bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A biologically inspired neurocomputational model for audiovisual integration and causal inference
Authors: Cuppini Cristiano , Shams Ladan , Magosso Elisa , Ursino Mauro 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRecently, experimental and theoretical research has focused on the brain's abilities to extract information from a noisy sensory environment and how cross‐modal inputs are processed to solve the causal inference problem to provide the best estimate of external events. Despite the empirical evidence suggesting that the nervous system uses a statistically optimal and probabilistic approach in addressing these problems, little is known about the brain's architecture needed to implement these computations. The aim of this work was to realize a mathematical model, based on physiologically plausible hypotheses, to analyze the neural mechanisms underlying multisensory perception and causal inference. The model consists of three layers topologically organized: two encode auditory and visual stimuli, separately, and are reciprocally connected via excitatory synapses and send excitatory connections to the third downstream layer. This synaptic organization realizes two mechanisms of cross‐modal interactions: the first is responsible for the sensory representation of the external stimuli, while the second solves the causal inference problem. We tested the network by comparing its results to behavioral data reported in the literature. Among others, the network can account for the ventriloquism illusion, the pattern of sensory bias and the percept of unity as a function of the spatial auditory–visual distance, and the dependence of the auditory error on the causal inference. Finally, simulations results are consistent with probability matching as the perceptual strategy used in auditory–visual spatial localization tasks, agreeing with the behavioral data. The model makes untested predictions that can be investigated in future behavioral experiments.
Seizures, syndromes, and etiologies in childhood epilepsy: The International League Against Epilepsy 1981, 1989, and 2017 classifications used in a population‐based cohort
Authors: Aaberg Kari Modalsli , Surén Pål , Søraas Camilla Lund , Bakken Inger Johanne , Lossius Morten I. , Stoltenberg Camilla , Chin Richard 
Published: September 2017

SummaryObjectiveThe study provides updated information about the distribution of seizures, epilepsies, and etiologies of epilepsy in the general child population, and compares the old and new classification systems from the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE).MethodsThe study platform was the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Cases of epilepsy were identified through registry linkages and sequential parental questionnaires. Epilepsy diagnoses were validated using a standardized protocol, and seizures, epilepsies, and etiologies were classified according to the old (ILAE 1981/1989) and new (ILAE 2017) classifications. Information was collected through medical record reviews and/or parental telephone interviews.ResultsThe study population included 112,744 children aged 3–13 years at the end of follow‐up on December 31, 2012. Of these, there were 606 children with epilepsy (CWE). Distribution of seizure types varied by age of onset. Multiple seizure types were common with early onset. Focal epilepsies were the most common, occurring in 317 per 100,000 children in the study population and in 59% of CWE. Generalized epilepsies were found in 190 per 100,000 (35% of CWE). CWE with onset during the first 2 years of life had an even distribution of focal and generalized epilepsies, whereas focal epilepsies became dominant at later ages of onset. A definite cause of epilepsy had been demonstrated in 33% of CWE. The ILAE 1989 classification allowed for a broad syndrome category in 93% of CWE and a defined epileptic syndrome in 37%. With the ILAE 2017 classification, 41% of CWE had a defined epileptic syndrome and 63% had either a defined syndrome or structural–metabolic etiology.SignificanceThe distribution of seizures and epilepsies is strongly dependent on age of onset. Despite diagnostic advances, the causes of epilepsy are still unknown in two‐thirds of CWE. The ILAE 2017 classifications allow for a higher precision of diagnoses, but at the expense of leaving more epilepsies classifiable only at the mode of onset level.
