bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Trevizol Alisson Paulino , Shiozawa Pedro , Cook Ian A. , Sato Isa Albuquerque , Kaku Caio Barbosa , Guimarães Fernanda BS. , Sachdev Perminder , Sarkhel Sujit , Cordeiro Quirino
Published: June 2016

Background

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a promising noninvasive brain stimulation intervention. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been proposed for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) with auspicious results.

Objective

To assess the efficacy of TMS for OCD in randomized clinical trials (RCTs).

Methods

Systematic review using MEDLINE and EMBASE from the first RCT available until March 11, 2016. The main outcome was the Hedgesgfor continuous scores for Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale in a random-effects model. Heterogeneity was evaluated with the I2and the χ2test. Publication bias was evaluated using the Begg funnel plot. Metaregression was performed using the random-effects model modified by Knapp and Hartung.

Results

We included 15 RCTs (n = 483), most had small-to-modest sample sizes. Comparing active versus sham TMS, active stimulation was significantly superior for OCD symptoms (Hedges g = 0.45; 95% confidence interval, 0.2–0.71). The funnel plot showed that the risk of publication bias was low and between-study heterogeneity was low (I2= 43%,P= 0.039 for the χ2test). Metaregression showed no particular influence of any variable on the results.

Conclusions

Transcranial magnetic stimulation active was superior to sham stimulation for the amelioration of OCD symptoms. Trials had moderate heterogeneity results, despite different protocols of stimulation used. Further RCTs with larger sample sizes are fundamentally needed to clarify the precise impact of TMS in OCD symptoms.
Structural and functional analysis of the solute-binding protein UspC from
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
that is specific for amino sugars
Authors: Fullam Elizabeth , Prokes Ivan , Fütterer Klaus , Besra Gurdyal S.
Published: June 2016

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(
Mtb
), the aetiological agent of tuberculosis, has evolved to scavenge nutrients from the confined environment of host macrophages with mycobacterial ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters playing a key role in nutrient acquisition.
Mtb
-UspC (Rv2318) is the solute-binding protein of the essential transporter UspABC, one of four
Mtb
ABC transporters implicated by homology in sugar acquisition. Herein, we report the structural and functional characterization of
Mtb
-UspC. The 1.5 Å resolution structure of UspC reveals a two subdomain architecture that forms a highly acidic carbohydrate-substrate binding cleft. This has allowed a distinct preference of
Mtb
-UspC for amino sugars as determined by thermal shift analysis and solution saturation transfer difference-NMR. Taken together our data support the functional assignment of UspABC as an amino-sugar transporter. Given the limited availability of carbohydrates within the phagosomal environmental niche during
Mtb
intracellular infection, our studies suggest that UspABC enables
Mtb
to optimize the use of scarce nutrients during intracellular infection, linking essentiality of this protein to a potential role in recycling components of cell-wall peptidoglycan.
Climate and local abundance in freshwater fishes
Authors: Knouft Jason H. , Anthony Melissa M.
Published: June 2016

Identifying factors regulating variation in numbers of individuals among populations across a species' distribution is a fundamental goal in ecology. A common prediction, often referred to as the abundant-centre hypothesis, suggests that abundance is highest near the centre of a species' range. However, because of the primary focus on the geographical position of a population, this framework provides little insight into the environmental factors regulating local abundance. While range-wide variation in population abundance associated with environmental conditions has been investigated in terrestrial species, the relationship between climate and local abundance in freshwater taxa across species' distributions is not well understood. We used GIS-based temperature and precipitation data to determine the relationships between climatic conditions and range-wide variation in local abundance for 19 species of North American freshwater fishes. Climate predicted a portion of the variation in local abundance among populations for 18 species. In addition, the relationship between climatic conditions and local abundance varied among species, which is expected as lineages partition the environment across geographical space. The influence of local habitat quality on species persistence is well documented; however, our results also indicate the importance of climate in regulating population sizes across a species geographical range, even in aquatic taxa.
Do perceptual biases emerge early or late in visual processing? Decision-biases in motion perception
Authors: Zamboni Elisa , Ledgeway Timothy , McGraw Paul V. , Schluppeck Denis
Published: June 2016

Visual perception is strongly influenced by contextual information. A good example is reference repulsion, where subjective reports about the direction of motion of a stimulus are significantly biased by the presence of an explicit reference. These
perceptual biases
could arise early, during sensory encoding, or alternatively, they may reflect
decision-related processes
occurring relatively late in the task sequence. To separate these two competing possibilities, we asked (human) subjects to perform a fine
motion-discrimination
task and then estimate the direction of motion in the presence or absence of an oriented reference line. When subjects performed the discrimination task with the reference, but subsequently estimated motion direction in its absence, direction estimates were unbiased. However, when subjects viewed the same stimuli but performed the estimation task only, with the orientation of the reference line jittered on every trial, the directions estimated by subjects were biased and yoked to the orientation of the shifted reference line. These results show that judgements made relative to a reference are subject to
late, decision-related biases
. A model in which information about motion is integrated with that of an explicit reference cue, resulting in a late, decision-related re-weighting of the sensory representation, can account for these results.
The evolution of mimicry of friarbirds by orioles (Aves: Passeriformes) in Australo-Pacific archipelagos
Authors: Jønsson Knud Andreas , Delhey Kaspar , Sangster George , Ericson Per G. P. , Irestedt Martin
Published: June 2016

