bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain activity modifications following spinal cord stimulation for chronic neuropathic pain: A systematic review
Authors: Bentley L. D. , Duarte R. V. , Furlong P. L. , Ashford R. L. , Raphael J. H. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) is believed to exert supraspinal effects; however, these mechanisms are still far from fully elucidated. This systematic review aims to assess existing neurophysiological and functional neuroimaging literature to reveal current knowledge regarding the effects of SCS for chronic neuropathic pain on brain activity, to identify gaps in knowledge, and to suggest directions for future research.Databases and data treatmentElectronic databases and hand‐search of reference lists were employed to identify publications investigating brain activity associated with SCS in patients with chronic neuropathic pain, using neurophysiological and functional neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, PET, MEG, EEG). Studies investigating patients with SCS for chronic neuropathic pain and studying brain activity related to SCS were included. Demographic data (age, gender), study factors (imaging modality, patient diagnoses, pain area, duration of SCS at recording, stimulus used) and brain areas activated were extracted from the included studies.ResultsTwenty‐four studies were included. Thirteen studies used neuroelectrical imaging techniques, eight studies used haemodynamic imaging techniques, two studies employed both neuroelectrical and haemodynamic techniques separately, and one study investigated cerebral neurobiology.ConclusionsThe limited available evidence regarding supraspinal mechanisms of SCS does not allow us to develop any conclusive theories. However, the studies included appear to show an inhibitory effect of SCS on somatosensory evoked potentials, as well as identifying the thalamus and anterior cingulate cortex as potential mediators of the pain experience. The lack of substantial evidence in this area highlights the need for large‐scale controlled studies of this kind.
House Prices and Current Account Imbalances in OECD Countries
Authors: Arestis Philip , Gonzalez‐Martinez Ana Rosa 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis contribution attempts to provide theoretical propositions and empirical evidence on the ‘obscure’ relationship between current account imbalances and house prices. We propose a theoretical framework, which studies the interaction between house prices and current account imbalances and also pays special attention to the role played by fiscal and monetary policies. In a second stage of this contribution, our theoretical framework is estimated empirically by using data from 17 OECD economies, which spans the period 1970–2013. In doing so, the least squares technique with breakpoints is employed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of chitosan/poly‐γ‐glutamic acid/pluronic/curcumin nanoparticles in chitosan dressings for wound regeneration
Authors: Lin Yu‐Hsin , Lin Jui‐Hsiang , Hong Ya‐Shiuan 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe hydrophobic polyphenol curcumin has anti‐inflammatory, antimicrobial, and wound‐healing properties that warrant its pharmacological consideration. We report a curcumin nanoparticle with a tripolymeric composite that can be used as a delivery device for wound healing. The present composite nanoparticles were prepared with three biocompatible polymers of chitosan, poly‐γ‐glutamic acid, and pluronic using a simple ionic gelation technology. Pluronic was used to enhance the solubility of curcumin in chitosan/poly‐γ‐glutamic acid nanoparticles, leading to the incorporation of chitosan/poly‐γ‐glutamic acid/pluronic/curcumin nanoparticles into chitosan membranes, and reduced inflammation and bacterial infection during wound regeneration. Nanoparticles were of 193.1 ± 8.9 nm and had a zeta potential of 20.6 ± 2.4 mV. Moreover, in vitro analyses indicated controlled curcumin release in a simulated skin tissue model. Subsequent in vivo studies show that chitosan wound dressing containing chitosan/poly‐γ‐glutamic acid/pluronic/curcumin nanoparticles promoted neocollagen regeneration and tissue reconstruction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 81–90, 2017.