Variation in bulk‐leaf 13C discrimination, leaf traits and water‐use efficiency–trait relationships along a continental‐scale climate gradient in Australia
Authors: Rumman Rizwana , Atkin Owen K. , Bloomfield Keith J. , Eamus Derek 
Published: September 2017

AbstractLarge spatial and temporal gradients in rainfall and temperature occur across Australia. This heterogeneity drives ecological differentiation in vegetation structure and ecophysiology. We examined multiple leaf‐scale traits, including foliar 13C isotope discrimination (Δ13C), rates of photosynthesis and foliar N concentration and their relationships with multiple climate variables. Fifty‐five species across 27 families were examined across eight sites spanning contrasting biomes. Key questions addressed include: (i) Does Δ13C and intrinsic water‐use efficiency (WUEi) vary with climate at a continental scale? (ii) What are the seasonal and spatial patterns in Δ13C/WUEi across biomes and species? (iii) To what extent does Δ13C reflect variation in leaf structural, functional and nutrient traits across climate gradients? and (iv) Does the relative importance of assimilation and stomatal conductance in driving variation in Δ13C differ across seasons? We found that MAP, temperature seasonality, isothermality and annual temperature range exerted independent effects on foliar Δ13C/WUEi. Temperature‐related variables exerted larger effects than rainfall‐related variables. The relative importance of photosynthesis and stomatal conductance (gs) in determining Δ13C differed across seasons: Δ13C was more strongly regulated by gs during the dry‐season and by photosynthetic capacity during the wet‐season. Δ13C was most strongly correlated, inversely, with leaf mass area ratio among all leaf attributes considered. Leaf Nmass was significantly and positively correlated with MAP during dry‐ and wet‐seasons and with moisture index (MI) during the wet‐season but was not correlated with Δ13C. Leaf Pmass showed significant positive relationship with MAP and Δ13C only during the dry‐season. For all leaf nutrient‐related traits, the relationships obtained for Δ13C with MAP or MI indicated that Δ13C at the species level reliably reflects the water status at the site level. Temperature and water availability, not foliar nutrient content, are the principal factors influencing Δ13C across Australia.
The Direct and Indirect (Spillover) Effects of Productive Government Spending on State Economic Growth
Authors: Ojede Andrew , Atems Bebonchu , Yamarik Steven 
Published: September 2017

AbstractUsing data on 48 contiguous U.S. states and a spatial econometric approach, this paper examines short‐ and long‐run effects of productive higher education and highway infrastructure spending financed by different revenue sources on state economic growth. Following the Lagrange Multiplier, Wald, and Likelihood Ratio tests, the data are found to be characterized by both spatial lag and spatial error processes, leading to the estimation of a dynamic spatial Durbin model. By decomposing results of the dynamic spatial Durbin model into short‐ and long‐run direct as well as indirect (spillover) effects, we show that accounting for spillover effects provides a more comprehensive approach to uncovering the effects of productive government spending on growth. We find that, regardless of the financing source, productive higher education and highway spending have statistically significant short‐ and long‐run direct as well as spillover effects on state income growth.
Efficacy and safety of combination therapy with an α‐glucosidase inhibitor and a dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Min Se Hee , Yoon Jeong‐Hwa , Hahn Seokyung , Cho Young Min 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAims/IntroductionThe combination of dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 (DPP4) inhibitors and α‐glucosidase inhibitors (AGIs) might provide an additive or synergistic glucose‐lowering effect, as they have a complementary mode of action. In the present study, we examined the efficacy and safety of the addition of a DPP4 inhibitor to patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with an AGI.Materials and MethodsWe carried out an electronic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library and Clinicaltrials.gov through October 2016. Randomized controlled trials written in English that compared DPP4 inhibitors plus AGI (DPP4i/AGI) and placebo plus AGI (PCB/AGI) in patients with type 2 diabetes were selected. Data on the study characteristics, efficacy and safety outcomes were extracted, and the risk of potential biases was assessed. The efficacy and safety of DPP4i/AGI and PCB/AGI were compared.ResultsOf 756 potentially relevant published articles and 40 registered trials, five studies including 845 patients randomized to DPP4i/AGI and 832 patients randomized to PCB/AGI were included for meta‐analysis. Compared with PCB/AGI, DPP4i/AGI showed a greater reduction in glycated hemoglobin (weighted mean difference −1.2%, 95% confidence interval −1.6 to −0.8), fasting plasma glucose and 2‐h postprandial plasma glucose levels, with no increase in bodyweight. The risks of hypoglycemia and gastrointestinal adverse events were similar between DPP4i/AGI and PCB/AGI.ConclusionsThe addition of a DPP4 inhibitor to patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with an AGI achieved better glycemic control without further increasing the risk of weight gain and hypoglycemia.
