bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value relevance of accounting information in the MENA region
Authors: El-Diftar Doaa , Elkalla Tarek
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the value relevance of accounting information in the Middle East and North Africa region (MENA) region with an emphasis on the potential impact of IFRS adoption. This paper aims to not only examine the value relevance of accounting information in the MENA region but also draw comparisons between Gulf countries (GCC) and non-GCC country firms to determine whether there are distinct differences across the two regions.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate the value relevance of accounting information in the MENA region, two pooled regression models are used based on the Ohlson (1995) model. The first regression model is conducted for the GCC and non-GCC regions separately. A second regression model is conducted using a pooled sample of the MENA region collectively with dummy and interaction variables to further explore the potential differences between the two regions in terms of the value relevance of accounting information.

Findings

The empirical results show that the measures of accounting information have a highly significant positive relationship with the market value per share for firms in the MENA region, thereby indicating that accounting information in the MENA region is value relevant. Although book value per share and earnings per share are significant determinants of value relevance in both GCC and non-GCC country firms, operating cash flows per share is only a significant determinant of value relevance in non-GCC country firms. The research findings of the study also show a significant negative impact of IFRS adoption on the value relevance of accounting information in the MENA region.

Practical implications

This research paper provides important insights for investors and regulators by providing evidence that accounting information is value relevant in the MENA region, and that IFRS adoption does not necessarily lead to a greater degree of value relevance. In fact, investors and regulators should be aware that the adoption of IFRS in MENA country firms results in diminished value relevance of accounting information. This finding is of particular significance to policymakers attempting to improve accounting disclosure.

Originality/value

The paper expands the value relevance of accounting information literature in the context of developing economies, in general, and the MENA region, in particular. There is a paucity of research into the value relevance of accounting information for MENA country firms, particularly in the case of the impact of IFRS adoption. Thus, this paper provides an important contribution in terms of expanding the value relevance literature in relation to IFRS adoption in the MENA region.
The impact of peer mentoring on students’ physical activity and mental health
Authors: Glazzard Jonathan , Rose Anthea , Ogilvie Paul
Published: October 2019

Purpose

A peer-mentoring scheme was implemented in a secondary school using a physical activity (PA) intervention to improve mental health outcomes of students who were at risk of developing mental ill health. These students are referred to as mentees. The evaluation was a qualitative design using focus groups and semi-structured interviews. The participants reported an increase in PA in both peer mentors and mentees. By the end of the project many of the mentees recognised that they had increased their levels of PA, they were more aware of the benefits of PA and the relationship between PA and their mental health. In addition, mentees reported feeling more confident and were more confident in forming social relationships. Peer mentors reported developing many leadership skills during the project. These included improved communication, confidence, empathy for others, relationship building and improved self-awareness. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative data were primarily collected from nine case study schools. Each visit included interviews with peer mentors, mentees and the Wellbeing Champion.

Findings

Mentees developed improved social confidence and were generally more positive after completing the intervention. Mentors developed leadership skills and greater empathy for their peers.

Originality/value

There is limited research on school-based PA interventions using peer mentoring to improve students’ mental health.
Two fast prototypes of web-based augmented reality enhancement for books
Authors: Lou Dan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify a light and scalable augmented reality (AR) solution to enhance library collections.

Design/methodology/approach

The author first did research to identify the major obstacle in creating a scalable AR solution. Next, she explored possible workaround methods and successfully developed two prototypes that make the current Web-based AR work with ISBN barcode.

Findings

Libraries have adopted AR technology in recent years mainly by developing mobile applications for specific education or navigation programs. Yet a straight-forward AR solution to enhance a library's collection has not been seen. One of the obstacles lies in finding a scalable and painless solution to associate special AR objects with physical books. At title level, books already have their unique identifier – the ISBN number. Unfortunately, marker-based AR technology only accept two-dimensional (2-D) objects, not the one-dimensional (1-D) EAN barcode (or ISBN barcode) used by books, as markers for technical reasons. In this paper, the author shares her development of two prototypes to make the Web-based AR work with the ISBN barcode. With the prototypes, a user can simply scan the ISBN barcode on a book to retrieve related AR content.

Research limitations/implications

This paper mainly researched and experimented with Web-based AR technologies in the attempt to identify a solution that is as platform-neutral as possible, and as user-friendly as possible.

Practical implications

The light and platform-neutral AR prototypes discussed in this paper have the benefits of minimum cost on both the development side and the experience side. A library does not need to put any additional marker on any book to implement the AR. A user does not need to install any additional applications in his/her smartphone to experience the AR. The prototypes show a promising future where physical collections inside libraries can become more interactive and attractive by blurring the line of reality and virtuality.

