bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative phylogeography of two co‐distributed but ecologically distinct rainbowfishes of far‐northern Australia
Authors: Mather Andrew T. , Hanson Jeffrey O. , Pope Lisa C. , Riginos Cynthia
Published: November 2017

Aim

To test the influence of historical and contemporary environment in shaping the genetic diversity of freshwater fauna we contrast genetic structure in two co‐distributed, but ecologically distinct, rainbowfish; a habitat generalist (Melanotaenia splendida) and a habitat specialist (M. trifasciata).

Location

Fishes were sampled from far northern Australia (Queensland and Northern Territory).

Methods

We used sequence data from one mitochondrial gene and one nuclear gene to investigate patterns of genetic diversity in M. splendida and M. trifasciata to determine how differences in habitat preference and historical changes in drainage boundaries affected patterns of connectivity.

Results

Melanotaenia splendida showed high levels of genetic diversity and little population structure across its range. In contrast, M. trifasciata showed high levels of population structure. Whereas phylogeographic patterns differed, both species showed a strong relationship between geographical distance and genetic differentiation between populations. Melanotaenia splendida showed a shallower relationship with geographical distance, and genetic differentiation was best explained by stream length and a lower scaled ocean distance (11.98 times coast length). For M. trifasciata, genetic differentiation was best explained by overwater distance between catchments and ocean distance scaled at 1.16 × 106 times coast length.

Main conclusions

Connectivity of freshwater populations inhabiting regions periodically interconnected during glacial periods appears to have been affected by ecological differences between species. Species‐specific differences are epitomized here by the contrast between co‐distributed congeners with different habitat requirements: for the habitat generalist, M. splendida, there was evidence for greater historical genetic connectivity with oceans as a weaker barrier to gene exchange in contrast with the habitat specialist, M. trifasciata.
In‐office bleaching efficacy on stain removal from CAD/CAM and direct resin composite materials
Authors: Alharbi Amal , Ardu Stefano , Bortolotto Tissiana , Krejci Ivo
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of in‐office bleaching on stain removal from stained resin composite and ceramic computer‐assisted design/computer‐assisted manufacturing (CAD/CAM) blocks and direct resin composites.

Methods

Forty disk‐shaped samples were fabricated from each of nine materials: six CAD/CAM (VITABLOCS Mark II, Paradigm MZ100, Exp Vita Hybrid Ceramic, VITA ENAMIC, Exp Kerr, and LAVA Ultimate) and three direct resin composites (Filtek Supreme, Venus Diamond, and Filtek Silorane). Samples were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8), each stained with a particular staining solution. Using a calibrated spectrophotometer and a black background, L*a*b* values were assessed before and after 120 days of staining. Samples were subjected to in‐office bleaching using 40% hydrogen peroxide gel for one hour. At subsequent assessment, color change (ΔE) was calculated as the difference between L*a*b* values. Both ANOVA and the Duncan test were used to identify differences between groups (α = 0.05).

Results

Bleaching resulted in significant differences in ΔE values for all materials (P < .001). Bleaching efficacy was highly influenced by material composition and staining solution. Residual color values after bleaching for ceramic and hybrid ceramics ranged from −0.49 to 2.35, within the clinically acceptable maximum of 3.3. Values after bleaching for resin‐based CAD/CAM ranged from −0.7 to 7.08 while direct resin composites values ranged from −1.47 to 25.13. Coffee left the greatest residual color on all materials.

Conclusions

Based on material nature, 40% hydrogen peroxide bleaching can remove staining. The new resin‐based CAD/CAM blocks showed promising results in terms of color stability.

Clinical Significance

Bleaching using 40% hydrogen peroxide can be an effective method to remove stains from dental restorations. In this way, restoration replacement as a result of discoloration may no longer be necessary.
Systolic Blood Pressure and Mortality: Role of Reverse Causation
Authors: Supiano Mark A. , Pajewski Nicholas M. , Williamson Jeff D.
Published: November 2017

See the Reply by Wu et al.
Implementing Models of Geriatric Care—Behind the Scenes
Authors: Chodosh Joshua , Weiner Michael
Published: November 2017

Innovative geriatric clinical programs have proliferated in the 21st century, and many have been highlighted in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (JAGS). The Affordable Care Act has supported the accelerated innovation of publicized and unpublicized program development, adaptation, and implementation. Many JAGS articles report work conducted in programs with significant improvements in quality; high satisfaction for patients and providers; and for some, reductions in costs. Despite considerable detail, enabling implementers to attempt to adopt reported programs or adapt them to local environments, much less is typically conveyed about the subtleties of the implementation process that led to a successful outcome. Moreover, where we have been given a window into successful initiatives, far less is known about those that failed and even less about why some succeeded but others failed. With a focus on our shared needs as a geriatrics community, to foster the exchange of more‐comprehensive models of successful and failed implementation, we propose publications that address implementation itself—a second layer of reporting about the “hidden” elements that may have been decisive factors in taking an efficacious test, treatment, or model and putting it into real‐world practice. We propose a new platform for sharing a broader range of healthcare quality improvement initiatives—successes and failures. We include several salient characteristics that could be measured and described in support of dynamic, sustainable, evidence‐based implementation of geriatrics programs.
Efficacy of subcutaneous injection of platelet‐rich plasma in alopecia: A clinical and histological pilot study on a rat model with a six‐month long‐term follow‐up experience
Authors: Orliac Sophie , Serfaty Jean‐Michel , Perozziello Anne , Zurlinden Olivier , Louedec Liliane , Dallaudière Benjamin
Published: November 2017

Purpose

To assess the potential of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) subcutaneous injection of to treat alopecia and to evaluate local toxicity.