Improving healthcare worker hand hygiene adherence before patient contact: A multimodal intervention of hand hygiene practice in Three Japanese tertiary care centers
Authors: Sakihama Tomoko , Honda Hitoshi , Saint Sanjay , Fowler Karen E. , Kamiya Toru , Sato Yumiko , Iuchi Ritsuko , Tokuda Yasuharu 
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUNDThough hand hygiene is an important method of preventing healthcare‐associated infection, we found suboptimal hand hygiene adherence among healthcare workers in 4 diverse Japanese hospitals (adherence rates of 11%–25%).OBJECTIVEOur goal was to assess multimodal hand hygiene intervention coupled with a contest to improve hand hygiene adherence.SETTINGA total of 3 to 4 inpatient wards in 3 Japanese hospitals.DESIGNPre‐post intervention study.INTERVENTIONThe intervention was a multimodal hand hygiene intervention recommended by the World Health Organization that was tailored to each facility. The hospital with the highest adherence after the intervention was given $5000 US dollars and a trophy, provided by an American coinvestigator unaffiliated with any of the Japanese hospitals.MEASUREMENTWe tracked hand hygiene adherence rates before patient contact for each unit and hospital and compared these to pre‐intervention adherence rates.RESULTSWe observed 2982 postintervention provider‐patient encounters in 10 units across 3 hospitals. Hand hygiene adherence rates were improved overall after the intervention (18% pre‐ to 33% postintervention; P < 0.001), but postintervention adherence rates varied considerably: hospital A + 29%, B + 5%, C + 8%. Hospital A won the contest with 40% adherence after the intervention.CONCLUSIONSUsing a novel contest coupled with a multimodal intervention successfully improved hand hygiene rates among Japanese healthcare workers. Given the overall low rates, however, further improvement is necessary. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2016;11:199–205. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Reliability and Validity of the Chinese Version of the Solution‐Focused Inventory in College Students
Authors: Yang Hongfei , Hai Tang 
Published: October 2015

The psychometrics of the Chinese Solution‐Focused Inventory (CSFI) was studied in Chinese college students. Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the 3‐factor structure. All subscales showed good reliability and convergent and incremental validity. Results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that the 3 subscales accounted for additional variance in psychological adjustment above and beyond resilience. These findings indicated that the CSFI is reliable and valid. Implications, limitations, and future study orientations are discussed.Se estudió la psicometría del Inventario Chino Centrado en Soluciones (CSFI, por sus siglas en inglés) en estudiantes universitarios chinos. El análisis de confirmación de factores confirmó la estructura de 3 factores. Todas las subescalas mostraron buena confiabilidad, además de validez convergente y progresiva. Los resultados de los análisis de regresión jerárquica indicaron que las 3 subescalas representaron la varianza adicional en el ajuste psicológico más allá de la resiliencia. Estos hallazgos indicaron que el CSFI es válido y confiable. Se discuten las implicaciones, limitaciones y orientaciones para estudios futuros.
Negative bias illumination stress assessment of indium gallium zinc oxide thin‐film transistors
Authors: Hoshino Ken , Wager John 
Published: October 2015

AbstractElectrical performance stability of indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) is evaluated under negative bias illumination stress (NBIS). A bottom‐gate IGZO TFT whose top surface is passivated with zinc tin silicon oxide (ZTSO) exhibits a dramatic improvement in NBIS stability compared with that of an unpassivated, bottom‐gate IGZO TFT. Oxygen chemisorption/desorption at the channel layer top surface is proposed to explain why an unpassivated TFT exhibits significantly more NBIS than a passivated TFT.
