bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engagement markers in translated academic texts
Authors: Peterlin Agnes Pisanski
Published: November 2016

The author-audience interaction is an important issue in academic writing, but when academic texts are translated, new issues regarding the author-audience relationship arise because of the translator’s involvement in the text. This paper examines translators’ interventions in academic writing by focusing on one dimension of the author-audience interaction, i.e., reader-oriented strategies or engagement markers. Corpus analysis is employed to explore the use of engagement markers in academic texts translated into English, their corresponding source texts originally written in Slovene, and in comparable original English texts. The analysis reveals that while the frequency of engagement markers is relatively similar in the two sets of originals, it is considerably lower in the translated texts. This means that translators’ interventions resulted in a reduction in the use of engagement markers. The findings identify several potential reasons for translators’ intervention, including a tendency to avoid risky strategies such as the use of directives, adaptation of the target text to the conventions of the target language/culture, and adaptation of the target text to a new audience.
Germanic and Romance onset clusters – how to account for microvariation
Authors: Alber Birgit , Meneguzzo Marta
Published: November 2016

In this paper the restrictions imposed on onset clusters in Standard German and Standard Italian are compared to the – minimally different – restrictions in the Germanic dialects of Tyrolean, Mòcheno and Lusern Cimbrian, and the Romance dialects of Trentino. Both standard varieties allow onset clusters with a sonority distance (SD, computed according to the sonority indexes proposed in Parker 2011) of 4, marginally 3 intervals, while the corresponding dialects allow for SD = 2. The observed pattern of microvariation can be understood as minimal variation between grammars. We give a precise measure of this minimal grammatical difference by performing a typological analysis in the framework of Optimality Theory, yielding the typological properties of the system, understood as the necessary and sufficient ranking conditions generating every single language of the typology (Alber & Prince, in preparation, see also Alber, DelBusso & Prince 2016). Minimal grammatical difference can then be defined as minimal change of the property values defining each language.
On the variable nature of head final effects in German and English
Authors: Hinterhölzl Roland
Published: November 2016

The paper investigates head final effects (HF-effects) in German and English and argues that the syntactic configuration that underlies them gives rise to three different types of violations in the interfaces. It is shown that HF-effects are either morphological or prosodic in nature. A diagnostics – morphological versus syntactic displacement – is established that allows to connect HF-effects to their relevant interface conditions. The prosodic conditions on word order are then argued to be twofold: they involve a condition on heavy constituents, on the one hand, and a condition on the mapping of syntactic constituents onto prosodic constituents respecting the Strict Layer Hypothesis, on the other hand. Finally, I argue that a pure syntactic condition, like the Final-over-Final Constraint proposed by Biberauer, Holmberg and Roberts (2007 and 2014) is inedaquate to account for the variable nature of HF-effects.
Little v and cross-linguistic variation
Authors: Veenstra Tonjes , López Luis
Published: November 2016

The main claim of this paper is that little v is responsible for a range of grammatical properties of the predicate phrase that it selects for. Bilingual light verb constructions in several code-switching varieties provide strong evidence for this claim. It allows us to broaden the empirical scope and deepen the theoretical insights of the Borer-Chomsky Conjecture concerning parametric variation, and provides a new insight into the clause structure of creole languages.
On language acquisition and language change
Authors: Cognola Federica , Bidese Ermenegildo
Published: November 2016

Whether multilingual heritage settings can lead to imperfect language acquisition and language change is debated in the literature (Lightfoot 1991; Meisel 2010; Montrul 2004; Montrul & Potowski 2007; Pascual Y Cabo & Rothman 2012; Silva-Corvalán 1994; Sorace 2004). By investigating the syntax of subject pronouns and the pro-drop parameter in pre-school children (aged 4.7–6.5) in one such context, this paper provides evidence that they do not. It is shown that all considered children acquired the pro-drop parameter target-like in both languages. The reduced system of subject pronouns instantiated in the heritage language by two children is shown not to follow from imperfect acquisition, but from their being simultaneous bilinguals, who have been exposed to less input in the heritage language than successive bilinguals. On this basis, we conclude that language acquisition in heritage contexts follows the general mechanisms of successive and simultaneous bilingual language acquisition and does not automatically lead to transmission failure (Meisel 2007, 2010).
Symbol taxonomy in biophonology
Authors: Matamoros Camila , Reiss Charles
Published: November 2016

We present phonological parallels to Gallistel & King’s (2009) discussion of symbols, variables and function in animal cognition in order to take up Poeppel’s (2012) challenge to cognitive scientists to formulate their models in general computational terms that can potentially be translated into the kind of representational and computational behaviors that we might plausibly find in a nervous system.
The centrality of speech for human thought
Authors: Rosselló Ximenes Joana
Published: November 2016