Social implications

The paper can help initiate the discussion on applying Web-based AR technologies to library collections.
Can analysts predict breaks in earnings strings?
Authors: Balashov Vadim S. , DeVides Zhanel B.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the behavior of sell-side analysts covering firms that are about to experience breaks in strings of consecutive quarterly earnings increases.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors estimate the likelihood of analysts predicting a break by using logit regressions for nearly half a million earnings per share forecasts issued by individual analysts from 1992 to 2017.

Findings

The authors find that analysts can predict breaks in earnings strings by issuing less favorable earnings estimates ahead of a break announcement. The probability of detecting a break is higher for longer and more severe breaks, for more skillful analysts and for firms with richer information environments. The authors find that analysts’ warnings are heeded by investors and result in less severe reactions to break announcements.

Originality/value

Breaks in strings of earnings increases are situations in which information asymmetry exists and could be mitigated by information intermediaries such as sell-side analysts. Therefore, it is important to examine whether analysts have any informational advantages or disadvantages over insiders and institutional investors in the quarters prior to breaks in strings and whether they communicate such information to the market in a timely and accurate manner, thus reducing information asymmetry by “leveling the field” across the investment community.
Does Consumer Protection Enhance Disclosure Credibility in Reward Crowdfunding?
Authors: CASCINO STEFANO , CORREIA MARIA , TAMAYO ANE
Published: October 2019

We study how the interplay of disclosure and regulation shapes capital allocation in reward crowdfunding. Using data from Kickstarter, the largest online reward crowdfunding platform, we show that, even in the absence of clear regulation and enforcement mechanisms, disclosure helps entrepreneurs access capital for their projects and bolsters engagement with potential project backers, consistent with the notion that disclosure mitigates moral hazard. We further document that, subsequent to a change in Kickstarter's terms of use that increases the threat of consumer litigation, the association between project funding and disclosure becomes stronger. This evidence suggests that consumer protection regulation enhances the perceived credibility of disclosure. We find the effect of the change in terms of use to be more pronounced in states with stricter consumer protection regulations. Taken together, our findings yield important insights on the role of disclosure, as well as on the potential effects of increased regulation on crowdfunding platforms.
Comparative genome/transcriptome analysis probes Boraginales' phylogenetic position, WGDs in Boraginales, and key enzyme genes in the alkannin/shikonin core pathway
Authors: Tang Cheng‐Yi , Li Song , Wang Yun‐Tong , Wang Xi
Published: October 2019

Boraginales (the forget‐me‐not order) is a core group within the lamiids clade. However, until now, no genome from Boraginales has been reported, and published transcriptomes are also rare. Here, we report the first Boraginales species de novo genome (i.e. Echium plantagineum genome) and seven other Boraginales species transcriptomes to probe three issues: (i) Boraginales' phylogenetic position within the lamiids clade; (ii) potential whole genome duplications (WGDs) in Boraginales; and (iii) candidate key enzyme genes in the alkannin/shikonin core pathway. The results showed that: (i) Boraginales was most probably closer to the Solanales/Gentianales clade than the Lamiales clade, at least based on the single‐copy orthologous genes from genome/transcriptome data; (ii) after the gamma (γ) event, Boraginaceae (classified into the Boraginales I clade) probably underwent at least two rounds of WGD, whereas Heliotropiaceae and Ehretiaceae (classified into the Boraginales II clade) probably underwent only one round of WGD; and (iii) several candidate key enzyme genes in the alkannin/shikonin core pathway were inferred, e.g. genes corresponding to geranyl cyclase, naphthol hydroxylase and O‐acyl transferase.
The Machado–Joseph disease deubiquitylase ataxin‐3 interacts with LC3C/GABARAP and promotes autophagy
Authors: Herzog Laura K. , Kevei Éva , Marchante Ricardo , Böttcher Claudia , Bindesbøll Christian , Lystad Alf Håkon , Pfeiffer Annika , Gierisch Maria E. , Salomons Florian A. , Simonsen Anne , Hoppe Thorsten , Dantuma Nico P.
Published: October 2019

The pathology of spinocerebellar ataxia type 3, also known as Machado‐Joseph disease, is triggered by aggregation of toxic ataxin‐3 (ATXN3) variants containing expanded polyglutamine repeats. The physiological role of this deubiquitylase, however, remains largely unclear. Our recent work showed that ATX‐3, the nematode orthologue of ATXN3, together with the ubiquitin‐directed segregase CDC‐48, regulates longevity in Caenorhabditis elegans. Here, we demonstrate that the long‐lived cdc‐48.1; atx‐3 double mutant displays reduced viability under prolonged starvation conditions that can be attributed to the loss of catalytically active ATX‐3. Reducing the levels of the autophagy protein BEC‐1 sensitized worms to the effect of ATX‐3 deficiency, suggesting a role of ATX‐3 in autophagy. In support of this conclusion, the depletion of ATXN3 in human cells caused a reduction in autophagosomal degradation of proteins. Surprisingly, reduced degradation in ATXN3‐depleted cells coincided with an increase in the number of autophagosomes while levels of lipidated LC3 remained unaffected. We identified two conserved LIR domains in the catalytic Josephin domain of ATXN3 that directly interacted with the autophagy adaptors LC3C and GABARAP in vitro. While ATXN3 localized to early autophagosomes, it was not subject to lysosomal degradation, suggesting a transient regulatory interaction early in the autophagic pathway. We propose that the deubiquitylase ATX‐3/ATXN3 stimulates autophagic degradation by preventing superfluous initiation of autophagosomes, thereby promoting an efficient autophagic flux important to survive starvation.
Hot Off the Press: Chemical Versus Electrical Cardioversion for Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Bond Christopher , Morgenstern Justin , Heitz Corey , Milne William K.
Published: October 2019

