bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enantiospecific Formal Synthesis of Inthomycin C
Authors: Athawale Paresh R. , Kashinath K. , Reddy D. Srinivasa
Published: March 2016

An enantiospecific synthesis of Hatakeyama's intermediate enynol has been accomplished in both enantiomeric forms. As these intermediates can be converted to (3R)‐inthomycin C and (3S)‐inthomycin C through respective enynol intermediates using reported procedures, present effort may be regarded as formal synthesis of inthomycin C in both enantiomeric forms. Our synthesis highlights the use of pantolactone chiral pool and thus reconfirms the previously assigned absolute stereochemistry as 3R to the natural product inthomycin C.
In situ Detection of a Single Bacterium in Complex Environment by Hyperspectral CARS Imaging
Authors: Hong Weili , Liao Chien‐Sheng , Zhao Hansen , Younis Waleed , Zhang Yinxin , Seleem Mohamed N. , Cheng Ji‐Xin
Published: March 2016

Detection of bacteria is essential for clinical diagnosis of infectious disease and food safety purposes. However, it is still a challenging task to rapidly detect bacteria, especially in their natural environment. By fiber‐laser based hyperspectral coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) imaging, we showed that bacteria can be detected in a single cell level using spectral focusing in the C−H stretching region, with a total recording time of 1‐2 minutes. With phase retrieval and multivariate curve resolution analysis, we further showed that a single bacterium can be detected in complex environment such as milk and urine, without need of culturing, labelling, or sample contact. Our work promises hyperspectral CARS imaging to be a mobile and inexpensive setup for in situ detection of bacteria and bacterial activity studies.
Comparison of extra-corporeal knot-tying suture and metallic endo-clips in laparoscopic appendiceal stump closure in uncomplicated acute appendicitis
Authors: Nadeem M. , Khan S.M. , Ali S. , Shafiq M. , Elahi M.W. , Abdullah F. , Hussain I.
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT

Background:

An adequate closure of the appendiceal stump is vital to minimize intra-abdominal and surgical site infections. There are various techniques for the closure of base of appendix while performing a laparoscopic appendectomy like endoloops, knotting, clips and staplers.

Objective:

To compare the extracorporeal knot-tying suture with metallic endoclips in laparoscopic appendiceal stump closure in terms of complications, operative time, hospital stay and cost.

Methodology:

This study was conducted as a single-blinded randomized controlled trial. Patients undergoing laparoscopic appendicectomies in three tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar, i.e. Khyber Teaching Hospital, Lady Reading Hospital and Hayatabad Medical Complex from June 1, 2013 to June 1, 2014 were included in the study and randomized into two groups – extra-corporeal knotting group and the metallic endoclip group. Data on demographics, complications, operative time, hospital stay and cost for the two techniques were collected and analyzed. Statistics analyses were done with IBM SPSS v19 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). T-test was use for comparison of continuous data; Chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 68 patients were enrolled in the study and randomized into two groups: metallic endoclip group n = 32 (47.1%), extracorporeal knot group n = 36 (52.9%). The two groups didn't significantly differ in age (P = 0.9). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in terms of complication rates (P > 0.05) and hospital stay (P > 0.05). The mean operative time for the endoclip group was shorter (mean 42.1 ± 7.4 min) as compared to the extracorporeal knot group (mean 48.3 ± 8.4 min) (P = 0.002). The cost of endoclip group was higher (800PKR = 8.10US$) as compared to the extracorporeal knot group (220PKR = 2.23US$).

Conclusion:

The use of metallic endoclip for appendix stump closure is safe and less time consuming but costs higher. Because of the simplicity of the technique it's a useful alternative to the extracorporeal knotting especially for learners.

Highlights:
The Prevalence of Latent Trigger Points in Lower Limb Muscles in Asymptomatic Subjects
Authors: Zuil‐Escobar Juan Carlos , Martínez‐Cepa Carmen Belén , Martín‐Urrialde Jose Antonio , Gómez‐Conesa Antonia
Published: March 2016

Background

Latent trigger points (LTrPs) are prevalent in persons with musculoskeletal pain. Because they could be present in healthy persons, it is necessary to evaluate the prevalence of LTrPs in asymptomatic subjects.

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of LTrPs in lower limb muscles, to evaluate the relationship between LTrP prevalence, gender, and leg dominance, and to determine intra‐rater reliability for the diagnosis of LTrPs.

Design

Cross‐sectional study.

Setting

University community.

Patients

A total of 206 asymptomatic subjects (113 women and 93 men, aged 23.2 ± 5.2 years).

Intervention

Not applicable.

Main Outcomes Measures

The prevalence of the LTrPs located in the gastrocnemius, soleus, peroneus longus, peroneus brevis, tibialis anterior, extensor digitorum longus, flexor digitorum longus, rectus femoris, vastus medialis, and vastus lateralis was studied, using the diagnosis criteria recommended by Simons, Travell, and Simons. The pressure pain threshold was also evaluated.