Speech is not language. But without speech/sign there would be neither language nor mostly human thought. A divide between an internal wordless system and an external instrumental one for speech/sign is conceptually and empirically problematic; and evolutionarily costly. Such a divide is however assumed by otherwise opposite trends (represented, say, by Tomasello and Chomsky). An alternative view where speech and rational thought are linguistic seems better supported by facts on words, modalities (spoken and signed) and brain correlates. Evolutionarily, this view leads to place a vocal learning capacity, which is exceptional among primates, as central in language evolution. Such a capacity, run by a powerful computational system, provided Sapiens with a platform for the invention of words.
Feature values and the expression of variation
Authors: Chandra Pritha
Published: November 2016

This paper proposes that feature values emerge dynamically from the interaction between features and the internal/structural and language-external environments. Feature values constitute a second, flexible layer around a selected sub-set of innate features, and effect linguistic variation within dialects and typologically related languages. Big, structural changes however originate from restricted changes in feature composition themselves, often the result of adding a new feature to the language-particular sub-set or repurposing some existing feature. Relevant analogies with biological variation are discussed in favor of the multi-level approach to linguistic variation proposed here.
Syntax and its interfaces at the low and high ends of the autism spectrum
Authors: Terzi Arhonto , Marinis Theodoros , Francis Konstantinos
Published: November 2016

Studies on the language abilities in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have tended to include individuals across the spectrum, with the consequence that the ensuing picture is rarely clear. Most recent studies setting apart individuals at the lower end of the autism spectrum have discovered severe problems in certain areas of grammar. Investigation of grammatical abilities at the higher end of the spectrum has not identified severe problems so far, in an interesting contrast with the lower end. Here we report on current research on pronominal object clitics and their counterpart DPs, which demonstrates that, in some syntactic environments, high-functioning children with ASD fall behind typically developing children. We claim that this behavior does not reflect problems with syntax proper, but is a consequence of pragmatic shortcomings with consequences for the syntax-pragmatics interface. Errors of substitution of clitics with their corresponding DPs are likely to be caused by difficulties in detecting prominence in the discourse. Difficulties with Focused DPs are likely to be caused by problems in distinguishing old from new information and its mapping to prosody. Future research needs to investigate pragmatics, syntax and prosody independently, in order to reach solid conclusions regarding their interaction with respect to specific phenomena in autism, which, in turn, provides an ideal condition to test the contribution of each domain to these phenomena.
Understanding Sexually Abusive Clergy as a Unique Offender Subgroup: Risk-based Comparisons Across the Course of Offending
Authors: Perillo Anthony D. , Laake Anniken L. W. , Calkins Cynthia
Published: November 2016

The current study compares offending trends of sexually abusive clergy ( n = 1,428) to general sex offenders ( n = 2,842) on risk measure items coded across the course of offending. Results suggest significant differences on most risk-relevant variables. Clergy were particularly more likely to have male victims, V = .62, 95% CI [.58, .65], and less likely to be married, V = .59, 95% CI [.56, .63], or use force, V = .76, 95% CI [.73, .79]. The magnitude of differences remained when matched on offense factors (e.g., male child acquaintance victims). Findings suggest sexually abusive clergy are a unique subgroup differing from general sex offenders on factors associated with recidivism.
Effects of a structured midsole on spatio‐temporal variables and running economy in overground running
Authors: Wunsch Tobias , Kröll Josef , Stöggl Thomas , Schwameder Hermann
Published: November 2016

Research to enhance running performance has led to the design of a leaf spring‐structured midsole shoe (LEAF). In treadmill running, it has been shown that LEAF led to an increased running economy and increased stride length (SL) through a horizontal foot shift during stance compared to a standard foam shoe (FOAM). The purpose of this study was to analyse whether (a) these findings can also be observed in overground running and (b) relations exist between spatio‐temporal variables and running economy. Ten male long‐distance heel‐strike runners ran at their individual 2 mmol/l blood lactate speed with LEAF and FOAM in randomized order. Kinematic data were recorded with an inertial measurement unit synchronized with 2D video. Oxygen consumption was measured using an automated metabolic gas analysis system. Blood lactate was collected after each run. The strike pattern was unaffected by LEAF. SL was increased by 0.9 ± 1.1 cm (95% CI 0.2 to 1.5; p = .040; dz = 0.76), stride rate (SR) was reduced by −0.4 ± 0.3 strides/min (95% CI −0.6 to −0.1; p = .029; dz = 0.82) and oxygen consumption tended to be reduced by 1% (−0.4 ± 0.6 ml/min/kg; 95% CI −0.8 to 0.0; p = .082; dz = 0.62) when running with LEAF compared to FOAM. Changes in oxygen consumption in LEAF were correlated with SL (r = 0.71; p = .022) and SR (r = −0.68; p = .031). It can be concluded that LEAF has the potential to cause small changes in spatio‐temporal variables during running. Runners increasing SL and decreasing SR in response to LEAF can achieve small improvements in running economy, which is beneficial in terms of performance.
Cochlear microphonics recording during ABR threshold testing in children
Authors: Osman Dabbous Abeir
Published: November 2016

Objective:

It is agreed that the cochlear microphonic (CM) arises mainly from the normal outer hair cells (OHCs) in cochlea. The aim of this research is to study the CM characteristics in different hearing profiles and reflect the usefulness of recording CM simultaneously during Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) threshold testing in children.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study that included 33 cases comprised of children with autism spectral disorders (ASD), children with cochlear sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), children with auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (ANSD) and 41 normal hearing healthy children as controls. The children’s ages ranged from 0.5 to 96 months. Both the CM and ABR waves were simultaneously recorded using alternating split polarity ABR.

