bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Converging Evidence from Electrocorticography and BOLD fMRI for a Sharp Functional Boundary in Superior Temporal Gyrus Related to Multisensory Speech Processing
Authors: Ozker Muge , Beauchamp Michael S. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlthough humans can understand speech using the auditory modality alone, in noisy environments visual speech information from the talker’s mouth can rescue otherwise unintelligible auditory speech. To investigate the neural substrates of multisensory speech perception, we recorded neural activity from the human superior temporal gyrus using two very different techniques: either directly, using surface electrodes implanted in five participants with epilepsy (electrocorticography, ECOG), or indirectly, using blood oxygen level dependent functional magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD fMRI) in six healthy control fMRI participants. Both ECOG and fMRI participants viewed the same clear and noisy audiovisual speech stimuli and performed the same speech recognition task. Both techniques demonstrated a sharp functional boundary in the STG, which corresponded to an anatomical boundary defined by the posterior edge of Heschl’s gyrus. On the anterior side of the boundary, cortex responded more strongly to clear audiovisual speech than to noisy audiovisual speech, suggesting that anterior STG is primarily involved in processing unisensory auditory speech. On the posterior side of the boundary, cortex preferred noisy audiovisual speech or showed no preference and showed robust responses to auditory-only and visual-only speech, suggesting that posterior STG is specialized for processing multisensory audiovisual speech. For both ECOG and fMRI, the transition between the functionally distinct regions happened within 10 mm of anterior-to-posterior distance along the STG. We relate this boundary to the multisensory neural code underlying speech perception and propose that it represents an important functional division within the human speech perception network.
Variability in community productivity—mediating effects of vegetation attributes
Authors: Polley H. Wayne , Wilsey Brian J. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Plant productivity varies through time in response to environmental fluctuations. Reducing variability in productivity requires an improved understanding of how plant community attributes interact with environmental fluctuations to influence plant growth dynamics. We evaluated links between two community attributes, species diversity and abundance‐weighted values of specific leaf area (SLA), and temporal variability in grassland productivity at patch (local) and aggregate (multipatch) spatial scales.

Aggregate communities were created by combining patches of spatially distinct communities of perennial plant species from grassland biodiversity experiments in Texas, USA. Interannual variability in above‐ground net primary productivity (ANPP) of aggregate communities was analysed as a function of two multiplicative components, mean temporal variability in the ANPP of patches and temporal synchrony in ANPP dynamics among patches. We used regression analyses to determine whether temporal variability in aggregate ANPP and its components were correlated with either species diversity or community‐weighted SLA over 5 years.

Temporal variability in ANPP of aggregate communities was strongly correlated with temporal variability in patch ANPP. Increasing mean SLA reduced ANPP variability of aggregate communities by increasing mean productivity. Increased temporal changes in patch‐scale SLA further reduced temporal variability in aggregate ANPP by reducing effects of precipitation fluctuations on productivity. Conversely, increasing species diversity over the narrow range measured increased temporal variability in aggregate ANPP. High diversity was associated with reduced dominance of temporally stable C4 grasses.

Our results implicate means and patch‐scale temporal dynamics in community SLA as potential indicators of variability in grassland primary productivity through time.

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Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal communities associated with two dominant species differ in their responses to long‐term nitrogen addition in temperate grasslands
Authors: Zheng Zhi , Ma Pengfei , Li Juan , Ren Lifei , Bai Wenming , Tian Qiuying , Sun Wei , Zhang Wen‐Hao 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi are important components of grassland ecosystems and are sensitive to enhanced atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition. Enhanced N deposition has been widely reported to reduce species richness and alter species composition across different types of grasslands world‐wide. Despite extensive studies on effects of N deposition on AM fungal communities of grasslands, few studies have specifically focused on effects of N deposition on AM fungi associated with dominant species in grasslands.

We investigated long‐term (12‐year) effects of N addition (80 kg ha−1 year−1) on AM fungal community richness in roots and rhizosphere biomass of two dominant plant species (forb Artemisia frigida and grass Stipa krylovii) in temperate steppes of northern China.