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a significant dysrhythmia that often requires treatment in the emergency department (ED). This can be performed with rhythm control using electrical or chemical cardioversion or with rate control. There is widespread variation in management of AF within Canada and worldwide. This study focuses on rhythm control techniques, comparing ED length of stay when using an electrical‐first strategy versus a chemical‐first strategy of cardioversion.
Editorial: aminosalicylates and nephrotoxicity—an issue put to rest
Authors: Menon Shankar , Bressler Brian
Published: October 2019

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Jairath et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15408.
Editorial: hepatocellular carcinoma in the absence of cirrhosis—a nightmare without solution
Authors: Ioannou George N.
Published: October 2019

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Gawrieh et al paper. To view this article, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15464.
Power calculation for cross‐sectional stepped wedge cluster randomized trials with variable cluster sizes
Authors: Harrison Linda J , Chen Tom , Wang Rui
Published: October 2019

Standard sample size calculation formulas for stepped wedge cluster randomized trials (SW‐CRTs) assume that cluster sizes are equal. When cluster sizes vary substantially, ignoring this variation may lead to an under‐powered study. We investigate the relative efficiency of a SW‐CRT with varying cluster sizes to equal cluster sizes, and derive variance estimators for the intervention effect that account for this variation under a mixed effects model—a commonly used approach for analyzing data from cluster randomized trials. When cluster sizes vary, the power of a SW‐CRT depends on the order in which clusters receive the intervention, which is determined through randomization. We first derive a variance formula that corresponds to any particular realization of the randomized sequence and propose efficient algorithms to identify upper and lower bounds of the power. We then obtain an “expected” power based on a first‐order approximation to the variance formula, where the expectation is taken with respect to all possible randomization sequences. Finally, we provide a variance formula for more general settings where only the cluster size arithmetic mean and coefficient of variation, instead of exact cluster sizes, are known in the design stage. We evaluate our methods through simulations and illustrate that the average power of a SW‐CRT decreases as the variation in cluster sizes increases, and the impact is largest when the number of clusters is small.
On Mendelian randomization analysis of case‐control study
Authors: Zhang Han , Qin Jing , Berndt Sonja I. , Albanes Demetrius , Deng Lu , Gail Mitchell H. , Yu Kai
Published: October 2019

Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis uses genotypes as instruments to estimate the causal effect of an exposure in the presence of unobserved confounders. The existing MR methods focus on the data generated from prospective cohort studies. We develop a procedure for studying binary outcomes under a case‐control design. The proposed procedure is built upon two working models commonly used for MR analyses and adopts a quasi‐empirical likelihood framework to address the ascertainment bias from case‐control sampling. We derive various approaches for estimating the causal effect and hypothesis testing under the empirical likelihood framework. We conduct extensive simulation studies to evaluate the proposed methods. We find that the proposed empirical likelihood estimate is less biased than the existing estimates. Among all the approaches considered, the Lagrange multiplier (LM) test has the highest power, and the confidence intervals derived from the LM test have the most accurate coverage. We illustrate the use of our method in MR analysis of prostate cancer case‐control data with vitamin D level as exposure and three single nucleotide polymorphisms as instruments.
Effects of plant diversity on soil carbon in diverse ecosystems: a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Xinli , Chen Han Y. H. , Chen Chen , Ma Zilong , Searle Eric B. , Yu Zaipeng , Huang Zhiqun
Published: October 2019

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a valuable resource for mediating global climate change and securing food production. Despite an alarming rate of global plant diversity loss, uncertainties concerning the effects of plant diversity on SOC remain, because plant diversity not only stimulates litter inputsviaincreased productivity, thus enhancing SOC, but also stimulates microbial respiration, thus reducing SOC. By analysing 1001 paired observations of plant mixtures and corresponding monocultures from 121 publications, we show that both SOC content and stock are on average 5 and 8% higher in species mixtures than in monocultures. These positive mixture effects increase over time and are more pronounced in deeper soils. Microbial biomass carbon, an indicator of SOC release and formation, also increases, but the proportion of microbial biomass carbon in SOC is lower in mixtures. Moreover, these species‐mixture effects are consistent across forest, grassland, and cropland systems and are independent of background climates. Our results indicate that converting 50% of global forests from mixtures to monocultures would release an average of 2.70 Pg C from soil annually over a period of 20 years: about 30% of global annual fossil‐fuel emissions. Our study highlights the importance of plant diversity preservation for the maintenance of soil carbon sequestration in discussions of global climate change policy.
The effect of conspecific density, herbivory, and bamboo on seedling dynamics of a dominant oak in a Neotropical highland forest
Authors: Calderón‐Sanou Irene , Ríos Luis Diego , Cascante‐Marín Alfredo , Barrantes Gilbert , Fuchs Eric J.
Published: October 2019