Materials‐Methods

Twelve Hairless rats were used. At D0, we performed systematic clinical examination and divided the rat back into four quadrants (Q). We initiated subcutaneous injection using either PRP in PRPQ+, platelet‐poor plasma (PPP) in PPPQ+, physiological serum (PS) in PSQ+, or no treatment (Q4). At D7, D14, D21, and D28 but also second month (M2), M3, M4, M5, rats had exactly the same injection procedure. Follow‐up with PRP efficacy and toxicity at D28 and M6 using clinical and histological evaluation was performed.

Results

Hair density was significantly improved at D28 and at M6 for PRPQ+ vs PSQ+ (respectively, P = .0156 and P = .0313), PPPQ+ (respectively, P = .042 and P = .046). Significant histological improvement was observed between D28 and M6, for PRPQ+ vs PPPQ+ and PSQ+ for vessels (respectively, P = .0160 and P = .021), collagen (respectively, P = .0036 and P = .032), and epithelium (respectively, P = .0138 and P = .022) with no local toxicity.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that subcutaneous PRP injections using controlled concentration of platelets and leukocytes improve hair growth.
Filling the periorbital hollows with hyaluronic acid gel: Long‐term review of outcomes and complications
Authors: Mustak Hamzah , Fiaschetti Danica , Goldberg Robert Alan
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Hyaluronic acid gel has been used for rejuvenation of the periorbital tissues since 2004. The in‐office, nonsurgical procedural nature has resulted in the growing popularity of the use of fillers. The periorbital region poses unique challenges to the cosmetic surgeon. Malar edema, blue‐gray dyschromia, and contour irregularities are well reported short‐term complications. We present a long‐term follow‐up review of complications associated with periocular injection of hyaluronic acid gel fillers.

Methods

Retrospective review of 147 patients with at least a 5‐year follow‐up period since the first injection. Five senior masked reviewers were asked to grade photographs of patients in comparison with preinjection photographs. Grading was based on a reference photographic key looking specifically at the presence and severity of malar edema, blue‐gray dyschromia, and contour irregularity.

Results

Malar edema (11%), blue‐gray dyschromia (31.3%), and contour irregularities (30.5%) continue to be problems in longer term follow‐up of patients. The vast majority (90%) of these complications were mild and required no intervention. There is no statistically significant difference in the mean volumes injected by severity grading of each measured complication.

Conclusion

Hyaluronic acid gel fillers of the periorbital region are well tolerated in our long‐term follow‐up experience. The vast majority of cases of malar edema, blue‐gray dyschromia, and contour irregularities are mild and do not require intervention. Conservative treatment and tailored treatment approaches, in terms of volume and frequency of injections, may decrease the tendency of these adverse effects to occur.
Oleozon: A novel control strategy against powdery mildew in cucumber
Authors: Ma Yu , Ke Yang , Zhu Haiyun , Li Bo , Li Baoqing , Zhang Feng , Li Yingmei
Published: November 2017

Ozonized sunflower oil (oleozon) is an effective agent for controlling powdery mildew in cucumber. In this study, the mechanisms of oleozon in the control of powdery mildew were determined. The development of Podosphaera xanthii on cucumber leaves treated with oleozon (2%) and water was investigated at different times after inoculation. The germinating conidia, hyphae and conidiophores of the pathogen were severely damaged by oleozon. No visible phytotoxic effect was observed on cucumber after the application of oleozon. This compound had highly preventive effects as well as curative effects against powdery mildew based on in vivo potted seedling assays. The control effects of oleozon were further confirmed in a greenhouse trial. These results may provide a basis for further development of a natural fungicide against cucumber powdery mildew.
Molecular identification and characterization of Elsinoë murrayae (Synonym: Sphaceloma murrayae) from weeping willow
Authors: Zhao Lijuan , Zhang Weitao , Xiao Hongju , Xiong Qin , Cheng Qiang
Published: November 2017

