bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Language Aptitude
Authors: Doughty Catherine J. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAfter discussing key issues in the aptitude literature and presenting an updated, multicomponential model of cognitive language aptitude, we consider two analyses from a longitudinal investigation using aptitude to predict success in language learning. Aptitude is conceptualized as a special talent for learning languages and a ceiling on success. In other words, for any given person, when motivation is high, personality facets are aligned, and the learning context is excellent, differences in aptitude determine ultimate attainment. Findings show that the full Modern Language Aptitude Test and the full High‐Level Language Aptitude Battery each predicted adult language learning success outcomes. In addition, different combinations of components drawn from these two (by design) complementary aptitude batteries predicted different aspects of basic and advanced proficiency and did so above and beyond nonaptitude variables, such as childhood exposure, previous language learning, age at the time of training, level of education, and enjoyment.
Frontal Electroencephalogram Alpha Asymmetry Relates to Implicit Achievement Motives: A Pilot Study
Authors: Müller Barbara C. N. , Marx Anton K. G. , Paulus Markus , Meinhardt Jörg 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTThe achievement motive is one of the core motives of human behavior and can be divided into two motives: an approach motive (i.e., hope for success [HS]), and an avoidance motive (i.e., fear of failure [FF]). Research has demonstrated that frontal electroencephalogram (EEG) asymmetry in the alpha frequency band is an important marker for differences in motivational processes. The present study investigated the relationship between resting state alpha asymmetry and the achievement motive. Resting state EEG was recorded, and implicit and explicit achievement motives, divided in HS and FF, assessed. Alpha activation asymmetries were calculated by subtracting the average left ln power from the average right ln power at frontal sites and at parietal sites as control position. Our results suggest a positive relationship between stronger left‐sided activation and higher implicit HS scores; no other significant correlations where found. Possible explanations for these findings are discussed.
Differential gene regulation underlies variation in melanic plumage coloration in the dark‐eyed junco (Junco hyemalis)
Authors: Abolins‐Abols Mikus , Kornobis Etienne , Ribeca Paolo , Wakamatsu Kazumasa , Peterson Mark P. , Ketterson Ellen D. , Milá Borja 
Published: September 2018

AbstractColour plays a prominent role in species recognition; therefore, understanding the proximate basis of pigmentation can provide insight into reproductive isolation and speciation. Colour differences between taxa may be the result of regulatory differences or be caused by mutations in coding regions of the expressed genes. To investigate these two alternatives, we studied the pigment composition and the genetic basis of coloration in two divergent dark‐eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) subspecies, the slate‐coloured and Oregon juncos, which have evolved marked differences in plumage coloration since the Last Glacial Maximum. We usedHPLCand light microscopy to investigate pigment composition and deposition in feathers from four body areas. We then usedRNA‐seq to compare the relative roles of differential gene expression in developing feathers and sequence divergence in transcribed loci under common‐garden conditions. Junco feathers differed in eumelanin and pheomelanin content and distribution. Within subspecies, in lighter feathers melanin synthesis genes were downregulated (includingPMEL,TYR,TYRP1,OCA2andMLANA), andASIPwas upregulated. Feathers from different body regions also showed differential expression ofHOXandWNTgenes. Feathers from the same body regions that differed in colour between the two subspecies showed differential expression ofASIPand three other genes (MFSD12,KCNJ13andHAND2) associated with pigmentation in other taxa. Sequence variation in the expressed genes was not related to colour differences. Our findings support the hypothesis that differential regulation of a few genes can account for marked differences in coloration, a mechanism that may facilitate the rapid phenotypic diversification of juncos.
A role for Saccharomyces cerevisiae Centrin (Cdc31) in mitochondrial function and biogenesis
Authors: Chen Li , Bian Shengjie , Li Hong , Madura Kiran 
Published: September 2018