Conspecific negative density dependence (CNDD) is one of the main mechanisms influencing diversity maintenance in tropical forests. Tropical highland forests, in contrast to most lowland forests, are commonly dominated by a few tree species, and testing the importance of density dependence effects on seedling establishment of dominant trees may provide insights on the mechanisms regulating population dynamics and forest composition of tropical highlands. We tested the effect of CNDD regulation on seedling survival and recruitment of Quercus costaricensis, a monodominant oak in the Talamanca highland forests of Costa Rica. We used Ripley's K and generalized linear mixed models to test the effects of conspecific density, distance to the nearest adult, density of Chusquea bamboo shoots, and herbivory on the annual survival probability of 3579 seedlings between 2014 and 2017. We did not find a significant effect of CNDD on seedling survival. However, bamboo density and herbivory both significantly decreased oak seedling survival. All seedlings had signs of herbivory and predator satiation may explain the lack of density dependent regulation in seedlings of this species. We argue that the lack of intraspecific density regulation at the seedling stage may contribute to explain the dominance of Q. costaricensis in the highland forests of Costa Rica. Local seedling dynamics of this endemic oak are instead regulated by herbivory and the density of Chusquea.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Retrospective evaluation of marginal bone loss around implants in a mandibular locator‐retained denture using panoramic radiographic images and finite element analysis: A pilot study
Authors: Tercanli Alkis Humeyra , Turker Nurullah
Published: October 2019

Background

The follow‐up of the peri‐implant marginal bone loss is the most important criterion for the determination of implant success.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to measure marginal bone loss using panoramic radiographic images (PRI) of patients treated using a mandibular, two implant–supported, locator‐retained denture and to evaluate the compatibility of these findings with those of the finite element analysis (FEA).

Materials and Methods

The PRI of patients who had a mandibular, two implant–supported, locator‐retained denture were assessed, and the mesial and distal marginal bone loss of both right‐ and left‐sided implants was measured. Mandibular and maxillary models, which have the features of bilateral balanced occlusion, were created. The surfaces of the generated models were converted in a computer‐aided design model that could be transferred to the FEA software, and the forces were defined on contacts formed in maximum intercuspation, lateral, and protrusive movement position for bilateral balanced occlusion.

Results

The bone loss in the mesial and distal regions at the right‐ and left‐sided implants was not statistically significant. Higher stresses were formed on the vestibular side under protrusive movement, on the lingual side under maximum intercuspation, on the distolingual side under left unilateral biting, and on the mesiolingual side under right unilateral biting in the FEA.

Conclusion

According to FEA, peri‐implant bone resorption may be higher in the buccal and palatal regions, implying that panoramic radiographs can be misleading in understanding the amount of peri‐implant bone resorption.
Prevalence of contact allergy to metals: nickel, palladium, and cobalt in Southern Sweden from 1995–2016
Authors: Rosholm Comstedt Lisbeth , Dahlin Jakob , Bruze Magnus , Åkesson Anna , Hindsén Monica , Pontén Ann , Isaksson Marléne , Svedman Cecilia
Published: October 2019

Background

In 2001, the EU nickel directive was introduced to prevent contact allergy to nickel. Contact allergy to palladium and/or cobalt is often seen together with contact allergy to nickel.

Objectives

To compare the contact allergy prevalence of nickel, palladium, and cobalt allergy before and after the introduction of the EU nickel directive in consecutive patients with dermatitis.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of patch test results from 1995–2016 was performed (n = 18 264). Chi‐square tests were used to examine trends for nickel, palladium, and cobalt across test years. Logistic regression was used for associations.

Results

The prevalence of nickel allergy decreased significantly in the youngest age group (6–30 years) for both female and male patients from 1995–1999 to 2012–2016: females: 33.4% to 19.1% (P< .001); males: 5.9% to 2.1% (P< .05). The concomitant reactions between nickel and palladium and nickel and cobalt among young females, respectively, also decreased significantly. Isolated palladium and cobalt allergy remained stable (1.4% and 2.3%, respectively) during the same time period for both men and women.