Results:

CM amplitudes and thresholds in normal hearing children with ASD did not significantly differ from normal hearing healthy children. CM were preserved in children with ANSD despite the absence of distortion product OAE responses, but in a significantly lower amplitude than those with DPOAE. There was no statistically significant correlation between the children’s ages and CM amplitude at any intensity level and in any of the different child groups, except in the controls where there was a statistically significant negative correlation between the children’s ages and CM amplitude at 70dBnHL, while there was a statistically significant positive correlation between the children’s ages and CM threshold. There were no differences in the CM amplitude between the two ears at any intensity level in all of the different groups of children.

Conclusion:

Children with ASD showed comparable outer hair cell function to normal hearing healthy children, reflecting absence of any peripheral hyperacusis due to loudness recruitment. CM should always be searched for when testing young children when there is absence of ABR response with absence or presence of otoacoustic emissions, to avoid any false negative results for ANSD. CM can be preserved in children with SNHL with loudness recruitment. This finding could be confused with ANSD, so CM should be traced down to its threshold for an appropriate diagnosis.
The Apollonian structure of Bianchi groups
Authors: Stange Katherine
Published: November 2016

We study the orbit of

R

^

\widehat {\mathbb {R}}

under the Möbius action of the Bianchi group

P
S
L

2

(

O

K

)

\rm {PSL}_2(\mathcal {O}_K)

on

C

^

\widehat {\mathbb {C}}

, where

O

K

\mathcal {O}_K

is the ring of integers of an imaginary quadratic field

K
K

. The orbit

S

K

{\mathcal {S}}_K

, called a Schmidt arrangement, is a geometric realisation, as an intricate circle packing, of the arithmetic of

K
K

. We give a simple geometric characterisation of certain subsets of

S

K

{\mathcal {S}}_K

generalizing Apollonian circle packings, and show that

S

K

{\mathcal {S}}_K

, considered with orientations, is a disjoint union of all primitive integral such

K
K

-Apollonian packings. These packings are described by a new class of thin groups of arithmetic interest called

K
K

-Apollonian groups. We make a conjecture on the curvatures of these packings, generalizing the local-to-global conjecture for Apollonian circle packings.
Transmissibility of Clostridium difficile Without Contact Isolation: Results From a Prospective Observational Study With 451 Patients
Authors: Widmer Andreas F. , Frei Reno , Erb Stefan , Stranden Anne , Kuijper Ed J. , Knetsch Cornelis W. , Tschudin-Sutter Sarah
Published: November 2016

Background.

Contact precautions are recommended by health authorities in Europe and the United States for patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). Recently, the significance of nosocomial transmission has been challenged by screening on admission studies and whole-genome sequencing, providing evidence for an endogenous source of C. difficile. We discontinued contact precautions for patients with CDI, except for patients infected with hypervirulent ribotypes or with stool incontinence, to determine the rate of transmission.

Methods.

From January 2004 to December 2013, contacts of each index case with CDI were screened for toxigenic C. difficile by culturing rectal swabs. Transmission was defined as possible if toxigenic C. difficile was detected in contacts, as probable if the identical polymerase chain reaction ribotype was identified in index–contact pairs, and as confirmed if next-generation sequencing (NGS) revealed clonality of strains.

Results.

Four hundred fifty-one contacts were exposed to 279 index patients nursed in 2-to 4-bed rooms. Toxigenic C. difficile was detected in 6.0% (27/451) after a median contact time of 5 days. Identical ribotypes were identified in 6 index–contact pairs, accounting for probable transmission in 1.3% (6/451). NGS was performed for 4 of 6 pairs with identical strains, and confirmed transmission in 2 contact patients.

Conclusions.

The rate of transmission of toxigenic, predominantly nonhypervirulent C. difficile, was low and no outbreaks were recorded over a 10-year period after discontinuing contact precautions for patients with CDI who were not severely incontinent and who used dedicated toilets. As contact precautions may lead to lower levels of care, their implementation needs to be balanced against the risk of nosocomial transmission.
Ocean migration of pop-up satellite archival tagged Atlantic salmon from the Miramichi River in Canada
Authors: Strøm John Fredrik , Thorstad Eva B. , Chafe Graham , Sørbye Sigrunn H. , Righton David , Rikardsen Audun H. , Carr Jonathan
Published: November 2016

