Strong Predictor Of Performance Research Articles

SP11.17 The predictive paradigm: examining the validity of a national selection process in surgical training

Abstract Introduction Selection processes should conform to a ‘predictive paradigm’, identifying candidates who will become competent professionals. This study investigates the ability of a centralised, multi-modal national selection process to predict the future performance of surgical trainees. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from successful applicants to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) Core Surgical Training (CST) programme from 2016-2020 was conducted. Performance in subsequent assessments, attrition rates, and rates of progression to Higher Specialist Training (HST) were recorded. Selection decisions were based on a total score, composed of technical aptitude assessments, undergraduate academic performance, and a four-station multi-interview. CST performance was assessed using workplace-based and simulation-based assessments. Associations between selection and assessment measures were explored using Pearson correlation, binary logistic regression, and multiple linear regression analyses. Results Data was available for 303 trainees. Composite scores were positively associated with likelihood of progressing to HST (Exp(B) 1.09, 95% CI 1.05 – 1.13, p<0.001), and were significantly associated with performance across all CST assessments (r .23 - .34, P<0.001). On multivariate analysis, technical aptitude scores were the strongest predictor of future operative performance, both in the workplace (B 0.31, 95% CI .14 - .48, p<0.001) and simulated environments (B .57, 95% CI .33 - .81, p<0.001). The ‘interpersonal skills’ interview station was the strongest predictor of performance in simulated non-technical skill assessments (B .55, 95% CI .22 - .87, p<0.001). Conclusion Performance at the time of national selection, measured across technical and non-technical domains in a multi-modal fashion, is associated with future performance in the workplace and in simulation-based assessments.

On the roles of form systematicity and sensorimotor effects in language processing.

Grounded or embodied cognition research has employed body-object interaction (BOI; e.g., Pexman et al., 2019) ratings to investigate sensorimotor effects during language processing. We investigated relationships between BOI ratings and nonarbitrary statistical mappings between words' phonological forms and their syntactic category in English; i.e., form systematicity. In Study 1, principal components analysis revealed that BOI and form systematicity measures load on a common component, indicating they convey similar information about the probability of a word belonging to a particular syntactic category. In Studies 2, 3, and 4, form systematicity measures were stronger predictors of English Lexicon Project (ELP; Balota et al., 2007), Auditory English Lexicon Project (AELP; Goh et al., 2020), and English Crowdsourcing Project (ECP; Mandera et al., 2020) performance than BOI. In Study 5, BOI was a stronger predictor of performance from the Calgary Semantic Decision Project (CSDP; Pexman et al., 2017) than form systematicity. In Study 6, only form systematicity significantly predicted performance from the LinguaPix object naming megastudy (Krautz & Keuleers, 2022). Together, these results demonstrate that nonarbitrary statistical relationships in the form of mappings between ortho-phonological information and meaning are accessed automatically during language processing; i.e., even when syntactic category is not relevant to the task, and that sensorimotor simulation mechanisms are only strongly engaged when explicitly demanded by the task. We discuss the implications of these findings for proposals of embodied or grounded cognition and interpretations of neuroimaging data from word recognition tasks. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Actively Open-Minded Thinking and Its Measurement.

Actively open-minded thinking (AOT) is measured by items that tap the willingness to consider alternative opinions, sensitivity to evidence contradictory to current beliefs, the willingness to postpone closure, and reflective thought. AOT scales are strong predictors of performance on heuristics and biases tasks and of the avoidance of reasoning traps such as superstitious thinking and belief in conspiracy theories. Nevertheless, AOT is most commonly measured with questionnaires rather than performance indicators. Questionnaire contamination becomes even more of a danger as the AOT concept is expanded into new areas such as the study of fake news, misinformation, ideology, and civic attitudes. We review our 25-year history of studying the AOT concept and developing our own AOT scale. We present a 13-item scale that both is brief and accommodates many previous criticisms and refinements. We include a discussion of why AOT scales are such good predictors of performance on heuristics and biases tasks. We conclude that it is because such scales tap important processes of cognitive decoupling and decontextualization that modernity increasingly requires. We conclude by discussing the paradox that although AOT scales are potent predictors of performance on most rational thinking tasks, they do not predict the avoidance of myside thinking, even though it is virtually the quintessence of the AOT concept.