Conclusions

The prevalence of nickel has decreased among young females and males suspected of contact allergy in Southern Sweden after the introduction of the EU nickel directive. There has been no change in isolated palladium or cobalt allergy.
Pancreas transplantation following total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Cerise Adam , Nagaraju Santosh , Powelson John A. , Lutz Andrew , Fridell Jonathan A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis leads to brittle diabetes and challenging glycemic control with half of all patients experiencing severe hypoglycemia, many requiring medical intervention or hospitalization. Pancreas transplantation has the potential to manage both the endocrine and the exocrine insufficiency in this patient population.

Methods

Between June 1, 2005, and July 1, 2016, 8 patients with brittle diabetes following total pancreatectomy underwent pancreas transplantation. All grafts had systemic venous and enteric exocrine drainage. Data included demographics, graft and patient survival, pre‐ and post‐transplant supplementation with pancreatic enzymes, and narcotic usage.

Results

Patient survival rate at 1 and 3 years was 88%. Pancreas graft survival rate of those alive at 1 year was 100% and 86%, respectively. About 75% of these patients remained insulin‐free until their time of death, loss of follow‐up, or present day. Of the patients with maintained graft function at 3 years, none required further hospitalization for glycemic control. About 75% of these patients have also maintained exocrine function without pancreatic enzyme supplementation.

Conclusions

Pancreas transplant can treat both exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and give long‐term insulin‐free survival and should be considered as a viable treatment option for patients who have undergone total pancreatectomy for chronic pancreatitis.
STATE TAXES AND LEGISLATIVE TURNOVER IN THE UNITED STATES
Authors: Yakovlev Pavel A. , Leguizamon J. Sebastian
Published: October 2019

Mounting empirical evidence suggests that term limits and, by extension, higher legislative turnover increase the overall size of government and change its spending composition. However, less is known about the turnover's impact on the composition of tax revenues. This study fills this void by exploiting exogenous variation in term limits and redistricting as instruments for legislative turnover, which is found to be positively associated with most state taxes except for the corporate income tax. We hypothesize that the negative association between legislative turnover and corporate income taxes might be influenced by a higher propensity of business owners to enter term‐limited state legislatures. (JEL H7, H3)
Stress coping strategies and their clinical correlates in patients with psychosis at various stages of illness: A case‐control study
Authors: Piotrowski Patryk , Rymaszewska Joanna , Stańczykiewicz Bartłomiej , Małecka Monika , Kotowicz Kamila , Samochowiec Jerzy , Samochowiec Agnieszka , Plichta Piotr , Kalinowska Sylwia , Misiak Błażej
Published: October 2019

Aims

There is evidence that individuals with psychosis adopt inefficient coping styles. Moreover, it has been hypothesized that inefficient coping styles might serve as trait‐dependent characteristics of psychosis. Therefore, we aimed to explore coping styles and their clinical correlates at various stages of psychosis.

Methods

We recruited 37 individuals at familial high risk of psychosis (FHR‐P), 42 individuals with first‐episode psychosis (FEP), 28 acutely relapsed schizophrenia (SCZ‐AR) subjects and 40 healthy controls. Coping strategies were assessed using the Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations.

Results

Individuals with FEP were less likely to use task‐focused coping, while SCZ‐AR subjects preferred using distraction when compared to controls. Both groups of participants did not differ significantly in terms of using specific coping styles. No significant differences in the use of various coping strategies between FHR‐P individuals and controls were found. Higher odds of using emotion‐focused coping and distraction were associated with more severe depressive symptoms in individuals with psychosis. Moreover, higher frequency of using distraction was associated with worse functioning in individuals with psychosis. However, this association appeared to be insignificant after adjustment for multiple testing.

Conclusions

Coping styles are similar in FEP and SCZ‐AR subjects. However, decreased use of task‐focused coping is more specific for FEP individuals while a preference of distraction might be more typical for SCZ‐AR individuals. The use of various coping styles is similar in FHR‐P individuals and controls. Preference of distraction and emotion‐focused coping might be related to more severe depressive symptoms and poor functioning in individuals with psychosis.
Extensive mismatches between species distributions and performance and their relationship to functional traits
Authors: Bohner Teresa , Diez Jeffrey
Published: October 2019

Mismatches between species distributions and their optimal habitat are predicted by ecological theory and will affect species responses to changing climate. However, empirical tests lack consensus on the prevalence of such mismatches and their underlying mechanisms. Here we present a conceptual framework to quantify the mismatch between optimal conditions for species occurrence and multiple measures of population and individual performance (density, adult growth and survival, and recruitment) and the associated performance reduction, or cost. We quantified these mismatches for 59 tree species in the western US along a soil water balance gradient and found high variability in mismatches among species and among performance measures, often resulting in high costs. We used functional traits to explore how dispersal limitation, migration lags, and competitive exclusion may cause mismatches. Overall, the large variability in mismatches, their costs and the relationship with functional traits highlight the nuanced relationships between species’ performance and their distributions.
Using the Joint Standards to Design Postsecondary Assessments With Evidence of Validity and Reliability: An Approach to CAEP Accreditation
Authors: Wilkerson Judy R.
Published: October 2019

