bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying soil moisture impacts on light use efficiency across biomes
Authors: Stocker Benjamin D. , Zscheischler Jakob , Keenan Trevor F. , Prentice I. Colin , Peñuelas Josep , Seneviratne Sonia I. 
Published: March 2018

Summary

Terrestrial primary productivity and carbon cycle impacts of droughts are commonly quantified using vapour pressure deficit (VPD) data and remotely sensed greenness, without accounting for soil moisture. However, soil moisture limitation is known to strongly affect plant physiology.

Here, we investigate light use efficiency, the ratio of gross primary productivity (GPP) to absorbed light. We derive its fractional reduction due to soil moisture (fLUE), separated from VPD and greenness changes, using artificial neural networks trained on eddy covariance data, multiple soil moisture datasets and remotely sensed greenness.

This reveals substantial impacts of soil moisture alone that reduce GPP by up to 40% at sites located in sub‐humid, semi‐arid or arid regions. For sites in relatively moist climates, we find, paradoxically, a muted fLUE response to drying soil, but reduced fLUE under wet conditions.

fLUE identifies substantial drought impacts that are not captured when relying solely on VPD and greenness changes and, when seasonally recurring, are missed by traditional, anomaly‐based drought indices. Counter to common assumptions, fLUE reductions are largest in drought‐deciduous vegetation, including grasslands. Our results highlight the necessity to account for soil moisture limitation in terrestrial primary productivity data products, especially for drought‐related assessments.
Sensitivity analysis of the recovery time for a population under the impact of an environmental disturbance
Authors: Ackleh A. S. , Caswell H. , Chiquet R. A. , Tang T. , Veprauskas A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWildlife populations are often affected by natural or artificial disasters that reduce their vital rates leading to drastic fluctuations in population dynamics. We use a stage‐structured matrix model to study the recovery process of a population given an environmental disturbance. We focus on the time it takes the population to recover to its pre‐event level and develop general formulas to calculate the sensitivity and elasticity of the recovery time to changes in the initial population, vital rates, and event severity. Our results suggest that the recovery time is independent of the initial population size but it is sensitive to the initial structure. Moreover, the recovery time is more sensitive to reductions in vital rates than to the duration of the impact of the event. We explore an application of the model to the sperm whale population in Gulf of Mexico following a disturbance such as the Deepwater Horizon oil spill.Recommendations for Resource Managers
Understanding a population's recovery process following a disturbance is important for management and conservation decisions.
This study establishes a general framework that makes it possible to identify the key components in the recovery process.
When applied to a sperm whale population, the recovery time appears to be most sensitive to changes in survival. In addition, the magnitude of impact of a disturbance may have a greater impact on the recovery time than the duration of impact of the disturbance.
Causal inference and temporal predictions in audiovisual perception of speech and music
Authors: Noppeney Uta , Lee Hwee Ling 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTo form a coherent percept of the environment, the brain must integrate sensory signals emanating from a common source but segregate those from different sources. Temporal regularities are prominent cues for multisensory integration, particularly for speech and music perception. In line with models of predictive coding, we suggest that the brain adapts an internal model to the statistical regularities in its environment. This internal model enables cross‐sensory and sensorimotor temporal predictions as a mechanism to arbitrate between integration and segregation of signals from different senses.
Behavioral decoding of working memory items inside and outside the focus of attention
Authors: Mallett Remington , Lewis‐Peacock Jarrod A. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHow we attend to our thoughts affects how we attend to our environment. Holding information in working memory can automatically bias visual attention toward matching information. By observing attentional biases on reaction times to visual search during a memory delay, it is possible to reconstruct the source of that bias using machine learning techniques and thereby behaviorally decode the content of working memory. Can this be done when more than one item is held in working memory? There is some evidence that multiple items can simultaneously bias attention, but the effects have been inconsistent. One explanation may be that items are stored in different states depending on the current task demands. Recent models propose functionally distinct states of representation for items inside versus outside the focus of attention. Here, we use behavioral decoding to evaluate whether multiple memory items—including temporarily irrelevant items outside the focus of attention—exert biases on visual attention. Only the single item in the focus of attention was decodable. The other item showed a brief attentional bias that dissipated until it returned to the focus of attention. These results support the idea of dynamic, flexible states of working memory across time and priority.
The neural basis of visual symmetry and its role in mid‐ and high‐level visual processing
Authors: Bertamini Marco , Silvanto Juha , Norcia Anthony M. , Makin Alexis D.J. , Wagemans Johan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSymmetry is an important and prominent feature of the visual world. It has been studied as a basis for image segmentation and perceptual organization, but it also plays a role in higher level processes, such as face and object perception. Over the past decade, there has been progress in the study of the neural mechanisms of symmetry perception in humans and other animals. There is extended activity in the ventral stream, including the lateral occipital complex (LOC) and VO1; this activity starts in V3 and it occurs independently of the task (automatic response). Additionally, when the task requires processing of symmetry, the activation may emerge for objects that are symmetrical, even though they do not project a symmetrical image. There is also some evidence of hemispheric lateralization, especially for the LOC. We review the studies on the cortical basis of visual symmetry processing and its links to encoding of other aspects of the visual world, such as faces and objects.
From the Cradle to the Grave: The Influence of Family Background on the Career Path of Italian Men
Authors: Michele Raitano , Francesco Vona 
Published: March 2018

