (Ki < 20 μmol/L) to 3‐hexanol and cis‐3‐hexenylacetate that elicited strong electroantennogram (EAG) response from female antennae. In addition, SmosOBP11 displayed significantly higher binding (Ki < 8 μmol/L) than SmosOBP16 and 21 to 1‐octen‐3‐ol, D‐panthenol, α‐pinene and heptyl acetate which elicited significant EAG response, suggesting that SmosOBP11 plays a major role in recognition and transportation of these volatiles. These findings have provided important insight into the molecular mechanism by which S. mosellana specifically recognizes plant volatiles for host selection, and have facilitated identification of effective volatile attractants that are potentially useful for pest monitoring and trapping.
Investigation of the effect of P14 promoter aberrant methylation on the biological function of human lung cancer cells
Authors: Jia Bing‐Yang , Yang Rong‐Hua , Jiao Wen‐Jie , Tian Kai‐Hua
Published: April 2019

Background

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of P14 promoter aberrant methylation on the biological function of human lung adenocarcinoma cells.

Methods

We used nested methylation‐specific PCR (NMSP) to detect the methylation status of the p14ARF promoter region in SPCA1 and BEAS2B cell lines. The experimental groups were treated with 5‐aza‐2′‐deoxycytidine (5‐Aza). Quantitative real‐time PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, and Cell Counting Kit 8 were used to detect the expression of p14ARF messenger RNA and protein in each group, apoptosis, and cell proliferation inhibition, respectively.

Results

NMSP detected that the p14 promoter region of SPCA1 cells has abnormal methylation status. After treatment with 5‐Aza, the expression of p14ARF messenger RNA and protein in SPCA1 cells (P < 0.05) and the inhibition rate of cell proliferation (P < 0.05) were significantly increased, while the apoptosis rate was markedly increased (P < 0.05). However, no differences were observed in BEAS2B cells (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

Abnormal methylation of the p14ARF promoter region plays an important role in the development of lung cancer cells. Our results suggest the use of P14 promoter aberrant methylation as a therapeutic target for drug research or to improve the sensitivity of other drugs.
Editorial: effects of vildagliptin on GLP‐1 levels, gastric motor function and food intake
Authors: Camilleri Michael
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Rotondo et al and Masuy papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15195 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15242.
Letter: dietary fibre benefits for the oesophagus—physical rather than metabolic action? Authors’ reply
Authors: O’Grady John , Shanahan Fergus
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to O’Grady et al and Morozov papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15129 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15233.
Editorial: population‐based testing for Helicobacter pylori in Western countries. Authors' reply
Authors: Høgh Maria Bomme , Kronborg Christian , Møller Hansen Jane , Wildner‐Christensen Mette , Schaffalitzky de Muckadell Ove B.
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Høgh et al and Vakil papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15193 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15224.
Editorial: benefits of HCV eradication beyond the liver
Authors: Ioannou George N.
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to El‐Serag et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15240.
Editorial: early and late mortality following unscheduled admissions for severe liver disease across England and Wales
Authors: Boyd Alexander , Newsome Philip
Published: April 2019

Linked Content

This article is linked to Roberts et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15232.
Reasoning in Foreign Policy Making from the Analogy Perspective: The Case Study of Iran’s Nuclear Issue
Authors: Kamali Yahya , Sheikhzadeh Jooshani Sedighe
Published: April 2019

Recent discussions about Iran’s nuclear issue have not only raised questions about its present and future policies but also over the past. The aim of this study is to identify historical analogies employed on the nuclear issue of Iran from 2003 to 2016. It shows how some senior government officials in Iran dealing with the nuclear issue have been fighting analogical battles, in terms of comparing Iran’s current situation with other historical events. Research findings suggest that “Hudaybiyya Peace Treaty,” “Peace Treaty of Imam Hassan,” “Treaty of Turkmenchay,” “Nationalization of Oil,” and “Resolution 598” are the episodes that different analogizers have used, as they present their agreement or disagreement with the negotiations over Iran’s nuclear policy.
Unknown and Undetected: Taiwan’s Policy in the Middle East
Authors: Azad Shirzad
Published: April 2019

