bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular findings in patients with nonsurgical hypoparathyroidism and pseudohypoparathyroidism: A cohort study
Authors: Underbjerg Line , Sikjaer Tanja , Rejnmark Lars 
Published: December 2018

SummaryObjectiveAs only sparse data are available on indices of cardiovascular health among patients with nonsurgical hypoparathyroidism (Ns‐HypoPT) and pseudohypoparathyroidism (PHP), we aimed to compare the cardiovascular profile between these groups of patients.MethodsA total of 56 patients with Ns‐HypoPT and 30 with PHP were included and underwent a clinical examination including blood sampling and measurements of arterial stiffness, pulse wave velocity (PWV) and blood pressure (BP). Arterial stiffness and PWV were measured using AtCor SphygmoCor‐XCEL (Atcor Medical Pty Ltd, Sydney, NSW, Australia).ResultsPatients with Ns‐HypoPT had an average age of 47 ± 17 years (68% females) and PHP patients 36 ± 13 years (80% females). Over 70% in both groups were genetically screened. Groups did not differ in terms of a history of cardiovascular disease, smoking status, use of calcium and vitamin D supplements or treatment with cholesterol‐lowering or antihypertensive drugs. Compared with Ns‐HypoPT, PHP patients had significantly lower levels of high‐density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol and average glucose from HbA1c (Pboth = 0.01). PWV was significantly higher among patients with Ns‐HypoPT (Pcrude = 0.02), even after adjustment for mean arterial pressure, body mass index, age and gender (Padjusted < 0.01). Heart rate was significantly higher in Ns‐HypoPT compared with PHP (P = 0.03). Office BP and 24‐hour ambulatory BP did not differ between groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionPatients with Ns‐HypoPT have compared with PHP a higher arterial stiffness and heart rate. This has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Our data suggest that resistance to PTH is present in the cardiovascular system in PHP.
English translation and validation of the Zurich chronic middle ear inventory (ZCMEI‐21‐E) assessing quality of life in chronic otitis media: A prospective international multicentre study
Authors: Chatzimichalis Michail , Epprecht Lorenz , Weder Stefan , Shaul Chanan , Engle Folchert Kristi J. , Machala Maria C. , Goosmann Madeline M. , Naville Marc , Zhu Angela , Röösli Christof , Lee Daniel J. , Cass Stephen P. , Briggs Robert , Huber Alexander M. , Bächinger David 
Published: December 2018

ObjectivesTo translate and validate the Zurich Chronic Middle Ear Inventory (ZCMEI‐21) for the English language in order to provide an English instrument to assess health‐related quality of life in chronic otitis media (COM).DesignPilot translation study including cognitive debriefings, prospective multicentre cross‐sectional psychometric validation study.SettingFour tertiary referral centres in three different English‐speaking countries (UK, USA and Australia).ParticipantsAdult patients suffering from COM.Main outcome measuresThe English translation of the ZCMEI‐21 (ZCMEI‐21‐E) and the five‐level version of the EQ‐5D questionnaire. The EQ‐5D, which constitutes a generic measure of health‐related quality of life, consists of a descriptive system score and a visual analogue scale. Statistical outcomes included single‐item descriptive statistics, internal consistency (Cronbach's α) as an indicator of reliability, as well as construct validity.ResultsA total of 124 patients suffering from COM were included. The mean age was 50.1 years (SD 16.9 years), and 72 (58.1%) were males. The Cronbach's α of the ZCMEI‐21‐E was 0.91, suggesting an excellent internal consistency. The Spearman's correlation coefficient of the ZCMEI‐21‐E total score was 0.55 (P < 0.0001) for convergent construct validity with EQ‐5D descriptive system score and 0.57 (P < 0.0001) with the EQ‐5D visual analogue scale.ConclusionsThe ZCMEI‐21‐E is a new validated questionnaire that provides clinicians with a short, comprehensive and reliable instrument to quantify health‐related quality of life in patients suffering from COM. The ZCMEI‐21‐E may be of use in clinical routine as well as in outcome research and monitoring.
