bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between cannabis use and depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies
Authors: Lev-Ran S. , Roerecke M. , Le Foll B. , George T. P. , McKenzie K. , Rehm J. 
Published: June 2013

BackgroundLongitudinal studies reporting the association between cannabis use and developing depression provide mixed results. The objective of this study was to establish the extent to which different patterns of use of cannabis are associated with the development of depression using meta-analysis of longitudinal studies.MethodPeer-reviewed publications reporting the risk of developing depression in cannabis users were located using searches of EMBASE, Medline, PsychINFO and ISI Web of Science. Only longitudinal studies that controlled for depression at baseline were included. Data on several study characteristics, including measures of cannabis use, measures of depression and control variables, were extracted. Odds ratios (ORs) were extracted by age and length of follow-up.ResultsAfter screening for 4764 articles, 57 articles were selected for full-text review, of which 14 were included in the quantitative analysis (total number of subjects = 76058). The OR for cannabis users developing depression compared with controls was 1.17 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.30]. The OR for heavy cannabis users developing depression was 1.62 (95% CI 1.21–2.16), compared with non-users or light users. Meta-regression revealed no significant differences in effect based on age of subjects and marginal difference in effect based on length of follow-up in the individual studies. There was large heterogeneity in the number and type of control variables in the different studies.ConclusionsCannabis use, and particularly heavy cannabis use, may be associated with an increased risk for developing depressive disorders. There is need for further longitudinal exploration of the association between cannabis use and developing depression, particularly taking into account cumulative exposure to cannabis and potentially significant confounding factors.
How do forward models work? And why would you want them?
Authors: Bowers Jeffrey 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe project of coordinating perception, comprehension, and motor control is an exciting one, but I found it hard to follow some of Pickering & Garrod's (P&G's) arguments as presented. Consequently, my comment is not so much a disagreement with P&G but a query about the logic of forward models: It is not clear how they are supposed to work, nor why they are needed in this (or many other) contexts, and toward that end I present an alternative idea.
Toward a unified account of comprehension and production in language development
Authors: McCauley Stewart M. , Christiansen Morten H. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlthough Pickering & Garrod (P&G) argue convincingly for a unified system for language comprehension and production, they fail to explain how such a system might develop. Using a recent computational model of language acquisition as an example, we sketch a developmental perspective on the integration of comprehension and production. We conclude that only through development can we fully understand the intertwined nature of comprehension and production in adult processing.
A developmental perspective on the integration of language production and comprehension
Authors: Krishnan Saloni 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe integration of language production and comprehension processes may be more specific in terms of developmental timing than Pickering & Garrod (P&G) discuss in their target article. Developmental studies do reveal links between production and comprehension, but also demonstrate that the integration of these skills changes over time. Production-comprehension links occur within specific language skills and specific time windows.
Exploring the Contribution of Mycobacteria Characteristics in Their Interaction with Human Macrophages
Authors: Silva Carla , Perdigao Joao , Alverca Elsa , de Matos António P. Alves , Carvalho Patricia A. , Portugal Isabel , Jordao Luisa 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) is a major health problem. The emergence of multidrug resistant (MDR)Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) isolates confounds treatment strategies. In Portugal, cases of MDR-TB are reported annually with an increased incidence noted in Lisbon. The majority of these MDR-TB cases are due to closely related mycobacteria known collectively as theLisboafamily and Q1 cluster. Genetic determinants linked to drug resistance have been exhaustively studied resulting in the identification of family and cluster specific mutations. Nevertheless, little is known about other factors involved in development of mycobacteria drug resistance. Here, we complement genetic analysis with the study of morphological and structural features of theLisboafamily and Q1 cluster isolates by using scanning and transmission electron microscopy. This analysis allowed the identification of structural differences, such as cell envelope thickness, between Mtb clinical isolates that are correlated with antibiotic resistance. The infection of human monocyte derived macrophages allowed us to document the relative selective advantage of theLisboafamily isolates over other circulating Mtb isolates.
A multi-method approach to study robustness of social–ecological systems: the case of small-scale irrigation systems
Authors: JANSSEN MARCO A. , ANDERIES JOHN M. 
Published: June 2013