In spite of its peculiar international standing and regardless of its geographical distance as well as politico‐cultural differences with the Middle East, Taiwan has surprisingly managed to forge rather manifold connections to the region for close to seven decades. Taiwan has built amicable and symbiotic politico‐diplomatic ties with key Mideast countries, developing continuous partnership with them without the privilege of having those instrumental types of attachment. As a result, Taipei occupies a unique position in the international relations of the region. Still, this phenomenon has largely escaped the attention of both academic and policy circles around the world, as major developments in Taiwan’s interactions with the Middle East over past decades were hardly recorded or scrutinized. This study probes Taiwan’s atypical foreign policy orientation toward the Middle East by looking into critical milestones in Taipei’s connections with the region.
Moral dilemmas in (not) treating patients who feel they are a burden
Authors: Metselaar Suzanne , Widdershoven Guy
Published: April 2019

Working as clinical ethicists in an academic hospital, we find that practitioners tend to take a principle‐based approach to moral dilemmas when it comes to (not) treating patients who feel like a burden, in which respect for autonomy tends to trump other principles. We argue that this approach insufficiently deals with the moral doubts of professionals with regard to feeling that you are a burden as a motive to decline or withdraw from treatment. Neither does it take into adequately account the specific needs of the patient that might underlie their feeling of being a burden to others. We propose a care ethics approach as an alternative. It focuses on being attentive and responsive to the caring needs of those involved in the care process—which can be much more specific than either receiving or withdrawing from treatment. This approach considers these needs in the context of the patient's identity, biography and relationships, and regards autonomy as relational rather than as individual. We illustrate the difference between these two approaches by means of the case of Mrs K. Furthermore, we show that a care ethics approach is in line with interventions that are found to alleviate feeling a burden and maintain that facilitating moral case deliberation among practitioners can supports them in taking a care ethics approach to moral dilemmas in (not) treating patients who feel like a burden.
Pharmacological modulation of the spatiotemporal disposition of micromotions in the intact resting urinary bladder of the rabbit; their pattern is under both myogenic and autonomic control
Authors: Hulls Corrin Murray , Lentle Roger Graham , King Quinten Michael , Chambers John Paul , Reynolds Gordon Willougby
Published: April 2019

Objectives

To explore and characterize the disposition and dynamics of micromotions in the wall of the intact resting teradotoxinized urinary bladder of the rabbit before and after the administration of adrenergic and cholinergic pharmaceutical agents.

Methods

Spatiotemporal maps and related intravesical pressure were used to analyse propagating patches of contractions (PPCs) and their component individual myogenic contractions [propagating individual contractions (PICs)] in the wall of the tetradotoxinized urinary bladder.

Results

The bladder wall exhibited two contractile states that were of similar frequencies to those of the two types of electrophysiological discharge described in previous studies; the first, in which cyclic PPCs predominated, the second in which small irregular PICs predominated. The addition of carbachol increased the size, frequency, speed and distance of propagation of PPCs, whereas the addition of isoprenaline temporarily halted the incorporation of PICs into PPCs, and reduced patch size and total area undergoing contraction. The RhoA kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y‐27632 reduced both largest patch index and mean patch size. Both carbenoxolone and ROCK inhibition decreased the duration of PPCs. Carbenoxolone also prolonged duration and accelerated PPC propagation velocity. The authors postulate that these differences arise from differing effects of these agents on myocytes and interstitial cells within the stress environment of the bladder, influencing the development, coordination and propagation of PPCs.

Conclusions

The timings and structure of spontaneous micromotions in the wall of the isolated bladder change when it is treated with sympathetic/parasympathetic agonists and with myogenically active agents. Correspondingly, disorders of bladder wall contraction may result from disorders of either neurogenic or myogenic signalling and may be amenable to treatment with combinations of agents that influence both.
Obstruction is associated with perineural invasion in T3/T4 colon cancer
Authors: Nozawa H. , Morikawa T. , Kawai K. , Hata K. , Tanaka T. , Nishikawa T. , Sasaki K. , Shuno Y. , Kaneko M. , Hiyoshi M. , Emoto S. , Murono K. , Sonoda H. , Fukayama M. , Ishihara S.
Published: April 2019

Aim

Perineural invasion (PNI) is a risk factor for recurrence and metastasis and consequently leads to decreased survival in patients with various malignancies. Recent studies showed that stent placement in obstructive colon cancer increases the frequency of PNI. We hypothesized that mechanical stress including obstruction itself may be associated with PNI.