Results

Of the 206 subjects evaluated, 166 (77.7%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 72‐83.4) were found to have at least one LTrP in the lower limb muscles. The average number of LTrPs found per individual was 7.5 ± 7.7. The prevalence in each muscle group ranged from 19.9% (95% CI, 14.4‐25.4) to 37.4% (95% CI, 30.8‐44), with gastrocnemius LTrPs being the most prevalent. Women had more LTrPs (9.6 ± 7.8) than did men (4.9 ± 6.6) (P < .01). No relationship was found between the LTrPs and leg dominance (P > .05). The most prevalent diagnosis criteria were the presence of a taut band and a tender spot (98%‐100%); the local twitch response was the least prevalent diagnosis criteria (0%‐3.5%). Intra‐rater reliability was excellent for all the diagnosis criteria in all the muscles evaluated (κ = 0.762‐1), except for the jump sign and the referred pain in several LTrPs.

Conclusion

LTrPs were prevalent in the lower limb muscles of asymptomatic subjects. Women have more LTrPs than do men. No differences in LTrP prevalence were found between sides. The presence of the taut band and the tender spot were the most prevalent and reliable diagnosis criteria. It is necessary to determine if the evaluation of LTrPs in the lower limb muscles of asymptomatic subjects has clinical relevance.

Level of Evidence

IV
Mental health system governance in Nigeria: challenges, opportunities and strategies for improvement
Authors: Abdulmalik J. , Kola L. , Gureje O.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

A health systems approach to understanding efforts for improving health care services is gaining traction globally. A component of this approach focuses on health system governance (HSG), which can make or mar the successful implementation of health care interventions. Very few studies have explored HSG in low- and middle-income countries, including Nigeria. Studies focusing on mental health system governance, are even more of a rarity. This study evaluates the mental HSG of Nigeria with a view to understanding the challenges, opportunities and strategies for strengthening it.

Methodology

This study was conducted as part of the project, Emerging Mental Health Systems in Low and Middle Income Countries (Emerald). A multi-method study design was utilized to evaluate the mental HSG status of Nigeria. A situational analysis of the health policy and legal environment in the country was performed. Subsequently, 30 key informant interviews were conducted at national, state and district levels to explore the country's mental HSG.

Results

The existing policy, legislative and institutional framework for HSG in Nigeria reveals a complete exclusion of mental health in key health sector documents. The revised mental health policy is however promising. Using the Siddiqi framework categories, we identified pragmatic strategies for mental health system strengthening that include a consideration of existing challenges and opportunities within the system.

Conclusion

The identified strategies provide a template for the subsequent activities of the Emerald Programme (and other interventions), towards strengthening the mental health system of Nigeria.
Layers and internal waves in uniformly stratified fluids stirred by vertical grids
Authors: Thorpe S. A.
Published: March 2016

Laboratory experiments in which uniformly stratified fluids are stirred by horizontally moving vertical grids, or arrays of vertical rods, are reviewed to examine their consistency and to compare their findings, particularly those relating to the generation of layers. Selected experiments are of three types, those in which (a) turbulence spreads from a horizontally confined region where it is continuously generated by an oscillating grid; (b) grid stirring is maintained throughout a rectangular tank; or (c) a ‘cloud’ of turbulence decays after a short period of horizontally localized grid mixing. In all the experiments turbulence is generated over the full vertical extent of the tank. In the experiments of types (a) and (c) layers of comparable scale are observed to intrude into the ambient fluid from the turbulent region. In the type (b) experiments, layers form only when the time interval between the passage of the grid through the stratified fluid is sufficiently long, allowing turbulence to decay substantially between grid strokes. Two mechanisms are found to be dominant in the production of layers. In experiments of type (a) and (c) overturning eddies in the turbulent region of scale significantly larger than the Ozmidov length scale collapse and spread, intruding and forming layers in the adjoining laminar region. Internal shear waves propagating ahead of the intrusions have a vertical wavelength that is approximately twice the layer height. In type (b) experiments, layers are formed through a process described by Holford & Linden (Dyn. Atmos. Oceans, vol. 30, 1999a, pp. 173–198): the bending of vortices shed by the grid bars. The height of the layers is approximately half the vertical wavelength of internal shear waves that travel at the speed of the grid. It is proposed that the flow field of the shear waves bends the vortices, resulting in diapycnal mixing that forms the layers. The relationship of layers and internal shear waves in the experiments is therefore as follows: in type (a) and (c) experiments internal waves are generated by layers intruding from the turbulent region into the quiescent stratified region, but in experiments of type (b) internal waves drive and dictate the height of the layers; layers are generated as a consequence of vortex bending by internal waves. There is insufficient evidence to establish whether zigzag instability, either of vortex pairs or of vortex streets shed by a moving grid, accounts for the layers in any of the three types of grid experiments. The Phillips and Posmentier instability may reinforce layers formed by other processes. The generation of pancake vortices or vortical mode motion is left for later review.
Converging cylindrical magnetohydrodynamic shock collapse onto a power-law-varying line current
Authors: Mostert W. , Pullin D. I. , Samtaney R. , Wheatley V.
Published: March 2016

