bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inferring implications of climate change in south Florida hardwood hammocks through analysis of metacommunity structure
Authors: Ross Michael S. , Sah Jay P. , Ruiz Pablo L. , Spitzig Adam A. , Subedi Suresh C.
Published: April 2016

Aim

In order to explore how variation in regional biogeography would affect forest responses to climate change, we analysed metacommunity structure of trees in natural forest fragments across a boundary between tropical and sub‐tropical temperature regimes. We wished to determine whether species assemblages were constrained by periodic cold temperatures, dispersal limitation and/or local processes associated with fragment size, and consider how these influences might affect future species migration and community reassembly.

Location

Southeastern Florida, USA.

Methods

We collected complete tree species lists for 144 forest fragments, from our own surveys supplemented by publicly available sources. The resulting species‐by‐site data matrix was re‐ordered based on an ordination that identified the latent environmental axis most responsible for variation in composition, and metacommunity structure was analysed for coherence, turnover and range boundary clumping. Matrix structure was tested for associations with site variables, and with community‐aggregated functional traits related to cold tolerance, dispersal limitation and fragment size.

Results

Forest patch size was the strongest single correlate with composition and species richness, but mean January temperature and a neighbourhood index denoting degree of isolation from other patches contributed significantly to regression models. The species‐by‐site matrix was highly nested, with trees common to small upland fragments in the Everglades interior representing a distinct subset of the richer assemblages found in sites closer to the coast. Interior forests were smaller, more isolated, and subject to cooler minimum temperatures than more coastal forests, and were comprised primarily of early‐successional, animal dispersed species.

Main conclusions

While warming winter temperatures may relax some constraints on the northward migration of tropical species through the region, sea level rise will raise ground water levels, decreasing the size and number of suitable mesic patches, and increasing their isolation. The result will be a loss in tree species diversity, especially among late‐successional, edge‐sensitive species.
Governing Mobility through Humanitarianism in Somalia: Compromising Protection for the Sake of Return
Authors: Horst Cindy , Nur Anab Ibrahim
Published: April 2016

This article aims to contribute to an increased understanding of the importance of migration in humanitarian and ‘post‐humanitarian’ contexts, by exploring the interlinkages between protection and displacement. It argues that the strategies by which conflict‐displaced populations protect themselves are largely based on mobility. Yet, humanitarian approaches to displaced populations do not take sufficient account of the mobility needs of those they assist. Furthermore, the actual location at which aid is provided is affected by funding realities and donor priorities. This article discusses the case of protracted displacement realities of Somali refugees and internally displaced people in Kenya, Somaliland and south‐central Somalia. Based on in‐depth semi‐structured interviews and focus group discussions with humanitarian aid workers and displaced people, the article offers an analysis of the recent ‘stabilization discourse’ that fuels programming directed at the return of displaced Somalis. The authors argue that humanitarian protection is compromised by immobile aid practices and by humanitarian programmes that are guided by states’ interest in refugee return.
Fulfilling Promises of More Substantive Democracy? Post‐neoliberalism and Natural Resource Governance in South America
Authors: Siegel Karen M.
Published: April 2016

Benefiting from the commodity boom, progressive governments across South America have sought to move away from the neoliberal policies adopted previously by strengthening the role of the state and using revenues from commodity exports to address social concerns. This approach, often called neo‐extractivism, has become the main development strategy over the past 15 years. Yet, the increasingly intensive and extensive natural resource exploitation underlying this development strategy has also led to multiple protests and contestations across South America. This article thus examines the relationship between neo‐extractivism as a development strategy and the quality of democracy under progressive governments in South America. On the one hand, neo‐extractivism has allowed states to become more inclusive by paying attention to social concerns which in turn has been an important element in the legitimacy of progressive governments. On the other hand, the reliance on neo‐extractivism as the main development strategy poses important constraints on the ability of post‐neoliberal states to build more substantive democracies which could take into account a variety of positions, give citizens a say in decisions directly affecting their livelihoods, and promote public debates on key questions confronting society.
Evaluation of scoring models for identifying the need for therapeutic intervention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A new prediction score model for Japanese patients
Authors: Iino Chikara , Mikami Tatsuya , Igarashi Takasato , Aihara Tomoyuki , Ishii Kentaro , Sakamoto Jyuichi , Tono Hiroshi , Fukuda Shinsaku
Published: April 2016

Background and Aim

Multiple scoring systems have been developed to predict outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We determined how well these and a newly established scoring model predict the need for therapeutic intervention, excluding transfusion, in Japanese patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Methods

We reviewed data from 212 consecutive patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Patients requiring endoscopic intervention, operation, or interventional radiology were allocated to the therapeutic intervention group. Firstly, we compared areas under the curve for the Glasgow‐Blatchford, Clinical Rockall, and AIMS65 scores. Secondly, the scores and factors likely associated with upper gastrointestinal bleeding were analyzed with a logistic regression analysis to form a new scoring model. Thirdly, the new model and the existing model were investigated to evaluate their usefulness.