A qualitative exploration of the Thai alcohol policy in regulating alcohol industry's marketing strategies and commercial activities
Authors: Kaewpramkusol Ratchakorn , Senior Kate , Nanthamongkolchai Sutham , Chenhall Richard 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThe recognition of the association between the use of alcohol and negative health outcomes have led to the endorsement of the World Health Organization's global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. Given the capacities, capabilities and sociocultural contexts of Thailand, this study aims to examine the Thai alcohol policy against the global strategy's recommended policy measures for marketing control and identify areas for further policy development.Design and MethodsSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with the stakeholders from three sectors: the government, academia and civil society. Their perceptions of the Thai alcohol policy in regulating alcohol industry's commercial strategies and activities were discussed. Audio data were transcribed verbatim, systematically coded and thematically analysed.ResultsAlthough the Thai Alcohol Control Act meticulously regulates the content of direct alcohol marketing, the volume of marketing and indirect alcohol marketing have become problematic and difficult for the government to address. The industry has worked to normalise the consumption of alcohol through repetitive brand exposure and their suggestion that drinking was integral for socialisation. The control of alcohol sponsorship was politically sensitive and legally ambiguous because alcohol sponsorship seemed to provide economic and social benefits and further reinforced the industry's positive image.Discussion and ConclusionsDespite the strict alcohol policy, gaps in the marketing regulations exist. Future policy development should place greater emphasis on alcohol sponsorship and branding through evidenced‐based interventions. The interactions between the government and the industry should be monitored and restricted. Rigorous regulations, as seen for tobacco, are encouraged for alcohol marketing.
Transparency in Foreign Land Acquisitions: The role of institutions and information
Authors: Scoppola Margherita , Prontera Andrea 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMotivationForeign land acquisitions (FLA) is a hot issue in development policy, but empirical work is scant, mostly because of the lack of official and consistent cross‐country data. Although transparency is a necessary ingredient to avoid FLA’s most negative effects, no articles currently address this issue.PurposeWe examine transparency in the release of information on FLA by (a) measuring the degree of government transparency; (b) exploring the extent to which transparency depends upon democratic and governance features; and (c) discussing how the dissemination of information by non‐state actors can positively affect data disclosure.Approach and methodsFirst, we check the information source (including companies, non‐government organizations (NGOs) and research) and then compute an original index of transparency and the free flow of information on FLA for 78 countries. Finally, we discuss the relationship between transparency, free flow of information on FLA and political and institutional variables in the host country.FindingsWith regional variations, institutional quality, democracy and the free flow of information overall are positively related to government transparency on FLA. Countries with a higher degree of information disseminated by non‐state actors tend to have higher data disclosure on FLA. The system of land governance contributes to explaining counter‐intuitive behaviour at the country level.Policy implicationsThe role of NGOs, research institutions and companies in providing information on FLA can contribute to improving government transparency. Researchers and activists emerge as important agents of change, especially when civil and political rights are restricted and local communities disempowered. Activists can help research on land governance by collecting data; the data disseminated by researchers can affect government transparency and improve land governance and development.
Innovation policy, scientific research and economic performance: The case of Iran
Authors: HamidiMotlagh Rouholah , Babaee Ali , Maleki Ali , Taghi Isaai Mohammad 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMotivationWhy, despite substantial investment in science and technology infrastructure during the last two decades, has Iran performed relatively poorly in terms of innovation and economic output? The investment has been wide‐ranging, from the inclusion of science and technology in the National Development Plans to the impressive growth in the number of science and technology parks and incubators. Iran is among the top five countries in terms of science and engineering graduates, and Iran's scientific publications are among the world's fastest‐growing.PurposeThis study attempts to discover the reasons for this poor performance despite the investment.Approach and MethodThis is a qualitative study which tries to explore the research question through extensive archival data and semi‐structured interviews. We also use an inductive bottom‐up approach for data analysis, including open coding of collected data.FindingsOur first level of analysis, based on National Innovation Systems studies, will show that there are two main causes: (a) Iran's industrial policies have been unsuccessful in encouraging domestic firms to export or exposing them to international competition. As a result, there are no meaningful incentives for them to approach technological frontiers by exploiting domestic science and technology infrastructures; (b) whereas universities and research centres have played an important role in the catch‐up process of other newly developed countries by engaging practically with the problems that face their societies, Iranian universities and research centres have become article‐publishing factories.Our second level of analysis will show that behind these two causes are other important latent factors: the power of incumbents and their efforts to maintain the status quo, and the “rules of the game” in the fields of science and technology which have discouraged hands‐on engagement.This study analyses strategic action literature, and proceeds to emphasize the role of incumbents and those “rules of the game” in inhibiting innovation and economic success.Policy ImplicationsEffective innovation policy is not just about investing in science and technology infrastructure, but also about industrial policy, exposing domestic firms to international competition, overcoming entrenched interests and changing paths of career advancement in science and technology so that scientists are less inclined to pursue theoretical work and are encouraged to collaborate closely with business to solve practical problems.
