bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use by birds of riparian vegetation in an extensively fragmented landscape
Authors: M. Fisher Andrew , C. Goldney David
Published: May 2016

The bird communities of six riparian woodland sites are described and compared with those of eight terrestrial woodland sites in the Central Tablelands near Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. Riparian woodland, where still present in the Central Tablelands, is dominated by either relatively narrow strips of Casuarina cunninghamiana along stream banks or the less restricted Angophora floribunda trees associated with Eucalyptus melliodora?E. blakelyi woodlands. Four of the riparian sites were located within cleared agricultural land and two were located within a relatively large nature reserve. Bird censuses along a strip transect were conducted twice per season from spring 1993 to summer 1996. The riparian woodland communities contained within the cleared landscape of the Bathurst basin were found to support a diverse avifauna, a mix of woodland-forest and species associated with agricultural landscapes. Extensive observations of individual birds at riparian sites indicate that the tree canopy is the most widely used microhabitat stratum. While native riparian woodlands are generally degraded, their connectivity and stabilizing function (actual or potential) identifies them as a critical landscape component in maintenance or restoration programmes. Hence it is suggested that riparian strips could form the basis for rehabilitation initiatives within this landscape. Fenced plantings of endemic tree species supplemented by native understorey species could be linked with existing vegetation to enhance landscape connectivity. It is crucial that landholders become aware of the importance of riparian vegetation for nature conservation and stream stabilization. Incentives should be provided to landholders to encourage these areas to be fenced from stock in order to protect them from further degradation in a significantly disturbed ecosystem.
Species interactions between the White-winged Chough and Australian Magpie in a fragmented landscape
Authors: J. Cox S. , J. Bauer J.
Published: May 2016

We studied the ecology of the White-winged Chough and its interaction with the Australian Magpie on the Central Tablelands of New South Wales, Australia, over seven months. Both species are ground foragers and significant prey overlap was assumed. Invertebrate biomass as an index of habitat quality, showed grasslands to be the most valuable of the three habitats, followed by edge and forest habitats. Magpie territories were positioned around the grasslands and therefore were of higher quality than chough territories which were dominated by forest and edge. Magpies actively exclude chough groups from most of the highly valuable grassland habitat, through repeated and persistent attacks. Despite an apparently effective defensive strategy we concluded that the chough was largely excluded from the most attractive habitat in our study area by the magpie. This study highlights the implications of species interactions on the responses of individual species to habitat fragmentation across a landscape. Implications of this study for the validity of present vertebrate habitat models, which ignore the dynamic nature of population behaviour are discussed.
Extinct and introduced vertebrate species in New Zealand: a loss of biodistinctiveness and gain in biodiversity
Authors: Wilson Kerry-Jayne
Published: May 2016

During the 1 000 years that people have lived in New Zealand 50 vertebrate species have become extinct. Other species are extinct on the mainland but survive on island refugia. In the 150 years since European colonization 95 vertebrate species have been introduced and habitat changes have allowed 10 additional bird species to colonize. All but one of the extinct species were endemic and 24 belonged to families or orders endemic to New Zealand. All but one of the introduced and colonizing species are common in their homelands. Although there are now more vertebrate species in New Zealand than there were at the time of human settlement, the previously highly distinctive fauna is becoming increasingly cosmopolitan. The impact faunal change has had on terrestrial ecosystems is poorly known. It is important that conservation priorities be based on an appreciation of faunal and ecological changes rather than responding to crises one species at a time.
Towards integrating farming and conservation: the role of native pastures
Authors: Nadolny Christopher
Published: May 2016

Agriculture has almost certainly contributed to the decline of native vegetation and wildlife in rural Australia. A prevalent culture supports agricultural systems that rely on the use of exotic plants and animals and greater use of chemicals and machinery. In general, these systems do not fully utilize or take account of the indigenous biota. The full implications of implementing such farming systems on a landscape scale are seldom considered. I use the grazing industry on the Northern Tablelands of New South Wales to illustrate two contrasting approaches: (1) "pasture improvement" involving replacement of native with exotic species versus (2) retention and management of existing native and naturalized pasture species. Pasture improvement has been refined by extensive agronomic research, plant selection and field testing of techniques. Nevertheless, the approach is losing support among farmers because of high inputs required to maintain "improved" pastures, the fragility of these pastures during droughts, low commodity prices, longterm declines in soil structure and increases in soil acidity. Other side-effects include tree decline, reduced diversity of indigenous herbaceous plant communities and loss of wildlife. Using native pastures may offer some solutions to these problems, but the level of understanding required to manage them effectively is limited. Exotic sown pastures have no clear advantage in areas with poor soils and irregular rainfall, and the environmental impacts of new developments involving large-scale pasture improvement can be unacceptable. I conclude that native and naturalised pastures are the best option for most of the region and sown pastures should be used strategically.
The Thevenard Island mouse: historic and conservation implications from mitochondrial DNA sequence-variation
Authors: Moro D. , J. H. Campbell N. , S. Elphinstone M. , R. Baverstock P.
Published: May 2016