We found that AM fungi associated with the two dominant plant species differed in their responses to N addition. Nitrogen addition led to a significant reduction in AM fungal richness colonized in roots, and biomass in the rhizosphere of A. frigida, while N addition had little impacts on AM fungi colonized in roots and rhizosphere of S. krylovii. Nitrogen addition significantly reduced AM fungal colonization in roots and AM fungal spore density in the rhizosphere soils of A. frigida. In contrast, N addition had no effect on AM fungal colonization in roots and spore density in the rhizosphere of S. krylovii. Nitrogen addition markedly suppressed photosynthetic rates in A. frigida due to excessive foliar accumulation of manganese. The N‐induced reduction in photosynthetic rates reduced allocation of C into roots in A. frigida, leading to a lower root/shoot ratio, and suppression of AM fungal community associated with A. frigida. The inhibition of AM fungi would render A. frigida less competitive in terms of acquisition of mineral nutrients in soils, thus contributing to its loss in the steppe community under conditions of elevated N deposition.

These findings provide a mechanistic explanation for N‐evoked differential responses of AM fungal communities associated with A. frigida and S. krylovii by linking soil properties and host plants to AM fungal communities.

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Colonization across gradients of risk and reward: Nutrients and predators generate species‐specific responses among aquatic insects
Authors: Pintar Matthew R. , Bohenek Jason R. , Eveland Lauren L. , Resetarits William J. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Predation risk and resource abundance are two primary characteristics that determine species abundances and community composition. Colonizing organisms should attempt to minimize the risk of mortality and maximize growth through selection of patches with the highest expected fitness. However, maximizing fitness across multiple gradients of patch quality involves accurate cue assessment, integration and behavioural responses that consider multiple factors that affect fitness simultaneously.

Our goal was to simultaneously and factorially assess the effects of predation risk and resource abundance among an assemblage of aquatic insects to determine the relative importance of each factor, and whether the two factors interact to affect colonization, oviposition and community assembly.

We conducted a field mesocosm experiment in which we crossed predator density (0, 1, 2 fish, Fundulus chrysotus) with supplemental nutrient abundance (0, 4, 8 g rabbit chow) in a 3 × 3 factorial design. We then assayed colonization by natural populations of aquatic beetles and oviposition by natural populations of Culex mosquitoes.

We observed species‐specific responses, with many species avoiding fish and some selecting habitats with more nutrients. Nutrients and predator presence only interactively affected oviposition by Culex mosquitoes, and the effect of fish presence exceeded that of nutrients in all but one analysis.

Our results illustrate the primacy of predation risk in generating colonization patterns and structuring communities in aquatic habitats, but that colonization responses to variation in multiple components of patch quality are often species‐specific. Simultaneous assessments of multiple aspects of patch quality allow for the determination of potential interactions among cue sources and the relative importance of various patch characteristics to colonizers.

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Clinicians’ views of the training, use and maintenance of phonetic transcription in speech and language therapy
Authors: Knight Rachael‐Anne , Bandali Chandni , Woodhead Clare , Vansadia Parul 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe critical role of phonetic transcription in the assessment, diagnosis and management of speech disorders is well established and thus pre‐registration degrees dedicate numerous hours to phonetic training. However, this training is not always fully used in clinical work and clinicians may find it difficult to maintain their skills, suggesting a ‘theory/practice gap’.AimsThis paper surveys speech and language therapists’ (SLTs) views of their training, practice and maintenance of transcription in order to investigate the posited theory/practice gap and to explore how education in phonetics is translated into practice.Methods & ProceduresA total of 759 SLTs from the UK were surveyed via an online questionnaire. Multiple‐choice questions were analysed using descriptive statistics, and free‐text comments were analysed thematically.Outcomes & ResultsThirty‐five per cent of SLTs found learning phonetics quite easy, and 30% quite difficult. Respondents suggested that more time was needed to practise transcription in and out of the classroom; nevertheless, the majority felt at least equipped to undertake transcription after their training. A total of 75% of SLTs require transcription for their role, with 61% using it often or all the time. Some 45% use a mix of broad and narrow transcription, with 41% using only broad transcription. Those not using narrow transcription attributed this to lack of confidence. A total of 57% of SLTs did not feel supported to maintain transcription skills in the workplace, and 80% had never attended a refresher course in transcription, with 75% wishing to do so.Conclusions & ImplicationsAs many clinicians found it difficult to learn transcription, there is an opportunity to provide more transcription practice both in and beyond the classroom. Despite most clinicians feeling equipped to undertake transcription upon completion of their training, and a large majority requiring transcription for their role, a theory/practice gap is apparent in the relatively small number of clinicians using narrow transcription exclusively, and those not using it expressing lack of confidence in their skills. Additionally, as many clinicians have never attended refresher training in transcription, and rely on their course notes to maintain their skills, more provision of opportunities for revision should be made available. With clinicians remembering a need for more practice during their training, and expressing a desire for more training opportunities in practice, there is an opportunity for clinicians, educators and regulatory bodies to work together to provide packages of transcription training material that can be used by students and practitioners to maintain and extend their skills.
A novel T4SS‐mediated DNA transfer used by pXO16, a conjugative plasmid from Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis
Authors: Makart Lionel , Gillis Annika , Hinnekens Pauline , Mahillon Jacques 
Published: February 2018