We investigate the convergence behaviour of a cylindrical, fast magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) shock wave in a neutrally ionized gas collapsing onto an axial line current that generates a power law in time, azimuthal magnetic field. The analysis is done within the framework of a modified version of ideal MHD for an inviscid, non-dissipative, neutrally ionized compressible gas. The time variation of the magnetic field is tuned such that it approaches zero at the instant that the shock reaches the axis. This configuration is motivated by the desire to produce a finite magnetic field at finite shock radius but a singular gas pressure and temperature at the instant of shock impact. Our main focus is on the variation with shock radius $r$, as $r\rightarrow 0$, of the shock Mach number $M(r)$ and pressure behind the shock $p(r)$ as a function of the magnetic field power-law exponent ${\it\mu}\geqslant 0$, where ${\it\mu}=0$ gives a constant-in-time line current. The flow problem is first formulated using an extension of geometrical shock dynamics (GSD) into the time domain to take account of the time-varying conditions ahead of the converging shock, coupled with appropriate shock-jump conditions for a fast, symmetric MHD shock. This provides a pair of ordinary differential equations describing both $M(r)$ and the time evolution on the shock, as a function of $r$, constrained by a collapse condition required to achieve tuned shock convergence. Asymptotic, analytical results for $M(r)$ and $p(r)$ are obtained over a range of ${\it\mu}$ for general ${\it\gamma}$, and for both small and large $r$. In addition, numerical solutions of the GSD equations are performed over a large range of $r$, for selected parameters using ${\it\gamma}=5/3$. The accuracy of the GSD model is verified for some cases using direct numerical solution of the full, radially symmetric MHD equations using a shock-capturing method. For the GSD solutions, it is found that the physical character of the shock convergence to the axis is a strong function of ${\it\mu}$. For $0\leqslant {\it\mu}<4/13$, $M$ and $p$ both approach unity at shock impact $r=0$ owing to the dominance of the strong magnetic field over the amplifying effects of geometrical convergence. When ${\it\mu}\geqslant 0.816$ (for ${\it\gamma}=5/3$), geometrical convergence is dominant and the shock behaves similarly to a converging gas dynamic shock with singular $M(r)$ and $p(r)$, $r\rightarrow 0$. For $4/13<{\it\mu}\leqslant 0.816$ three distinct regions of $M(r)$ variation are identified. For each of these $p(r)$ is singular at the axis.
Morphometric analysis of graphoglyptid trace fossils in two dimensions: implications for behavioral evolution in the deep sea
Authors: Lehane James R. , Ekdale A. A.
Published: March 2016

Graphoglyptids are deep-marine trace fossils, often found preserved as casts in positive relief on the base of turbidites. Previous analyses of the behavioral evolution of graphoglyptids suggested they were slowly diversifying, becoming optimized, and getting smaller over time until the Late Cretaceous, when a sudden increase in diversification occurred. This current study quantifies the morphology of approximately 400 different graphoglyptid specimens, ranging in age from the Cambrian to the present, in order to evaluate the behavioral evolutionary interpretations made previously. Results from this study indicate that although some general evolutionary patterns can be discerned, they are not as straightforward as previously reported.

Different topological categories of trace fossils represent organisms’ responses to evolutionary pressures in unique ways. While burrow widths of meandering traces were becoming smaller over time, as predicted by previous workers, the burrow widths of the network traces were becoming smaller only until the Late Cretaceous, when they started to get larger again. The times of significant evolutionary changes in behavior were not consistent among various topological categories, with some morphological features being affected in the Late Cretaceous and others during the beginning of the Eocene. It is likely that the behavioral evolution of graphoglyptids was influenced by deep-marine global influences linked to climate change, glaciation, and deep-ocean warming. These influences affected each topological group uniquely, suggesting that different species or genera of trace makers were creating each of the topological categories. This is contrary to the hypothesis that all graphoglyptids were created by closely related species.
ON THE EXISTENCE OF FINITE CRITICAL TRAJECTORIES IN A FAMILY OF QUADRATIC DIFFERENTIALS
Authors: THABET FAOUZI
Published: March 2016

We discuss the existence of finite critical trajectories connecting two zeros in certain families of quadratic differentials. In addition, we reprove some results about the support of the limiting root-counting measures of the generalised Laguerre and Jacobi polynomials with varying parameters.
PROGRESS ON THE AUSLANDER–REITEN CONJECTURE
Authors: BAHLEKEH ABDOLNASER , MAHIN FALLAH ALI
Published: March 2016

Let $R$ be a commutative Gorenstein ring. A result of Araya reduces the Auslander–Reiten conjecture on the vanishing of self-extensions to the case where $R$ has Krull dimension at most one. In this paper we extend Araya’s result to certain $R$-algebras. As a consequence of our argument, we obtain examples of bound quiver algebras that satisfy the Auslander–Reiten conjecture.
ABSOLUTELY ABNORMAL AND CONTINUED FRACTION NORMAL NUMBERS
Authors: VANDEHEY JOSEPH
Published: March 2016

In this short note, we give a proof, conditional on the generalised Riemann hypothesis, that there exist numbers$x$which are normal with respect to the continued fraction expansion but not to any base-$b$expansion. This partially answers a question of Bugeaud.
Disruption of spermatogenesis in the liver fluke, Fasciola hepatica by two artemisinin derivatives, artemether and artesunate
Authors: O'Neill J.F. , Johnston R.C. , Halferty L. , Hanna R.E.B. , Brennan G.P. , Fairweather I.
Published: March 2016