The level of mitochondrial differentiation between Thevenard Island and mainland populations of the short-tailed mice Leggadina lakedownensis was determined using DNA sequencing of the Control Region. Using temperature gradient gel electrophoresis, outgroup heteroduplex analysis detected eight haplotypes. These were sequenced for 362 basepairs. Our results show that the Thevenard Island Short-tailed Mouse is indeed L. lakedownensis, and is most closely related to L. lakedownensis in the Pilbara in Western Australia. Together, Thevenard Island and adjacent mainland populations are sufficiently divergent from those in northern Australia as to be recognized as two clearly distinct mitochondrial DNA lineages. Conservation and taxonomic implications arising from a phylogeny of haplotypes suggest that two Management Units exist within L. lakedownensis ? a northern unit that includes individuals from the Kimberley (Western Australia) to Kakadu National Park (Northern Territory), and a western unit comprising individuals from Thevenard Island and the Pilbara (Western Australia). These conservation units should be managed as separate subspecies of L. lakedownensis, and a high conservation priority should be given to the Thevenard Island population because it provides an important refugium for L. lakedownensis not just in the Pilbara, but in Australia.
Past and Present Distribution of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot (Perameles gunnii) in the Midlands, Tasmania
Authors: A. Mallick S. , Haseler M. , J. Hocking G. , M. Driessen M.
Published: May 2016

The Eastern Barred Bandicoot, Perameles gunnii, is still relatively widespread and abundant in Tasmania, in contrast to the situation on mainland Australia where the species has declined to a single wild population. However, despite its relative security in Tasmania, there is evidence that a significant shift in the species' distribution has occurred since European settlement. The original range of P. gunnii in Tasmania can be postulated from the pre-European distribution of its original habitat (native grasslands and grassy woodlands), which occurred almost exclusively through the Midlands region of the state. We present anecdotal data collected from residents throughout the Midlands and adjoining regions which indicate that P. gunnii is now absent from the majority of its original range. The removal of >80% of the original Midlands native vegetation through clearing for agriculture and stock-grazing is suggested as the principal cause of this decline.
Rare or Threatened Australian Plants: 1995 Revised Edition
Authors: Froend Ray
Published: May 2016

The future of Australia's flora is dependent upon developing an understanding within the community and management of the need for conservation. A vital ingredient in achieving this understanding is the provision of accurate information on how many species are threatened or have already become extinct. Rare or Threatened Australian Plants (ROTAP): 1995 Revised Edition fulfils such a need and represents an up to date list of taxa that are presumed extinct, endangered, vulnerable, rare or poorly known at the national level.
Proceedings of the 1994 Rock-wallaby Symposium Australian Mammalogy
Authors: Cumming Suzanne
Published: May 2016

The widely studied Australian marsupial genus Petrogale comprises 15 species of rock-wallaby with 26 known taxa. They are found throughout mainland Australia and on some continental islands. Rock-wallabies prefer habitats containing rocky areas with complex topographies of rock-piles, cliffs, crevices, ledges and caves. Although no rock-wallaby species is critically endangered, many populations and races are at immediate risk of extinction, and there are unexplained declines occurring in populations that are not endangered. Southern Australian taxa and populations appear to be more threatened than northern Australian taxa.
Population structure and movements of introduced rats in an Hawaiian rainforest
Authors: D. Lindsey Gerald , M. Mosher Stephen , G. Fancy Steven , D. Smucker Ty
Published: May 2016

We studied populations of introduced rats in three areas in Hawaiian rainforests as part of a larger study to determine the factors limiting endangered bird populations. Species composition among 1 264 rats live trapped was Black Rats Rattus rattus 60.8%, Polynesian Rats R. exulans 38.1 %, and Norway Rats R. norvegicus 1.0%. Capture rates did not differ among the three study areas or four seasonal periods for any of the species. Males comprised 53.0% of 921 Black Rats and 55.3% of 783 Polynesian Rats that were sexed. Juvenile rats comprised 26.2% of Black Rats and 31.7% of Polynesian Rats captured and weighed. Black and Polynesian Rats reproduced throughout the year, but the highest proportion of juveniles in the population was captured in September-November and the lowest proportion in April-June. Mean home range size was 3.6 ha for four Black Rats (three males and one female) and 3.0 ha for three Polynesian Rats (two males and one female). All daytime nests of Black Rats found were above ground, generally in cavities within tree canopies. Mean annual rat activity in tree canopies as measured with tracking tunnels was 43% (range 21?80%). Of 44 rats captured in trees, 43 were Black Rats and one was a Polynesian rat.
Habitat of the Regent Honeyeater Xanthomyza phrygia and the value of the Bundarra-Barraba region for the conservation of avifauna
Authors: L. Oliver Damon , J. Ley Andrew , A. Ford Hugh , Williams Beth
Published: May 2016