Testing the validity and reliability of the Matching Familiar Figures Test-2021: An updated behavioral measure of reflection-impulsivity.

The Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT) is a well-known and extensively used behavioral measure of reflection-impulsivity. However, the instrument has several deficiencies, including images designed for school-age children in the United States during the 1960s. Most importantly, an adult version of the instrument is currently unavailable and the lack of a single repository for the images raises questions regarding the MFFT's validity and reliability. We developed a 21st century version of the MFFT using images that are familiar to adults and reside in a freely accessible repository. We conducted two studies examining validity and reliability issues. In Study 1, participants interacting with the MFFT-2021, versus those interacting with the original MFFT20, spent more time on the task, took more time in making their first response, and were more likely to complete the task without errors, even though the average number of errors was higher than the comparison group. The coherence of these results is evidence of convergent validity. Regarding predictive validity, the MFFT-2021 remained a reliable predictor of rational thinking, such that participants who demonstrated more reflection (less impulsivity) tended to avoid rational thinking errors. Also, performance on the MFFT-2021 predicted higher quality judgments in processing job characteristic cues with embedded interactions, a form of configural information processing. We also found evidence of concurrent validity: performance on the MFFT-2021 differed in a predictable manner for participants grouped by their performance on the Cognitive Reflection Test. In Study 2, we tested discriminant validity by comparing participant performance on the MFFT-2021 to their performance on the Information Sampling Task (IST), another behavioral measure of reflection-impulsivity used in studies of psychopharmacological and addiction behaviors. For our participants (undergraduate business students), we found that the MFFT was a stronger predictor of performance on rational thinking tasks, and, contrary to prior studies, our exploratory factor analysis identified separate factors for the MFFT-2021 and the IST, supporting discriminant validity, indicating that these two instruments measure different subtypes of reflection-impulsivity.

Flying with Clipped Wings: Dynamic Capabilities of Publicly Owned Health Care Providers

To implement change effectively and efficiently, private firms require strong dynamic capabilities, consisting of sensing, seizing, and reconfiguration capacities. In the public sector, however, the concept of dynamic capability might be of less use because opportunity recognition (sensing) and strategic decision making (seizing) are taken over by the government. In this work, we discuss the only part of the dynamic capability left to highly regulated non-profit organizations: the reconfiguration of the resource base in order to meet the expectations of the regulator. Using a sample of general practitioners from public hospitals in Ukraine (n = 237; 81 per cent of the entire population of general practitioners from two Ukrainian cities), we apply structural equation modelling to legitimize the construct of reconfiguration-centred dynamic capability (reconfiguration capability) and test its impact on hospitals’ performance. First, we show that reconfiguration capability explains the effects of the lack of resources even at the local level. Second, we show that reconfiguration capability is a strong predictor of performance.

NeuroTracker Multiple Object Tracking Ability Predicts Novice Performance on a Simulated Air Traffic Control Task

ABSTRACT Objective To explore the utility of multiple object tracking (MOT) ability, measured using NeuroTracker, as a predictor of air traffic control (ATC) task performance. Background The perceptual-cognitive abilities required for MOT are also important for ATC performance. The current study provides a novel examination of NeuroTracker’s utility to predict novice performance on a simulated ATC task, relative to two discrete measures of working memory (WM). Method Forty-six participants completed computer-based assessments of MOT ability (NeuroTracker) and WM (Corsi Block Tapping, Automated Operation Span) followed by the simulated ATC task. Regression analyses were performed to determine the associations between ATC task performance and the MOT and WM measures. Results After controlling for age and video game playing, MOT ability significantly predicted more correct detections of conflicts between aircraft, fewer false alarm responses to conflicts, and faster aircraft acceptance and hand-off. When WM measures were included in regressions, MOT was a stronger predictor of performance than WM on those outcomes, and remained a statistically significant predictor of better conflict detection, false alarm response, and hand-off performance. Conclusion The findings demonstrate the relevance of MOT ability to ATC task performance and support the potential utility of NeuroTracker for controller applicant screening and selection. Research is required to validate the findings in larger and more representative samples under more realistic conditions.

