bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Children with cow's milk allergy following an elimination diet had normal growth but relatively low plasma leptin at age two
Authors: Dong Ping , Feng Jing‐jing , Yan Dong‐yong , Lyu Yu‐jing , Xu Xiu
Published: February 2018

Aim

To assess nutrient intake, growth and nutritional status of infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA) who follow a therapeutic elimination diet since the first few months of life.

Methods

Sixty infants younger than four months of age with challenge‐proven CMA and 60 healthy age‐matched children were investigated. Anthropometric and body composition (BC) were assessed up to 24 months. Dietary intake was recorded by the parents for three consecutive days before visits at 6, 12, 18 and 24 months. Blood albumin, prealbumin, retinol binding protein and metabolic‐related hormones were examined at 24 months.

Results

The average age at enrolment was 2.9 ± 1.0 months. At the end of the follow‐up, there were no differences in daily milk consumption, nutrient intake, weight and height z scores or BC measures between the groups; however, the plasma leptin level was lower in infants with CMA (1.67 ± 1.03 vs 2.05 ± 1.48) (ng/mL) (p < 0.05) compared to healthy children.

Conclusions

Children with CMA who followed an elimination diet could achieve a normal nutritional status, except for relatively lower plasma leptin levels, at the age of 2. Further studies with larger cohorts and research on the long‐term consequences of these early differences are needed.
Biliary stricture due to a migrated suture after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy
Authors: Noji Takehiro , Kurashima Yo , Nakanishi Yoshitsugu , Asano Toshimichi , Ebihara Yuma , Nakamura Toru , Murakami Soichi , Tsuchikawa Takahiro , Okamura Keisuke , Shichinohe Toshiaki , Mitsuhashi Tomoko , Hirano Satoshi
Published: February 2018

Benign biliary strictures have a broad spectrum of etiologies. There have been no reported cases, however, of a biliary stricture secondary to a migrated suture after laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG). Here, we report one such case. The patient was a 60‐year‐old man who underwent LDG with Roux‐en‐Y reconstruction for early gastric cancer. Pathology revealed early cancer (T1N0M0) with a curative resection. Two years after LDG, the patient was found to have elevated hepatobiliary enzymes. After further workup, the new diagnosis was invasive cholangiocarcinoma (T2N0M0), and the patient underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy. Intraoperatively, a monofilament nylon suture was found in the center of a biliary stricture; this suture was previously used for duodenal closure during LDG. Histologically, the bile duct with stricture showed chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Despite no evidence of invasive carcinoma on pathology, a small lesion of adenocarcinoma in situ was found in the superior common hepatic duct.
Effects of the use of interactive E‐books by intensive care unit patients' family members: Anxiety, learning performances and perceptions
Authors: Lee Shu‐Yen , Wang Tsae‐Jyy , Hwang Gwo‐Jen , Chang Shao‐Chen
Published: February 2018

In an intensive care unit (ICU), patients' families play a very important role; however, they often lack medical knowledge and are extremely anxious, which could affect their ability to take care of the patients. The effects of giving conventional paper‐based instruction are limited in terms of improving patients' families' understanding of the facilities and the rules in the ICU and in reducing their anxiety. Therefore, in this study, an interactive e‐book was developed to present the nursing education content to ICU patients' family members. An experiment was conducted to compare the learning performances and perceptions of the patients' family members learning with the interactive e‐book and those who learned with the conventional approach. The research results showed that the nursing e‐book significantly improved the learning performances of the ICU patients' family members, although their anxiety was not immediately reduced. Moreover, the family members perceived that the e‐book was useful and easy to use, and generally showed high satisfaction with its use. This reveals the potential of using interactive e‐books to improve the quality of nursing service in hospitals.
Detrital zircon and apatite constraints on depositional ages, sedimentation rates and provenance: Pliocene Productive Series, South Caspian Basin, Azerbaijan
Authors: Abdullayev Nazim R. , Weber John , van Baak Christiaan G. C. , Aliyeva Elmira , Leslie Caitlin , Riley Gregory W. , O'Sullivan Paul , Kislitsiyn Roman
Published: February 2018

