bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bone loss in C57BL/6J‐OlaHsd mice, a substrain of C57BL/6J carrying mutated alpha‐synuclein and multimerin‐1 genes
Authors: Liron Tamar , Raphael Bitya , Hiram‐Bab Sahar , Bab Itai A. , Gabet Yankel
Published: March 2017

The inbred mouse strain C57BL/6 is commonly used for the generation of transgenic mouse and is a well established strain in bone research. Different vendors supply different substrains of C57BL/6J as wild‐type animals when genetic drift did not incur any noticeable phenotype. However, we sporadically observed drastic differences in the bone phenotype of “WT” C57BL/6J mice originating from different labs and speculated that these variations are attributable, at least in part, to the variation between C57BL/6J substrains, which is often overlooked. C57BL/6J‐OlaHsd is a commonly used substrain that despite a well defined deletion in the alpha‐synuclein (Snca) and multimerin‐1 (Mmrn1) genes, was reported to display no obvious phenotype and is used as WT control. Here, we compared the bone phenotype of C57BL/6J‐OlaHsd (6J‐OLA) to C57BL/6J‐RccHsd (6J‐RCC) and to the original C57BL/6J (6J‐JAX). Using μCT analysis, we found that 6J‐OLA mice display a significantly lower trabecular bone mass compared to 6J‐RCC and 6J‐JAX. PCR analysis revealed that both the Snca and Mmrn1 genes are expressed in bone tissue of 6J‐RCC animals but not of 6J‐OLA mutants, suggesting either one or both genes play a role in bone metabolism. In vitro analysis demonstrated increase in osteoclasts number and decreased osteoblast mineralization in cells derived from 6J‐OLA compared with 6J‐RCC. Our data may shed light on unexplained differences in basal bone measurements between different research centers and reiterate the importance of specifying the exact substrain type. In addition, our findings describe the physiological role for Mmrn1 and/or Snca in bone remodeling.
Investigations of anharmonic effects via phonon mode variations in nanocrystalline Dy2O3, Gd2O3 and Y2O3
Authors: Dilawar Sharma Nita , Singh Jasveer , Vijay Aditi , Samanta K. , Dogra Pandey Sugandha
Published: March 2017

The nanocrystalline rare earth sesquioxides Dy2O3, Gd2O3 and Y2O3 have been investigated for anharmonic effects in the temperature range 80–440 K using Raman spectroscopy. These samples were cubic in structure under ambient conditions with particle sizes in nano‐range. The predominant Tg + Ag phonon modes of the samples primarily exhibited phonon softening in the investigated temperature range. However, the line width variations clearly reflected the variations in the effects of anharmonicity on these samples, and the related anharmonic constants were estimated. The mode Grüeneisen parameters required for these studies were deduced from our own high‐pressure data for these samples reported earlier. The line width variations for these samples were found to display similar trends; however, their magnitudes were indicative of the factors that are expected to contribute to the variation in phonon behaviour. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Standoff spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer for mineralogical analysis
Authors: Egan Miles Jacob , Angel S. M. , Sharma Shiv K.
Published: March 2017

Raman spectroscopy is ideally suited for planetary exploration because of its ability to unambiguously identify minerals, organic compounds, and biomarkers. Traditionally, Raman spectra were acquired with grating‐based dispersive spectrometers that require tens of micrometer‐sized entrance slits and thus limited light throughput. Recently, we have evaluated a new type of Fourier transform Raman spectrometer, the spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer that provides high spectral resolution in a compact system without limiting light throughput. In this work, we present time‐resolved Raman spectra of carbonate, sulfate, and silicate minerals, including low Raman scattering efficiency olivine and feldspar minerals, in the 100–1260 cm−1 Raman fingerprint region with spatial heterodyne Raman spectrometer using 1.5‐cm‐diameter pulsed 532.078‐nm Nd:YAG laser beam. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Novel VECSEL for short‐wave infrared Raman spectroscopy applications
Authors: P. Santos I. , van der Lee A. , Gu X. , Caspers P. J. , Bakker Schut T. C. , van Doorn R. , Noordhoek Hegt V. , Koljenović S. , Puppels G. J.
Published: March 2017

Raman spectroscopy of pigmented samples can be problematic owing to strong laser‐induced auto‐fluorescence. Moving the laser excitation more into the near‐infrared region (>900 nm) and detection to the short‐wave infrared region (SWIR) (1200–1600 nm) significantly decreases laser‐induced‐fluorescence for many pigmented samples. However, conventional near‐infrared diode‐lasers suitable for Raman spectroscopy are expensive. Vertical‐external‐cavity surface‐emitting lasers (VECSELs) are an interesting alternative laser source for Raman spectroscopy. VECSELs offer a narrow linewidth, high power stability, good power efficiency and circular beam profile characteristics, and their wavelength can be engineered over a broad range in the near‐infrared. In addition, they offer the potential of low‐cost mass production, and they are small in size. We developed a 986‐nm VECSEL for a specific biomedical application (Raman measurements of pigmented skin lesions). We implemented and tested the feasibility of the novel 986‐nm VECSEL in a SWIR multi‐channel Raman spectroscopy instrument. We have characterized the VECSEL in relation to the requirements set by this biomedical application and have demonstrated for the first time Raman spectra of pigmented skin lesion with a VECSEL in the SWIR region. Our results show that the VECSEL fulfils the requirements of a laser source to be applied in Raman spectroscopy. This opens the possibility of using VECSELs for low‐cost compact hand‐held Raman spectroscopy applications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conventional and standoff pulsed laser–Raman–echelle–time‐gated (PRET) system
Authors: K. M. Muhammed Shameem , Tamboli M. M. , Devangad Praveen , V. K. Unnikrishnan , George Sajan D. , Kartha V. B. , C. Santhosh
Published: March 2017