Observations by Alfred Wallace and Jared Diamond of plumage similarities between co-occurring orioles (Oriolus) and friarbirds (Philemon) in the Malay archipelago led them to conclude that the former represent visual mimics of the latter. Here, we use molecular phylogenies and plumage reflectance measurements to test several key predictions of the mimicry hypothesis. We show that friarbirds originated before brown orioles, that the two groups did not co-speciate, although there is one plausible instance of co-speciation among species on the neighbouring Moluccan islands of Buru and Seram. Furthermore, we show that greater size disparity between model and mimic and a longer history of co-occurrence have resulted in a stronger plumage similarity (mimicry). This suggests that resemblance between orioles and friarbirds represents mimicry and that colonization of islands by brown orioles has been facilitated by their ability to mimic the aggressive friarbirds.
The accumulation of N6-methyl-2’-deoxyadenosine in DNA drives activity-induced gene expression and is required for the extinction of conditioned fear
Authors: Li Xiang , Zhao Qiongyi , Wei Wei , Lin Quan , Magnan Christophe , Emami Michael R. , Wearick da Silva Luis E. , Viola Thiago W. , Marshall Paul R. , Yin Jaiyu , Madugalle Sachithrani U. , Nainar Sara , Vågbø Cathrine Broberg , Leighton Laura J. , Zajaczkowski Esmi L. , Ke Ke , Grassi-Oliveira Rodrigo , Bjørås Magnar , Baldi Pierre F. , Spitale Robert C. , Bredy Timothy W.
Published: June 2016

Here we report that the recently discovered mammalian DNA modification N6-methyl-2’-deoxyadenosine (m6dA) is dynamically regulated in primary cortical neurons, and accumulates along promoters and coding sequences within the genome of activated prefrontal cortical neurons of adult C57/BI6 mice in response to fear extinction learning. The deposition of m6dA is generally associated with increased genome-wide occupancy of the mammalian m6dA methyltransferase, N6amt1, and this correlates with fear extinction learning-induced gene expression. Of particular relevance for fear extinction memory, the accumulation of m6dA is associated with an active chromatin state and the recruitment of transcriptional machinery to the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) P4 promoter, which is required for Bdnf exon IV mRNA expression and for the extinction of conditioned fear. These results expand the scope of DNA modifications in the adult brain and highlight changes in m6dA as a novel neuroepigenetic mechanism associated with activity-induced gene expression and the formation of fear extinction memory.
Tradict enables accurate prediction of eukaryotic transcriptional states from 100 marker genes
Authors: Biswas Surojit , Kerner Konstantin , José Pereira Lima Teixeira Paulo , Dangl Jeffery L. , Jojic Vladimir , Wigge Philip A.
Published: June 2016

Transcript levels are a critical determinant of the proteome and hence cellular function. Because the transcriptome is an outcome of the interactions between genes and their products, it may be accurately represented by a subset of transcript abundances. We developed a method, Tradict (transcriptome predict), capable of learning and using the expression measurements of a small subset of 100 marker genes to predict transcriptome-wide gene abundances and the expression of a comprehensive, but interpretable list of transcriptional programs that represent the major biological processes and pathways of the cell. By analyzing over 23,000 publicly available RNA-Seq datasets, we show that Tradict is robust to noise and accurate. Coupled with targeted RNA sequencing, Tradict may therefore enable simultaneous transcriptome-wide screening and mechanistic investigation at large scales.
The effects of inter‐vibrator interference on vibrator performance
Authors: Dean Timothy , Tulett John , Lane Darvin
Published: June 2016

The output from the hydraulic vibrators typically used for land seismic surveys is controlled by monitoring the acceleration measured by accelerometers mounted on the reaction mass and baseplate. The considerable energy output by such vibrators, which are coupled with the sensitivity of the accelerometers used, results in crosstalk if more than one vibrator is being used. In this paper, we present the results of a field experiment in which we measured the crosstalk between two adjacent vibrators. We found that the level of crosstalk was approximately ‐20 dB when the vibrators were adjacent but decreased with increasing frequency and separation. This result has implications for measurements of vibrator performance, source‐signature deconvolution, and in particular, estimates of the total energy output by a fleet of vibrators.
Sonification of geophysical data through time–frequency analysis: theory and applications
Authors: Dell'Aversana Paolo , Gabbriellini Gianluca , Amendola Alfonso
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we introduce a new method of geophysical data interpretation based on simultaneous analysis of images and sounds. The final objective is to expand the interpretation workflow through multimodal (visual–audio) perception of the same information. We show how seismic data can be effectively converted into standard formats commonly used in digital music. This conversion of geophysical data into the musical domain can be done by applying appropriate time–frequency transforms. Using real data, we demonstrate that the Stockwell transform provides a very accurate and reliable conversion. Once converted into musical files, geophysical datasets can be played and interpreted by using modern computer music tools, such as sequencers. This approach is complementary and not substitutive of interpretation methods based on imaging. It can be applied not only to seismic data but also to well logs and any type of geophysical time/depth series. To show the practical implications of our integrated visual–audio method of interpretation, we discuss an application to a real seismic dataset in correspondence of an important hydrocarbon discovery.
Multiple opportunistic pathogens can cause a bleaching disease in the red seaweed Delisea pulchra
Authors: Kumar Vipra , Zozaya‐Valdes Enrique , Kjelleberg Staffan , Thomas Torsten , Egan Suhelen
Published: June 2016

