bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are you surprised to hear this? Longitudinal spectral speech exposure in older compared to middle‐aged normal hearing adults
Authors: Giroud Nathalie , Lemke Ulrike , Reich Philip , Bauer Julia , Widmer Susann , Meyer Martin 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCognitive abilities such as attention or working memory can support older adults during speech perception. However, cognitive abilities as well as speech perception decline with age, leading to the expenditure of effort during speech processing. This longitudinal study therefore investigated age‐related differences in electrophysiological processes during speech discrimination and assessed the extent of enhancement to such cognitive auditory processes through repeated auditory exposure. For that purpose, accuracy and reaction time were compared between 13 older adults (62–76 years) and 15 middle‐aged (28–52 years) controls in an active oddball paradigm which was administered at three consecutive measurement time points at an interval of 2 wk, while EEG was recorded. As a standard stimulus, the nonsense syllable /′a:ʃa/was used, while the nonsense syllable /′a:sa/ and a morphing between /′a:ʃa/ and /′a:sa/ served as deviants. N2b and P3b ERP responses were evaluated as a function of age, deviant, and measurement time point using a data‐driven topographical microstate analysis. From middle age to old age, age‐related decline in attentive perception (as reflected in the N2b‐related microstates) and in memory updating and attentional processes (as reflected in the P3b‐related microstates) was found, as indicated by both lower neural responses and later onsets of the respective cortical networks, and in age‐related changes in frontal activation during attentional stimulus processing. Importantly, N2b‐ and P3b‐related microstates changed as a function of repeated stimulus exposure in both groups. This research therefore suggests that experience with auditory stimuli can support auditory neurocognitive processes in normal hearing adults into advanced age.
In vitro characterization of gamma oscillations in the hippocampal formation of the domestic chick
Authors: Dheerendra Pradeep , Lynch Nicholas M. , Crutwell Joseph , Cunningham Mark O. , Smulders Tom V. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAvian and mammalian brains have evolved independently from each other for about 300 million years. During that time, the hippocampal formation (HF) has diverged in morphology and cytoarchitecture, but seems to have conserved much of its function. It is therefore an open question how seemingly different neural organizations can generate the same function. A prominent feature of the mammalian hippocampus is that it generates different neural oscillations, including the gamma rhythm, which plays an important role in memory processing. In this study, we investigate whether the avian hippocampus also generates gamma oscillations, and whether similar pharmacological mechanisms are involved in this function. We investigated the existence of gamma oscillations in avian HF using in vitro electrophysiology in P0–P12 domestic chick (Gallus gallus domesticus) HF brain slices. Persistent gamma frequency oscillations were induced by the bath application of the cholinergic agonist carbachol, but not by kainate, a glutamate receptor agonist. Similar to other species, carbachol‐evoked gamma oscillations were sensitive to GABAA, AMPA/kainate and muscarinic (M1) receptor antagonism. Therefore, similar to mammalian species, muscarinic receptor‐activated avian HF gamma oscillations may arise via a pyramidal‐interneuron gamma (PING)‐based mechanism. Gamma oscillations are most prominent in the ventromedial area of the hippocampal slices, and gamma power is reduced more laterally and dorsally in the HF. We conclude that similar micro‐circuitry may exist in the avian and mammalian hippocampal formation, and this is likely to relate to the shared function of the two structures.
Nitrogen limitation of decomposition and decay: How can it occur?