SummaryThe entomopathogenic Bacillus thuringiensis serovar israelensis displays peculiar conjugative transfer capabilities, accounted for by the large conjugative plasmid pXO16 (350 kb). The efficient and fast conjugative transfers are accompanied by a macroscopic aggregation of bacterial partners. Moreover, pXO16 has proven capable of effective mobilization and the retro‐transfer of both mobilizable and ‘non‐mobilizable’ plasmids. In this work, the aggregation phenomenon is shown to promote pXO16 transfer while not being mandatory for transfer. Transfer of pXO16 to B. thuringiensis recipient strains that do not display aggregation is observed as well, hence enlarging the previously defined host range. The use of variant calling analysis of transconjugants allowed for observation of up to 791 kb chromosomal regions mobilization. Previous analysis of pXO16 did not reveal any Type IV Secretion System (T4SS) homologs, which suggested the presence of an unusual conjugative system. A FtsK/SpOIIIE ATPase gene proved here to be necessary for conjugative transfer. Additionally, the analysis of natural restriction‐modification systems in both conjugative partners gave credit to a ssDNA transfer mechanism. A ‘transfer israelensis plasmid’ (tip) region containing this ATPase gene was shown to code for other potential T4SS proteins, illustrating a conjugative system distantly related to the other known Gram‐positive T4SSs.
Clinical Indicators for Evaluation of Outcomes of Impaired Tissue Integrity in Orthopedic Patients: Consensus Study
Authors: da Silva Marcos Barragan , Barreto Luciana Nabinger Menna , Panato Bruna Paulsen , Engelman Bruna , Figueiredo Manoela Schmarczek , Rodríguez‐Acelas Alba Luz , Almeida Miriam de Abreu 
Published: February 2018

PURPOSETo select outcomes from the Nursing Outcomes Classification (NOC) to evaluate impaired tissue integrity in patients undergoing orthopedic surgeries, and develop conceptual and operational definitions for their indicators.METHODSA consensus study involving 10 nurses from clinical practice. A 100% consensus was established in the outcomes selection.FINDINGSWound Healing: Primary intention (1102) with two indicators: (110214) Scar formation, and (110201) Skin approximation were selected. Four indicators were grouped to evaluate inflammatory signs together with foul wound odor and six for drainage.CONCLUSIONSThese indicators direct the outcomes evaluation for wound healing.IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICESupport to the definition the priority interventions in nursing process documentation.
The pregnancy hormone human chorionic gonadotropin differentially regulates plasmacytoid and myeloid blood dendritic cell subsets
Authors: Sauss Karoline , Ehrentraut Stefanie , Zenclussen Ana Claudia , Schumacher Anne 
Published: February 2018

