bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shifts in phenological distributions reshape interaction potential in natural communities
Authors: Carter Shannon K. , Saenz Daniel , Rudolf Volker H. W.
Published: June 2018

Climate change has changed the phenologies of species worldwide, but it remains unclear how these phenological changes will affect species interactions and the structure of natural communities. Using a novel approach to analyse long‐term data of 66 amphibian species pairs across eight communities, we demonstrate that phenological shifts can significantly alter the interaction potential of coexisting competitors. Importantly, these changes in interaction potential were mediated by non‐uniform, species‐specific shifts in entire phenological distributions and consequently could not be captured by metrics traditionally used to quantify phenological shifts. Ultimately, these non‐uniform shifts in phenological distributions increased the interaction potential for 25% of species pairs (and did not reduce interaction potential for any species pair), altering temporal community structure and potentially increasing interspecific competition. These results demonstrate the potential of phenological shifts to reshape temporal structure of natural communities, emphasising the importance of considering entire phenological distributions of natural populations.
A general method for estimating seed dormancy and colonisation in annual plants from the observation of existing flora
Authors: Pluntz Matthieu , Coz Sebastian Le , Peyrard Nathalie , Pradel Roger , Choquet Rémi , Cheptou Pierre‐Olivier
Published: June 2018

In plant ecology, characterising colonisation and extinction in plant metapopulations is challenging due to the non‐detectable seed bank that allows plants to emerge after several years of absence. In this study, we used a Hidden Markov Model to characterise seed dormancy, colonisation and germination solely from the presence–absence of standing flora. Applying the model to data from a long‐term survey of 38 annual weeds across France, we identified three homogeneous functional groups: (1) species persisting preferentially through spatial colonisation, (2) species persisting preferentially through seed dormancy and (3) a mix of both strategies. These groups are consistent with existing ecological knowledge, demonstrating that ecologically meaningful parameters can be estimated from simple presence–absence observations. These results indicate that such studies could contribute to the design of weed management strategies. They also open the possibility of testing life‐history theories such as the dormancy/colonisation trade‐offin natura.
Parenting styles in white‐rumped swallows (Tachycineta leucorrhoa) show a trade‐off between nest defense and chick feeding
Authors: Wischhoff Uschi , Marques‐Santos Fernando , Manica Lilian T. , Roper James J. , Rodrigues Marcos
Published: June 2018

Studies about personalities in wild animals usually focus on five categories of behavioral traits that do not easily accommodate all aspects of parental care, a class of behaviors with direct consequence to reproductive success. Parental care can vary consistently between individuals and constitute parenting styles. Here we investigate the consistency of four behaviors of parental care across two breeding seasons of white‐rumped swallows Tachycineta leucorrhoa in southern Brazil. These behaviors are a prospection of potential nest‐sites, nest defense against predators or conspecifics, and chick feeding. If these first three behaviors are consistent, they can be classified according to the standard categories of personality as exploration, boldness, and aggressiveness, respectively. We find that all behaviors, except exploration, are consistent between individuals in the long term. We also show that, besides individual identity, couple identity is an important component explaining variation in behavior. This pattern can arise if behavior influences pair formation or if behavior is a consequence of a common environment affecting the couple. We show that, depending on the parental task, males or females are more consistent, suggesting that sexes are adopting different strategies of parental care allocation. We then investigate if there is a trade‐off between nest defense and chick feeding. We find that birds that defend more also feed the brood less often and suggest that testosterone might be the mechanism modulating this trade‐off. Lastly, we discuss the implications of our results to mate choice and highlight the need for studies linking parenting styles to fitness in swallow species.
Exploring the association between the content of internal audit disclosures and external audit fees: Evidence from Sweden
Authors: Axén Linus
Published: June 2018