Pilot In-Flight Sleep During Long-Range and Ultra-Long Range Commercial Airline Flights.

INTRODUCTION: In commercial aviation, pilot fatigue is a major threat to safety. One key fatigue mitigation strategy on long-range (LR; 8-16 h) and ultra-long range (ULR; 16+ h on at least 10% of trips) routes is allotting in-flight rest breaks for the pilots. Since sleep is a strong predictor of performance, it is important to quantify total in-flight sleep (TIFS) and determine rest scheme schedules that optimize sleep opportunity and subsequent performance. Here we quantify in-flight sleep and characterize rest schemes by type and efficiency.METHODS: Between 2015 and 2019, we collected data on in-flight sleep on 3 LR and 5 ULR routes totaling 231 pilots flying over 1200 flight duty periods. Data were collected using a combination of actigraphy and logbooks.RESULTS: Over all combinations of flight direction, crew and LR vs. ULR, average TIFS ranged from 3.4 h to 5.2 h with some ULR pilots getting over 8 h. Most crews made use of simple two- or three-break rest schemes and the complex four-break rest schemes were used almost exclusively on the three longest ULR routes. The complex schemes were less efficient than simple schemes, although this effect was small. Complex schemes resulted in no more TIFS compared to simple schemes on the same routes.DISCUSSION: Overall, we find that crews are getting more sleep on these routes than previously reported on similar routes. Most crews use simple rest schemes and these simple schemes are more efficient than complex schemes.Rempe MJ, Basiarz E, Rasmussen I, Belenky G, Lamp A. Pilot in-flight sleep during long-range and ultra-long range commercial airline flights. Aerosp Med Hum Perform. 2022; 93(4):368-375.

Factors affecting performance of village health volunteers in Sukhothai, Thailand

This descriptive research aimed to investigate the factors affecting performance among village health volunteers (VHVs). The sample participants were 598 VHVs in Sukhothai Province, Thailand. They were selected by using the systematic random sampling technique. In this research, a questionnaire was employed for the data collection, after which the data were analysed by using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and stepwise multiple regression analysis. The study results showed that knowledge, role perception, social support, and work motivation were at a high level, whereas attitude and performance were at a moderate level. Work motivation was the strongest predictor of performance among VHVs, followed by role perception, number of other positions in the communities, knowledge, agricultural occupation, duration of being VHVs, and attitude. In combination, all these factors could predict the performance of the VHVs at 26.5% with a statistical significance of 0.05. According to the study results, related agencies should arrange training programs as a means of enhancing attitude towards work operation and role perception, and should create work motivation of VHVs to further increase their effectiveness of performance.

Failed but validated? The effect of market validation on persistence and performance after a crowdfunding failure

We investigate the impact of market validation on persistence and subsequent performance following a specific type of failure (crowdfunding failure). We leverage a mixed methods design, employing a controlled lab experiment with entrepreneurs (Study 1) and a four-year lagged longitudinal field study which combines two archival databases (Study 2). In our experiment, we find that market validation encourages entrepreneur persistence through affective activation and cognition-based action intentions (specifically search and knowledge integration). We also find that another form of validation, expert validation, strengthens this relationship. In our field study, market validation is shown to be a stronger predictor of performance after a crowdfunding failure in comparison to expert validation. We draw from the social proof and wisdom of the crowd perspectives to develop our theoretical model and explain the implications of our findings.

