bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vertical distribution of major photosynthetic picoeukaryotic groups in stratified marine waters
Authors: Cabello Ana M. , Latasa Mikel , Forn Irene , Morán Xosé Anxelu G. , Massana Ramon
Published: March 2016

Photosynthetic picoeukaryotes (PPEs) are fundamental contributors to oceanic primary production and form diverse communities dominated by prymnesiophytes, chlorophytes, pelagophytes and chrysophytes. Here, we studied the vertical distribution of these major groups in two offshore regions of the northern Iberian Peninsula during summer stratification. We performed a fine‐scale vertical sampling (every ∼2 m) across the DCM and used fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) to determine the PPE composition and to explore the possible segregation of target groups in the light, nutrient and temperature gradients. Chlorophytes, pelagophytes and prymnesiophytes, in this order of abundance, accounted for the total PPEs recorded by flow cytometry in the Avilés canyon, and for more than half in the Galicia Bank, whereas chrysophytes were undetected. Among the three detected groups, often the prymnesiophytes were dominant in biomass. In general, all groups were present throughout the water column with abundance peaks around the DCM, but their distributions differed: pelagophytes were located deeper than the other two groups, chlorophytes presented two peaks and prymnesiophytes exhibited surface abundances comparable to those at the DCM. This study offers first indications that the vertical distribution of different PPE groups is heterogeneous within the DCM.
Effects of Magnetic Fields on Freezing: Application to Biological Products
Authors: Otero Laura , Rodríguez Antonio C. , Pérez‐Mateos Miriam , Sanz Pedro D.
Published: March 2016

Magnetic freezing is nowadays established as a commercial reality mainly oriented towards the food market. According to advertisements, magnetic freezing is able to generate tiny ice crystals throughout the frozen product, prevent cell destruction, and preserve the quality of fresh food intact after thawing. If all these advantages were true, magnetic freezing would represent a significant advance in freezing technology, not only for food preservation, but also for cryopreservation of biological specimens such as cells, tissues, and organs. Magnetic fields (MFs) are supposed to act directly on water by orientating, vibrating, and/or spinning molecules to prevent them from clustering and, thus, to promote supercooling. However, many doubts exist about the real effects of MFs on freezing and the science behind the potential mechanisms involved. To provide a basis for extending the understanding of magnetic freezing, this paper presents a critical review of the materials published in the literature up to now, including both patents and experimental results. After examining the information available, it was not possible to discern whether MFs have an appreciable effect on supercooling, freezing kinetics, ice crystals, quality, and/or viability of the frozen products. Experiments described in the literature frequently fail to identify and/or control all the factors that can play a role in magnetic freezing. Moreover, many of the comparisons between magnetic and conventional freezing are not correctly designed to draw valid conclusions, and wide ranges of MF intensities and frequencies are unexplored. Therefore, more rigorous experimentation and further evidence are needed to confirm or reject the efficacy of MFs in improving the quality of frozen products.
Nicotine and Nicotine Abstinence Do Not Interfere with GABAA Receptor Neuroadaptations During Alcohol Abstinence
Authors: Hillmer Ansel T. , Kloczynski Tracy , Sandiego Christine M. , Pittman Brian , Anderson Jon M. , Labaree David , Gao Hong , Huang Yiyun , Deluliis Giuseppe , O'Malley Stephanie S. , Carson Richard E. , Cosgrove Kelly P.
Published: March 2016

Background

Alcohol dependence and tobacco smoking are highly comorbid, and treating both conditions simultaneously is controversial. Previously, we showed that tobacco smoking interferes with GABAA receptor neuroadaptations during alcohol withdrawal in humans, while this effect did not occur with continued nicotine use during alcohol abstinence in nonhuman primates. Here, we extend our previous work by measuring GABAA receptor availability with positron emission tomography (PET) during drug abstinence in nonhuman primates exposed to alcohol alone, nicotine and alcohol together, and alcohol abstinence with continued nicotine exposure.

Methods

Twenty‐four adolescent male rhesus macaques orally self‐administered alcohol and nicotine, available separately in water and saccharin, over 20 weeks. The groups included alcohol alone (n = 8); nicotine and alcohol with simultaneous abstinence (n = 8); nicotine and alcohol with alcohol abstinence while nicotine was still available (n = 8); and a pilot group of animals consuming nicotine alone (n = 6). Animals were imaged with [11C]flumazenil PET to measure binding potential (BPND), an index of GABAA receptor availability. Imaging occurred at baseline (drug‐naíve), and following alcohol and/or nicotine cessation at 1 day, 8 days, and 12 weeks of abstinence. Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the time course of [11C]flumazenil BPND during alcohol abstinence across groups.

Results

Animals consumed 3.95 ± 1.22 g/kg/d alcohol and 55.4 ± 35.1 mg/kg/d nicotine. No significant group effects were observed in [11C]flumazenil BPND during alcohol abstinence; however, a main effect of time was detected. Post hoc analyses indicated that all groups abstaining from alcohol exhibited significantly increased GABAA receptor availability at 1 day and 8 days (but not 12 weeks) of abstinence relative to baseline, while no changes in [11C]flumazenil BPND during nicotine abstinence alone were observed.

