bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distress‐dependent temporal variability of regions encoding domain‐specific and domain‐general behavioral manifestations of phantom percepts
Authors: Mohan Anusha , De Ridder Dirk , Idiculla Rajith , DSouza Clisha , Vanneste Sven 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTinnitus is the perception of a phantom sound characterized behaviorally by a loudness and a distress component. Although a wealth of information is available about the relationship between these behavioral correlates and changes in static functional connectivity, its relationship with dynamic changes in network connectivity is yet unexplored. The aim of this study was thus to investigate changes in the flexibility and stability of temporal variability in tinnitus and its relation to loudness and distress using continuous resting‐state EEG. We observe an increase in temporal variability at the whole‐brain level in tinnitus, which is spatiotemporally distributed at the nodal level. Behaviorally, we observe changes in the relationship between temporal variability and loudness and distress depending on the amount of distress experienced. In patients with low distress, there is no relationship between temporal variability and loudness or distress, demonstrating a resilience in dynamic connectivity of the brain. However, patients with high distress exhibit a direct relationship with increasing loudness in the primary auditory cortex and parahippocampus, and an inverse relationship with increasing distress in the parahippocampus. In tinnitus, the specific sensory (loudness) component related to increased temporal variability possibly reflects a Bayesian search for updating deafferentation‐based missing information. On the other hand, the decreased temporal variability related to the nonspecific distress component possibly reflects a more hard‐wired or less adaptive contextual processing. Therefore, our findings may reveal a way to understand the changes in network dynamics not just in tinnitus, but also in other brain disorders.
Electrocorticography reveals continuous auditory and visual speech tracking in temporal and occipital cortex
Authors: Micheli Cristiano , Schepers Inga M. , Ozker Müge , Yoshor Daniel , Beauchamp Michael S. , Rieger Jochem W. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractDuring natural speech perception, humans must parse temporally continuous auditory and visual speech signals into sequences of words. However, most studies of speech perception present only single words or syllables. We used electrocorticography (subdural electrodes implanted on the brains of epileptic patients) to investigate the neural mechanisms for processing continuous audiovisual speech signals consisting of individual sentences. Using partial correlation analysis, we found that posterior superior temporal gyrus (pSTG) and medial occipital cortex tracked both the auditory and the visual speech envelopes. These same regions, as well as inferior temporal cortex, responded more strongly to a dynamic video of a talking face compared to auditory speech paired with a static face. Occipital cortex and pSTG carry temporal information about both auditory and visual speech dynamics. Visual speech tracking in pSTG may be a mechanism for enhancing perception of degraded auditory speech.
Pathological Gambling in Parkinson's disease: Autonomic measures supporting impaired decision‐making
Authors: Angioletti Laura , Siri Chiara , Meucci Nicoletta , Pezzoli Gianni , Balconi Michela 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAccording to the somatic marker hypothesis, autonomic measures and arousal modulation can reveal a difference in subgroups of patients developing impaired decision‐making because of addictions. Previously, pathological gambling (PG) and Parkinson's disease (PD) have been associated with differential arousal levels during gambling behavior. However, no research considered the specific autonomic responses of Parkinson's disease patients with pathological gambling and with a previous history of gambling. Thus, this study investigated skin conductance responses (SCRs), skin conductance level (SCL) and heart rate (HR) during the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) in two groups of PD patients with gambling disorder, active (PD Gamblers; n = 14) or remitted (PD Non‐Gamblers; n = 13) and a control group of patients with Parkinson's disease only (n = 13). Anticipatory autonomic responses to disadvantageous decks and advantageous decks during the Iowa Gambling Task were measured for each participant. The PD Gamblers group performed worse than the PD Non‐Gamblers and the control groups at the IGT task and exhibited lower SCRs, SCL, and HR during the decision‐making processing of cards belonging to disadvantageous decks. The role of autonomic and behavioral measures was considered.