While macroalgae (or seaweeds) are increasingly recognized to suffer from disease, in most cases the causative agents are unknown. The model macroalga Delisea pulchra is susceptible to a bleaching disease and previous work has identified two epiphytic bacteria, belonging to the Roseobacter clade, that cause bleaching under laboratory conditions. However, recent environmental surveys have shown that these in vitro pathogens are not abundant in naturally bleached D. pulchra, suggesting the presence of other pathogens capable of causing this algal disease. To test this hypothesis, we cultured bacteria that were abundant on bleached tissue across multiple disease events and assessed their ability to cause bleaching disease. We identified the new pathogens Alteromonas sp. BL110, Aquimarina sp. AD1 and BL5 and Agarivorans sp BL7 that are phylogenetically diverse, distinct from the previous two pathogens and can also be found in low abundance in healthy individuals. Moreover, we found that bacterial communities of diseased individuals that were infected with these pathogens were less diverse and more divergent from each other than those of healthy algae. This study demonstrates that multiple and opportunistic pathogens can cause the same disease outcome for D. pulchra and we postulate that such pathogens are more common in marine systems than previously anticipated.
Forensic Features of Lethal Late‐Presenting Diaphragmatic Hernias
Authors: Thompson Melissa , Wills Stephen , Byard Roger W.
Published: June 2016

Diaphragmatic defects are a relatively common and benign finding in adults which may be congenital or secondarily acquired. The case files at Forensic Sciences South Australia were reviewed over a 10‐year period from July 2005 to June 2015 for all adult (>17 years) cases in which diaphragmatic hernias were identified at postmortem examination that had either caused or contributed to death. Five cases were found: age range 49–90 years (average 67.2 years); male:female ratio 2:3. Herniated organs included the stomach (N = 3), small (N = 3) and large intestines (N = 2). Mechanisms of death involved lung compression with respiratory failure and/or mediastinal shift, and vascular compromise with gastric or intestinal infarction and/or perforation. Diaphragmatic hernias may not be identified until the time of autopsy and may be quite complex entities to evaluate due to a lack of clinical history and to difficulties in determining their origin and possible contributions to mechanisms of death.
Using multiple disparate data sources to map heat vulnerability: Vancouver case study
Authors: Aminipouri Mehdi , Knudby Anders , Ho Hung Chak
Published: June 2016

Key Messages

Spatial patterns of heat vulnerability exist as a result of variations in the distribution of socio‐economic, environmental, and infrastructural factors.

105 socio‐economically deprived dissemination areas were found to be at higher risk for heat events; the effect of environmental and infrastructural factors may elevate this risk.

Results may inform both short‐term emergency management efforts and longer‐term urban planning interventions to reduce health effects of extreme heat events.
Therapeutic targeting of diabetic retinal neuropathy as a strategy in preventing diabetic retinopathy
Authors: de Moraes Gabriela , Layton Christopher J
Published: June 2016

Diabetes causes a panretinal neurodegeneration herein termed diabetic retinal neuropathy, which manifests in the retina early and progresses throughout the disease. Clinical manifestations include changes in the ERG, perimetry, dark adaptation, contrast sensitivity and colour vision which correlate with laboratory findings of thinning of the retinal neuronal layers, increased apoptosis in neurons and activation of glial cells. Possible mechanisms include oxidative stress, neuronal AGE accumulation, altered balance of neurotrophic factors and loss of mitohormesis. Retinal neural damage precedes and is a biologically plausible cause of retinal vasculopathy later in diabetes, and this review suggests that strategies to target it directly could prevent diabetes induced blindness. The efficacy of fenofibrate in reducing retinopathy progression provides a possible proof of concept for this approach. Strategies which may target diabetic retinal neuropathy include reducing retinal metabolic demand, improving mitochondrial function with AMPK and Sirt1 activators or providing neurotrophic support with neurotrophic supplementation.
Reevaluating Reconstruction Filters for Path‐Searching Tasks in 3D
Authors: Roberts D. A. T. , Ivrissimtzis I.
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we present an experiment on stereoscopic direct volume rendering, aiming at understanding the relationship between the choice of reconstruction filter and participant performance on tasks requiring spatial understanding such as 3D path‐searching. The focus of our study is on the impact on task performance of the post‐aliasing and smoothing produced by the reconstruction filters. We evaluated five reconstruction filters, each under two different transfer functions and two different displays with a wide range of behaviours in terms of post‐aliasing and smoothing. We found that path‐searching tasks commonly found in the literature, and as the one we employed here, elicit bias in the responses which should be taken into account when analysing the results. Our analysis, which employed both standard statistical tests and techniques from signal detection theory, indicates that the choice of reconstruction filter affects some aspects of the spatial understanding of the scene.
Individualized prediction of the effect of angiotensin receptor blockade on renal and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with diabetic nephropathy
Authors: van der Sande N. G. C. , Dorresteijn J. A. N. , Visseren F. L. J. , Dwyer J. P. , Blankestijn P. J. , van der Graaf Y. , Heerspink H. L. J.
Published: June 2016

Aims

To predict individualized treatment effects of angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) on cardiovascular and renal complications in order to help clinicians and patients assess the benefit of treatment (or adherence) and estimate remaining disease risk.