Method

We retrospectively reviewed 496 patients with pathological T3 or T4 colon cancer who did not receive preoperative treatment. Data were collected from medical charts and pathological findings. The relationships between PNI and other clinicopathological factors were analysed using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

PNI was observed in 239 (48%) patients. Obstruction was markedly more frequent in PNI‐positive cancer (39%) than in PNI‐negative cancer (24%, P = 0.0003). Multivariate analyses identified obstruction as one of the significant factors associated with PNI (OR 1.68, P = 0.028). Moreover, in 414 patients without distant metastasis who underwent complete resection, PNI was an independent factor associated with poor recurrence‐free survival (hazard ratio 2.35, P = 0.003). The coexistence of PNI and obstruction resulted in greater decreases in recurrence‐free survival than PNI‐negative and/or non‐obstructive cases.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that obstruction is associated with PNI and consequently contributes to an increased postoperative recurrence in colon cancer.
Procopius of Caesarea, the lex tricennalis, and the ‘time of the Vandals’: historiography, law, and political debate in mid‐sixth‐century Constantinople
Authors: Esders Stefan
Published: April 2019

The article critically discusses the legal issues raised in Procopius’ account of the Vandal settlement in Spain under the west Roman emperor Honorius around 410. In particular, it looks at Honorius’ alleged suspension of the ‘thirty‐year rule of prescription’ (lex tricennalis), a suspension that prevented the Vandals from acquiring permanent property in the Roman provinces according to Roman civil law. As is shown, this measure was only enacted by the emperor Valentinian III in a law issued in 452 exclusively for North Africa, as a reaction to expropriations of land carried out by the Vandals. Consequently, the article discusses why Procopius attributed such prominence to these legal measures and what might have caused the east Roman historian to antedate them by attributing them to Spain.
From virtue to virtue: diverging visions of sanctity and monasticism in two Lives of Cuthbert
Authors: Delvaux Matthew C.
Published: April 2019

The onset of the long eighth century demanded that churchmen develop new visions for their place in the changing social and political landscapes of Anglo‐Saxon England. The Anonymous Life of Saint Cuthbert (699–705) and Bede's Life of Saint Cuthbert (c.721) responded to these changes by offering two such visions. Each author made systematic divergences from his exemplars, articulated with a finesse often mistaken for emulation. Nevertheless, each of these texts offered a distinct vision for the church, giving particular attention to the role of monasticism in the changing circumstances of the long eighth century.
King Alfred and the Sibyl: sources of praise in the Latin acrostic verses of Bern, Burgerbibliothek, 671
Authors: Gallagher Robert
Published: April 2019

This article offers an analysis of the possible sources that influenced the composition of the sole surviving set of Latin verses that were composed for the Anglo‐Saxon king Alfred the Great. In particular, a hitherto unrecognized textual model is identified, namely the ‘Sibylline acrostic’. Consideration of their potential sources also provides a greater appreciation of the social and cultural values of these Latin verses and of what, in turn, they tells us about the Alfredian milieu in which they were produced, presented and consumed.
Strengthening Coparenting Relationships to Improve Strained Parent–Child Relationships: A Follow‐Up Study of Parents’ Experiences of Attending the Overcoming Barriers Program
Authors: Saini Michael
Published: April 2019

Several interventions have been developed to address children's resistance and/or refusal to have contact with a parent following separation and divorce. There remains little agreement about how best to evaluate the success of these approaches. To explore the experiences of parents in the Overcoming Barriers Program (OCB), an online survey was distributed to all previous participants. Of the 40 parents who completed the survey at least six months after attending OCB, findings suggest mixed results. Benefits of OCB were more pronounced when changes were made to the coparenting relationships. Improvements in the coparenting relationship were specifically related to children's spending more time with both parents and better parent–child outcomes postintervention. Findings suggest that both the quality of parent–child relationships and the time that the children spend with both parents are associated with reported improvements in the cooperative coparenting relationship as a result of attending OCB. Implications are discussed in terms of lessons learned for developing, delivering, and evaluating similar programs for strained parent–child relationships.
Relationships among social support, empathy, resilience and work engagement in haemodialysis nurses
Authors: Cao X. , Chen L.
Published: April 2019

Aim

To describe the levels of work engagement, and to analyse the reciprocal relationships between social support, empathy, resilience and work engagement among haemodialysis nurses in China.

Background

Work engagement is a critical workplace health indicator. Previous studies have examined work engagement perceived by nurses working in diverse hospital wards, or a specialty area (emergency care or intensive care), no previous studies have highlighted work engagement and its affecting factors among haemodialysis nurses.