We used detrital zircon U/Pb geochronology and apatite (U–Th–Sm)/He thermochronology to better constrain depositional ages and sedimentation rates for the Pliocene Productive Series in Azerbaijan. U/Pb analysis of 1,379 detrital zircon grains and (U–Th–Sm)/He analysis of 57 apatite grains—from Kirmaky Valley and Yasamal Valley onshore sections, Absheron Peninsula—yielded two distinct sub‐populations: “young” Neogene grains and “old” Mesozoic, Palaeozoic and Proterozoic/Archean grains. The large numbers of Neogene age grains (around 10% of all grain ages) provided a new absolute age constraint on the maximum depositional age of the Lower Productive Series of 4.0 Myr. These “young” Neogene zircon grains most likely originated from volcanic ash falls sourced from the Lesser Caucasus or Talesh Mountains. In this paper we propose a timescale scenario using the maximum depositional age of the Productive Series from detrital zircon grain U/Pb constraints. Potential consequences and limitations of using apatite (U–Th–Sm)/He dating method in estimating maximum depositional ages are also discussed. These new age constraints for the Lower Productive Series gave much faster sedimentation rates than previously estimated: 1.3 km/Myr in the South Caspian Basin margin outcrops and up to 3.9 km/Myr in the basin centre. The sedimentation rates are one of the highest in comparison to other sedimentary basins and coeval to global increase in sedimentation rates 2–4 Myr. The older group of detrital zircon grains constitutes the majority of grains in all sample sets (~80%). These older ages are inferred to reflect the provenance of the Productive Series sediment. This sediment is interpreted to have been derived from the Proterozoic and Archean crystalline basement rocks and Phanerozoic cover of the East European Craton, Proterozoic/Palaeozoic rocks of the Ural Mountains and Mesozoic sedimentary rocks of the Greater Caucasus. This sediment was likely supplied from northerly sourced drainage that emptied into the South Caspian Basin.
Getting a Read on Ready To Learn Media: A Meta‐analytic Review of Effects on Literacy
Authors: Hurwitz Lisa B.
Published: February 2018

Most U.S. preschoolers have consumed media created with funding from the U.S. Department of Education's Ready To Learn (RTL) initiative, which was established to promote school readiness among children ages 2–8. Synthesizing data from 45 evaluations (N = 24,624 unique child participants), this meta‐analysis examined the effects of RTL media exposure on young children's literacy skills. Results indicate positive effects of RTL media exposure on children's literacy outcomes, especially vocabulary and phonological concepts. These effects are equivalent to about one‐and‐a‐half months of literacy learning above and beyond typical growth. Findings are robust across a variety of research designs and for exposure to both television and new media. These results are discussed in terms of accountability evidence for RTL and larger debates in scholarly understanding of educational media effects.
Corticostriatal network dysfunction in Huntington's disease: Deficits in neural processing, glutamate transport, and ascorbate release
Authors: Rebec George V.
Published: February 2018

Aims

This review summarizes evidence for dysfunctional connectivity between cortical and striatal neurons in Huntington's disease (HD), a fatal neurodegenerative condition caused by a single gene mutation. The focus is on data derived from recording of electrophysiological signals in behaving transgenic mouse models.

Discussions

Firing patterns of individual neurons and the frequency oscillations of local field potentials indicate a disruption in corticostriatal processing driven, in large part, by interactions between cells that contain the mutant gene rather than the mutant gene alone. Dysregulation of glutamate, an excitatory amino acid released by cortical afferents, plays a key role in the breakdown of corticostriatal communication, a process modulated by ascorbate, an antioxidant vitamin found in high concentration in striatum. Up‐regulation of glutamate transport by drug administration or viral‐vector delivery improves ascorbate homeostasis and neurobehavioral processing in HD mice. Further analysis of electrophysiological data, including the use of sophisticated computational strategies, is required to discern how behavioral demands modulate the flow of corticostriatal information and its disruption by HD.

Conclusions

Long before massive cell loss occurs, HD impairs the mechanisms by which cortical and striatal neurons communicate. A key problem identified in transgenic animal models is dysregulation of the dynamic changes in extracellular glutamate and ascorbate. Improved understanding of how these neurochemical systems impact corticostriatal communication is necessary before an effective therapeutic strategy can emerge.
How to Create Shared Symbols
Authors: Fay Nicolas , Walker Bradley , Swoboda Nik , Garrod Simon
Published: February 2018

Human cognition and behavior are dominated by symbol use. This paper examines the social learning strategies that give rise to symbolic communication. Experiment 1 contrasts an individual‐level account, based on observational learning and cognitive bias, with an inter‐individual account, based on social coordinative learning. Participants played a referential communication game in which they tried to communicate a range of recurring meanings to a partner by drawing, but without using their conventional language. Individual‐level learning, via observation and cognitive bias, was sufficient to produce signs that became increasingly effective, efficient, and shared over games. However, breaking a referential precedent eliminated these benefits. The most effective, most efficient, and most shared signs arose when participants could directly interact with their partner, indicating that social coordinative learning is important to the creation of shared symbols. Experiment 2 investigated the contribution of two distinct aspects of social interaction: behavior alignment and concurrent partner feedback. Each played a complementary role in the creation of shared symbols: Behavior alignment primarily drove communication effectiveness, and partner feedback primarily drove the efficiency of the evolved signs. In conclusion, inter‐individual social coordinative learning is important to the evolution of effective, efficient, and shared symbols.
Inverse association of insulin antibody levels with insulin sensitivity in adults with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Burkart V. , Strassburger K. , Zivehe F. , Markgraf D. , Herder C. , Müssig K. , Szendroedi J. , Schloot N. , Roden M. ,   the GDS Group
Published: February 2018

Aims

Insulin resistance may contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune‐mediated diabetes. Antibodies against β‐cell‐associated molecules, comprising islet cell antigen (ICA), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and insulin, characterize the autoimmune process. Because the link between insulin resistance and autoimmunity might be relevant for disease progression and treatment, we hypothesized that insulin resistance associates positively with β‐cell‐directed antibodies in newly diagnosed Type 1 diabetes.