Materials and methods

In patients with diabetic nephropathy, the 3‐year treatment effect of ARBs was predicted in terms of absolute risk reduction (ARR) for end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD; i.e. myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for heart failure) and all‐cause mortality. Competing‐risk‐adjusted proportional hazard models were developed based on the Irbesartan Diabetic Nephropathy Trial (IDNT) and externally validated in the Reduction of Endpoints NIDDM with Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan (RENAAL) trial.

Results

Predictors included in the model were age, sex, smoking sex, systolic blood pressure, urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, estimated glomerular filtration rate, albumin and phosphorus. The median predicted 3‐year risk without treatment was 6.0% for ESRD and 28.0% for CVD and mortality. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] predicted 3‐year ARR was 1.2 (0.4‐3.1)% for ESRD and 2.2 (1.8‐2.6)% for CVD and mortality, resulting in a combined ARR of 3.4 (2.4‐5.5)%. The remaining disease risk was 4.7 (IQR 1.7‐12.8)% for ESRD and 25.8% (IQR 20.3‐31.9)% for CVD and mortality.

Conclusions

The combined effects of ARBs on ESRD and CVD and mortality in patients with diabetic nephropathy vary considerably between patients. A substantial proportion of patients remain at high risk for both outcomes despite ARB treatment.
Dose–response relationship between statin therapy and glycaemia in community‐based patients with type 2 diabetes: the Fremantle Diabetes Study
Authors: Davis T. M. E. , Badshah I. , Chubb S. A. P. , Davis W. A.
Published: June 2016

Although statins may increase glycaemia in type 2 diabetes, available data are from single‐dose intervention trials or studies with no adjustment for concomitant changes in blood glucose‐lowering therapy. To provide real‐life data covering common statin types and doses, glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) data from patients in the Fremantle Diabetes Study phases I (FDS1) and II (FDS2) and data on stable diabetes treatment before and after statin initiation were analysed. Intensity of statin therapy was categorized as low, moderate or high based on within‐group dose regimens with similar serum LDL cholesterol‐lowering effects. In pooled analyses of 335 eligible patients in FDS1 and FDS2, there was no change in HbA1c in the low‐intensity group (0.04% or 0.4 mmol/mol; n = 159; p = .40), but a mean 0.22% (2.4 mmol/mol) increase in the moderate‐intensity group (n = 185; p = .022) and a larger mean increase of 1.05% (11.5 mmol/mol) increase in the high‐intensity group (n = 11; p = .023). These real‐life data suggest a dose–response relationship between statin treatment intensity and glycaemia that has potential clinical implications.
Main potential drivers of trout population dynamics in bypassed stream sections
Authors: Tissot Laurence , Bret Victor , Capra Hervé , Baran Philippe , Gouraud Véronique
Published: June 2016

The key role of hydrological variability in structuring brown trout populations is well established. However, the influence of additional drivers is more difficult to identify. The implementation of long‐term monitoring and the development of reliable tools can help to reveal fine local drivers structuring fish populations in contrasted flow regimes. This study used data series for nine reaches monitored for nine to nineteen years in four French salmonid streams. Study reaches were within five bypassed sections influenced by instream flow. A deterministic trout population dynamics model was applied on each reach, with calibration and validation procedures. Results revealed that biological drivers structured all reaches similarly. In addition, seven other drivers were identified. Among these additional drivers, hydrology mainly explained temporal fluctuations in trout density, regardless of reach. Three drivers independent of hydrology were also revealed: poor water quality, limited spawning area and the effect of power plant operations (overtopping, flushing or plant shutdown). All drivers influenced the whole bypassed section and were never limited to the scale of the reach (sampling area). Further analyses of each driver are now needed, to regionalise and quantify their respective impact precisely. Thus, assessment of trout population status would be simplified, enabling implementation of efficient management rules.
Systematic assessment of duration and intensity of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on primary motor cortex excitability
Authors: Tremblay Sara , Larochelle‐Brunet Félix , Lafleur Louis‐Philippe , El Mouderrib Sofia , Lepage Jean‐François , Théoret Hugo
Published: June 2016