Methods

Participants in the cross‐sectional study were 345 haemodialysis nurses employed in 17 hospitals in Chengdu, China. Hierarchical regression analyses were carried out to analyse the relationships between social support, empathy, resilience and work engagement in haemodialysis nurses.

Results

Resilience was the strongest positive significant contributor to work engagement, followed by other support and perspective taking (cognitive empathy). Nurses with longer occupational tenure reported higher levels of work engagement. Male nurses also reported greater work engagement than female nurses.

Discussion

Influence of work engagement was explored by social support, empathy and resilience, reflecting the need of haemodialysis nurses to understand the significance of focusing on their personal and environmental factors.

Conclusions

Positive resilience, other support and cognitive empathy can result in increased work engagement.

Implications for nursing

Training programs, such as mindfulness meditation training and empathy skills training, are recommended for nursing managers to enhance resilience and empathic capacity in nurses.

Implications for nursing policy

Nursing policies should be developed to establish supportive work environments in clinical practice settings and to support the education and training of psychological resilience and empathic capacity in order to foster work engagement.
Remission induction, maintenance, and endoscopic outcome with oral 5‐aminosalicylic acid in intestinal Behçet's disease
Authors: Kinoshita Hiroto , Nishioka Hitomi , Ikeda Aya , Ikoma Kyoko , Sameshima Yoichi , Ohi Hidehisa , Tatsuno Mizuki , Kouyama Junka , Kawamoto Chiaki , Mitsui Tomohiro , Tamura Yuko , Hashimoto Yu , Nishio Masashi , Ogashiwa Tsuyoshi , Saigusa Yusuke , Maeda Shin , Kimura Hideaki , Kunisaki Reiko , Koike Kazuhiko
Published: April 2019

Background and Aim

Oral 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) is recommended for the therapy of mild to moderate intestinal Behçet's disease (BD). However, the induction remission efficacy and endoscopic outcomes of 5‐ASA are unknown. We investigated remission induction at 8 weeks, endoscopic outcomes until 52 weeks, and event‐free survival at 52 weeks in patients with intestinal BD treated with 5‐ASA.

Methods

Forty‐one patients with intestinal BD were treated with oral 5‐ASA. Clinical remission was evaluated with the Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI). The endoscopic response was evaluated using the modified global gastrointestinal endoscopic assessment scores. Rescue therapy‐free survival and surgery‐free survival at 52 weeks were estimated, and predictive factors for a clinical response at weeks 8 and 52 were identified.

Results

Seven patients (17%) withdrew 5‐ASA early (≤ 8 weeks) because of adverse events. At week 8, clinical efficacy could be accurately evaluated in 28 patients, and the response and remission rates were 61% and 57%, respectively, using the CDAI. Endoscopic evaluation was achieved in 17 patients up to 52 weeks, and the endoscopic response and remission rates were 71% and 35%, respectively. The probabilities of rescue therapy‐free survival and surgery‐free survival were 73% and 100%, respectively, at 52 weeks in all 41 patients. The predictive factors for therapeutic effectiveness at week 8 were a higher baseline C‐reactive protein level and CDAI, but they were negative predictive factors for a 52‐week response.

Conclusions

5‐ASA is effective for clinical and endoscopic induction and maintaining a response in patients with mild to moderate intestinal BD.
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment After Omission of Hearing‐Dependent Subtests: Psychometrics and Clinical Recommendations
Authors: Al‐Yawer Faisal , Pichora‐Fuller M. Kathleen , Phillips Natalie A.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Hearing loss (HL) is the third most common chronic health condition in older adults, yet it is often undiagnosed and/or untreated. Given the association between HL and cognitive impairment, it is expected that many people undergoing cognitive screening may have HL. The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a brief screening test that assesses a wide range of cognitive functions sensitive to Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Although MoCA items were carefully designed to be sensitive to deficits in MCI, they were not designed to take sensory declines into account. In the current investigation, we examined the MoCA's psychometric properties following omission of subtests primarily dependent on hearing status (memory, digit span, attention to letters, and sentence repetition).

Design

Cross‐sectional analytic design (retrospective analysis).

Setting

We used the original MoCA validation study data.4

Participants

Groups consisted of healthy controls (N = 90), subjects with MCI (N = 94), and subjects with mild AD (N = 93).