Improving performances of the knee replacement surgery process by applying DMAIC principles
Authors: Improta Giovanni , Balato Giovanni , Romano Maria , Ponsiglione Alfonso Maria , Raiola Eliana , Russo Mario Alessandro , Cuccaro Patrizia , Santillo Liberatina Carmela , Cesarelli Mario 
Published: September 2017

AbstractRationale, Aims, and ObjectivesThe work is a part of a project about the application of the Lean Six Sigma to improve health care processes. A previously published work regarding the hip replacement surgery has shown promising results. Here, we propose an application of the DMAIC (Define, Measure, Analyse, Improve, and Control) cycle to improve quality and reduce costs related to the prosthetic knee replacement surgery by decreasing patients' length of hospital stay (LOS)MethodsThe DMAIC cycle has been adopted to decrease the patients' LOS. The University Hospital “Federico II” of Naples, one of the most important university hospitals in Southern Italy, participated in this study. Data on 148 patients who underwent prosthetic knee replacement between 2010 and 2013 were used. Process mapping, statistical measures, brainstorming activities, and comparative analysis were performed to identify factors influencing LOS and improvement strategies.ResultsThe study allowed the identification of variables influencing the prolongation of the LOS and the implementation of corrective actions to improve the process of care. The adopted actions reduced the LOS by 42%, from a mean value of 14.2 to 8.3 days (standard deviation also decreased from 5.2 to 2.3 days).ConclusionsThe DMAIC approach has proven to be a helpful strategy ensuring a significant decreasing of the LOS. Furthermore, through its implementation, a significant reduction of the average costs of hospital stay can be achieved. Such a versatile approach could be applied to improve a wide range of health care processes.
Development of the Optimality Index‐NL2015, an Instrument to Measure Outcomes of Maternity Care
Authors: Hermus Marieke , Boesveld Inge , van der Pal‐de Bruin Karin , Wiegers Therese 
Published: September 2017

IntroductionAn optimality index is a composite tool to measure maximum outcome with minimal intervention. It focuses on optimality instead of on normality and is useful in comparing differences in processes and perinatal outcomes for women at low risk of complications. The latest Dutch version dates from 2 decades ago, and international versions of the optimality index are not directly applicable to the Dutch maternity system. Most data for perinatal research in the Netherlands are derived from a national perinatal database: the Netherlands Perinatal Registry. The aim of this study was to develop a new Dutch version of the optimality index (OI‐NL2015) that could be calculated from data derived from this national perinatal database and to assess the reliability of these data for use in the index.MethodsPotential items were collected by a thorough comparison of earlier (inter)national optimality indexes and the current data collection of the national database. All items were reviewed by 2 experts in maternity care and assessed for importance, relevance for the Dutch maternity care system, and feasibility to retrieve information on these items. For each item a criterion for optimality was formulated based on evidence‐based or consensus‐based effectiveness of care in pregnancy and childbirth. All selected items were scored on potential problems, with reliability by 20 randomly selected community midwives. The level of agreement was calculated comparing these 2 data sets, which included data of the same women.ResultsThe final OI‐NL2015 consists of 31 items in 3 different components: 22 intrapartum, 7 neonatal, and 2 postpartum. Of the 7 items that were examined because of expected potential problems with reliability, in 6 items a level of 90% agreement was found.DiscussionAn optimality index is not a standard measurement instrument but must be validated and adapted to local circumstances and available data.
The impact of bargaining delays under the threat of eminent domain
Authors: Portillo Javier E. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDevelopers seeking to assemble complementary parcels of land will likely encounter strategic behavior by landowners. Using a property‐level data set from Florida's Department of Transportation covering the period January 2000 to July 2014, I test whether bargaining delays lead to higher final transaction prices. Given the nature of the data, I can compare properties within the same roadway project to estimate the effect of delayed negotiations. My empirical estimates indicate that bargaining delays lead to increased final transaction prices. The magnitude of this effect is approximately 7 percent for the average holdout, however, the effect is nonlinear and diminishes over time.