Methods

Within the German Diabetes Study, an observational study including adults with newly diagnosed diabetes, 142 adults [84 men, 58 women; age 33.1 (26.4, 41.9) years; diabetes duration 6.3 (4.2, 9.1) months] positive for at least one antibody against ICA, GAD or insulin underwent hyperinsulinaemic–euglycaemic clamp tests to assess insulin sensitivity (M‐value) in a cross‐sectional setting.

Results

Insulin‐directed antibodies were inversely correlated with M‐values (β = −0.039). Albeit not strong, the association persisted after adjustment for age, sex and BMI, and even after further adjustment for confounders reflecting exposure to exogenous insulin and residual β‐cell secretory capacity. Correlation network‐based analyses revealed a complex interaction between levels of fasting insulin and of insulin antibodies with respect to their relationship with the M‐value. GAD‐ or ICA‐directed antibodies did not correlate with insulin sensitivity.

Conclusions

In adults with recent‐onset Type 1 diabetes expressing at least one β‐cell‐directed antibody, insulin sensitivity is inversely related to insulin antibody titres, but not to other autoantibodies. Our finding may allow for the identification of insulin resistance in adults with high levels of insulin antibodies.
Continuing rise of Type 2 diabetes incidence in children and young people in the UK
Authors: Candler T. P. , Mahmoud O. , Lynn R. M. , Majbar A. A. , Barrett T. G. , Shield J. P. H.
Published: February 2018

Aims

To estimate the incidence of Type 2 diabetes in children aged <17 years, compare this with similar data 10 years ago, and characterize clinical features at diagnosis in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Methods

Using the British Paediatric Surveillance Unit reporting framework, cases of Type 2 diabetes diagnosed in children aged <17 years between 1 April 2015 and 30 April 2016 were reported each month.

Results

A total of 106 cases were reported, giving a UK incidence of 0.72/100 000 (95% CI 0.58–0.88). Children from ethnic minorities had significantly higher incidence compared with white children (0.44/100 000) with rates of 2.92/100 000 and 1.67/100 000, in Asian and BACBB (black/African/Caribbean/black British) children respectively. Sixty‐seven percent were girls and 81% had a family history of Type 2 diabetes. The mean BMI sd score at diagnosis was 2.89 (2.88, girls; 2.92, boys); 81% were obese. Children of Asian ethnicity had a significantly lower BMI sd score compared with white children (P<0.001). There was a trend in increased incidence from 2005 to 2015, with a rate ratio of 1.35 (95% CI 0.99–1.84), although this was not statistically significant (P=0.062). There was statistical evidence of increased incidence among girls (P=0.03) and children of South‐Asian ethnicity (P=0.01) when comparing the 2005 and 2015 surveys.

Conclusions

Type 2 diabetes remains far less common than Type 1 diabetes in childhood in the UK, but the number of cases continues to rise, with significantly increased incidence among girls and South‐Asian children over a decade. Female gender, family history, non‐white ethnicity and obesity were found to be strongly associated with the condition.
Polyvalvular heart disease syndrome
Authors: Kerut Edmund Kenneth , Ascuitto Robert , Ross‐Ascuitto Nancy , McKinnie James J.
Published: February 2018

An adult case of polyvalvular heart disease syndrome diagnosed in an adult is presented. The characteristic facies and echocardiographic features of this rare autosomal dominant connective tissue disorder are presented.
Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients in sinus rhythm, normal left ventricular function, and indeterminate diastolic function
Authors: Shimron Matan , Williams Lynne , Hazanov Yevgeni , Ghanim Diab , Kinany Wadia , Amir Offer , Carasso Shemy
Published: February 2018

Background

Diastolic dysfunction (DDFx) is the major underlying mechanism of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (EF). Yet, the echocardiographic diagnosis of DDFx in patients in sinus rhythm is challenging and up to 25% of studies have discrepant measures making assessment of DDFx indeterminate. We aimed to describe the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of patients with indeterminate diastolic function compared to patients with definite normal and abnormal diastolic function.

Methods

One thousand six hundred seventy‐four patients were identified from the echocardiography database in sinus rhythm, EF ≥ 45% without wall‐motion abnormalities, valvular, congenital heart diseases, cardiomyopathies or pulmonary disease. Patients were divided according to their lateral mitral E/Eʹ ratio and left atrial systolic diameter: normal diastolic function (DFx) (left atrial systolic diameter [LASd] <40 mm, E/Eʹ < 10), DDFx (LASd ≥ 40 mm, E/Eʹ ≥ 10) and indeterminate DFx (discrepant LASd diameter and E/Eʹ ratio).