Sphaceloma murrayae is a significant fungal pathogen of Salix spp. It causes greyish‐white leaf spots, which were reported worldwide except in China. Its morphological characteristics were described in the early literature; however, there is a lack of molecular information pertaining to this fungus. This study identified and characterized three fungal isolates that obtained from weeping willow leaf spots in China. Based on disease symptoms, morphological characteristics and single nomenclature rules for fungi, these isolates are proposed to be new combinations of Elsinoë murrayae (Synonym: S. murrayae). Phylogenetic analysis that combined internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit (LSU), RBP2 and TEF1‐α DNA sequences indicated that E. murrayae isolates and Elsinoë salicina—another Elsinoë sp. isolated from Salix sp.—were distinguishable species. With trypan blue staining and stereomicroscopic observation, we found that large‐scale cell death occurred at 2 days postinoculation (dpi) and slight disease symptoms started at 3 dpi when the conidia were inoculated on Salix babylonica leaves. Pathogenicity analysis revealed that three isolates can successfully infect mature leaves of S. babylonica, Salix fragilis and Salix suchowensis, but not Salix matsudana. In addition, a necrosis‐ and ethylene‐inducing‐like proteins’ (NLP) gene, named EmNLP1, was cloned. The cytotoxicity of EmNLP1 was confirmed by transient assay in tobacco. During infection, EmNLP1 dramatically peaked at 2 dpi and maintained a high‐level expression in the necrosis lesion growing stage.
Liver mitochondrial oxygen consumption and efficiency of milk production in lactating Holstein cows supplemented with copper, manganese and zinc
Authors: Acetoze G. , Champagne J. , Ramsey J. J. , Rossow H. A.
Published: November 2017

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between mitochondrial proton leak and feed efficiency with supplementation of different levels of Cu, Mn and Zn (Bioplex, Alltech) at levels above Nutrient Requirements of Dairy Cattle (NRC, 2001). Milk yield and composition, mineral excretion in milk and faeces, feed efficiency and liver mitochondrial proton leak were measured in 60 Holstein dairy cows at approximately 70 days in milk on a commercial dairy. Treatments reflect total Cu, Mn and Zn intake/day and are as follows: (i) High: 444 mg/day Cu, 3492 mg/day Mn, 2234 mg/day Zn; (ii) Med: 436 mg/day Cu, 3002 mg/day Mn, 2047 mg/day Zn; (iii) Low: 420 mg/day Cu, 2764 mg/day Mn, 2186 mg/day Zn; (iv) LowMn: 391 mg/day Cu, 2617 mg/day Mn, 1849 mg/day Zn; and (v) Control: 264 mg/day Cu, 2850 mg/day Mn, 1593 mg/day Zn. Proton leak‐dependent respiration was lowest in Control (p < .10). However, measures of efficiency were greatest in Med and least in High (p < .10). Therefore, measures of efficiency did not reflect efficiency due to low proton leak and there appears to be an upper limit to beneficial supplementation of Cu, Mn and Zn.
Treatment strategies in coronary microvascular dysfunction: A systematic review of interventional studies
Authors: Suhrs Hannah E. , Michelsen Marie M. , Prescott Eva
Published: November 2017

CMD has been associated with a wide spectrum of diseases and conditions, and it has proven to be a strong prognostic marker of morbidity and mortality. Despite increased attention, guideline‐based treatment recommendations are lacking. We performed a systematic review of pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions to improve coronary perfusion, assessed by IC Doppler, TTDE, PET, CMRI, transthoracic contrast perfusion echocardiography, and dilution techniques. No restrictions were made regarding the study design (randomized, placebo‐controlled/randomized with active comparators/nonrandomized with or without a control group), the cardiac condition studied, or the coronary microvascular function at baseline. An electronic database search yielded 4485 records of which 80 studies met our inclusion criteria. Included studies were sorted according to intervention and study design. Studies were small and heterogeneous in methodology, and only few were placebo‐controlled. Although some treatments looked promising, we found that no specific treatment was sufficiently well documented to be recommended in any patient groups. There is a need for larger well‐designed clinical trials, and we suggest that future studies stratify study populations according to pathogenic mechanisms, thereby investigating whether an individualized treatment approach would be more successful.
PlpA, a PilZ‐like protein, regulates directed motility of the bacterium Myxococcus xanthus
Authors: Pogue Connor B. , Zhou Tianyi , Nan Beiyan
Published: November 2017

The rod‐shaped bacterium Myxococcus xanthus moves on surfaces along its long cell axis and reverses its moving direction regularly. Current models propose that the asymmetric localization of a Ras‐like GTPase, MglA, to leading cell poles determines the moving direction of cells. However, cells are still motile in the mutants where MglA localizes symmetrically, suggesting the existence of additional regulators that control moving direction. In this study, we identified PlpA, a PilZ‐like protein that regulates the direction of motility. PlpA and MglA localize into opposite asymmetric patterns. Deletion of the plpA gene abolishes the asymmetry of MglA localization, increases the frequency of cellular reversals and leads to severe defects in cell motility. By tracking the movements of single motor particles, we demonstrated that PlpA and MglA co‐regulated the direction of gliding motility through direct interactions with the gliding motor. PlpA inhibits the reversal of individual gliding motors while MglA promotes motor reversal. By counteracting MglA near lagging cell poles, PlpA reinforces the polarity axis of MglA and thus stabilizes the direction of motility.
I. INTRODUCTION: MOVING THROUGH ADOLESCENCE: DEVELOPMENTAL TRAJECTORIES OF AFRICAN AMERICAN AND EUROPEAN AMERICAN YOUTH
Authors: Gutman Leslie Morrison , Peck Stephen C. , Malanchuk Oksana , Sameroff Arnold J. , Eccles Jacquelynne S.
Published: November 2017