Since the initial demonstration of linear effects of stimulation duration and intensity on the strength of after‐effects associated with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), few studies have systematically assessed how varying these parameters modulates corticospinal excitability. Therefore, the objective of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of anodal tDCS on corticospinal excitability at two stimulation intensities (1 mA, 2 mA) and durations (10 min, 20 min), and determine the value of several variables in predicting response. Two groups of 20 individuals received, in two separate sessions, 1 and 2 mA anodal tDCS (left primary motor cortex (M1)‐right supra‐orbital montage) for either 10‐ or 20‐min. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered over left M1 and motor evoked potentials (MEPs) of the contralateral hand were recorded prior to tDCS and every 5 min for 20‐min post‐tDCS. The following predictive variables were evaluated: I‐wave recruitment, stimulation intensity, baseline M1 excitability and inter‐trial MEP variability. Results show that anodal tDCS failed to significantly modulate corticospinal excitability in all conditions. Furthermore, low response rates were identified across all parameter combinations. No baseline measure was significantly correlated with increases in MEP amplitude. However, a decrease in inter‐trial MEP variability was linked to response to anodal tDCS. In conclusion, the present findings are consistent with recent reports showing high levels of inter‐subject variability in the neurophysiological response to tDCS, which may partly explain inconsistent group results. Furthermore, the level of variability in the neurophysiological outcome measure, i.e. MEPs, appears to be related to response.
The effect of non‐uniform microscale distribution of sorption sites on solute diffusion in soil
Authors: Masum S. A. , Kirk G. J. D. , Daly K. R. , Roose T.
Published: June 2016

Conventional models of solute transport in soil consider only soil volumes large enough to average over microscale heterogeneities, and it is assumed that microscale variations are unimportant at the macroscale. In this research we test this assumption for cases in which the microscale distribution of solute‐sorbing sites is patchy. We obtain a set of equations at the macroscale that allow for the effect of the microscale distribution with the mathematical technique of homogenization. We combine these equations with an image‐based model that describes the true microscale pore geometry in a real, structured soil measured with X‐ray computed tomography. The resulting models are used to test the microscale averaging assumptions inherent in conventional models. We show that, in general, macroscale diffusion is little affected by microscale variation in the distribution of sorption sites. Therefore, for most purposes the assumption of microscale averaging used in conventional models is justified. The effects of microscale heterogeneity are noticeable only when (i) the rate of sorption is slow compared with diffusion, but still fast enough to affect macroscale transport and (ii) the defined macroscale volume approaches the microscale. We discuss the effects when these conditions are met.

Highlights

When does microscale variation need to be allowed for in macroscale transport and reaction models?

We use image‐based modelling and homogenization to answer this.

We find macroscale transport is generally little affected by microscale patchiness of sorption sites.

The microscale averaging implicit in conventional models is justified in most cases.
Topography‐driven isolation, speciation and a global increase of endemism with elevation
Authors: Steinbauer Manuel J. , Field Richard , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Trigas Panayiotis , Ah‐Peng Claudine , Attorre Fabio , Birks H. John B. , Borges Paulo A. V. , Cardoso Pedro , Chou Chang‐Hung , De Sanctis Michele , de Sequeira Miguel M. , Duarte Maria C. , Elias Rui B. , Fernández‐Palacios José María , Gabriel Rosalina , Gereau Roy E. , Gillespie Rosemary G. , Greimler Josef , Harter David E. V. , Huang Tsurng‐Juhn , Irl Severin D. H. , Jeanmonod Daniel , Jentsch Anke , Jump Alistair S. , Kueffer Christoph , Nogué Sandra , Otto Rüdiger , Price Jonathan , Romeiras Maria M. , Strasberg Dominique , Stuessy Tod , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Vetaas Ole R. , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: June 2016

Aim

Higher‐elevation areas on islands and continental mountains tend to be separated by longer distances, predicting higher endemism at higher elevations; our study is the first to test the generality of the predicted pattern. We also compare it empirically with contrasting expectations from hypotheses invoking higher speciation with area, temperature and species richness.

Location

Thirty‐two insular and 18 continental elevational gradients from around the world.

Methods

We compiled entire floras with elevation‐specific occurrence information, and calculated the proportion of native species that are endemic (‘percent endemism’) in 100‐m bands, for each of the 50 elevational gradients. Using generalized linear models, we tested the relationships between percent endemism and elevation, isolation, temperature, area and species richness.

Results

Percent endemism consistently increased monotonically with elevation, globally. This was independent of richness–elevation relationships, which had varying shapes but decreased with elevation at high elevations. The endemism–elevation relationships were consistent with isolation‐related predictions, but inconsistent with hypotheses related to area, richness and temperature.

Main conclusions

Higher per‐species speciation rates caused by increasing isolation with elevation are the most plausible and parsimonious explanation for the globally consistent pattern of higher endemism at higher elevations that we identify. We suggest that topography‐driven isolation increases speciation rates in mountainous areas, across all elevations and increasingly towards the equator. If so, it represents a mechanism that may contribute to generating latitudinal diversity gradients in a way that is consistent with both present‐day and palaeontological evidence.
Assessing European ecosystem stability to drought in the vegetation growing season
Authors: Ivits E. , Horion S. , Erhard M. , Fensholt R.
Published: June 2016

Aim

The present study models the response of vegetation to drought between 1982 and 2011 focusing on the growing season, considering: (1) vulnerable versus resistant ecosystems, (2) ecosystem resilience, (3) the delayed response of vegetation to accumulated precipitation deficits and (4) reduction in productivity due to drought.

