bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Verbal strategies and nonverbal cues in school‐age children with and without specific language impairment (SLI)
Authors: Eichorn Naomi , Marton Klara , Campanelli Luca , Scheuer Jessica 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundConsiderable evidence suggests that performance across a variety of cognitive tasks is effectively supported by the use of verbal and nonverbal strategies. Studies exploring the usefulness of such strategies in children with specific language impairment (SLI) are scarce and report inconsistent findings.AimsTo examine the effects of induced labelling and auditory cues on the performance of children with and without SLI during a categorization task.Methods & ProceduresSixty‐six school‐age children (22 with SLI, 22 age‐matched controls, 22 language‐matched controls) completed three versions of a computer‐based categorization task: one baseline, one requiring overt labelling and one with auditory cues (tones) on randomized trial blocks.Outcomes & ResultsLabelling had no effect on performance for typically developing children but resulted in lower accuracy and longer reaction time in children with SLI. The presence of tones had no effect on accuracy but resulted in faster reaction time and post‐error slowing across groups.Conclusions & ImplicationsVerbal strategy use was ineffective for typically developing children and negatively affected children with SLI. All children showed faster performance and increased performance monitoring as a result of tones. Overall, effects of strategy use in children appear to vary based on task demands, strategy domain, age and language ability. Results suggest that children with SLI may benefit from auditory cues in their clinical intervention but that further research is needed to determine when and how verbal strategies might similarly support performance in this population.
Networks and political engagement of migrant organisations in five European cities
Authors: Eggert Nina , Pilati Katia 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis article investigates networks and political actions by migrant organisations in five European cities. It examines how political opportunity structures moderate the impact of organisational networks on organisations' political contacts and protests using data from organisational surveys undertaken between 2005 and 2008 in Budapest, Lyon, Madrid, Milan and Zurich. Results suggest that the political context moderates the role that different types of networks have on mobilisation. It is found that migrant organisational networks may be sources compensating for the lack of contextual opportunities, thus fostering the use of protest by migrant organisations. However, migrant organisational networks can also favour the creation of political subcultures, marginalised from mainstream politics. Finally, migrant networks are likely to foster migrant organisations' political integration in multicultural contexts through conventional as well as non‐conventional politics.
MeCa, a toolbox for the calculation of metabolism in heterogeneous streams
Authors: Halbedel Susanne , Büttner Olaf 
Published: May 2014

Summary

The estimation of stream metabolism represents a useful technique for characterising the ecological status of natural lotic systems. The existing tools for investigating metabolism in situ demand expert knowledge, provide only a few options, ignore possible groundwater effects and often rely on modelled input data, such as gas exchange, that could be subject to error.

We have developed MeCa, a user‐friendly MATLAB toolbox that contains different options – including the groundwater correction – for the calculation of metabolism. A detailed explanation of all the calculation steps and the various calculation options is given in the Appendix S1. The functions of MeCa can be tested using the test data set provided.

We conducted sensitivity tests to assess the effect of certain parameters (reaeration, travel time, groundwater oxygen concentration, mean depth and width) and other measurements (oxygen, temperature, pressure) on the metabolism estimation. Uncertainties in the parameters have a greater effect than those that apply to the measurements. The parameters reaeration coefficient and mean depth are the most sensitive input data.