The ocean migration of 16 post-spawned adult Atlantic salmon [Salmo salar L.] from the Miramichi River, Canada, tagged concurrently with pop-up satellite archival tags and acoustic transmitters was reconstructed using a Hidden Markov Model. Individuals exclusively utilized areas within the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Labrador Sea, and showed little overlap with known distributions of European stocks. During the migration, individuals were generally associated with surface waters and spent >67% of the time in the upper 10 m of the water column. The Atlantic salmon occupied greater depths and showed more diving activity during the day than during the night, with a few exceptions. Although residing in the Gulf of St Lawrence, individuals used different geographical areas and displayed frequent dives to shallow depths (10–30 m). All fish that entered the Labrador Sea (n = 8) migrated through the Strait of Belle Isle (767 km from the river mouth), after spending 41–60 d in the Gulf of St Lawrence. After exiting the Gulf of St Lawrence, individuals utilized different areas in the Labrador Sea, and overlaps in spatial distributions among the individuals were largely limited to the Labrador Coast. This variation in area use was accompanied by individual differences in diving behaviour, with maximum depths recorded for individuals ranging from 32 to 909 m. Dives to depths exceeding 150 m were only performed by four individuals and mainly restricted to the central Labrador Sea (areas with water depths >1000 m). Vertical movements were shallower and resembled those in the Gulf of St Lawrence when fish migrated through shallower coastal areas along the Labrador Shelf. In conclusion, the large overall variation in migration routes suggests that post-spawners from the Miramichi River encounter different habitats during their ocean migration and that the growth and survival of adults may depend on ecological conditions in multiple regions, both in the Gulf of St Lawrence and in the Labrador Sea.
Natural killer cells in asthma
Authors: Gorska Magdalena M.
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review

This review article discusses current knowledge on natural killer (NK) cells in asthma.

Recent findings

It is now well accepted that NK cell activities go beyond cancer immune surveillance and antiviral defense. Recent reports indicate that NK cells are activated in response to allergens in vivo. NK cells promote allergic sensitization, type-2 immune response, development of eosinophilic inflammation, and airway hyperresponsiveness. NK cells are activated by respiratory syncytial virus and other respiratory viruses. When infection occurs in the setting of active allergic inflammation, NK cells augment its magnitude and contribute to asthma exacerbations. Proasthma activities of NK cells can be programmed during embryogenesis through maternal exposure to environmental pollutants. Prenatally programmed NK cells produce type-2 and type-3 cytokines and mediate asthma predisposition. NK cells can also act as asthma antagonists. NK cells contribute to the resolution of inflammation through suppression of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells and type-3 immunity. When viral infection occurs in naïve mice prior to allergic sensitization, NK cells antagonize type-2 immunity and prevent development of asthma.

NK cells are nonredundant participants of allergic inflammation. The environmental context determines whether NK cells act as protagonists or antagonists.
Vasopressin versus Norepinephrine in Patients with Vasoplegic Shock after Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Hajjar Ludhmila Abrahao , Vincent Jean Louis , Barbosa Gomes Galas Filomena Regina , Rhodes Andrew , Landoni Giovanni , Osawa Eduardo Atsushi , Melo Renato Rosa , Sundin Marcia Rodrigues , Grande Solimar Miranda , Gaiotto Fabio A. , Pomerantzeff Pablo Maria , Dallan Luis Oliveira , Franco Rafael Alves , Nakamura Rosana Ely , Lisboa Luiz Augusto , de Almeida Juliano Pinheiro , Gerent Aline Muller , Souza Dayenne Hianae , Gaiane Maria Alice , Fukushima Julia Tizue , Park Clarice Lee , Zambolim Cristiane , Rocha Ferreira Graziela Santos , Strabelli Tânia Mara , Fernandes Felipe Lourenco , Camara Ligia , Zeferino Suely , Santos Valter Garcia , Piccioni Marilde Albuquerque , Jatene Fabio Biscegli , Costa Auler Jose Otavio , Filho Roberto Kalil
Published: November 2016

Background

Vasoplegic syndrome is a common complication after cardiac surgery and impacts negatively on patient outcomes. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether vasopressin is superior to norepinephrine in reducing postoperative complications in patients with vasoplegic syndrome.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, double-blind trial was conducted at the Heart Institute, University of Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil, between January 2012 and March 2014. Patients with vasoplegic shock (defined as mean arterial pressure less than 65 mmHg resistant to fluid challenge and cardiac index greater than 2.2 l · min−2 · m−2) after cardiac surgery were randomized to receive vasopressin (0.01 to 0.06 U/min) or norepinephrine (10 to 60 μg/min) to maintain arterial pressure. The primary endpoint was a composite of mortality or severe complications (stroke, requirement for mechanical ventilation for longer than 48 h, deep sternal wound infection, reoperation, or acute renal failure) within 30 days.

Results

A total of 330 patients were randomized, and 300 were infused with one of the study drugs (vasopressin, 149; norepinephrine, 151). The primary outcome occurred in 32% of the vasopressin patients and in 49% of the norepinephrine patients (unadjusted hazard ratio, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.80; P = 0.0014). Regarding adverse events, the authors found a lower occurrence of atrial fibrillation in the vasopressin group (63.8% vs. 82.1%; P = 0.0004) and no difference between groups in the rates of digital ischemia, mesenteric ischemia, hyponatremia, and myocardial infarction.