Results

Therapeutic intervention was required in 109 patients (51.4%). The Glasgow‐Blatchford score was superior to both the Clinical Rockall and AIMS65 scores for predicting therapeutic intervention need (area under the curve, 0.75 [95% confidence interval, 0.69–0.81] vs 0.53 [0.46–0.61] and 0.52 [0.44–0.60], respectively). Multivariate logistic regression analysis retained seven significant predictors in the model: systolic blood pressure <100 mmHg, syncope, hematemesis, hemoglobin <10 g/dL, blood urea nitrogen ≥22.4 mg/dL, estimated glomerular filtration rate ≤ 60 mL/min per 1.73 m2, and antiplatelet medication. Based on these variables, we established a new scoring model with superior discrimination to those of existing scoring systems (area under the curve, 0.85 [0.80–0.90]).

Conclusion

We developed a superior scoring model for identifying therapeutic intervention need in Japanese patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
Longitudinal development of manual motor ability in autism spectrum disorder from childhood to mid‐adulthood relates to adaptive daily living skills
Authors: Travers Brittany G. , Bigler Erin D. , Duffield Tyler C. , Prigge Molly D.B. , Froehlich Alyson L. , Lange Nicholas , Alexander Andrew L. , Lainhart Janet E.
Published: April 2016

Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit motor difficulties, but it is unknown whether manual motor skills improve, plateau, or decline in ASD in the transition from childhood into adulthood. Atypical development of manual motor skills could impact the ability to learn and perform daily activities across the life span. This study examined longitudinal grip strength and finger tapping development in individuals with ASD (n = 90) compared to individuals with typical development (n = 56), ages 5 to 40 years old. We further examined manual motor performance as a possible correlate of current and future daily living skills. The group with ASD demonstrated atypical motor development, characterized by similar performance during childhood but increasingly poorer performance from adolescence into adulthood. Grip strength was correlated with current adaptive daily living skills, and Time 1 grip strength predicted daily living skills eight years into the future. These results suggest that individuals with ASD may experience increasingly more pronounced motor difficulties from adolescence into adulthood and that manual motor performance in ASD is related to adaptive daily living skills.
Infant learning is influenced by local spurious generalizations
Authors: Gerken LouAnn , Quam Carolyn
Published: April 2016

In previous work, 11‐month‐old infants were able to learn rules about the relation of the consonants in CVCV words from just four examples. The rules involved phonetic feature relations (same voicing or same place of articulation), and infants' learning was impeded when pairs of words allowed alternative possible generalizations (e.g. two words both contained the specific consonants p and t). Experiment 1 asked whether a small number of such spurious generalizations found in a randomly ordered list of 24 different words would also impede learning. It did – infants showed no sign of learning the rule. To ask whether it was the overall set of words or their order that prevented learning, Experiment 2 reordered the words to avoid local spurious generalizations. Infants showed robust learning. Infants thus appear to entertain spurious generalizations based on small, local subsets of stimuli. The results support a characterization of infants as incremental rather than batch learners.
Preliminary evidence of the impact of early childhood maltreatment and a preventive intervention on neural patterns of response inhibition in early adolescence
Authors: Jankowski Kathryn F. , Bruce Jacqueline , Beauchamp Kathryn G. , Roos Leslie E. , Moore William E. , Fisher Philip A.
Published: April 2016

Maltreated youths in foster care often experience negative developmental and psychological outcomes, which have been linked with poor response inhibition. Recent evidence suggests that childhood maltreatment is also associated with alterations in the neural circuitry underlying response inhibition. However, a burgeoning line of research has begun to explore the mitigating effects of preventive interventions on neural functioning. The current study used event‐related functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the impact of early childhood maltreatment and a preventive intervention on response inhibition in early adolescence. Thirty‐six demographically similar adolescents (ages 9–14 years) completed a Go/NoGo task. The sample included nonmaltreated adolescents (n = 14) and maltreated adolescents who were in foster care as preschoolers and randomly assigned to receive services as usual (n = 11) or a preventive intervention, Multidimensional Treatment Foster Care for Preschoolers (n = 11). The groups demonstrated similar behavioral performance but significantly different neural patterns. The maltreated adolescents who received services as usual demonstrated subcortical hypoactivity during successful response inhibition and subcortical hyperactivity during unsuccessful response inhibition. In contrast, the nonmaltreated adolescents and maltreated adolescents who received the intervention exhibited strikingly similar neural patterns during successful response inhibition, but the maltreated adolescents who received the intervention demonstrated prefrontal hypoactivity during unsuccessful response inhibition. These findings offer preliminary evidence that early childhood maltreatment alters the neural patterns underlying response inhibition in early adolescence and that participating in a preventive intervention could mitigate maltreatment‐related effects on these neural systems.
Second label learning in bilingual and monolingual infants
Authors: Kandhadai Padmapriya , Hall D. Geoffrey , Werker Janet F.
Published: April 2016