Measurements

We assessed sensitivity and specificity using absolute and proportional cutoff score adjustments. We developed receiver operating characteristics curves to determine the best cutoff values for both MCI and AD patients using different combinations of auditory subtest omissions.

Results

Compared with the original MoCA (MCI sensitivity = 90%; specificity = 87%), MCI sensitivity was substantially reduced (absolute scoring = 43%; proportional scoring = 56%) when all auditory subtests were omitted, with the biggest contribution to the reduction coming from the delayed recall subtest. Excluding three subtests and maintaining the delayed recall had no effect on MCI sensitivity but reduced specificity (sensitivity = 94%, specificity: 71% using proportional scoring). AD sensitivity, in contrast, was not strongly influenced by our manipulation and remained relatively high through all three subtest omission combinations.

Conclusion

The current study highlights the contribution of hearing‐dependent subtests on the sensitivity and specificity of the MoCA. Clinical recommendations related to these findings are discussed. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:1689–1694, 2019
No time to delay reperfusion: A cross‐sectional study of primary percutaneous coronary intervention times
Authors: Roe Amanda , Banka Prakashini , Mooney Mary
Published: April 2019

Aims and objectives

To establish and report cross‐sectional data of reperfusion times for emergency primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PPCI) and to examine factors associated with times to reperfusion.

Background

Rapid coronary reperfusion can salvage myocardial tissue, preserve left ventricular function and reduce mortality. PPCI is the gold standard of management. Researchers have reported on international median reperfusion times, but this is the first Irish study to do so.

Methods

This observational, prospective, cross‐sectional study included patients diagnosed with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) and admitted for emergency PPCI. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used. The study was ethically approved. We adopted the STROBE guidelines.

Results

All patients (N = 133) who met the inclusion criteria were included initially. Of these, 105 (79%) were diagnosed with STEMI and received emergency PPCI. The majority of STEMIs were diagnosed by paramedics and most (67%) were reperfused within 120 min, with a median time of 96 min. The results suggested that younger patients achieved timelier PPCI and source of referral was also significant in that more of those transferred directly to the coronary catheterisation laboratory achieved reperfusion within 120 min, compared with those who presented to the emergency department.

Conclusion

A timely reperfusion service is achieved for the majority. Attention is needed in respect of the ageing and those admitted directly to the emergency departments with STEMI.

Relevance to clinical practice

Further international research is recommended to compare current reperfusion times against guidelines and to identify areas for improvement. Clinicians should be mindful of the importance of rapid reperfusion and the implications of its delay for patients with STEMI. Those presenting to emergency departments with chest pain should be prioritised.
Exposure to caring parenting and adult mental health in extremely low birthweight survivors
Authors: Amani Bahar , Schmidt Louis A , Saigal Saroj , Van Lieshout Ryan J
Published: April 2019

Aim

Individuals born at extremely low birthweight (ELBW; <1000 g) are exposed to early adversities that increase the risk of mental health problems in later life. Caring parenting has been shown to offset the negative effects of early adversity in general population samples. However, the long‐term impact of caring parenting on the mental health of preterm survivors in adulthood is not known.

Methods

Using data from the world's oldest longitudinally followed cohort of ELBW survivors (n = 179) and matched normal birthweight (NBW) control participants (n = 145), we examined if caring parenting moderated the link between preterm birth and mental health at 30–35 years of age. Participants reported on the parenting they received from their mothers using the parental bonding instrument. Self‐esteem and internalising problems (i.e. depression, anxiety) were self‐reported at 30–35 years of age using the Coopersmith Self‐Esteem Inventory and Young Adult Self‐Report questionnaire, respectively.

Results

A statistically significant interaction was found between birthweight status and caring maternal parenting on self‐esteem and internalising psychopathology in adulthood. Stratified analyses demonstrated that caring parenting was associated with better self‐esteem (P < 0.001) and lower levels of internalising symptoms (P = 0.001), but in NBW participants only.