Time‐gated Raman system has been assembled using a pulsed laser and high‐resolution echelle spectrograph. Echelle spectrograph provides broad spectral band‐pass of 0–8500 cm−1 in a single scan with a resolution of 1.75 cm−1 for 532 nm at an extremely small slit width of 10 μm. Advantages of gated mode detection over continuous‐wave mode detection are improved signal‐to‐noise ratio, reduced background signal, and unwanted fluorescent emission. Feasibility of echelle spectrograph for Raman measurements has been tested for both conventional and standoff distance of 5 m with all the external illumination sources on. The echelle system provides high‐quality Raman signals with an extremely low inherent bandwidth in solid and liquid samples, (~8 cm−1) for 478 cm−1 fundamental band of sulfur. Intensity ratio of e2 fundamental to a1 fundamental of conventional and remote Raman measurements indicates that the spectral features remain the same in both measurements. The advantages of ‘time‐gated’ Raman compared with continuous‐wave mode detection, like low background even under extraneous illumination and lowered fluorescence, are also illustrated with spectrum of sulfur taken in the two modes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ab initio simulations and experimental Raman spectra of Mg2SiO4 forsterite to simulate Mars surface environmental conditions
Authors: Stangarone C. , Böttger U. , Bersani D. , Tribaudino M. , Prencipe M.
Published: March 2017

In this study, we present the full Raman vibrational spectrum of forsterite (Mg2SiO4), computed from first principles, employing a hybrid HF/density functional theory Hamiltonian (WC1LYP) as implemented in the CRYSTAL14 code, at static equilibrium and at the temperatures of 0, 300 and 1000 K. The simulations are compared with the available literature data, confirming the accuracy of the calculations, and to experimental Raman spectra taken at room temperature on a natural sample of forsterite (Mg1.76 Fe0.22 SiO4), to test the effect of compositions on the reliability of a comparison between a computed spectrum for the end member and the experimental spectrum on a real sample having a slightly different compositions. The comparison with the experimental data at room temperature shows a very good agreement (an average discrepancy of 7 cm−1), and it allows a reliable symmetry assignment of Raman signals to specific vibrational modes. Spectra are also simulated by changing the mass of the nuclei for each of the six symmetry‐independent species within the unit to quantify the contributions of each element to the overall vibration. The aim is not only to relate the major experimental peaks to specific structural features but also to link them to the Raman shifts observed because of both temperature and composition variation. Moreover, so as to foresee the possible response of Raman spectra to the different environmental conditions occurring on planetary surfaces, i.e. Mars, we calculate full Raman spectra at 0, 300 and 1000 K including zero point vibrational effects, within the limit of the quasi‐harmonic approximation. These results may be useful to widen a Raman database and provide new clues to improve the interpretation of data acquisitions during the 2020 ExoMars mission, which will carry on board a Raman Laser Spectrometer. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytoplankton species richness, evenness, and production in relation to nutrient availability and imbalance
Authors: Lehtinen Sirpa , Tamminen Timo , Ptacnik Robert , Andersen Tom
Published: March 2017

We used natural phytoplankton communities from four coastal regions to test diversity‐functioning relationships, relations of N2‐fixing cyanobacteria to nutrient imbalance, and the importance of metacommunity dynamics. Resource availability was measured as total nitrogen and phosphorus. Resource imbalance was determined as (1) the ratio of dissolved inorganic nitrogen to total phosphorus and (2) an experimentally verified indicator quantified by modelling responses in 14C‐based primary production to nutrient additions. Resource availability explained variance in biomass, productivity, and species richness, as expected by the Species Energy Theory, but not evenness. Linear mixed‐effects models confirmed the overall relation between productivity and resource availability, whereas other resource availability relations showed also notable clustering by region. The Resource Ratio Theory predicting that diversity increases with the number of limiting resources was not supported. Nutrient imbalance had a weak effect on the biomass of N2‐fixing cyanobacteria, but not their share of total phytoplankton biomass. Contrary to many previous studies on biodiversity‐ecosystem functioning relationships, we found a highly significant inverse relationship between evenness and biomass. This indicates that species‐rich natural phytoplankton communities form the basis for opportunistic species to temporarily monopolize resources and create blooms. The result was consistent across regions, although their community composition differed. Metacommunity dynamics were important, since distance between the regions explained higher percentage of the variability than local resources together. As the species able to monopolize resources vary widely in their role for aquatic food webs and environmental consequences (e.g., food quality, toxicity), species‐level trait data is essential to understand better diversity‐productivity relationships.
A soft‐computing ensemble approach (SEA) to forecast Indian summer monsoon rainfall
Authors: Kurian Nisha , Venugopal T. , Singh Jatin , Ali M. M.
Published: March 2017

Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy and contributes ∼16% of gross domestic product and about 10% of total exports. Hence, accurate and timely forecasting of monthly Indian summer monsoon rainfall is very much in demand for economic planning and agricultural practices. Several methods and models, comprising dynamic and statistical models and combinations of the two, exist for monsoon forecasting. Here, a multi‐model ensemble approach, combined with an artificial neural networking technique, was used to develop a soft‐computing ensemble algorithm (SEA) to forecast the monthly and seasonal rainfall over the Indian subcontinent. Forecasts using January to May initial conditions along with observations during 1982–2014 were used to develop the model. The SEA compares well with observations.
Automatic Synthesis of Multimodal Polymers
Authors: Leonardi R. Natalie C. , Montgomery Rick D. , Siqueira Julia , McAfee Terry , Drenski Michael F. , Reed Wayne F.
Published: March 2017

An automatic molecular weight controller is used in semi‐batch reactions to produce final polymers that contain distinct subpopulations with different molecular weight distributions (MWD). While blending polymers with different MWD is frequently used to make multimodal polymer products, a method is introduced here allowing the multimodal product to be made in successive, automatically controlled stages in the same reactor. The method is demonstrated using free radical polymerization of acrylamide to produce widely separated multimodal MWD. Automatic Continuous Online Monitoring of Polymerization reactions with a Control Interface (ACOMP/CI) was used. Weight average molecular weight (Mw) in the ACOMP/CI was continuously measured with multi‐angle light scattering and ultra‐violet absorption. The controller used two principles: both polymerization rate and instantaneous molecular weight are proportional to monomer concentration. By controlling monomer flow rate into the reactor, the controller produced a targeted amount of polymer with a desired first Mw and then automatically introduced chain transfer agent (CTA) into the reactor to produce a second population of polymers with much lower Mw. Subsequently, reactions were performed to produce trimodal populations. This approach is kindred to multi‐stage synthesis of polymers where distinctly different processes are carried out in succeeding stages to produce polymers with highly specific properties.

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In vitro and in silico assessment of RF‐induced heating around intracranial aneurysm clips at 7 Tesla
Authors: Noureddine Yacine , Kraff Oliver , Ladd Mark E. , Wrede Karsten H. , Chen Bixia , Quick Harald H. , Schaefers Gregor , Bitz Andreas K.
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To examine radiofrequency‐induced tissue heating around intracranial aneurysm clips during a 7 Tesla (T) head MR examination.

Methods

Radiofrequency (RF), temperature simulations, and RF measurements were employed to investigate the effects of polarization and clip length on the electric field (E‐field) and temperature. Heating in body models was studied using both a conservative approach and realistic exposure scenarios.

Results

Worst‐case orientation was found for clips aligned parallel to the E‐field polarization. Absolute tissue temperature remained below International Electrotechnical Commission regulatory limits for 44 of 50 clinical scenarios. No significant effect on heating was determined for clip lengths below 18.8 mm, and worst‐case heating was found for clip length 51.5 mm. The conservative approach led to a maximum permissible E‐field of 72 V/m corresponding to
of 1.2 µT, and an accepted power of 4.6 W for the considered RF head coil instead of 38.5 W without clip.

Conclusion

Safe scanning conditions with respect to RF‐induced heating can be applied depending on the information about the clip gained during screening interviews. However, force and torque measurements in the MR system shall be conducted to give a final statement on the MR safety of aneurysm clips at 7T. Magn Reson Med 79:568–581, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Six‐year multi‐centre, observational, post‐marketing surveillance of the safety of the HPV‐16/18 AS04‐adjuvanted vaccine in women aged 10–25 years in Korea
Authors: Kim Chul‐Jung , Song Rok , Chen Jing , Tavares Da Silva Fernanda , Gopala Kusuma B. , Kim Joon Hyung , Bi Dan , Park Jong Sup
Published: March 2017

Purpose

To evaluate the safety of HPV‐16/18 AS04‐adjuvanted vaccine when administered as per the PI in Korea.

Methods

A total of 3084 women aged 10–25 years were enrolled in this post‐marketing surveillance from 2008 to 2014. Subjects were invited to receive three doses of the vaccine (0, 1 and 6 months), and participants who received at least one dose were included in the analysis. Adverse events (AEs), adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and serious AEs (SAEs) were recorded after each dose. All AEs, ADRs and SAEs were presented with exact 95% confidence intervals (CI) (NCT01101542).

Results

Injection‐site pain was the most frequent AE and ADR reported by 322 subjects (10.4% [95%CI: 9.4–11.6]); the local pain was transient and lasted 4–7 days in most cases. Dysmenorrhoea and vaginitis were the most common unexpected AEs reported by 30 (1.0% [95%CI: 0.7–1.4]) and 16 subjects (0.7% [95%CI: 0.3–0.8]), respectively. Pain (toe pain, leg pain and body pain [one case each]; foot pain [two cases]) was the most common unexpected ADR reported by five subjects (0.2% [95%CI: 0.1–0.4]). Four subjects reported a single SAE (one case each of exostosis, gastroenteritis, abortion and tonsillitis); none were fatal. All SAEs were assessed as unlikely to be related to vaccination; gastroenteritis, exostosis and tonsillitis resolved during the study period.