Results

Clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of the 3 groups, DDFx (n = 186), indeterminate diastolic function (IndtDFx) (n = 207), and normal diastolic function (NDFx) (n = 1281) were significantly different. IndtDFx demonstrated intermediate parameter abnormalities, largely overlapping with DDFx. LASd and E/Eʹ were similarly associated with the inability to determine diastolic function. Age, female gender, renal failure, E/Eʹ and pulmonary pressure were found to be independent predictors of heart failure symptoms (RR = 1.02, 1.5, 2.5, 1.1, 1.1, respectively, P < .0001, r = .35).

Conclusion

Clinically and echocardiographically patients with IndtDFx are more closely related to DDfx than to NDFx. Although LAd was abnormal in IndtDFx it was not predictive of heart failure symptoms. Further study is suggested to establish whether LA function rather than its maximal size can provide additional information.
Acute myocarditis with thrombus near left ventricular outflow tract
Authors: Whitehead Nicholas J. , Murch Stuart , Leitch James W. , Hackworthy Rosemary A.
Published: February 2018

A young woman presented with fulminant heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe left ventricular dysfunction with a mass adjacent to the basal anterior wall, near the left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The cause of the acute heart failure and mass was unclear. Transesophageal echocardiography, with contrast, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging findings were consistent with thrombus near the LVOT. Cardiac biopsy suggested giant cell myocarditis. The patient was treated with anticoagulation, steroids, and heart failure medications with resolution of the thrombus. This case was remarkable for the location of thrombus at the base of the ventricle.
THE AGENCY OF POLITICS AND SCIENCE
Authors: Gerber Anke , Haita‐Falah Corina , Lange Andreas
Published: February 2018

We study a principal‐agent relationship between a politician and a researcher that captures stylized facts regarding the involvement of politics into scientific research. The politician has some ideal policy that he would like to implement, but needs to contract with a researcher to choose a policy that is supported by scientific advice. We study the implemented contracts under symmetric and under asymmetric information about the researcher's ability and concern for reputation, and discuss with which types of researchers the politician will contract. We identify several conflicts between the interests of voters and those of the politician. (JELD72, D82, D83)
Pilot towards developing a school mental health service: Experiences and lessons learnt in implementing Kenya integrated intervention model for dialogue and screening to promote children's mental well‐being
Authors: Mutiso Victoria N. , Musyimi Christine W. , Musau Abednego M. , Nandoya Erick S. , Mckenzie Kwame , Ndetei David M.
Published: February 2018

Aim

This paper aims at documenting the process of implementing "Kenya Integrated intervention model for Dialogue and Screening to promote children's mental wellbeing (KIDS)", with emphasis on activities, experiences, challenges and lessons learnt through the process that can inform improvement in Kenya and other social‐economically and culturally similar settings.

Methods

KIDS aimed at providing early and integrated culturally acceptable intervention to promote child mental health in 6 to 13 year olds, targeting 5429 children in 24 schools. It was a pilot study conducted in 2 administrative counties in Kenya (Machakos and Makueni). The main goal of this study was to test the efficacy and feasibility of the proposed model that incorporated several significant stakeholders.

Results

The implementation of KIDS was grouped into 6 stepwise and 2 ongoing processes: (1) Stakeholder engagement and collaboration; (2) Selecting, adapting, translating, piloting and adopting the study tools; (3) Conducting Participatory Theory of Change (ToC); (4) Building the capacity of the key implementing partners; (5) Community awareness and psycho‐education, (6) Using school‐based life skills and peer clubs counselling to provide psychosocial support; (7) Ongoing monitoring, supervision and quality assurance and (8) Ongoing knowledge exchange and dissemination. Specific logistical challenges and possible solutions for future school mental health services are also stated in this article.

Conclusion

KIDS is a feasible model for school mental health service programme in Kenya but there are challenges which provide innovative opportunities for better designed school mental health services programme.
First report of invasive brown marmorated stink bug Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) in Croatia
Authors: Šapina I. , Jelaska L. Šerić
Published: February 2018

The brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål, 1855) (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Pentatomidae), has been spreading over Europe since the first documented records from Liechtenstein in 2004 and Switzerland in 2007. It is considered to be a pest in many agricultural crops and a household nuisance. In 2017 the species was observed in Croatia for the first time, in the city of Rijeka on the north Adriatic coast. Halyomorpha halys has already been recorded in three nearby countries (Italy, Hungary and Serbia), and therefore the arrival of this species had been expected from neighbouring populations or from distant sources via trading goods. To identify the pathway of entry, the haplotypes of H. halys (Stål, 1855) individuals were analysed by comparing a part of the mitochondrial COI gene with other haplotypes present in the GenBank database. Individual specimens shared the most common haplotype with nearby Italian and Hungarian populations.
Beyond the snapshot: Landscape genetic analysis of time series data reveal responses of American black bears to landscape change
Authors: Draheim Hope M. , Moore Jennifer A. , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Scribner Kim T.
Published: February 2018