AbstractUsing a longitudinal data set that contains detailed information on working histories of Italian men, we investigate the relationship between parental background and sons’ earnings profiles. We find that the parental influence on sons’ earnings persists over the career and that the direct influence controlling for sons’ education is large and grows during the working career. After twenty years of experience, our baseline specification indicates that an additional year of parental education is associated with a 2.0% increase in sons’ wages, while an additional year of son's education is associated with a 4.8% increase. We use educational mobility between parents and sons to disentangle this influence into a glass ceiling effect – a premium for well‐off children who have high educational attainments – and a parachute effect – a premium for well‐off children who acquire less education than their parents. We find that both effects contribute to explain the steeper earnings profiles of the well‐off sons, consistently with the idea that family ties play a crucial allocative role in the Italian labour market.
Impact of left atrial size on isolation area in the acute phase of pulmonary vein isolation using 28 mm cryoballoon
Authors: Chikata Akio , Kato Takeshi , Usuda Kazuo , Fujita Shuhei , Maruyama Michiro , Nagata Yoshiki , Sakagami Satoru , Kanamori Naomi , Yaegashi Takanori , Saeki Takahiro , Kusayama Takashi , Usui Soichiro , Furusho Hiroshi , Kaneko Shuichi , Takamura Masayuki 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of left atrial (LA) size on isolation area (ISA) using a 28‐mm second‐generation cryoballoon (CB) in the acute phase after pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) and the differences of CB from contact force‐guided radiofrequency (RF) ablation have not been fully investigated.MethodsWe examined 85 consecutive patients (CB group, 35; RF group, 50) with drug‐refractory paroxysmal atrial fibrillation who underwent their first PVI procedure at two institutions. We evaluated ISA after PVI using 3D‐Merge computed tomography images (GE Healthcare, Little Chalfont, UK) and high‐resolution electroanatomical mapping.ResultsTotal ISA was significantly smaller in the CB group (20.6 ± 6.0 cm2) than in the RF group (29.0 ± 7.1 cm2; P < 0.0001). In the CB group, ISA of the left pulmonary vein (LPV), right pulmonary vein (RPV), and total ISA were not correlated with the left atrial surface area (LASA). The ratios of ISA to LASA (%ISA) of LPV and total ISA negatively correlated with LASA in the CB group (LPV: r = −0.4001, P = 0.0173; total ISA: r = −0.4733, P = 0.0041). In contrast, in the RF group, ISA of LPV, RPV, and total ISA positively correlated with LASA; (LPV: r = 0.5155, P = 0.001; RPV: r = 0.6398, P < 0.0001; total ISA: r = 0.7299, P < 0.0001).ConclusionISA created using CB was significantly smaller than that using RF and did not change regardless of LASA increment. Differences in ISA between the two groups became more prominent in the large atrium.
Value of a novel 16‐lead High‐Definition ECG machine to detect conduction abnormalities in structural heart disease
Authors: Li Guo‐Liang , Saguner Ardan M. , Akdis Deniz , Fontaine Guy Hugues 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundDepolarization abnormalities are hardly detectable by standard 12‐lead electrocardiogram (ECG) in some patients.ObjectiveTo evaluate the value of the 16‐lead High‐Definition (HD)‐ECG machine to record conduction abnormalities including Epsilon waves in patients with structural heart disease.MethodsTracings with 12‐lead ECG, 16‐lead HD‐ECG, and signal‐averaged ECG were studied.Results(1) Case of severe coronary artery disease (CAD):On 16‐lead HD‐ECG, a tiny intra‐QRS signal was noted in lead III, a prolonged P wave in lead II, and fragmentation on top of lead aVL and lead aVF. Proper automatic measurement of the prolonged P wave measuring 190 ms was noted. Signal‐averaging by 16‐lead HD‐ECG in lead III showed the intra‐QRS fragmentation and P wave prolongation of 180 ms.(2) First patient with arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia (ARVD):Standard 12‐lead ECG indicated Epsilon waves in lead III, V2, V3, and inverted T waves in V1–V3. 16‐lead HD‐ECG indicated QRS prolongation in lead II, III, aVL, aVF, V2, V3 as opposed to V6, and low amplitudes of QRS complexes in V4R and V3R as a new possible sign of ARVD. Notches in lead V2, widening of QRS complexes in all precordial leads, but shorter QRS in V8‐V9 are also considered as a potential new diagnostic sign of ARVD.(3) Second ARVD patient:Notches at the end of the QRS in lead III and a negative initial deflection of the QRS in V1 and V2 were detected by standard 12‐lead ECG. On 16‐lead HD‐ECG, a more pronounced QRS fragmentation was visible.Conclusion16‐lead HD‐ECG in both CAD and ARVD seems to be more sensitive than 12‐lead ECG to record electrocardiographic abnormalities.
Thoracic versus nonthoracic MR imaging for patients with an MR nonconditional cardiac implantable electronic device
Authors: Nyotowidjojo Iwan S. , Skinner Kristina , Shah Aakash S. , Bisla Jaskinwal , Singh Satinder , Khoubyari Rostam , Ott Peter , Kalb Bobby , Indik Julia H. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundObservational studies have explored the safety of magnetic resonance (MR) scanning of patients with cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) that are not Food and Drug Administration approved for MR scanning (“nonconditional”). However, concern has been raised that MR scanning that includes the thoracic region may pose a higher risk. This study examines the safety of MR scanning of thoracic versus nonthoracic regions of patients with CIEDs.MethodsPatients underwent MR scanning utilizing an institutional protocol. CIED variables examined included sensing value, pacing capture threshold, lead impedance, and battery voltage. Regression analysis of the CIED variable differences (pre‐ to immediately post‐MR and pre‐MR to long‐term follow‐up) was performed to determine if CIED variable differences were dependent on region scanned (thoracic vs nonthoracic), time from CIED implant to MR scanning, or CIED type (pacemaker vs implantable cardioverter defibrillator).Results238 patients (38% female, age 65 ± 15 years) underwent 339 MR scans, including 99 MR scans of the thoracic region. CIED variable differences to immediately post‐MR or to long‐term follow‐up were not significantly different from zero (P > 0.05) and there was no dependence upon region scanned (thoracic vs nonthoracic), time from CIED implant to MR scan, or CIED type. One power‐on reset occurred in a patient that underwent a cardiac MR and the CIED was successfully reprogrammed. There were no clinical adverse effects.ConclusionsCIED variable differences following MR scan were not dependent on the region scanned (thoracic vs nonthoracic) and there were no clinical adverse effects in this prospective cohort.