Five types of woodland and forest in the Bundarra-Barraba region of northern New South Wales were surveyed for Regent Honeyeaters Xanthomyza phrygia and other birds over two years. Regent Honeyeaters were found in 24 of the 93 transects, at a density of 0.09 birds/ha. Most were found in box-ironbark woodland (34% of 62 sites), with single records from box-gum woodland, box-stringybark woodland and dry plateau complex woodland. No Regent Honeyeaters were found in riparian gallery forest during censuses, but they were found breeding there at other times. All habitats contained a high density of birds, compared to other wooded regions in southern Australia, with riparian gallery forest and box-ironbark woodland being particularly rich in species and numbers. These habitats had greater flowering indices, larger trees and more mistletoes than other habitats. Sites used by Regent Honeyeaters supported significantly more birds and bird species than unoccupied sites. The region supports a total of 193 species, four of which are nationally threatened and seven which are threatened in New South Wales. The richness of the bird community in the region is partly because it retains a higher proportion of native vegetation cover (43%) than many other parts of rural Australia. Protection and rehabilitation of box-ironbark woodland and riparian gallery forest is of high priority in a regional conservation plan. However, all habitats in the Bundarra-Barraba region should be protected from clearing and degradation, because they are also used at times by Regent Honeyeaters and support a wide range of bird species. Wise management should retain many sensitive bird species that have disappeared from or declined in other regions of southeastern Australia.
Archives and conservation biology.
Authors: Calver Mike
Published: May 2016

IN a previous editorial in Pacific Conservation Biology, (PCB 2012, 18(2), p.68), I referred to recent
papers in the insect conservation literature that made use of decades-old data sets to establish longterm
changes in the species richness and abundance of insect groups in grasslands in eastern
Germany. This is a signficant example of the lasting value of descriptive data sets. In this issue’s
guest editorial, Sebastian Schuch, one of the authors of the recent papers, describes how he came
to find the original studies and their value in documenting long-term change in insect communities.
New paradigm to assess brain cell morphology by diffusion-weighted MR spectroscopy in vivo
Authors: Palombo Marco , Ligneul Clémence , Najac Chloé , Le Douce Juliette , Flament Julien , Escartin Carole , Hantraye Philippe , Brouillet Emmanuel , Bonvento Gilles , Valette Julien
Published: May 2016

Significance

Characterizing the microstructure of an organ noninvasively using molecular diffusion measurements represents a major challenge in medical imaging and life science. In this work, we propose concepts in diffusion magnetic resonance to noninvasively extract morphological properties of brain cells that are out of reach of existing neuroimaging techniques, such as diffusion-weighted MRI. We show how long-range morphology of neurons and astrocytes can affect the diffusion of cell-specific metabolites at ultra-long diffusion times and that adequate modeling strategy seems to allow extracting morphological parameters such as astrocytic and neuronal process length and complexity, opening the way to noninvasive histology of the brain. We believe that the concepts and methods introduced here may represent a significant breakthrough in neuroimaging and neurosciences.
Networks of highly branched stigmarian rootlets developed on the first giant trees
Authors: Hetherington Alexander J. , Berry Christopher M. , Dolan Liam
Published: May 2016

Significance

Coal swamps were the carbon burial factories of the Carboniferous period, forming huge coal deposits and driving climate cooling. The Carboniferous forests were also home to the first giant (>50 m) trees to grow on the planet. These trees were anchored by a unique structure termed a stigmarian system, which is hypothesized to represent a leafy shoot modified to function as a root. Here, we report the discovery of the complex, highly branched rootlet structure of these trees. Our findings demonstrate that rootlet architecture is conserved from the giant extinct trees of the Carboniferous to the small extant herbs of today’s flora.
Unique lipid anchor attaches Vi antigen capsule to the surface of
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi
Authors: Liston Sean D. , Ovchinnikova Olga G. , Whitfield Chris
Published: May 2016

Significance

Polysaccharide capsules are protective surface layers that enhance virulence of many pathogenic bacteria.
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhi is the causative agent of typhoid fever, and it produces the virulence capsular polysaccharide known as “Vi antigen.” This glycan is part of some current vaccines. In some Gram-negative bacteria, capsular polysaccharides are attached to a conserved glycolipid that anchors the polysaccharide to the cell surface and is required for its transport across the cell envelope.
S
.
enterica
Typhi follows a different strategy; this work identifies a reducing terminal lipid structure unique to the Vi antigen that is required for attachment of the capsular surface layer. This lipid is structurally (and potentially biosynthetically) related to the conserved lipid A component of bacterial lipopolysaccharides.
nArgBP2 regulates excitatory synapse formation by controlling dendritic spine morphology
Authors: Lee Sang-Eun , Kim Yoonju , Han Jeong-Kyu , Park Hoyong , Lee Unghwi , Na Myeongsu , Jeong Soomin , Chung ChiHye , Cestra Gianluca , Chang Sunghoe
Published: May 2016