Performance of fibrosis prediction scores in paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Jackson Jasmine A , Konomi Juna V , Mendoza Michael V , Krasinskas Alyssa , Jin Ran , Caltharp Shelley , Mouzaki Marialena , Vos Miriam B 
Published: September 2017

AimNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the leading cause of chronic liver disease in children. The phenotype of NAFLD varies widely, and non‐invasive predictors of disease severity are scarce and are needed to tailor clinical management.MethodsWe compared liver fibrosis by histology with proposed non‐invasive predictors of fibrosis, including alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), AST/ALT ratio, AST to platelet ratio index, fibrosis‐4, paediatric NAFLD fibrosis index and paediatric NAFLD fibrosis score.ResultsThe area under the curve of scores obtained while predicting fibrosis in children with NAFLD ranged from 0.51 to 0.67.ConclusionThe tested non‐invasive fibrosis scoring systems, some of which were originally designed for adult populations, did not adequately predict fibrosis in a paediatric cohort. Further development of risk prediction scores in children are needed for the management of paediatric patients and will likely need to be developed within a large paediatric data set in order to improve specificity and sensitivity.
Invasiveness, chimerism and genetic diversity
Authors: Ben‐Shlomo Rachel 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAdaptation for invasiveness should comprise the capability to exploit and prosper in a wide range of ecological conditions and is therefore expected to be associated with a certain level of genetic diversity. Paradoxically, however, invasive populations are established by only a few founders, resulting in low genetic diversity. As a conceivable way of attaining high genetic diversity and high variance of gene expression even when a small number of founders is involved in invasiveness, I suggest here chimerism, a fusion between different individuals—a common phenomenon found in numerous phyla. The composite entity offers the chimeric organism genetic flexibility and higher inclusive fitness that depends on the joint genomic fitness of the original partners. The ability to form a chimeric entity is also applied to subsequent generations, and consequently, the level of genetic diversity does not decline over generations of population establishment following invasion.
Mild cognitive impairment in older adults with pre‐dialysis patients with chronic kidney disease: Prevalence and association with physical function
Authors: Otobe Yuhei , Hiraki Koji , Hotta Chiharu , Nishizawa Hajime , Izawa Kazuhiro P. , Taki Yasuhiro , Imai Naohiko , Sakurada Tsutomu , Shibagaki Yugo 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTAimChronic kidney disease (CKD) is a risk factor for declining cognitive and physical function. However, the prevalence of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and its relationship with physical function is not clear. Therefore, our aim was to evaluate the prevalence of MCI and the relationship between MCI and physical function among older adults with pre‐dialysis CKD.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of 120 patients, aged ≥65 years (mean age, 77.3 years), with pre‐dialysis CKD but without probable dementia (Mini Mental State Examination <24). MCI was evaluated using the Japanese version of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA‐J). For analysis, patients were classified into two cognitive function groups: normal (MoCA‐J ≥ 26) and MCI (MoCA‐J < 26). Physical, clinical, and biochemical parameters were compared between the groups. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the specific association between cognitive and physical function.ResultsSeventy‐five (62.5%) patients belonged to the MCI group. Significant differences between the two groups were identified for gait speed, balance, age, and haemoglobin concentration. After adjustment for covariates, only gait speed was significantly associated with MCI (odds ratio, 0.06; 95% confidence interval, 0.009–0,411).ConclusionThe prevalence of MCI among older adults with pre‐dialysis CKD was as high as 62.5%. The association between MCI and reduced gait speed supports the possible interaction between physical and cognitive functions and the need for early screening.