Reliability of measures of quadriceps muscle function using magnetic stimulation
Authors: Tofari Paul J. , Opar David A. , Kemp Justin G. , Billaut Francois , Cormack Stuart 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Magnetic stimulation can be used to assess muscle function by calculating voluntary activation using an interpolated twitch during maximal voluntary contractions (MVCs) and control twitches to potentiated muscle. In this study we assessed the reliability of torque, electromyography (EMG), and voluntary activation variables. Methods: Fifteen men completed 5 testing sessions (2 familiarization and 3 reliability trials) to assess quadriceps femoris muscle function. Intra‐ and interday reliability levels of torque and EMG variables were estimated using typical error ± 90% confidence limits, expressed as percentage [coefficient of variation (CV)] and intraclass correlation coefficient. The smallest worthwhile change was calculated as 0.2 × between‐participant standard deviation. Results: Intra‐ and interday torque variables for MVC were reliable (CV < 4%, ICC 0.98, and CV < 5%, ICC 0.99, respectively). EMG variables were less reliable than torque variables, with CVs ranging from 7% to 18%. Conclusion: Magnetic stimulation of the femoral nerve is a reliable method for assessing muscle function. Muscle Nerve 53: 770–778, 2016
Peritumoral tissue compression is predictive of exudate flux in a rat model of cerebral tumor: an MRI study in an embedded tumor
Authors: Ewing James R. , Nagaraja Tavarekere N. , Aryal Madhava P. , Keenan Kelly A. , Elmghirbi Rasha , Bagher‐Ebadian Hassan , Panda Swayamprava , Lu Mei , Mikkelsen Tom , Cabral Glauber , Brown Stephen L. 
Published: October 2015

MRI estimates of extracellular volume and tumor exudate flux in peritumoral tissue are demonstrated in an experimental model of cerebral tumor. Peritumoral extracellular volume predicted the tumor exudate flux.Eighteen RNU athymic rats were inoculated intracerebrally with U251MG tumor cells and studied with dynamic contrast enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) approximately 18 days post implantation. Using a model selection paradigm and a novel application of Patlak and Logan plots to DCE‐MRI data, the distribution volume (i.e. tissue porosity) in the leaky rim of the tumor and that in the tissue external to the rim (the outer rim) were estimated, as was the tumor exudate flow from the inner rim of the tumor through the outer rim.Distribution volume in the outer rim was approximately half that of the inner adjacent region (p < 1 × 10−4). The distribution volume of the outer ring was significantly correlated (R2 = 0.9) with tumor exudate flow from the inner rim. Thus, peritumoral extracellular volume predicted the rate of tumor exudate flux. One explanation for these data is that perfusion, i.e. the delivery of blood to the tumor, was regulated by the compression of the mostly normal tissue of the tumor rim, and that the tumor exudate flow was limited by tumor perfusion. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The role of illness perceptions in adherence to surveillance in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP)
Authors: Eriksson Lars E. , Fritzell Kaisa , Rixon Lorna , Björk Jan , Wettergren Lena 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the study was to examine patients' beliefs about having familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), a hereditary colorectal cancer syndrome, and how these beliefs are associated with adherence to endoscopic surveillance.MethodsAdult patients diagnosed with FAP on the national Swedish polyposis register who had undergone prophylactic colorectal surgery (n 209, response rate 76%) completed the Illness Perception Questionnaire (IPQ). Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the relationships between illness perceptions and adherence, when controlling for demographic and clinical factors.ResultsFAP was less distressing in men and those with fewer symptoms, reporting less serious consequences and more coherent understanding of FAP. Non‐adherence (14%) to surveillance was associated with being older, having undergone surgery less recently and no history of malignancy. Patients' beliefs about their FAP were able to explain unique variance in non‐adherence, in particular those who believed FAP was less distressing.ConclusionsPatients who were non‐adherent to endoscopic surveillance had more positive perceptions about their FAP and, in particular, were less emotionally affected compared to those who adhered. As non‐adherence implies a greater risk of future malignancies, special efforts are required to effectively prevent cancer in all patients with FAP. Those who have lived with the condition for a long time, and are not troubled by gastrointestinal symptoms or worried about their FAP, may be in need of specific information and support. Further prospective research is required to examine emotional predictors and consequences of non‐adherence. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Consensusability of linear multi‐agent systems with time delay