SummaryCentrins belong to a family of proteins containing calcium‐binding EF‐hand motifs that perform well‐established roles in centrosome and spindle pole body (SPB) duplication. Yeast encodes a single Centrin protein (Cdc31) that binds components in the SPB. However, further studies revealed a role for Centrins in mRNA export, and interactions with contractile filaments and photoreceptors. In addition, human Centrin‐2 can bind the DNA‐lesion recognition factor XPC, and improve the efficiency of nucleotide excision repair. Similarly, we reported that yeast Cdc31 binds Rad4, a functional counterpart of the XPC DNA repair protein. We also found that Cdc31 is involved in the ubiquitin/proteasome system, and mutations interfere with intracellular protein turnover. In this report, we describe new findings that indicate a role for Cdc31 in the energy metabolism pathway. Cdc31 and cdc31 mutant proteins showed distinct interactions with proteins in energy metabolism, and mutants showed sensitivity to oxidative stress and poor growth on non‐fermentable carbon. Significant alteration in mitochondrial morphology was also detected. Although it is unclear how Cdc31 contributes to so many unrelated mechanisms, we propose that by controlling SPB duplication Centrin proteins might link the cellular responses to DNA damage, oxidative load and proteotoxic stresses to growth control.
EFFECTOR OF TRANSCRIPTION factors are novel plant‐specific regulators associated with genomic DNA methylation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Tedeschi Francesca , Rizzo Paride , Huong Bui Thi Mai , Czihal Andreas , Rutten Twan , Altschmied Lothar , Scharfenberg Sarah , Grosse Ivo , Becker Claude , Weigel Detlef , Bäumlein Helmut , Kuhlmann Markus 
Published: September 2018

Summary

Plant‐specific EFFECTORS OF TRANSCRIPTION (ET) are characterised by a variable number of highly conserved ET repeats, which are involved in zinc and DNA binding. In addition, ETs share a GIY‐YIG domain, involved in DNA nicking activity. It was hypothesised that ETs might act as epigenetic regulators.

Here, methylome, transcriptome and phenotypic analyses were performed to investigate the role of ET factors and their involvement in DNA methylation in Arabidopsis thaliana.

Comparative DNA methylation and transcriptome analyses in flowers and seedlings of et mutants revealed ET‐specific differentially expressed genes and mostly independently characteristic, ET‐specific differentially methylated regions. Loss of ET function results in pleiotropic developmental defects.

The accumulation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers after ultraviolet stress in et mutants suggests an ET function in DNA repair.
Clinical and regulatory considerations for novel electrophysiology mapping systems: Lessons from FIRM
Authors: Wann Daniel , Waks Jonathan W. , Kramer Daniel B. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractAtrial fibrillation (AF) presents a growing clinical and public health burden for which better rhythm control therapies are needed. Focal impulse and rotor mapping (FIRM), currently marketed as a part of the Topera Rotor Mapping system (Abbott Laboratories, Austin, TX, USA), represents a potentially transformational approach to guide the invasive treatment of AF. However, many years after its initial marketing clearance, the clinical utility of this technology remains uncertain. In this article, we review the scientific rationale for this novel approach to AF ablation, evaluate the current clinical evidence for FIRM‐guided ablation, and characterize its premarket regulatory assessment. Lessons for clinicians considering adoption of newly marketed mapping systems are presented.
Interventional procedures in children and adolescents with chronic non‐cancer pain as part of a multidisciplinary pain treatment program
Authors: Vega Eduardo , Rivera Gonzalo , Echevarria Ghislaine C. , Prylutskyy Zakhar , Perez Jordi , Ingelmo Pablo 
Published: September 2018

SummaryBackgroundInterventional procedures are part of multidisciplinary pain treatment programs to treat chronic non‐cancer pain conditions in children and adolescents. However, the real benefit of these interventions remains unclear.AimsThe aim of this study was to analyze the potential benefits of the interventional procedures in children and adolescents with chronic non‐cancer pain in the setting of a multidisciplinary pain treatment program.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the charts of 98 children and adolescents receiving 314 diagnostic or therapeutic interventional procedures. We applied the following definitions of efficacy