Conclusions

These data indicate that neither nicotine nor nicotine abstinence interferes with GABAA receptor neuroadaptations during alcohol withdrawal. This conclusion is consistent with our previous study and does not contradict the use of nicotine replacement therapies or non‐nicotinic‐acting pharmaceuticals to quit smoking during alcohol withdrawal from a GABAergic perspective.
Alcohol: A Simple Nutrient with Complex Actions on Bone in the Adult Skeleton
Authors: Gaddini Gino W. , Turner Russell T. , Grant Kathleen A. , Iwaniec Urszula T.
Published: March 2016

Background

Alcohol is an important nonessential component of diet, but the overall impact of drinking on bone health, especially at moderate levels, is not well understood. Bone health is important because fractures greatly reduce quality of life and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in the elderly. Regular alcohol consumption is most common following skeletal maturity, emphasizing the importance of understanding the skeletal consequences of drinking in adults.

Methods

This review focuses on describing the complex effects of alcohol on the adult skeleton. Studies assessing the effects of alcohol on bone in adult humans as well as skeletally mature animal models published since the year 2000 are emphasized.

Results

Light to moderate alcohol consumption is generally reported to be beneficial, resulting in higher bone mineral density (BMD) and reduced age‐related bone loss, whereas heavy alcohol consumption is generally associated with decreased BMD, impaired bone quality, and increased fracture risk. Bone remodeling is the principal mechanism for maintaining a healthy skeleton in adults and dysfunction in bone remodeling can lead to bone loss and/or decreased bone quality. Light to moderate alcohol may exert beneficial effects in older individuals by slowing the rate of bone remodeling, but the impact of light to moderate alcohol on bone remodeling in younger individuals is less certain. The specific effects of alcohol on bone remodeling in heavy drinkers are even less certain because the effects are often obscured by unhealthy lifestyle choices, alcohol‐associated disease, and altered endocrine signaling.

Conclusions

Although there have been advances in understanding the complex actions of alcohol on bone, much remains to be determined. Limited evidence implicates age, skeletal site evaluated, duration, and pattern of drinking as important variables. Few studies systematically evaluating the impact of these factors have been conducted and should be made a priority for future research. In addition, studies performed in skeletally mature animals have potential to reveal mechanistic insights into the precise actions of alcohol and associated comorbidity factors on bone remodeling.
Is There a Need for Congruent Treatment Goals Between Alcohol‐Dependent Patients and Caregivers?
Authors: Berglund Kristina J. , Svensson Ida , Berggren Ulf , Balldin Jan , Fahlke Claudia
Published: March 2016

Background

Alcohol‐dependent patients have different treatment goals when entering treatment. Furthermore, different treatment settings advocate different treatment goals. Earlier studies have pointed out that treatment goal is important for treatment outcome, both in the treatment setting as well as in the patients themselves. However, to our knowledge, no study has so far investigated the interaction between patient's goal and the goal of the treatment setting. The aim of the study was therefore to study the interaction between these 2 factors on treatment outcome.

Methods

Patients' (n = 201) goals from 2 treatment settings—one that had an abstinence‐oriented goal and one with a low‐risk drinking goal—were investigated. The patients were followed up 2.5 years after treatment entry and effectiveness of congruent treatment goals on treatment outcome was investigated.

Results

There was no significant association between congruent goals and treatment outcomes (p = 0.060). However, when comparing the effectiveness of congruent treatment goal between the 2 treatment settings, the abstinence‐oriented treatment setting was significantly more effective (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The major finding was that there appeared to be no association between congruence itself and treatment outcome. On the other hand, we found that the treatment outcome was more successful if the patient as well as the treatment setting had abstinence as a goal (i.e., congruent goals of abstinence).
Colocalization of Granulysin Protein Forms with Perforin and LAMP‐1 in Decidual Lymphocytes During Early Pregnancy
Authors: Dominovic Marin , Laskarin Gordana , Glavan Gacanin Lana , Haller Herman , Rukavina Daniel
Published: March 2016

Problem

Granulysin (GNLY) occurs in two forms, which have molecular weights of 9 and 15 kDa. We analyzed the cytotoxic potential of decidual lymphocytes (DLs) and peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) based on the forms of GNLY that colocalizes with perforin (PER) and LAMP‐1 following activation.

Methods

The forms of GNLY were detected by using confocal microscopy. We investigated the colocalization with PER and LAMP‐1 in freshly isolated and activated DLs and PBLs.

Results

Activation of DLs and PBLs by K‐562 cells increased the colocalization of 9 kDa GNLY with PER and LAMP‐1. K‐562 cells transfected with HLA‐C decreased 9 kDa GNLY colocalization with PER in DLs only. IL‐15 in DLs decreased 9 kDa GNLY and LAMP‐1 colocalization, but increased both 15 kDa GNLY and LAMP‐1, and PER and LAMP‐1 colocalization.

Conclusion

Activated DLs and PBLs show greater cytotoxic potential based on increased colocalization of 9 kDa GNLY and PER. HLA‐C and IL‐15 affect DLs, indicating their role in maintaining the pregnancy tolerance.
Development of a population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic model of a single bolus dose of unfractionated heparin in paediatric patients
Authors: Al‐Sallami Hesham , Newall Fiona , Monagle Paul , Ignjatovic Vera , Cranswick Noel , Duffull Stephen
Published: March 2016

Background

Unfractionated heparin (UFH) is the anticoagulant of choice in paediatric patients undergoing a variety of cardiac procedures. There are currently no population pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PKPD) models for UFH in paediatrics.