Abstract:Elinor Ostrom was a leader in using multiple methods to perform institutional analysis. In this paper, we discuss how a multi-method approach she pioneered may be used to study the robustness of social–ecological systems. We synthesize lessons learned from a series of studies on small-scale irrigation systems in which we use case-study analysis, experimental methods in laboratory and field settings, and mathematical models. The accumulated insights show the importance of creating institutional arrangements that fit the human ecology within the biophysical constraints of the system. The examples of work based on multiple methods approaches presented here highlight several lessons. For example, experimental work helps us better understand the details of how the ability to maintain trust relationships, low levels of inequality, and low transaction costs of coordination are critical for success. Likewise, the integration of case-study analysis and modeling helps us better understand how systems that can leverage biophysical characteristics to help address challenges of monitoring, sanctioning, and coordination may be able to increase their chances of success.
On banning autonomous weapon systems: human rights, automation, and the dehumanization of lethal decision-making
Authors: Asaro Peter 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis article considers the recent literature concerned with establishing an international prohibition on autonomous weapon systems. It seeks to address concerns expressed by some scholars that such a ban might be problematic for various reasons. It argues in favour of a theoretical foundation for such a ban based on human rights and humanitarian principles that are not only moral, but also legal ones. In particular, an implicit requirement for human judgement can be found in international humanitarian law governing armed conflict. Indeed, this requirement is implicit in the principles of distinction, proportionality, and military necessity that are found in international treaties, such as the 1949 Geneva Conventions, and firmly established in international customary law. Similar principles are also implicit in international human rights law, which ensures certain human rights for all people, regardless of national origins or local laws, at all times. I argue that the human rights to life and due process, and the limited conditions under which they can be overridden, imply a specific duty with respect to a broad range of automated and autonomous technologies. In particular, there is a duty upon individuals and states in peacetime, as well as combatants, military organizations, and states in armed conflict situations, not to delegate to a machine or automated process the authority or capability to initiate the use of lethal force independently of human determinations of its moral and legal legitimacy in each and every case. I argue that it would be beneficial to establish this duty as an international norm, and express this with a treaty, before the emergence of a broad range of automated and autonomous weapons systems begin to appear that are likely to pose grave threats to the basic rights of individuals.
‘Excessive’ ambiguity: analysing and refining the proportionality standard
Authors: Wright Jason D. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis article analyses the jus in bello proportionality standard under international humanitarian law to assist judge advocates and practitioners in achieving a measure of clarity as to what constitutes ‘excessive’ collateral damage when planning or executing an attack on a legitimate military objective when incidental harm to civilians is expected. Applying international humanitarian law, the author analyses existing US practice to evidence the need for states to adopt further institutional mechanisms and methodologies to clarify targeting principles and proportionality assessments. A subjective-objective standard for determining ‘excessive’ collateral damage is proposed, along with a seven-step targeting methodology that is readily applicable to the US, and all other state and non-state actors engaged in the conduct of hostilities.
Managing climate change adaptation in forests: a case study from the U.S. Southwest
Authors: Kerhoulas Lucy P. , Kolb Thomas E. , Hurteau Matthew D. , Koch George W. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryForest mortality related to climate change is an increasingly common global phenomenon. We provide a case study of the U.S. Southwest to investigate the interactions among forest restoration treatments that alter stand density, tree growth and drought resistance in trees of different size classes.Using cores taken from five positions in large trees (coarse roots, breast height, base of live crown, midcrown branch and treetop) and breast height in small trees, we investigated how radial growth response to thinning and precipitation availability varied in 72 ponderosa pinesPinus ponderosaDougl. in northern Arizona.Ten years after thinning, growth of small trees did not respond significantly to thinning, whereas growth of large trees increased following moderate and heaving thinning, and this response was similar across within‐tree core sample positions.The intensity of thinning treatment did not significantly affect dry‐year growth in small trees. In large trees, dry‐year growth after thinning was maintained at pre‐thinning levels in moderate and heavy thinning treatments but decreased in the light thinning and control treatments.Synthesis and applications. Our findings indicate that more aggressive thinning treatments used for forest restoration stimulate growth throughout large residual trees from coarse roots to branches and also improve drought resistance, providing a greater resilience to future climate‐related stress. These responses to treatment are more pronounced in large trees than small trees. Forest thinning is therefore recommended in systems that are likely to experience increased temperature and decreased precipitation as a result of climate change.
Self‐reported non‐severe hypoglycaemic events in Europe
Authors: Östenson C. G. , Geelhoed‐Duijvestijn P. , Lahtela J. , Weitgasser R. , Markert Jensen M. , Pedersen‐Bjergaard U. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimsHypoglycaemia presents a barrier to optimum diabetes management but data are limited on the frequency of hypoglycaemia incidents outside of clinical trials. The present study investigated the rates of self‐reported non‐severe hypoglycaemic events, hypoglycaemia awareness and physician discussion of events in people with Type 1 diabetes mellitus or insulin‐treated Type 2 diabetes mellitus.MethodsPeople in seven European countries aged >15 years with Type 1 diabetes or insulin–treated Type 2 diabetes (basal‐only, basal‐bolus and other insulin regimens) were recruited via consumer panels, nurses, telephone recruitment and family referrals. Respondents completed four online questionnaires. The first questionnaire collected background information on demographics and hypoglycaemia‐related behaviour, whilst all four questionnaires collected data on non‐severe hypoglycaemic events in the preceding 7 days.ResultsAnalysis was based on 11 440 respondent‐weeks from 3827 respondents. All participants completed the first questionnaire and 57% completed all four. The mean number of events/respondent–week was 1.8 (Type 1 diabetes) and 0.4–0.7 (Type 2 diabetes, with different insulin treatments) corresponding to annual event rates of 94 and 21–36, respectively. A total of 63% of respondents with Type 1 diabetes and 49–64% of respondents with Type 2 diabetes, treated with different insulin regimens, who experienced hypoglycaemic events, reported impaired hypoglycaemia awareness or unawareness. A high proportion of respondents rarely or never informed their general practitioner/specialist about hypoglycaemia: 65% (Type 1 diabetes) and 50–59% (Type 2 diabetes). Overall, 16% of respondents with Type 1 diabetes and 26% of respondents with Type 2 diabetes reported not being asked about hypoglycaemia during routine appointments.ConclusionNon‐severe hypoglycaemic events are common amongst people with Type 1 diabetes and insulin–treated Type 2 diabetes in real‐world settings. Many rarely or never inform their general practitioner/specialist about their hypoglycaemia and the real burden of hypoglycaemia may be underestimated.