Mutual exclusivity is the assumption that each object has only one category label. Prior research suggests that bilingual infants, unlike monolingual infants, fail to adhere to this assumption to guide word learning. Yet previous work has not addressed whether bilingual infants systematically interpret a novel word for a familiar object (i.e. an object with a known category label) as a second category label. We addressed this question by exploring bilingual and monolingual infants’ use of mutual exclusivity in a task in which they heard a novel label for a familiar object with a salient color (e.g. an aqua‐colored dog). They were subsequently tested with two trials that probed whether they interpreted the word as a second category label for the object (e.g. another word meaning dog) or as a label for one of the object's salient properties, namely its color (e.g. a word meaning aqua). Bilingual infants failed to adhere to mutual exclusivity and interpreted the novel word systematically as a second object category label for the familiar object. In contrast, consistent with their use of mutual exclusivity, monolingual infants rejected the novel word as a second category label, and instead showed some evidence of interpreting it as a property (color) term for the familiar object. The findings suggest that both bilingual and monolingual infants are systematic in their interpretation of a novel label for a familiar object, but that they show different interpretations of that label. We thus argue that theoretical accounts of early word learning must consider the crucial role of linguistic experience.
Growth characteristics in cerebral palsy subtypes: a comparative assessment
Authors: Stanek Jeremy L , Emerson Jane A , Murdock Fred A , Petroski Gregory F
Published: April 2016

Aim

Children with quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP) have been found to have growth rates that differ from those of children with typical development. Little research has been performed to distinguish whether growth patterns in hemiplegic, diplegic, and quadriplegic CP differ from one another. The purpose of this study was to compare growth of children with quadriplegic, hemiplegic, and diplegic CP.

Method

Retrospective data were collected from the electronic medical record of patients with CP at an outpatient center. Linear mixed models were used to examine growth by diagnosis, using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) diagnosis codes 343.0 (diplegia), 343.1 (hemiplegia), and 343.2 (quadriplegia).

Results

Heights and weights of children with quadriplegic CP were consistently lower than those with hemiplegic or diplegic CP. Children with hemiplegic CP had greater heights and weights than other CP subtypes. There were statistically significant differences in weight gain curves among the three diagnoses for males (p<0.05).

Interpretation

Our study reveals differences in growth rates between hemiplegic, diplegic, and quadriplegic CP subtypes.
Linguistic features in children born very preterm at preschool age
Authors: Guarini Annalisa , Marini Andrea , Savini Silvia , Alessandroni Rosina , Faldella Giacomo , Sansavini Alessandra
Published: April 2016

Aim

This cross‐sectional study focused on the effect of very preterm (VPT) birth on language development by analysing phonological, lexical, grammatical, and pragmatic skills and assessing the role of cognitive and memory skills.

Method

Sixty children (29 males, 31 females) born VPT (<32wks) aged 5 years were compared with 60 children with typical development. The linguistic assessment was performed by administering a battery of Italian tests for the evaluation of language; cognitive and memory skills were assessed by Raven's coloured progressive matrices and digit span subtest (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children [WISC‐III]).

Results

Children born VPT showed delays in lexical (comprehension: z‐score difference −1.18; 95% confidence interval [CI] −1.60 to −0.77; naming: −0.88; 95% CI −1.19 to −0.58) and pragmatic skills (comprehension: −0.76; 95% CI −1.02 to −0.49; narrative production: −0.47; 95% CI −0.72 to −0.23). Delays in phonology and grammar were less diffuse, involving productive skills (−1.09; 95% CI −1.64 to −0.54; −0.48; 95% CI −0.85 to −0.12, respectively), and were dependent by cognitive and memory skills. Lexical delays were more specific.

Interpretation

The linguistic profile of children born preterm is characterized by some abilities more impaired than others. This highlights the need of a linguistic assessment at the end of preschool age in order to plan a focused intervention aimed at improving lexical and pragmatic skills.
Patient‐reported outcomes measure for children born preterm: validation of the SOLE VLBWI Questionnaire, a new quality of life self‐assessment tool
Authors: Olivieri Ivana , M Bova Stefania , Fazzi Elisa , Ricci Daniela , Tinelli Francesca , Montomoli Cristina , Rezzani Cristiana , Balottin Umberto , Orcesi Simona ,   The SOLE VLBWI Questionnaire Study Group
Published: April 2016

Aim

This study was conducted to develop and validate a new self‐report questionnaire for measuring quality of life (QoL), at school age, in children with a very low birthweight (VLBW).

Method

Through a focus group approach, children were involved directly in defining the questionnaire items, which were presented as illustrations rather than written questions. This preliminary validation of the questionnaire was conducted in 152 participants with VLBW (aged 7–11y) randomly selected from the five participating Italian centres. The questionnaire was completed by children and parents separately; data on children's demographic and medical history, and intellectual, adaptive, and behavioural functioning were collected using standardized scales. All the children also completed the Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), another Italian‐language measure of QoL in children.

Results

Our questionnaire was readily accepted and understood, and quick to complete. The Cronbach's alpha value showed it to be a reliable instrument. The child‐compiled version correlated well with the PedsQL, whereas no correlations emerged with the other scales used, IQ, or degree of impairment. Conversely, these variables correlated significantly with the parent‐compiled version. Children's and parents’ answers were divergent on practically all the items.