Location

Continental Europe.

Methods

Vegetation condition was analysed by anomalies of the fraction of photosynthetically active radiation absorbed by vegetation (FAPAR) within the growing season. FAPAR was modelled as a function of: (1) monthly deviation from long‐term average drought conditions, (2) past monthly deviation from long‐term average drought conditions, and (3) past monthly deviation from long‐term average FAPAR conditions. Significant regression coefficients were mapped as ecosystem resistance as well as ecosystem resilience to drought. Annual and long‐term growing season productivity were assessed over ecosystems vulnerable to drought within diverse biomes and plant functional types and were studied together with the extent, timing, frequency, duration and intensity of drought events.

Results

Mediterranean ecosystems showed the least resistance to drought but were resilient. Steppic ecosystems showed weak resistance and also weak resilience. Results also indicated weak resistance against drought of the Atlantic and Continental regions with various recovery rates. Productivity decline was observed when the timing, intensity, frequency and extent of drought events targeted the growing season of the vegetation cover.

Main conclusions

This study presents an improved method for modelling the impact of drought on the productivity of vegetation by considering the timing, intensity, duration and location of drought events within the growing season, and maps and analyses the resistance and resilience of plant functional types and biomes.
Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator Programming Characteristics, Shocked Rhythms, and Survival Among Patients Under Thirty Years of Age
Authors: CHANG PHILIP M. , POWELL BRIAN D. , JONES PAUL W. , CARTER NATHAN , HAYES DAVID L. , SAXON LESLIE A.
Published: June 2016

ICD Characteristics and Survival in Young Patients

Introduction

Indications for implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) in young patients have expanded and differ from those in older adults. We sought to provide descriptive characteristics and data regarding ICD therapy and outcomes among younger and older ICD recipients.

Methods and Results

Demographics, device type and programming, remotely transmitted data, shock events, and survival were compared among younger (≤30 years) and older (>30 years) cohorts with ICDs from a single manufacturer followed on a remote network. The younger cohort included 904 patients (1.6% of all implants). This group had more females (46% vs. 25%; P < 0.01), single‐coil leads (21% vs. 4%; P < 0.01), and single‐chamber devices (46% vs. 34%; P < 0.01). Shock incidence was higher (40% younger vs. 32% older at 4 years; P < 0.01) and survival was better over comparable follow‐up (88% vs. 72%; P < 0.01). Remote monitoring was associated with improved survival in both groups (93% vs. 86% ≤ 30 years, P < 0.01; 73% vs. 66% > 30 years, P < 0.01). Shock for polymorphic ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF) was more frequent in younger patients (12% vs. 5%; P < 0.01); 39% of all shocks were inappropriate. A 10‐fold increased risk of mortality was seen among young patients with shocks for atrial fibrillation/flutter (AF/AFL).

Conclusions

Differences in survival, shock incidence, and prognostic significance of VT/VF and AF/AFL exist between younger and older ICD recipients. These suggest distinct differences in myocardial substrates and diseases that ultimately impact ICD management.
Long‐term efficacy follow‐up on two cryolipolysis case studies: 6 and 9 years post‐treatment
Authors: Bernstein Eric F.
Published: June 2016

Cryolipolysis is a noninvasive esthetic procedure that utilizes controlled cooling to reduce subcutaneous fat. Clinical studies have established its safety, efficacy, and tolerability for fat reduction in a variety of areas including the abdomen, flanks, thighs, submental area, arms, back, and chest. Because of obvious esthetic concerns, long‐term unilateral studies leaving an untreated flank, thigh, or arm are not performed, but serve as ideal controls for weight gain or loss or re‐distribution of fat for other reasons. This article follows two patients previously documented in a case report to demonstrate their ongoing treatment efficacy at 6 and 9 years after treatment. Clinical photographs of the treated flanks and untreated contralateral controls demonstrate long‐term durability in these two subjects.
Acute care nurses’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care: an exploratory study in Singapore
Authors: Chew Brendan WK , Tiew Lay Hwa , Creedy Debra K
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectives

To investigate acute care nurses’ perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care and relationships with nurses’ personal and professional characteristics.

Background

Spirituality and spiritual care are often neglected or absent in daily nursing practice. Nurses’ perceptions of spirituality can be influenced by personal, professional and social factors and affect the provision of spiritual care.

Design

A cross‐sectional, exploratory, nonexperimental design was used.

Methods

All nursing staff (n = 1008) from a large acute care hospital in Singapore were invited to participate. Participants completed a demographic form and the Spiritual Care‐Giving Scale. Completed surveys were received from 767 staff yielding a response rate of 76%. Descriptive statistics and General Linear Modelling were used to analyse data.

Results

Acute care nurses reported positive perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care. Religion, area of clinical practice and view of self as spiritual were associated with nurses’ reported perspectives of spirituality and spiritual care.

Conclusion

Nurses working in this acute care hospital in Singapore reported positive perceptions of spirituality and spiritual care. Respondents tended to equate religion with spirituality and were often unclear about what constituted spiritual care. They reported a sense of readiness to apply an interprofessional approach to spiritual care. However, positive perceptions of spirituality may not necessarily translate into practice.