An in vivo study in the laboratory rat model has been carried out to monitor changes to the spermatogenic cells in the testis tubules of adult Fasciola hepatica following treatment with the artemisinins, artemether and artesunate. Rats infected with the triclabendazole (TCBZ)-resistant Sligo isolate were dosed orally with artemether at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and flukes recovered at 24, 48 and 72 h post treatment (pt). Rats infected with the TCBZ-resistant Oberon isolate were dosed orally with artesunate at a concentration of 200 mg/kg and flukes recovered 24, 48, 72 and 96 h pt. The flukes were processed for histological and transmission electron microscope (TEM) examination. Changes to the spermatogenic cells were evident at 24 h pt with artemether. The spermatogonial and spermatocyte cells contained abnormal mitochondria, there were fewer spermatids and spermatozoa in the tubules than normal, and a number of cells showed signs of apoptosis. There was a further decline in cell numbers at 48 h pt and the organization of the spermatocyte and spermatid rosettes was atypical. Sperm formation had become abnormal and those spermatozoa present possessed only a single axoneme. By 72 h pt, the testis tubules were vacuolated and filled with abnormal cells and cell debris. Only spermatogonial cells could be identified and there was widespread evidence of apoptosis in the cells. Distinct cellular changes following artesunate treatment did not become apparent until 48 h pt. The changes seen were similar to those described for artemether, but were generally less severe at matching time-periods. The fine structural changes occurring in the spermatogenic cells were compared to those observed in other cell types and fluke tissues and the overall information was collated to identify the cellular targets for artemisinin action and to establish the time-line for drug action.
Development of a stage-dependent prognostic model to predict psychosis in ultra-high-risk patients seeking treatment for co-morbid psychiatric disorders
Authors: Ising H. K. , Ruhrmann S. , Burger N. A. F. M. , Rietdijk J. , Dragt S. , Klaassen R. M. C. , van den Berg D. P. G. , Nieman D. H. , Boonstra N. , Linszen D. H. , Wunderink L. , Smit F. , Veling W. , van der Gaag M.
Published: March 2016

Background

Current ultra-high-risk (UHR) criteria appear insufficient to predict imminent onset of first-episode psychosis, as a meta-analysis showed that about 20% of patients have a psychotic outcome after 2 years. Therefore, we aimed to develop a stage-dependent predictive model in UHR individuals who were seeking help for co-morbid disorders.

Method

Baseline data on symptomatology, and environmental and psychological factors of 185 UHR patients (aged 14–35 years) participating in the Dutch Early Detection and Intervention Evaluation study were analysed with Cox proportional hazard analyses.

Results

At 18 months, the overall transition rate was 17.3%. The final predictor model included five variables: observed blunted affect [hazard ratio (HR) 3.39, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.56–7.35, p < 0.001], subjective complaints of impaired motor function (HR 5.88, 95% CI 1.21–6.10, p = 0.02), beliefs about social marginalization (HR 2.76, 95% CI 1.14–6.72, p = 0.03), decline in social functioning (HR 1.10, 95% CI 1.01–1.17, p = 0.03), and distress associated with suspiciousness (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.00–1.03, p = 0.01). The positive predictive value of the model was 80.0%. The resulting prognostic index stratified the general risk into three risk classes with significantly different survival curves. In the highest risk class, transition to psychosis emerged on average ⩾8 months earlier than in the lowest risk class.

Conclusions

Predicting a first-episode psychosis in help-seeking UHR patients was improved using a stage-dependent prognostic model including negative psychotic symptoms (observed flattened affect, subjective impaired motor functioning), impaired social functioning and distress associated with suspiciousness. Treatment intensity may be stratified and personalized using the risk stratification.
Theory of mind as a predictor of maternal sensitivity in women with severe mental illness
Authors: Rigby J. , Conroy S. , Miele-Norton M. , Pawlby S. , Happé F.
Published: March 2016

Background

Research has shown that maternal mental illness can affect mother–infant interactions with implications for infant outcomes. Severe and chronic mental illness (SMI), particularly schizophrenia, is associated with the greatest risk. Schizophrenia is also associated with impairments in attribution of mental states, ‘theory of mind’ (ToM). Recent attachment research has suggested that maternal mentalizing skills are strongly associated with attachment outcome in infants. To date, no research has explored the relationship between ToM and maternal sensitivity in mothers with SMI using standard tests of ToM. The present study was designed as an exploratory study in order to investigate this.

Method

A total of 40 women with SMI in the postpartum period were administered a battery of ToM tasks and general neuropsychological tasks. The women were also filmed in an unstructured play session with their infants, which was coded for maternal sensitivity using the Crittenden CARE-Index.

Results

One ToM task, the Frith–Happé Animations, predicted maternal sensitivity across all diagnoses. There was also an effect of diagnosis, with lower sensitivity observed in women with schizophrenia. ToM impairments did not fully explain the effect of diagnosis on sensitivity. Mothers of girls were rated as being more sensitive than mothers of boys.