Interpretation

The results confirm the validity of the new instrument and highlight a poor overlap between parents’ and children's perspectives.
Action observation therapy: handle with caution?
Authors: Newman Christopher John
Published: April 2016

This commentary is on the original article by Kirkpatrick et al. on pages 1049–1056 of this issue.
Defining optimal growth in cerebral palsy: comparing apples to apples?
Authors: Grossberg Richard I , Wolff Jodi
Published: April 2016

This commentary is on the original articles by Strand et al. (pages 924–930) and Stanek et al. (pages 931–935) in this issue.
Effects of multiple ascending doses of the glucagon receptor antagonist PF‐06291874 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Kazierad D. J. , Bergman A. , Tan B. , Erion D. M. , Somayaji V. , Lee D. S. , Rolph T.
Published: April 2016

Aims

To assess the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, safety and tolerability of multiple ascending doses of the glucagon receptor antagonist PF‐06291874 in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

Patients were randomized to oral PF‐06291874 or placebo on a background of either metformin (Part A, Cohorts 1–5: 5–150 mg once daily), or metformin and sulphonylurea (Part B, Cohorts 1–2: 15 or 30 mg once daily) for 14–28 days. A mixed‐meal tolerance test (MMTT) was administered on days −1 (baseline), 14 and 28. Assessments were conducted with regard to pharmacokinetics, various pharmacodynamic variables, safety and tolerability. Circulating amino acid concentrations were also measured.

Results

PF‐06291874 exposure was approximately dose‐proportional with a half‐life of ∼19.7–22.7 h. Day 14 fasting plasma glucose and mean daily glucose values were reduced from baseline in a dose‐dependent manner, with placebo‐corrected decreases of 34.3 and 42.4 mg/dl, respectively, at the 150 mg dose. After the MMTT, dose‐dependent increases in glucagon and total glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) were observed, although no meaningful changes were noted in insulin, C‐peptide or active GLP‐1 levels. Small dose‐dependent increases in LDL cholesterol were observed, along with reversible increases in serum aminotransferases that were largely within the laboratory reference range. An increase in circulating gluconeogenic amino acids was also observed on days 2 and 14. All dose levels of PF‐06291874 were well tolerated.

Conclusion

PF‐06291874 was well tolerated, has a pharmacokinetic profile suitable for once‐daily dosing, and results in reductions in glucose with minimal risk of hypoglycaemia.
‘Going Out’ or Staying In? The Expansion of Chinese NGOs in Africa
Authors: Hsu Jennifer Y.J. , Hildebrandt Timothy , Hasmath Reza
Published: April 2016

This article examines the overseas behaviour of Chinese non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) in two African nations, Ethiopia and Malawi, with varying political regime types. Our findings suggest that, irrespective of regime type, Chinese NGOs have yet to make a substantial impact in either nation. We argue that, despite the strength of the Chinese state and high levels of international development assistance given, domestic politics and regulatory frameworks in host nations still matter a great deal. Our study suggests that the Chinese model of international development will continue to be one in which temporary one‐off projects are favoured; and, insofar as social organisations will play a role, they will be in the domain of government‐organised NGOs rather than grassroots NGOs.
Beyond solidarity and losses in aid: strategic approaches towards adversity
Authors: Ultramari Clovis
Published: April 2016

Natural adversity elicits public policy reactions in accordance with its negative impact; aid actions are expectedly seen as altruistically driven. This article is based on interviews with experts from NGOs and public emergency response agencies. It debates the paradoxical potentialities that may arise in post‐disaster situations. Topics discussed include: factors surpassing altruism, mass media as a solidarity regulator tool, conflicts between what is understood internationally and what may, in fact, be adopted at the local level, and strategies to internalise resources. Conclusions recognise potentialities as concrete assets for policy makers, but suggest we do not yet possess the ability to strategically identify them as unique and positive opportunities.
The future of small farms in Asia
Authors: Otsuka Keijiro , Liu Yanyan , Yamauchi Futoshi
Published: April 2016

Farms throughout Asia are predominantly small. By nature, small farms use labour‐intensive production methods. The question arises as to the viability of small farms in the face of the rapidly increasing wage rate in most Asian countries. There is also indication that the production efficiency of small farms has declined relative to large farms in many Asian economies, indicating the increasing disadvantage of small farms in Asia. Therefore, this study argues that unless new policy measures are taken to expand farm size, Asia as a whole is likely to lose comparative advantage in agriculture and become an importer of food grains in the future.
Long‐term Interest Rates and Public Debt Maturity
Authors: Beetsma Roel , Giuliodori Massimo , Sakalauskaite Ieva
Published: April 2016