ProblemDendritic cells (DCs) are critically involved in fetal fate due to their capability to promote either immunity or tolerance to foreign fetal antigens. Our study aimed to investigate whether the hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) affects different peripheral blood DC (PBDCs) subsets.Method of studyPBDCs were isolated from non‐pregnant women, stimulated and co‐cultured with hCG‐producing JEG‐3 or non hCG‐producing SWAN‐71 trophoblasts as well as with two different hCG preparations. The total and mature number of each PBDC subset were assessed. Additionally, the secretion of cytokines was determined in the presence or absence of hCG.ResultsWe found no significant effects; neither from trophoblasts nor from the hCG preparations on PBDC cellularity. JEG‐3 cells and both hCG preparations significantly hampered the maturation of MDC1, while SWAN‐71 cells did not provoke any changes on this regard. We observed an altered ability of PBDCs to secrete cytokines in the presence of both trophoblasts and both hCG preparations.ConclusionOur data propose that hCG is not a key regulator of cellular alterations within PBDCs. However, under inflammatory conditions, hCG seems to keep the delicate balance between PDC and MDC and retains a tolerogenic MDC1 profile and this may contribute to tolerance maintenance.
Benzodiazepine and Z‐drug prescribing in Ireland: analysis of national prescribing trends from 2005 to 2015
Authors: Cadogan Cathal A. , Ryan Cristín , Cahir Caitriona , Bradley Colin P. , Bennett Kathleen 
Published: February 2018

AimsThe aim of this study was to examine prescribing trends for benzodiazepines and Z‐drugs to General Medical Services (GMS) patients in Ireland.MethodsA repeated cross‐sectional analysis of the national pharmacy claims database was conducted for GMS patients aged ≥16 years from 2005 to 2015. Prescribing rates per 1000 eligible GMS population were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Negative binomial regression was used to determine longitudinal trends and compare prescribing rates across years, gender and age groups. Duration of supply and rates of concomitant benzodiazepine and Z‐drug prescribing were determined. Age (16–44, 45–64, ≥65 years) and gender trends were investigated.ResultsBenzodiazepine prescribing rates decreased significantly from 225.92/1000 population (95% CI 224.94–226.89) in 2005 to 166.07/1000 population (95% CI 165.38–166.75) in 2015 (P < 0.0001). Z‐drug prescribing rates increased significantly from 95.36/1000 population (95% CI 94.73–96.00) in 2005 to 109.11/1000 population (95% CI 108.56–109.67) in 2015 (P = 0.048). Approximately one‐third of individuals dispensed either benzodiazepines or Z‐drugs were receiving long‐term prescriptions (>90 days). The proportion of those receiving >1 benzodiazepine and/or Z‐drug concomitantly increased from 11.9% in 2005 to 15.3% in 2015. Benzodiazepine and Z‐drug prescribing rates were highest for older women (≥65 years) throughout the study period.ConclusionsBenzodiazepine prescribing to the GMS population in Ireland decreased significantly from 2005 to 2015, and was coupled with significant increases in Z‐drug prescribing. The study shows that benzodiazepine and Z‐drug prescribing is common in this population, with high proportions of individuals receiving long‐term prescriptions. Targeted interventions are needed to reduce potentially inappropriate long‐term prescribing and use of these medications in Ireland.
Bortezomib plus dexamethasone vs thalidomide plus dexamethasone for relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Iida Shinsuke , Wakabayashi Masashi , Tsukasaki Kunihiro , Miyamoto Kenichi , Maruyama Dai , Yamamoto Kazuhito , Takatsuka Yoshifusa , Kusumoto Shigeru , Kuroda Junya , Ando Kiyoshi , Kikukawa Yoshitaka , Masaki Yasufumi , Kobayashi Miki , Hanamura Ichiro , Asai Hiroaki , Nagai Hirokazu , Shimada Kazuyuki , Tsukamoto Norifumi , Inoue Yoshiko , Tobinai Kensei 
Published: February 2018

