bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Role of the IMF in Managing the Euro Area Sovereign Debt and Banking Crises: Perspectives from East Asia
Authors: Park Yung Chul 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis paper analyzes strategies and policy conditionality of the troika – European Commission, European Central Bank, and IMF – in resolving the euro area crisis from Asia's perspective with the 1997 IMF Asian crisis management as a possible counterfactual and a yard stick for their effectiveness. The IMF entered into collaboration with the EU mainly to provide the technical expertise in and share with its European partners the lessons it learned from managing past crises. But many of these lessons have been unheeded – in particular limitations of the export‐led recovery through internal devaluation and the need to move forward with financial reform at an early stage of the crisis and calibrate supply side reform with the implementation capacity of the crisis countries.
ecolottery: Simulating and assessing community assembly with environmental filtering and neutral dynamics inR
Authors: Munoz François , Grenié Matthias , Denelle Pierre , Taudière Adrien , Laroche Fabien , Tucker Caroline , Violle Cyrille 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe introduce theRpackageecolotterydedicated to quick and efficient simulation of communities undergoing local neutral dynamics with environmentally filtered immigration from a reference species pool (spatially implicit model). The package includes an Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) tool to estimate the parameters of these processes. We present the rationale of the approach and show examples of simulations and ABC analysis.The species in the reference pool differ in their abundances and trait values. Environmental filtering weights the probability of immigration success depending on trait values, while the descendants of established immigrants undergo neutral stochastic drift. The reference pool can be defined in a flexible way as representing, e.g. the composition of a broad biogeographical region, or available dispersers around local communities. The package provides a process‐based alternative to the use of randomization‐based null models.The package proposes a coalescent‐based simulation algorithm that presents significant advantages over alternative algorithms. It does not require simulating community dynamics from an initial state forward in time but does still allow measurement of the influence of environmental filtering. Because of its high calculation speed, this approach allows simulating many communities within a reasonable amount of time.Diverse patterns of taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic compositions can be generated. The package can be used to explore the outcome of ecological and evolutionary processes playing at local and regional scales, and to estimate the parameters of these processes based on observed patterns.
Exome Sequencing Identifies a Novel Nonsense Mutation of MYO6 as the Cause of Deafness in a Brazilian Family
Authors: Sampaio‐Silva Juliana , Batissoco Ana Carla , Jesus‐Santos Rafaela , Abath‐Neto Osório , Scarpelli Luciano Cesar , Nishimura Patricia Yoshie , Galindo Layla Testa , Bento Ricardo Ferreira , Oiticica Jeanne , Lezirovitz Karina 
Published: October 2017

SummaryWe investigated 313 unrelated subjects who presented with hearing loss to identify the novel genetic causes of this condition in Brazil. Causative GJB2/GJB6 mutations were found in 12.7% of the patients. Among the familial cases (100/313), four were selected for exome sequencing. In one case, two novel heterozygous variants were found and were predicted to be pathogenic based on bioinformatics tools, that is, p.Ser906* (MYO6) and p.Arg42Cys (GJB3). We confirmed that this nonsense MYO6 mutation segregated with deafness in this family. Only the proband and her unaffected mother exhibited the GJB3 mutation, which is in the same amino acid of a known Erythrokeratodermia variabilis mutation. None of the patients exhibited this skin disease, but the proband exhibited a more severe hearing loss. Hence, the GJB3 mutation was considered to be a variant of uncertain significance. In conclusion, we described a novel nonsense MYO6 mutation that was responsible for the hearing loss in a Brazilian family. This mutation resides in the neck domain of myosin‐VI after the motor domain. Thus, our data give further support for genotype‐phenotype correlations, which state that when the motor domain of the protein is functioning, the hearing loss is milder and has a later onset. The three remaining families without mutations in the known genes suggest that there are still deafness genes to be revealed.