This paper adds to the literature studying how fiscal variables affect long‐term interest rates. Using a sample of sixteen OECD countries over the period 1980–2007, we show that a one‐year increase in the maturity of the public debt lowers the long‐term interest rate by on average 20–30 basis points. This negative effect is found for both static and panel vector autoregressive specifications. Country sample splits suggest that it is present in particular for low‐maturity or high‐inflation countries.
The Design of Vertical R&D Collaborations
Authors: Herbst Patrick , Walz Uwe
Published: April 2016

Suppliers play a major role in firms' innovation processes. We analyse ownership and technology choices in vertical R&D collaborations. Under non‐contractible R&D outcomes, trade‐offs arise between R&D specifically designed towards a manufacturer (increasing investment productivity) and a general technology (hold‐up reduction). Stronger downstream competition shifts optimal ownership towards the supplier and favours contracting over ownership rather than specific performance contracts. Downstream ownership is combined with the specific technology if the supplier's expertise is more pronounced or the specific technology is more productive. Contracts incorporating exit clauses increase the gains from collaborations.
Centralized Fiscal Spending by Supranational Unions
Authors: Simon Jenny , Valasek Justin Mattias
Published: April 2016

We study fiscal spending by supranational unions, where participation is voluntary and countries bargain over contributions to and the allocation of a central budget. Since decisions are made by unanimity, bargaining power over the allocation becomes a function of contributions, which generically causes inefficiency in the presence of income asymmetry between member nations. This link between the budget allocation and contributions explains patterns of inefficient spending in the EU, e.g. why resources are diverted to low‐productivity projects in high‐income countries: the option of veto creates a trade‐off between efficiency on the contributions margin and efficiency on the allocation margin.
Workplace Productivity and Bonus Preferences: Why Do Men With Low Productivity Prefer Individual Pay?
Authors: Torsvik Gaute
Published: April 2016

This paper examines the relationship between workers' productivity and preferred bonus scheme. The data are from a company where agents work in teams and receive a bonus that depends on individual and team performance. Standard agency theory predicts that workers with productivity below the team average prefer a team bonus, while high‐productivity agents prefer an individual bonus. Risk aversion may temper the taste for individual pay. This model predicts the observed relationship between productivity and bonus preferences very well. There is, however, one pattern that it cannot explain: many low performers—especially men—prefer individual bonuses.
Giant Blood Cyst of the Mitral Valve in a Disseminated Tuberculosis Patient
Authors: Ahmad Faizan , Barbant Sophie , Levy Tamsin
Published: April 2016

Cardiac blood cysts are rare with most cases stemming from the pediatric population. The few case reports in adults have not generated clear guidelines regarding management. The finding of a cardiac mass engenders a broad differential including primary cardiac benign tumors, malignant tumors both primary and metastatic, as well as infectious processes in addition to blood cysts. The clinical context, imaging results, and potential for complications must be taken into account when making diagnostic and treatment decisions. We present, to our knowledge, the first case of a giant cardiac blood cyst resected in an adult with a history of tuberculosis.
Acute and Chronic Effects of Noninvasive Ventilation on Left and Right Myocardial Function in Patients with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: A Speckle Tracking Echocardiographic Study
Authors: D'Andrea Antonello , Martone Francesca , Liccardo Biagio , Mazza Mariano , Annunziata Anna , Di Palma Enza , Conte Marianna , Sirignano Cesare , D'Alto Michele , Esposito Nicolino , Fiorentino Giuseppe , Russo Maria Giovanna , Bossone Eduardo , Calabrò Raffaele
Published: April 2016

Background

In patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS), repetitive hypoxia due to sleep‐induced apnea adversely affects the interaction between myocardial oxygen demand and supply, resulting in the development of subclinical cardiac dysfunction. The purpose of the study was to analyze the different involvement of left and right heart myocardial function in patients with OSAS treated with noninvasive ventilation (NIV).

Methods

Conventional Doppler echocardiography, Doppler myocardial imaging (DMI), and two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (2DSTE) of left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) longitudinal and right atrial (RA) deformation were performed in 55 patients with OSAS undergoing NIV (M/F 38/17; mean age 67.8 ± 11.2 years). LV and RV global longitudinal strain (GLS) was calculated by averaging local strain along the entire right and left ventricle, before and during NIV, and after 6 months of nocturnal NIV therapy.

Results

LV morphology was comparable before and during NIV, whereas LV ejection fraction and LV DMI early diastolic peak velocity were significantly improved in patients with OSAS during NIV, as was LV regional peak myocardial strain (P < 0.001). RV diameters were slightly increased in patients with OSAS during ventilation, whereas pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), RV GLS, and regional peak myocardial RV strain were significantly reduced during ventilation (P < 0.0001). RA transverse diameters and RA area were also slightly increased during NIV, whereas RA lateral wall strain was reduced (P < 0.001). Acute RV myocardial impairment completely reversed at follow‐up, with a decrease in PASP and subsequent increase in both RV and RA myocardial performance.