Short‐term positive therapeutic effect: block that produced a minimum of 50% reduction in pain intensity for at least 4 weeks.
Long‐term positive therapeutic effect: a patient with a minimum of 50% reduction in pain intensity for at least 6 months
Full recovery: a patient free of pain, not taking analgesics with normal physical and role functioning 6 months after the last procedure.
ResultsSeventy‐six of 112 diagnostic blocks (68%) were associated with a 50% reduction in pain intensity for at least 4 weeks after the procedure. One hundred and sixty‐six of 202 therapeutics blocks (82%) were associated with a short‐term benefit. Seventy‐two of 98 patients (73%) referred a 50% reduction in their pain intensity (17%) or had full recovery 6 months after the procedures (56%) and a MPTP. Psychiatric comorbidity and more advanced age were factors associated with failure to respond to interventional procedures.ConclusionThe use of interventional procedures may represent a valid therapeutic option, associated with positive clinical outcomes within a multidisciplinary program.
Half a century of anesthesia for children: An interview with Dr. Nishan G. ‘Nick’ Goudsouzian
Authors: King Michael R. , Mai Christine L. , Firth Paul G. 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe career of Dr Nishan Goudsouzian spanned half a century of pediatric anesthesia. His 50 years saw seminal contributions to the use of neuromuscular blocking agents in children, the development of proton beam therapy and magnetic resonance imaging for pediatric cancer, the introduction of the laryngeal mask airway, an explosion in the volume and depth of knowledge about pediatric anesthesia, the expansion of formal training in pediatric anesthesia, and the widening of academic efforts to improve anesthetic care for children worldwide. Based on interviews with Dr Goudsouzian, this article reviews the contributions of this Robert M. Smith Award winner to the development of pediatric anesthesia.
Genetic relationship of tropical region‐bred temperate japonica rice (Oryza sativa) plants and their grain yield variations in three different tropical environments
Authors: Lee Jeom‐Sig , Torollo Gideon , Ndayiragije Alexis , Berchmans Bizimana Jean , Choi Il‐Ryong , Gulles Alaine , Yeo Un‐Sang , Jeong O‐Young , Venkatanagappa Shoba , Kim Bo‐Kyeong 
Published: September 2018

AbstractTemperate japonica rice (Oryza sativa) is usually grown in temperate regions. When grown in tropical areas, most temperate japonica rice plants flower prematurely and do not show sufficient vegetative growth. Fourteen japonica rice varieties and lines adapting to tropical environments were developed in the Philippines (tropical Asia) between 2008 and 2014. Their genomes were characterized by genomewide single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping, and their grain yields were examined in the Philippines during the wet and dry seasons and in a high‐altitude area of Burundi (tropical Africa). Based on the genotyping, all 14 materials were found to belong to the temperate japonica rice group. Grain yields were more affected by the environment than by the genotypes. Two of the fourteen rice materials showed more stable and higher yields than the check varieties across the three environments, and one of the two has been released as a commercial variety in the Philippines. Together, these results demonstrate that rice plants genetically belonging to the temperate japonica group can be bred to adapt to tropical areas.
Insect egg deposition renders plant defence against hatching larvae more effective in a salicylic acid‐dependent manner
Authors: Lortzing Vivien , Oberländer Jana , Lortzing Tobias , Tohge Takayuki , Steppuhn Anke , Kunze Reinhard , Hilker Monika 
Published: September 2018