Effects of Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Triathletes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Triathlon is an aerobic sport, which is commonly measured by maximal aerobic consumption (VO2max). Objective: to analyze the changes produced in cardiorespiratory and physiological measurements during practice, which determine triathletes’ performance level. A systematic review and a meta-analysis based on PRISMA protocol and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020189076) was conducted. The research was performed using PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Embase, Dialnet, Web of Science (WOS) and MEDLINE databases during February and March 2020. Studies that measured cardiorespiratory variables in triathletes published in the last 10 years were included. Results: 713 articles were identified, with 25 studies selected for the systematic review and five articles for the meta-analysis. These articles concluded that the main cardiorespiratory variables that determine triathletes’ performance were modified depending on the triathlon segment performed and the athletes’ sex and age. The meta-analysis showed no conclusive results related to the effects of changes in VO2max in triathletes’ performance [SMD = −0.21; 95%CI: (−0.84 to 0.43)]. Conclusions: cardiorespiratory fitness, in terms of VO2max and ventilatory thresholds, is the strongest predictor of performance in triathlon. This response may be affected depending on the triathlon segment performed and the athlete’s age or sex, leading to both physiological and biomechanical alterations that affect competition performance.

Wax carving exercises predict performance on practical examinations for first-year dental students.

This study aimed to determine whether the results of two wax carving exercises (E1 and E2), PAT, quantitative reasoning (QR), and academic average (AA) tests predict students' performance on dental anatomy practical examinations. First-year dental students (n = 69) participated in the study. Results of the PAT, QR, and AA were obtained from the Admissions Office. Participants completed wax carving exercises during the first (E1) and last weeks (E2) of the dental anatomy course. Carving instruments, instruction, and rubrics, were provided to participants who were instructed to carve a cube and a semicircle shape into a wax block using the wax subtraction technique. Two calibrated and blinded faculty graded the exercise as ideal, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory in four categories: finish, sharpness, symmetry, and accuracy. During the dental anatomy course, participants completed wax carving practical examinations for a maxillary central incisor and a mandibular first molar. Examinations were graded by calibrated faculty as ideal, satisfactory, or unsatisfactory. The linear mixed effects model assessed influences of independent variables on the practical examinations. estimates of the independent variables on the practical examinations were PAT (0.027), AA (0.088), QR (-0.014), E1 (0.235), and E2 (0.175). wax carving exercises were stronger predictors of performance on the practical examinations than the PAT, AA, and QR. This simple exercise may help identify students early in their preclinical education requiring additional assistance.

Academic Conversation: A Case to Exemplify the Influence of Non-Verbal Communication on Human Interaction

The present study tried to highlight the influence non-verbal communication has on human interaction; academic conversation is specified to exemplify this construct for other spheres of life. It addresses whether teachers’ non-verbal communication has an influence on students’ performance, the students’ perception regarding the non-verbal communication in academics and their respective impact were explored. Literature reflects that non-verbal communication has a significant role in human interactions; it not only elaborates but certainly clarifies the verbal message. The present study was devised to get subjective perceptions of students on board for presenting behavioural upshots serving academics. The sample of 37 Pakistani students of Quaid-i-Azam University within an age range of 19 to 24 years (M= 22.8, SD=1.77) responded to semi-structured interviews and their opinions were recorded in the form of interview transcriptions. Conventional content analysis was used for the analysis of data and categories were adjusted under two broader themes; perceived strong predictors of performance and perceived hurdles for students learning. Almost all individuals responded that non-verbal communication of teacher can be more influential than words. Findings of the study have great implications for behavioural management of people; teacher-student and other human interactions.