Conclusions

The results suggest that ToM is a significant predictor of maternal sensitivity across all mental health diagnoses, extending the results of studies focusing on healthy populations. Clinical interventions emphasizing the importance of understanding the perspective of the infant may enhance maternal sensitivity.
Norovirus as the cause of medically attended gastroenteritis: a hospital-based experience
Authors: GASTAÑADUY A. S. , ZABALETA J. , LI L. , BÉGUÉ R. E.
Published: March 2016

Gastroenteritis remains an important cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. With the introduction of vaccines against rotavirus, interest has shifted to understanding the epidemiology of norovirus (NoV). While the importance of NoV in gastroenteritis outbreaks is well established, its role in sporadic gastroenteritis is less known. To better define the role of NoV as a cause of sporadic gastroenteritis we investigated its prevalence in the patients seen in our paediatric hospital with special emphasis on its seasonal and age distribution. Over a 12-month period discarded stool specimens submitted to our paediatric hospital for testing of an infectious aetiology were retrieved and additionally tested for NoV by real-time reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction; demographical and clinical information were also obtained. Overall, NoV was the single most commonly identified pathogen and found in 68/892 (7·6%) total specimens or 68/258 (26%) of pathogen-positive specimens. The highest rates of NoV were detected in children aged 6 months to 4 years (50/332, 15·1%) and presenting between October and January (46/314, 14·7%). NoV has become the main cause of gastroenteritis in our paediatric population.
Marstrand-type Theorems for the Counting and Mass Dimensions in ℤ
Authors: GLASSCOCK DANIEL
Published: March 2016

The counting and (upper) mass dimensions of a set A ⊆ $\mathbb{R}^d$ are
$$D(A) = \limsup_{\|C\| \to \infty} \frac{\log | \lfloor A \rfloor \cap C |}{\log \|C\|}, \quad \smash{\overline{D}}\vphantom{D}(A) = \limsup_{\ell \to \infty} \frac{\log | \lfloor A \rfloor \cap [-\ell,\ell)^d |}{\log (2 \ell)},$$
where ⌊A⌋ denotes the set of elements of A rounded down in each coordinate and where the limit supremum in the counting dimension is taken over cubes C ⊆ $\mathbb{R}^d$ with side length ‖C‖ → ∞. We give a characterization of the counting dimension via coverings:
$$D(A) = \text{inf} \{ \alpha \geq 0 \mid {d_{H}^{\alpha}}(A) = 0 \},$$
where
$${d_{H}^{\alpha}}(A) = \lim_{r \rightarrow 0} \limsup_{\|C\| \rightarrow \infty} \inf \biggl\{ \sum_i \biggl(\frac{\|C_i\|}{\|C\|} \biggr)^\alpha
\ \bigg| \
1 \leq \|C_i\| \leq r \|C\| \biggr\}$$
in which the infimum is taken over cubic coverings {Ci} of A ∩ C. Then we prove Marstrand-type theorems for both dimensions. For example, almost all images of A ⊆ $\mathbb{R}^d$ under orthogonal projections with range of dimension k have counting dimension at least min(k, D(A)); if we assume D(A) = D(A), then the mass dimension of A under the typical orthogonal projection is equal to min(k, D(A)). This work extends recent work of Y. Lima and C. G. Moreira.
Sudden cardiac arrest following ventricular fibrillation attributed to anabolic steroid use in an adolescent
Authors: Lichtenfeld Jana , Deal Barbara J. , Crawford Susan
Published: March 2016

Anabolic androgenic steroids are synthetic derivatives of testosterone that promote the growth of skeletal muscles and have many recognised cardiovascular effects. We report the clinical presentation and pathological findings of an adolescent male whose sudden cardiac arrest following ventricular fibrillation was attributed to anabolic androgenic steroid use. The age of our patient reflects the usage of anabolic androgenic steroids among younger athletes and highlights the need for increased awareness among practitioners.
A contemporary review of paediatric heart transplantation and mechanical circulatory support
Authors: Kindel Steven J. , Everitt Melanie D.
Published: March 2016

Improvements in the care of children with cardiomyopathy, CHDs, and acquired heart disease have led to an increased number of children surviving with advanced heart failure. In addition, the advent of more durable mechanical circulatory support options in children has changed the outcome for many patients who otherwise would have succumbed while waiting for heart transplantation. As a result, more children with end-stage heart failure are being referred for heart transplantation, and there is increased demand for a limited donor organ supply. A review of important publications in the recent years related to paediatric heart failure, transplantation, and mechanical circulatory support show a trend towards pushing the limits of the current therapies to address the needs of this growing population. There have been a number of publications focussing on previously published risk factors perceived as barriers to successful heart transplantation, including elevated pulmonary vascular resistance, medication non-adherence, re-transplantation, transplantation of the failed Fontan patient, and transplantation in an infant or child bridged with mechanical circulatory support. This review will highlight some of these key articles from the last 3 years and describe recent advances in the understanding, diagnosis, and management of children with end-stage heart disease.
The diagnostic value of plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor levels in children with heart failure
Authors: Li Gang , Song Xueqing , Xia Jiyi , Li Jing , Jia Peng , Chen Pengyuan , Zhao Jian , Liu Bin
Published: March 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic value of plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor in children with heart failure.

Methods and results

Plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor was determined in 61 children, including 41 children with heart failure, 20 children without heart failure, and 30 healthy volunteers. The correlations between plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor levels and clinical parameters were investigated. Moreover, the diagnostic value of N-terminal connective tissue growth factor levels was evaluated. Compared with healthy volunteers and children without heart failure, plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor levels were significantly elevated in those with heart failure (p<0.01). N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide and left ventricular end-diastolic dimension were positively correlated with plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor levels (r=0.364, p=0.006; r=0.308, p=0.016), whereas there was a negative correlation between left ventricular ejection fraction and plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor (r=−0.353, p=0.005). Connective tissue growth factor was significantly correlated with the severity of heart failure (p<0.001). Moreover, addition of connective tissue growth factor to N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide did not significantly increase area under curve for diagnosing heart failure (area under curve difference 0.031, p>0.05), but it obviously improved the ability of diagnosing heart failure in children, as demonstrated by the integrated discrimination improvement (6.2%, p=0.013) and net re-classification improvement (13.2%, p=0.017) indices.