In this monograph, we investigate the developmental trajectories of a predominantly middle‐class, community‐based sample of European American and African American adolescents growing up in urban, suburban, and rural areas in Maryland, United States. Within risk‐protection and positive youth development frameworks, we selected developmental measures based on the normative tasks of adolescence and the most widely studied indicators in the three major contexts of development: families, peer groups, and schools. Using hierarchical linear growth models, we estimated adolescents’ growth trajectories from ages 12 to 20 with variation accounted for by socioeconomic status (SES), gender, race/ethnicity, and the gender by race/ethnicity interaction. In general, the results indicate that: (a) periods of greatest risk and positive development depended on the time frame and outcome being examined and (b) on average, these adolescents demonstrated much stronger evidence of positive than problematic development, even at their most vulnerable times. Absolute levels of their engagement in healthy behaviors, supportive relationships with parents and friends, and positive self‐perceptions and psychological well‐being were much higher than their reported angry and depressive feelings, engagement in risky behaviors, and negative relationships with parents and peers. We did not find evidence to support the idea that adolescence is a time of heightened risk. Rather, on average, these adolescents experienced relatively stable and developmentally healthy trajectories for a wide range of characteristics, behaviors, and relationships, with slight increases or decreases at different points in development that varied according to domain. Developmental trajectories differed minimally by SES but in some expected ways by gender and race/ethnicity, although these latter differences were not very marked. Overall, most of the young people navigated through their adolescence and arrived at young adulthood with good mental and physical health, positive relationships with their parents and peers, and high aspirations and expectations for what their future lives might hold.
Two members of the velvet family, VmVeA and VmVelB, affect conidiation, virulence and pectinase expression in Valsa mali
Authors: Wu Yuxing , Xu Liangsheng , Yin Zhiyuan , Dai Qingqing , Gao Xiaoning , Feng Hao , Voegele Ralf T. , Huang Lili
Published: November 2017

Velvet protein family members are important fungal‐specific regulators which are involved in conidial development, secondary metabolism and virulence. To gain a broader insight into the physiological functions of the velvet protein family of Valsa mali, which causes a highly destructive canker disease on apple, we conducted a functional analysis of two velvet protein family members (VmVeA and VmVelB) via a gene replacement strategy. Deletion mutants of VmVeA and VmVelB showed increased melanin production, conidiation and sensitivity to abiotic stresses, but exhibited reduced virulence on detached apple leaves and twigs. Further studies demonstrated that the regulation of conidiation by VmVeA and VmVelB was positively correlated with the melanin synthesis transcription factor VmCmr1. More importantly, transcript levels of pectinase genes were shown to be decreased in deletion mutants compared with those of the wild‐type during infection. However, the expression of other cell wall‐degrading enzyme genes, including cellulase, hemi‐cellulase and ligninase genes, was not affected in the deletion mutants. Furthermore, the determination of pectinase activity and immunogold labelling of pectin demonstrated that the capacity for pectin degradation was attenuated as a result of deletions of VmVeA and VmVelB. Finally, the interaction of VmVeA with VmVelB was identified through co‐immunoprecipitation assays. VmVeA and VmVelB play critical roles in conidiation and virulence, probably via the regulation of the melanin synthesis transcription factor VmCmr1 and their effect on pectinase gene expression in V. mali, respectively.
Pulmonary damage following right ventricular outflow tachycardia ablation in a child: When electroanatomical mapping isn't good enough
Authors: Bansal Neha , Kobayashi Daisuke , Karpawich Peter P.
Published: November 2017

A 14‐year‐old female was referred for severe pulmonary valve insufficiency after undergoing radiofrequency ablation for a right ventricular outflow tract tachycardia that originated in the proximal pulmonary artery at 10 years of age. Clinical records indicated that ablation was guided solely by electrograms and electroanatomical mapping. Due to myocardial tissue extensions, mapping failed to identify the level of the pulmonary valve annulus, which resulted in delivery of energy on the valve proper and into the pulmonary artery. She developed severe pulmonary valve insufficiency and moderate proximal pulmonary artery stenosis necessitating intravascular stent placement 4 years later with an associated transcatheter valve. Although the nonfluoroscopic approach during ablation has gained wide acceptance for use in children, this report highlights the benefits of adjunctive imaging to identify the precise location of the pulmonary valve when ablation therapy is contemplated in the right ventricle outflow tract.
Seasonal temperatures from δ18O in recent Spanish tufa stromatolites: Equilibrium redux!
Authors: Arenas Concha , Osácar MARÍA Cinta , Auqué Luis Francisco , Andrews Julian E. , Pardo Gonzalo , Marca Alina , Martín‐Bello Leticia , Pérez‐Rivarés Francisco Javier
Published: November 2017