Significance

Recent studies have implicated postsynaptic scaffolding protein synapse-associated protein 90/postsynaptic density protein 95-associated protein 3 (SAPAP3) or Shank3 in mood disorders such as bipolar disorder, autism, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Neural Abelson-related gene-binding protein 2 (nArgBP2) is a binding partner of both SAPAP3 and Shank3, and its genetic deletion in mice leads to manic/bipolar-like behavior resembling symptoms of bipolar disorder. Remarkably, nothing is known about the synaptic function of nArgBP2 or its connection with the synaptic alterations associated with bipolar disorder. Here, we provide compelling evidence that nArgBP2 regulates spine morphogenesis and that its ablation causes a robust and selective inhibition of excitatory synapse formation by controlling actin dynamics. Our results revealed the underlying mechanism for the synaptic dysfunction caused by nArgBP2 down-regulation that may be associated with human bipolar disorder.
Antifreeze proteins govern the precipitation of trehalose in a freezing-avoiding insect at low temperature
Authors: Wen Xin , Wang Sen , Duman John G. , Arifin Josh Fnu , Juwita Vonny , Goddard William A. , Rios Alejandra , Liu Fan , Kim Soo-Kyung , Abrol Ravinder , DeVries Arthur L. , Henling Lawrence M.
Published: May 2016

Significance

Survival strategies for overwintering insects rely on the biochemical components in body fluids, where trehalose and antifreeze proteins (AFPs) are sometimes the best-known and extensively studied carbohydrate and protein components occurring in winters in both freeze-tolerant (they can survive if frozen) and freeze-avoiding species (they die if frozen). AFPs are known to lower the freezing temperature and defer the growth of ice, whereas their roles in freeze-tolerant species have long been speculated. By examining the larval blood of a freeze-avoiding beetle, we reveal a new role for AFPs by demonstrating that AFPs effectively inhibit trehalose crystallization. This finding provides a novel approach for cold protection and for inhibiting trehalose crystallization in medical and industrial applications.
Significant effect of oxide on mechanical properties of friction-stir-welded AA2024 joints
Authors: Niu P. , Li W. , Zhang Z. , Wang F. , Feng Y. , Fu M.
Published: May 2016

A 30–40 μm thick oxide layer was prefabricated on the top, butt or bottom surfaces of AA2024 sheets by micro-arc oxidation, which were then friction stir welded. Sheets without oxide layer were also welded with blowing oxygen along the weldline during welding for comparison purposes. Results reveal that the tensile properties depend on the amount and distribution of the residual oxide impurities in the joints. The oxide layer on the butt surface leads to continuously distributed oxide impurities in the shoulder-affected zone near the advancing side, and a 159 MPa maximum degradation in tensile strength was noticed. Moreover, the oxygen blowing during welding has a little influence on the joint tensile strength and no oxide was detected in the joint.
Dual control by Cdk1 phosphorylation of the budding yeast APC/C ubiquitin ligase activator Cdh1
Authors: Höckner Sebastian , Neumann-Arnold Lea , Seufert Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

The antagonism between cyclin-dependent kinases (Cdks) and the ubiquitin ligase APC/C-Cdh1 is central to eukaryotic cell cycle control. APC/C-Cdh1 targets cyclin B and other regulatory proteins for degradation, whereas Cdks disable APC/C-Cdh1 through phosphorylation of the Cdh1 activator protein at multiple sites. Budding yeast Cdh1 carries nine Cdk phosphorylation sites in its N-terminal regulatory domain, most or all of which contribute to inhibition. However, the precise role of individual sites has remained unclear. Here, we report that the Cdk phosphorylation sites of yeast Cdh1 are organized into autonomous subgroups and act through separate mechanisms. Cdk sites 1–3 had no direct effect on the APC/C binding of Cdh1 but inactivated a bipartite nuclear localization sequence (NLS) and thereby controlled the partitioning of Cdh1 between cytoplasm and nucleus. In contrast, Cdk sites 4–9 did not influence the cell cycle–regulated localization of Cdh1 but prevented its binding to the APC/C. Cdk sites 4–9 reside near two recently identified APC/C interaction motifs in a pattern conserved with the human Cdh1 orthologue. Thus a Cdk-inhibited NLS goes along with Cdk-inhibited APC/C binding sites in yeast Cdh1 to relay the negative control by Cdk1 phosphorylation of the ubiquitin ligase APC/C-Cdh1.
Membrane dynamics during cellular wound repair
Authors: Davenport Nicholas R. , Sonnemann Kevin J. , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Bement William M.
Published: May 2016