Results from sensitivity analyses show the complexity of metabolism studies in streams and the importance of direct calculations. MeCa includes all relevant calculation options, and thus makes a contribution towards the standardisation of metabolism studies.
Effect of the invasive common reed on the abundance, richness and diversity of birds in freshwater marshes
Authors: Gagnon Lupien N. , Gauthier G. , Lavoie C. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe Eurasian genotype of common reed Phragmites australis subsp. australis is rapidly invading freshwater marshes in North America. Several bird species depend upon particular plant assemblages for feeding and reproduction and could be adversely affected by the expansion of this invader. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of common reed on the abundance, richness, diversity and site occupancy of bird assemblages in freshwater marshes recently invaded by the plant (southern Quebec, Canada). We conducted fixed‐distance point counts for songbirds (passerines and rails) and visual surveys for waterbirds (ducks, geese and waders) during two nesting seasons (2009 and 2010). There were major structural differences between common reed stands and marsh vegetation assemblages dominated by other plant species (bulrushes, cattails, sedges). However, there was a little difference in abundance, richness, diversity and site occupancy for songbirds. Marsh wren Cistothorus palustris, a wetland specialist, was the only nesting bird that preferred a native plant (cattail) over common reed, probably because common reed stands have low plant diversity and few appropriate nest materials. No major differences were observed in the abundance of waterbirds between invaded and non‐invaded marshes. For most bird species, the water depth of the marsh had more influence on the abundance of individuals and on site occupancy than the composition of the plant assemblage. Common reed stands can therefore be used by generalist and specialist marsh passerines as feeding and reproduction sites. However, it is possible that in southern Quebec, the number and extent of common reed populations have not yet reached a threshold beyond which adverse effects of the invader on avian species could be significant. This study adds to a growing body of evidence showing that the relationship between invasive plants and birds is not straightforward.
Reframing Ethnicity: Academic Tropes, Recognition beyond Politics, and Ritualized Action between Nepal and India
Authors: Shneiderman Sara 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTDrawing on ethnographic fieldwork across the Himalayan borders of Nepal and India, I revisit disciplinary debates about ethnicity. I focus on the expressive production of ethnic consciousness among members of the Thangmi (Thami) community in a context of high cross‐border mobility. I argue that ethnicity is the result not only of the prerogatives of state control or market forces but also of a ritual process through which identity itself is produced as a sacred object that binds together diverse members of the collectivity. Thangmi participation in a range of ritualized actions demonstrates how mobility across national borders yields a high level of self‐consciousness about the efficacy of each form of action as well as of the frames within which action unfolds. Ethnicity may be understood simultaneously as a historically contingent process and a wellspring of affectively real cultural content, enabling us to make better sense—in both scholarly and political terms—of emergent ethnic claims in South Asia and beyond.
The effect of pre‐treatment with transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation on the quality of recovery after ambulatory breast surgery: a prospective, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zhang Q. , Gao Z. , Wang H. , Ma L. , Guo F. , Zhong H. , Xiong L. , Wang Q. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryElectroacupuncture has been demonstrated to be effective at alleviating pain and postoperative side‐effects. Our aim was to investigate whether transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation, a low‐skill alternative to needle‐based electroacupuncture, could improve the quality of recovery after ambulatory surgery. Seventy‐two women scheduled for cosmetic breast surgery were randomly allocated to transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation or sham groups. Patients in the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation group received 30 min of electrical stimulation at three acupoints located on the hand and forearm before the induction of general anaesthesia. We found significant mean (SD) differences between the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation and sham groups in the mean (SD) length of recovery room stay (35.6 (12.9) min vs 48.3 (16.3) min, p = 0.01), time to removal of the laryngeal mask airway (10.2 (2.5) min vs 17.8 (4.4) min, p = 0.01), and time to reorientation of the patient (14.6 (3.2) min vs 26.5 (5.0) min, p = 0.01). Further, postoperative pain scores and the incidence of side‐effects were all lower in the transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation group. In conclusion, transcutaneous electric acupoint stimulation can significantly improve the quality of recovery and decrease the incidence of anaesthesia‐related side‐effects for patients undergoing ambulatory surgery.
Prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in young adults with type 1 diabetes since childhood: the Oulu cohort study of diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Hautala Nina , Hannula Virva , Palosaari Tapani , Ebeling Tapani , Falck Aura 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the prevalence and stage of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in a population‐based cohort of young Finnish adults who have had type 1 diabetes (T1D) since childhood.Material and methodsThe cohort includes all 5‐ to 16‐year‐old patients with T1D who lived in the Northern Ostrobothnia Hospital District of Finland, in 1989 (n = 216). DR was evaluated from fundus photographs taken in 1989–1990 and again in 2007. The patients were 7 ± 4 years age (range 0–15 years) at the time of diagnosis of T1D, and the average duration of diabetes at the re‐evaluation was 23 ± 4 years (range 17–32 years).ResultsThe prevalence of DR was analysed in 172 patients (80% of the original cohort) at 22–35 years. Proliferative DR (PDR) was observed in 35% (60/172) and non‐proliferative DR in 59% (101/172), with no signs of DR being present in the remaining 6% (11/172) of the subjects. The prevalence of DR did not differ by gender (p = 0.356).ConclusionsAfter the 18‐year follow‐up, a high prevalence of DR and PDR (94% and 35%, respectively) was found in patients who have had T1D since childhood, with no difference between the genders.
The effect of tendon vibration on motor unit activity, intermuscular coherence and force steadiness in the elbow flexors of males and females
Authors: Harwood B. , Cornett K. M. D. , Edwards D. L. , Brown R. E. , Jakobi J. M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundCompartmentalized responses in motor unit (MU) activity of the short head (SH) and long head (LH) of the biceps brachii are observed following forearm position change. Differential muscle spindle afferent distribution has been proposed as a potential mechanism underlying this behaviour. Tendon vibration is an effective, non‐invasive method of increasing muscle spindle afferent activity of a target muscle group offering a paradigm in which this hypothesis may be investigated further.AimTo determine the effect of tendon vibration on MU recruitment and discharge rates of the SH and LH, muscle activity of the elbow flexors and triceps brachii, intermuscular coherence among the SH, LH, brachioradialis and triceps brachii and force steadiness in young males and females during isometric elbow flexion.MethodsIntramuscular electromyography (EMG) of the SH and LH, and surface EMG of the elbow flexors were recorded pre‐ and post‐vibration during low‐force isometric contractions. Motor unit recruitment thresholds, MU discharge rates and MU discharge variability; surface EMG amplitude, intermuscular coherence and force steadiness were determined pre‐ and post‐vibration.ResultsDifferential changes in all MU properties, EMG amplitude and intermuscular coherence were observed among elbow flexors. Although MU properties exhibited differential changes, they accounted for little variance in isometric force steadiness. However, intermuscular EMG coherence among all muscles investigated was reduced post‐vibration.ConclusionUncoupling of common oscillatory input as a result of differential muscle spindle afferent inputs to elbow flexors may be responsible for the reduction in force steadiness following tendon vibration and a forearm position change.
Invasive grasses change landscape structure and fire behaviour in Hawaii
Authors: Ellsworth Lisa M. , Litton Creighton M. , Dale Alexander P. , Miura Tomoaki 
Published: May 2014