Conclusions

While the receipt of caring maternal parenting promoted mental health in adults born at NBW, it did not have the same protective effect on ELBW survivors. More research is needed to elucidate the aspects of parenting and the family environment that promote the long‐term mental health of preterm survivors.
A new treatment for presumed corneal epithelial inclusion cyst in a shih‐tzu dog
Authors: Kang S. , Park E. , Seo K.
Published: April 2019

An 8‐year‐old female shih‐tzu was assessed for a 3‐year history of yellow intrastromal material in the right eye. Slit‐lamp biomicroscopy showed a yellow lesion in the upper half of the cornea, superficial corneal neovascularisation and oedema with negative fluorescein staining in the right eye. Ultrasound biomicroscopy revealed a nearly anechoic cystic space surrounded by hyperechoic oedematous cornea separating the stroma at three‐quarters of the corneal depth. Two partial‐thickness corneal incisions were performed around the lesion under topical anaesthesia. After cytology and culture sampling, intrastromal flushing was performed. A yellow viscous necrotic tissue was identified with no microorganism or evidence of tumour formation. Antibiotics, anti‐inflammatories and a bandage contact lens were applied. Ultrasound biomicroscopy confirmed no recurrence 8 days later. Corneal neovascularisation and oedema gradually resolved through a 2‐week follow‐up. There was no recurrence in the subsequent 8 months.
The Expansion View of Thick Concepts
Authors: Kyle Brent G.
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes a new Separabilist account of thick concepts, called the Expansion View (or EV). According to EV, thick concepts are expanded contents of thin terms. An expanded content is, roughly, the semantic content of a predicate along with modifiers. Although EV is a form of Separabilism, it is distinct from the only kind of Separabilism discussed in the literature, and it has many features that Inseparabilists want from an account of thick concepts. EV can also give non‐cognitivists a novel escape from the Anti‐Disentangling Argument. §I explains the approach of all previous Separabilists, and argues that there's no reason for Separabilists to take this approach. §II explains EV. §III fends off objections. And §IV explains how non‐cognitivist proponents of EV can escape the Anti‐Disentangling Argument.
Sustainability Policy Research: A Review and Synthesis
Authors: Armstrong John H. , Kamieniecki Sheldon
Published: April 2019

This paper reviews theoretical and empirical approaches drawn from influential journal articles and books on sustainability policy published over the last 10 years (2007 through 2017). Due to the widespread application of sustainability as a concept and space limitations, the paper more narrowly focuses on sustainability research in three critical policy areas: climate change, urban development, and agroecology and food systems. Drawing from information provided primarily by citation indexes, the study identifies and analyzes the research literature related to sustainability in these three fields. Future theoretical and empirical research approaches that can better integrate and connect the current diffuse and incongruent literature on sustainability are discussed in the paper. The findings of the literature review generate a number of possible future research directions that are discussed in the study.
A Numerical Algorithm to Capture Spin Patterns of Fractional Bloch Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Flow Models
Authors: Mittal R. C. , Pandit Sapna
Published: April 2019

Fractional Bloch equation is a generalized form of the integer order Bloch equation. It governs the dynamics of an ensemble of spins, controlling the basic process of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). Scale-3 (S-3) Haar wavelet operational matrix along with quasi-linearization is applied first time to detect the spin flow of fractional Bloch equations. A comparative analysis of performance of classical scale-2 (S-2) and novel scale-3 Haar wavelets (S-3 HW) has been carried out. The analysis shows that scale-3 Haar wavelets give better solutions on coarser grid point in less computation time. Error analysis shows that as we increase the level of the S-3 Haar wavelets, error goes to zero. Numerical experiments have been conducted on five test problems to illustrate the merits of the proposed novel scheme. Maximum absolute errors, comparison of exact solutions, and S-2 Haar wavelet and S-3 Haar wavelet solutions, are reported. The physical behaviors of computed solutions are also depicted graphically.
Solidification of Phase Change Material Nanocomposite Inside a Finned Heat Sink: A Macro Scale Model of Nanoparticles Distribution
Authors: Sahoo Santosh Kumar , Rath Prasenjit , Das Mihir Kumar
Published: April 2019