Conclusions

Conventional 2DSTE is a useful tool for assessing left and right heart morphology and myocardial deformation in patients with OSAS and for monitoring both acute and chronic effects of NIV.
Right Pulmonary Artery Compression by Giant Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Kahyaoglu Muzaffer , Gecmen Cetin , Karaman Ozge , Hakgor Aykun , Onal Cagatay , Celik Mehmet , Kalayci Arzu , Tuncer Mehmet Altug , Kirma Cevat
Published: April 2016

Mini‐Abstract

A 52‐year‐old man was admitted to our emergency department due to shortness of breath, bilateral pretibial edema, and abdominal ascites. His medical history revealed successful surgical repair of coarctation 28 years ago. Transthoracic echocardiography showed an approximately 16‐cm ascending aortic aneurysm, compression of right pulmonary artery. A contrast‐enhanced chest computed tomography scan indicated a 16‐cm ascending aortic aneurysm with calcified ulcerated plaque and the right pulmonary artery to be obstructed by the aortic aneurysm.
Correlation of Left Atrial Appendage Ejection Velocities with the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc Scores
Authors: Clark Craig B. , Telles Garcia Nelson A. , Hackett Renner Catherine , Ryan Sarah M.
Published: April 2016

Background

In patients with atrial fibrillation or flutter, a left atrial appendage ejection velocity measured via transesophageal echocardiography equal to or less than 40 cm/sec has been shown to correlate with an increased risk of developing left atrial appendage thrombus while velocities greater than 40 cm/sec are at lower risk. The CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores calculated from clinical variables have been developed to risk stratify patients with atrial fibrillation/flutter in regard to the need for anticoagulation. This study was designed to assess whether a relationship exists between left atrial appendage ejection velocities and the respective CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores, and whether this relationship is affected by the presence of atrial fibrillation or atrial flutter.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on patients in the last 5 years who had undergone a transesophageal echocardiogram in which LAA velocity was measured. Once these patients were identified, relevant clinical information allowing for the calculation of the CHADS2 and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores was also extracted from the medical record.

Results

Data from a total of 151 patients were included in the study. A statistically significant correlation between LAA velocity and CHADS2 score (P = 0.942) or between LAA velocity and CHA2DS2‐VASc scores (P = 0.723) was not found.

Conclusions

We could not identify a relationship between either the CHADS2 or CHA2DS2‐VASc scores and LAA velocities. This was true regardless of whether patients were in sinus rhythm or AF at the time of the TEE. While reduced LAA velocities increase the risk of LAA thrombus, the development of stroke in patients with AF is secondary to a complex interplay of multiple clinical variables.
THE PASS‐THROUGH OF BEER TAXES TO PRICES: EVIDENCE FROM STATE AND FEDERAL TAX CHANGES
Authors: Shrestha Vinish , Markowitz Sara
Published: April 2016

From a policy perspective, it is crucial to understand how changes in beer taxes affect retail beer prices. This study provides new evidence of the pass‐through rate of state beer taxes to prices in a post‐merger era. Our estimates that use state‐level beer tax changes suggest that a 10‐cent increase in beer taxes raises retail prices by about 17 cents. Comparable findings from the 1991 federal beer tax increase show a rise in retail beer prices of 19–22 cents. Our findings suggest that consumers fully bear the burden of increased beer taxes. (JEL H2, I0, D4)
Processes of community assembly in an environmentally heterogeneous, high biodiversity region
Authors: Aiello‐Lammens Matthew E. , Slingsby Jasper A. , Merow Cory , Mollmann Hayley Kilroy , Euston‐Brown Douglas , Jones Cynthia S. , Silander John A.
Published: April 2016

Despite decades of study, the relative importance of niche‐based versus neutral processes in community assembly remains largely ambiguous. Recent work suggests niche‐based processes are more easily detectable at coarser spatial scales, while neutrality dominates at finer scales. Analyses of functional traits with multi‐year multi‐site biodiversity inventories may provide deeper insights into assembly processes and the effects of spatial scale. We examined associations between community composition, species functional traits, and environmental conditions for plant communities in the Kouga‐Baviaanskloof region, an area within South Africa's Cape Floristic Region (CFR) containing high α and β diversity. This region contains strong climatic gradients and topographic heterogeneity, and is comprised of distinct vegetation classes with varying fire histories, making it an ideal location to assess the role of niche‐based environmental filtering on community composition by examining how traits vary with environment. We combined functional trait measurements for over 300 species with observations from vegetation surveys carried out in 1991/1992 and repeated in 2011/2012. We applied redundancy analysis, quantile regression, and null model tests to examine trends in species turnover and functional traits along environmental gradients in space and through time. Functional trait values were weakly associated with most spatial environmental gradients and only showed trends with respect to vegetation class and time since fire. However, survey plots showed greater compositional and functional stability through time than expected based on null models. Taken together, we found clear evidence for functional distinctions between vegetation classes, suggesting strong environmental filtering at this scale, most likely driven by fire dynamics. In contrast, there was little evidence of filtering effects along environmental gradients within vegetation classes, suggesting that assembly processes are largely neutral at this scale, likely the result of very high functional redundancy among species in the regional species pool.
Climatic thresholds shape northern high‐latitude fire regimes and imply vulnerability to future climate change
Authors: Young Adam M. , Higuera Philip E. , Duffy Paul A. , Hu Feng Sheng
Published: April 2016