292 Rest Schemes and Inflight Sleep Duration on Long Range and Ultra-Long Range Commercial Airline Routes

Abstract Introduction Pilots flying long range (LR; 8-16 hour) and ultra-long range (ULR; 16+ hour on 10% of trips) commercial airline routes use a variety of work/rest schedules during flights, resulting in a wide distribution of total inflight sleep time (TIFS) amounts. Since sleep is a strong predictor of performance, it is important to quantify TIFS and determine rest scheme patterns that optimize sleep opportunity and subsequent alertness and performance. Here we report rest schemes for pilots on LR and ULR routes and longer TIFS values than previously reported. These rest schemes can serve as templates to increase TIFS and improve pilot performance, particularly on ULR routes. Methods 427 commercial airline pilots provided data for this sub-study that was part of a larger study on Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) routes. Inflight sleep timing and duration were measured on 3 LR and 5 ULR routes. Inflight sleep times were self-reported in a sleep/work logbook and verified using actigraphy. Results Most outbound and inbound landing crews took one break during the second half of the flight (average LR TIFS=4.0 hr; average ULR TIFS=4.9 hr), while most outbound and inbound relief crews consequently took one break during the first half of the flight (average LR TIFS=3.5 hr; average ULR TIFS=4.5 hr). However, three of the five ULR routes used more complex split rest schemes for landing and relief crews, primarily on outbound flights (average TIFS=5.0 hr). Across all routes and both crews, the maximum average TIFS reached ~6 hours. Conclusion Our results indicate that pilots on average are sleeping inflight more than previous studies demonstrated. Additionally, we found that crews on some ULR flights used more complicated rest schemes, but still generally preferred 2 or 3 breaks. These findings have implications for airline procedures and aviation policies by showing that pilots may be sleeping longer than originally expected on LR and ULR flights. Recommending rest schemes that allow for the greatest inflight sleep opportunity may provide the best chance for inflight recuperation, especially before the Top of Descent critical phase of flight. Support (if any) United Airlines

How does moulage contribute to medical students\u2019 perceived engagement in simulation? A mixed-methods pilot study

IntroductionMoulage is used frequently in simulation, with emerging evidence for its use in fields such as paramedicine, radiography and dermatology. It is argued that moulage adds to realism in simulation, although recent work highlighted the ambiguity of moulage practice in simulation. In the absence of knowledge, this study sought to explore the impact of highly authentic moulage on engagement in simulation.MethodsWe conducted a randomised mixed-methods study exploring undergraduate medical students’ perception of engagement in relation to the authenticity moulage. Participants were randomised to one of three groups: control (no moulage, narrative only), low authenticity (LowAuth) or high authenticity (HighAuth). Measures included self-report of engagement, the Immersion Scale Reporting Instrument (ISRI), omission of treatment actions, time-to-treat and self-report of authenticity. In combination with these objective measures, we utilised the Stimulated Recall (SR) technique to conduct interviews immediately following the simulation.ResultsA total of 33 medical students participated in the study. There was no statistically significant difference between groups on the overall ISRI score. There were statistically significant results between groups on the self-reported engagement measure, and on the treatment actions, time-to-treat measures and the rating of authenticity. Four primary themes ((1) the rules of simulation, (2) believability, (3) consistency of presentation, (4) personal knowledge ) were extracted from the interview analysis, with a further 9 subthemes identified ((1) awareness of simulating, (2) making sense of the context (3) hidden agendas, (4) between two places, (5) dismissing, (6) person centredness, (7) missing information (8) level of training (9) previous experiences).ConclusionsStudents rate moulage authenticity highly in simulations. The use of high-authenticity moulage impacts on their prioritisation and task completion. Although the slower performance in the HighAuth group did not have impact on simulated treatment outcomes, highly authentic moulage may be a stronger predictor of performance. Highly authentic moulage is preferable on the basis of optimising learning conditions.

Emotional intelligence predicts academic performance: A meta-analysis.

Schools and universities devote considerable time and resources to developing students' social and emotional skills, such as emotional intelligence (EI). The goals of such programs are partly for personal development but partly to increase academic performance. The current meta-analysis examines the degree to which student EI is associated with academic performance. We found an overall effect of ρ = .20 using robust variance estimation (N = 42,529, k = 1,246 from 158 citations). The association is significantly stronger for ability EI (ρ = .24, k = 50) compared with self-rated (ρ = .12, k = 33) or mixed EI (ρ = .19, k = 90). Ability, self-rated, and mixed EI explained an additional 1.7%, 0.7%, and 2.3% of the variance, respectively, after controlling for intelligence and big five personality. Understanding and management branches of ability EI explained an additional 3.9% and 3.6%, respectively. Relative importance analysis suggests that EI is the third most important predictor for all three streams, after intelligence and conscientiousness. Moderators of the effect differed across the three EI streams. Ability EI was a stronger predictor of performance in humanities than science. Self-rated EI was a stronger predictor of grades than standardized test scores. We propose that three mechanisms underlie the EI/academic performance link: (a) regulating academic emotions, (b) building social relationships at school, and (c) academic content overlap with EI. Different streams of EI may affect performance through different mechanisms. We note some limitations, including the lack of evidence for a causal direction. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Recovery and Prediction of Dynamic Precision Grip Force Control After Stroke