Authors: Averill Colin , Waring Bonnie 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe availability of nitrogen (N) is a critical control on the cycling and storage of soil carbon (C). Yet, there are conflicting conceptual models to explain how N availability influences the decomposition of organic matter by soil microbial communities. Several lines of evidence suggest that N availability limits decomposition; the earliest stages of leaf litter decay are associated with a net import of N from the soil environment, and both observations and models show that high N organic matter decomposes more rapidly. In direct contrast to these findings, experimental additions of inorganic N to soils broadly show a suppression of microbial activity, which is inconsistent with N limitation of decomposition. Resolving this apparent contradiction is critical to representing nutrient dynamics in predictive ecosystem models under a multitude of global change factors that alter soil N availability. Here, we propose a new conceptual framework, the Carbon, Acidity, and Mineral Protection hypothesis, to understand the effects of N availability on soil C cycling and storage and explore the predictions of this framework with a mathematical model. Our model simulations demonstrate that N addition can have opposing effects on separate soil C pools (particulate and mineral‐protected carbon) because they are differentially affected by microbial biomass growth. Moreover, changes in N availability are frequently linked to shifts in soil pH or osmotic stress, which can independently affect microbial biomass dynamics and mask N stimulation of microbial activity. Thus, the net effect of N addition on soil C is dependent upon interactions among microbial physiology, soil mineralogy, and soil acidity. We believe that our synthesis provides a broadly applicable conceptual framework to understand and predict the effect of changes in soil N availability on ecosystem C cycling under global change.
Inhibitory effects of Eucalyptus globulus on understorey plant growth and species richness are greater in non‐native regions
Authors: Becerra Pablo I. , Catford Jane A. , Inderjit  , Luce McLeod Morgan , Andonian Krikor , Aschehoug Erik T. , Montesinos Daniel , Callaway Ragan M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimWe studied the novel weapons hypothesis in the context of the broadly distributed tree species Eucalyptus globulus. We evaluated the hypothesis that this Australian species would produce stronger inhibitory effects on species from its non‐native range than on species from its native range.LocationWe worked in four countries where this species is exotic (U.S.A., Chile, India, Portugal) and one country where it is native (Australia).Time period2009–2012.Major taxa studiedPlants.MethodsWe compared species composition, richness and height of plant communities in 20 paired plots underneath E. globulus individuals and open areas in two sites within its native range and each non‐native region. We also compared effects of litter leachates of E. globulus on root growth of seedlings in species from Australia, Chile, the U.S.A. and India.ResultsIn all sites and countries, the plant community under E. globulus canopies had lower species richness than did the plant community in open areas. However, the reduction was much greater in the non‐native ranges: species richness declined by an average of 51% in the eight non‐native sites versus 8% in the two native Australian sites. The root growth of 15 out of 21 species from the non‐native range were highly suppressed by E. globulus litter leachates, whereas the effect of litter leachate varied from facilitation to suppression for six species native to Australia. The mean reduction in root growth for Australian plants was significantly lower than for plants from the U.S.A., Chile and India.Main conclusionsOur results show biogeographical differences in the impact of an exotic species on understorey plant communities. Consistent with the novel weapons hypothesis, our findings suggest that different adaptations of species from the native and non‐native ranges to biochemical compounds produced by an exotic species may play a role in these biogeographical differences.
The design of behavioural interventions labelled as patient‐mediated: A scoping review
Authors: Ng Jeremy Y. , Gagliardi Anna R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectivePatient‐mediated interventions (PMIs) directed at patients and/or physicians improve patient or provider behaviour and patient outcomes. However, what constitutes a PMI is not clear. This study described interventions explicitly labelled as “patient‐mediated” in primary research.MethodsMEDLINE, EMBASE, Allied and Complementary Medicine, PsychINFO, HealthSTAR, Social Work Abstracts, CINAHL and Cochrane Library were searched from inception on 1 January 2017 for English language studies that developed or evaluated behavioural interventions referred to as “patient‐mediated” or “patient mediated” in the full text. Screening and data extraction were independently duplicated. Data were extracted and summarized on study and intervention characteristics. Interventions were categorized as 1 of 4 PMI pathways.ResultsEight studies (4 randomized controlled trials, 1 observational study and 3 qualitative studies) were included. No studies explicitly defined PMI, and few PMIs were described in terms of content and format. Although 3 studies employed physician interventions, only patient interventions were considered PMIs. One study achieved positive improvement in patient behaviour.ConclusionsResearch is needed to generate consensus on the PMI concept, employ theory when designing or evaluating PMIs, establish the effectiveness of different types of PMIs, and understand when and how to employ PMIs alone or combined with other interventions.