Authors: Hou Wenying , Fu Min Yue , Zhang Huanshui 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThis paper studies the consensusability of a continuous‐time linear time‐invariant multi‐agent system (MAS) with time delay in an undirected network with N nodes. We show that the MAS can achieve consensus if and only if N − 1 time‐delay subsystems associated with the eigenvalues of the Laplacian matrix of the network are simultaneously asymptotically stable. By employing a linear matrix inequality (LMI) method, we present a controller design method for a MAS to reach consensus. We also obtain a bound on the maximum time delay for consensusability for a MAS with first‐order integrator dynamics by using frequency‐domain analysis. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of an automated fetal myocardial performance index
Authors: Welsh A. W. , Maheshwari P. , Wang J. , Henry A. , Chang D. , Crispi F. , Gardiner H. M. , Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Meriki N. , Redmond S. , Yagel S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo compare automated measurements of the fetal left myocardial performance index (MPI) with manual measurements for absolute value, repeatability and waveform acceptability.MethodsThis was a multicenter international online study using images from uncomplicated, morphologically normal singleton pregnancies (16–38 weeks' gestation). Single Doppler ultrasound cardiac cycle images of 25 cases were selected, triplicated and randomized (n = 75). Six senior observers, unaware of the repetition of images, manually calculated MPI for each waveform and the results were compared with automation. Intraobserver repeatability and interobserver reproducibility were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and 95% CI. The agreement between each observer's manual MPI measurements and corresponding automated measurements was evaluated using Bland–Altman plots and ICCs with 95% CI. The degree of variation between experts in the classification of fetal MPI waveform quality was assessed using individual cardiac cycle left MPI images previously classified by two authors as ‘optimal’, ‘suboptimal’ or ‘unacceptable’, with 30 images selected for each quality group. Ten images in each category were duplicated and the resulting 120 images were randomized and then classified online by five observers. The kappa statistic (κ) was used to demonstrate interobserver and intraobserver agreement and agreement of classifications by the five observers.ResultsThe automated measurement software returned the same value for any given image, resulting in an ICC of 1.00. Manual measurements had intraobserver repeatability ICC values ranging from 0.69 to 0.97, and the interobserver reproducibility ICC was 0.78. Comparison of automated vs manual MPI absolute measurements for each observer gave ICCs ranging from 0.77 to 0.96. Interobserver image quality classification agreement gave k = 0.69 (P < 0.001), and the intraobserver agreement was variable (κ ranging from 0.40 to 0.81).ConclusionsAutomated fetal MPI provides superior repeatability and reproducibility to manual methodology. Additionally, experts vary significantly when classifying suitability of fetal MPI waveforms. Automated MPI may facilitate clinical translation by removing human subjectivity. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Random walk loop soups and conformal loop ensembles
Authors: van de Brug Tim , Camia Federico , Lis Marcin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe random walk loop soup is a Poissonian ensemble of lattice loops; it has been extensively studied because of its connections to the discrete Gaussian free field, but was originally introduced by Lawler and Trujillo Ferreras as a discrete version of the Brownian loop soup of Lawler and Werner, a conformally invariant Poissonian ensemble of planar loops with deep connections to conformal loop ensembles (CLEs) and the Schramm–Loewner evolution (SLE). Lawler and Trujillo Ferreras showed that, roughly speaking, in the continuum scaling limit, “large” lattice loops from the random walk loop soup converge to “large” loops from the Brownian loop soup. Their results, however, do not extend to clusters of loops, which are interesting because the connection between Brownian loop soup and CLE goes via cluster boundaries. In this paper, we study the scaling limit of clusters of “large” lattice loops, showing that they converge to Brownian loop soup clusters. In particular, our results imply that the collection of outer boundaries of outermost clusters composed of “large” lattice loops converges to CLE.