AbstractQuestionsHow does potential fire behaviour differ in grass‐invaded non‐native forests vs open grasslands? How has land cover changed from 1950–2011 along two grassland/forest ecotones in Hawaii with repeated fires?LocationNon‐native forest with invasive grass understory and invasive grassland (Megathyrsus maximus) ecosystems on Oahu, Hawaii, USA.MethodsWe quantified fuel load and moisture in non‐native forest and grassland (Megathyrsus maximus) plots (n = 6) at Makua Military Reservation and Schofield Barracks, and used these field data to model potential fire behaviour using the BehavePlus fire modelling program. Actual rate and extent of land‐cover change were quantified for both areas from 1950–2011 with historical aerial imagery.ResultsLive and dead fuel moisture content and fine fuel loads did not differ between forests and grasslands. However, mean surface fuel height was 31% lower in forests (72 cm) than grasslands (105 cm; P < 0.02), which drove large differences in predicted fire behaviour. Rates of fire spread were 3–5 times higher in grasslands (5.0–36.3 m·min−1) than forests (0–10.5 m·min−1; P < 0.001), and flame lengths were 2–3 times higher in grasslands (2.8–10.0 m) than forests (0–4.3 m; P < 0.01). Between 1950 and 2011, invasive grassland cover increased at both Makua (320 ha) and Schofield (745 ha) at rates of 2.62 and 1.83 ha·yr−1, respectively, with more rapid rates of conversion before active fire management practices were implemented in the early 1990s.ConclusionsThese results support accepted paradigms for the tropics, and demonstrate that type conversion associated with non‐native grass invasion and subsequent fire has occurred on landscape scales in Hawaii. Once forests are converted to grassland there is a significant increase in fire intensity, which likely provides the positive feedback to continued grassland dominance in the absence of active fire management.
Effects of Colistin on the Sensory Nerve Conduction Velocity and F‐wave in Mice
Authors: Dai Chongshan , Tang Shusheng , Li Jichang , Wang Jiping , Xiao Xilong 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine the changes of sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and F‐wave for colistin‐induced peripheral neurotoxicity using a mouse model. Mice were administered with colistin 5, 7.5 and 15 mg/kg/day via a 3‐min. intravenous infusion. The sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and F‐wave were measured using the bipolar recording electrodes. The SNCV and F‐wave latency changed in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The significant increase of F‐wave latency and significant decrease of SNCV appeared on day 3 (p < 0.05 and 0.01, respectively) in the 15 mg/kg/day group, and they were markedly changed on day 7 in the 7.5 mg/kg/day (p < 0.01 and 0.05, respectively) and 15 mg/kg/day groups (both p < 0.01). In addition, F‐wave latency also significantly increased on day 7 in the 5 mg/kg/day group (p < 0.05) without any clinical signs. These results indicate that SNCV and F‐wave latency were more sensitive in colistin‐induced neurotoxicity in mice, which highlights the early monitoring tool of polymyxins neurotoxicity in the clinic.
Health‐related quality of life from a prospective randomised clinical trial of robot‐assisted laparoscopic vs open radical cystectomy
Authors: Messer Jamie C. , Punnen Sanoj , Fitzgerald John , Svatek Robert , Parekh Dipen J. 
Published: May 2014