Cells rapidly reseal after damage, but how they do so is unknown. It has been hypothesized that resealing occurs due to formation of a patch derived from rapid fusion of intracellular compartments at the wound site. However, patching has never been directly visualized. Here we study membrane dynamics in wounded Xenopus laevis oocytes at high spatiotemporal resolution. Consistent with the patch hypothesis, we find that damage triggers rampant fusion of intracellular compartments, generating a barrier that limits influx of extracellular dextrans. Patch formation is accompanied by compound exocytosis, local accumulation and aggregation of vesicles, and rupture of compartments facing the external environment. Subcellular patterning is evident as annexin A1, dysferlin, diacylglycerol, active Rho, and active Cdc42 are recruited to compartments confined to different regions around the wound. We also find that a ring of elevated intracellular calcium overlaps the region where membrane dynamics are most evident and persists for several minutes. The results provide the first direct visualization of membrane patching during membrane repair, reveal novel features of the repair process, and show that a remarkable degree of spatial patterning accompanies damage-induced membrane dynamics.
Isotopes
Authors: Ellam Rob
Published: May 2016

An isotope is a variant form of a chemical element, containing a different number of neutrons in its nucleus. Most elements exist as several isotopes. Many are stable, others are radioactive, and some may only exist fleetingly before decaying into other elements. The study of isotope ratios has become central to many areas of science, and used to probe the age and history of the Earth and the origins of the Solar System. Radioactive isotopes find wide applications, from nuclear power to medicine and carbon dating. Isotopes: A Very Short Introduction provides an overview of the nature of stable and radioactive isotopes, considering their wide range of modern applications.
Revisiting the ‘Violence We Have Lost’: Homicide in Seventeenth-Century Cheshire
Authors: Sharpe J.A. , Dickinson J.R.
Published: May 2016

It is now generally accepted that there was a fall in the number of homicide prosecutions in early modern England, perhaps signifying broader shifts in violent behaviour. So far, however, apart from J.S. Cockburn’s 1991 study of long-term developments in homicide prosecutions in Kent, there has been little in-depth analysis of this transition. This article provides a detailed study of homicide prosecutions in Cheshire over the seventeenth century, focusing on the records of the county’s Court of Great Sessions, the local equivalent of the assizes. Cheshire is the only northern county where the surviving records permit this type of analysis over the seventeenth century, and hence constitutes an important point of comparison with research completed on homicide in the south during the early modern period. Cheshire homicide cases, and especially cases categorised as manslaughter, were running at a much higher level in the first half of the century, with a peak in the 1620s. Throughout the century, homicide in the county was an overwhelmingly male activity, with men of all classes being involved. It is suggested that, in the first half of the century at least, Cheshire was a weapon-carrying culture. The decline in homicide in the second half of the century is ascribed to a set of interrelated factors including the relative social stability of the period, and the greater integration of the county into the national political system, especially after 1688, and into the national economy. These and other forces worked together to create a major transition in the culture and social psychology of the early modern English population, in which the decline of homicide was an important element.
Rapid Progression in Lobar Cerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Cerebral hemorrhage sometimes requires neurosurgical evacuation. Mostly, surgery becomes an option when a patient has deteriorated. Deteriorating patients with spontaneous lobar intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) might benefit from surgery, especially non-comatose patients with good rehabilitation potential and superficial hematomas without associated intraventricular hemorrhage. The indications for intervention, and particularly the timing of craniotomy, are discussed in this chapter. Surgery is indicated in patients with large cerebellar hematomas and considerable mass effect or obstructive hydrocephalus. Surgery is also indicated when ICH is due to underlying vascular anomalies or tumors. This chapter also reviews the available evidence from clinical surgical trials.
A Psychotic Break and Seizures
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Autoimmune encephalitis has been recognized more often and classified into subtypes, although clinical characteristics overlap. Some distinguishing features are a psychotic break, autonomic dysfunction, seizures, depressed level of consciousness, or a new movement disorder. Patients with seizures due to autoimmune encephalitis are typically resistant to antiepileptic drugs, requiring multiple agents to abort the seizures. Early initiation of immunotherapy is directly related to outcomes in autoimmune encephalitis and perhaps even to control of refractory seizures. A practical approach is presented. Early treatment speeds recovery, reduces disability, and decreases relapses.
When to Retrieve a Clot in Acute Stroke
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Major hemispheric stroke from large intracranial vessel occlusion may not respond to intravenous thrombolysis and may require a more aggressive endovascular approach. Clinical trials have validated the use of these devices. This chapter discusses currently used mechanical clot disruption devices and what they can achieve. For instance, embolectomy (in combination with intravenous thrombolysis) is highly beneficial for patients with severe stroke from large intracranial vessel occlusion and limited infarcted core. Retrievable stents are the preferred tools to treat the occluded vessel. Endovascular reperfusion should be offered to the right patient: if a patient was doing poorly before a large stroke, a benefit cannot be anticipated even if successful reperfusion is achieved.
Cerebral Venous Thrombosis Not Responding to Anticoagulation
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Patients with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis can present deceptively normal. Many patients are not critically ill, but all are at risk for deterioration from venous infarction, intracerebral hemorrhage, cerebral edema, and seizures. These complications, in an often young patient, may be devastating if they are not recognized and followed by immediate treatment and possible endovascular intervention. This chapter addresses the related complications and treatment. Endovascular therapy should be strongly considered in a patient deteriorating from clot propagation despite adequate intravenous heparinization or use of low-molecular-weight heparin. Evacuation of a hematoma or decompressive craniectomy may be needed in a patient deteriorating from brainstem compression.
The First Week After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Subarachnoid hemorrhage patients who present stuporous, comatose, or with focal neurological deficits demand immediate attention. This chapter addresses what causes neurological decline as well as early care. The causes of neurological decline in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage relate to the time from aneurysm rupture. Early care includes the management of acute hydrocephalus, ventriculostomy placement, aneurysm repair, and management of systemic complications. Induced hypertension is the most useful medical treatment to reverse ischemic symptoms. Endovascular therapy is necessary when symptoms are refractory or the patient has poor cardiopulmonary reserve and cannot tolerate hemodynamic augmentation. Despite major setbacks for some, many of these critically ill patients can achieve reasonable clinical outcomes.
More on Delayed Cerebral Ischemia and Neurointervention After Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Endovascular procedures for treating delayed cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage are widely used. Endovascular therapy should be attempted in patients with symptomatic vasospasm refractory to hemodynamic augmentation. This chapter reviews the indications for transluminal balloon angioplasty and intra-arterial administration of calcium channel blockers along with periprocedural medical management of these tenuous situations. Intra-arterial infusion of calcium channel antagonists is effective to improve vasospasm in most patients but has a short-lived effect. Balloon angioplasty is the most effective treatment for proximal large artery vasospasm and has a more durable effect but cannot treat vasospasm of the distal circulation.
Hemorrhage into a Pituitary Tumor
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Hemorrhage into a pituitary tumor is a rare potential medical emergency. Pituitary apoplexy should be suspected in a patient with sudden headache, oculomotor palsy, and sellar mass. This chapter presents the approach to stabilizing the patient and interpreting laboratory and imaging abnormalities. MRI is twice as sensitive as CT to detect hemorrhage in pituitary tumors and is the neuroimaging modality of choice. Acute medical care consists of stabilizing physiology with corticosteroid replacement and management of electrolyte and fluid derangements. The indications for urgent neurosurgical management are also presented. Transsphenoidal resection is the mainstay of definitive treatment and should be urgently performed for patients with a depressed level of consciousness or acute neuroophthalmic deficits.
Brain Edema and Hypertensive Urgency
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is encountered in a variety of clinical situations but most commonly in patients who are in a hypertensive crisis. Diagnosis of PRES should be considered in patients presenting with acute onset of headache, encephalopathy, seizure, or focal neurological deficits in the setting of blood pressure fluctuations, renal failure, cytotoxic drug use, autoimmune disorders, or eclampsia. Lowering the blood pressure gradually is often all that is needed. Complications involving seizures, hemorrhagic or ischemic strokes, and rarely hydrocephalus may require specific treatment. Without treatment or removal of the inciting trigger patients may progress to coma and status epilepticus.
Awake and Then Not Awake After Brain Surgery
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