Objective

The aim of the present study was to develop and evaluate a PKPD model of UFH in paediatrics.

Methods

Data from 64 children who received 75–100 IU kg−1 of UFH during cardiac angiography were analysed. Five blood samples were collected at baseline and at 15, 30, 45 and 120 min postdose. The UFH concentration was quantified using a protamine titration assay. The UFH effect was quantified using activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT). A PKPD model was fitted using nonlinear mixed‐effects modelling. Patient covariates such as gender, weight (WT) and fat‐free mass (FFM) were tested. The final model was evaluated using the likelihood ratio test and visual predictive checks (VPCs).

Results

A one‐compartment model with linear elimination provided the best fit for the dose–concentration data. FFM was a significant covariate on clearance. A linear model provided the best fit for the concentration–effect data using aPTT as a biomarker for effect. The models performed well using VPCs. However, when used to simulate UFH infusion (at a much lower dose), the model overpredicted target aPTT responses.

Conclusions

A PKPD model to describe the time course of the UFH effect was developed in a paediatric population. FFM was shown to describe drug disposition well. However, when applied to smaller UFH infusion doses, the model overpredicted target aPTT responses. This unsuccessful extrapolation may be attributed to a possible nonlinear relationship for heparin PKPD.
Evaluating arguments during instigations of defence motivation and accuracy motivation
Authors: Liu Cheng‐Hong
Published: March 2016

When people evaluate the strength of an argument, their motivations are likely to influence the evaluation. However, few studies have specifically investigated the influences of motivational factors on argument evaluation. This study examined the effects of defence and accuracy motivations on argument evaluation. According to the compatibility between the advocated positions of arguments and participants' prior beliefs and the objective strength of arguments, participants evaluated four types of arguments: compatible‐strong, compatible‐weak, incompatible‐strong, and incompatible‐weak arguments. Experiment 1 revealed that participants possessing a high defence motivation rated compatible‐weak arguments as stronger and incompatible‐strong ones as weaker than participants possessing a low defence motivation. However, the strength ratings between the high and low defence groups regarding both compatible‐strong and incompatible‐weak arguments were similar. Experiment 2 revealed that when participants possessed a high accuracy motivation, they rated compatible‐weak arguments as weaker and incompatible‐strong ones as stronger than when they possessed a low accuracy motivation. However, participants' ratings on both compatible‐strong and incompatible‐weak arguments were similar when comparing high and low accuracy conditions. The results suggest that defence and accuracy motivations are two major motives influencing argument evaluation. However, they primarily influence the evaluation results for compatible‐weak and incompatible‐strong arguments, but not for compatible‐strong and incompatible‐weak arguments.
Improving methods to measure critical thermal limits in phloem‐feeding pest insects
Authors: Alford Lucy , Burel Françoise , van Baaren Joan
Published: March 2016

The ability to accurately assess thermal tolerance in the laboratory without compromising ecological relevance is essential to predict the impacts of global climate change on phytophagous pest insects such as the phloem‐feeding aphids. One method to study thermal tolerance employs a temperature‐controlled column to measure critical thermal limits. However, assessments are commonly made with little relation to the natural environment of the study species. This study measured critical thermal minima (CTmin) for three cereal aphids – Sitobion avenae (Fabricius), Metopolophium dirhodum (Walker), and Rhopalosiphum padi (L.) (all Hemiptera: Aphididae) – in the absence and presence of host plant material to determine the best experimental design. Results revealed that CTmin measured in the presence of the host plant was significantly lower, suggesting that performing the measurement in the absence of the host plant could result in an underestimation of insect thermal tolerance. In addition, the study highlights the importance of understanding how an insect interacts with its environment, as this can reveal behavioural variation integral to differential survival at unfavourable temperatures.
Settling down to dine on a dioecious Gondwanan relict: why are Aacanthocnema dobsoni nymphs more abundant at the base of branchlets?
Authors: Steinbauer Martin J. , Lubanga Umar K. , Taylor Gary S.
Published: March 2016

Female herbivorous insects often dictate the distributions of offspring through oviposition site selection. The optimal oviposition hypothesis proposes that sites selected should benefit offspring because they provide the best diets, but distributions can reflect adult responses to non‐dietary factors. On its dioecious host [Allocasuarina verticillata (Lam.) L. Johnson (Casuarinaceae)], the largely sessile nymphs of Aacanthocnema dobsoni (Froggatt) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) are most abundant at the bases of the equisetoid, photosynthetic branchlets and can also be associated with chlorosis. We asked whether the distribution of nymphs could be explained by the nutritional quality of hosts (at tree and branchlet levels) and investigated the nutritional implications of chlorosis. Binary choice oviposition bioassays revealed that female psyllids exhibited a weak preference for the apical (younger) halves of branchlets of male and female trees over basal (older) halves. In the absence of nymphs, basal and apical halves of branchlets of both sexes had comparable concentrations of amino N. The severity of chlorosis of individual female branchlets was positively related to the density of nymphs. Along entire female branchlets, chlorosis was associated with significant reductions in the concentrations of certain amino acids (including glutamic acid). For basal halves of female branchlets, chlorosis was associated with increased concentrations of a different suite of amino acids, i.e., evidence of nutritional enhancement. Fifth instars from female branchlets were slightly larger than those from male branchlets but nymphal morphology is constrained by branchlet diameter. The conformation of the host (especially the spaces between the scale‐like leaves) appears to dictate oviposition site selection more than nutritional quality. Nutritional enhancement is suggested to explain the absence of a strong linkage between preference and performance. Aggregation of adults (and eggs) at the base of branchlets could arise from heightened risk of dislodgement by wind at the ends of branchlets and enhanced mate finding in less exposed locations.
Polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein binds to the 5′ untranslated region of the mouse mammary tumor virus mRNA and stimulates cap‐independent translation initiation
Authors: Cáceres Carlos J. , Contreras Nataly , Angulo Jenniffer , Vera‐Otarola Jorge , Pino‐Ajenjo Constanza , Llorian Miriam , Ameur Melissa , Lisboa Francisco , Pino Karla , Lowy Fernando , Sargueil Bruno , López‐Lastra Marcelo
Published: March 2016