Low‐dose oral immunotherapy for children with anaphylactic peanut allergy in Japan
Authors: Nagakura Ken‐ichi , Yanagida Noriyuki , Sato Sakura , Nishino Makoto , Asaumi Tomoyuki , Ogura Kiyotake , Ebisawa Motohiro 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundOral immunotherapy (OIT) is a promising treatment for persons with allergy; however, it can also cause adverse allergic reactions. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of low‐dose OIT for anaphylactic peanut allergy.MethodsTwenty‐four children (median age, 9.6 years) with anaphylaxis to peanuts were hospitalized for 5 days and then gradually fed increasing amounts of peanut powder up to 133 mg/day. One year later, they underwent an oral food challenge after 2 weeks of peanut avoidance. Those who were asymptomatic after ingesting 795 mg of peanut protein were defined as having achieved sustained unresponsiveness. We measured peanut‐ and Ara h2‐specific immunoglobulin (Ig) E, IgG, and IgG4 levels at 0, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in the OIT group and at 0 and 12 months in the control group.ResultsAt baseline, all children in the OIT group and 8 in the control group had a history of anaphylaxis. The median peanut‐/Ara h2‐specific IgE levels in the OIT and control groups were 55.4/48.6 and 58.2/38.1 kUa/L, respectively. One year later, 8 (33.3%) children in the OIT group exhibited sustained unresponsiveness, while none in the control group did. In the OIT group, the median peanut‐specific IgE levels significantly increased to 194.0 kUa/L, after 1 month and then significantly decreased to 57.5 kUa/L at 12 months. Meanwhile, the median peanut‐ and Ara h2‐specific IgG and IgG4 levels increased significantly after 1 month.ConclusionLow‐dose OIT induces immunological changes and has the capability of achieving sustained unresponsiveness in children with peanut anaphylaxis.
Prenatal and early‐life antibiotic use and risk of childhood asthma: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yoshida Satomi , Ide Kazuki , Takeuchi Masato , Kawakami Koji 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough associations between antibiotic exposure in infants and asthma development are reported, few studies have examined the effects of prenatal exposure to antibiotics. We evaluated this association considering the antibiotic types using a large‐scale claim database in Japan.MethodsThis retrospective study using health insurance administrative claim data in Japan included children born between January 2005 and September 2014. We constructed 2 cohorts: initial cohort, with information on children's mothers, and sibling cohort, with at least one sibling. Cox proportional hazard regression and sibling‐matched cohort analyses were performed to determine the association between exposure to antibiotics in utero or the first year of life and asthma development until age 6.ResultsIn the initial cohort, antibiotic exposure during the foetal period was associated with early asthma development (until age 3; HR: 1.18, 95% CI: 1.08‐1.30). However, this association disappeared after 3 years. The association between antibiotic exposure in the first year of life and asthma was stronger in early (HR: 2.43, 95% CI: 2.20‐2.69) than later (HR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.11‐1.36) life. In the sibling cohort, we observed positive associations between foetal exposure and asthma by adjusting for familial factors (HR: 1.34, 95% CI: 1.05‐1.72), which remained during the first year of life (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.27‐2.07).ConclusionsExposure to antibiotics during the first year of life was associated with childhood asthma even after adjusting for familial factors. However, a weak association was observed between prenatal antibiotic exposure and asthma development.
Potential effects of multimodal psychosomatic inpatient treatment for patients with functional vertigo and dizziness symptoms – A pilot trial
Authors: Limburg Karina , Schmid‐Mühlbauer Gabriele , Sattel Heribert , Dinkel Andreas , Radziej Katharina , Gonzales Melanie , Ronel Joram , Lahmann Claas 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesFunctional vertigo and dizziness (VD) are frequent and severely distressing complaints that are often described as hard to treat. Our aim was to provide preliminary data on potential effects of multimodal psychosomatic inpatient therapy for patients with functional VD symptoms in reducing vertigo‐related handicap and related psychopathology, and to evaluate the role of symptom burden and body‐related locus of control in predicting vertigo‐related handicap at follow‐up.DesignWe conducted an uncontrolled clinical pilot trial.MethodsWe included data of n = 72 inpatients with functional VD as a primary symptom and various psychopathological and/or physical comorbidities admitted for multimodal psychosomatic inpatient treatment. Patients completed self‐report questionnaires assessing vertigo‐related handicap (VHQ), somatization (PHQ‐15), depression (BDI‐II), anxiety (BAI), health‐related quality of life (HRQOL; SF‐36), and body‐related locus of control (KLC) at admission (T0), discharge (T1), and 6 months after discharge (T2).ResultsWe observed medium effects for the change of vertigo‐related handicap (T0–T1: g = −0.60, T0–T2: g = −0.67) and small effects for the change of somatization (T0–T1: g = −0.29, T0–T2: g = −0.24), mental HRQOL (T0–T1: g = 0.43, T0–T2: g = 0.49), and depression (T0–T1: g = −0.41, T0–T2: g = −0.28) from admission to discharge and admission to follow‐up. Body‐related locus of control did not predict vertigo‐related handicap at follow‐up.ConclusionsFindings provide preliminary evidence for the beneficial role of psychosomatic inpatient treatment for patients with functional VD symptoms. Potentially relevant predictors of outcome at follow‐up are discussed.Practitioner points