Validity and reliability are a major focus in teacher education accreditation by the Council for Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP). CAEP requires the use of “accepted research standards,” but many faculty and administrators are unsure how to meet this requirement. The Standards of Educational and Psychological Testing abbreviated Joint Standards, are the implied accepted research standards. The purpose of this study was to test empirically the extent to which the Joint Standards could serve this purpose. The primary outcome of this study is a pragmatic set of implementation strategies organized into assessment specifications connecting CAEP requirements to the Joint Standards. An example set of assessment specifications is provided. Use of this process can improve assessments in any academic discipline for any accreditation agency, become a faculty professional development tool, raise assessment literacy, and potentially impact instruction of future educators.
Quantitative analysis of phenotypic elements augments traditional electroclinical classification of common familial epilepsies
Authors:   Epi4K Consortium
Published: October 2019

Objective

Classification of epilepsy into types and subtypes is important for both clinical care and research into underlying disease mechanisms. A quantitative, data‐driven approach may augment traditional electroclinical classification and shed new light on existing classification frameworks.

Methods

We used latent class analysis, a statistical method that assigns subjects into groups called latent classes based on phenotypic elements, to classify individuals with common familial epilepsies from the Epi4K Multiplex Families study. Phenotypic elements included seizure types, seizure symptoms, and other elements of the medical history. We compared class assignments to traditional electroclinical classifications and assessed familial aggregation of latent classes.

Results

A total of 1120 subjects with epilepsy were assigned to five latent classes. Classes 1 and 2 contained subjects with generalized epilepsy, largely reflecting the distinction between absence epilepsies and younger onset (class 1) versus myoclonic epilepsies and older onset (class 2). Classes 3 and 4 contained subjects with focal epilepsies, and in contrast to classes 1 and 2, these did not adhere as closely to clinically defined focal epilepsy subtypes. Class 5 contained nearly all subjects with febrile seizures plus or unknown epilepsy type, as well as a few subjects with generalized epilepsy and a few with focal epilepsy. Family concordance of latent classes was similar to or greater than concordance of clinically defined epilepsy types.

Significance

Quantitative classification of epilepsy has the potential to augment traditional electroclinical classification by (1) combining some syndromes into a single class, (2) splitting some syndromes into different classes, (3) helping to classify subjects who could not be classified clinically, and (4) defining the boundaries of clinically defined classifications. This approach can guide future research, including molecular genetic studies, by identifying homogeneous sets of individuals that may share underlying disease mechanisms.
Biallelic inherited SCN8A variants, a rare cause of SCN8A‐related developmental and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Wengert Eric R. , Tronhjem Cathrine E. , Wagnon Jacy L. , Johannesen Katrine M. , Petit Hayley , Krey Ilona , Saga Anusha U. , Panchal Payal S. , Strohm Samantha M. , Lange Jörn , Kamphausen Susanne B. , Rubboli Guido , Lemke Johannes R. , Gardella Elena , Patel Manoj K. , Meisler Miriam H. , Møller Rikke S.
Published: October 2019

Objective

Monoallelic de novo gain‐of‐function variants in the voltage‐gated sodium channel SCN8A are one of the recurrent causes of severe developmental and epileptic encephalopathy (DEE). In addition, a small number of de novo or inherited monoallelic loss‐of‐function variants have been found in patients with intellectual disability, autism spectrum disorder, or movement disorders. Inherited monoallelic variants causing either gain or loss‐of‐function are also associated with less severe conditions such as benign familial infantile seizures and isolated movement disorders. In all three categories, the affected individuals are heterozygous for a SCN8A variant in combination with a wild‐type allele. In the present study, we describe two unusual families with severely affected individuals who inherited biallelic variants of SCN8A.

Methods

We identified two families with biallelic SCN8A variants by diagnostic gene panel sequencing. Functional analysis of the variants was performed using voltage clamp recordings from transfected ND7/23 cells.

Results

We identified three probands from two unrelated families with DEE due to biallelic SCN8A variants. Each parent of an affected individual carried a single heterozygous SCN8A variant and exhibited mild cognitive impairment without seizures. In both families, functional analysis demonstrated segregation of one allele with complete loss‐of‐function, and one allele with altered biophysical properties consistent with partial loss‐of‐function.