Conclusions

This is the first post‐marketing surveillance study in Korea that provides 6‐year safety data for HPV‐16/18 AS04‐adjuvanted vaccine. The vaccine showed an acceptable safety profile and favourable benefit/risk ratio when given to women aged 10–25 years in Korea. © 2017 The Authors. Pharmacoepidemiology & Drug Safety Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Physik und Literatur im Dialog
Authors: Mecke Klaus
Published: March 2017

In diesem Heft beginnen wir mit einer neuen Serie. Sie beschäftigt sich mit der Reflexion physikalischer Themen in literarischen Texten, die zeigen, dass Fakt und Fiktion kreativ verknüpft werden können. Sie illustriert zwei Arten der Welterkenntnis, die sich ergänzen und bedingen. Freunde der Molgastronomie müssen auf weitere kulinarische Genüsse nicht verzichten, wir setzen diese Serie in lockerer Folge fort.
Predicting the effect of treatment in paediatric OSA by clinical examination and functional respiratory imaging
Authors: Slaats Monique , Vos Wim , Van Holsbeke Cedric , De Backer Jan , Loterman Dieter , De Backer Wilfried , Boudewyns An , Verhulst Stijn
Published: March 2017

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate whether functional respiratory imaging (FRI) or clinical examination could predict treatment outcome for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in normal‐weight, non‐syndromic children.

METHODS

Normal weight children diagnosed with OSA by polysomnography were prospectively included. All children got a thorough evaluation and an ultra‐low dose computed tomography scan of the upper airway (UA). A 3‐D reconstruction was built combined with computational fluid dynamics for FRI. Decisions on the need and type of surgery were based upon findings during drug‐induced sleep endoscopy. A second polysomnography was performed 3‐12 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Ninety‐one children were included: 62 boys, 5.0 ± 2.7 years, and BMI z‐score of −0.1 ± 1.2. Children with more severe OSA had a smaller volume of the overlap region between the adenoids and tonsils. Nineteen out of 60 patients had persistent OSA (oAHI >2/h). A lower conductance in the UA and a higher tonsil score predicted successful treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

A less constricted airway, as characterized by both FRI and a lower tonsil score, was associated with a less favorable response to (adeno) tonsillectomy. Further studies after treatment using FRI and DISE are warranted to further characterize the UA of these subjects.
Glyphosate resistance in Ambrosia trifida: Part 1. Novel rapid cell death response to glyphosate
Authors: Van Horn Christopher R , Moretti Marcelo L , Robertson Renae R , Segobye Kabelo , Weller Stephen C , Young Bryan G , Johnson William G , Schulz Burkhard , Green Amanda C , Jeffery Taylor , Lespérance Mackenzie A , Tardif François J , Sikkema Peter H , Hall J Christopher , McLean Michael D , Lawton Mark B , Sammons R Douglas , Wang Dafu , Westra Philip , Gaines Todd A
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Glyphosate‐resistant (GR) Ambrosia trifida is now present in the midwestern United States and in southwestern Ontario, Canada. Two distinct GR phenotypes are known, including a rapid response (GR RR) phenotype, which exhibits cell death within hours after treatment, and a non‐rapid response (GR NRR) phenotype. The mechanisms of resistance in both GR RR and GR NRR remain unknown. Here, we present a description of the RR phenotype and an investigation of target‐site mechanisms on multiple A. trifida accessions.

RESULTS

Glyphosate resistance was confirmed in several accessions, and whole‐plant levels of resistance ranged from 2.3‐ to 7.5‐fold compared with glyphosate‐susceptible (GS) accessions. The two GR phenotypes displayed similar levels of resistance, despite having dramatically different phenotypic responses to glyphosate. Glyphosate resistance was not associated with mutations in EPSPS sequence, increased EPSPS copy number, EPSPS quantity, or EPSPS activity.

CONCLUSION

These encompassing results suggest that resistance to glyphosate in these GR RR A. trifida accessions is not conferred by a target‐site resistance mechanism. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Room temperature ferromagnetic‐like response in “bulk” Y‐doped CeO2
Authors: Rakhmatullin R. M. , Sen S.
Published: March 2017

Strong ferromagnetic‐like response is observed at room temperature in “bulk”‐ and nano‐crystalline Y‐doped CeO2. The saturation magnetization for “bulk” (∼600 nm) crystallites of CeO2 doped with 25 at.% Y is more than an order of magnitude higher compared to its nanocrystalline (∼10 nm) counterpart. High frequency electron spin resonance and 89Y nuclear magnetic resonance measurements indicate clustering of electronic defects in the “bulk” crystallites. The remarkable size dependence of the magnetic behavior likely originates from a collective magnetic response of defect‐lined nanodomain interfaces in the “bulk” crystallites, consistent with the giant orbital paramagnetism model.
Multiple electronic state mechanism for carboryne reaction with benzene: A DFT study
Authors: Huo Rui‐Ping , Guo Li‐hui , Zhang Fu‐qiang , Zhang Xiang
Published: March 2017

The multiple electronic state mechanisms of the reaction of carboryne with benzene were investigated by M11 calculations. Mechanisms leading to [4 + 2] cycloaddition product P4 + 2, [2 + 2] cycloaddition product P2 + 2, CC insert product PC‐Cins and CH insert product PC‐Hins were considered. The barrier/stability to structural characteristics correlations revealed that, 1) [2 + 2] addition is a two‐step mechanism which exhibits three electronic state reactivity, and both the addition steps are controlled by the barriers on open‐shell singlet (OSS) potential energy surface (PES); 2) [4 + 2] product P4 + 2 is a kinetic product on the experimental condition, and other products should be obtained under more harsher condition. The theoretical results well explain the experimental facts.
Relative total L‐subshell X‐ray emission intensities and their impact on the fitting of complex X‐ray fluorescence spectra
Authors: Ganly Brianna , Van Haarlem Yves , Tickner James
Published: March 2017