Fatigue performance of RC beams strengthened with CFRP under coupling action of temperatures and vehicle random loads
Authors: Lin JX , Huang PY , Guo XY , Zheng XH , Zhao C. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractConsidering significant influence of servicing environments and vehicle random loads on fatigue performance of main load‐bearing members of bridges, in this paper, fatigue performance of reinforced concrete bridge structures strengthened with carbon fibre–reinforced polymer under coupling action of environmental temperatures and vehicle random loads was studied. A vehicle random loading spectrum for fatigue tests was simulated and compiled. A fatigue testing method with coupling action of random loads and temperatures was proposed, and 3‐point bending fatigue tests of the reinforced concrete beams strengthened with carbon fibre–reinforced polymer under coupling action of temperatures and vehicle random loads were performed. Effects of temperatures and loading form on the fatigue damage mechanism were preliminarily discussed. A modified Palmgren‐Miner rule and semiempirical fatigue equations were proposed and proved effective.
A meta‐analysis of temperature sensitivity as a microbial trait
Authors: Alster Charlotte J. , Weller Zachary D. , von Fischer Joseph C. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTraits‐based approaches in microbial ecology provide a valuable way to abstract organismal interaction with the environment and to generate hypotheses about community function. Using macromolecular rate theory (MMRT), we recently identified that temperature sensitivity can be characterized as a distinct microbial trait. As temperature is fundamental in controlling biological reactions, variation in temperature sensitivity across communities, organisms, and processes has the potential to vastly improve understanding of microbial response to climate change. These microbial temperature sensitivity traits include the heat capacity (), temperature optimum (Topt), and point of maximum temperature sensitivity (TSmax), each of which provide unique insights about organismal response to changes in temperature. In this meta‐analysis, we analyzed the distribution of these temperature sensitivity traits from bacteria, fungi, and mixed communities across a variety of biological systems (e.g., soils, oceans, foods, wastewater treatment plants) in order to identify commonalities in temperature responses across these diverse organisms and reaction rates. Our analysis of temperature sensitivity traits from over 350 temperature response curves reveals a wide distribution of temperature sensitivity traits, with Topt and TSmax well within biological relevant temperatures. We find that traits vary significantly depending on organism type, microbial diversity, source environment, and biological process, with higher temperature sensitivity found in fungi than bacteria and in less diverse systems. Carbon dioxide production was found to be less temperature sensitive than denitrification, suggesting that changes in temperature will have a potentially larger impact on nitrogen‐related processes. As climate changes, these results have important implications for basic understanding of the temperature sensitivity of biological reactions and for ecological understanding of species’ trait distributions, as well as for improved treatment of temperature sensitivity in models.
Thoughts on a Fiscal Union in EMU
Authors: Gadatsch Niklas , Hollmayr Josef , Stähler Nikolai 
Published: June 2018

Abstract
Using an estimated large-scale New Keynesian model, we assess the consequences of introducing a fiscal union within EMU. We differentiate between three different scenarios: public revenue equalisation, tax harmonisation and a centralised fiscal authority. Our results indicate that no country would significantly benefit from introducing any form of fiscal union. Comparing long-term, that is, steady state, effects we have winners and losers depending on the scenario. Differences in terms of business cycle statistics as well as in terms of risk sharing of asymmetric shocks are minor. This also explains why welfare differences are small across the fiscal union scenarios. A counterfactual exercise indicates that with a fiscal union regime already installed at the start of EMU, key macroeconomic variables would have reacted very similarly while debt dynamics would have changed notably.