Conclusions

The authors’ results suggest that vasopressin can be used as a first-line vasopressor agent in postcardiac surgery vasoplegic shock and improves clinical outcomes.
Sinonasal methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: updates on treatment
Authors: Al-Asousi Fahad , Dadgostar Anali , Javer Amin
Published: November 2016

Purpose of review

Over the past two decades, the management of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in chronic rhinosinusitis has posed significant challenges. This document reviews current management techniques and novel treatment modalities for sinonasal MRSA infections.

Recent findings

Topical antibiotic therapy, that is, drops (ofloxacin) and ointments (mupirocin) as off-label use for the management of MRSA chronic sinusitis, has shown beneficial results. Other more recently trialed nonantibiotic modalities such as antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and colloidal silver irrigation are also showing promise.

Sinonasal MRSA is considered to be associated with recalcitrant chronic sinusitis. Advancements in systemic and local antibiotics in its management have been slow and unsatisfactory. Attention is shifting to the use of nonantibiotic antibacterial treatments. Knowledge of these options is critical to improve the overall management of these chronic patients.
Successful Treatment of Rhino-Orbital-Cerebral Mucormycosis in a Child With Leukemia
Authors: Jensen Thorbjørn S.R. , Arendrup Maiken C. , von Buchvald Christian , Frandsen Thomas L. , Juhler Marianne , Nygaard Ulrikka
Published: November 2016

Rhino-orbital-cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare fulminant opportunistic fungal infection that despite relevant treatment has high mortality. We present a case of a 3-year-old girl with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and ROCM, who was treated successfully with excessive surgery, systemic antifungal treatment with amphotericin B (AmB), posaconazole, and terbinafine as well as hyperbaric oxygen. Surgery included, beside extracranial and intracranial removal of infected areas, endoscopic sinus and skull base surgery with local AmB installation and in addition placement of an Ommaya reservoir for 114 intrathecal administrations of AmB. In addition, we review the literature of ROCM in pediatric patients with hematological diseases.
Incidence of Bladder Injury During Retropubic Midurethral Sling Placement After Prior Burch Colpopexy
Authors: Gephart Laura Faye , Kuehl Thomas J. , Reyes Michelle , Yandell Paul M. , Larsen Wilma I.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To elucidate if prior Burch changes the risk of bladder injury or rates of voiding dysfunction and continence in the immediate postoperative period when undergoing retropubic midurethral sling (MUS) placement.

Methods

In this retrospective case control, charts were selected by Current Procedural Terminology codes for MUS placement. Women undergoing retropubic MUS placement with history of Burch urethropexy were considered. For every case, 2 age-matched and parity-matched controls without prior Burch were selected.

Results

In total, 538 charts were reviewed from 2010 to 2014. Twenty cases were found. There was a difference (P = 0.023) in trocar penetration of the bladder. Twenty-five percent (5/20) of women with prior Burch had a 9-fold (odds ratio [OR], 9.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.0–82) higher chance of bladder penetration compared with women without prior retropubic surgery as calculated with Mantel-Haenszel paired test. Women with prior Burch had more success passing their voiding trials (OR, 7.5; 95% CI, 1.1–49.2). At 6 weeks, there was no difference in voiding dysfunction. Cure of stress incontinence at 6 weeks occurred more in controls than cases (P = 0.044) with match pairs manifesting an OR of 0.20 and 95% CI of 0.04–1.1.

Discussion

This study shows a significant increase risk of trocar penetration of the bladder during retropubic MUS placement in women with a history of Burch urethropexy. Despite this, MUS placement was successful in all women. Women with prior surgery were much more likely to pass their voiding trials. There was no difference in voiding dysfunction at 6 weeks between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

This indicates that though bladder penetration with a trocar is more common in the setting of previous retropubic surgery, it does not impact a woman's short-term intraoperative or postoperative course.
rehh 2.0: a reimplementation of the R package rehh to detect positive selection from haplotype structure
Authors: Gautier Mathieu , Klassmann Alexander , Vitalis Renaud
Published: November 2016

Identifying genomic regions with unusually high local haplotype homozygosity represents a powerful strategy to characterize candidate genes responding to natural or artificial positive selection. To that end, statistics measuring the extent of haplotype homozygosity within (e.g. EHH, iHS) and between (Rsb or XP‐EHH) populations have been proposed in the literature. The rehh package for r was previously developed to facilitate genome‐wide scans of selection, based on the analysis of long‐range haplotypes. However, its performance was not sufficient to cope with the growing size of available data sets. Here, we propose a major upgrade of the rehh package, which includes an improved processing of the input files, a faster algorithm to enumerate haplotypes, as well as multithreading. As illustrated with the analysis of large human haplotype data sets, these improvements decrease the computation time by more than one order of magnitude. This new version of rehh will thus allow performing iHS‐, Rsb‐ or XP‐EHH‐based scans on large data sets. The package rehh 2.0 is available from the CRAN repository (http://cran.r-project.org/web/packages/rehh/index.html) together with help files and a detailed manual.
Efficacy and safety of etanercept in patients from Latin America, Central Europe and Asia with early non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthritis
Authors: Wei James Cheng‐Chung , Tsai Wen‐Chan , Citera Gustavo , Kotak Sameer , Llamado Lyndon
Published: November 2016

Aim

To evaluate etanercept in patients from Latin America, Central/Eastern Europe, and Asia with non‐radiographic axial spondyloarthritis (nr‐axSpA).