Variation in esophageal physiology testing in clinical practice: Results from an international survey
Authors: Sweis R. , Heinrich H. , Fox M. ,   the International Working Group for GI Motility and Function
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundAdvances in clinical measurement of esophageal motility and function have improved the assessment of swallowing disorders and reflux symptoms. Variation in data acquisition, analysis, and reporting exists and impacts on diagnosis and management.Aims and MethodsThis study examined variation in esophageal manometry methodology between institutions to establish the status in current practice. A structured survey was distributed through international NGM societies using an Internet‐based platform. Questions explored infrastructure, technology, analysis, and reporting.Key ResultsResponses were received from 91 centers from 29 countries. Eighteen (20%) centers used “conventional” manometry, 75 (82%) high‐resolution manometry, and 53 (58%) HR impedance manometry.All centers documented motility for single water swallows. The Chicago Classification was applied by 65 (71.4%) centers. In contrast, analysis of EGJ morphology varied widely. Adjunctive testing was often applied: multiple rapid swallows (77%), rapid drink challenge (77%), single solid swallows (63%), and a standard test meal (18%).Of 86 (94.5%) units that offered pH impedance (pH‐Z) studies, approximately half (53.5%) performed tests on acid‐suppressant medication in patients with a high pretest probability (eg, erosive esophagitis). Most (75.6%) centers manually reviewed every reflux event. Others examined pH‐Z data only prior to symptoms. To assess symptom association with reflux events, 73.6% centers analyzed each symptom separately, whereas 29.7% centers pooled symptoms.Conclusions and InferencesThere is marked variation in the data acquisition, analysis, and reporting of esophageal manometry studies. Further efforts to improve quality and uniformity in testing and reporting are required. This survey provides information upon which best‐practice guidelines can be developed.
Melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) polymorphisms’ influence on size and dermoscopic features of nevi
Authors: Vallone María Gabriela , Tell‐Marti Gemma , Potrony Miriam , Rebollo‐Morell Aida , Badenas Celia , Puig‐Butille Joan Anton , Gimenez‐Xavier Pol , Carrera Cristina , Malvehy Josep , Puig Susana 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) is a highly polymorphic gene. The loss‐of‐function MC1R variants (“R”) have been strongly associated with red hair color phenotype and an increased melanoma risk. We sequenced the MC1R gene in 175 healthy individuals to assess the influence of MC1R on nevus phenotype. We identified that MC1R variant carriers had larger nevi both on the back [p‐value = .016, adjusted for multiple parameters (adj. p‐value)] and on the upper limbs (adj. p‐value = .007). Specifically, we identified a positive association between the “R” MC1R variants and visible vessels in nevi [p‐value = .033, corrected using the FDR method for multiple comparisons (corrected p‐value)], dots and globules in nevi (corrected p‐value = .033), nevi with eccentric hyperpigmentation (corrected p‐value = .033), a high degree of freckling (adj. p‐value = .019), and an associative trend with presence of blue nevi (corrected p‐value = .120). In conclusion, the MC1R gene appears to influence the nevus phenotype.
Event‐related potential components as measures of aversive conditioning in humans
Authors: Bacigalupo Felix , Luck Steven J. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractFor more than 60 years, the gold standard for assessing aversive conditioning in humans has been the skin conductance response (SCR), which arises from the activation of the peripheral nervous system. Although the SCR has been proven useful, it has some properties that impact the kinds of questions it can be used to answer. In particular, the SCR is slow, reaching a peak 4–5 s after stimulus onset, and it decreases in amplitude after a few trials (habituation). The present study asked whether the late positive potential (LPP) of the ERP waveform could be a useful complementary method for assessing aversive conditioning in humans. The SCR and LPP were measured in an aversive conditioning paradigm consisting of three blocks in which one color was paired with a loud noise (CS+) and other colors were not paired with the noise (CS−). Participants also reported the perceived likelihood of being exposed to the noise for each color. Both SCR and LPP were significantly larger on CS+ trials than on CS− trials. However, SCR decreased steeply after the first conditioning block, whereas LPP and self‐reports were stable over blocks. These results indicate that the LPP can be used to assess aversive conditioning and has several useful properties: (a) it is a direct response of the central nervous system, (b) it is fast, with an onset latency of 300 ms, (c) it does not habituate over time.