This study focuses on recent debate over the value of stable isotope‐based environmental proxies recorded in riverine tufa stromatolites. A twelve‐year record (1999 to 2012) of river‐bed tufa stromatolites in the River Piedra (north‐east Spain) was recovered in this study, along with a partly overlapping fifteen‐year record (1994 to 2009) of accumulations in a drainage pipe: both deposits formed in water with near identical physico/chemical parameters. Measured water temperature data and near‐constant δ18Owater composition allowed selection of an ‘equilibrium’ palaeotemperature equation that best replicated actual temperatures. This study, as in some previous studies, found that just two published formulas for water temperature calculation from equilibrium calcite δ18O compositions were appropriate for the River Piedra, where tufa deposition rates are high, with means between 5·6 mm and 10·8 mm in six months. The δ18Ocalcite in both the river and the pipe deposits essentially records the full actual seasonal water temperature range. Only the coldest times (water temperature <10°C), when calcite precipitation mass decreased to minimum, are likely to be unrepresented, an effect most noticeable in the pipe where depositional masses are smaller and below sample resolution. While kinetic effects on δ18Ocalcite‐based calculated water temperature cannot be ruled out, the good fit between measured water temperature and δ18Ocalcite‐calculated water temperature indicates that temperature is the principal control. Textural and deposition rate variability between the river and pipe settings are caused by differences in flow velocity and illumination. In the river, calcification of growing cyanobacterial mat occurred throughout the year, producing composite dense and porous laminae, whereas in the pipe, discontinuous cyanobacterial growth in winter promoted more abiogenic calcification. High‐resolution δ18Ocalcite data from synchronous pipe and river laminae show that reversals in water temperature occur within laminae, not at lamina boundaries, a pattern consistent with progressive increase in calcite precipitation rate as cyanobacterial growth re‐established in spring.
‘Smart’ Farming Techniques as Political Ontology: Access, Sovereignty and the Performance of Neoliberal and Not‐So‐Neoliberal Worlds
Authors: Carolan Michael
Published: November 2017

This article draws from data collected through interviews with the following groups: big data and/or precision farm equipment firm employees from numerous countries; commodity farmers in the USA who use big data; individuals from the US‐based Right to Repair movement; and farmers associated with Farm Hack from the USA and the UK. With this as the empirical backdrop, the author interrogates the concept of ‘access’ by way of the phenomena of justice, ontology, and claims making – emergent themes to come out of the qualitative data. This in turn allows the author to conceptually, analytically, and empirically unpack the concept into the following three categories: access, property, and sovereignty. A framework then emerges to talk about these socio‐technical assemblages in terms of what they do and the political ontologies they engender, recognising, for instance, that while access can afford individuals and groups benefits it can also detract from an individual's and/or group's ability to flourish. Being able to identify those practices of agro‐digital governance that afford sovereignty can inform policies and programmes by nurturing an understanding the worlds they make possible.
Taxon sampling to address an ancient rapid radiation: a supermatrix phylogeny of early brachyceran flies (Diptera)
Authors: SHIN SEUNGGWAN , BAYLESS KEITH M. , WINTERTON SHAUN L. , DIKOW TORSTEN , LESSARD BRYAN D. , YEATES DAVID K. , WIEGMANN BRIAN M. , TRAUTWEIN MICHELLE D.
Published: November 2017

Early diverging brachyceran fly lineages underwent a rapid radiation approximately 180 Ma, coincident in part with the origin of flowering plants. This region of the fly tree includes 25 000 described extant species with diverse ecological roles such as blood‐feeding (haematophagy), parasitoidism, predation, pollination and wood‐feeding (xylophagy). Early diverging brachyceran lineages were once considered a monophyletic group of families called Orthorrhapha, based on the shared character of a longitudinal break in the pupal skin made during the emergence of the adult. Yet other morphological and molecular evidence generally supports a paraphyletic arrangement of ‘Orthorrhapha’, with strong support for one orthorrhaphan lineage – dance flies and relatives – as the closest relative to all higher flies (Cyclorrhapha), together called Eremoneura. In order to establish a comprehensive estimate of the relationships among orthorrhaphan lineages using a thorough sample of publicly available data, we compiled and analysed a dataset including 1217 taxa representing major lineages and 20 molecular markers. Our analyses suggest that ‘Orthorrhapha’ excluding Eremoneura is not monophyletic; instead, we recover two main lineages of early brachyceran flies: Homeodactyla and Heterodactyla. Homeodactyla includes Nemestrinoidea (uniting two parasitic families Acroceridae + Nemestrinidae) as the closest relatives to the large SXT clade, comprising Stratiomyomorpha, Xylophagidae and Tabanomorpha. Heterodactyla includes Bombyliidae with a monophyletic Asiloidea (exclusive of Bombyliidae) as the closest relatives to Eremoneura. Reducing missing data, modifying the distribution of genes across taxa, and, in particular, removing rogue taxa significantly improved tree resolution and statistical support. Although our analyses rely on dense taxonomic sampling and substantial gene coverage, our results pinpoint the limited resolving power of Sanger sequencing‐era molecular phylogenetic datasets with respect to ancient, hyperdiverse radiations.
Timing of arrival of the Danube to the Black Sea: Provenance of sediments from DSDP site 380/380A
Authors: de Leeuw Arjan , Morton Andrew , van Baak Christiaan G. C. , Vincent Stephen J.
Published: November 2017