Boreal forests and arctic tundra cover 33% of global land area and store an estimated 50% of total soil carbon. Because wildfire is a key driver of terrestrial carbon cycling, increasing fire activity in these ecosystems would likely have global implications. To anticipate potential spatiotemporal variability in fire‐regime shifts, we modeled the spatially explicit 30‐yr probability of fire occurrence as a function of climate and landscape features (i.e. vegetation and topography) across Alaska. Boosted regression tree (BRT) models captured the spatial distribution of fire across boreal forest and tundra ecoregions (AUC from 0.63–0.78 and Pearson correlations between predicted and observed data from 0.54–0.71), highlighting summer temperature and annual moisture availability as the most influential controls of historical fire regimes. Modeled fire–climate relationships revealed distinct thresholds to fire occurrence, with a nonlinear increase in the probability of fire above an average July temperature of 13.4°C and below an annual moisture availability (i.e. P‐PET) of approximately 150 mm. To anticipate potential fire‐regime responses to 21st‐century climate change, we informed our BRTs with Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 climate projections under the RCP 6.0 scenario. Based on these projected climatic changes alone (i.e. not accounting for potential changes in vegetation), our results suggest an increasing probability of wildfire in Alaskan boreal forest and tundra ecosystems, but of varying magnitude across space and throughout the 21st century. Regions with historically low flammability, including tundra and the forest–tundra boundary, are particularly vulnerable to climatically induced changes in fire activity, with up to a fourfold increase in the 30‐yr probability of fire occurrence by 2100. Our results underscore the climatic potential for novel fire regimes to develop in these ecosystems, relative to the past 6000–35 000 yr, and spatial variability in the vulnerability of wildfire regimes and associated ecological processes to 21st‐century climate change.
Influence of working model position on the formation of a pressure‐formed mouthguard
Authors: Mizuhashi Fumi , Koide Kaoru , Mizuhashi Ryo
Published: April 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to examine the influence of the position of the working model on the formation of a pressure‐formed mouthguard.

Materials and methods

Mouthguard sheets of 3.8 mm ethylene vinyl acetate were pressure‐formed on working models in three positions: anterior, central, and posterior. The thickness of the mouthguard was measured at the labial surface of the central incisor and the buccal and occlusal surfaces of the first molar. Differences in the thickness of the mouthguards were analyzed by two‐way analysis of variance.

Results

Mouthguard thickness varied among the measured regions of the central incisors and first molars (P < 0.01). The thickness at the labial surface of the central incisor was greatest for mouthguards formed with the working model in the posterior position (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that pressure‐formed mouthguards could be fabricated effectively by positioning the center of the working model 15 mm posteriorly from the center of the pressure former. The position of the working model should be considered carefully when forming a mouthguard.
Youth mental health services in Italy: An achievable dream?
Authors: Masillo Alice , Brandizzi Martina , Nelson Barnaby , Lo Cascio Nella , Saba Riccardo , Lindau Juliana Fortes , Telesforo Ludovica , Montanaro Dori , D'Alema Marco , Girardi Paolo , McGorry Patrick , Fiori Nastro Paolo
Published: April 2016

Aim

“Liberiamo il futuro” (LIF) project was designed to assess psychological problems of adolescents and young adults and to identify individuals at high‐risk for developing a psychosis through a collaboration between a University team, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Adult Mental Health Services. This paper presents the baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of the cohort, particularly the nature and severity of psychopathology.

Method

All help‐seeking young people aged 12–35 years residing in the health district involved in LIF were invited to participate in the study and completed a battery of self‐ report and interviewer‐administered measures of psychopathology and functioning at baseline.

Results

A total of 338 adolescents and young people (mean age 17.42) participated in the study. The majority of the sample (n = 107, 35%) had an anxiety disorder, followed by mood disorders (n = 62, 21%). Only 35 (12%) participants had no psychiatric diagnosis. After a screening phase, 166 (52%) individuals were assessed to detect the presence of an Ultra High Risk (UHR) state. Of these, 38.60% (n = 64) met UHR criteria. Overall, the majority of the sample resulted moderately functionally impaired at baseline.

Conclusions

LIF project showed that psychological problems, associated with impaired psychosocial functioning, are very common among help‐seeking young people. The help‐seeking behaviour of young people is in contrast with the barriers presented by the Italian community mental health system that is modelled around adults' requirements. A need of a strong, stigma‐free, young oriented system of care for young people up to the mid‐20s emerged.
Systematic review of the evidence for service models delivering early intervention in psychosis outside the stand‐alone centre
Authors: Behan Caragh , Masterson Sarah , Clarke Mary
Published: April 2016

Aim

Although early intervention in psychosis is an accepted policy internationally, the evidence base for this paradigm, originates mostly from the specialist model. In a real world setting, variations of this model are often implemented. The aim of this paper is to systematically evaluate the evidence for delivering early intervention outside the specialist stand‐alone centre.