Landscape genetic studies typically focus on the evolutionary processes that give rise to spatial patterns that are quantified at a single point in time. Although landscape change is widely recognized as a strong driver of microevolutionary processes, few landscape genetic studies have directly evaluated the change in spatial genetic structure (SGS) over time with concurrent changes in landscape pattern. We introduce a novel approach to analyze landscape genetic data through time. We demonstrate this approach using genotyped samples (n = 569) from a large black bear (Ursus americanus) population in Michigan (USA) that were harvested during 3 years (2002, 2006, and 2010). We identified areas that were consistently occupied over this 9‐year period and quantified temporal variation in SGS. Then, we evaluated alternative hypotheses about effects of changes in landscape features (e.g., deforestation or crop conversion) on fine‐scale SGS among years using spatial autoregressive modeling and model selection. Relative measures of landscape change such as magnitude of landscape change (i.e., number of patches changing from suitable to unsuitable states or vice versa), and during later periods, measures of fragmentation (i.e., patch aggregation and cohesion) were associated with change in SGS. Our results stress the importance of conducting time series studies for the conservation and management of wildlife inhabiting rapidly changing landscapes.
Involving children and young people in clinical research through the forum of a European Young Persons’ Advisory Group: needs and challenges
Authors: Gaillard Segolene , Malik Salma , Preston Jenny , Escalera Begonya Nafria , Dicks Pamela , Touil Nathalie , Mardirossian Sandrine , Claverol‐Torres Joana , Kassaï Behrouz
Published: February 2018

Children and young people are seen as fundamental to the design and delivery of clinical research as active and reflective participants. In Europe, involvement of children and young people in clinical research is promoted extensively in order to engage young people in research as partners and to give them a voice to raise their own issues or opinions and for their involvement in planning and decision making in addition to learning research skills. Children and young people can be trained in clinical research through participation in young person advisory groups (YPAGs). Members of YPAGs assist other children and young people to learn about clinical research and share their experience and point of view with researchers, thereby possibly influencing all phases of research including the development and prioritization of research questions, design and methods, recruitment plans, and strategies for results dissemination. In the long term, the expansion of YPAGs in Europe will serve as a driving force for refining pediatric clinical research. It will help in a better definition of research projects according to the patients’ needs. Furthermore, direct engagement of children and young people in research will be favorable to both researchers and young people.
Postdialysis recovery time is extended in patients with greater self‐reported depression screening questionnaire scores
Authors: Davenport Andrew , Guirguis Ayman , Almond Michael , Day Clara , Chilcot Joseph , Da Silva Gane Maria , Fineberg Naomi , Friedl Karin , Spencer Benjamin , Wellsted David , Farrington Ken
Published: February 2018

Introduction: Most patients take time to recover after a hemodialysis (HD) session. It has been suggested that recovery time is associated with intradialytic hypotension and rapid solute clearances. Other studies have reported a linkage to depression. We investigated the association between recovery time and intradialytic hypotension and depression.

Methods: In five UK HD units, we screened for depressive symptoms using the Beck depression inventory‐II, Patient Health Questionnaire, and recorded sessional blood pressures and Kt/Vurea.

Findings: Seven hundred and one HD patients were studied; 63.6% male, mean age 64.1 ± 16.6 years, 33.5% diabetic. About 24.1% recovered in <1 hour, 27% 1–4 hours, 15.4% 4–8 hours, 10.7% 8–12 hours, and 22.8% after 12 hours. Systolic blood pressure fell by ≥20 mmHg in 30.9% postdialysis, and to <100 mmHg in 7.6%. In multivariate analysis, patients with recovery times >1 hour were more likely to be female, have high self‐reported Beck depression inventory‐II scores, a past medical history of depression, and be living without a partner. Longer recovery times were also associated with very low postdialysis systolic blood pressures (<100 mmHg), and higher body weight. However, the model predicted only 18% of the variation in recovery times. We found no association between recovery times and short‐term mortality risk.

Discussion: Prolonged postdialysis recovery times are associated with higher self‐reported depression scores, and very low postdialysis blood pressure. Future studies investigating changes in dialysis practice and recovery times will need to target strategies to prevent intradialytic hypotension and adjust for patient psychological status.
Enforcement quality and the use of earnouts in M&A transactions: International evidence
Authors: Viarengo Luca , Gatti Stefano , Prencipe Annalisa
Published: February 2018

Earnouts are contractual agreements in merger and acquisition (M&A) deals that link part of the acquisition price to the future performance of the target company. These contracts seem to be a panacea for adverse selection and valuation risk issues in M&As. However, earnouts are not very popular. A likely reason for their limited diffusion is that earnouts have their origin in disagreement and in disagreement they may end: given the complexity of the verification of their outcome and the risk of moral hazard by the bidder, litigation at the time of their payout is far from uncommon. Absent effective legal protection for earnout holders, the potential benefits of these contracts could turn out to be empty promises, thus limiting incentives to include them in acquisition deals. Using an international sample of 37,228 deals completed between 2000 and 2015, we show that the inclusion of these contracts in M&As is significantly related to a country's enforcement quality. Furthermore, we show that a similar relation holds for the proportion of earnout payments with respect to total consideration. Our results hold after controlling for other determinants of earnout suggested by prior literature and for other institutional factors that could affect the use of earnouts.
Effect of caloric restriction on depression
Authors: Manchishi Stephen Malunga , Cui Ran Ji , Zou Xiao Han , Cheng Zi Qian , Li Bing jin
Published: February 2018