Chlorophyll fluorescence and biomass of four cassava genotypes grown under rain‐fed upper paddy field conditions in the tropics
Authors: Sawatraksa Nateetip , Banterng Poramate , Jogloy Sanun , Vorasoot Nimitr , Hoogenboom Gerrit 
Published: June 2018

AbstractExpanding the area under cultivation and increasing the productivity are two solutions to fulfil the high cassava demand. The objective was to determine the quantum efficiency of photochemistry, relative water content (RWC), growth and biomass of four cassava genotypes grown under rain‐fed upper paddy field conditions. The four cassava genotypes (Kasetsart 50, Rayong 9, Rayong 11 and CMR38–125–77) were evaluated under three environments in rain‐fed upper paddy field conditions in the Khon Kaen province, Thailand, between 2015 and 2017. The experiment used a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications. Data recorded were soil characteristics prior to planting, soil moisture, leaf RWC, chlorophyll fluorescence under natural light () and artificial dark (Fv/Fm) conditions, total dry weight (TDW), storage root dry weight (SRDW), starch yield and weather data during crop duration. The results from combined analysis indicated that the growing environment had a greater effect than genotypes for RWC (except for RWC at 90 days after planting (DAP), , Fv/Fm, TDW (except for TDW at 150 DAP), SRDW (except for SRDW at 150 DAP) and starch yield. There were significant interactions between genotypes and environments for TDW, SRDW and starch yield. CMR38–125–77 was the superior genotype for growing under rain‐fed upper paddy field conditions when compared to the other three cassava genotypes. This study also showed the possibility of using and Fv/Fm as criteria to improve the efficiency for cassava varietal selection.
The “friend of zone of proximal development” role: ePortfolios as boundary objects
Authors: Impedovo M.A. , Ligorio M.B. , McLay K.F. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis research investigates how a role called "friend of zone of proximal development" (ZPD), assigned to one student in a peer partnership, supports the transition from university to professional life. Two near‐identical blended courses are compared. In Course 1 (6 F, 3 M), the friend of ZPD role was introduced into the ePortfolio structure. In Course 2 (6 F, 3 M), this role was not introduced. Students taking up the "friend of ZPD" role offered comments and advice. A total of 790 notes, posted by 9 students (average age: 24) for each course, were analysed. Through a quantitative analysis of the notes, we identify 3 emerging identity positions: I‐as‐university learner; I‐as‐informal learner; and I‐as‐future professional. Course 1 registered a higher number of identity positions, and the I‐as‐future‐professional position was the most frequent. Further, sudents who predominantly took up the I‐as‐university‐learner position had the lowest grades. Findings suggest that a poor projection towards the profession may compromise student learning outcomes.
Increased risk of mortality in systemic sclerosis‐associated digital ulcers: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Meunier P. , Dequidt L. , Barnetche T. , Lazaro E. , Duffau P. , Richez C. , Couzi L. , Truchetet M.‐E. , Seneschal J. ,   the FHU ACRONIM
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundSurvival can be threatened in certain forms of systemic sclerosis (SSc) so clear prognostic factors are needed.ObjectivesThe aim of this meta‐analysis was to assess the association between the presence of digital ulcers (DUs) and mortality in SSc.MethodsWe performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis in the Pubmed and Scopus databases from the earliest records to May 2017. Two research strategies were performed: « systemic sclerosis » and « digital ulcers » (strategy A); « systemic sclerosis » and « mortality » (strategy B). The primary outcome was the mortality associated with the presence of DUs in patients with SSc.ResultsThe literature search identified 1473 citations. Fifty‐nine studies were examined for full text. Ten articles were included for the meta‐analysis. SSc patients with DUs had an increased pooled mortality risk: RR = 1.53 (IC 95%: [1.23–1.90]).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis revealed a higher mortality in SSc patients with associated DUs. Having DUs may be a predictive factor of developing organ involvement such as pulmonary or cardiovascular events that could be associated with poor survival. It suggests that early screening of DUs in SSc patients is important to identify patients most at risk of poor survival.