Relative total L‐subshellX‐ray emission intensities, IL2/IL3 and IL1/IL3, are reported for the elements Er, Tm, Yb, Hf, Ta, W, Pt and Au, measured using approximately monoenergetic X‐rays at 17.4 keV. X‐ray spectra were recorded using a filtered X‐ray tube source and a silicon drift detector. Careful fitting was used to determine the intensities of the individual line transitions, accounting for line broadening and detector artefacts. The line intensities were summed to obtain the L1, L2 and L3 total X‐ray emission rates. Relative total L‐subshell emission intensities were also calculated using recommended values of subshell photoionization cross sections, fluorescence yields and Coster–Kronig transition probabilities. We find poor agreement between these accepted literature values and our experimental results. A simple modelling exercise was conducted to explore the impact on fitting complex L‐shellX‐ray fluorescence spectra using inaccurate literature values for line intensities and total subshell X‐ray emission rates. We find that large errors can be introduced when fitting with incorrect values for the total relative X‐ray emission from different L‐subshells. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient Self‐Assessment of Surgical Site Infection is Inaccurate
Authors: Richter Vered , Cohen Matan J. , Benenson Shmuel , Almogy Gideon , Brezis Mayer
Published: March 2017

Background

Availability of surgical site infection (SSI) surveillance rates challenges clinicians, healthcare administrators and leaders and the public. The purpose of this report is to demonstrate the consequences patient self‐assessment strategies have on SSI reporting rates.

Methods

We performed SSI surveillance among patients undergoing general surgery procedures, including telephone follow‐up 30 days after surgery. Additionally we undertook a separate validation study in which we compared patient self‐assessments of SSI with surgeon assessment. Finally, we performed a meta‐analysis of similar validation studies of patient self‐assessment strategies.

Results

There were 22/266 in‐hospital SSIs diagnosed (8.3%), and additional 16 cases were detected through the 30‐day follow‐up. In total, the SSI rate was 16.8% (95% CI 10.1–18.5). In the validation survey, we found patient telephone surveillance to have a sensitivity of 66% (95% CI 40–93%) and a specificity of 90% (95% CI 86–94%). The meta‐analysis included five additional studies. The overall sensitivity was 83.3% (95% CI 79–88%), and the overall specificity was 97.4% (95% CI 97–98%). Simulation of the meta‐analysis results divulged that when the true infection rate is 1%, reported rates would be 4%; a true rate of 50%, the reported rates would be 43%.

Conclusion

Patient self‐assessment strategies in order to fulfill 30‐day SSI surveillance misestimate SSI rates and lead to an erroneous overall appreciation of inter‐institutional variation. Self‐assessment strategies overestimate SSIs rate of institutions with high‐quality performance and underestimate rates of poor performance. We propose such strategies be abandoned. Alternative strategies of patient follow‐up strategies should be evaluated in order to provide valid and reliable information regarding institutional performance in preventing patient harm.
Variation in Allee effects: evidence, unknowns, and directions forward
Authors: Walter Jonathan A. , Grayson Kristine L. , Johnson Derek M.
Published: March 2017

Allee effects, positive effects of population size or density on per‐capita fitness, are of broad interest in ecology and conservation due to their importance to the persistence of small populations and to range boundary dynamics. A number of recent studies have highlighted the importance of spatiotemporal variation in Allee effects and the resulting impacts on population dynamics. These advances challenge conventional understanding of Allee effects by reframing them as a dynamic factor affecting populations instead of a static condition. First, we synthesize evidence for variation in Allee effects and highlight potential mechanisms. Second, we emphasize the “Allee slope,” i.e., the magnitude of the positive effect of density on the per‐capita growth rate, as a metric for demographic Allee effects. The more commonly used quantitative metric, the Allee threshold, provides only a partial picture of the underlying forces acting on population growth despite its implications for population extinction. Third, we identify remaining unknowns and strategies for addressing them. Outstanding questions about variation in Allee effects fall broadly under three categories: (1) characterizing patterns of natural variability; (2) understanding mechanisms of variation; and (3) implications for populations, including applications to conservation and management. Future insights are best achieved through robust interactions between theory and empiricism, especially through mechanistic models. Understanding spatiotemporal variation in the demographic processes contributing to the dynamics of small populations is a critical step in the advancement of population ecology.
Variability in medication taking is associated with cognitive performance in nondemented older adults
Authors: Austin Johanna , Klein Krystal , Mattek Nora , Kaye Jeffrey
Published: March 2017

Interventions to slow cognitive decline typically can do little to reverse decline. Thus, early detection methods are critical. However, tools like cognitive testing are time consuming and require costly expertise. Changes in activities of daily living such as medication adherence may herald the onset of cognitive decline before clinical standards. Here, we determine the relationship between medication adherence and cognitive function in preclinical older adults. We objectively assessed medication adherence in 38 older adults (mean age 86.7 ± 6.9 years). Our results demonstrate that individuals with lower cognitive function have more spread in the timing of taking their medications (P = .014) and increase the spread in the timing of taking their medications over time (P = .012). These results demonstrate that continuous monitoring of medication adherence may provide the opportunity to identify patients experiencing slow cognitive decline in the earliest stages when pharmacologic or behavioral interventions may be most effective.
Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Sexual Medicine: A Questionnaire-Based Assessment of Knowledge, Clinical Practice Patterns, and Attitudes in Sexual Medicine Practitioners
Authors: Fode Mikkel , Lowenstein Lior , Reisman Yacov
Published: March 2017

Introduction

Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) has emerged as a treatment option for male sexual dysfunction. However, results have been contradictory.