The aim of this study is to explore the content of internal audit (IA) disclosures in annual reports and explain the relationship between IA disclosures and external audit fees. A content analysis of the IA disclosures made it possible to generate inductive categories that were used as a basis for statistical analysis. The findings show a large variation in disclosure practices, and only a small portion of all disclosures contain firm‐specific information related to IA. Evidence is provided that the use of an IA function (IAF) is associated with higher external audit fees. However, companies that disclose firm‐specific information related to IA pay lower audit fees than those not providing this disclosure. Overall, the results of this study indicate that firm‐specific IA disclosures most likely represent actual investments in IA and can be used as a proxy for IAF quality.
External auditor reliance on the work of the internal audit function in Jordanian listed companies
Authors: Al‐Sukker Ashraf , Ross Donald , Abdel‐Qader Waleed , Al‐Akra Mahmoud
Published: June 2018

This study investigates the factors that influence external auditor (EA) reliance on the work of the internal audit function (IAF) in Jordanian listed companies (JLCs). It evaluates the effect of internal auditor objectivity, competence and work performance as perceived by senior Jordanian EAs. The study employs a mixed method comprising a survey‐based factorial experiment in addition to semi‐structured interviews. The results, based on 35 fully‐crossed factorial experiments and nine interviews with senior EAs and external audit managers, show that IAF objectivity has the greatest influence on the EA's decision to rely on the work of the IAF, followed closely by IAF competence and IAF work performance. Further, there was a significant interactive effect between objectivity and competence, indicating that the EAs do not consider the influence of individual factors in isolation. In interviews, the EAs put forward many reasons for the importance of all three of the independent variables. Our results have direct implications for organizations as well as for professional bodies and regulatory authorities charged with encouraging the development of IAFs.
Community pharmacist-led interventions and their impact on patients’ medication adherence and other health outcomes: a systematic review
Authors: Milosavljevic Aleksandra , Aspden Trudi , Harrison Jeff
Published: June 2018

Introduction

Medication adherence can be defined as the extent to which one’s medication-taking behaviour follows that mutually agreed upon by the prescribing physician. Optimal medication adherence is often deemed crucial for the success of a patient's treatment, as suboptimal adherence may lead to treatment failure and unnecessary medical expenditure. Increasing evidence has highlighted the positive contribution community pharmacist-led interventions can have on improving patients’ adherence and health outcomes.

Objectives

To provide an overview of the published literature on community pharmacist-led interventions and their effectiveness in improving patients’ adherence and health outcomes.

Methods

A search strategy was developed, aiming to retrieve published reports of community pharmacy interventions worldwide. Medline, EMBASE, International Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Google Scholar and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses databases were searched. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were collated, relevant data extracted, and a risk of bias assessment undertaken.

Key Findings

Twenty-two studies were included in the analysis, and their outcomes were reported in 26 peer-reviewed journal articles. Community pharmacist-led interventions have been shown to improve patients’ adherence and contribute to better blood pressure control, cholesterol management, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma control. Studies in this review, however, did not report statistically significant effects of interventions on diabetes or depression control.

Conclusion

Community pharmacist-led interventions have been shown to contribute to improved adherence and better disease control. Future research should attempt to better understand which particular intervention components make the greatest contribution towards improving adherence and health outcomes, for patients with different medical conditions.
Growth patterns for three generations of an intercross between red junglefowl and chickens selected for low body weight
Authors: Sutherland Dez‐Ann Antoinette Therese , Honaker Christa Ferst , Dorshorst Ben , Andersson Leif , Brisbin I. Lehr , Siegel Paul B.
Published: June 2018