ObjectiveTo compare health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) outcomes for robot‐assisted laparoscopic radical cystectomy (RARC) with those of traditional open radical cystectomy (ORC) in a prospective randomised fashion.Patients and MethodsThis was a prospective randomised clinical trial evaluating the HRQoL for ORC vs RARC in consecutive patients from July 2009 to June 2011. We administered the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Vanderbilt Cystectomy Index questionnaire, validated to assess HRQoL, preoperatively and then at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months postoperatively. Scores for each domain and total scores were compared in terms of deviation from preoperative values for both the RARC and the ORC cohorts. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess the association between the type of radical cystectomy and HRQoL.ResultsAt the time of the study, 47 patients had met the inclusion criteria, with 40 patients being randomised for analysis. The cohorts consisted of 20 patients undergoing ORC and 20 undergoing RARC, who were balanced with respect to baseline demographic and clinical features. Univariate analysis showed a return to baseline scores at 3 months postoperatively in all measured domains with no statistically significant difference among the various domains between the RARC and the ORC cohorts. Multivariate analysis showed no difference in HRQoL between the two approaches in any of the various domains, with the exception of a slightly higher physical well‐being score in the RARC group at 6 months.ConclusionsThere were no significant differences in the HRQoL outcomes between ORC and RARC, with a return of quality of life scores to baseline scores 3 months after radical cystectomy in both cohorts.
Convergent pharmacological mechanisms in impulsivity and addiction: insights from rodent models
Authors: Jupp B , Dalley J W 
Published: May 2014