Hyperbaric vs. isobaric bupivacaine for spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section: a Cochrane systematic review
Authors: Sng B. L. , Han N. L. R. , Leong W. L. , Sultana R. , Siddiqui F. J. , Assam P. N. , Chan E. S. , Tan K. H. , Sia A. T. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryBoth isobaric and hyperbaric bupivacaine have been used for spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section, but it is not clear if one is better than the other. The primary objective of this systematic review was to determine the effectiveness and safety of hyperbaric bupivacaine compared with isobaric bupivacaine administered during spinal anaesthesia for elective caesarean section. We included 10 studies with 614 subjects in the analysis. There was no evidence of differences either in the risk of conversion to general anaesthesia, with a relative risk (95%CI) of 0.33 (0.09–1.17) (very low quality of evidence), or in the need for supplemental analgesia, the relative risk (95%CI) being 0.61 (0.26–1.41) (very low quality of evidence). There was also no evidence of a difference in the use of ephedrine, the amount of ephedrine used, nausea and vomiting, or headache. Hyperbaric bupivacaine took less time to reach a sensory block height of T4, with a mean difference (95%CI) of −1.06 min (−1.80 to −0.31). Due to the rarity of some outcomes, dose variability, use of adjuvant drugs and spinal technique used, future clinical trials should look into using adequate sample size to investigate the primary outcome of the need for supplemental analgesia.
Selenium supplementation during in vitro maturation enhances meiosis and developmental capacity of yak oocytes
Authors: Xiong Xianrong , Lan Daoliang , Li Jian , Lin Yaqiu , Li Mingyang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe objectives of the present study were to investigate the effects of selenium (Se) supplementation during in vitro maturation (IVM) on the developmental capacity of yak (Bos grunniens) oocytes. Nuclear maturation, DNA integrity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity, subsequent embryonic development, and gene expression after in vitro fertilization (IVF) were evaluated. The Se concentrations in yak plasma and follicular fluid were 0.142 and 0.069 μg/mL, respectively. The DNA damage in cumulus cells decreased significantly with 2 and 4 μg/mL supplementation of sodium selenite to IVM medium (P < 0.05). Total GSH‐Px activity in oocytes increased in all Se supplementation groups, and the 2 and 4 μg/mL groups were significantly higher than the control group (0 μg/mL). However, the cleavage rate was not significantly different after Se supplementation (P > 0.05). The IVF blastocyst formation rates of 0, 1 and 4 μg/mL sodium selenite groups were 47.7%, 51.2% and 58.9%, respectively. The 2 μg/mL sodium selenite group had the highest blastocyst formation rate (60.5%). Gene expression analysis revealed that the quantity of transcripts associated with selenoprotein and protein synthesis were high in the 2 and 4 μg/mL groups. In conclusion, both GSH‐Px activity of oocytes and DNA integrity of cumulus cells significantly increased with supplemental Se during oocyte IVM. Considering that embryonic development is responsive to Se supplementation, we inferred that appropriate Se concentrations during IVM were beneficial for yak oocyte maturation and subsequent development.
Vascular plant extinctions in California: A critical assessment
Authors: Rejmánek Marcel 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAimExtinctions of species and subspecific taxa in hotspots of biodiversity deserve special attention. After more than 40 years of major efforts, estimates of extinct plant taxa in California seem to be somewhat stabilized. The time is ripe for an attempt to critically evaluate our current knowledge of plant extinctions in California and make a comparison with other countries with mediterranean‐type climates.LocationCalifornia.MethodsBesides species‐specific studies and personal communications, major databases and state floras were consulted.ResultsCompared with all numbers published earlier, the current analysis ended with smaller numbers of globally extinct plant species and taxa (13 and 17, respectively) and larger numbers of species and taxa extinct in California, but still present in at least one other state or country (15 and 15). For each species, life form, habitat, year of the last collection and assumed drivers of extinction are listed.Main conclusionsMost of the presumed extinct taxa were originally present in one or two counties and often are known from only one or a very few collections. Therefore, the most robust generalization regarding factors contributing to taxon extinctions is a small range size and a low original abundance. Most of the presumed globally extinct taxa were originally present in lowlands where most of the human population and habitat destruction are concentrated. Taxa limited to special habitats, like wetlands, seem to be more predisposed to extinction. Among assumed drivers of plant extinction, agriculture, urbanization and development in general are the most often cited possibilities. Compared with other countries with mediterranean‐type climates, the extinction rate of vascular plants in California is lower than in Israel, comparable with the Cape Province of South Africa, Western Australia and continental Mediterranean European countries, and higher than in Chile.