Development of the mammalian circadian clock
Authors: Honma Sato 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe mammalian circadian system is composed of a central clock situated in the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) and peripheral clocks of each tissue and organ in the body. While much has been learned about the pre‐ and postnatal development of the circadian system, there are still many unanswered questions about how and when cellular clocks start to tick and form the circadian system. Most SCN neurons contain a cell‐autonomous circadian clock with individual specific periodicity. Therefore, the network of cellular oscillators is critical for the coherent rhythm expression and orchestration of the peripheral clocks by the SCN. The SCN is the only circadian clock entrained by an environmental light–dark cycle. Photic entrainment starts postnatally, and the SCN starts to function gradually as a central clock that controls physiological and behavioral rhythms during postnatal development. The SCN exhibits circadian rhythms in clock gene expression from the embryonic stage throughout postnatal life and the rhythm phenotypes remain basically unchanged. However, the disappearance of coherent circadian rhythms in cryptochrome‐deficient SCN revealed changes in the SCN networks that occur in postnatal weeks 2–3. The SCN network consists of multiple clusters of cellular circadian rhythms that are differentially integrated by the vasoactive intestinal polypeptide and arginine vasopressin signaling depending on the period of postnatal development.
Electrical stimulation of human corticospinal axons at the level of the lumbar spinal segments
Authors: Škarabot Jakob , Ansdell Paul , Brownstein Callum G. , Thomas Kevin , Howatson Glyn , Goodall Stuart , Durbaba Rade 
Published: December 2018

AbstractElectrical stimulation over the mastoids or thoracic spinous processes has been used to assess subcortical contribution to corticospinal excitability, but responses are difficult to evoke in the resting lower limbs or are limited to only a few muscle groups. This might be mitigated by delivering the stimuli lower on the spinal column, where the descending tracts contain a greater relative density of motoneurons projecting to lower limb muscles. We investigated activation of the corticospinal axons innervating tibialis anterior (TA) and rectus femoris (RF) by applying a single electrical stimulus over the first lumbar spinous process (LS). LS was paired with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) at interstimulus intervals (ISIs) of −16 (TMS before LS) to 14 ms (LS before TMS). The relationship between muscle contraction strength (10%–100% maximal) and the amplitude of single‐pulse TMS and LS responses was also investigated. Compared to the responses to TMS alone, responses to paired stimulation were significantly occluded in both muscles for ISIs ≥−8 ms (p ≤ 0.035), consistent with collision of descending volleys from TMS with antidromic volleys originating from LS. This suggests that TMS and LS activate some of the same corticospinal axons. Additionally, the amplitude of TMS and LS responses increased with increasing contraction strengths with no change in onset latency, suggesting responses to LS are evoked transsynaptically and have a monosynaptic component. Taken together, these experiments provide evidence that LS is an alternative method that could be used to discern segmental changes in the corticospinal tract when targeting lower limb muscles.
Multivariate fMRI pattern analysis of fear perception across modalities
Authors: Whitehead Jocelyne C. , Armony Jorge L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe emotional expression of fear can be processed through a number of modalities, and of varying forms, however, much of the functional imaging literature has centered on investigating fear as expressed through faces. Findings point to an active involvement of the amygdala, and remain fairly consistent in other studies of unimodal fear perception; however, few studies have looked at within‐subject cross‐modal responses to fear. Thus, we approached this inquiry by testing 30 healthy young adults with fast, high‐resolution fMRI, recording the neural responses of fear perception, as expressed through faces, bodies, prosody, and vocalizations. The study was analyzed using a multivariate approach (multi‐voxel pattern analysis) and yielded a significant distinction in the responses associated with the perception of fearful vs. neutral emotions. Calculated weights highlighted areas in the amygdala and surrounding subcortical structures as contributing the greatest to the discrimination; however, a whole‐brain analysis was necessary to obtain above‐chance classification accuracy, suggesting that processing fear across modalities likely involves a broad, distributed network. Thus, our findings support a multivariate approach to studying a highly complex construct such as emotion, as it accounts for multiple voxels simultaneously and can accommodate the high subject‐level variability that oftentimes comes with studying emotion perception.
Weighting of neural prediction error by rhythmic complexity: A predictive coding account using mismatch negativity
Authors: Lumaca Massimo , Trusbak Haumann Niels , Brattico Elvira , Grube Manon , Vuust Peter 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe human brain's ability to extract and encode temporal regularities and to predict the timing of upcoming events is critical for music and speech perception. This work addresses how these mechanisms deal with different levels of temporal complexity, here the number of distinct durations in rhythmic patterns. We use electroencephalography (EEG) to relate the mismatch negativity (MMN), a proxy of neural prediction error, to a measure of information content of rhythmic sequences, the Shannon entropy. Within each of three conditions, participants listened to repeatedly presented standard rhythms of five tones (four inter‐onset intervals) and of a given level of entropy: zero (isochronous), medium entropy (two distinct interval durations), or high entropy (four distinct interval durations). Occasionally, the fourth tone was moved forward in time that is it occurred 100 ms (small deviation) or 300 ms early (large deviation). According to the predictive coding framework, high‐entropy stimuli are more difficult to model for the brain, resulting in less confident predictions and yielding smaller prediction errors for deviant sounds. Our results support this hypothesis, showing a gradual decrease in MMN amplitude as a function of entropy, but only for small timing deviants. For large timing deviants, in contrast, a modulation of activity in the opposite direction was observed for the earlier N1 component, known to also be sensitive to sudden changes in directed attention. Our results suggest the existence of a fine‐grained neural mechanism that weights neural prediction error to the complexity of rhythms and that mostly manifests in the absence of directed attention.