Growth is a complex and dynamic process that may be measured at a specific point or over a period of time. Compared was the growth of male and female chickens over a three‐generation period. Involved were red junglefowl (RJF; Gallus gallus), a line of White Plymouth Rock chickens (LWS; Gallus gallus domesticus) selected for low body weight, and their reciprocal F1 and F2 crosses. In both sexes, Gompertz's description of growth showed that RJF had significantly lower asymptotes, earlier inflection points, and faster growth rates than LWS. Heterosis for these measures was positive for asymptote and negative for growth rate and inflection point. The RJF commenced egg production at a significantly younger age and lower body weight than LWS. Although F1 and F2 reciprocal crosses were similar for body weight and for age at first egg, the F1 reciprocal crosses began lay at significantly younger ages than the F2 crosses and parental lines. When viewed on a physiological basis where age and body weight were simultaneously standardized, both parental lines and reciprocal F1 and F2 crosses had differing rapid and lag growth phases. Overall, sexual dimorphism increased in all populations from hatch to sexual maturity. The LWS males had a longer growth period consistent with their female counterparts who became sexually mature at older ages. Comprehensively, these results indicate additive and nonadditive genetic variation for distinct growth patterns and changes in resource allocation strategies over time.
Peri‐implant mucositis
Authors: Heitz‐Mayfield Lisa J.A. , Salvi Giovanni E.
Published: June 2018

Objectives

This narrative review was prepared for the 2017 World Workshop of the American Academy of Periodontology and European Federation of Periodontology to address key questions related to the clinical condition of peri‐implant mucositis, including: 1) the definition of peri‐implant mucositis, 2) conversion of peri‐implant health to the biofilm‐induced peri‐implant mucositis lesion, 3) reversibility of peri‐implant mucositis, 4) the long‐standing peri‐implant mucositis lesion, 5) similarities and differences between peri‐implant mucositis at implants and gingivitis at teeth, and 6) risk indicators/factors for peri‐implant mucositis.

Methods

A literature search of MEDLINE (PubMed) and The Cochrane Library up to and including July 31, 2016, was carried out using the search strategy (peri‐implant[All Fields] AND (“mucositis”[MeSH Terms] OR “mucositis”[All Fields])) OR (periimplant[All Fields] AND mucosits[All Fields]). Prospective, retrospective, and cross‐sectional studies and review papers that focused on risk factors/indicators for peri‐implant mucositis as well as experimental peri‐implant mucositis studies in animals and humans were included.

Findings

Peri‐implant mucositis is an inflammatory lesion of the soft tissues surrounding an endosseous implant in the absence of loss of supporting bone or continuing marginal bone loss. A cause‐and‐effect relationship between experimental accumulation of bacterial biofilms around titanium dental implants and the development of an inflammatory response has been demonstrated. The experimental peri‐implant mucositis lesion is characterized by an inflammatory cell infiltrate present within the connective tissue lateral to the barrier epithelium. In long‐standing peri‐implant mucositis, the inflammatory cell infiltrate is larger in size than in the early (3‐week) experimental peri‐implant mucositis lesion. Biofilm‐induced peri‐implant mucositis is reversible at the host biomarker level once biofilm control is reinstituted. Reversal of the clinical signs of inflammation may take longer than 3 weeks. Factors identified as risk indicators for peri‐implant mucositis include biofilm accumulation, smoking, and radiation. Further evidence is required for potential risk factors, including diabetes, lack of keratinized mucosa, and presence of excess luting cement.

Conclusions

Peri‐implant mucositis is caused by biofilm accumulation which disrupts the host–microbe homeostasis at the implant–mucosa interface, resulting in an inflammatory lesion. Peri‐implant mucositis is a reversible condition at the host biomarker level. Therefore, the clinical implication is that optimal biofilm removal is a prerequisite for the prevention and management of peri‐implant mucositis. An understanding of peri‐implant mucositis is important because it is considered a precursor for peri‐implantitis.
The etiology of hard‐ and soft‐tissue deficiencies at dental implants: A narrative review
Authors: Hämmerle Christoph H.F. , Tarnow Dennis
Published: June 2018

Objective

The objective of the present paper was to review factors and conditions that are associated with hard and soft‐tissue deficiencies at implant sites.

Importance

Hard‐ and soft‐tissue deficiencies at dental implants are common clinical findings. They can lead to complications and compromise implant survival and, hence, may require therapeutic interventions. It is, therefore, important to understand the etiology of hard and soft‐tissue deficiencies. Based on this understanding, strategies should be developed to correct hard and soft‐tissue deficiencies with the aim of improving clinical outcomes of implant therapy.