3D printed simulation models based on real patient situations for hands‐on practice
Authors: Kröger E. , Dekiff M. , Dirksen D. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDuring the last few years, the curriculum of many dentistry schools in Germany has been reorganised. Two key aspects of the applied changes are the integration of up‐to‐date teaching methods and the promotion of interdisciplinarity. To support these efforts, an approach to fabricating individualised simulation models for hands‐on courses employing 3D printing is presented. The models are based on real patients, thus providing students a more realistic preparation for real clinical situations. As a wide variety of dental procedures can be implemented, the simulation models can also contribute to a more interdisciplinary dental education. The data used for the construction of the models were acquired by 3D surface scanning. The data were further processed with 3D modelling software. Afterwards, the models were fabricated by 3D printing with the PolyJet technique. Three models serve as examples: a prosthodontic model for training veneer preparation, a conservative model for practicing dental bonding and an interdisciplinary model featuring carious teeth and an insufficient crown. The third model was evaluated in a hands‐on course with 22 fourth‐year dental students. The students answered a questionnaire and gave their personal opinion. Whilst the concept of the model received very positive feedback, some aspects of the implementation were criticised. We discuss these observations and suggest ways for further improvement.
Performance of two different digital evaluation systems used for assessing pre‐clinical dental students’ prosthodontic technical skills
Authors: Gratton D. G. , Kwon S. R. , Blanchette D. R. , Aquilino S. A. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntroductionProper integration of newly emerging digital assessment tools is a central issue in dental education in an effort to provide more accurate and objective feedback to students. The study examined how the outcomes of students’ tooth preparation were correlated when evaluated using traditional faculty assessment and two types of digital assessment approaches. Specifically, incorporation of the Romexis Compare 2.0 (Compare) and Sirona prepCheck 1.1 (prepCheck) systems was evaluated. Additionally, satisfaction of students based on the type of software was evaluated through a survey.Material and MethodsStudents in a second‐year pre‐clinical prosthodontics course were allocated to either Compare (n = 42) or prepCheck (n = 37) systems. All students received conventional instruction and used their assigned digital system as an additional evaluation tool to aid in assessing their work. Examinations assessed crown preparations of the maxillary right central incisor (#8) and the mandibular left first molar (#19). All submissions were graded by faculty, Compare and prepCheck.ResultsTechnical scores did not differ between student groups for any of the assessment approaches. Compare and prepCheck had modest, statistically significant correlations with faculty scores with a minimum correlation of 0.3944 (P = 0.0011) and strong, statistically significant correlations with each other with a minimum correlation of 0.8203 (P < 0.0001). A post‐course student survey found that 55.26% of the students felt unfavourably about learning the digital evaluation protocols. A total of 62.31% felt favourably about the integration of these digital tools into the curriculum.ConclusionsComparison of Compare and prepCheck showed no evidence of significant difference in students’ prosthodontics technical performance and perception.