Relevance to clinical practice

Spiritual care can improve health outcomes. Nurses’ understanding of spirituality is essential for best practice. Interprofessional collaboration with clinicians, administrators, educators, chaplains, clergy and spiritual leaders can contribute to the development of practice guidelines and foster spiritual care by nurses. Further research is needed on the practical applications of spiritual care in nursing.
Fabrication of an Implant‐Supported Fixed Interim Prosthesis Using a Duplicate Denture: An Alternative Technique
Authors: Al‐Thobity Ahmad M.
Published: June 2016

The fabrication of an implant‐supported fixed complete denture prosthesis involves multiple clinical and laboratory steps. One of the main steps is to provide the patient with an interim fixed prosthesis to evaluate the patient's esthetic and functional needs as well as to enhance the patient's psychology before proceeding to the definitive prosthesis. Different techniques for fabricating interim prostheses have been described in the literature. This report describes an alternative technique that uses a duplicate denture made of self‐curing acrylic resin to fabricate an implant‐supported fixed interim prosthesis. The interim prosthesis was later used as a blueprint for the definitive implant‐supported hybrid prosthesis.
Suppurative boggy swelling over scalp
Authors: Ghosh Sudip Kumar , Rudra Olympia , Agarwal Megha
Published: June 2016

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Lipaemia in lipoprotein lipase deficiency
Authors: Liu Anthony , Shrestha Sabira , Nanan Ralph
Published: June 2016

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Neonatal resuscitation equipment: A hidden risk for our babies?
Authors: Winckworth Lucinda C , McLaren Emma , Lingeswaran Arvin , Kelsey Michael
Published: June 2016

Aim

Neonatal infections carry a heavy burden of morbidity and mortality. Poor practice can result in unintentional colonisation of medical equipment with potentially pathogenic organisms. This study will determine the prevalence and type of bacterial contamination on exposed neonatal resuscitation equipment in different clinical settings and explore simple measures to reduce contamination risk.

Methods

A survey determined the rates of resuscitation equipment usage. All environmentally exposed items were identified on resuscitaires hospital‐wide and swabbed for bacterial contamination. A new cleaning and storage policy was implemented and the prevalence of environmentally exposed equipment re‐measured post‐intervention.

Results

Resuscitation equipment was used in 28% of neonatal deliveries. Bacterial colony forming units were present on 44% of the 236 exposed equipment pieces swabbed. There was no significant difference in contamination rates between equipment types. Coagulase negative staphylococcus was the most prevalent species (59 pieces, 25%) followed by Escherichia coli and Enterobacter cloacae (20 pieces, 9% each). Opened items stored inside plastic remained sterile, whilst those in low‐use areas had significantly less contamination than those in high‐use areas (22% vs. 51%, P < 0.05). Implementing a simple educational programme led to a significant reduction in environmentally exposed equipment (79% reduction, P < 0.01).

Conclusions

Pathogenic bacteria can colonise commonly used pieces of neonatal resuscitation equipment. Whilst the clinical significance remains uncertain, equipment should be kept packaged until required and discarded once open, even if unused. Standardising cleaning policies results in rapid and significant improvements in equipment storage conditions, reducing microbial colonisation opportunities.
Corneal toxicity induced by vesicating agents and effective treatment options
Authors: Goswami Dinesh G. , Tewari‐Singh Neera , Agarwal Rajesh
Published: June 2016

The vesicating agents sulfur mustard (SM) and lewisite (LEW) are potent chemical warfare agents that primarily cause damage to the ocular, skin, and respiratory systems. However, ocular tissue is the most sensitive organ, and vesicant exposure results in a biphasic injury response, including photophobia, corneal lesions, corneal edema, ulceration, and neovascularization, and may cause loss of vision. There are several reports on ocular injury from exposure to SM, which has been frequently used in warfare. However, there are very few reports on ocular injury by LEW, which indicate that injury symptoms appear instantly after exposure and faster than SM. In spite of extensive research efforts, effective therapies for vesicant‐induced ocular injuries, mainly to the most affected corneal tissue, are not available. Hence, we have established primary human corneal epithelial cells and rabbit corneal organ culture models with the SM analog nitrogen mustard, which have helped to test the efficacy of potential therapeutic agents. These agents will then be further evaluated against in vivo SM‐ and LEW‐induced corneal injury models, which will assist in the development of potential broad‐spectrum therapies against vesicant‐induced ocular injuries.
Coexistence of Ureaplasma and chorioamnionitis is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation
Authors: Jung Euiseok , Choi Chang Won , Kim Su Yeong , Sung Tae‐Jung , Kim Haeryoung , Park Kyoung Un , Kim Han‐Suk , Kim Beyong Il , Choi Jung‐Hwan
Published: June 2016

Background

Both histologic chorioamnionitis (HCAM) and Ureaplasma infection are considered important contributors to perinatal lung injury. We tested the hypothesis that coexistence of maternal HCAM and perinatal Ureaplasma exposure increases the risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation in extremely low‐birthweight (ELBW) infants.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was carried out of all ELBW infants born between January 2008 and December 2013 at a single academic center. Placental pathology and gastric fluid Ureaplasma data were available for all infants. Culture and polymerase chain reaction were used to detect Ureaplasma in gastric fluid. Prolonged mechanical ventilation was defined as mechanical ventilation that began within 28 days after birth and continued.