Significance

These studies demonstrate that SCN8A DEE may, in rare cases, result from inheritance of two variants, both of which exhibit reduced channel activity. In these families, heterozygosity for the dominant variants results in less severe disease than biallelic inheritance of two variant alleles. The clinical consequences of variants with partial and complete loss of SCN8A function are variable and likely to be influenced by genetic background.
The Relationship Between Social Support and Family Relationships Among Low‐Income Couples Attending Relationship Education
Authors: Carlson Ryan G. , Wheeler Naomi J. , Liu Xun , Hipp Christopher , Daire Andrew P.
Published: October 2019

Results are mixed for relationship education (RE) interventions with low‐income couples. For couples who experienced positive changes, it is not clear what aspects of program models contributed to change. Many low‐income couples attend government‐funded RE with limited access to social and community resources. Program models often provide related resources complimentary to RE skill‐building. We examined the relationship between income, social support, and family functioning for low‐income, ethnically diverse couples (N = 856) who attended RE, as well as the mediating effects of social support on family functioning outcomes. Analyses included three separate dyadic models that examined associations among constructs at baseline and immediately following the RE intervention. Results demonstrated relationships between participants’ reported social support and family functioning such that (a) social support was associated with baseline family functioning for both men and women; (b) men’s baseline social support was influenced by women’s baseline family functioning; and (c) men’s and women’s social support change score had a positive influence on their own family functioning change score. However, social support was not a significant mediator of change in family functioning. Implications for RE practice and research are also discussed.
Enhancing Outpatient Dihydroergotamine Infusion With Interdisciplinary Care to Treat Refractory Pediatric Migraine: Preliminary Outcomes From the Comprehensive Aggressive Migraine Protocol (“CAMP”)
Authors: Connelly Mark , Sekhon Subhjit , Stephens Dane , Boorigie Madeline , Bickel Jennifer
Published: October 2019

Objective

To determine preliminary outcomes of a treatment for refractory pediatric migraine that integrates outpatient dihydroergotamine (DHE) infusion with interdisciplinary adjunctive care.

Background

Limited data are available to inform treatment of refractory migraine in children. Intravenous DHE therapy has shown promise but has been implemented in costly inpatient settings and in isolation of nonpharmacological strategies shown to enhance analgesia and functional improvement.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of 36 patients ages 11‐18 with refractory migraine who underwent a pilot treatment program in an outpatient neurology clinic. The treatment integrated up to 5 days of outpatient DHE infusion with adjunctive nonpharmacological care (pain coping skills training, massage, aromatherapy, and school reintegration support). Changes in headache, healthcare utilization, and functional limitations were assessed as indicators of treatment response through 3‐month follow‐up.

Results

On average, headache intensity declined (M = 5.8 ± 2.5 to M = 2.4 ± 2.7; P < .0001) during the treatment period and remained statistically significantly improved through 3‐month follow‐up. Headache frequency decreased by a mean of 1.5 days per week (M = 6.7 ± 1.0 vs M = 5.2 ± 2.7, P = .012) through 3‐month follow‐up, with a 27% reduction (from 0.91 to 0.66) in the proportion of patients reporting a continuous headache (P = .009). Over this same follow‐up period, there was a reduction in school days missed per month (median [25th, 75th percentile]: 4.5 [0, 21.0] vs 0 [0.0, 0.5]). There also were reductions in headache‐related visits per month to the emergency department and medical providers. Adverse effects were common but typically minor and transient.

Conclusions

Combining outpatient DHE infusion with interdisciplinary adjunctive care has promise as an effective treatment option for adolescents with refractory migraine.
Influence of sprouting on phenolic composition and starch characteristics of lentil and horse gram
Authors: Ghumman Atinder , Singh Narpinder , Kaur Amritpal
Published: October 2019

Effect of sprouting on the content of different phenolic compounds and starch characteristics of horse gram was compared to that of lentil. Increase in gallic acid, p‐coumaric acid and ferulic chlorogenic acid content was observed in horse gram and lentil, respectively, with sprouting. Luteolin content in basic‐bound fraction increased in lentil and decreased in horse gram with sprouting. Lentil starches showed higher retrogradation tendency than horse gram starches. Storage modulus and retrogradation tendency of starch gels decreased initially followed by an increase after 96 h of sprouting. Horse gram starches showed higher crystallinity than lentil starches, and crystallinity increased with increase in sprouting period. Horse gram starches showed higher onset, peak and conclusion temperature than lentil starches. Transition temperatures decreased with increase in sprouting duration in both the pulses. Sprouting changed the crystalline structure of starch significantly as well as phenolic composition of both the pulses.
Ethnic and National Sense of Belonging in Canadian Society
Authors: Wu Zheng , So Vivien W. Y.
Published: October 2019

There has been long‐standing debate among Western nations regarding the best approaches for the integration of immigrants into host societies. The core of this debate is between the proponents of assimilation and multiculturalism. Using a large sample of Canadians, we investigated the link between their sense of belonging to their ethno‐racial heritage (ethnic belonging) and to Canada (national belonging) in order to seek answers to the question of whether multiculturalism policies work to strengthen or weaken residents’ loyalty to the nation. Our analyses showed that increases in ethnic belonging significantly predicted increases in national belonging, both for ethno‐racial minorities and Whites, after controlling for demographic variables. These findings extend our understanding of acculturation and integration, provide empirical support for multiculturalism, and suggest that active support of immigrant and non‐immigrant individuals in maintaining connections to their ethno‐racial heritage increases individuals’ loyalty to the nation.
Parents' perceptions regarding couple relationships of their adult children with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Neuman Ran
Published: October 2019

Background

A particular challenge facing parents of children with intellectual disabilities occurs when their adult children with intellectual disabilities has an interest in pursuing couple relationships. This study explores parents' perceptions regarding the nature of couple relationships, the right of their adult children with intellectual disabilities to pursue such relationships, the difficulties their children encounter and their own role in providing support.