Differential and complementary roles of medial and lateral septum in the orchestration of limbic oscillations and signal integration
Authors: Tsanov Marian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAnatomical differences between the medial and lateral septum have associated these nuclei with dissimilar functional roles and behaviours. While the medial septum has been implicated, predominantly, in theta rhythm generation along the septo‐hippocampal axis, the lateral septum has mainly been investigated in the context of septo‐hypothalamic dialogue. Recent advances suggest that medial and lateral septum are more closely functionally related than previously appreciated. Here, we explore the hypothesis that the medial septum mediates ascending septo‐hippocampal theta propagation, while the lateral septum processes a descending hippocampo‐septal and septo‐hypothalamic reinforcement signal that mediates navigation during motivated behaviour. The generation and propagation of theta rhythm are critical for the initiation of exploratory behaviour. Indeed, theta signal processing of medial and lateral septum nuclei may well be involved in the integration of spatial, rewarding and locomotor signals across different brain networks. We review here the structural features, anatomical connectivity and functional properties of the medial and lateral septum. We discuss the heterogeneous anatomy of the lateral septum, which is composed of diverse subregions with distinct ascending and descending projections, and we relate the physiological characteristics of septal nuclei to their functional relationships with the hippocampal formation, the hypothalamus and the brainstem reticular formation during motivated spatial navigation.
The many characters of visual alpha oscillations
Authors: Clayton Michael S. , Yeung Nick , Cohen Kadosh Roi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA central feature of human brain activity is the alpha rhythm: a 7–13 Hz oscillation observed most notably over occipitoparietal brain regions during periods of eyes‐closed rest. Alpha oscillations covary with changes in visual processing and have been associated with a broad range of neurocognitive functions. In this article, we review these associations and suggest that alpha oscillations can be thought to exhibit at least five distinct ‘characters’: those of the inhibitor, perceiver, predictor, communicator and stabiliser. In short, while alpha oscillations are strongly associated with reductions in visual attention, they also appear to play important roles in regulating the timing and temporal resolution of perception. Furthermore, alpha oscillations are strongly associated with top‐down control and may facilitate transmission of predictions to visual cortex. This is in addition to promoting communication between frontal and posterior brain regions more generally, as well as maintaining ongoing perceptual states. We discuss why alpha oscillations might associate with such a broad range of cognitive functions and suggest ways in which these diverse associations can be studied experimentally.
Effects of slaking and mechanical breakdown on disaggregation and splash erosion
Authors: Xiao H. , Liu G. , Abd‐Elbasit M. A. M. , Zhang X. C. , Liu P. L. , Zheng F. L. , Zhang J. Q. , Hu F. N. 
Published: October 2017

SummaryThe contributions of different mechanisms of aggregate breakdown to splash erosion are still obscure. This study was designed to investigate the effects of various mechanisms of soil disaggregation on splash erosion. Loamy clay, clay loam and sandy loam soil types were used in this research. Soil aggregate stability was determined by the Le Bissonnais method. Deionized water was used to simulate the combined effect of slaking and mechanical disaggregation, whereas alcohol was used to estimate the contribution of mechanical breakdown only. Simulated rain with an intensity of 60 mm hour−1 was applied at five heights (0.5, 1, 1.5, 2 and 2.5 m) to achieve different amounts of rainfall kinetic energy. The results indicated that the rate of splash erosion increased with the increase in rainfall kinetic energy in tests with both deionized water and alcohol. The rates of splash erosion for three types of soil followed the order of loamy clay soil < clay loam soil < sandy loam soil, but the mean weight diameter (MWD) of disintegrated aggregates followed the reverse order. The rates of splash erosion from the effects of slaking and mechanical breakdown increased with an increase in rainfall kinetic energy. The contributions of slaking and mechanical breakdown to splash erosion decreased for the former, whereas it increased for the latter as rainfall kinetic energy increased. The slaking effect contributed more than 50% of splash erosion. The rates of contribution of slaking and mechanical breakdown to splash erosion depended on rainfall kinetic energy and soil type.Highlights
Contributions of different mechanisms of aggregate breakdown to splash erosion remain obscure.
Alcohol was used to simulate the effect of mechanical breakdown only.
Slaking contributed more than 50% of splash erosion.