CD34 stromal expression is inversely proportional to smooth muscle actin expression and extent of morphea
Authors: Lee J.S. , Park H.S. , Yoon H.S. , Chung J.H. , Cho S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundFibrosis is thought to be the main pathophysiology of scleroderma, and myofibroblasts play the main role in abnormal fibrotic pathologies. Altered distribution of dermal dendritic cells (DDCs) and vascular abnormalities has been reported to relate to the pathogenesis of scleroderma.ObjectiveTo investigate fibrotic pathogenesis of morphea (localized scleroderma) by demonstrating the relative expression and distribution of DDCs and myofibroblasts, we performed immunohistochemical stains using several relevant antibodies.MethodsSkin lesions of 50 patients with morphea and age‐, sex‐ and site‐matched normal skin of 50 subjects were evaluated for the following antibodies: CD34, factor XIIIa (FXIIIa), smooth muscle actin (SMA), CD31 and vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1 (VCAM‐1).ResultsCD34 stromal stain was significantly lower in patients than controls (P = 0.000), while FXIIIa, SMA and VCAM‐1 stains were significantly higher in patients than controls (P = 0.043, P = 0.000 and P = 0.027, respectively). In subtype analysis within patients, CD34 stromal stain showed decreasing trends with increasing disease extent and increasing fibrosis, respectively. CD34 stromal stain showed an inverse correlation and mutually exclusive spatial expression pattern with SMA stain (r = −0.286, P = 0.044). The inverse relationship was maintained in each dermal layer analysis, upper and lower dermis (r = −0.397, P = 0.004 and r = −0.281, P = 0.048, respectively).ConclusionsMutually exclusive staining patterns of CD34 stromal and SMA stains suggest a phenotypic change of CD34+ DDCs into SMA+ myofibroblasts with increasing disease extent and fibrosis in morphea. Degree of loss of CD34+ DDCs can be a useful marker in predicting the extent and severity of morphea.
Repeating measurements by transient elastography in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with high liver stiffness
Authors: Chow Jeremy Chak‐Lun , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Chan Anthony Wing‐Hung , Shu Sally She‐Ting , Chan Carmen Ka‐Man , Leung Julie Ka‐Yu , Choi Paul Cheung‐Lung , Chim Angel Mei‐Ling , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackground and AimThe Baveno VI Consensus recommends repeating examination in patients with high liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography to reduce false‐positive diagnosis of advanced liver disease. We tested whether repeating transient elastography can increase the overall diagnostic accuracy.MethodsNinety‐seven patients with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease who underwent two FibroScan examinations within 6 months prior to liver biopsy were evaluated. An LSM cut‐off of 7.9 kPa was used to exclude F3‐4 fibrosis.ResultsSeventy‐eight patients had high LSM at baseline, among whom 27 had low LSM on repeated testing; only four had F3 and none had cirrhosis. In contrast, 31 of 51 patients with high LSM at both examinations had F3‐4. Nineteen patients had low LSM at baseline; none of them had F3‐4 regardless of the second LSM results. If we took LSM <7.9 kPa at either examination as sufficient to exclude F3‐4, the negative predictive value remained high at 91%. The positive predictive value for F3‐4 increased from 45% in patients with high LSM at baseline to 61% in those with high LSM at both examinations. Sensitivity analysis using different cut‐offs yielded similar results, with 76% of patients with LSM >12 kPa at both examinations having F3‐4.ConclusionsTransient elastography is a highly sensitive screening test to exclude F3‐4 fibrosis in non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease patients. One‐third of patients with high LSM may have normal results on repeated examination. By repeating examination in cases with high LSM, one may spare patients from unnecessary liver biopsy.
Workplace learning and career progression: qualitative perspectives of UK dietitians
Authors: Boocock R. C. , O'Rourke R. K. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundPost‐graduate education and continuous professional development (CPD) within dietetics lack clearly defined pathways. The current literature primarily focuses on new graduate perceptions of workplace learning (WPL). The present study raises issues of how CPD is sustained throughout a National Health Service (NHS) career, how informal learning might be made more visible and whether the workplace withholds learning opportunities.MethodsQualified dietitians participated in focus groups (n = 32) and a nominal group technique (n = 24). Data from audio recordings were transcribed and triangulated. Thematic analysis took an interpretative approach.ResultsOne size for WPL for dietetics and, likely, other allied health professionals (AHPs) did not meet the learning needs of everyone. The informal implicit learning affordances often went unrecognised. A greater emphasis on teaching, picking up on the strong preference for discussion with others voiced in the present study, may improve recognition of all WPL opportunities. Better scaffolding or guided support of entry level dietitians may ease the transition from study to workplace and challenge any perception of ‘clipped wings’. Where development and career progression proves difficult for experienced dietitians, mentoring or stepping outside the NHS may revitalise by providing new communities of practice.ConclusionsWPL cannot be understood as a unitary concept. Dietitians engage with WPL differently across their careers. Future visions of WPL, especially explicit post‐graduate career and education frameworks, must accommodate these differences to retain the highest calibre dietitians. The implications of a period of learning ‘maintenance’ rather than CPD among experienced dietitians offers a topic for further research, particularly as the workforce ages.