Conclusions

Plasma N-terminal connective tissue growth factor is a promising diagnostic biomarker for heart failure in children.
Elevated birth prevalence of conotruncal heart defects in a population with high consanguinity rate
Authors: Stavsky Moshe , Robinson Renana , Sade Maayan Yitshak , Krymko Hanah , Zalstein Eli , Ioffe Viktorya , Novack Victor , Levitas Aviva
Published: March 2016

Background

The aetiology of conotruncal heart defects is poorly understood and the birth prevalence varies geographically. The known risk factors for developing conotruncal heart defects are as follows: CHD in siblings, genetic chromosomal abnormalities, paternal age >30 years, high parity, low birth weight, prematurity, and maternal diabetes.

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterise conotruncal heart defects, birth prevalence, mortality, and morbidity in the population of southern Israel, of whom 75% are Jewish and the rest are mostly Bedouin Arabs.

Methods

The data were obtained from Soroka University Medical Center database of births and newborns. Conotruncal heart defects cases were identified by ICD9 codes.

Results

During 1991–2011, there were 247,290 singleton live births and 393 conotruncal heart defects in Soroka University Medical Center. The birth prevalence per 10,000 live births of tetralogy of Fallot, transposition of the great arteries, and truncus arteriosus was 9.5, 5, and 1.8, respectively. In the multivariate analysis, Bedouin descent (adjusted odds ratio 2.40, p<0.001), maternal age >35 years (1.66, p=0.004), and siblings with congenital heart defects (1.98, p=0.005) were associated with tetralogy of Fallot, and Bedouin descent (1.61, p=0.05), siblings with congenital heart defects (2.19, p=0.004), and diabetes mellitus (7.15, p<0.001) were associated with transposition of the great arteries. In a univariate analysis, Bedouin descent (p=0.004) and congenital heart defects in siblings (p<0.001) were associated with truncus arteriosus.

Conclusion

We observed higher birth prevalence of conotruncal heart defects compared with the birth prevalence reported worldwide, specifically among the Bedouins, a population characterised with high consanguinity rate. Therefore, genetic counselling and early fetal echocardiograms should be encouraged, especially in high consanguinity rate populations. Naturally, further educational efforts are needed in order to decrease consanguinity and its related consequences.
The Christian Reception of the Xwadāy-Nāmag: Hormizd IV, Khusrau II and their successors
Authors: WOOD PHILIP
Published: March 2016

This article considers the Islamic-era sources that report the history of the last Sasanian kings. It focuses on scenes that seem to indicate Christian influence and asks what this tells us about Christian transmission of the Middle Persian royal histories and about the position of Christians in the empire more broadly. In particular, it discusses three scenes from al-Ṭabarī: his presentation of Hormizd IV as a ‘pluralist’ monarch; the changing attitudes of Christians to Khusrau II and the presentation of Khusrau's short-lived successors.
ABSTRACT HARMONIC ANALYSIS OF RELATIVE CONVOLUTIONS OVER CANONICAL HOMOGENEOUS SPACES OF SEMIDIRECT PRODUCT GROUPS
Authors: GHAANI FARASHAHI ARASH
Published: March 2016

This paper presents a structured study for abstract harmonic analysis of relative convolutions over canonical homogeneous spaces of semidirect product groups. Let $H,K$ be locally compact groups and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}:H\rightarrow \text{Aut}(K)$ be a continuous homomorphism. Let $G_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}=H\ltimes _{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}K$ be the semidirect product of $H$ and $K$ with respect to $\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}$ and $G_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}/H$ be the canonical homogeneous space (left coset space) of $G_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}/H$. We present a unified approach to the harmonic analysis of relative convolutions over the canonical homogeneous space $G_{\unicode[STIX]{x1D703}}/H$.
The Intersection of Freedom of Information, Privacy Legislation and Library Services in Canadian Jurisdictions
Authors: Jeske Margo , Intahchomphoo Channarong , Landriault Emily , Bioni Bruno Ricardo
Published: March 2016

The intersection of freedom of information, privacy legislation and library services may be interpreted as the relation between two bodies (law and library) and how they influence one another directly and indirectly. This means library services can be shaped enormously by both federal and provincial freedom of information and privacy laws. We notice that there are cases in various Canadian courts involving disagreements concerning the rule of law in the fields of freedom of information and privacy with libraries. The combined effects of legislation and stronger library policies may make it more challenging for users to understand how to use shared library resources and services properly. For many libraries, this means operational policies and professional ethics codes have to be revised to strictly respect the users and employees’ confidentiality rights. The research method used for this paper included a search of relevant Canadian court cases as case studies.
Politics and the Art of Indexing: Teamwork in a Legislative Environment
Authors: Caballero Cheryl , Smith Erica , Guldner Rosalind
Published: March 2016

In this article Cheryl Caballero, Erica Smith and Rosalind Guldner, members of the Ontario Legislative Assembly indexing team, describe the challenges of indexing legislative text and how they set about meeting them. A version of their article was originally published in The Indexer in June 2015*.
Tunes, Tubes and Clouds: Getting Your In-House Talent Out of the House and Online. Part 1: Production
Authors: Bates Daniel
Published: March 2016

