bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Native vs. second language discrimination in the modulation of the N400/N400m
Authors: Anurova Irina , Immonen Perttu 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe N400 evoked response component, initially proposed as a marker of semantic incongruity, was later demonstrated to be evoked by various potentially meaningful stimuli, such as words or pseudowords. The present study tested whether the N400 elicited by isolated words and pseudowords was modulated by task instructions thus reflecting controlled processing of linguistic information. In two language discrimination tasks, Finnish adults with English as their second language detected either Finnish or English nouns in a list of Finnish and English words and pseudowords. The same set of stimuli, presented in a random order, was used for both tasks. The amplitudes of both the evoked potentials and their magnetic counterparts were task‐language dependent. In both tasks, task‐language pseudowords elicited more negative evoked potentials (N400 and P600) than non‐task‐language pseudowords or words. The left temporal source of the evoked magnetic field was activated more strongly by English than Finnish pseudowords in the English task. This source was also activated more strongly by English pseudowords in the English task than in the Finnish task. However, no similar enhancement of the evoked magnetic field by Finnish pseudowords was observed in the Finnish task. This finding suggests that at the level of multimodal temporal cortex around the superior temporal sulcus, the native language is processed more automatically than the second language and that the controlled processing of linguistic information reflected by the N400 potential is accomplished by a broader neural network extending beyond the association temporal areas.
Community structure of the gut microbiota in sympatric species of wild Drosophila
Authors: Martinson Vincent G. , Douglas Angela E. , Jaenike John 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMany aspects of animal ecology and physiology are influenced by the microbial communities within them. The underlying forces contributing to the assembly and diversity of gut microbiotas include chance events, host‐based selection and interactions among microorganisms within these communities. We surveyed 215 wild individuals from four sympatric species of Drosophila that share a common diet of decaying mushrooms. Their microbiotas consistently contained abundant bacteria that were undetectable or at low abundance in their diet. Despite their deep phylogenetic divergence, all species had similar microbiotas, thus failing to support predictions of the phylosymbiosis hypothesis. Communities within flies were not random assemblages drawn from a common pool; instead, many bacterial operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were overrepresented or underrepresented relative to the neutral expectations, and OTUs exhibited checkerboard distributions among flies. These results suggest that selective factors play an important role in shaping the gut community structure of these flies.
Clinical medication review tool for polypharmacy: Mapping approach for pharmacotherapeutic classifications
Authors: Mizokami Fumihiro , Mizuno Tomohiro , Mori Tomoyo , Nagamatsu Tadashi , Endo Hideharu , Hirashita Tomoyuki , Ichino Takanobu , Akishita Masahiro , Furuta Katsunori 
Published: March 2017

AimPolypharmacy is an extremely important problem, because it increases the risk of adverse drug reactions. The aim of the current study was to create a clinical medication review tool to detect inappropriate medication use, and assess this new method with elderly Japanese patients.MethodsThe new method involves optimizing prescription drugs from indications, based on the chronic disease‐anatomical therapeutic class code list. The present study investigated the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications in 5667 Japanese patients aged ≥65 years with polypharmacy (≥5 drugs) in comparison with the Beers criteria 2012.ResultsWe propose a new method called the Mapping Approach for Pharmacotherapeutic Classifications: (i) identify the chronic disease‐anatomical therapeutic class code assigned to the prescription drugs; (ii) identify the chronic disease‐anatomical therapeutic class code corresponding to the patient's chronic disease; (iii) compare the prescription drug and patient's chronic disease chronic disease‐anatomical therapeutic class codes; and (iv) identify the appropriateness of medication use based on the comparison (appropriate use is defined as matching codes). The mean number of potentially inappropriate medications detected was significantly different between the mapping approach and Beers criteria 2012 (3.1 ± 2.6 vs 0.6 ± 0.8 drugs, respectively; P < 0.001).ConclusionsThe Mapping Approach for Pharmacotherapeutic Classifications is highly dependent on the chronic condition. Pharmacists should confirm the chronic condition with the treating physician before reducing a patient's medications. We hope this process will further influence prescribing patterns, and decrease the inappropriate use of medications and associated adverse drug reactions in older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2025–2033.