Educational Assessment: What to Watch in a Rapidly Changing World
Authors: Bennett Randy E. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis article is a written adaptation of the Presidential address I gave at the NCME annual conference in April 2018. The article describes my thoughts on the future of assessment. I discuss eleven likely characteristics of future tests and, for each characteristic, why I think it is important and what to watch with respect to it. Next, I outline what is unlikely to change. The article concludes with a comment about the probable state of education 10 years on and what that state might mean for members of the assessment community.
Relative sea‐level change regulates organic carbon accumulation in coastal habitats
Authors: Watanabe Kenta , Seike Koji , Kajihara Rumiko , Montani Shigeru , Kuwae Tomohiro 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBecause coastal habitats store large amounts of organic carbon (Corg), the conservation and restoration of these habitats are considered to be important measures for mitigating global climate change. Although future sea‐level rise is predicted to change the characteristics of these habitats, its impact on their rate of Corg sequestration is highly uncertain. Here we used historical depositional records to show that relative sea‐level (RSL) changes regulated Corg accumulation rates in boreal contiguous seagrass–saltmarsh habitats. Age–depth modeling and geological and biogeochemical approaches indicated that Corg accumulation rates varied as a function of changes in depositional environments and habitat relocations. In particular, Corg accumulation rates were enhanced in subtidal seagrass meadows during times of RSL rise, which were caused by postseismic land subsidence and climate change. Our findings identify historical analogs for the future impact of RSL rise driven by global climate change on rates of Corg sequestration in coastal habitats.
The what, how and why of doing macroecology
Authors: McGill Brian J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMacroecology is a growing and important subdiscipline of ecology, but it is becoming increasingly diffuse, without an organizing principle that is widely agreed upon. I highlight two main current views of macroecology: as the study of large‐scale systems and as the study of emergent systems. I trace the history of both these views through the writings of the founders of macroecology. I also highlight the transmutation principle that identifies serious limitations to the study of large‐scale systems with reductionist approaches. And I suggest that much of the underlying goal of macroecology is the pursuit of general principles and the escape from contingency. I highlight that there are many intertwined aspects of macroecology, with a number of resulting implications. I propose that returning to a focus on studying assemblages of a large number of particles is a helpful view. I propose defining macroecology as “the study at the aggregate level of aggregate ecological entities made up of large numbers of particles for the purposes of pursuing generality”.
Geographically variable biotic interactions and implications for species ranges
Authors: Early R. , Keith S. A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe challengeUnderstanding how biotic interactions affect species’ geographical ranges, biodiversity patterns and ecological responses to environmental change is one of the most pressing challenges in macroecology. Extensive efforts are underway to detect signals of biotic interactions in macroecological data. However, efforts are limited by bias in the taxa and spatial scale for which occurrence data are available and by difficulty in ascribing causality to co‐occurrence patterns. Moreover, we are not necessarily looking in the right places; analyses are largely ad hoc, depending on availability of data, rather than focusing on regions, taxa, ecosystems or interaction types where biotic interactions might affect species’ geographical ranges most strongly.Unpicking biotic interactionsWe suggest that macroecology would benefit from the recognition that abiotic conditions alter two key components of biotic interaction strength: frequency and intensity. We outline how and why variation in biotic interaction strength occurs, explore the implications for species’ geographical ranges and discuss the challenges inherent in quantifying these effects. In addition, we explore the role of behavioural flexibility in mediating biotic interactions potentially to mitigate impacts of environmental change.New dataWe argue that macroecology should take advantage of “independent” data on the strength of biotic interactions measured by other disciplines, in order to capture a far wider array of taxa, locations and interaction types than are typically studied in macroecology. Data on biotic interactions are readily available from community, disease, microbial and parasite ecology, evolution, palaeontology, invasion biology and agriculture, but most are yet to be exploited within macroecology.Integrating biotic interaction strength data into macroecologyHarmonization of data across interdisciplinary sources, taxa and interaction types could be achieved by breaking down interactions into elements that contribute to frequency and intensity. This would allow quantitative biotic interaction data to be incorporated directly into models of species distributions and macroecological patterns.