Recently, most of evidence shows that caloric restriction could induce antidepressant‐like effects in animal model of depression. Based on studies of the brain–gut axis, some signal pathways were common between the control of caloric restriction and depression. However, the specific mechanism of the antidepressant‐like effects induced by caloric restriction remains unclear. Therefore, in this article, we summarized clinical and experimental studies of caloric restriction on depression. This review may provide a new therapeutic strategy for depression.
Reporting quality of trial abstracts—improved yet suboptimal: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Chhapola Viswas , Tiwari Soumya , Brar Rekha , Kanwal Sandeep Kumar
Published: February 2018

Objectives

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of literature to determine if the publication of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) abstract guideline in 2008 was followed by change in reporting quality of randomized controlled trial (RCT) abstracts.

Study design and settings

Evaluations were included if they compared reporting quality of RCT abstracts before and after the publication of CONSORT–abstract guideline. The literature search was performed (January 2008 to April 2017) in Medline (Ovid), EMbase, CINAHL plus and Cochrane methodologies register. We assessed study validity with a special validity tool, adapted from a previous Cochrane review.

Results

Initial search identified 4142 articles, of which total 10 evaluations including 5184 abstracts were included. Total 22 outcomes related to individual items of CONSORT–abstract guideline were assessed, and 14 showed significant effect sizes favoring CONSORT–abstract guideline. Despite significant effect size, the overall post‐CONSORT reporting (PCR) was suboptimal for ten items: title (RR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.23 to 1.59, PCR = 53.4%), participants (RR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.26, PCR = 24.5%), primary outcome (RR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.23, PCR = 65%), blinding (RR = 2.13, 95% CI 1.20 to 3.76, PCR = 13.9%), trial status (RR = 1.81, 95% 1.39 to 2.35, PCR = 10.6%), numbers analyzed (RR = 1.51, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.98, PCR = 26.5%), outcome (RR = 1.40, 95% 1.05 to 1.86, PCR = 21.9%), effect size and precision (RR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.19, PCR = 58.9%), harms (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.48, PCR = 41.8%), trial registration (RR = 2.02, 95% CI 1.63 to 2.50, PCR = 33.8%). Three items with favorable effect size in addition had wide CIs: randomization (RR = –4.28, 95% CI 1.56 to 11.75, PCR = –3.3%), allocation concealment (RR = –19.89, 95% CI 1.54 to 256.69, PCR = –5.7%), and funding (RR = –22.61, 95% CI 8.13 to 62.67, PCR = –11.32%).

Conclusion

The change in reporting quality of RCT abstracts is far from satisfactory, as evidenced by suboptimal post‐CONSORT rates and wide CIs of effect sizes for majority of improved items. Mere publication of CONSORT–abstract guideline, without strict endorsement has failed to translate into good quality abstracts.
Effects of nurses’ emotional intelligence on their organizational citizenship behavior, with mediating effects of leader trust and value congruence
Authors: Lim So‐Hee , Han Sang‐Sook , Joo Yun‐Su
Published: February 2018

Aim

To investigate the causal relationship between nurses’ emotional intelligence and their organizational citizenship behavior and the possible mediating effects of leader trust and value congruence.

Methods

The participants were 348 nurses who were working in a general hospital in a metropolitan area. The data were collected from December 16, 2012 to February 20, 2013. The hypothetical model of emotional intelligence, organizational citizenship behavior, leader trust, and value congruence was fitted to the actual data via structural equation modeling.

Result

The leaders’ emotional intelligence had a direct positive effect on leader trust and value congruence; however, the nurses’ own emotional intelligence had a negative effect on these two variables. Furthermore, leader trust had a direct positive effect on organizational citizenship behavior; value congruence had no such relationship. The nurses’ emotional intelligence had a partial, indirect effect on organizational citizenship behavior via leader trust.

Conclusion

In a nursing organization, it is necessary to build a system, such as mentoring, to be able to exchange emotions actively among the members in order to enhance emotional intelligence and have the same values between leaders and members throughout open communication. Therefore, nurse managers can contribute greatly to the enhancement of organizational performance by promoting members’ organizational citizenship behavior through improving their relationships with them and gaining their trust, while concurrently making efforts to further develop their emotional intelligence.
Deviations from Covered Interest Rate Parity
Authors: DU WENXIN , TEPPER ALEXANDER , VERDELHAN ADRIEN
Published: February 2018

We find that deviations from the covered interest rate parity (CIP) condition imply large, persistent, and systematic arbitrage opportunities in one of the largest asset markets in the world. Contrary to the common view, these deviations for major currencies are not explained away by credit risk or transaction costs. They are particularly strong for forward contracts that appear on banks' balance sheets at the end of the quarter, pointing to a causal effect of banking regulation on asset prices. The CIP deviations also appear significantly correlated with other fixed income spreads and with nominal interest rates.
Implementation of a new patient education programme for renal transplant recipients
Authors: Urstad Kristin H. , Wahl Astrid K. , Engebretsen Eivind , Larsen Marie H. , Vidnes Tone K. , Stenwig Anne G. K. , Simensen Øystein W. , Nordli Arve , Reisæter Anna V. , Andersen Marit H.
Published: February 2018

Background

Nurses’ strategies regarding patient education should be informed by the best available research evidence. Clinical nurses play an essential role in implementing new patient education programmes for renal transplant recipients.