Korean version of the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses and Loss of weight questionnaire versus the Modified Kihon Checklist for Frailty Screening in Community‐Dwelling Older Adults: The Aging Study of PyeongChang Rural Area
Authors: Jang Il‐Young , Jung Hee‐Won , Lee Chang Ki , Jang Kwang Ho , Cho Eun‐Il , Jung Ju Jin , Park Euna , Kim Juyoung , Lee Young Soo , Lee Eunju , Kim Dae Hyun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimTo compare the five‐item Korean version of the Fatigue, Resistance, Ambulation, Illnesses and Loss of weight (K‐FRAIL) questionnaire versus the 28‐item Kihon + 3 index (the 25‐item original Kihon checklist plus multimorbidity, sensory impairment, and Timed Up and Go test) in identifying prefrail or frail older adults.MethodsWe carried out a cross‐sectional analysis of 212 community‐dwelling older adults (mean age 76 years; 41% male) in PyeongChang County, Korea. We compared the C statistic, sensitivity and specificity of the K‐FRAIL questionnaire (range 0–5; cut‐point ≥1) versus the Kihon + 3 index (range 0–31; cut‐point ≥4) and the original Kihon checklist (range 0–25; cut‐point ≥4) in identifying prefrail or frail individuals according to the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria.ResultsAccording to the Cardiovascular Health Study criteria, 150 individuals (70.8%) were prefrail or frail. The C statistic of the K‐FRAIL questionnaire in identifying prefrail or frail individuals was lower than that of the Kihon + 3 index (0.77 vs 0.85; P = 0.022) or that of the original Kihon checklist (0.77 vs 0.84; P = 0.046). However, at the a priori cut‐points, the K‐FRAIL questionnaire had sensitivity (0.79 vs 0.85; P = 0.095) and specificity (0.69 vs 0.69; P = 1.000) that were not significantly different from those of the Kihon + 3 index. However, the K‐FRAIL questionnaire was more sensitive (0.79 vs 0.69; P = 0.016), but less specific (0.69 vs 0.86, p = 0.018) than the original Kihon checklist.ConclusionsFor frailty screening in community‐dwelling older adults, the simple K‐FRAIL questionnaire might not be inferior to the current standard of the Kihon + 3 index, and it might be more sensitive and less specific than the original Kihon checklist. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2046–2052.
Physicochemical, functional, thermal and structural properties of isolated Kabuli chickpea proteins as affected by processing approaches
Authors: Xu Yixiang , Obielodan Mary , Sismour Edward , Arnett Anna , Alzahrani Saeedah , Zhang Baoshan 
Published: March 2017

SummaryKabuli chickpea seeds were processed by soaking only and soaking followed either by pressure cooking or roasting. Proteins were isolated from both raw and processed seeds, and the effects of these processing approaches on the physicochemical, functional, thermal and structural properties as well as SDS‐PAGE profiles of the protein isolates were investigated. Thermal processes significantly (P < 0.05) decreased protein yield, content, colour difference, emulsifying properties and protein solubility of the protein isolates, but increased lightness and water and oil absorption capacities. Protein thermal properties, secondary structure and SDS‐PAGE banding patterns were significantly changed in thermal‐processed samples, especially those that were pressure cooked. No endothermic peak was detected in differential scanning calorimetry thermograms, and peak intensity of amide I absorption band at 1600–1700 cm−1 in Fourier transform infrared spectra reduced. The results reveal that pressure cooking had more pronounced effects on the properties of the protein isolates than other processing approaches.
In vitro assessment of a novel, hypothermically stored amniotic membrane for use in a chronic wound environment
Authors: McQuilling John P , Vines Jeremy B , Mowry Katie C 
Published: March 2017

AbstractChronic wounds require extensive healing time and place patients at risk of infection and amputation. Recently, a fresh hypothermically stored amniotic membrane (HSAM) was developed and has subsequently shown promise in its ability to effectively heal chronic wounds. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanisms of action that contribute to wound‐healing responses observed with HSAM. A proteomic analysis was conducted on HSAM, measuring 25 growth factors specific to wound healing within the grafts. The rate of release of these cytokines from HSAMs was also measured. To model the effect of these cytokines and their role in wound healing, proliferation and migration assays with human fibroblasts and keratinocytes were conducted, along with tube formation assays measuring angiogenesis using media conditioned from HSAM. Additionally, the cell–matrix interactions between fibroblasts and HSAM were investigated. Conditioned media from HSAM significantly increased both fibroblast and keratinocyte proliferation and migration and induced more robust tube formation in angiogenesis assays. Fibroblasts cultured on HSAMs were found to migrate into and deposit matrix molecules within the HSAM graft. These collective results suggest that HSAM positively affects various critical pathways in chronic wound healing, lending further support to promising qualitative results seen clinically and providing further validation for ongoing clinical trials.
Phase contrast synchrotron radiation computed tomography of muscle spindles in the mouse soleus muscle
Authors: Zeller‐Plumhoff B. , Roose T. , Katsamenis O. L. , Mavrogordato M. N. , Torrens C. , Schneider P. , Clough G. F. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMuscle spindles are skeletal muscle sensory organs involved in the sensation of position and movement of the body. We have explored the capability of phase contrast computed tomography to visualise muscle spindles in murine skeletal muscle. In particular, we have validated the visualisation of nerve fibres through phase contrast computed tomography using light microscopy on stained histological sections. We further present the first three‐dimensional visualisation of muscle spindles in mouse soleus skeletal muscle in conjunction with the neurovascular bundle associated with it.