In his first of two articles, Daniel Bates explains the process for creating high quality audio and video recordings to capture knowledge or experience in your organisation, either for internal or external consumption. The article arises from a paper delivered at the 2015 BIALL Conference. The second article will consider the online platforms which are available to host and promote such content.
Genetic diversity and evolution ofBrassicagenetic resources: from morphology to novel genomic technologies – a review
Authors: El-Esawi Mohamed A.
Published: March 2016

Brassicaspecies have an economic and medicinal importance. Estimation of the amount and distribution of genetic diversity withinBrassicaspecies is essential for establishing efficient management, conservation and breeding practices. This review discusses the taxonomy, gene pool, andBrassica-derived phytochemicals and their nutraceutical importance. It also surveys the recently advanced studies of the genetic diversity and phylogenetic studies ofBrassicaspecies at the level of morphological, cytological, biochemical and molecular markers that have proven to be useful for evaluating the genetic variation, taxonomic relationships and species identity, and could be useful for improvingBrassicacrops through future promising breeding programmes.
Retinale Venenverschlüsse – ein interdisziplinäres Problem
Authors: Hatz Katja , Martinez Maria
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Retinale Venenverschlüsse stellen eine häufige Ursache für signifikante Visusreduktionen aber auch für okuläre Spätkomplikationen dar. Die medizinische Versorgung dieser Patienten verfolgt zwei Ziele: Einerseits müssen visusbedrohende Komplikationen erkannt und behandelt werden. Andererseits ist es notwendig, Risikofaktoren zu identifizieren und diese auszuschalten/zu mindern soweit möglich. Dieses Arbeit fasst die derzeit üblichen ophthalmologischen Therapieansätze ebenso wie die empfohlenen internistischen Abklärungen, die beim Hausarzt oder Internisten erfolgen sollten, zusammen. Dies soll die interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit von Augenärzten und Hausärzten/Internisten in der Behandlung und Abklärung retinaler Venenverschlüsse unterstützen.
Das Trockene Auge – nicht immer ganz einfach zu erkennen
Authors: Eberle Heitzmann Melanie
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Das Trockene Auge ist in der leichten Ausprägung oft einfach zu diagnostizieren und auch für den Patienten zufriedenstellend zu behandeln. Bei den moderaten bis schweren Trockenen Augen oder bei Patienten, die zwar starke Beschwerden aber keine massiven Zeichen eines Trockenen Auges haben, ist die Diagnostik und Therapie oft deutlich schwieriger. Sowohl vom Patienten als auch vom Arzt wird Geduld und systematisches Vorgehen verlangt. Die Patientenaufklärung und -schulung steht im Fokus der Therapie. Zudem verlangt diese multifaktorielle Erkrankung bei klinischer Plausibilität ab und an eine Interdisziplinäre Abklärung in den Bereichen Dermatologie, Gastroenterologie, Rheumatologie und Endokrinologie.
Das ewige Leid mit dem Doppel-J-Katheter
Authors: Betschart Patrick , Schmid Hans-Peter , Abt Dominik
Published: March 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Harnleiterschienung mittels DJ-Katheter zur Sicherung des Harntransports aus dem oberen Harntrakt gehört zu den häufigsten urologischen Eingriffen. Sehr oft ist der einliegende DJ-Katheter für den Patienten mit einer Reihe von Symptomen wie Miktionsbeschwerden, Schmerzen oder Hämaturie verbunden. Entsprechend häufig stellen sich die Patienten in der hausärztlichen Praxis vor. Neben einer entsprechenden Aufklärung ist regelmässig eine symptomatische medikamentöse Therapie indiziert. Hiervon abzugrenzen und zu erkennen sind Komplikationen, die eine weitergehende Behandlung erforderlich machen, insbesondere relevante Harnwegsinfekte sowie eine Dysfunktion der Harnleiterschiene. Es ist daher von grosser Bedeutung, dass der Hausarzt, als erste Anlaufstelle des Patienten, die Probleme und deren Behandlung kennt und eine korrekte Triagierung durchführen kann.
Moored Ocean Buoy Tracks Marine Carbon Cycle Variations
Authors: Zastrow Mark
Published: March 2016

Years of data from a North Pacific ocean station show that the ocean's ability to pull carbon out of the atmosphere is controlled by biological and physical processes that change between seasons.
Tunable quasiparticle trapping in Meissner and vortex states of mesoscopic superconductors
Authors: Taupin M. , Khaymovich I. M. , Meschke M. , Mel’nikov A. S. , Pekola J. P.
Published: March 2016

Nowadays, superconductors serve in numerous applications, from high-field magnets to ultrasensitive detectors of radiation. Mesoscopic superconducting devices, referring to those with nanoscale dimensions, are in a special position as they are easily driven out of equilibrium under typical operating conditions. The out-of-equilibrium superconductors are characterized by non-equilibrium quasiparticles. These extra excitations can compromise the performance of mesoscopic devices by introducing, for example, leakage currents or decreased coherence time in quantum devices. By applying an external magnetic field, one can conveniently suppress or redistribute the population of excess quasiparticles. In this article, we present an experimental demonstration and a theoretical analysis of such effective control of quasiparticles, resulting in electron cooling both in the Meissner and vortex states of a mesoscopic superconductor. We introduce a theoretical model of quasiparticle dynamics, which is in quantitative agreement with the experimental data.
Global functional diversity of freshwater fish is concentrated in the Neotropics while functional vulnerability is widespread
Authors: Toussaint A. , Charpin N. , Brosse S. , Villéger S.
Published: March 2016