Methods

A systematic search following the PRISMA guidelines was undertaken in Medline, PsycInfo, Embase and the Cochrane trials register. The search was limited to articles in English from 1990 to end of January 2016. Inclusion criteria for the review comprised comparative evaluations of services delivering early intervention in psychosis outside the specialist model. Exclusion criteria included prodromal services, descriptions of services without reference to a comparator and stand‐alone specialist services evaluated in comparison to treatment as usual.

Results

There were 637 unique citations. Twenty‐eight papers were reviewed at second‐stage screening. The majority were excluded as they compared specialist early intervention with treatment as usual, did not evaluate the first episode or had no comparator. Seven peer‐reviewed publications and two conference papers fulfilled criteria evaluating models of delivering early intervention other than the specialist model.

Conclusions

There is a spaucity of evidence evaluating models other than specialist models in early intervention. Published studies are heterogeneous in design and outcome. Although there have been two recent trials evaluating integrated early intervention in comparison with treatment as usual, it remains unclear whether reported improved outcomes of specialist centres apply to other models.
An observational analysis of recent female dental enrolment figures in the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Neville P.
Published: April 2016

Purpose/Objective

This research investigates the participation and completion rates of Irish female undergraduate dental students from 2003 to 2014.

Methods

The Higher Education Authority database was accessed and dental students enrolment and completion figures were extracted, compiled and analysed according to gender distribution.

Result

From 2003 to 2014, there has been a steady increase in the number of female students enrolled in and completing Ireland's undergraduate dentistry programmes.

Conclusions

The findings reveal that a distinct process of feminisation has occurred in Ireland since the early 2000s. The feminisation of dentistry in Ireland will impact on workforce projections for the Irish dental service. However, more research needs to be undertaken to explore why female students are motivated to pursue a career in dentistry. Due regard also needs to be given to ensuring these women progress in their dental career. Dental education can play an important role here.
Rostrocaudal functional gradient among the pre‐dorsal premotor cortex, dorsal premotor cortex and primary motor cortex in goal‐directed motor behaviour
Authors: Nakayama Yoshihisa , Yamagata Tomoko , Hoshi Eiji
Published: April 2016

The dorsal premotor cortex residing in the dorsolateral aspect of area 6 is a rostrocaudally elongated area that is rostral to the primary motor cortex (M1) and caudal to the prefrontal cortex. This region, which is subdivided into rostral [pre‐dorsal premotor cortex (pre‐PMd)] and caudal [dorsal premotor cortex proper (PMd)] components, probably plays a central role in planning and executing actions to achieve a behavioural goal. In the present study, we investigated the functional specializations of the pre‐PMd,PMd, and M1, because the synthesis of the specific functions performed by each area is considered to be essential. Neurons were recorded while monkeys performed a conditional visuo‐goal task designed to include separate processes for determining a behavioural goal (reaching towards a right or left potential target) on the basis of visual object instructions, specifying actions (direction of reaching) to be performed on the basis of the goal, and preparing and executing the action. Neurons in the pre‐PMd andPMd retrieved and maintained behavioural goals without encoding the visual features of the visual object instructions, and subsequently specified the actions by multiplexing the goals with the locations of the targets. Furthermore,PMd and M1 neurons played a major role in representing the action during movement preparation and execution, whereas the contribution of the pre‐PMd progressively decreased as the time of the actual execution of the movement approached. These findings revealed that the multiple processing stages necessary for the realization of an action to accomplish a goal were implemented in an area‐specific manner across a functional gradient from the pre‐PMd to M1 that included thePMd as an intermediary.
Satellite microglia show spontaneous electrical activity that is uncorrelated with activity of the attached neuron
Authors: Wogram Emile , Wendt Stefan , Matyash Marina , Pivneva Tatyana , Draguhn Andreas , Kettenmann Helmut
Published: April 2016

Microglia are innate immune cells of the brain. We have studied a subpopulation of microglia, called satellite microglia. This cell type is defined by a close morphological soma‐to‐soma association with a neuron, indicative of a direct functional interaction. Indeed, ultrastructural analysis revealed closely attached plasma membranes of satellite microglia and neurons. However, we found no apparent morphological specializations of the contact, and biocytin injection into satellite microglia showed no dye‐coupling with the apposed neurons or any other cell. Likewise, evoked local field potentials or action potentials and postsynaptic potentials of the associated neuron did not lead to any transmembrane currents or non‐capacitive changes in the membrane potential of the satellite microglia in the cortex and hippocampus. Both satellite and non‐satellite microglia, however, showed spontaneous transient membrane depolarizations that were not correlated with neuronal activity. These events could be divided into fast‐rising and slow‐rising depolarizations, which showed different characteristics in satellite and non‐satellite microglia. Fast‐rising and slow‐rising potentials differed with regard to voltage dependence. The frequency of these events was not affected by the application of tetrodotoxin, but the fast‐rising event frequency decreased after application of GABA. We conclude that microglia show spontaneous electrical activity that is uncorrelated with the activity of adjacent neurons.