Method

Interviews were conducted with 30 parents of adults with intellectual disabilities who had left home for independent and semi‐independent living arrangements. A thematic content analysis was conducted.

Results

Whereas parents used “mutual support” to characterize couple relationships in general, they viewed their children with intellectual disabilities as primarily focused on “physical intimacy” and the couple relationship as a “status symbol,” as well as expressed reservations about their becoming parents.

Conclusions

Parents should be helped to adopt a more consistent and positive attitude towards their intellectual disabilities children's pursuit of couple relationships.
The quest for physiological pacing—Does one size fit all?
Authors: Kaye Gerry
Published: October 2019

Pacing is an established and ubiquitous treatment of bradycardias and some types of heart failure. The optimal pacing lead position which maximizes cardiac function and minimizes deterioration of ventricular function remains controversial. The desire to achieve a physiological pacing system that mimics cardiac function has led to the investigation of several potential pacing sites. This editorial provides an overview of past and current pacing lead position and summaries the current and future direction of physiological pacing.
Exposure to Hospital Breastfeeding Support by Maternal Race and Ethnicity: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sipsma Heather L. , Rabinowitz Molly R. , Young Danielle , Phillipi Carrie , Larson Ilse A. , Kair Laura R.
Published: October 2019

Introduction

The Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding are evidence‐based practices used to improve breastfeeding outcomes, and most are to be implemented shortly after birth. Although breastfeeding is increasing in the United States, racial disparities persist. Available national samples used to examine trends in maternity care rely on maternal recall, which may be subject to error and bias. Thus, we conducted a pilot study to determine the feasibility of a large‐scale study conducted during the birth hospitalization to explore patterns in practices supporting breastfeeding across maternal racial and ethnic groups.

Methods

A convenience sample of 37 women with healthy, term singletons who intended to breastfeed were recruited from 2 academic medical centers (one in the Midwest and the other in the Pacific Northeast) and surveyed during their birth hospitalizations between July and November 2016. Women were asked whether they received the 7 steps that are recommended to be implemented shortly after birth (eg, encourage breastfeeding on demand). We generated descriptive statistics and conducted independent chi‐square tests to determine associations between self‐reported exposure to these 7 practices and race and ethnicity.

Results

In this sample, 23 women (62.2%) were non‐Hispanic white, 5 (13.5%) were non‐Hispanic black, and 6 (16.2%) were Hispanic. Approximately 26 (70.3%) reported experiencing at least 6 of the 7 practices. Non‐Hispanic white women were significantly more likely to room‐in with their newborns, were less likely to receive formula, and were less likely to receive pacifiers than women of other races and ethnicities (P < .05). Furthermore, differences in exposure to practices by maternal race/ethnicity appeared more pronounced at one center than the other.

Discussion

Preliminary findings suggest that some practices used to improve breastfeeding may be provided inconsistently across maternal racial and ethnic groups. Additional investigation is needed to further explore these patterns and to identify reasons for any inconsistencies in order to reduce health disparities in the United States.
Quantitative Susceptibility Mapping: MRI at 7T versus 3T
Authors: Spincemaille Pascal , Anderson Julie , Wu Gaohong , Yang Baolian , Fung Maggie , Li Ke , Li Shaojun , Kovanlikaya Ilhami , Gupta Ajay , Kelley Douglas , Benhamo Nissim , Wang Yi
Published: October 2019

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Ultrahigh‐field 7T promises more than doubling the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 3T for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), particularly for MRI of magnetic susceptibility effects induced by B0. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) is based on deconvolving the induced phase (or field) and would therefore benefit substantially from 7T. The purpose of this work was to compare QSM performance at 7T versus 3T in an intrascanner test‐retest experiment with varying echo numbers (5 and 10 echoes).

METHODS

A prospective study in N = 10 healthy subjects was carried out at both 3T and 7T field strengths. Gradient echo data using 5 and 10 echoes were acquired twice in each subject. Test‐retest reproducibility was assessed using Bland‐Altman and regression analysis of region of interest measurements. Image quality was scored by an experienced neuroradiologist.

RESULTS

Intrascanner bias was below 3.6 parts‐per‐billion (ppb) with correlation R2 > .85. Interscanner bias was below 10.9 ppb with correlation R2 > .8. The image quality score for the 3T 10 echo protocol was not different from the 7T 5 echo protocol (P = .65).

CONCLUSION

Excellent image quality and good reproducibility was observed. 7T allows equivalent image quality of 3T in half of the scan time.