AbstractPlants can improve their antiherbivore defence by taking insect egg deposition as cue of impending feeding damage. Previous studies showed that Pieris brassicae larvae feeding upon egg‐deposited Brassicaceae perform worse and gain less weight than larvae on egg‐free plants. We investigated how P. brassicae oviposition on Arabidopsis thaliana affects the plant's molecular and chemical responses to larvae. A transcriptome comparison of feeding‐damaged leaves without and with prior oviposition revealed about 200 differently expressed genes, including enhanced expression of PR5, which is involved in salicylic acid (SA)‐signalling. SA levels were induced by larval feeding to a slightly greater extent in egg‐deposited than egg‐free plants. The adverse effect of egg‐deposited wild‐type (WT) plants on larval weight was absent in an egg‐deposited PR5‐deficient mutant or other mutants impaired in SA‐mediated signalling, that is, sid2/ics1, ald1, and pad4. In contrast, the adverse effect of egg‐deposited WT plants on larvae was retained in egg‐deposited npr1 and wrky70 mutants impaired further downstream in SA‐signalling. Oviposition induced accumulation of flavonols in WT plants with and without feeding damage, but not in the PR5‐deficient mutant. We demonstrated that egg‐mediated improvement of A. thaliana's antiherbivore defence involves SA‐signalling in an NPR1‐independent manner and is associated with accumulation of flavonols.
Alternative methods for virtual heart transplant—Size matching for pediatric heart transplantation with and without donor medical images available
Authors: Plasencia Jonathan D. , Kamarianakis Yiannis , Ryan Justin R. , Karamlou Tara , Park Susan S. , Nigro John J. , Frakes David. H. , Pophal Stephen G. , Lagerstrom Carl F. , Velez Daniel A. , Zangwill Steven D. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractBackgroundListed pediatric heart transplant patients have the highest solid‐organ waitlist mortality rate. The donor‐recipient body weight (DRBW) ratio is the clinical standard for allograft size matching but may unnecessarily limit a patient's donor pool. To overcome DRBW ratio limitations, two methods of performing virtual heart transplant fit assessments were developed that account for patient‐specific nuances. Method 1 uses an allograft total cardiac volume (TCV) prediction model informed by patient data wherein a matched allograft 3‐D reconstruction is selected from a virtual library for assessment. Method 2 uses donor images for a direct virtual transplant assessment.MethodsAssessments were performed in medical image reconstruction software. The allograft model was developed using allometric/isometric scaling assumptions and cross‐validation.ResultsThe final predictive model included gender, height, and weight. The 25th‐, 50th‐, and 75th‐percentiles for TCV percentage errors were −13% (over‐prediction), −1%, and 8% (under‐prediction), respectively. Two examples illustrating the potential of virtual assessments are presented.ConclusionTransplant centers can apply these methods to perform their virtual assessments using existing technology. These techniques have potential to improve organ allocation. With additional experience and refinement, virtual transplants may become standard of care for determining suitability of donor organ size for an identified recipient.
Phenotypic plasticity as a clue for invasion success of the submerged aquatic plant Elodea nuttallii
Authors: Szabó S. , Peeters E. T. H. M. , Várbíró G. , Borics G. , Lukács B. A. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

Two closely related alien submerged aquatic plants were introduced into Europe. The new invader (Elodea nuttallii) gradually displaced E. canadensis even at sites where the latter was well established. The aim of the study was to evaluate the combined effects of environmental factors on several phenotypic characteristics of the two Elodea species, and to relate these phenotypic characteristics to the invasion success of E. nuttallii over E. canadensis.

In a factorial design, Elodea plants were grown in aquaria containing five different nitrogen concentrations and incubated at five different light intensities. We used six functional traits (apical shoot RGR), total shoot RGR, relative elongation, root length, lateral spread, branching degree) to measure the environmental response of the species. We calculated plasticity indices to express the phenotypic differences between species.

Light and nitrogen jointly triggered the development of phenotypic characteristics that make E. nuttallii a more successful invader in eutrophic waters than E. canadensis. The stronger invader showed a wider range of phenotypic plasticity. The apical elongation was the main difference between the two species, with E. nuttallii being more than two times longer than E. canadensis. E. canadensis formed dense side shoots even under high shade and low nitrogen levels, whereas E. nuttallii required higher light and nitrogen levels.

We found that under more eutrophic conditions, E. nuttallii reach the water surface sooner than E. canadensis and through intensive branching outcompetes all other plants including E. canadensis. Our findings support the theory that more successful invaders have wider phenotypic plasticity.
Effects of glucanase treatment on the structure and mechanical properties of cell walls in the giant‐celled xanthophycean alga Vaucheria frigida
Authors: Mine Ichiro , Oda Sahori , Sekida Satoko 
Published: September 2018