Background and Purpose- Dexterous object manipulation, requiring generation and control of finger forces, is often impaired after stroke. This study aimed to describe recovery of precision grip force control after stroke and to determine clinical and imaging predictors of 6-month performance. Methods- Eighty first-ever stroke patients with varying degrees of upper limb weakness were evaluated at 3 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after stroke. Twenty-three healthy individuals of comparable age were also studied. The Strength-Dexterity test was used to quantify index finger and thumb forces during compression of springs of varying length in a precision grip. The coordination between finger forces (CorrForce), along with Dexterity-score and Repeatability-score, was calculated. Anatomical magnetic resonance imaging was used to calculate weighted corticospinal tract lesion load (wCST-LL). Results- CorrForce, Dexterity-score, and Repeatability-score in the affected hand were dramatically lower at each time point compared with the less-affected hand and the control group, even in patients with mild motor impairment according to Fugl-Meyer assessment. Improved performance over time occurred in CorrForce and Dexterity-score but not in Repeatability-score. The Fugl-Meyer assessment hand subscale, sensory function, and wCST-LL best predicted CorrForce and Dexterity-score status at 6 months (R2=0.56 and 0.87, respectively). wCST-LL explained substantial variance in CorrForce (R2=0.34) and Dexterity-score (R2=0.50) at 6 months; two-point discrimination and Fugl-Meyer score accounted for considerable additional variance. Absence of recovery in CorrForce was predicted by wCST-LL >4 cc and in Dexterity-score by wCST-LL >6 cc. Conclusions- Findings highlight persisting deficits in the ability to grasp and control finger forces after stroke. wCST-LL was the strongest predictor of performance at 6 months, but early two-point discrimination and Fugl-Meyer score had substantial additional predictive value. Clinical Trial Registration- URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02878304.

Predictors of Reading Comprehension in Children With Cochlear Implants.

Children with a profound hearing loss who have been implanted with cochlear implants (CI), vary in terms of their language and reading skills. Some of these children have strong language skills and are proficient readers whereas others struggle with language and both the decoding and comprehension aspects of reading. Reading comprehension is dependent on a number of skills where decoding, spoken language comprehension and receptive vocabulary have been found to be the strongest predictors of performance. Children with CI have generally been found to perform more poorly than typically hearing peers on most predictors of reading comprehension including word decoding, vocabulary and spoken language comprehension, as well as working memory. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the relationships between reading comprehension and a number of predictor variables in a sample of twenty-nine 11–12-year-old children with profound hearing loss, fitted with CI. We were particularly interested in the extent to which reading comprehension in children with CI at this age is dependent on decoding and receptive vocabulary. The predictor variables that we set out to study were word decoding, receptive vocabulary, phonological skills, and working memory. A second purpose was to explore the relationships between reading comprehension and demographic factors, i.e., parental education, speech perception and age of implantation. The results from these 29 children indicate that receptive vocabulary is the most influential predictor of reading comprehension in this group of children although phonological decoding is, of course, fundamental.

Does Cognitive Impairment Influence Visual-Somatosensory Integration and Mobility in Older Adults?