Highly porous Y2SiO5 ceramic with extremely low thermal conductivity prepared by foam‐gelcasting‐freeze drying method
Authors: Wu Zhen , Sun Luchao , Pan Jingjing , Wang Jingyang 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFoam‐gelcasting‐freeze drying method is developed to fabricate porous Y2SiO5 ceramic with ultrahigh porosity of 92.2%‐95.8% and isotropous multiple pore structures. As prepared porous samples have quite low shrinkages of 0.8%‐1.9% during demolding and drying processes, lightweights of 0.19‐0.35 g/cm3, and extremely low thermal conductivities of 0.054‐0.089 W·(m·K)−1. Our approach combines the merits of foam‐gelcasting method and freeze drying method. It is a simple and effective method to fabricate porous ceramics with very high porosity and extremely low thermal conductivity through low shrinkage of green body and near net complex shape forming.
Medication Exposure and Risk of Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection in Community‐Dwelling Older People and Nursing Home Residents
Authors: Haran John P. , Bradley Evan , Howe Emily , Wu Xun , Tjia Jennifer 
Published: November 2017

Background/ObjectivesIt is unclear how medication exposures differ in their association with recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (rCDI) in elderly nursing home (NH) residents and community‐dwelling individuals. This study examined these exposures to determine whether the risk of rCDI differs according to living environment.DesignRetrospective.SettingAcademic and community healthcare settings.ParticipantsIndividuals aged 65 and older with CDI (N = 616).MeasurementsInformation on participant characteristics and medications was extracted from the electronic medical record (EMR). We used separate extended Cox models according to living environment to identify the association between medication use and risk of rCDI.ResultsOf the 616 elderly adults treated for CDI, 24.1% of those living in the community and 28.1% of NH residents experienced recurrence within 1 year. For community‐dwelling participants, the risk of rCDI was 1.6 times as high with antibiotic exposure and 2.5 times as high with acid‐reducing medication exposure, but corticosteroid exposure was associated with a 39% lower risk of recurrence. For NH residents, the risk of rCDI was 2.9 times as high with acid‐reducing medication exposure and 5.9 times as high with corticosteroid medication exposure. Antibiotic exposure was associated with an increased risk of recurrence only in community‐dwelling participants (adjusted hazard ratio = 1.63, 95% confidence interval = 1.00–2.67).ConclusionRisk of rCDI is greater with acid‐reducing medication use than antibiotic use after initial CDI treatment, although the risk varied depending on living environment. Corticosteroid use is associated with greater risk of recurrence in NH residents but lower risk in community‐dwelling elderly adults.
Methods, metrics and research gaps around minimum data sets for nursing practice and fundamental care: A scoping literature review
Authors: Muntlin Athlin Åsa 
Published: November 2017

Aims and objectivesTo examine and map research on minimum data sets linked to nursing practice and the fundamentals of care. Another aim was to identify gaps in the evidence to suggest future research questions to highlight the need for standardisation of terminology around nursing practice and fundamental care.BackgroundAddressing fundamental care has been highlighted internationally as a response to missed nursing care. Systematic performance measurements are needed to capture nursing practice outcomes.DesignOverview of the literature framed by the scoping study methodology.MethodPubMed and CINAHL were searched using the following inclusion criteria: peer‐reviewed empirical quantitative and qualitative studies related to minimum data sets and nursing practice published in English. No time restrictions were set. Exclusion criteria were as follows: no available full text, reviews and methodological and discursive studies. Data were categorised into one of the fundamentals of care elements.ResultsThe review included 20 studies published in 1999–2016. Settings were mainly nursing homes or hospitals. Of 14 elements of the fundamentals of care, 11 were identified as measures in the included studies, but their frequency varied. The most commonly identified elements concerned safety, prevention and medication (n = 11), comfort (n = 6) and eating and drinking (n = 5).ConclusionStudies have used minimum data sets and included variables linked to nursing practices and fundamentals of care. However, the relations of these variables to nursing practice were not always clearly described and the main purpose of the studies was seldom to measure the outcomes of nursing interventions. More robust studies focusing on nursing practice and patient outcomes are warranted.Relevance to clinical practiceUsing minimum data sets can highlight the nurses' work and what impact it has on direct patient care. Appropriate models, systems and standardised terminology are needed to facilitate the documentation of nursing activities.