Melatonin: Antioxidant and modulatory properties in age‐related changes during Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Brazão Vânia , Santello Fabricia H. , Colato Rafaela P. , Mazotti Tamires T. , Tazinafo Lucas F. , Toldo Míriam Paula A. , do Vale Gabriel T. , Tirapelli Carlos R. , do Prado José C. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of melatonin on selected biomarkers of innate and humoral immune response as well as the antioxidant/oxidant status (superoxide dismutase—SOD and reduced glutathione levels (GSH) to understand whether age‐related changes would influence the development of acute Trypanosoma cruzi (T. cruzi) infection. Young‐ (5 weeks) and middle‐aged (18 months) Wistar rats were orally treated with melatonin (gavage) (05 mg/kg/day), 9 days after infection. A significant increase in both SOD activity and GSH levels was found in plasma from all middle‐aged melatonin‐treated animals. Melatonin triggered enhanced expression of major histocompatibility class II (MHC‐II) antigens on antigen‐presenting cell (APC) and peritoneal macrophages in all treated animals. High levels of CD4+CD28‐negative T cells (*P<.05) were detected in middle‐aged control animals. Melatonin induced a significant reduction (***P<.001) in CD28‐negative in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in middle‐aged control animals. Contrarily, the same group displayed upregulated CD4+CD28+T and CD8+CD28+T cells. Melatonin also triggered an upregulation of CD80 and CD86 expression in all young‐treated groups. Significant percentages of B and spleen dendritic cells in middle‐aged infected and treated animals were observed. Our data reveal new features of melatonin action in inhibiting membrane lipid peroxidation, through the reduction in 8‐isoprostane, upregulating the antioxidant defenses and triggering an effective balance in the antioxidant/oxidant status during acute infection. The ability of melatonin to counteract the immune alterations induced by aging added further support to its use as a potential therapeutic target not only for T. cruzi infection but also for other immunocompromised states.
Effects of developmental conditions on growth, stress and telomeres in black‐legged kittiwake chicks
Authors: Young Rebecca C. , Welcker Jorg , Barger Christopher P. , Hatch Scott A. , Merkling Thomas , Kitaiskaia Evgenia V. , Haussmann Mark F. , Kitaysky Alexander S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEarly‐life conditions can drive ageing patterns and life history strategies throughout the lifespan. Certain social, genetic and nutritional developmental conditions are more likely to produce high‐quality offspring: those with good likelihood of recruitment and productivity. Here, we call such conditions “favoured states” and explore their relationship with physiological variables during development in a long‐lived seabird, the black‐legged kittiwake (Rissa tridactyla). Two favoured states were experimentally generated by manipulation of food availability and brood size, while hatching order and sex were also explored as naturally generating favoured states. Thus, the favoured states we explored were high food availability, lower levels of sibling competition, hatching first and male sex. We tested the effects of favoured developmental conditions on growth, stress, telomere length (a molecular marker associated with lifespan) and nestling survival. Generation of favoured states through manipulation of both the nutritional and social environments furthered our understanding of their relative contributions to development and phenotype: increased food availability led to larger body size, reduced stress and higher antioxidant status, while lower sibling competition (social environment) led to lower telomere loss and longer telomere lengths in fledglings. Telomere length predicted nestling survival, and wing growth was also positively correlated with telomere length, supporting the idea that telomeres may indicate individual quality, mediated by favoured states.
Persistence of historical population structure in an endangered species despite near‐complete biome conversion in California's San Joaquin Desert
Authors: Richmond Jonathan Q. , Wood Dustin A. , Westphal Michael F. , Vandergast Amy G. , Leaché Adam D. , Saslaw Lawrence R. , Butterfield H. Scott , Fisher Robert N. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractGenomic responses to habitat conversion can be rapid, providing wildlife managers with time‐limited opportunities to enact recovery efforts that use population connectivity information that reflects predisturbance landscapes. Despite near‐complete biome conversion, such opportunities may still exist for the endemic fauna and flora of California's San Joaquin Desert, but comprehensive genetic data sets are lacking for nearly all species in the region. To fill this knowledge gap, we studied the rangewide population structure of the endangered blunt‐nosed leopard lizard Gambelia sila, a San Joaquin Desert endemic, using restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD), microsatellite and mtDNA data to test whether admixture patterns and estimates of effective migration surfaces (EEMS) can identify land areas with high population connectivity prior to the conversion of native xeric habitats. Clustering and phylogenetic analyses indicate a recent shared history between numerous isolated populations and EEMS reveals latent signals of corridors and barriers to gene flow over areas now replaced by agriculture and urbanization. Conflicting histories between the mtDNA and nuclear genomes are consistent with hybridization with the sister species G. wislizenii, raising important questions about where legal protection should end at the southern range limit of G. sila. Comparative analysis of different data sets also adds to a growing list of advantages in using RAD loci for genetic studies of rare species. We demonstrate how the results of this work can serve as an evolutionary guidance tool for managing endemic, arid‐adapted taxa in one of the world's most compromised landscapes.