A randomized phaseIIselection design study (JCOG0904) was carried out to evaluate the more promising regimen between bortezomib (Bor) plus dexamethasone (Dex;BD) and thalidomide (Thal) plus Dex (TD) in Bor and Thal‐naïve patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Patients ≥20 and <80 years old with a documented diagnosis of symptomatic multiple myeloma (MM) who received one or more prior therapies were randomized to receiveBD(Bor 1.3 mg/m2) orTD(Thal 200 mg/d). In both arms, 8 cycles of induction (3‐week cycle) were followed by maintenance phase (5‐week cycle) until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or patient refusal. The primary end‐point was 1‐year progression‐free survival (PFS). Forty‐four patients were randomized and assigned to receiveBDandTD(n = 22, each group). At a median follow‐up of 34.3 months, the 1‐yearPFSin theBDandTDarms were 45.5% (95% confidence interval (CI), 24.4%‐64.3%) and 31.8% (95%CI, 14.2%‐51.1%), respectively, and the overall response rates were 77.3% and 40.9%, respectively. The 3‐year overall survival (OS) was 70.0% (95%CI, 44.9%‐85.4%) in theBD, and 48.8% (95%CI, 25.1%‐69.0%) in theTDarm. Among grade 3/4 adverse events, thrombocytopenia (54.5% vs 0.0%) and sensory peripheral neuropathy (22.7% vs 9.1%) were more frequent inBDwhen compared with theTDarm. Patients treated withBDhad better outcomes than those treated withTDwith regard to 1‐yearPFSand 3‐yearOS. Thus,BDwas prioritized overTDfor further investigations in Bor and Thal‐naïveRRMMpatients. (Clinical trial registration no.UMIN000003135.)
Roles of protein kinase R in cancer: Potential as a therapeutic target
Authors: Watanabe Takao , Imamura Takeshi , Hiasa Yoichi 
Published: February 2018

Double‐stranded (ds) RNA‐dependent protein kinase (PKR) is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine protein kinase. It was initially identified as an innate immune antiviral protein induced by interferon (IFN) and activated by dsRNA. PKR is recognized as a key executor of antiviral host defense. Moreover, it contributes to inflammation and immune regulation through several signaling pathways. In addition to IFN and dsRNA, PKR is activated by multiple stimuli and regulates various signaling pathways including the mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells pathways. PKR was initially thought to be a tumor suppressor as a result of its ability to suppress cell growth and interact with major tumor suppressor genes. However, in several types of malignant disease, such as colon and breast cancers, its role remains controversial. In hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the main cause of liver cancer, and PKR inhibits HCV replication, indicating its role as a tumor suppressor. However, PKR is overexpressed in cirrhotic patients, and acts as a tumor promoter through enhancement of cancer cell growth by mediating MAPK or signal transducer and activator of transcription pathways. Moreover, PKR is reportedly required for the activation of inflammasomes and influences metabolic disorders. In the present review, we introduce the multifaceted roles of PKR such as antiviral function, tumor cell growth, regulation of inflammatory immune responses, and maintaining metabolic homeostasis; and discuss future perspectives on PKR biology including its potential as a therapeutic target for liver cancer.
Adolescents’ Perspectives on Personal and Societal Responsibility for Childhood Obesity — The Study of Beliefs through ‘Serious’ Game (PlayDecide)
Authors: Timotijevic Lada , Acuna‐Rivera Marcela , Gemen Raymond , Kugelberg Susanna , McBarron Kate , Raats Monique M. , Zolotonosa Maria 
Published: February 2018

The dominant approaches to public health policy on childhood obesity are based on the neoliberal emphasis of personal choice and individual responsibility. We study adolescents’ (N = 81) beliefs about responsibility for childhood obesity as a public health issue, through an innovative participatory method, PlayDecide, organised in two countries: the UK and Spain. There is no evidence of a blanket rejection of individual responsibility, rather, a call for renegotiation of the values that inform adolescents’ food choices. The findings suggest the need to broaden the framing of obesity‐related policy to go beyond the nutritional paradigm and include other values that signal health.
Inhibition of Lats1/p‐YAP1 pathway mitigates neuronal apoptosis and neurological deficits in a rat model of traumatic brain injury
Authors: Li Di , Ji Jia‐Xuan , Xu Yi‐Tian , Ni Hai‐Bo , Rui Qin , Liu Hui‐Xiang , Jiang Feng , Gao Rong , Chen Gang 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAimsTo investigate the roles of Lats1/p‐YAP1 pathway in TBI‐induced neuronal apoptosis and neurological deficits in rats.ResultsWe found that Lats1 and YAP1 were expressed in cerebral cortex neurons of Sprague‐Dawley rats, and the phosphorylation levels of Lats1 and YAP1 in injured regions were significantly increased after TBI. Furthermore, inhibition of Lats1 not only decreased the level of p‐YAP1, but also attenuated neuronal apoptosis and neurological impairment.ConclusionsOur work demonstrates that inhibition of Lats1/p‐YAP1 pathway mitigates neuronal apoptosis and neurological deficits in a rat model of TBI.