Transabdominal cerclage (TAC) for patients with ultra‐short uterine cervix after uterine cervix surgery and its impact on pregnancy
Authors: Ishioka Shinichi , Kim Miseon , Mizugaki Yuko , Kon Saori , Isoyama Kyoko , Mizuuchi Masahito , Morishita Miyuki , Baba Tsuyoshi , Sekiya Takao , Saito Tsuyoshi 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimPatients with an ultra‐short uterine cervix as a result of large conization, repeated conization or radical trachelectomy (RT), are at high risk of preterm premature rupture of the membrane, which leads to preterm birth. We have commenced performing transabdominal cerclage (TAC) of the uterine cervix for these patients. In this study, we examined the safety of TAC and its impact on pregnancy.MethodsWe have performed TAC in 11 patients before pregnancy: in six after large cervical operations, such as repeated conization; and in five for difficulties with cervical cerclage after RT. After laparotomy, a Teflon thread was placed in the avascular space between the uterine vessels and the uterine muscle, and tied. The clinical course of the patients after TAC and their pregnancy course were retrospectively reviewed.Results
TAC was performed safely without any complications. The mean operative duration was 53 ± 10 min, and the mean blood loss during the operation was 49 ± 64 mL. Seven women conceived within 2 years after TAC. Their pregnancy courses were favorable. Five of the women underwent scheduled cesarean sections, while two pregnancies are ongoing.ConclusionsAlthough there are risks of various complications as a result of the use of non‐absorbable thread and the need for two extra laparotomies, TAC can be a safe and useful option for patients who show cervical incompetence after large uterine cervical operations, such as RT or large conization.
Effects of vanadium supplementation on performance, some plasma metabolites and glucose metabolism in Mahabadi goat kids
Authors: Zarqami A. , Ganjkhanlou M. , Zali A. , Rezayazdi K. , Jolazadeh A. R. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of vanadium (V) supplementation on performance, some plasma metabolites (cholesterol and triglycerides) and glucose metabolism in Mahabadi goat kids. Twenty‐eight male kids (15 ± 2 kg body weight) were fed for 14 weeks in a completely randomized design with four treatments. Treatments were supplemented with 0 (control), 1, 2, and 3 mg V as vanadyl sulfate/animal/daily. On day 70, an intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) was conducted. Dry matter intake did not change by V supplementation, but adding V quadraticaly improved feed efficiency (p = .03) and tended to increase average daily gain (Quadratic, p = .09). Blood metabolites were unaffected by V supplementation, except for concentration of glucose in plasma, which decreased linearly as supplemental V level increased (p = .02). Plasma glucose concentrations at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after glucose infusion were decreased in a quadratic fashion in response to increasing supplemental V level (p < .01). The IVGTT indicated that the kids supplemented with 2 mg V had higher glucose clearance rate (K) and lower glucose half‐life (T½; p < .05). Glucose area under the response curve from 0 to 60 min and 0 to 180 min after glucose infusion were decreased linearly (p = .04) by supplemental V. The results suggested that moderate supplementation of V may improve glucose utilization and feed efficiency in fattening kids.