The 5′ untranslated region (UTR) of the full‐length mRNA of the mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) harbors an internal ribosomal entry site (IRES). In this study, we show that the polypyrimidine tract‐binding protein (PTB), an RNA‐binding protein with four RNA recognition motifs (RRMs), binds to the MMTV 5′ UTR stimulating its IRES activity. There are three isoforms of PTB: PTB1, PTB2, and PTB4. Results show that PTB1 and PTB4, but not PTB2, stimulate MMTV‐IRES activity. PTB1 promotes MMTV‐IRES‐mediated initiation more strongly than PTB4. When expressed in combination, PTB1 further enhanced PTB4 stimulation of the MMTV‐IRES, while PTB2 fully abrogates PTB4‐induced stimulation. PTB1‐induced stimulation of MMTV‐IRES was not altered in the presence of PTB4 or PTB2. Mutational analysis reveals that stimulation of MMTV‐IRES activity is abrogated when PTB1 is mutated either in RRM1/RRM2 or RRM3/RRM4. In contrast, a PTB4 RRM1/RRM2 mutant has reduced effect over MMTV‐IRES activity, while stimulation of the MMTV‐IRES activity is still observed when the PTB4 RRM3/RMM4 mutant is used. Therefore, PTB1 and PTB4 differentially stimulate the IRES activity. In contrast, PTB2 acts as a negative modulator of PTB4‐induced stimulation of MMTV‐IRES. We conclude that PTB1 and PTB4 act as IRES trans‐acting factors of the MMTV‐IRES.
At 10–12 Months, Pointing Gesture Handedness Predicts the Size of Receptive Vocabularies
Authors: Mumford Katherine H. , Kita Sotaro
Published: March 2016

The close association between language and gesture has been widely studied (McNeill, Psychological Review, 92, 1985, 350). It remains unclear, however, when and how this relationship originates ontogenetically. This study investigated the relationship between vocabulary development and pointing handedness in 10‐ to 12‐month‐old infants. The study used cross‐sectional data from 16 infants. Infants took part in a pointing elicitation task and a grasping task to assess their pointing and grasping handedness. Further, parents filled out the Oxford Communicative Development Inventory (Hamilton, Plunkett, & Schafer, Journal of Child Language, 27, 2000, 689) to assess infants’ receptive and productive vocabularies. The result showed a positive, significant correlation between receptive vocabulary development and right‐handed pointing. This relationship was not due to age or to vocalizations, which have not been ruled out by previous studies. Possible mechanisms behind this codevelopment are discussed.
Empty Looks or Paying Attention? Exploring Infants' Visual Behavior during Encoding of an Elicited Imitation Task
Authors: Sonne Trine , Kingo Osman S. , Krøjgaard Peter
Published: March 2016

Recently, there has been an increased interest in the relationship between looking time during encoding and subsequent memory performance in imitation tasks. Hitherto, the results have been inconclusive: one line of research supporting the link between looking time and performance and another line finding no relation. The existing studies may, however, have been restricted by using small samples, limited looking time measures, and short retention intervals. We here examined the relationship between the encoding process by means of looking time as well as pupil dilation (by means of eye‐tracking technology) in sixty‐eight 20‐month‐old infants participating in an elicited imitation task and their subsequent memory performance (at an encoding test and at a 2‐week delayed recall test). Additional twenty‐two infants provided baseline measures. Simple looking time (assessed as fixation duration) did not correlate consistently with subsequent memory measures. In some cases, however, looking time correlatednegativelywith imitation scores. In contrast, positive correlations were found between pupil dilation and some of the memory measures, suggesting that pupil dilation may be a more sensitive tool compared to looking time measures.
Historical refugia have shaped biogeographical patterns of species richness and phylogenetic diversity in mite harvestmen (Arachnida, Opiliones, Cyphophthalmi) endemic to the Australian Wet Tropics
Authors: Boyer Sarah L. , Markle Tricia M. , Baker Caitlin M. , Luxbacher Amy M. , Kozak Kenneth H.
Published: March 2016

Aim

We tested the hypothesis that areas that acted as historical refugia during restrictive climate regimes currently harbour higher levels of biodiversity than areas that lacked refugia.

Location

The rain forests of Australia's Wet Tropics, the largest remaining fragments of the humid forest habitats that once covered the Australian continent.