Deficits in visual-somatosensory (VS) integration are linked to poor mobility. Given that sensory, motor, and cognitive processes rely on overlapping neural circuitry that are compromised in dementia and pre-dementia stages like mild cognitive impairment (MCI), we hypothesize that cognitive impairment will be associated with reduced VS integration, which will, in turn, impact the relation between VS integration and mobility. A total of 345 older adults (mean age 76.88 ± 6.45 years; 52% female) participated in the current study. Cognitive impairment was defined as presence of MCI or dementia. Magnitude of VS integration was quantified using probability models. All participants completed assessments of general cognition (Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status; RBANS), quantitative gait, and balance (unipedal stance). The magnitude of VS integration was lower in the 40 individuals with MCI (p = .02) and 12 with dementia (p = .04), relative to the 293 individuals without cognitive impairment. In fully adjusted models, magnitude of VS integration was only a strong predictor of performance on attention-based tests of the RBANS (β = 0.161; p < .01), regardless of cognitive status. Results from mediation analyses, however, reveal that cognitive impairment causes variation in magnitude of VS integration, which in turn causes variation in unipedal stance 95% confidence interval (CI) (-0.265, -0.002) and spatial aspects of gait 95% CI (-0.087, -0.001). Cognitive impairment influences multisensory integration, which adversely impacts balance and gait performance in aging. Future studies should aim to uncover the precise neural circuitry involved in multisensory, cognitive, and mobility processes.

Transplant experiments predict potential future spread of alien succulents along an elevation gradient

Determining whether an alien species is at environmental equilibrium is fundamental to understanding the risk of its continued range expansion, but this is rarely quantitatively assessed. We used experimental transplants within and beyond the current elevation range (~ 0–300 m a.s.l.) of two naturalized succulent plant species, Aeonium arboreum and Aeonium haworthii, to investigate whether they have reached their climatic limits in New Zealand. The two species have similar invasion histories but differ in climatic tolerances in their native ranges, therefore we expected them to differ in their potential to spread within New Zealand. We transplanted individuals of both species along an elevation and precipitation gradient and measured plant growth, mortality and seedling establishment over 2 years. Both species responded strongly and in similar ways to climatic variation along the gradient. Annual frost days was a strong predictor of performance for both species; plants grown at sites with more frost days had lower growth, survival and reproduction. We used our results to predict plant growth, survival and reproduction beyond their current naturalised range. We found that neither species is likely to survive at elevations greater than 300 m a.s.l. and that, while A. haworthii appears to be at or near climatic equilibrium, A. arboreum has the potential for spread further up in elevation. We provide the first evidence of the climatic tolerances of Aeonium sp. in their introduced range, and the risk of their continued spread in New Zealand.

Re-examining the crowding hypothesis in pediatric epilepsy

ObjectiveIn adults with left-sided epilepsy, reorganized language may “crowd out” right-hemisphere visual–spatial skills, with relative sparing of language (i.e., the crowding hypothesis). However, this effect has not consistently been demonstrated in pediatric epilepsy studies. The objective of this study was to investigate the crowding hypothesis using a heterogeneous sample of children with intractable epilepsy and typical (left) language dominance or atypical (right or bilateral) language dominance. We examined the relative contributions of seizure onset (before or after age 5), handedness (right versus left), seizure localization (temporal versus extratemporal), as well as language dominance on verbal versus visual cognitive skills. MethodWe retrospectively analyzed neuropsychology assessment results from a sample of 91 children who completed presurgical evaluation at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, Canada (34 with typical language, 57 with atypical language, mean age = 12 years). We considered a selection of verbal skills (naming, vocabulary knowledge, verbal abstract reasoning) and visual skills (visual–motor integration, block construction, visual abstract reasoning). ResultsConsistent with several previous adult studies supporting the crowding hypothesis, univariate analyses showed that the typical and atypical language groups were comparable on the measures of vocabulary knowledge and abstract verbal reasoning whereas the atypical language group produced lower scores across visual measures. Multivariate analyses (taking into account language dominance and associated factors) showed that language dominance was the strongest predictor of performance on two of three visual measures whereas language dominance was not a significant predictor of performance on most verbal measures. Unexpectedly, both sets of analyses indicated that the atypical language group had poorer naming abilities than the typical language group. SignificanceOur data provide some evidence of right-hemisphere functional crowding effects in a heterogeneous sample of children with intractable left-sided epilepsy. Specifically, those with atypical versus typical language dominance showed poorer visual–motor integration and visual–motor problem-solving skills, with comparable scores on certain verbal measures. It is critical that potential crowding effects be considered when interpreting the neuropsychological profiles of children being evaluated for epilepsy surgery.