Findings

A large number of etiological factors have been identified that may lead to hard and soft‐tissue deficiencies. These factors include: 1) systemic diseases and conditions of the patients; 2) systemic medications; 3) processes of tissue healing; 4) tissue turnover and tissue response to clinical interventions; 5) trauma to orofacial structures; 6) local diseases affecting the teeth, the periodontium, the bone and the mucosa; 7) biomechanical factors; 8) tissue morphology and tissue phenotype; and 9) iatrogenic factors. These factors may appear as an isolated cause of hard and soft‐tissue defects or may appear in conjunction with other factors.

Conclusions

Hard‐ and soft‐tissue deficiencies at implant sites may result from a multitude of factors. They encompass natural resorption processes following tooth extraction, trauma, infectious diseases such as periodontitis, peri‐implantitis, endodontic infections, growth and development, expansion of the sinus floor, anatomical preconditions, mechanical overload, thin soft tissues, lack of keratinized mucosa, malpositioning of implants, migration of teeth, lifelong growth, and systemic diseases. When more than one factor leading to hard and/or soft‐tissue deficiencies appear together, the severity of the resulting condition may increase. Efforts should be made to better identify the relative importance of these etiological factors, and to develop strategies to counteract their negative effects on our patient's wellbeing.
Open Service Innovation: The Role of Intermediary Capabilities
Authors: Randhawa Krithika , Wilden Ralf , Gudergan Siegfried
Published: June 2018

This study examines how intermediaries, in general, and those with digital service platforms specifically, engage with clients to help them innovate their services within their service ecosystem. Based on an embedded, longitudinal case study, the results reveal the cumulative development and deployment of technological, marketing, and co‐creation capabilities by intermediaries, and how these capabilities allow intermediaries to engage with clients, so as to enable clients’ open service innovation despite their internal challenges. In turn, this article extends theory on service innovation by clarifying the role and function of intermediaries in service ecosystems in enabling clients to leverage open service innovation. Second, this study contributes to resource‐based scholarship by clarifying how these three sets of capabilities and their micro‐foundations relate to each other. Despite the obvious importance of technological capabilities, online intermediaries are more than just “virtual” service platform providers. The intermediary’s technological and marketing capabilities assist clients in dealing with project‐related and organizational challenges to open service innovation. Acting as a higher‐order capability, co‐creation capabilities—through shaping marketing and technological capabilities over time and also through conditioning their deployment—improve the proficiency of these capabilities. The findings advance insights on the agential role of the intermediary’s co‐creation capabilities, purposefully developed and deployed to foster client engagement, and thus support service organizations in leveraging open service innovation.
Defining the convergence of ethylene and auxin signaling in tomato
Authors: Fernie Alisdair R. , Alseekh Saleh
Published: June 2018

This article is a Commentary on Lui et al., 219: 631–640.
Understanding genomic diversity in Pseudomonas syringae throughout the forest and on the trees
Authors: Baltrus David A. , Orth Kelly N.
Published: June 2018

This article is a Commentary on Hulin et al., 219: 672–696.
QT correction across the heart rate spectrum, in atrial fibrillation and ventricular conduction defects
Authors: Vandenberk Bert , Vandael Eline , Robyns Tomas , Vandenberghe Joris , Garweg Christophe , Foulon Veerle , Ector Joris , Willems Rik
Published: June 2018

Background

Incorporation of QTc in clinical decision support systems requires accurate QT‐interval correction, also during common electrocardiogram abnormalities as ventricular conduction defects (VCD). We compared the performance and predictive value of QT correction formulas to design a patient‐specific QT correction algorithm (QTcA).

Methods

The first ECG in adult patients with sinus rhythm (SR), atrial fibrillation (AF), and ventricular pacing (VP) was collected retrospectively. QT correction was performed with Bazett (QTcB), Fridericia (QTcFri), Framingham, Hodges, and Rautaharju (QTcR) formulas. Correction formulas were compared using QTc/RR linear regression. Adjusted Cox regression was performed to predict 1‐year all‐cause mortality.