Methods

We generated a model of climatic suitability for arachnids in the genus Austropurcellia, a group of small, dispersal‐limited mite harvestmen that are found throughout the Wet Tropics. We then projected this model onto palaeoclimate data layers from time slices going back to the Last Glacial Maximum and summed suitability over time to arrive at a measure of stability. We compared the power of metrics of present and past climatic suitability and stability to predict diversity (species richness and phylogenetic diversity) across subregions of the Wet Tropics.

Results

We found statistically significant correlations between measures of diversity (species richness and phylogenetic diversity) and present climatic suitability, LGM climatic suitability and our stability metric across subregions of the Wet Tropics. Although stability lost predictive power when analyses were corrected for spatial autocorrelation, and present‐day mean climatic suitability lost predictive power when corrected for spatial autocorrelation under one of our geographical binning schemes, mean climatic suitability during the Last Glacial Maximum had a positive and significant relationship to both number of species and phylogenetic diversity in all analyses.

Main Conclusions

Our results support a model of biodiversity preservation within historical refugia, resulting in higher present‐day diversity in refugial areas than in non‐refugial areas. Although previous studies of the Wet Tropics biota have demonstrated a relationship between habitat stability and diversity, ours is the first such study to consider phylogenetic diversity in addition to number of species.
Phenotypic variation contrasts with genetic homogeneity across scattered sea snake colonies
Authors: Bech N. , Foucart T. , Fauvel T. , Brischoux F. , Bouchon D. , Bonnet X.
Published: March 2016

Aim

In philopatric species distributed across wide geographical areas, each population is influenced by local factors. We assessed the expected spatial genetic and phenotypic structure across a set of colonies of a highly philopatric sea snake.

Location

South Lagoon of New Caledonia, Western Pacific Ocean.

Methods

We used body size (N = 4915 individuals) to assess phenotypic variations across 11 islet colonies of the amphibious sea kraits (L. saintgironsi) spread throughout the South Lagoon of New Caledonia. We also used 11 microsatellite markers in a subsample of 302 individuals to examine the demographic history and genetic structure.

Results

A major colonization event and rapid population expansion occurred during the mid‐Pleistocene. Mean body size increased significantly along the north–south gradient investigated, suggesting that each colony is relatively independent and responds to local conditions. However, our data revealed a total lack of genetic structure despite a substantial genetic diversity.

Main conclusions

A peculiar reproductive system likely underlies this pattern that combines a marked phenotypic gradient with a lack of geographical genetic structure. Gravid females from colonies scattered throughout the South Lagoon converge towards few communal coastal nesting sites to lay their eggs. Hatchlings disperse randomly in the lagoon and supply islets with recruits. This process homogenizes the overall genetic structure. However, because when settled snakes are philopatric, the mean body size of each colony presumably reflects the influence of local conditions. This system resembles those documented in various organisms (e.g. fish) but was not previously described in any amniotic lineage.
Sino‐Himalayan mountains act as cradles of diversity and immigration centres in the diversification of parrotbills (Paradoxornithidae)
Authors: Liu Yang , Hu Junhua , Li Shou‐Hsien , Duchen Pablo , Wegmann Daniel , Schweizer Manuel
Published: March 2016

Aim

Montane regions like the Sino‐Himalayas constitute global diversity hotspots. Various mechanisms such as in situ adaptive divergence, speciation following immigration or allopatric diversification in complex landscapes have been proposed to account for the exceptional diversity found in a particular clade in a montane setting. We investigated macroevolutionary patterns to test these different hypotheses in the continental radiation of a Sino‐Himalayan bird group, the parrotbills (Paradoxornithidae).

Location

Sino‐Himalayan region, Indo‐Burma.

Methods

We used phylogenetic comparative methods based on a multilocus, time‐calibrated phylogeny to reconstruct patterns of lineage diversification, biogeographical history, morphological evolution as well as of climate niche history using ecological niche modelling.

Results

The radiation of parrotbills started c. 12 Ma, diversifying at an apparent constant rate over time. The biogeographical history appears to be complex, within‐region speciation in mountains was restricted to China. Size evolution was concentrated in the early phase of parrotbill radiation, whereas morphological shape evolution did not differ from Brownian motion. We found no indication for niche conservatism, with climate niche evolution occurring throughout the radiation of parrotbills.

Conclusions

Parrotbills diversified within a time span of increased regional orogenesis and associated strong climate change. While the south‐west and central Chinese mountains were revealed to be a species pump, with in situ allopatric diversification triggered by complex topography and high habitat turnover, the diversity in the Himalayas was chiefly the result of immigration. Evidence for continuous ecological specialization and for the absence of climate niche conservatism could be interpreted as the consequence of ongoing climate‐ and habitat‐induced ecological opportunities. The radiation of parrotbills demonstrates the influence of multiple drivers of diversification in a single group due to the dynamic geological and palaeoclimatic history of the Sino‐Himalayan region and illustrates the complex nature of continental radiations.
Human translocation as an alternative hypothesis to explain the presence of giant tortoises on remote islands in the south‐western Indian Ocean
Authors: Wilmé Lucienne , Waeber Patrick O. , Ganzhorn Joerg U.
Published: March 2016