The role of allochrony in speciation
Authors: Taylor Rebecca S. , Friesen Vicki L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe importance of sympatric speciation – the evolution of reproductive isolation between codistributed conspecific individuals – in generating biodiversity is highly controversial. Allochrony, or differences in breeding time (phenology) between conspecific individuals, has the potential to lead to reproductive isolation and therefore speciation. We critically review the literature to test the importance of allochronic speciation over the three timescales over which allochrony can occur – over the day, between seasons or between years – and explore what is known about genomic mechanisms underlying allochrony in the diverse taxa in which it is found. We found that allochrony can be a key contributor to reproductive isolation, especially if populations have little overlap in breeding time and therefore little potential for gene flow, and may sometimes be the initial or key driver of speciation. Shifts in phenology can be caused by several factors, including a new ecological opportunity, environmental change, or reinforcement. The underlying genomic basis of allochrony has been studied mostly in insects, highlighting the need for genomic studies in other taxa; nonetheless, results to date indicate that several cases of allochrony involve changes in circadian genes. This review provides the first comprehensive discussion of the role of allochrony in speciation and demonstrates that allochrony as a contributor to divergence may be more widespread than previously thought. Understanding genomic changes and adaptations allowing organisms to breed at new times may be key in the light of phenological changes required under climate change.
Benefits of polyandry: Molecular evidence from field‐caught dung beetles
Authors: McCullough Erin L. , Buzatto Bruno A. , Simmons Leigh W. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractWhen females mate with multiple males, they set the stage for postcopulatory sexual selection via sperm competition and/or cryptic female choice. Surprisingly little is known about the rates of multiple mating by females in the wild, despite the importance of this information in understanding the potential for postcopulatory sexual selection to drive the evolution of reproductive behaviour, morphology and physiology. Dung beetles in the genus Onthophagus have become a laboratory model for studying pre‐ and postcopulatory sexual selection, yet we still lack information about the reproductive behaviour of female dung beetles in natural populations. Here, we develop microsatellite markers for Onthophagus taurus and use them to genotype the offspring of wild‐caught females and to estimate natural rates of multiple mating and patterns of sperm utilization. We found that O. taurus females are highly polyandrous: 88% of females produced clutches sired by at least two males, and 5% produced clutches with as many as five sires. Several females (23%) produced clutches with significant paternity skew, indicating the potential for strong postcopulatory sexual selection in natural populations. There were also strong positive correlations between the number of offspring produced and both number of fathers and paternity skew, which suggests that females benefit from mating polyandrously by inciting postcopulatory mechanisms that bias paternity towards males that can sire more viable offspring. This study evaluates the fitness consequences of polyandry for an insect in the wild and provides strong evidence that female dung beetles benefit from multiple mating under natural conditions.
New insights on the antibacterial efficacy of miconazole in vitro
Authors: Nenoff P. , Koch D. , Krüger C. , Drechsel C. , Mayser P. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryMiconazole is a broad‐spectrum antifungal used in topical preparations. In the present investigation the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of miconazole for eighty wild type strains of gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria isolated from infected skin lesions was assessed using a modified agar dilution test (adapted to CLSI, Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute). 14 ATCC reference strains served as controls. Miconazole was found efficacious against gram‐positive aerobic bacteria (n=62 species), the MICs against Staphylococcus (S.) aureus, S. spp., Streptococcus spp. und Enterococcus spp. ranged between 0.78 and 6.25 μg/mL. Interestingly, there were no differences in susceptibility between methicillin‐susceptible (MSSA, 3) methicillin‐resistant (MRSA, 6) and fusidic acid‐resistant (FRSA, 2) S. aureus isolates. Strains of Streptococcus pyogenes (A‐streptococci) (8) were found to be slightly more sensitive (0.78‐1.563 μg/mL), while for gram‐negative bacteria, no efficacy was found within the concentrations tested (MIC >200 μg/mL). In conclusion, for the gram‐positive aerobic bacteria the MICs of miconazole were found within a range which is much lower than the concentration of miconazole used in topical preparations (2%). Thus topically applied miconazole might be a therapeutic option in skin infections especially caused by gram‐positive bacteria even by those strains which are resistant to antibiotics.