Results

A total of 49,737 patients were included (70.0% SR, 24.1% AF, 5.9% VP, 11.1% VCD). Overall 1‐year all‐cause mortality rate was 11.8%.

In patients without VCD or VP, QTcFri showed significantly better heart rate correction, both overall (P < 0.001) and in subgroups by heart rate (bradycardia P ≤ 0.001, normal P ≤ 0.050, tachycardia P ≤ 0.010). Furthermore, QTcFri improved mortality prediction significantly when compared to QTcB (P < 0.001). Patients with VCD or VP QTcR, including correction for QRS duration, had a significant better heart rate correction than QTcB (P ≤ 0.010) and improved mortality prediction significantly compared to all other formulas (P < 0.001). Implementing QTcA, designed based on QTcFri and QTcR depending on the presence of VCD or VP, reduced the patients considered to be at risk by 61.1% when compared to QTcB.

Conclusions

A patient‐specific QT correction algorithm would combine accurate heart rate correction, improved predictive value of mortality, and a reduction of patients considered to be at risk.
Development and validation of the 25‐item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ‐25)
Authors: Teo Alan R. , Chen Jason I. , Kubo Hiroaki , Katsuki Ryoko , Sato‐Kasai Mina , Shimokawa Norihiro , Hayakawa Kohei , Umene‐Nakano Wakako , Aikens James E. , Kanba Shigenobu , Kato Takahiro A.
Published: June 2018

Aim

Hikikomori, a form of severe social withdrawal, is an emerging issue in mental health, for which validated measurement tools are lacking. The object was to develop a self‐report scale of hikikomori, and assess its psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy.

Methods

A sample of 399 participants from clinical and community settings completed measures. Psychometric properties were assessed with factor analysis; diagnostic accuracy was compared against a semi‐structured diagnostic interview.

Results

The Hikikomori Questionnaire contained 25 items across three subscales representing socialization, isolation, and emotional support. Internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and convergent validity were all satisfactory. The area under the curve was 0.86 (95% confidence interval, 0.80–0.92). A cut‐off score of 42 (out of 100) was associated with a sensitivity of 94%, specificity of 61%, and positive predictive value of 17%.

Conclusion

The 25‐item Hikikomori Questionnaire (HQ‐25) possesses robust psychometric properties and diagnostic accuracy in an initial sample of Japanese adults. Additional research on its psychometric properties and ability to support clinical assessment of hikikomori is warranted.
Wolbachia affects survival to different oxidative stressors dependent upon the genetic background in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Capobianco Florian , Nandkumar Seanmichael , Parker Joel D.
Published: June 2018

It is well known that the rate of ageing varies among individuals dependent on the genetic background. In the present study, we explore how Wolbachia infection (a common insect endosymbiont bacterium) and oxidative stress interact in ageing with respect to two different genetic backgrounds of Drosophila melanogaster. Naturally infected and cured lines of Drosophila are challenged with either paraquat or l‐arginine to generate two different types of oxidative stress. We first observe that removing Wolbachia infection shortens the lifespan in one genetic background but not in the other. Wolbachia infection only makes one of the genetic lines more sensitive to paraquat. However, only the line unaffected by Wolbachia in the paraquat treatment is protected by Wolbachia from l‐arginine induced stress. Hence, Wolbachia is modifying free radical defence via two different mechanisms dependent on the genetic background. This supports the idea that factors that can govern ageing (infection and oxidative stress) are not universal, but are specific to the genetic make‐up of an individual.
Serum albumin, inflammation, and nutrition in end‐stage renal disease: C‐reactive protein is needed for optimal assessment
Authors: Mukai Hideyuki , Villafuerte Hilda , Qureshi Abdul Rashid , Lindholm Bengt , Stenvinkel Peter
Published: June 2018