Contributions by mechanisms of aggregate breakdown depend on rainfall kinetic energy and soil type.
Reconciliation and third‐party affiliation in carrion crows
Authors: Sima Miriam Jennifer , Matzinger Theresa , Bugnyar Thomas , Pika Simone 
Published: October 2017

AbstractConflicts are costly because they can damage social relationships. To buffer conflicts, various species use post‐conflict behaviour, such as reconciliation or third‐party affiliation. Both behaviours have predominantly been studied in non‐human primates. However, recently, studies revealed post‐conflict behaviour in other mammalian and some bird species (e.g., corvids). While third‐party affiliation has been reported in several corvid species, reconciliation has only rarely been observed. The social structure of the studied groups has been postulated as a reason for the absence of reconciliation. Here, we investigated whether post‐conflict behaviours in corvids indeed mirror the relationship structure. We studied the behaviour of a newly established group of juvenile carrion crows (Corvus corone corone), where pair bonds had not yet been established. We applied a combination of observations and food monopolisation experiments to quantify the use of post‐conflict behaviours. Provisioning food in one or two pieces induced different patterns of aggression during feeding and differently affected the affiliation patterns after feeding. Specifically, victims of severe aggression affiliated with third parties after conflicts in the two‐piece condition, while aggressors affiliated with victims of mild aggression in the one‐piece condition. We thus provide the first evidence that a corvid species, crows, flexibly engage in both third‐party affiliation and reconciliation.
Prospective Parents' Knowledge About Parenting and Their Anticipated Child‐Rearing Decisions
Authors: Powell Darcey N. , Karraker Katherine 
Published: October 2017

ObjectiveTo examine whether the theory of planned behavior can be used to understand intentions for child‐rearing practices.BackgroundParenting intentions are formed before becoming a parent, but it is less clear what nonparents' intentions are and how subjective norms, attitudes, and perceived control predict their intentions.MethodNonparent emerging adults (N = 353, Mage = 19.6 years, 72% female) were asked about their intentions to (a) breastfeed or support a partner in breastfeeding, (b) circumcise a male infant, (c) co‐sleep, and (4) put their infant in nonparental daytime care. They were also asked what proportion of American parents they thought engaged in each and why they would or would not engage in each practice.ResultsMost intended to breastfeed and to circumcise their male infants, but not to co‐sleep or to put their infant in nonparental daytime care. Participants' inaccurate knowledge about actual parents' behavior (i.e., subjective norms) and the factors that they thought might affect their own future behavior (i.e., attitudes toward and perceived control) were associated with their intentions for the child‐rearing practices.ConclusionThis study replicated prior research on breastfeeding intentions and extended the viability of the theory of planned behavior to understand prospective parents' intentions for other child‐rearing practices.ImplicationsPractitioners should consider discussing the norms surrounding child‐rearing behaviors during health‐ and development‐focused courses in secondary or postsecondary school and with expecting couples.
Exploring Blended Learning in a Postsecondary Spanish Language Program: Observations, Perceptions, and Proficiency Ratings
Authors: Romeo Kenneth , Bernhardt Elizabeth B. , Miano Alice , Leffell Cici Malik 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDespite the foreign language community's historical interest in employing technology to support language learning, few research studies have linked its use to instructional outcomes and most have failed to address whether technology enhancements lead to increased proficiency gains. This article examines the relationship between technology use and student performance in a Spanish language program at a research university. Through classroom observation and student and instructor self‐reports, coupled with proficiency data from first‐ and second‐year courses, this project investigated the type and distribution of technology use, instructors’ and students’ perceptions of the value of technology use, and the relationship between observed and perceived technology use and the exit proficiency ratings of student participants. The study found that students and instructors used technology to varying degrees and valued different types of technology use in language learning but viewed face‐to‐face communication as most essential. In addition, regardless of very different technology implementations among instructors and courses, students’ proficiency ratings reached the expected exit level for each course and were remarkably consistent among individuals.