Estimates for the timing of the arrival of Danube sediment to the Black Sea range from Messinian to Pleistocene; the river is currently the largest sediment contributor, supplying 88 MT/yr. We identify two changes in siltstone provenance‐sensitive heavy mineral abundances at DSDP site 380/380A in the southwest Black Sea. Comparison with modern river sediment compositions indicates that siltstones above 571.5 mbsf (metres below sea floor) were supplied by the Danube, while sediments below 651.0 m were sourced by other supply systems. Palaeo‐magnetic, 40Ar/39Ar and biostratigraphic data reveal that the influx of Danube‐supplied sediment to the southwest Black Sea began between 4.36 ± 0.19 Ma and 1 Ma ago (Zanclean–Calabrian). Our results provide an independent time constraint on palaeogeographic reconstructions of the Pannonian and Dacian basins, which acted as upstream sediment sinks, and suggest that significant volumes of Danube‐supplied sediment only started to reach the Black Sea at least 1 Ma after the Messinian Salinity Crisis (5.971–5.33 Ma) had ended.
Mechanisms underpinning sympathetic nervous activity and its modulation using transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation
Authors: Deuchars Susan A. , Lall Varinder K. , Clancy Jennifer , Mahadi Mohd , Murray Aaron , Peers Lucy , Deuchars Jim
Published: November 2017

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review briefly considers what modulates sympathetic nerve activity and how it may change as we age or in pathological conditions. It then focuses on transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation, a method of neuromodulation in autonomic cardiovascular control.

What advances does it highlight?

The review considers the pathways involved in eliciting the changes in autonomic balance seen with transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation in relationship to other neuromodulatory techniques.

The autonomic nervous system, consisting of the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, is a major contributor to the maintenance of cardiovascular variables within homeostatic limits. As we age or in certain pathological conditions, the balance between the two branches changes such that sympathetic activity is more dominant, and this change in dominance is negatively correlated with prognosis in conditions such as heart failure. We have shown that non‐invasive stimulation of the tragus of the ear increases parasympathetic activity and reduces sympathetic activity and that the extent of this effect is correlated with the baseline cardiovascular parameters of different subjects. The effects could be attributable to activation of the afferent branch of the vagus and, potentially, other sensory nerves in that region. This indicates that tragus stimulation may be a viable treatment in disorders where autonomic activity to the heart is compromised.
A dual-mode textile for human body radiative heating and cooling
Authors: Hsu Po-Chun , Liu Chong , Song Alex Y. , Zhang Ze , Peng Yucan , Xie Jin , Liu Kai , Wu Chun-Lan , Catrysse Peter B. , Cai Lili , Zhai Shang , Majumdar Arun , Fan Shanhui , Cui Yi
Published: November 2017

Dual-mode textiles made of nanoPE provide both cooling and heating, which helps humans adapt to larger temperature changes.
Foot force models of crowd dynamics on a wobbly bridge
Authors: Belykh Igor , Jeter Russell , Belykh Vladimir
Published: November 2017

This study develops “crash test dummies” to help designers avoid their footbridges oscillating or bouncing alarmingly.
Moiré excitons: From programmable quantum emitter arrays to spin-orbit–coupled artificial lattices
Authors: Yu Hongyi , Liu Gui-Bin , Tang Jianju , Xu Xiaodong , Yao Wang
Published: November 2017

Moiré pattern realizes programmable array of excitonic quantum emitters and exciton lattice with strong spin-orbit coupling.
Complex dewetting scenarios of ultrathin silicon films for large-scale nanoarchitectures
Authors: Naffouti Meher , Backofen Rainer , Salvalaglio Marco , Bottein Thomas , Lodari Mario , Voigt Axel , David Thomas , Benkouider Abdelmalek , Fraj Ibtissem , Favre Luc , Ronda Antoine , Berbezier Isabelle , Grosso David , Abbarchi Marco , Bollani Monica
Published: November 2017

Si-based nanoarchitectures are formed with unprecedented precision and reproducibility via templated dewetting of thin SOI.
A melanin-mediated cancer immunotherapy patch
Authors: Ye Yanqi , Wang Chao , Zhang Xudong , Hu Quanyin , Zhang Yuqi , Liu Qi , Wen Di , Milligan Joshua , Bellotti Adriano , Huang Leaf , Dotti Gianpietro , Gu Zhen
Published: November 2017

Transdermal microneedle patch integrated with whole tumor lysate containing melanin facilitates cancer immunotherapy upon near-infrared light irradiation.
Heating up cancer vaccines
Authors: Ghassemi Saba , Carreno Beatriz M.
Published: November 2017

A microneedle patch containing melanin promotes systemic antitumor response upon photothermal irradiation. See the related research article by

Ye
et al
.
From blockchain technology to global health equity: can cryptocurrencies finance universal health coverage?
Authors: Till Brian M , Peters Alexander W , Afshar Salim , Meara John G
Published: November 2017