An unusual clinical course is no complications after extirpation of a tumor, but then no awakening of the patient. Evaluation of the patient, interpretation of neuroimaging findings, and potential causes are discussed in this chapter. Neurological worsening after craniotomy for tumor surgery can be due to cerebral vasospasm. The cerebral vasospasm can be diffuse and not only in the surgical field and may only be documented by cerebral angiogram. Worsening can also occur because of hemorrhage in the surgical bed, remote hemorrhage, cerebral edema, or ischemic stroke from sacrifice of a large vein or artery. Postoperative seizures may present with focal seizures, which may evolve into partial or generalized status epilepticus.
When a Single EEG Is Not Enough
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Electroencephalography (EEG) is an important diagnostic tool for specific indications. Detection of seizures is greater than when using a spot electroencephalogram. Indications for electroencephalography and validity of monitoring are discussed in this chapter. Continuous EEG monitoring will increase the yield of detection of seizures but also nonspecific transients. Nonconvulsive seizures may occur in 20–30% of critically ill neurological patients and half are detected within the first 30 minutes of monitoring. EEG monitoring should be continued until the clinical question is answered and either a) the patient has recovered to neurological baseline or b) no seizures have occurred for 2 hours in patients without epileptiform abnormalities or for 12–24 hours in patients with epileptiform abnormalities.
When to Place an Intracranial Pressure Monitor
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

The monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure is fundamental to the care of acutely brain-injured patients with altered consciousness. Improving technology should benefit the physician, but it is not known for sure if it benefits the patient. Indications for placement of a monitoring device are discussed. An ICP monitor should be placed in comatose traumatic brain-injured patients with abnormal head computed tomography (CT) or with normal CT and two of the following: age over 40 years, posturing, or hypotension. ICP monitors may be needed in patients with poor-grade aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, fulminant hepatic failure, and acute bacterial meningitis.
Wild and Agitated After Acute Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Delirium in a patient in the intensive acre unit (ICU) is a common complication of medical and surgical critical illness and it is associated with worse short-term and long-term clinical outcomes. Altered level and content of consciousness is never acceptable in a patient in the intensive care unit. If present, it deserves attention. This chapter discusses the recognition and treatment of ICU delirium. Standardized tools, such as the CAM-ICU score, should be used for the timely recognition of ICU delirium. Acute delirium is perhaps one of the most difficult disease states to handle well. Treating acute agitation may be time consuming for the nursing staff and the physician. Inadequate use of medication, such as sedatives and opiates, may lead to further complications and their use should be minimized as much as possible.
Goals of Care in an Elderly Person with Catastrophic Brain Injury
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Discussion of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and interpretation of advance directives with family members is a major part of neurocritical care practice. DNR orders may be warranted in catastrophic neurological injuries. The appropriateness of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (full code) depends on the probability of good outcome and absence of life-shortening comorbidity. How to go about de-escalation of care and withdrawing of support and how to provide best palliation is discussed in this chapter. Repeated conversations with family members are extremely important, and time should be reserved to do so in an appropriate way. End-of-life care should include discussions with surrogates using a shared decision model. Decisions should include a broad picture of validated predictors of outcome, previous functional status, coexistent illnesses, and patient’s preferences.
Not Yet Brain Dead
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Approximately 5–10 % of patients with severe brain injury become clinically brain dead. Brain death determination is time consuming and involves multiple tests. Most of the time should be spent in finding possible confounding factors. The clinical examination is comprehensive and there is a potential for errors. This chapter focuses on how to avoid them. The diagnosis is based on a clinical neurological examination and not on cerebral blood flow or an electrodiagnostic study. Two examinations by two separate physicians are needed for infants and children. In most of the United States, one examination is sufficient for adults (18 years of age and older), but hospital protocols may be different. In six U.S. states, two physicians are required to examine the patient and document their findings.
When to Mention Organ Donation
Authors: Wijdicks Eelco F. M. , Rabinstein Alejandro A. , Hocker Sara E. , Fugate Jennifer E.
Published: May 2016

Physicians have the obligation to approach an organ procurement agency after brain death in a patient or after withdrawal of life support. Patients who do not fulfill brain death criteria may still be candidates for a donation after a cardiac death protocol. The two main procedures for organ donation—donation after brain death and donation after cardiac death—are discussed in this chapter. Some patients in a donation after a cardiac death protocol become brain dead. It therefore remains important to repeatedly examine the patient’s neurological status until the time comes to go to the operating room to remove the organs. If respiratory and circulatory arrest does not occur after extubation in the operating room, the patient needs to be returned to the intensive care unit for palliative care.
Clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Rhodes Ben , Gordon Caroline
Published: May 2016

Systemic lupus erythematosus is characterized by diverse clinical features that reflect underlying multisystem inflammation. This chapter discusses the range of these clinical presentations, including common problems such as arthritis, serositis, and cutaneous lupus, along with rarer manifestations such as neuropsychiatric lupus, and gastrointestinal and cardiac disease. It highlights both the diagnostic features that are an essential part of disease classification, and also less specific, but common, clinical features such as fatigue. Recognized organ-specific classification systems for lupus nephritis, cutaneous lupus, and neuropsychiatric lupus are summarized. Challenging management issues that face the physician who looks after patients with lupus are discussed and include: the differential diagnosis of key clinical features; the importance of recognizing nephritis early; the challenge of distinguishing active lupus from infection in the patient with fever and lymphadenopathy; and the difficulty in deciding whether to attribute non-specific clinical features to active disease or not.
Ophthalmology
Authors: Gibbons Helen
Published: May 2016

Ophthalmology nursing is highly specialized, and this chapter highlights the anatomy of the eye and the process for assessing patients with visual problems and common clinical conditions of the eye. These conditions include glaucoma, cataracts, trauma and injuries of the eye, and benign conditions. This chapter highlights the presenting features of the condition, assessment, treatment, and care needs for the surgical nurse.
Detection of cyclotron resonance scattering feature in high-mass X-ray binary pulsar SMC X-2
Authors: Jaisawal Gaurava K. , Naik Sachindra
Published: May 2016