Aim

To investigate the knowledge, practice patterns, and attitudes regarding LI-ESWT among experts in sexual medicine.

Methods

A study-specific questionnaire was handed out at the 18th Congress for the European Society for Sexual Medicine. Participants were queried on their knowledge about LI-ESWT and about their use of the equipment.

Main Outcome Measures

Descriptive data on the knowledge of LI-ESWT and perception of treatment effects.

Results

One hundred ninety-two questionnaires were available for analysis. Most respondents were physicians (79.7%) and most of these specialized in urology (58.9%). Overall, 144 of 192 (75%) reported that they were familiar with LI-ESWT in sexual medicine. Twenty-seven (14.1%) had performed the treatment. Of the 117 non-users who were familiar with LI-ESWT, 37 sometimes referred patients for the treatment. Nevertheless, 103 of 144 (71.5%) stated that they considered LI-ESWT an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) and 10 of 144 (6.9%) considered it an effective treatment for Peyronie disease. Of participants who regarded LI-ESWT an effective ED treatment, 91.2% would consider the treatment specifically for vasculogenic ED and 81.6% would combine it with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Most participants (83.7%) regarded LI-ESWT as safe. A urology background (odds ratio = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3–4.8; P = .0093) and working in a private setting (odds ratio = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.5–5.3; P = .0084) were significant predictors of familiarity with LI-ESWT in sexual medicine and of being an LI-ESWT user. Likewise, urologists were significantly more likely than non-urologists to consider the treatment effective (odds ratio = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.1–7.1; P = .033).

Conclusion

LI-ESWT is well known among experts in sexual medicine and the treatment is perceived as safe and effective against vasculogenic ED when combined with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The treatment is mainly offered by urologists.

Fode M, Lowenstein L, Reisman Y. Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Sexual Medicine: A Questionnaire-Based Assessment of Knowledge, Clinical Practice Patterns, and Attitudes in Sexual Medicine Practitioners. Sex Med 2017;5:e94–e98.
Postoperative outcomes and functional results after Deloyer's procedure – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Salgado-Nesme Noel , Vergara-Fernández Omar , Mitre-Reyes David , Luna-Torres Hugo A. , Molina-López Juan Francisco , Navarro-Navarro Adolfo , Guevara-Chipolini Jorge
Published: March 2017

Introduction The objective of our study was to describe surgical outcomes of Deloyers procedure in our referral center, and to compare the results of patients with and without protective ileostomy.

Methods Patients undergoing a Deloyers procedure from 2013 to 2016 were prospectively included. General characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative course, and functional outcomes were analyzed. Patients were compared into two groups: group (1) patients undergoing Deloyers procedure without ileostomy, and group (2) Deloyers procedure with protective ileostomy.

Results Sixteen patients undergoing isoperistaltic transposition of the right colon remnant were included, of which 9 (63%) were males with a median age of 47 (range 22–76) years. The main surgical indication was the restoration of bowel transit (62.5%). There was higher major morbidity rate in the Deloyers procedure with protective ileostomy group, but without statistical significance (20% vs. 9%, p = 0.92). No leaks or deaths were reported. The length of hospital stay was 7 days. The mean number of bowel movements per day was 4 at 18 months of follow up. Only four (25%) patients used irregularly loperamide.

Conclusions The Deloyers procedure has satisfactory results and is reproducible with low morbidity. The major and minor morbidity rates were similar between groups, suggesting that the costs and risks of a second procedure can be avoided by providing a safe primary anastomosis.
Functional Variations in theNOS3Gene Are Associated with Erectile Dysfunction Susceptibility, Age of Onset and Severity in a Han Chinese Population
Authors: Yang Bo , Liu Liangren , Peng Zhufeng , Lu Dongliang , Ren Zhengju , Liu Shengzuo , Yang Xiling , Liao Jian , Dong Qiang
Published: March 2017

Background

Impaired function of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is involved in the pathologic processes of erectile dysfunction (ED), and three functional polymorphisms (G894T, T-786C, and a tandem repeat of 27 bp in intron 4) in the NOS3 gene, which encodes eNOS, are associated with the clinical characteristics of ED in several populations.

Aim

To investigate the effect of these variations of NOS3 on ED phenotypes and the response to sildenafil in a Han Chinese population.

Methods

This case-control study enrolled 112 patients with ED and 156 age-matched healthy men. Their medical history and laboratory data were collected. ED severity and response to sildenafil were assessed using the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score. Routine polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing were used to genotype the three polymorphisms of NOS3.

Outcomes

The frequencies of alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of the loci in patients and controls; the IIEF-5 scores of patients carrying the risk and non-risk genotype; and the frequencies of risk and non-risk genotypes in patients with different ages at onset and responses to sildenafil were assessed.