Heterogeneity of intron presence/absence in Olifantiella sp. (Bacillariophyta) contributes to the understanding of intron loss
Authors: Han Jichang , Zhang Lin , Wang Pu , Yang Guanpin , Wang Song , Li Yuhang , Pan Kehou 
Published: November 2017

Although hypotheses have been proposed and developed to interpret the origins and functions of introns, substantial controversies remain about the mechanism of intron evolution. The availability of introns in the intermediate state is quite helpful for resolving this debate. In this study, a new strain of diatom (denominated as DB21‐1) was isolated and identified as Olifantiella sp., which possesses multiple types of 18S rDNAs (obtained from genomic DNA; lengths ranged from 2,056 bp to 2,988 bp). Based on alignments between 18S rDNAs and 18S rRNA (obtained from cDNA; 1,783 bp), seven intron insertion sites (IISs) located in the 18S rDNA were identified, each of which displayed the polymorphism of intron presence/absence. Specific primers around each IIS were designed to amplify the introns and the results indicated that introns in the same IIS varied in lengths, while terminal sequences were conserved. Our study showed that the process of intron loss happens via a series of successive steps, and each step could derive corresponding introns under intermediate states. Moreover, these results indicate that the mechanism of genomic deletion that occurs at DNA level can also lead to exact intron loss.
Biophysical properties of microvascular endothelium: Requirements for initiating and conducting electrical signals
Authors: Kapela Adam , Behringer Erik J. , Segal Steven S. , Tsoukias Nikolaos M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveElectrical signaling along the endothelium underlies spreading vasodilation and blood flow control. We use mathematical modeling to determine the electrical properties of the endothelium and gain insight into the biophysical determinants of electrical conduction.MethodsElectrical conduction data along endothelial tubes (40 μm wide, 2.5 mm long) isolated from mouse skeletal muscle resistance arteries were analyzed using cable equations and a multicellular computational model.ResultsResponses to intracellular current injection attenuate with an axial length constant (λ) of 1.2‐1.4 mm. Data were fitted to estimate the axial (ra; 10.7 MΩ/mm) and membrane (rm; 14.5 MΩ∙mm) resistivities, EC membrane resistance (Rm; 12 GΩ), and EC‐EC coupling resistance (Rgj; 4.5 MΩ) and predict that stimulation of ≥30 neighboring ECs is required to elicit 1 mV of hyperpolarization at distance = 2.5 mm. Opening Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (KCa) along the endothelium reduced λ by up to 55%.ConclusionsHigh Rm makes the endothelium sensitive to electrical stimuli and able to conduct these signals effectively. Whereas the activation of a group of ECs is required to initiate physiologically relevant hyperpolarization, this requirement is increased by myoendothelial coupling and KCa activation along the endothelium inhibits conduction by dissipating electrical signals.
Independent recruitment of a novel seed dispersal system by camel crickets in achlorophyllous plants
Authors: Suetsugu Kenji 
Published: November 2017

Summary

The seeds of most heterotrophic plants, commonly referred to as dust seeds, are typically dispersed in the air like dust particles. Therefore, little attention has been paid to how seeds of heterotrophic plants are dispersed, owing to the notion that wind dispersal is the dominant strategy. However, inconspicuous but fleshy, indehiscent fruit can be observed in distantly related plants that have independently evolved full heterotrophy.

Here I investigated the seed dispersal system in three unrelated fully heterotrophic plants with fleshy, indehiscent fruits (Yoania amagiensis, Monotropastrum humile and Phacellanthus tubiflorus) by direct observation, a differential exclusion experiment of fruit feeders and investigation on seed viability through the digestive tract.

The present study revealed that camel crickets are the major seed disperser in three achlorophyllous plants in the study population. This represents the first evidence of seed dispersal by camel crickets in any angiosperm species.

These heterotrophic plants grow in the understorey of densely vegetated forests where wind is probably an ineffective seed dispersal agent. Life‐history traits of the achlorophyllous plants associated with heterotrophic lifestyles, such as colonization of dark understorey habitats and dust seeds, could facilitate independent recruitment of the novel endozoochorous seed dispersal system by camel crickets.