Results

Of 111 ELBW infants enrolled, 84 survived beyond 36 weeks of postmenstrual age (PMA) and were included in the analysis. Eighteen infants (21.4%) had both HCAM and Ureaplasma exposure. Seven infants (8.3%) required mechanical ventilation beyond 36 weeks of PMA. Coexistence of HCAM and Ureaplasma in gastric fluid was significantly associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation after adjustment for gestational age, sex, mode of delivery, and use of macrolide antibiotics (OR, 8.7; 95%CI: 1.1–67.2).

Conclusions

Coexistence of maternal HCAM and perinatal Ureaplasma exposure significantly increases the risk of prolonged mechanical ventilation in ELBW infants.
Outcomes and technical aspects of liver retransplantation with living donors in children
Authors: Feier Flavia , da Fonseca Eduardo A. , Candido Helry L. , Pugliese Renata , Benavides Marcel R. , Neiva Romerito , Chapchap Paulo , Seda‐Neto Joao
Published: June 2016

Re‐LT is the only recourse for patients with liver graft failure. However, survival rates after re‐LT are lower than those of primary transplants. Few reports are available regarding re‐LT with LDs in children. The objective of this study was to describe our cohort of patients retransplanted with LD and emphasize the technical aspects of a re‐LT with LD. This is a retrospective report of a series of 18 children (<18 yr old) submitted to 20 re‐LT from January 1997 to December 2013 at Hospital Sirio‐Libanes and Hospital AC Camargo Cancer Center. The one‐ and five‐yr survival for patients retransplanted with LD was 70.6% and 58.6%. Little technical modifications from a regular LD primary transplant were needed in patients retransplanted with LD. Seven (38.8%) patients presented vascular complications following re‐LT and three presented biliary complications (16.6%). In conclusion, a re‐LT with LD is an acceptable alternative for children who experience liver graft failure and it does not compromise the donor pool. Further experience with re‐LT with LD may support this therapy.
A Comparative Perspective on Institutional Quality in Countries at Different Stages of European Integration
Authors: Bartlett Will , Čučković Nevenka , Jurlin Krešimir
Published: June 2016

The paper investigates changes in institutional quality in countries at different stages of European integration over the seven‐year period from 2004‐11. It analyses two countries of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) region, two from the Western Balkans and two EU Member States from South East Europe. The analysis reveals differences between the country groups in the extent of institutional convergence, in perceptions of corruption and in the pace of democratic consolidation. Analysis of changes in a newly constructed index of institutional quality in the public sector reveals a further falling behind the EU in some key dimensions. We conclude that the EU did not play an important role as a ‘transformative power’ in the two ENP countries over the period up to 2012, and that the process of institutional reform was incomplete due to an absence of a clear European perspective.
A corpus‐based investigation of world Englishes in literature
Authors: PERCILLIER MICHAEL , PAULIN CATHERINE
Published: June 2016

Given the spread of English as a world language and the subsequent development of numerous varieties during the colonial and postcolonial periods, the emergence of local literatures using local varieties of English was only a matter of time. The sheer diversity of new Englishes, literary traditions and motivations to use the localised features in writing results in a wide range of strategies at the disposal of writers who choose to incorporate such features in their work. By compiling a corpus of selected literary works, an analysis of various distinctive features is performed, which makes it possible to address the following questions: Which localised features of English are represented in our corpus? What is the motivation to use a particular set of localised features? Is the representation of such linguistic variation in writing a symbolic or mimetic enterprise?
Velocity Field and Energy Dissipation in Viscoplastic Flow in Tubes of Non-Circular Cross-Section
Authors: Letelier Mario F. , Siginer Dennis A. , Godoy Felipe
Published: June 2016

An analytical method for determining the velocity field, shear stress and energy dissipation in viscoplastic flow in non-circular straight tubes is presented. Bingham’s model of fluid is used for the case of tubes with several cross-sectional contours that can be arbitrarily chosen through a shape factor imposed in the solution for the longitudinal velocity. The analysis is extended to steady flow in tubes in which the cross-section contour exhibits sharp corners. In these cases three flow zones are distinguished: stagnant, non-zero deformation, and plug zones. The method provides the expressions for determining the boundaries and characteristics of those three zones for a wide variety of cross-section shapes. In particular the dynamics of plug-zones for large values of the yield stress and for contours that markedly differ from circumferences is analyzed. Energy dissipation is determined throughout the entire cross-section, so that the effect of shape on mechanical energy loss is assessed in terms of the yield stress and viscosity of the fluid. Some general expressions that help understand energy dissipation mechanisms are derived by using natural coordinates for the velocity field and related variables.

These results draw on several recent works from other researchers and the present authors, which have highlighted the significant difficulty of determining the zones of zero deformation in viscoplastic flow when the related solid boundaries are not elementary.