The change of vertigo‐related handicap and related variables through multimodal psychosomatic inpatient treatment was evaluated in a clinical pilot trial in patients with functional vertigo and dizziness.

We observed medium effects for the change of vertigo‐related handicap and small effects for the change of somatization, mental health‐related quality of life, and depression.

Internal body‐related locus of control at admission did not predict vertigo‐related handicap at follow‐up.
The links between adult attachment and post‐traumatic stress: A systematic review
Authors: Barazzone Natalie , Santos Ines , McGowan John , Donaghay‐Spire Eloise 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe theory of attachment has informed our understanding of survival and well‐being throughout the lifespan. There is a growing interest in the relationship between attachment and symptoms of post‐traumatic stress (PTS). Emerging evidence points to important links between attachment and PTS, yet current theoretical and clinical understandings of PTS symptoms and attachment remain relatively disparate. The current systematic review aimed to synthesize, describe, and critique evidence demonstrating the links between attachment and PTS in adults. It also aimed to explore whether the relationship between attachment and PTS differs according to the nature of the traumatic event.MethodsSearches were conducted using PsycINFO, the Cochrane Library, Medline, and Google Scholar to identify empirical studies focusing on PTS in adults.ResultsTwenty‐one papers were identified. Attachment was shown to have moderating and mediating influences on the relationship between trauma and PTS. This varied according to the type of trauma, and how symptoms of PTS were reported across the different attachment styles. Methodological rigour varied across studies. Clinical and research implications are discussed, including the consideration of attachment security in assessment and formulation.ConclusionsAlthough findings were mixed, this review suggests that there is an important link between attachment and PTS. It supports the current emerging evidence demanding the development of a more unified theoretical framework for attachment, types of trauma, and symptoms of PTS.Practitioner points

The findings discussed in this review have important implications for the treatment of PTS symptoms.

Consideration of attachment styles in formulations is likely to inform treatment plans.

There is increasing evidence to suggest that assessing and accounting for attachment style in therapy may improve the chances of successful treatment.