Methods

A subset analysis was performed on nr‐axSpA patients from Argentina, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Russia and Taiwan who were enrolled in EMBARK (NCT01258738). Patients received either etanercept 50 mg or placebo once weekly. The primary endpoint was proportion of patients achieving 40% improvement from baseline based on Assessment of SpondyloArthritis International Society (ASAS) criteria. Secondary endpoints included other efficacy assessments, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and safety.

Results

Of the 117 patients in this subset, 59 were treated with etanercept and 58 received placebo. At week 12, numerically greater improvements from baseline were observed for all efficacy endpoints in etanercept‐treated patients compared with those receiving placebo. Statistically significant differences between the two treatment groups were observed for proportion of patients achieving ASAS40 (P = 0.0413, at week 8), ASAS5/6 (P = 0.0126), Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score ‐ C‐reactive protein (CRP) inactive disease (P = 0.0093), Spondyloarthritis Research Consortium of Canada magnetic resonance imaging of sacroiliac joint scores (P = 0.0014), high‐sensitivity CRP (P=0.032), and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (P = 0.0082). Statistically significant improvements in the etanercept‐treated group compared with placebo group were observed for nocturnal back pain (P = 0.040), total back pain (P = 0.025), physician global assessment of disease (P = 0.023), and Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire percent impairment while working (P = 0.047). Adverse events were similar between the two treatment groups.

Conclusions

In this subset of patients with nr‐axSpA from Latin America, Central/Eastern Europe, and Asia, treatment with etanercept, compared with placebo, resulted in improved disease symptoms and patient HRQoL. Etanercept was well tolerated.
Validity and reliability of the Health Assessment Questionnaire among patients with spondyloarthritis in Singapore
Authors: Kwan Yu Heng , Fong Warren , Lui Nai Lee , Yong Si Ting , Cheung Yin Bun , Malhotra Rahul , Thumboo Julian , Østbye Truls
Published: November 2016

Aim

The Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) is a popular tool used to measure disability. Few studies have assessed its psychometric properties in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA). We therefore aimed to assess the reliability and validity of the HAQ in patients with SpA in Singapore.

Method

Cross‐sectional data from a registry of 196 patients with SpA recruited from a dedicated tertiary referral clinic in Singapore from 2011 to 2014 was used. Analyses were guided by the COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) framework. Internal consistency reliability was assessed using Cronbach's alpha. Convergent construct validity was assessed by 30 a priori hypotheses through correlation of the summary score and the eight domain scores of the HAQ with other health outcome measures: Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index (BASFI), Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Global Score (BASG), pain, Patient's Global Assessment (PGA) and Short Form‐36 Health Survey (SF‐36). Divergent construct validity was assessed by poor correlation of HAQ with SF‐36 Mental component score (MCS).

Results

Among 196 patients (155 males [79.1%] median [range] age: 36 [17–70]; 166 Chinese [84.7%]), the HAQ showed a high internal consistency of 0.78–0.84. Convergent validity was supported by achieving 26 out of the 30 a priori hypotheses. Divergent validity was also established‐ correlation of SF‐36 MCS with seven domains and summary scores of the HAQ were not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This study supports the HAQ as a valid and reliable measure of disability for use in patients with SpA.
The Effects of Ethanol Exposure During Distinct Periods of Brain Development on Oxidative Stress in the Adult Rat Brain
Authors: Brocardo Patricia S. , Gil‐Mohapel Joana , Wortman Ryan , Noonan Athena , McGinnis Eric , Patten Anna R. , Christie Brian R.
Published: November 2016

Background

The consumption of alcohol during pregnancy can result in abnormal fetal development and impaired brain function in humans and experimental animal models. Depending on the pattern of consumption, the dose, and the period of exposure to ethanol (EtOH), a variety of structural and functional brain deficits can be observed.

Methods

This study compared the effects of EtOH exposure during distinct periods of brain development on oxidative damage and endogenous antioxidant status in various brain regions of adult female and male Sprague Dawley rats. Pregnant dams and neonatal rats were exposed to EtOH during one of the following time windows: between gestational days (GDs) 1 and 10 (first trimester equivalent); between GDs 11 and 21 (second trimester equivalent); or between postnatal days (PNDs) 4 and 10 (third trimester equivalent).

Results

EtOH exposure during any of the 3 trimester equivalents significantly increased lipid peroxidation in both the cornus ammonis (CA) and dentate gyrus (DG) subregions of the hippocampus, while also decreasing the levels of the endogenous antioxidant glutathione in the hippocampal CA and DG subregions as well as the prefrontal cortex of young adult animals (PND 60).