Aim

This study investigated transplant nurse job satisfaction, competence, training and perceptions of quality of care in relation to the implementation of a new, evidence‐based, patient education programme. This paper reports the results from the first part of an implementation study.

Methods

Data were collected in the form of a survey from 50 clinical transplant nurses at a single national transplant centre in Norway in 2015, six months after the patient education programme was implemented. A descriptive, cross‐sectional design was used.

Results

Seventy‐two percent of the respondents reported that they had sufficient knowledge about the new programme; 54.4 % stated that the new programme resulted in renal transplant recipients being better educated. The new programme was found to be more structured, patient‐centered and visible for the nurses across the wards, as compared with their previous practice. Nurses with less nursing experience were significantly more motivated about the new patient education programme, than the more experienced nurses (p = 0.05).

Conclusions

Nurses were generally satisfied with their new patient education practice. Knowledge derived from the research evidence on patient education was found to be valuable and transferable to everyday clinical nursing practice.
Effect of sotalol on heart rate, QT interval, and atrial fibrillation cycle length in horses with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Decloedt Annelies , Broux Barbara , De Clercq Dominique , Deprez Piet , Van Steenkiste Glenn , Vera Lisse , Ven Sofie , van Loon Gunther
Published: February 2018

Background

Based on its pharmacokinetic profile and electrophysiological effects in healthy horses, sotalol potentially could be used as a long‐term PO antiarrhythmic drug in horses.

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of sotalol on heart rate (HR), QT interval, atrial fibrillatory rate, and success of cardioversion in horses with naturally occurring chronic atrial fibrillation (AF).

Animals

Twenty‐eight horses referred for transvenous electrical cardioversion of AF were treated with 2 mg/kg sotalol PO q12h for 3 days before cardioversion, and 13 horses underwent the same protocol without sotalol administration.

Methods

Retrospective study. Before and after sotalol or no treatment, the HR was measured at rest and during an exercise test. The QT interval and atrial fibrillation cycle length (AFCL) were measured at rest using tissue Doppler velocity imaging.

Results

In the control group, no significant differences were found between the 2 examinations. In the sotalol group, the HR at rest and during exercise was significantly lower after sotalol treatment, whereas the QT interval and AFCL measured by tissue Doppler increased significantly. Cardioversion to sinus rhythm was achieved in 25/28 horses in the sotalol group and all horses in the control group, but the median number of shocks and energy at cardioversion were significantly lower in the sotalol group.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

In horses with AF, sotalol administration results in class III antiarrhythmic effects and β‐blocking activity, with moderate HR reduction during exercise.
Catheter‐associated venous air embolism in hospitalized horses: 32 cases
Authors: Parkinson Nicholas J. , McKenzie Harold C. , Barton Michelle H. , Davis Jennifer L. , Dunkel Bettina , Johnson Amy L. , MacDonald Elizabeth S.
Published: February 2018

Background

Venous air embolism is a potentially life‐threatening complication of IV catheter use in horses. Despite widespread anecdotal reports of their occurrence, few cases have been reported in the literature and the prognosis is currently unknown.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Our objective was to describe the surrounding circumstances, clinical signs, treatment, progression, and outcome of venous air embolism in hospitalized horses.

Animals

Thirty‐two horses with acute onset of compatible clinical signs associated with IV catheter disconnection or damage.

Methods

Multicenter retrospective study. Data extracted from clinical records included signalment, presenting complaint, catheter details, clinical signs, treatments, and outcome.

Results

Most cases resulted from extension set disconnection occurring within approximately 24 hours after catheter placement. In fewer horses, extension set damage was cited as a cause. Common clinical signs included tachycardia, tachypnea, recumbency, muscle fasciculations and agitation, with abnormal behavior including kicking and flank biting. Less commonly, pathological arrhythmias or more severe neurologic signs, including blindness and seizures, were noted. Progression was unpredictable, with some affected horses developing delayed‐onset neurologic signs. Mortality was 6/32 (19%), including 2 cases of sudden death and other horses euthanized because of persistent neurologic deficits. Negative outcomes were more common in horses with recorded blindness, sweating or recumbency, but blindness resolved in 5/8 affected horses.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The prognosis for resolution of clinical signs after air embolism is fair, but permanent neurologic deficits or pathologic cardiac arrhythmias can arise. Unpredictable progression warrants close monitoring. Systematic clinic‐based surveillance could provide additional useful information to aid prevention.
Using Corpus‐Based Register Analysis to Explore the Authenticity of High‐Stakes Language Exams: A Register Comparison of TOEFL iBT and Disciplinary Writing Tasks
Authors: STAPLES SHELLEY , BIBER DOUGLAS , REPPEN RANDI
Published: February 2018