Giant tortoises are known from several remote islands in the Indian Ocean (IO). Our present understanding of ocean circulation patterns, the age of the islands, and the life history traits of giant tortoises makes it difficult to comprehend how these animals arrived on such small, remote and geologically young (8–1.5 Ma) landmasses. For colonization to have occurred by dispersal, giant tortoises must either have originated in Madagascar or Africa and swum for hundreds of km against the ocean currents, or have launched themselves from the eastern IO margin and drifted with the currents over several thousands of km of open ocean. After these navigational feats, the tortoises would have needed to found new, viable populations on potentially inhospitable volcanic or coral outcrops. Geologically recent sea level changes are likely to have eliminated terrestrial life from islands like Aldabra, complicating the scenario. We reviewed information relating to IO geology, the evolution and ecology of giant tortoises, and the spread of humans within the region, and propose an alternative explanation: we posit that giant tortoises were introduced to the IO islands by early Austronesian sailors, possibly to establish provisioning stations for their journeys, just as European sailors did in more recent historical times.
Nitrogen‐fixing bacterial communities in invasive legume nodules and associated soils are similar across introduced and native range populations in Australia
Authors: Birnbaum Christina , Bissett Andrew , Thrall Peter H. , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: March 2016

Aim

Understanding the interactions between invasive legumes and soil biota in both native and introduced ranges could assist in managing biological invasions. We analysed the diversity of putative nitrogen‐fixing bacteria (NFB, i.e. nifH gene present) associated with five invasive legumes, four Acacia spp. and a sister taxon Paraserianthes lophantha in introduced and native range populations in Australia. We predicted that, because these host species are widely distributed, they are likely to encounter different nitrogen‐fixing bacterial communities in soils and nodules across their introduced and native ranges.

Location

Australia.

Methods

NifH genes were amplified from rhizosphere soils collected from beneath each species (multiple populations) within their native and introduced range and directly from nodules collected from plants previously grown in the glasshouse using field‐collected soil as inoculum. NifH gene sequences from soils and nodules were 454 pyrosequenced and assigned to taxonomic groups based on nifH consensus taxonomy.

Results

We found no difference in the NFB community of soils or nodules between native and introduced ranges across the five species, suggesting that these legumes encounter similar NFB communities in soils across Australia. Bradyrhizobium was the most abundant rhizobial genus present in both soils and nodules. Bradyrhizobium species found in nodules were significantly different across the ranges for A. longifolia.

Main conclusions

The results indicate that these invasive legumes have similar nitrogen‐fixing bacterial communities in their rhizosphere and nodules across Australia, with the exception of A. longifolia. This species has diverse Bradyrhizobium genotypes in its nodules suggesting that A. longifolia may be a more generalist host compared to the other four legumes. Thus, it is unlikely that the invasive success of these legumes is constrained by the absence of suitable bacterial symbionts in soil. Better knowledge of legume–soil interactions could facilitate more informed and effective management of invasive legumes in their introduced ranges in Australia and elsewhere.
Primary Prevention of Urinary Incontinence: A Case Study of Prenatal and Intrapartum Interventions
Authors: Kissler Katherine , Yount Susan M. , Rendeiro Melissa , Zeidenstein Laura
Published: March 2016

A wealth of information is available regarding the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence. However, there is a dearth of quality information and clinical practice guidelines regarding the primary prevention of urinary incontinence. Given the high prevalence of this concern and the often cited correlation between pregnancy, childbirth, and urinary incontinence, women's health care providers should be aware of risk factors and primary prevention strategies for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in order to reduce associated physical and emotional suffering. This case report describes several common risk factors for SUI and missed opportunities for primary prevention of postpartum urinary incontinence. The most effective methods for preventing urinary incontinence include correct teaching of pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT; specifically Kegel exercises), moderate combined physical exercise regimens, counseling and support for weight loss, counseling against smoking, appropriate treatment for asthma and constipation, and appropriate labor management to prevent pelvic organ prolapse, urethral injury, and pelvic floor muscle damage.
A Qualitative Study of Young Women's Beliefs About Intrauterine Devices: Fear of Infertility
Authors: Payne Jackelyn B. , Sundstrom Beth , DeMaria Andrea L.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Approximately 80% of college‐aged women are at risk of unintended pregnancy. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends long‐acting reversible contraceptive (LARC) methods, including intrauterine devices (IUDs), as first‐line pregnancy prevention for adolescents and young women. Yet, less than 5% of 15‐ to 19‐year‐old women using a method of contraception use LARC. Limited research explores young women's concerns about IUDs.

Methods

As part of a larger women's health research study, researchers conducted 53 in‐depth interviews with women, aged 18 to 24 years enrolled in a midsized liberal arts college in the southeastern United States. Analytical techniques from the grounded theory approach were used to code line‐by‐line and identify themes emerging from these data.

Results

Fear of causing harm or infertility through IUD use emerged as a significant barrier to uptake. Negative and often unfounded beliefs about IUDs led to silence and limited observability of IUDs in daily life and health care contexts. Identity as a fertile woman emerged as an antecedent factor to the compatibility of IUDs with participants’ values and beliefs.