Patient time costs attributable to healthcare use in diabetes: results from the population‐based KORA survey in Germany
Authors: Icks A. , Claessen H. , Strassburger K. , Waldeyer R. , Chernyak N. , Jülich F. , Rathmann W. , Thorand B. , Meisinger C. , Huth C. , Rückert I.‐M. , Schunk M. , Giani G. , Holle R. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimsPatient time costs have been described to be substantial; however, data are highly limited. We estimated patient time costs attributable to outpatient and inpatient care in study participants with diagnosed diabetes, previously undetected diabetes, impaired glucose regulation and normal glucose tolerance.MethodsUsing data of the population‐based KORA S4 study (55–74 years, random sample of n = 350), we identified participants' stage of glucose tolerance by oral glucose tolerance test. To estimate mean patient time costs per year (crude and standardized with respect to age and sex), we used data regarding time spent with ambulatory visits including travel and waiting time and with hospital stays (time valued at a 2011 net wage rate of €20.63/h). The observation period was 24 weeks and data were extrapolated to 1 year.ResultsEighty‐nine to 97% of participants in the four groups (diagnosed diabetes, undetected diabetes, impaired glucose regulation and normal glucose tolerance.) had at least one physician contact and 4–14% at least one hospital admission during the observation period. Patient time [h/year (95% CI)] was 102.0 (33.7–254.8), 53.8 (15.0–236.7), 59.3 (25.1–146.8) and 28.6 (21.1–43.7), respectively. Age–sex standardized patient time costs per year (95% CI) were €2447.1 (804.5–6143.6), €880.4 (259.1–3606.7), €1151.6 (454.6–2957.6) and €589.2 (435.8–904.8).ConclusionsPatient time costs were substantial—even higher than medication costs in the same study population. They are higher in participants with diagnosed diabetes, but also in those with undetected diabetes and impaired glucose regulation compared with those with normal glucose tolerance. Research is needed in larger populations to receive more precise and certain estimates that can be used in health economic evaluation.
Combination treatment with anti‐Nogo‐A and chondroitinase ABC is more effective than single treatments at enhancing functional recovery after spinal cord injury
Authors: Zhao Rong‐Rong , Andrews Melissa R. , Wang Difei , Warren Philippa , Gullo Miriam , Schnell Lisa , Schwab Martin E. , Fawcett James W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAnti‐Nogo‐A antibody and chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) enzyme are two promising treatments that promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury (SCI). Treatment with them has encouraged axon regeneration, sprouting and functional recovery in a variety of spinal cord and central nervous system injury models. The two compounds work, in part, through different mechanisms, so it is possible that their effects will be additive. In this study, we used a rat cervical partial SCI model to explore the effectiveness of a combination of anti‐Nogo‐A, ChABC, and rehabilitation. We found that spontaneous recovery of forelimb functions reflects the extent of the lesion on the ipsilateral side. We applied a combination treatment with acutely applied anti‐Nogo‐A antibody followed by delayed ChABC treatment starting at 3 weeks after injury, and rehabilitation starting at 4 weeks, to accommodate the requirement that anti‐Nogo‐A be applied acutely, and that rehabilitation be given after the cessation of anti‐Nogo‐A treatment. We found that single treatment with either anti‐Nogo‐A or ChABC, combined with rehabilitation, produced functional recovery of similar magnitude. The combination treatment, however, was more effective. Both single treatments produced increases in sprouting and axon regeneration, but the combination treatment produced greater increases. Anti‐Nogo‐A stimulated growth of a greater number of axons with a diameter of > 3 μm, whereas ChABC treatment stimulated increased growth of finer axons with varicosities. These results point to different functions of Nogo‐A and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in axonal regeneration. The combination of anti‐Nogo‐A, ChABC and rehabilitation shows promise for enhancing functional recovery after SCI.
The Adaptive Significance of Egg Attendance in a South‐East Asian Tree Frog
Authors: Poo Sinlan , Bickford David P. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe arboreal frog, Chiromantis hansenae (Family: Rhacophoridae), is one of only a handful of South‐East Asian amphibian species reported with parental care. We present the first systematic observational and experimental study confirming offspring benefits as a result of this care, which has a number of unusual life‐history characteristics. Eggs are unusually small, breeding takes place in large pools, and females attend the eggs. Field observations and an adult removal experiment demonstrated a critical contribution of egg attendance to offspring survivorship. Harsh environmental conditions for offspring appeared to be the prime mover of parental care in this species, with desiccation as the main source of mortality when attending adults are absent. Results confirm females to be the caregivers, making C. hansenae a rare case of maternal egg attendance in a non‐directly developing anuran.
The Role of Courtship Behavior and Size in Mate Preference in the Sex‐Role‐Reversed Gulf Pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli
Authors: Partridge Charlyn , Boettcher Anne , Jones Adam G. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIn sex‐role‐reversed species, sexual selection acts more strongly on females than on males, a situation that can result in the evolution of secondary sexual traits in females and strong mating preferences in males. While some research exploring mating preferences in sex‐role‐reversed species has been conducted, overall, this topic remains relatively unexplored. The Gulf pipefish, Syngnathus scovelli, is a highly polyandrous pipefish species. Sexual selection is significantly stronger in females than in males, which has led to the evolution of both morphological and behavioral female secondary sexual traits. However, because males gestate the offspring in specialized pouches and make a substantial investment in embryos during development, females may also benefit from being choosy. The goal of this study was to examine both male and female mating preferences in this species. We found that male mating preference was significantly associated with female courtship behavior. Larger females were also able to maintain these behaviors for longer intervals than smaller females. No evidence of female mating preference in regard to male size was observed but the data suggest that male behaviors may be providing positive reinforcement to courting females. This research provides further insight into how mate preferences vary among sex‐role‐reversed species.
Toxic Microcystis (cyanobacteria) inhibit recruitment of the bloom‐enhancing invasive bivalve Limnoperna fortunei
Authors: Boltovskoy Demetrio , Correa Nancy , Bordet Facundo , Leites Valentín , Cataldo Daniel 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Toxic cyanobacterial blooms and biological invasions are major threats to freshwater systems worldwide. While usually dealt with independently, the two threats can interact to produce synergistic or antagonistic outcomes. The aim of this survey is to analyse interactions between the cyanobacterium Microcystis spp. and the Asian invasive mussel Limnoperna fortunei.