One of the central considerations in the validity argument for the TOEFL iBT is the relationship between the language on the exam and the language required for university courses. Corpus linguistics has recently been shown to be an effective way to explore this relationship, which can also be considered as an aspect of authenticity. Applying Multi‐Dimensional Analysis, our study is the first to directly compare the lexico‐grammatical characteristics of texts produced by second language writers on a high‐stakes standardized exam (the TOEFL iBT) to the characteristics of texts produced by the same writers for disciplinary writing tasks required as part of their academic career (e.g., lab reports, argumentative essays). Our findings show that the language of TOEFL iBT tasks have patterns of both similarity and difference from disciplinary tasks with respect to four linguistic dimensions of language use: (a) Compressed Procedural Information versus Stance toward the Work of Others, (b) Personal Stance, (c) Possible versus Completed Events, and (d) Information Density. Integrated iBT tasks show similarities to certain kinds of disciplinary tasks, while independent iBT tasks differ linguistically from almost all disciplinary writing tasks. These general patterns hold regardless of the score levels of test takers. We discuss the implications of these findings for language teaching and assessment.
When Formal Negotiations Fail: Strategic Negotiation, Ripeness Theory, and the Kerry Initiative
Authors: Ramsbotham Oliver , Schiff Amira
Published: February 2018

This study takes the failure of Secretary of State Kerry's efforts to mediate negotiations aimed at resolving the Israeli–Palestinian conflict as a case study and asks what can be done in intractable cases where efforts at conflict resolution have failed. It suggests a move from conflict resolution to conflict engagement in these cases; this entails preparing the ground for formal negotiation within a wider and prior strategic negotiation (SN) framework. We outline a strategic negotiation (SN) approach that aims to supplement existing theoretical and practical approaches in cases that have yet to gain sufficient traction. This new perspective is grounded in the prenegotiation literature, but adds another layer by addressing the circumstances in which conflict parties are not even prepared to undertake the preliminary moves that prenegotiation requires. We suggest how an SN approach might be helpful as an extension and supplement to ripeness theory in the most difficult cases.
The reproductive biology of two poorly known relatives of the fig (Ficus) and insights into the evolution of the fig syconium
Authors: Thorogood Chris , Dalton Naomi , Irvine Aisa , Hiscock Simon
Published: February 2018

We conducted the first detailed investigation of the floral architecture and reproductive biology of two species from the genus Dorstenia, which are poorly known relatives of Ficus (Moraceae). Our aims were to extend and refine knowledge of the understudied genus Dorstenia and to explore possible insights into the evolution of the fig syconium. We characterised four key stages of floral development using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and histological staining. Reproductive biology was found to be complex and species‐specific. Both study species are monoecious and produce an inflorescence of minute male and female flowers. Protogyny, associated with a spatial separation of male and female flowers and asynchronous stamen development, was species‐specific, as was seed set. Our results reveal novel insights into the complex reproductive biology of an under‐studied genus in the family Moraceae. We propose that exploring the reproductive biology of Dorstenia and other poorly known Ficus relatives will provide insights into the evolution of the fig syconium – the unique reproductive structure of this economically and ecologically important genus.
Priority in Being in Aristotle
Authors: Ainsworth Thomas
Published: February 2018

The central notion of Aristotle's metaphysical system is his concept of substance, which he explicates by means of a number of technical concepts, one of which is being prior in being. Unfortunately, the interpretation of priority in being has proven particularly controversial. In theCategoriesand theMetaphysics, Aristotle claims that compound substances can be without things in other categories and notvice versa. If we adopt an existential interpretation of the verb ‘to be’ in these claims, it is hard to see how they can be defended. However, alternative interpretations fall prey to a number of objections, especially that they risk conflating priority in being with priority in definition.
True orthophoto generation using line segment matches
Authors: Wang Qiang , Yan Lei , Sun Yanbiao , Cui Ximin , Mortimer Hugh , Li Yanyan
Published: February 2018

When generating a true orthophoto from aerial urban scenes, especially those containing man‐made features with large height differences, sawtooth effects in feature edges can occur in the rectified images. Aiming to eliminate such effects, this study proposes an advanced orthorectification method using line segment matches, allowing 3D building edges to be accurately reconstructed. The corresponding 2D line segments are first extracted and matched, enabling the reconstruction of 3D line segments by joining two planes and imposing a line end‐point constraint. The 3D line segments are then dissected into discrete 3D points to be incorporated into the 3D point cloud obtained by a dense matching algorithm. Finally, a more complete and accurate triangulated irregular network (TIN) model can be constructed to provide important basic data for true orthophoto production. Experimental results show that sawtooth effects can be eliminated, resulting in significantly improved quality in the true orthophotograph.