SummaryThe cell wall of the tip‐growing cells of the giant‐cellular xanthophycean alga Vaucheria frigida is mainly composed of cellulose microfibrils (CMFs) arranged in random directions and the major matrix component into which the CMFs are embedded throughout the cell. The mechanical properties of a cell‐wall fragment isolated from the tip‐growing region, which was inflated by artificially applied pressure, were measured after enzymatic removal of the matrix component by using a protease; the results showed that the matrix component is involved in the maintenance of cell wall strength. Since glucose and uronic acid are present in the matrix component of Vaucheria cell walls, we measured the mechanical properties of the cell wall after treatment with endo‐1,3‐ß‐glucanase and observed the fine structures of its surfaces by atomic force microscopy. The major matrix component was partially removed from the cell wall by glucanase, and the enzyme treatment significantly weakened the cell wall strength without affecting the pH dependence of cell wall extensibility. The enzymatic removal of the major matrix component by using a protease released polysaccharide containing glucose and glucuronic acid. This suggests that the major matrix component of the algal cell walls contains both proteins (or polypeptides) and polysaccharides consisting of glucose and glucuronic acid as the main constituents.
Synthetic Patch Rotator Cuff Repair: A 10-year Follow-Up
Authors: Shepherd Henry M. , Lam Patrick H. , Murrell George A. C. 
Published: September 2018

Background The present study aimed to determine the long-term outcome as a result of the use of synthetic patches as tendon substitutes to bridge massive irreparable rotator cuff defects. Methods All patients who previously had a rotator cuff repair with a synthetic patch (2-mm Gore DUALMESH ePTFE patch; Gore, Flagstaff, AZ, USA; or a 2.87-mm Bard PTFE Felt pledgets; CR Bard, Warwick, RI, USA) were followed-up at a minimum of 8.5 years postoperatively. Assessment of shoulder pain, function, range of motion, strength and imaging was performed. Results Six patients had an interpositional repair with a synthetic patch. One patient had died. In the remaining five patients, the mean tear size at repair was 27 cm2. At 9.7 years postoperatively, all the patches remained in situ and no patient required further surgery. The repair was intact in four out of five patients. Patients had improved external rotation and abduction compared to before surgery ( p < 0.02). Conclusions We describe the long-term outcomes of patients who had undergone synthetic patch rotator cuff repair for an irreparable rotator cuff tear. At 9.7 years postoperatively, patients reported less severe and more infrequent pain, as well as greater overall shoulder function, compared to before surgery. Patients also had increased passive external rotation and abduction. All the patches remain in situ and there have been no further operations on these shoulders.
Caring science research in the ambulance services: an integrative systematic review
Authors: Wireklint Sundström Birgitta , Bremer Anders , Lindström Veronica , Vicente Veronica 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundThe ambulance services are associated with emergency medicine, traumatology and disaster medicine, which is also reflected in previous research. Caring science research is limited and, since no systematic reviews have yet been produced, its focus is unclear. This makes it difficult for researchers to identify current knowledge gaps and clinicians to implement research findings.AimThis integrative systematic review aims to describe caring science research content and scope in the ambulance services.Data sourcesDatabases included were MEDLINE (PubMed), CINAHL, Web of Science, ProQDiss, LibrisDiss and The Cochrane Library. The electronic search strategy was carried out between March and April 2015. The review was conducted in line with the standards of the PRISMA statement, registration number: PROSPERO 2016:CRD42016034156.Review methodsThe review process involved problem identification, literature search, data evaluation, data analysis and reporting. Thematic data analysis was undertaken using a five‐stage method. Studies included were evaluated with methodological and/or theoretical rigour on a 3‐level scale, and data relevance was evaluated on a 2‐level scale.ResultsAfter the screening process, a total of 78 studies were included. The majority of these were conducted in Sweden (n = 42), fourteen in the United States and eleven in the United Kingdom. The number of study participants varied, from a case study with one participant to a survey with 2420 participants, and 28 (36%) of the studies were directly related to patients. The findings were identified under the themes: Caregiving in unpredictable situations; Independent and shared decision‐making; Public environment and patient safety; Life‐changing situations; and Ethics and values.ConclusionCaring science research with an explicit patient perspective is limited. Areas of particular interest for future research are the impact of unpredictable encounters on openness and sensitivity in the professional–patient relation, with special focus on value conflicts in emergency situations.