Research over the last two decades has widely demonstrated that impulsivity, in its various forms, is antecedent to the development of drug addiction and an important behavioural trait underlying the inability of addicts to refrain from continued drug use. Impulsivity describes a variety of rapidly and prematurely expressed behaviours that span several domains from impaired response inhibition to an intolerance of delayed rewards, and is a core symptom of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other brain disorders. Various theories have been advanced to explain how impulsivity interacts with addiction both causally and as a consequence of chronic drug abuse; these acknowledge the strong overlaps in neural circuitry and mechanisms between impulsivity and addiction and the seemingly paradoxical treatment of ADHD with stimulant drugs with high abuse potential. Recent years have witnessed unprecedented progress in the elucidation of pharmacological mechanisms underpinning impulsivity. Collectively, this work has significantly improved the prospect for new therapies in ADHD as well as our understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying the shift from recreational drug use to addiction. In this review, we consider the extent to which pharmacological interventions that target impulsive behaviour are also effective in animal models of addiction. We highlight several promising examples of convergence based on empirical findings in rodent‐based studies.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-20
Mexiletine as a treatment for primary erythromelalgia: normalization of biophysical properties of mutant L858F NaV1.7 sodium channels
Authors: Cregg R , Cox J J , Bennett D L H , Wood J N , Werdehausen R 
Published: May 2014

Background and PurposeThe non‐selective sodium channel inhibitor mexiletine has been found to be effective in several animal models of chronic pain and has become popular in the clinical setting as an orally available alternative to lidocaine. It remains unclear why patients with monogenic pain disorders secondary to gain‐of‐function SCN9a mutations benefit from a low systemic concentration of mexiletine, which does not usually induce adverse neurological side effects. The aim of this study was, therefore, to investigate the biophysical effects of mexiletine on the L858F primary erythromelalgia NaV1.7 mutation in vitro.Experimental ApproachHuman wild‐type and L858F‐mutated NaV1.7 channels were expressed in HEK293A cells. Whole‐cell currents were recorded by voltage‐clamp techniques to characterize the effect of mexiletine on channel gating properties.Key ResultsWhile the concentration‐dependent tonic block of peak currents by mexiletine was similar in wild‐type and L858F channels, phasic block was more pronounced in cells transfected with the L858F mutation. Moreover, mexiletine substantially shifted the pathologically‐hyperpolarized voltage‐dependence of steady‐state activation in L858F‐mutated channels towards wild‐type values and the voltage‐dependence of steady‐state fast inactivation was shifted to more hyperpolarized potentials, leading to an overall reduction in window currents.Conclusion and ImplicationsMexiletine has a normalizing effect on the pathological gating properties of the L858F gain‐of‐function mutation in NaV1.7, which, in part, might explain the beneficial effects of systemic treatment with mexiletine in patients with gain‐of‐function sodium channel disorders.
Pharmacological manipulations in animal models of anorexia and binge eating in relation to humans
Authors: van Gestel M A , Kostrzewa E , Adan R A H , Janhunen S K 
Published: May 2014

Eating disorders, such as anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN) and binge eating disorders (BED), are described as abnormal eating habits that usually involve insufficient or excessive food intake. Animal models have been developed that provide insight into certain aspects of eating disorders. Several drugs have been found efficacious in these animal models and some of them have eventually proven useful in the treatment of eating disorders. This review will cover the role of monoaminergic neurotransmitters in eating disorders and their pharmacological manipulations in animal models and humans. Dopamine, 5‐HT (serotonin) and noradrenaline in hypothalamic and striatal regions regulate food intake by affecting hunger and satiety and by affecting rewarding and motivational aspects of feeding. Reduced neurotransmission by dopamine, 5‐HT and noradrenaline and compensatory changes, at least in dopamine D2 and 5‐HT2C/2A receptors, have been related to the pathophysiology of AN in humans and animal models. Also, in disorders and animal models of BN and BED, monoaminergic neurotransmission is down‐regulated but receptor level changes are different from those seen in AN. A hypofunctional dopamine system or overactive α2‐adrenoceptors may contribute to an attenuated response to (palatable) food and result in hedonic binge eating. Evidence for the efficacy of monoaminergic treatments for AN is limited, while more support exists for the treatment of BN or BED with monoaminergic drugs.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Animal Models in Psychiatry Research. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2014.171.issue-20