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies could remake global health financing and usher in an era global health equity and universal health coverage. We outline and provide examples for at least four important ways in which this potential disruption of traditional global health funding mechanisms could occur: universal access to financing through direct transactions without third parties; novel new multilateral financing mechanisms; increased security and reduced fraud and corruption; and the opportunity for open markets for healthcare data that drive discovery and innovation. We see these issues as a paramount to the delivery of healthcare worldwide and relevant for payers and providers of healthcare at state, national and global levels; for government and non-governmental organisations; and for global aid organisations, including the WHO, International Monetary Fund and World Bank Group.
Effect of a machine learning-based severe sepsis prediction algorithm on patient survival and hospital length of stay: a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Shimabukuro David W , Barton Christopher W , Feldman Mitchell D , Mataraso Samson J , Das Ritankar
Published: November 2017

Introduction

Several methods have been developed to electronically monitor patients for severe sepsis, but few provide predictive capabilities to enable early intervention; furthermore, no severe sepsis prediction systems have been previously validated in a randomised study. We tested the use of a machine learning-based severe sepsis prediction system for reductions in average length of stay and in-hospital mortality rate.

Methods

We conducted a randomised controlled clinical trial at two medical-surgical intensive care units at the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, evaluating the primary outcome of average length of stay, and secondary outcome of in-hospital mortality rate from December 2016 to February 2017. Adult patients (18+) admitted to participating units were eligible for this factorial, open-label study. Enrolled patients were assigned to a trial arm by a random allocation sequence. In the control group, only the current severe sepsis detector was used; in the experimental group, the machine learning algorithm (MLA) was also used. On receiving an alert, the care team evaluated the patient and initiated the severe sepsis bundle, if appropriate. Although participants were randomly assigned to a trial arm, group assignments were automatically revealed for any patients who received MLA alerts.

Results

Outcomes from 75 patients in the control and 67 patients in the experimental group were analysed. Average length of stay decreased from 13.0 days in the control to 10.3 days in the experimental group (p=0.042). In-hospital mortality decreased by 12.4 percentage points when using the MLA (p=0.018), a relative reduction of 58.0%. No adverse events were reported during this trial.

Conclusion

The MLA was associated with improved patient outcomes. This is the first randomised controlled trial of a sepsis surveillance system to demonstrate statistically significant differences in length of stay and in-hospital mortality.

Trial registration

NCT03015454.
Compared with what? Estimating the effects of injury prevention policies using the synthetic control method
Authors: Bonander Carl
Published: November 2017

Introduction

This paper discusses the application of the synthetic control method to injury-related interventions using aggregate data from public information systems. The method selects and determines the optimal control unit in the data by minimising the difference between the pre-intervention outcomes in one treated unit (eg, a state) and a weighted combination of potential control units.

Method

I demonstrate the synthetic control method by an application to Florida’s post-2010 policy and law enforcement initiatives aimed at bringing down opioid overdose deaths. Using opioid-related mortality data for a panel of 46 states observed from 1999 to 2015, the analysis suggests that a weighted combination of Maine (46.1%), Pennsylvania (34.4%), Nevada (5.4%), Washington (5.3%), West Virginia (4.3%) and Oklahoma (3.4%) best predicts the preintervention trajectory of opioid-related deaths in Florida between 1999 and 2009. Model specification and placebo tests, as well as an iterative leave-k-out sensitivity analysis are used as falsification tests.

Results

The results indicate that the policies have decreased the incidence of opioid-related deaths in Florida by roughly 40% (or −6.19 deaths per 100.000 person-years) by 2015 compared with the evolution projected by the synthetic control unit. Sensitivity analyses yield an average estimate of −4.55 deaths per 100.000 person-years (2.5th percentile: −1.24, 97.5th percentile: −7.92). The estimated cumulative effect in terms of deaths prevented in the postperiod is 3705 (2.5th percentile: 1302, 97.5th percentile: 6412).

Discussion

Recommendations for practice, future research and potential pitfalls, especially concerning low-count data, are discussed. Replication codes for Stata are provided.
Communicating malapposition of flow diverters assessed with optical coherence tomography correlates with delayed aneurysm occlusion
Authors: King Robert M , Brooks Olivia W , Langan Erin T , Caroff Jildaz , Clarençon Frédéric , Tamura Takamitsu , Wainwright John Michael , Gounis Matthew J , Marosfői Miklós , Puri Ajit S
Published: November 2017

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a high resolution intravascular imaging method that allows visualization of flow diverter struts and the vessel wall. In this study, malapposition of the flow diverter that continues into the neck of the aneurysm, named communicating malapposition (CM), was investigated as a potential factor for delayed aneurysm healing.

Methods

40 New Zealand White rabbits underwent elastase induced aneurysm creation, and were subsequently assigned to one of four treatment groups based on flow diverter type and administration of antiplatelet therapy. All animals underwent post device deployment balloon angioplasty and subsequent OCT to assess device/vessel apposition. The incidence of CM seen on OCT was assessed with a binary scoring system: 0–CM present; 1–CM absent. At 30 days, DSA was acquired to assess aneurysm healing. Aneurysm healing on terminal DSA was measured using a previously developed 5 point scale, with a score of 3 or 4 considered a positive outcome.

Results

All animals were grouped into a single cohort for analysis as no difference in the rate of CM or healing was seen in the four treatment groups. Significant interaction between the absence of CM and a positive outcome was confirmed by Fisher exact test (P=0.0034). Angioplasty was shown to treat 33% of the cases of CM seen at implant, and these treated cases overwhelmingly had a positive outcome (P<0.001).