Results

The frequencies of drinkers and diabetic and hyperlipidemic patients in the ED group were higher than those in the age-matched control group (P < .05). The distributions of alleles (G894T, P < .005; T-786C, P < .015), genotypes (G894T, P < 0.015; T-786C, P < .010), and haplotypes (G894T/T-786C, P < .015) of the NOS3 polymorphisms were significantly different between patients with ED and controls. An increased risk for earlier onset of ED was observed in the G894T risk genotype carriers (odds ratio = 3.572; P < .020). Patients with the risk genotype of T-786C exhibited lower IIEF-5 scores than patients with the non-risk genotype (8.2 ± 4.5 vs 12.2 ± 5.0; P < .015). The influence of the T-786C or G894T genotype on the response to sildenafil was not observed.

Clinical Translation

The detectable effect of NOS3 functional polymorphisms on ED suggests their application potential as a molecular biomarker in predicting ED susceptibility and severity in the Han Chinese population.

Strengths & Limitations

This study provides strong evidence that NOS3 functional variation is an independent risk factor for ED in the Han Chinese population, which should be confirmed in larger cohorts considering the limited number of subjects in this study.

Conclusion

These results are the first to identify a clear association between NOS3 functional variation and ED susceptibility, age at onset, and severity in the Han Chinese population.
In situ determination of crystal structure and chemistry of minerals at Earth's deep lower mantle conditions
Authors: Yuan Hongsheng , Zhang Li
Published: March 2017

Recent advances in experimental techniques and data processing allow in situ determination of mineral crystal structure and chemistry up to Mbar pressures in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell (DAC), providing the fundamental information of the mineralogical constitution of our Earth's interior. This work highlights several recent breakthroughs in the field of high-pressure mineral crystallography, including the stability of bridgmanite, the single-crystal structure studies of post-perovskite and H-phase as well as the identification of hydrous minerals and iron oxides in the deep lower mantle. The future development of high-pressure crystallography is also discussed.
Evaluating Willingness to Pay as a Measure of the Impact of Dyslexia in Adults
Authors: Herrera-Araujo Daniel , Shaywitz Bennett A. , Holahan John M. , Marchione Karen E. , Michaels Reissa , Shaywitz Sally E. , Hammitt James K.
Published: March 2017

While much is known about dyslexia in school-age children and adolescents, less is known about its effects on quality of life in adults. Using data from the Connecticut Longitudinal Study, we provide the first estimates of the monetary value of improving reading, speaking, and cognitive skills to dyslexic and nondyslexic adults. Using a stated-preference survey, we find that dyslexic and nondyslexic individuals value improvements in their skills in reading speed, reading aloud, pronunciation, memory, and information retrieval at about the same rate. Because dyslexics have lower self-reported levels on these skills, their total willingness to pay to achieve a high level of skill is substantially greater than for nondyslexics. However, dyslexic individuals’ willingness to pay (averaging $3000 for an improvement in all skills simultaneously) is small compared with the difference in earnings between dyslexic and nondyslexic adults. We estimate that dyslexic individuals earn 15% less per year (about $8000) than nondyslexic individuals. Although improvements in reading, speaking, and cognitive skills in adulthood are unlikely to eliminate the earnings difference that reflects differences in educational attainment and other factors, stated-preference estimates of the value of cognitive skills may substantially underestimate the value derived from effects on lifetime earnings and health.
Bilateral nail gun traumatic brain injury presents as intentional overdose: A case report
Authors: Alain Judith , Lavergne Pascal , St-Onge Maude , D’Astous Myreille , Côté Stéphane
Published: March 2017

This report describes a rare but life-threatening case of a suicide attempt initially considered as intentional overdose at the emergency department. Persistent altered mental status, despite normal toxicology investigations, led the attending team to order a head computed tomography scan, which revealed a bilateral penetrating nail gun injury with a right temporal hematoma for which a decompressive craniectomy was performed. Although voluntary intoxication is the most frequent form of suicide attempt, emergency physicians must be alert and maintain a broad differential diagnosis. Although rare, penetrating head injuries have increased in recent decades. As neurological symptoms can be minimal and penetration wounds small, this type of injury could potentially be overlooked.
Hand Hygiene With Alcohol-Based Hand Rub: How Long Is Long Enough?
Authors: Pires Daniela , Soule Hervé , Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando , Gayet-Ageron Angèle , Pittet Didier
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUND

Hand hygiene is the core element of infection prevention and control. The optimal hand-hygiene gesture, however, remains poorly defined.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the influence of hand-rubbing duration on the reduction of bacterial counts on the hands of healthcare personnel (HCP).

METHODS

We performed an experimental study based on the European Norm 1500. Hand rubbing was performed for 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60 seconds, according to the WHO technique using 3 mL alcohol-based hand rub. Hand contamination with E. coli ATCC 10536 was followed by hand rubbing and sampling. A generalized linear mixed model with a random effect on the subject adjusted for hand size and gender was used to analyze the reduction in bacterial counts after each hand-rubbing action. In addition, hand-rubbing durations of 15 and 30 seconds were compared to assert non-inferiority (0.6 log10).