Discussion

The link between fear of infertility and perceived identity was found to be a major factor in young women's contraceptive decision making. In order to increase uptake of IUDs, the beliefs of women must be addressed.
Comparing RADseq and microsatellites to infer complex phylogeographic patterns, an empirical perspective in the Crucian carp, Carassius carassius, L.
Authors: Jeffries Daniel L. , Copp Gordon H. , Lawson Handley Lori , Olsén K. Håkan , Sayer Carl D. , Hänfling Bernd
Published: March 2016

The conservation of threatened species must be underpinned by phylogeographic knowledge. This need is epitomized by the freshwater fish Carassius carassius, which is in decline across much of its European range. Restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RADseq) is increasingly used for such applications; however, RADseq is expensive, and limitations on sample number must be weighed against the benefit of large numbers of markers. This trade‐off has previously been examined using simulation studies; however, empirical comparisons between these markers, especially in a phylogeographic context, are lacking. Here, we compare the results from microsatellites and RADseq for the phylogeography of C. carassius to test whether it is more advantageous to genotype fewer markers (microsatellites) in many samples, or many markers (SNPs) in fewer samples. These data sets, along with data from the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, agree on broad phylogeographic patterns, showing the existence of two previously unidentified C. carassius lineages in Europe: one found throughout northern and central‐eastern European drainages and a second almost exclusively confined to the Danubian catchment. These lineages have been isolated for approximately 2.15 m years and should be considered separate conservation units. RADseq recovered finer population structure and stronger patterns of IBD than microsatellites, despite including only 17.6% of samples (38% of populations and 52% of samples per population). RADseq was also used along with approximate Bayesian computation to show that the postglacial colonization routes of C. carassius differ from the general patterns of freshwater fish in Europe, likely as a result of their distinctive ecology.
Rare case of nephrocalcinosis in the distal tubules caused by hereditary renal hypouricaemia 3 months after kidney transplantation
Authors: Okabayashi Yusuke , Yamamoto Izumi , Komatsuzaki Yo , Niikura Takahito , Yamakawa Takafumi , Katsumata Haruki , Kawabe Mayuko , Katsuma Ai , Nakada Yasuyuki , Kobayashi Akimitsu , Koike Yusuke , Miki Jun , Yamada Hiroki , Tanno Yudo , Ohkido Ichiro , Tsuboi Nobuo , Ichida Kimiyoshi , Yamamoto Hiroyasu , Yokoo Takashi
Published: March 2016

We report a rare case of nephrocalcinosis caused by hereditary renal hypouricaemia 3 months after kidney transplantation. A 41‐year‐old man who underwent living‐related kidney transplantation from his father was admitted to our hospital for a protocol biopsy; he had a serum creatinine (S‐Cr) of 1.37 mg/dL and no proteinuria. Histologically, there was no evidence of rejection or calcineurin inhibitor toxicity, although scattered nephrocalcinosis was observed in the distal tubules. Perioperatively, the patient had a serum uric acid (S‐UA) of 1.9 mg/dL with a fractional excretion of uric acid (FEUA) of 29% (normal, <10%) and UA clearance of 26.8 mL/min (normal, 7.3–14.7 mL/min) 3 days after kidney transplantation. The donor also had a relatively low S‐UA of 2.4 mg/dL and high FEUA of 10.3%. Subsequent DNA direct sequencing followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism revealed that both the recipient's and donor's urate transporter 1 (URAT1) gene had a heterozygous nonsense mutation in exon 5 (C889T). Further, the immunoreactivity of antibodies for the C terminus of URAT1 revealed a partial deletion. De Galantha and von Kossa staining revealed that the nephrocalcinosis was due to urate crystals and calcium stones. Therefore, we diagnosed hereditary renal hypouricaemia. We directed the patient to avoid hard exercise, drink plenty of water, and alkalize the urine. The 1‐year follow‐up allograft biopsy showed no evidence of nephrocalcinosis in the distal tubules. This is the first report of nephrocalcinosis in the distal tubules as a diagnostic clue to hereditary renal hypouricaemia. We also review the related literature.
Etiology of postanesthetic and postsedation events on the inpatient ward: data from a rapid response team at a tertiary care children's hospital
Authors: Barry N'Diris , M. Miller Karen , Ryshen Gregory , Uffman Joshua , Taghon Thomas A. , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: March 2016

Introduction

The goal of this study was to identify the etiology of events and demographics of patients that experience complications requiring activation of the Rapid Response Team (RRT) during the first 24 h following anesthetic care.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of the Quality Improvement database from the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine at Nationwide Children's Hospital. The database was searched to identify those patients who had a RRT evaluation activated within 24 h of receiving anesthesia or procedural sedation. These patients' charts were reviewed to obtain demographic information, etiology of the RRT call, and outcomes.

Results

The study cohort included 106 RRT calls that were made over a 3‐year period. Six patients were excluded from analysis due to incomplete datasets. One hundred patients remained for analysis including 60 males and 40 females. Patients ranged in age from 0.08 to 31.21 years (7.8 ± 7.7 years, median 5.3 years). Seventy‐one patients were American Society of Anesthesiologists' (ASA) status 3 or 4 and 29 patients were ASA status 1 or 2. Five calls were made for patients who had undergone procedural sedation while the other 95 were on patients who received general anesthesia. The average time to the RRT call after the end of anesthetic care was 11.4 ± 6.6 h. Respiratory concern was the most common reason for RRT initiation, accounting for 71 of the 100 calls. Forty‐nine patients had a recent respiratory illness, chronic respiratory‐related disease, or history of preterm birth. Fifty patients (50%) were transferred to a higher level of care following the RRT consult. There was no significant difference between age, gender, ASA status, or etiology of the event for patients transferred vs those who were not. A significant difference was noted in the Pediatric Early Warning Score of patients transferred to a higher level of care in comparison to patients who remained on the floor (4 ± 2 vs 3 ± 2, P = 0.0097).