We report broad-band spectral properties of the high-mass X-ray binary pulsar SMC X-2 by using three simultaneous Nuclear Spectroscopy Telescope Array and Swift/XRT observations during its 2015 outburst. The pulsar was significantly bright, reaching a luminosity up to as high as ∼5.5 × 1038 erg s−1 in 1–70 keV range. Spin period of the pulsar was estimated to be 2.37 s. Pulse profiles were found to be strongly luminosity dependent. The 1–70 keV energy spectrum of the pulsar was well described with three different continuum models such as (i) negative and positive power law with exponential cutoff, (ii) Fermi-Dirac cutoff power law and (iii) cutoff power-law models. Apart from the presence of an iron line at ∼6.4 keV, a model independent absorption like feature at ∼27 keV was detected in the pulsar spectrum. This feature was identified as a cyclotron absorption line and detected for the first time in this pulsar. Corresponding magnetic field of the neutron star was estimated to be ∼2.3 × 1012 G. The cyclotron line energy showed a marginal negative dependence on the luminosity. The cyclotron line parameters were found to be variable with pulse phase and interpreted as due to the effect of emission geometry or complicated structure of the pulsar magnetic field.
BAP18 coactivates androgen receptor action and promotes prostate cancer progression
Authors: Sun Shiying , Zhong Xinping , Wang Chunyu , Sun Hongmiao , Wang Shengli , Zhou Tingting , Zou Renlong , Lin Lin , Sun Ning , Sun Ge , Wu Yi , Wang Botao , Song Xiaoyu , Cao Liu , Zhao Yue
Published: May 2016

BPTF associated protein of 18 kDa (BAP18) has been reported as a component of MLL1-WDR5 complex. However, BAP18 is an uncharacterized protein. The detailed biological functions of BAP18 and underlying mechanisms have not been defined. Androgen receptor (AR), a member of transcription factor, plays an essential role in prostate cancer (PCa) and castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) progression. Here, we demonstrate that BAP18 is identified as a coactivator of AR in Drosophilar experimental system and mammalian cells. BAP18 facilitates the recruitment of MLL1 subcomplex and AR to androgen-response element (ARE) of AR target genes, subsequently increasing histone H3K4 trimethylation and H4K16 acetylation. Knockdown of BAP18 attenuates cell growth and proliferation of PCa cells. Moreover, BAP18 depletion results in inhibition of xenograft tumor growth in mice even under androgen-depletion conditions. In addition, our data show that BAP18 expression in clinical PCa samples is higher than that in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Our data suggest that BAP18 as an epigenetic modifier regulates AR-induced transactivation and the function of BAP18 might be targeted in human PCa to promote tumor growth and progression to castration-resistance.
Infectious Diseases Physician Compensation: An Improved Perspective
Authors: Ritter Jethro Trees , Lynch John B. , MacIntyre Ann T. , Trotman Robin
Published: May 2016

Negotiating physician compensation can be complicated because many factors now influence the ways in which physicians can be compensated. Infectious diseases (ID) specialists typically provide a wide array of services, ranging from patient care to administrative leadership. Compensation surveys from national organizations have produced results based on small samples and often are not congruent with ID physicians’ perceptions. In July of 2015, the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) conducted a compensation survey to assess current compensation earned by the diverse ID specialists within its membership. Members of IDSA's Clinical Affairs Committee report the results from the 2015 IDSA Physician Compensation survey, with a particular focus on the findings from respondents who indicate “patient care” as their primary responsibility and present a discussion that compares and contrasts results against other survey data.
The Subaru FMOS galaxy redshift survey (FastSound). II. The emission line catalog and properties of emission line galaxies
Authors: Okada Hiroyuki , Totani Tomonori , Tonegawa Motonari , Akiyama Masayuki , Dalton Gavin , Glazebrook Karl , Iwamuro Fumihide , Ohta Kouji , Takato Naruhisa , Tamura Naoyuki , Yabe Kiyoto , Bunker Andrew J. , Goto Tomotsugu , Hikage Chiaki , Ishikawa Takashi , Okumura Teppei , Shimizu Ikkoh
Published: May 2016

We present basic properties of ∼3300 emission line galaxies detected by the FastSound survey, which are mostly Hα emitters at z ∼ 1.2–1.5 in the total area of about 20 deg2, with the Hα flux sensitivity limit of ∼1.6 × 10−16 erg cm−2 s−1 at 4.5 σ. This paper presents the catalog of the FastSound emission lines and galaxies, which is open to the public. We also present basic properties of typical FastSound Hα emitters, which have Hα luminosities of 1041.8–1043.3 erg s−1, star formation rates (SFRs) of 20–500 M⊙ yr−1, and stellar masses of 1010.0–1011.3 M⊙. The 3D distribution maps for the four fields of Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS) W1–4 are presented, clearly showing large scale clustering of galaxies at the scale of ∼100–600 comoving Mpc. Based on 1105 galaxies with detections of multiple emission lines, we estimate that the contamination of non-Hα lines is about 4% in the single-line emission galaxies, which is mostly [O iii]λ5007. This contamination fraction is also confirmed by the stacked spectrum of all the FastSound spectra, in which Hα, [N ii]λλ6548,6583, [S ii]λλ6717,6731, and [O i]λλ6300,6364 are seen.