RESULTS

In total, 32 HCP performed 123 trials. All durations of hand rubbing led to significant reductions in bacterial counts (P<.001). Reductions achieved after 10, 15, or 20 seconds of hand rubbing were not significantly different from those obtained after 30 seconds. The mean bacterial reduction after 15 seconds of hand rubbing was 0.11 log10 lower (95% CI, −0.46 to 0.24) than after 30 seconds, demonstrating non-inferiority.

CONCLUSIONS

Hand rubbing for 15 seconds was not inferior to 30 seconds in reducing bacterial counts on hands under the described experimental conditions. There was no gain in reducing bacterial counts from hand rubbing longer than 30 seconds. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical significance of our findings.

Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:547–552
On the dynamics of three-dimensional slung prisms under very low and high turbulence flows
Authors: Jin Y. , Chamorro L. P.
Published: March 2017

The distinctive pendulum-like oscillation and pitching patterns of cubic and rectangular slung prisms were inspected for two aspect ratios at various Reynolds numbers $Re$ under two free-stream turbulence levels. Systematic experiments were performed using high-resolution telemetry and hotwire anemometry to quantitatively characterize the dynamics of the prisms and the wake fluctuation. The results show that the dynamics of the prisms can be characterized by two distinctive regions depending on the prism shape. Specifically, in the case of cubic prisms the regions are defined by the growth rate of the pitching amplitude; whereas the dynamics of the rectangular prisms is more sensitive to the angle of attack. In particular, when the large side initially faces the flow, the regions are defined by the synchronization between the vortex shedding and pure oscillations under very low turbulence. When the smaller side initially faces the flow, the regions are defined by the equilibrium pitching position. Regardless of the geometry of the prism and flow condition the dominant oscillation frequency resulted as being close to the natural frequency of the small-amplitude pendulum-like oscillation.
Gyrotactic swimmer dispersion in pipe flow: testing the theory
Authors: Croze Ottavio A. , Bearon Rachel N. , Bees Martin A.
Published: March 2017

Suspensions of microswimmers are a rich source of fascinating new fluid mechanics. Recently we predicted the active pipe flow dispersion of gyrotactic microalgae, whose orientation is biased by gravity and flow shear. Analytical theory predicts that these active swimmers disperse in a markedly distinct manner from passive tracers (Taylor dispersion). Dispersing swimmers display non-zero drift and effective diffusivity that is non-monotonic with Péclet number. Such predictions agree with numerical simulations, but hitherto have not been tested experimentally. Here, to facilitate comparison, we obtain new solutions of the axial dispersion theory accounting both for swimmer negative buoyancy and a local nonlinear response of swimmers to shear, provided by two alternative microscopic stochastic descriptions. We obtain new predictions for suspensions of the model swimming alga Dunaliella salina, whose motility and buoyant mass we parametrise using tracking video microscopy. We then present a new experimental method to measure gyrotactic dispersion using fluorescently stained D. salina and provide a preliminary comparison with predictions of a non-zero drift above the mean flow for each microscopic stochastic description. Finally, we propose further experiments for a full experimental characterisation of gyrotactic dispersion measures and discuss the implications of our results for algal dispersion in industrial photobioreactors.
Generic revision of the Holocystitidae of North America (Diploporita, Echinodermata) based on universal elemental homology
Authors: Sheffield Sarah L. , Sumrall Colin D.
Published: March 2017

TheHolocystitesFauna is an enigmatic group of North American diploporitans that presents a rare window into unusual middle Silurian echinoderm communities. Multiple systematic revisions have subdivided holocystitids on the basis of presumed differences in oral area plating and respiratory structures. However, these differences were based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the homologous elements of the oral area and the taphonomic process; taphonomic disarticulation of the oral area formed the basis for the erection ofPentacystisandOsgoodicystisas separate genera, andOsgoodicystisis interpreted as the junior synonym ofPentacystis. Holocystitids show a conservative peristomial bordering plate pattern that is shared among all described genera. The peristome is bordered by seven interradially positioned oral plates as is typical for oral plate–bearing blastozoans. A second open circlet of facetal plates lies distal to the oral plates; five of these facetal plates bear facets for feeding appendages (lost on the A ambulacrum in some taxa), while two lateral facets (present in all taxa exceptPustulocystis) do not. Holocystitid taxa show minor modifications to this basic peristomial bordering plate pattern. As thecal morphologies are highly variable within populations, taxonomic revision of holocystitids is based on modifications of the plating of the oral area.
A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials Evaluating Interventions Following Non-Marital Relationship Separation
Authors: Kazan Dominique , Calear Alison L. , Batterham Philip J.
Published: March 2017

The effect of a relationship separation on wellbeing is substantial. However, without divorce parameters, individuals in dating or cohabiting relationships may struggle to access support mechanisms. A systematic review was conducted to identify controlled trials of interventions targeting individuals who have experienced a non-marital relationship separation, to supplement the divorce literature. The aim of the review was to assess the impact of these interventions on mental health. Five articles were identified through PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and Medline databases. Overall, two of the trials reported a significant improvement in specific mental health outcomes at post-test and/or follow-up. Of the two trials demonstrating efficacy in mental health outcomes, one used a weekly, forgiveness-based group intervention and the other was a writing-based, self-initiated intervention. A lack of trials testing theory-driven interventions for relationship separation is of particular concern. Limitations of the existing literature and corresponding directions for future research are discussed.