Theory‐informed nutrition education curriculum Tools For Feeling Good promotes healthy eating patterns among fifth grade pupils: cross‐sectional study
Authors: Tilles‐Tirkkonen T. , Nuutinen O. , Sinikallio S. , Poutanen K. , Karhunen L. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe eating patterns of school‐aged children rarely meet recommendations: meal frequency is irregular and the consumption of vegetables is lower and sugar‐sweetened products higher than recommended. Although school is an excellent arena for nutrition education to support pupils eating patterns, teachers usually lack efficient tools. The present study aimed to develop a curriculum for nutrition education to be used by teachers and to examine its efficacy in the school environment with respect to the eating patterns of pupils.MethodsThe curriculum was developed in collaboration with school teachers using self‐determination theory as a theoretical standpoint. The Health at Every Size concept and sensory‐based food education were utilised in the curriculum. Self‐reported questionnaires were used to assess the feasibility and impact of the curriculum. Fourteen teachers implemented the curriculum during 2012–2013 with 194 pupils aged 10–13 years (fifth and sixth grades). The control schools included 140 pupils of the same age not following the curriculum.ResultsThe teachers reported that the curriculum was easy to integrate in the school environment. The fifth graders improved their breakfast frequency, increased their consumption of vegetables and reduced their consumption of ice cream, sweets and sugar‐sweetened drinks. No improvement was found in the fifth graders at the control schools. In the sixth graders, no dietary changes were detected in the intervention or control schools.ConclusionsThe pupils in the fifth grade appeared to comprise a responsive target group for nutrition education at schools. The curriculum offers a promising approach for developing healthy eating patterns among fifth graders. Collaboration with teachers in developing the curriculum likely enhanced its feasibility and teacher commitment for implementation.
Plasma levels of the proprotein convertase furin and incidence of diabetes and mortality
Authors: Fernandez C. , Rysä J. , Almgren P. , Nilsson J. , Engström G. , Orho‐Melander M. , Ruskoaho H. , Melander O. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundDiabetes mellitus is linked to premature mortality of virtually all causes. Furin is a proprotein convertase broadly involved in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis; however, little is known about its role in the development of diabetes mellitus and risk of premature mortality.ObjectivesTo test if fasting plasma concentration of furin is associated with the development of diabetes mellitus and mortality.MethodsOvernight fasted plasma furin levels were measured at baseline examination in 4678 individuals from the population‐based prospective Malmö Diet and Cancer Study. We studied the relation of plasma furin levels with metabolic and hemodynamic traits. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards models to investigate the association between baseline plasma furin levels and incidence of diabetes mellitus and mortality during 21.3–21.7 years follow‐up.ResultsAn association was observed between quartiles of furin concentration at baseline and body mass index, blood pressure and plasma concentration of glucose, insulin, LDL and HDL cholesterol (|0.11| ≤ β ≤ |0.31|, P < 0.001). Plasma furin (hazard ratio [HR] per one standard deviation increment of furin) was predictive of future diabetes mellitus (727 events; HR = 1.24, CI = 1.14–1.36, P < 0.001) after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, use of antihypertensive treatment, alcohol intake and fasting plasma level of glucose, insulin and lipoproteins cholesterol. Furin was also independently related to the risk of all‐cause mortality (1229 events; HR = 1.12, CI = 1.05–1.19, P = 0.001) after full multivariable adjustment.ConclusionIndividuals with high plasma furin concentration have a pronounced dysmetabolic phenotype and elevated risk of diabetes mellitus and premature mortality.