The present work aims at developing a heat transfer model for phase change material nanocomposite (PCMNC)-based finned heat sink to study its heat rejection potential. The proposed model is developed in line with the binary alloy formulation for smaller size nanoparticles. The present study gives a more insight into the nanoparticle distribution while the nanocomposite is undergoing phase change. The nanocomposite is placed in the gap between the fins in a finned heat sink where solidification occurs from the top and lateral sides of fins. The proposed numerical model is based on finite volume method. Fully implicit scheme is used to discretize the transient terms in the governing transport equations. Natural convection in the molten nanocomposite is simulated using the semi-implicit-pressure-linked–equations-revised (SIMPLER) algorithm. Nanoparticle transport is coupled with the energy equation via Brownian and thermophoretic diffusion. Enthalpy porosity approach is used to model the phase change of PCMNC. Scheil rule is used to compute the nanoparticle concentration in the mixture consisting of solid and liquid PCMNC. All the finite volume discrete algebraic equations are solved using the line-by-line tridiagonal-matrix-algorithm with multiple sweeping from all possible directions. The proposed numerical model is validated with the existing analytical and numerical models. A comparison in thermal performance is made between the heat sink with homogeneous nanocomposite and with nonhomogeneous nanocomposite. Finally, the effect of spherical nanoparticles and platelet nanoparticles to the solidification behavior is compared.
Pristine and Alkylated MoS2 Nanosheets for Enhancement of Tribological Performance of Paraffin Grease Under Boundary Lubrication Regime
Authors: Rawat Sooraj S. , Harsha A. P. , Agarwal Deepak P. , Kumari Sangita , Khatri Om P.
Published: April 2019

In the present study, lubricating grease was developed with paraffin oil and 12-lithium hydroxy stearate metal soap as a thickening agent. MoS2 nanosheets were synthesized by hydrothermal method and functionalized with 1-octadecanethiol (i.e., MoS2-ODT). The MoS2 and MoS2-ODT nanosheets were dispersed in the grease with different concentrations to evaluate its tribological performance. Tribological results unveiled that the addition of MoS2 nanosheets in grease appreciably reduced the coefficient of friction and mean wear volume of tribo-interfaces as compared with pure grease. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) spectrum revealed the deposition of MoS2 on the worn surface and confirmed a thin tribo-film which protects steel tribo-pair against wear.
A review of speech privacy terms and methodology in building codes, guidelines, and standards
Authors: Shafer Benjamin
Published: April 2019

Terminology and methodology for the measurement and classification of speech privacy in buildings are globally diverse and cover speech transmission in a relatively broad range of environments from large open spaces to small divided enclosures. This paper is meant to provide a review and summary of terms and methodologies related to speech privacy throughout the global building noise control industry and regulatory organizations. Differences in terminology and speech transmission measurement between standards will be discussed as well as the progressive use of these standards in building codes and guidelines. A more thorough examination of this documentation is intended to provide the building noise control community with both greater insight into the incorporation of speech privacy in regulatory and standard documentation as well as to provide a foundation for greater innovation in building noise control specific to speech transmission.
Quiet time impacts on the neonatal intensive care unit soundscape and patient outcomes
Authors: Weber Jonathan R. , Ryherd Erica E. , Darcy Mahoney Ashley
Published: April 2019

Healthcare is currently transitioning from prioritizing survival to prioritizing patient care with the expectation of survival. In response, current research intends to explore and ultimately identify an optimal hospital environment. Intensive care units are often susceptible to noisier environments resulting from the requirements of urgent care. Administrative interventions such as Quiet Time are a strategy to reduce noise levels without sacrificing patient care. Despite gaining popularity, there is limited published research that rigorously evaluates the effectiveness of Quiet Time from both acoustical and medical perspectives. The presented work includes a longitudinal study of Quiet Time in multiple neonatal intensive care units. Both acoustical and patient physiological measures were taken with the intention of (1) characterizing the relationship between Quiet Time and the measured soundscape, (2) investigating potential relationships between Quiet Time and infant health, and (3) exploring potential relationships between the measured soundscape and infant health. Results including detailed acoustical analysis of traditional and newly developed metrics and statistical models relating both Quiet Time and soundscape to patient physiological response will be presented. Taken as a whole, the research provides insight into the effectiveness of Quiet Time interventions and the relationships between hospital noise and infant health.
Hospital design features related to patient experience
Authors: Hummel Kenton , Ryherd Erica E. , Bliefnick Jay
Published: April 2019

Noise can be problematic in hospitals due to concerns over impacts on patients and staff members. Noise in particular is problematic and consistently rated low on patient experience surveys nationwide. Furthermore, previous studies have linked hospital noise to negative reactions for patients including reduced sleep and increased incidence of re-hospitalization. These safety risks—coupled with reduced Hospital Value-Based Purchasing program reimbursements due to low patient experience ratings—result in strong incentives for healthcare providers to provide quieter, safer environments. In this talk, we will explore what is known about hospital design features and patient experience, including a particular focus on noise. Results from ongoing and previous studies reveal new insights into how various features of the built environment are related to patient experience and therefore should be considered in the design and renovation of healthcare facilities.