Conclusion

The use of OCT to assess CM of flow diverters has been shown to be predictive of the 30 day healing rate of an animal model of aneurysms.
Mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke with occlusion of the M2 segment of the middle cerebral artery: a meta-analysis
Authors: Saber Hamidreza , Narayanan Sandra , Palla Mohan , Saver Jeffrey L , Nogueira Raul G , Yoo Albert J , Sheth Sunil A
Published: November 2017

Background

Endovascular thrombectomy has demonstrated benefit for patients with acute ischemic stroke from proximal large vessel occlusion. However, limited evidence is available from recent randomized trials on the role of thrombectomy for M2 segment occlusions of the middle cerebral artery (MCA).

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate clinical and radiographic outcomes, rates of hemorrhagic complications, and mortality after M2 occlusion thrombectomy using modern devices, and compared these outcomes against patients with M1 occlusions. Recanalization was defined as Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b/3 or modified TICI 2b/3.

Results

A total of 12 studies with 1080 patients with M2 thrombectomy were included in our analysis. Functional independence (modified Rankin Scale 0–2) rate was 59% (95% CI 54% to 64%). Mortality and symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage rates were 16% (95% CI 11% to 23%) and 10% (95% CI 6% to 16%), respectively. Recanalization rates were 81% (95% CI 79% to 84%), and were equally comparable for stent-retriever versus aspiration (OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.91 to 1.21). Successful M2 recanalization was associated with greater rates of favorable outcome (OR 4.22; 95% CI 1.96 to 9.1) compared with poor M2 recanalization (TICI 0–2a). There was no significant difference in recanalization rates for M2 versus M1 thrombectomy (OR 1.05; 95% CI 0.77 to 1.42).

Conclusions

This meta-analysis suggests that mechanical thrombectomy for M2 occlusions that can be safely accessed is associated with high functional independence and recanalization rates, but may be associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage.
Fish ladder installation across a historical barrier asymmetrically increased conspecific introgressive hybridization between wild winter and summer run steelhead salmon in the Siletz River, Oregon
Authors: Hemstrom William , van de Wetering Stan , Banks Michael
Published: November 2017

Managing intraspecific hybridization is crucial for maintaining a balance between inbreeding and outbreeding depression in winter and summer run steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss). While spatial distance is a common factor in maintaining reproductive isolation between these two ecotypes, physical barriers may also prevent hybridization, particularly in short river systems. To determine the effect of barriers and their removal on hybridization, we studied winter and summer steelhead populations in the Siletz River of northern coastal Oregon, which were historically separated by a physical barrier that was removed in the 1950s. We observed a large degree of admixture in the summer run population but little in the summer hatchery or wild winter populations, the former of which was established shortly after the removal of the barrier. This suggests that the high level of admixture in the wild summer run may be due to the removal of the barrier. We also found reduced genetic diversity in the wild summer run and in both hatchery populations. This highlights the need to balance inbreeding and outbreeding depression in hybridizing subpopulations.
Predicting Mortality After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Pilgrim Thomas , Franzone Anna , Stortecky Stefan , Nietlispach Fabian , Haynes Alan G. , Tueller David , Toggweiler Stefan , Muller Oliver , Ferrari Enrico , Noble Stéphane , Maisano Francesco , Jeger Raban , Roffi Marco , Grünenfelder Jürg , Huber Christoph , Wenaweser Peter , Windecker Stephan
Published: November 2017

Background—

The Transcatheter Valve Therapy (TVT) registry model was recently developed to predict the risk of in-hospital mortality in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement. We sought to externally validate the model in an independent data set of consecutively enrolled patients in the Swiss Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation registry.

Methods and Results—

The original prediction model was retrospectively applied to 3491 consecutive patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement in Switzerland between February 2011 and February 2016. We examined model performance in terms of discrimination (Harrel C index) and calibration (Hosmer–Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test) for prediction of in-hospital and 30-day mortality and compared its predictive accuracy with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score. Rates of in-hospital and 30-day mortality in the external validation cohort were 2.9% and 3.8%, respectively. The TVT registry model was found to have moderate discrimination (C index, 0.66; 95% confidence interval, 0.60–0.72 and C index, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.62–0.72 for in-hospital and 30-day mortality, respectively) and good calibration. Compared with the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score, the TVT registry model demonstrated improved calibration for in-hospital (slope, 0.83;
P
=0.23 versus slope, 0.24;
P
<0.001, respectively) and 30-day (slope, 1.11;
P
=0.40 versus slope, 0.41;
P
<0.001, respectively) mortality.

Conclusions—

In a large, multicenter, non-US cohort of patients with transcatheter aortic valve replacement, the validation of the TVT registry model demonstrated moderate discrimination and good calibration for the prediction of in-hospital and 30-day mortality. As a result, the TVT registry model should be considered an alternative to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons Predicted Risk of Mortality score for decision making and assessment of early outcome in patients eligible for transcatheter aortic valve replacement.