Worldwide biodiversity assessments have mainly focused on species richness but little is known about the diversity of species roles, i.e. functional diversity, while this is a key facet to understanding the consequences of global changes on the ecosystem services to human societies. Here, we report the world pattern of functional diversity of freshwater fish using a database encompassing morphological characteristics of more than 9,000 species. The Neotropical realm hosts more than 75% of global functional diversity while other realms each host less than 25%. This discrepancy is mediated by high functional uniqueness in some diversified Neotropical fish orders. Surprisingly, functional diversity patterns were weakly related to functional vulnerability. In the Neotropics the loss of threatened species will cause a limited loss of functional diversity (<10%) whereas in the Nearctic and Palearctic realms, decline of the functional diversity will reach 43% and 33%, respectively, conferring a high functional vulnerability to these realms. Conservation of the Neotropical fish diversity is a key target to maintain world fish functional diversity, but this should not hide the pressing need to conserve the vulnerable fish faunas of the rest of the world, in which functional diversity is to a large extent supported by threatened species.
Development of new fusion proteins for visualizing amyloid-β oligomers in vivo
Authors: Ochiishi Tomoyo , Doi Motomichi , Yamasaki Kazuhiko , Hirose Keiko , Kitamura Akira , Urabe Takao , Hattori Nobutaka , Kinjo Masataka , Ebihara Tatsuhiko , Shimura Hideki
Published: March 2016

The intracellular accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) oligomers critically contributes to disease progression in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and can be the potential target of AD therapy. Direct observation of molecular dynamics of Aβ oligomers in vivo is key for drug discovery research, however, it has been challenging because Aβ aggregation inhibits the fluorescence from fusion proteins. Here, we developed Aβ1-42-GFP fusion proteins that are oligomerized and visualize their dynamics inside cells even when aggregated. We examined the aggregation states of Aβ-GFP fusion proteins using several methods and confirmed that they did not assemble into fibrils, but instead formed oligomers in vitro and in live cells. By arranging the length of the liker between Aβ and GFP, we generated two fusion proteins with “a long-linker” and “a short-linker” and revealed that the aggregation property of fusion proteins can be evaluated by measuring fluorescence intensities using rat primary culture neurons transfected with Aβ-GFP plasmids and Aβ-GFP transgenic C. elegans. We found that Aβ-GFP fusion proteins induced cell death in COS7 cells. These results suggested that novel Aβ-GFP fusion proteins could be utilized for studying the physiological functions of Aβ oligomers in living cells and animals and for drug screening by analyzing Aβ toxicity.
A comparison of no-slip, stress-free and inviscid models of rapidly rotating fluid in a spherical shell
Authors: Livermore Philip W. , Bailey Lewis M. , Hollerbach Rainer
Published: March 2016

We investigate how the choice of either no-slip or stress-free boundary conditions affects numerical models of rapidly rotating flow in Earth’s core by computing solutions of the weakly-viscous magnetostrophic equations within a spherical shell, driven by a prescribed body force. For non-axisymmetric solutions, we show that models with either choice of boundary condition have thin boundary layers of depth E1/2, where E is the Ekman number and a free-stream flow that converges to the formally inviscid solution. At Earth-like values of viscosity, the boundary layer thickness is approximately 1 m, for either choice of condition. In contrast, the axisymmetric flows depend crucially on the choice of boundary condition, in both their structure and magnitude (either E−1/2 or E−1). These very large zonal flows arise from requiring viscosity to balance residual axisymmetric torques. We demonstrate that switching the mechanical boundary conditions can cause a distinct change of structure of the flow, including a sign-change close to the equator, even at asymptotically low viscosity. Thus implementation of stress-free boundary conditions, compared with no-slip conditions, may yield qualitatively different dynamics in weakly-viscous magnetostrophic models of Earth’s core. We further show that convergence of the free-stream flow to its asymptotic structure requires E ≤ 10−5.
Long-range and high-speed electronic spin-transport at a GaAs/AlGaAs semiconductor interface
Authors: Nádvorník L. , Němec P. , Janda T. , Olejník K. , Novák V. , Skoromets V. , Němec H. , Kužel P. , Trojánek F. , Jungwirth T. , Wunderlich J.
Published: March 2016

Spin-valves or spin-transistors in magnetic memories and logic elements are examples of structures whose functionality depends crucially on the length and time-scales at which spin-information is transferred through the device. In our work we employ spatially resolved optical pump-and-probe technique to investigate these fundamental spin-transport parameters in a model semiconductor system. We demonstrate that in an undoped GaAs/AlGaAs layer, spins are detected at distances reaching more than ten microns at times as short as nanoseconds. We have achieved this unprecedented combination of long-range and high-speed electronic spin-transport by simultaneously suppressing mechanisms that limit the spin life-time and the mobility of carriers. By exploring a series of structures we demonstrate that the GaAs/AlGaAs interface can provide superior spin-transport characteristics whether deposited directly on the substrate or embedded in complex semiconductor heterostructures. We confirm our conclusions by complementing the optical experiments with dc and terahertz photo-conductivity measurements.