Conclusions

These results indicate that EtOH exposure during restricted periods of brain development can have long‐term consequences in the adult brain by dysregulating its redox status. This dysfunction may underlie, at least in part, the long‐term alterations in brain function associated with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders.
Electrical pulse stimulation of cultured skeletal muscle cells as a model for in vitro exercise – possibilities and limitations
Authors: Nikolić N. , Görgens S. W. , Thoresen G. H. , Aas V. , Eckel J. , Eckardt K.
Published: November 2016

The beneficial health‐related effects of exercise are well recognized, and numerous studies have investigated underlying mechanism using various in vivo and in vitro models. Although electrical pulse stimulation (EPS) for the induction of muscle contraction has been used for quite some time, its application on cultured skeletal muscle cells of animal or human origin as a model of in vitro exercise is a more recent development. In this review, we compare in vivo exercise and in vitro EPS with regard to effects on signalling, expression level and metabolism. We provide a comprehensive overview of different EPS protocols and their applications, discuss technical aspects of this model including critical controls and the importance of a proper maintenance procedure and finally discuss the limitations of the EPS model.
Sex differences in confidence influence patterns of conformity
Authors: Cross Catharine P. , Brown Gillian R. , Morgan Thomas J. H. , Laland Kevin N.
Published: November 2016

Lack of confidence in one's own ability can increase the likelihood of relying on social information. Sex differences in confidence have been extensively investigated in cognitive tasks, but implications for conformity have not been directly tested. Here, we tested the hypothesis that, in a task that shows sex differences in confidence, an indirect effect of sex on social information use will also be evident. Participants (N = 168) were administered a mental rotation (MR) task or a letter transformation (LT) task. After providing an answer, participants reported their confidence before seeing the responses of demonstrators and being allowed to change their initial answer. In the MR, but not the LT, task, women showed lower levels of confidence than men, and confidence mediated an indirect effect of sex on the likelihood of switching answers. These results provide novel, experimental evidence that confidence is a general explanatory mechanism underpinning susceptibility to social influences. Our results have implications for the interpretation of the wider literature on sex differences in conformity.
Theoretical studies on the selective mechanisms of GSK3β and CDK2 by molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations
Authors: Zhao Sufang , Zhu Jingyu , Xu Lei , Jin Jian
Published: November 2016

Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a serine/threonine protein kinase which is widely involved in cell signaling and controls a broad number of cellular functions. GSK3 contains α and β isoforms, and GSK3β has received more attention and becomes an attractive drug target for the treatment of several diseases. The binding pocket of cyclin‐dependent kinase 2 (CDK2) shares high sequence identity to that of GSK3β, and therefore, the design of highly selective inhibitors toward GSK3β remains a big challenge. In this study, a computational strategy, which combines molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, free energy calculations, and umbrella sampling simulations, was employed to explore the binding mechanisms of two selective inhibitors to GSK3β and CDK2. The simulation results highlighted the key residues critical for GSK3β selectivity. It was observed that although GSK3β and CDK2 share the conserved ATP‐binding pockets, some different residues have significant contributions to protein selectivity. This study provides valuable information for understanding the GSK3β‐selective binding mechanisms and the rational design of selective GSK3β inhibitors.
Attachment in the Early Life Course: Meta‐Analytic Evidence for Its Role in Socioemotional Development
Authors: Groh Ashley M. , Fearon R. M. Pasco , van IJzendoorn Marinus H. , Bakermans‐Kranenburg Marian J. , Roisman Glenn I.
Published: November 2016

After decades of research on early attachment relationships, questions remain concerning whether the evidence supports claims made by attachment theory, in particular, that variation in early attachment predicts children's developmental adaptation or maladaptation, and that characteristics of children's temperament does not determine attachment. To evaluate these claims, we conducted meta‐analyses on early attachment and children's social competence with peers, externalizing problems, internalizing symptoms, and temperament. In this article, we summarize our findings, which support attachment theory—though we note caveats. We also call for new measurement models, a focus on mediating and moderating mechanisms, and multisite replications.
Effect of statins on serum vitamin D concentrations: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Rezaie Peyman , Vatanparast Hassan , Kengne Andre Pascal
Published: November 2016

Background

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess the effects of statin therapy on serum vitamin D concentrations.

Materials and methods

We searched multiple databases including PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science and Google Scholar from inception to May 2016, for studies on the effects of statin treatment on serum vitamin D concentration. Quantitative data synthesis used random‐effects models meta‐analysis, with sensitivity analysis conducted using the leave‐one‐out method. Heterogeneity was quantitatively assessed using the I2 index. The systematic review's registration number was CRD42016035974.