A comparison of cognitive functioning in long-term care and short-stay nursing home residents
Authors: MANSBACH WILLIAM E. , MACE RYAN A. , CLARK KRISTEN M. , FIRTH ISABELLA M. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTIt can be challenging to provide person-centred care for individuals with cognitive impairment if they are unable to communicate their needs to facility providers clearly. The high base rates of dementia and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in US nursing homes is well documented; however, our understanding of the unique prevalence of cognitive levels in long-term care and short-stay residents is limited. Our aim is to determine whether there are significant differences in specific cognitive levels between these two groups. Long-term care and short-stay residents (N = 579) were randomly selected from 18 Maryland, US skilled nursing facilities; 345 met inclusion criteria for participation (mean age 79.41) and completed a cognitive test (Brief Cognitive Assessment Tool (BCAT)). Based on BCAT scores, 78.9 per cent of the long-term care residents had dementia compared to 61.4 per cent for short-stay residents. The proportions of MCI, mild, and moderate to severe dementia were significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.00). The odds of residents having moderate to severe dementia were 2.76 times greater for long-term care compared to short-stay residents. BCAT total and factor scores were significantly different between long-term care and short-stay nursing home residents (p < 0.001). We discuss the implications of these empirical findings in terms of facilitating person-centred care in nursing homes.
The Changing Tide of Title to Cultural Heritage Objects in UK Museums
Authors: Woodhead Charlotte 
Published: October 2015

Abstract:UK museums are required to present themselves as the ethical guardians rather than simply the owners of their collections (Museums Association Code of Ethics principles 1.0 and 1.3). Museums which are members of the International Council of Museums are required, when acquiring objects for their collections, to ensure that they obtain valid title, rather than simply strict legal title, to the object (ICOM Code of Ethics, principle 2.2). This notion of valid title focuses on the relationship between the current possessor (the museum) and the object. However, one can also see the concept of claimants having moral claims to cultural heritage objects developing in the context of the notion of the “rightful owner” which is a term increasingly deployed to signify the person who has a valid moral, rather than legal, claim to the cultural heritage object (Seventh Report of the Culture Media and Sport Select Committee 1999-2000 [193]).Since 2000 the UK has introduced mechanisms to resolve, in limited circumstances, moral claims to cultural objects of which their owners were dispossessed during the Nazi era. This paper analyses the way in which a concept of moral title can be seen to have developed in the context of the resolution of Nazi era claims by the UK’s Spoliation Advisory Panel. To this end the paper analyses: how far the moral entitlement is linked with the legal title to the object; and whether moral title arises from the morally abhorrent dispossession that befell the claimant or his ancestor or whether it results from the recommendation of the Spoliation Advisory Panel. It is argued that the development of the notion of moral title poses challenges for the future, but an understanding of its role may also inform the resolution of disputes involving cultural heritage objects outside the context of the Nazi era.
Cultural Co-Ownership: Preventing and Solving Cultural Property Claims
Authors: Renold Marc-André 
Published: October 2015

Abstract:Cultural property claims are numerous and of very different nature. Some relate to recent trafficking of cultural property;1some are based on ancient legal grounds which are contested today;2others relate to past wars and colonial times;3others, still, relate to mass spoliations in times of conflict.4In general, though, the original owner seeks to recover what was taken from him, or at least to obtain some form of compensation.5The present owner or possessor is as a matter of principle interested in keeping his possession.6These conflicting positions are often seen as irreconcilable and, indeed, litigation in a traditional manner will bring to the typical “either/or” solution: either I am the owner, or you are. There is no in-between solution.
Cortical hyperostosis as a side-effect of prolonged use of prostaglandins
Authors: Rivero Jiménez Natalia , Bret-Zurita Montserrat , García-Guereta Silva Luis 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCortical hyperostosis is a very uncommon side-effect of prolonged prostaglandin therapy with distinctive radiological signs that may be accompanied by painful swelling of the limbs and responds rapidly to withdrawal of therapy.
Heterogeneity in consumers’ income and pension expectations
Authors: BISSONNETTE LUC , VAN SOEST ARTHUR 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe expectations of economic agents play a crucial role in almost any inter-temporal economic model. Using 2009–12 panel data for a representative sample of the Dutch population, we analyze consumers’ income and pension expectations. We focus on heterogeneity across socioeconomic groups and associations with how consumers perceive the economic and financial crisis. We find that pension expectations become more pessimistic over the 4 years, in line with pension reforms and the crisis. We find substantial differences across groups that are generally plausible and in line with financial theory.