Conclusion

RRT calls were most common for respiratory concerns. High ASA status, general anesthesia administration, and the presence of acute or chronic conditions prior to anesthetic administration predispose a patient to perioperative complications resulting in the need for an RRT call.
Hyaluronic acid dressing (Healoderm) in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer: A prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐center study
Authors: Lee Moses , Han Seung Hwan , Choi Woo Jin , Chung Kwang Ho , Lee Jin Woo
Published: March 2016

Fast and complete healing of a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is challenging due to the hostile wound healing environment of the diabetic patients. As a part of a multimodal treatment approach, advanced dressing material using hyaluronic acid (HA) has been found to be effective. However, previous studies have used HA with additional biologics, which interferes in determining the true clinical effect of HA in DFU. To examine the sole effectiveness of HA in DFU treatment, a prospective, randomized, placebo‐controlled, single‐center study was conducted using an HA dressing without additional substances. Thus, 34 patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomized into two groups (the study group: HA dressing material; the control group: conventional dressing material). During the 12‐week study period, complete ulcer healing rate was evaluated as a primary endpoint. Additionally, healing velocity and the mean duration for achieving a 50% ulcer size reduction was compared between the two groups as a secondary endpoint. At the end of the study, the study group presented a significantly higher complete healing rate as compared to that in the control group [84.6% (11/13), 41.6% (5/12), respectively,P = 0.041]. Additionally, faster ulcer healing velocity and shorter mean duration for achieving a 50% ulcer size reduction were observed in the study group (P = 0.022 and 0.004, respectively). The Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis for the median time for 50% ulcer healing rate also showed a significantly shorter duration in the study group (21 days vs. 39 days,P = 0.0127). Finally, there were no adverse events related to the dressing materials used in the study. As a major component of the extracellular matrix, this study supports the safety and efficacy of a pure HA dressing without additional substances in treating DFU.
THE EFFECTS OF THE AMBIENT LIQUID MEDIUM ON THE ABLATION EFFICIENCY, SIZE AND STABILITY OF SILVER NANOPARTICLES PREPARED BY PULSE LASER ABLATION IN LIQUID TECHNIQUE
Authors: A. Al-Azawi Mohammed , Bidin Noriah , Bououdina M. , N. Abbas Khaldoon , J. Al-Asedy Hayder , H. Ahmed Omar , A. Thahe Asad
Published: March 2016

Silver (Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by pulsed laser (Nd:YAG, 1064 nm) ablation of individual target in various solutions. The influence of deionized water (DIW), ethanol and Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as ambient medium on the fundamental aspects such as ablation efficiency, particle size and stability of Ag NPs was studied. UV-vis spectrophotometer and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to study the optical characterization and morphological analysis of all the synthesized samples, respectively. Preparation in DIW was carried out as a reference sample. The experiments demonstrated that ablation efficiency and stability of NPs in ethanol medium are lowest than those prepared in PVP medium and the reference sample. PVP medium led to higher stability, lower ablation efficiency and finer average particle size compared to reference sample.
SOLITON MODE-LOCKED GENERATION BASED ON ERBIUM-DOPED FIBER LASER EMBEDDED WITH SINGLE-WALLED CARBON NANOTUBES AS SATURABLE ABSORBER
Authors: Muhammad Ahmad Razif , Wadi Harun Sulaiman , Haris Hazlihan , Arof Hamzah
Published: March 2016

Soliton mode-locked Erbium-doped fiber laser (EDFL) using single walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) was experimentally demonstrated. In this work, SWCNTs was prepared by embedding into polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a saturable absorber. The laser generates a soliton pulse, which operates at 1570 nm region without any additional spectral filter as a 980 nm pump power is increased above the threshold value of 60 mW.  The output solitons have a pulse duration of 0.7 ps with a repetition rate of 18.98 MHz. At pump power of 130 mW, the pulse energy and peak power are approximately 0.032 nJ and 43 W.
HIGH SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO Q-SWITCHING ERBIUM DOPED FIBER LASER PULSE EMISSION UTILIZING SINGLE LAYER TRIVIAL TRANSFER GRAPHENE FILM SATURABLE ABSORBER
Authors: Lau K. Y. , Latif A. A. , Abu Bakar M. H. , Mahdi M. A.
Published: March 2016

This paper presents the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) Q-switched erbium-doped fiber laser pulse emission using a commercial single layer graphene (SLG) film as a saturable absorber (SA). A sandwiched-type structure with transferred single layer SLG film between two fiber ferrules is formed to function as the SA. Q-switched pulse emission with repetition rate from 47.25 kHz to 67.39 kHz and round-trip time per oscillation from 7.42 µs to 10.36 µs are obtained from the laser cavity set-up. The SNR of 62.64 dB shows a good quality of pulse generation using the SLG film as SA. The effortless production of SLG is enabling factor to produce fast fabrication and low cost SA for application in Q-switched pulsed fiber lasers.