On the basis of 9 years of observational data in a large subtropical reservoir (Salto Grande, Argentina–Uruguay), we analyse causal relationships between recurring summer–early autumn blooms of Microcystis spp. and recruitment by L. fortunei. Reproduction of the mussel was interrupted during dry summers (January–April), coinciding with periods of peak Microcystis spp. growth and low water discharge (which favours build‐up of algal biomass). On the other hand, wet summers with high discharge rates were characterised by low Microcystis spp. densities and high numbers of L. fortunei larvae in the water column.

Of the seven South American waterbodies investigated, Salto Grande was the only one with very marked cyanobacterial blooms and where larval numbers decrease to near zero during January–April; in all others, reproduction peaks in January–April.

The assumption that microcystin‐producing algae are responsible for these troughs during periods when elsewhere larvae are very abundant was reinforced by experimental results indicating that microcystin‐LR is highly toxic to the mussel's larvae, eliminating 58–100% of animals in 48 h at 10–20 μg L−1.

Paradoxically, high concentrations of microcystin in water are probably partly due to L. fortunei's own activity, which enhances growth of Microcystis spp. through modification of nutrient concentrations, selective grazing of solitary Microcystis spp. cells over colonial ones and production of chemical cues that trigger the formation of colonies.

These interactions have important implications for the management of biofouling of industrial raw cooling water facilities by the byssate mussels, as well as policies oriented at curtailing the spread of the invasive bivalve.