Results

In all, seven of 644 studies met our selection criteria including three randomized controlled trials (RCT), three observational cohort studies and one case–control study. Across RCTs, treatment with statins was associated a significant increase in serum vitamin D concentrations [weighted mean difference (WMD) 2·71 ng/mL, 95% CI 0·19–5·24, I2 62·1%). Across studies of non‐RCT design, statins treatment was associated with a decrease in vitamin D concentrations (WMD −0·70 ng/mL, 95% CI −1·20 to −0·20, I2 56·3%). These findings were robust in sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis was inconclusive on the effects of statins on vitamin D, with conflicting directions of the effects from interventional and observational studies. The suggested favourable effects from RCTs need to be confirmed in larger studies with extended follow‐up in order to determine the possible health benefits.
WARM‐GLOW GIVING: EARNED MONEY AND THE OPTION TO TAKE
Authors: Luccasen Andrew , Grossman Philip J.
Published: November 2016

Giving in dictator games has been shown to vary with the nature of the endowment (earned vs. house money) and the action space (give only vs. the option to give or take). This article is the first to test if these factors similarly affect warm‐glow giving alone. There is no reason that one would expect the same outcomes given that the motivations for warm‐glow giving are different from the motivations for total (warm‐glow plus purely altruistic) giving. We find that warm‐glow giving to charity or philanthropic institutions in a real‐donation experiment increases when the endowment is earned. The option to take does reduce warm‐glow giving to charity, but significant giving remains. Our results suggest that donating earned income creates greater utility than donating an equal amount from a windfall gain, and that warm glow comes not merely from the act of giving, but also from the characteristics of the recipient. (JEL C90, D64, H41)
Guttural pouch empyema caused byCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisin a pregnant mare
Authors: DeLoache P. , Whelchel D. , Beetz R. , Carter J. , Eichelberger A. , Pusterla N.
Published: November 2016

During medical management of mild colic in a 12‐year‐old Quarter Horse, mid‐gestation mare, unilateral purulent nasal discharge from the right nostril was noted. Endoscopic examination revealed guttural pouch empyema. Culture was positive forCorynebacterium pseudotuberculosisand negative forStreptococcus equissp.equi. A synergistic haemolysis inhibition titre of 1024 was consistent withC. pseudotuberculosisinfection. Treatment included serial lavages and local infusion of antibiotics into the guttural pouches along with a 6‐week course of oral trimethoprim–sulfamethoxazole and rifampicin. Overall, no additional sites of infection were identified and the mare responded well to treatment, delivering a healthy, full‐term foal. This case emphasises thatC. pseudotuberculosis, although uncommon, should be considered as a differential for guttural pouch empyema.
Thirty years of fleet dynamics modelling using discrete‐choice models: What have we learned?
Authors: Girardin Raphaël , Hamon Katell G , Pinnegar John , Poos Jan Jaap , Thébaud Olivier , Tidd Alex , Vermard Youen , Marchal Paul
Published: November 2016

Anticipating fisher behaviour is necessary for successful fisheries management. Of the different concepts that have been developed to understand individual fisher behaviour, random utility models (RUMs) have attracted considerable attention in the past three decades, and more particularly so since the 2000s. This study aimed at summarizing and analysing the information gathered from RUMs used during the last three decades around the globe. A methodology has been developed to standardize information across different studies and compare RUM results. The studies selected focused on fishing effort allocation. Six types of fisher behaviour drivers were considered: the presence of other vessels in the same fishing area, tradition, expected revenue, species targeting, costs, and risk‐taking. Analyses were performed using three separate linear modelling approaches to assess the extent to which these different drivers impacted fisher behaviour in three fleet types: fleets fishing for demersal species using active gears, fleets fishing for demersal species using passive gears and fleets fishing for pelagic species. Fishers are attracted by higher expected revenue, tradition, species targeting and presence of others, but avoid choices involving large costs. Results also suggest that fishers fishing for demersal species using active gears are generally more influenced by past seasonal (long‐term) patterns than by the most recent (short‐term) information. Finally, the comparison of expected revenue with other fisher behaviour drivers highlights that demersal fishing vessels are risk‐averse and that tradition and species targeting influence fisher decisions more than expected revenue.
Acculturation Conflict, Cultural Parenting Self‐Efficacy, and Perceived Parenting Competence in Asian American and Latino/a Families
Authors: Kiang Lisa , Glatz Terese , Buchanan Christy M.
Published: November 2016

Parents from immigrant backgrounds must deal with normative parenting demands as well as unique challenges associated with acculturation processes. The current study examines the independent and interactive influences of acculturation conflict and cultural parenting self‐efficacy (PSE; e.g., parents’ confidence in instilling heritage, American, and bicultural values in their children) on perceptions of general parenting competence. Using data from 58 Asian American and 153 Latin American parents of children in grades 6–12, ethnic differences were also explored. Results suggest that lower acculturation conflict is associated with higher perceptions of general parenting competence for both Asian and Latin American parents. Higher cultural PSE is associated with higher perceived general parenting competence for Latino/a parents only. One significant interaction was found, and only for Asian Americans, whereby the negative association between acculturation conflict and perceptions of parenting competence was weaker for those who felt efficacious in transmitting heritage messages. Results are discussed in light of clinical implications and the need for further recognition and study of culturally relevant factors and frameworks among families from immigrant backgrounds.