Low serum albumin (S‐Alb) is a frequent feature of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) that independently predicts mortality. Serum albumin has mainly been considered a biomarker of visceral protein and immunocompetence status, fundamental to nutritional assessment. However, low S‐albumin level is associated with persistent systemic inflammation and many bodies of evidence show that S‐Alb has a limited role as a marker of nutritional status. We reported that a low S‐Alb concentration was an independent risk factor for poor outcome in ESRD only in the presence of systemic inflammation. Moreover, the relationships between inflammatory biomarkers and outcome are confounded also by alterations in body composition (such as obese sarcopenia) and oxidative stress. Taken together, S‐Alb alone should not be used as a proxy of the nutritional status in a dialysis patient. Its association with dietary intake is poor and low S‐Alb values are most often non‐nutritional in origin. When analyzing S‐Alb to predict mortality risk in ESRD, it should always be combined with measurement of hsCRP.
The oncostatin M‐stromal cell axis in health and disease
Authors: West Nathaniel R. , Owens Benjamin M. J. , Hegazy Ahmed N.
Published: June 2018

The field of stromal immunology has risen to prominence in the last decade, fuelled by accumulating evidence that nonhaematopoietic mesenchymal cells are not simply involved in modulating tissue structure, but actively contribute to immune processes. In addition to regulating tissue integrity during homoeostasis, stromal cells are sensitive sensors of inflammatory stimuli produced downstream of tissue injury or infection, and respond by producing a wide variety of chemokines, cytokines and adhesion factors that contribute to immunity and tissue repair. When not appropriately regulated, these same processes can result in inflammatory pathology and organ dysfunction. In this review, we provide a brief overview of stromal immunology, followed by a comprehensive discussion of how the IL‐6 family cytokine oncostatin M (OSM) coordinates stromal cell activity in diverse physiological and pathological contexts. We conclude by providing a perspective on the potential clinical value of the OSM‐stromal cell axis and how this pathway might be exploited therapeutically.
Relative Importance of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in Predicting Risk of Suicide among a Cohort of Vietnam Veterans
Authors: Bullman Tim , Schneiderman Aaron , Gradus Jaimie L.
Published: June 2018

Objective

Research has demonstrated that posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Vietnam veterans is associated with increased risk of suicide. It is also widely reported that suicide is related to depression. This study examined the effect of PTSD and depression on risk of suicide among a cohort of Vietnam veterans.

Method

All study subjects were selected from the Department of Veterans Affairs Agent Orange Registry. Suicide risk associated with PTSD was first assessed by comparing the number of suicides among a cohort of 2,874 veterans with PTSD to that of 8,537 veterans not diagnosed with PTSD. Risk of suicide was approximated by hazard ratios (HRs), generated by Cox proportional hazard models, including a model that utilized competing risk analyses.

Results

The risk of suicide associated with PTSD and depression when examined separately was similar, HR = 7.1 (95% confidence interval (CI): 4.9, 10.3) and HR = 7.2 (95% CI: 4.8–10.8), respectively. Competing risk analysis indicated that veterans with both PTSD and depression compared to veterans with neither diagnosis had the highest risk of suicide, HR = 15.22.

Conclusions

This study suggests that depression as well as PTSD should be monitored as a way of reducing suicides among Vietnam veterans.
The Electoral Supporter Base of the Alternative for Germany
Authors: Goerres Achim , Spies Dennis C. , Kumlin Staffan
Published: June 2018

Using data from a recent nationwide survey, we provide the first analysis of the supporter base of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) since the party's split and ideological re‐orientation in mid‐2015. Hypotheses are derived from the literature on Populist Radical Right Parties (PRRPs) in Western Europe. Our findings indicate that AfD support—despite the party's euro crisis origins and rapid organizational and ideational changes—is by now due to largely the same set of socio‐economic, attitudinal and contextual factors proven important for PRRP parties elsewhere. Right‐wing political attitudes concerning immigration, political distrust, fears of personal economic decline, as well as gender and socialisation effects are the most relevant explanatory variables. However, some of our findings – the importance of right‐wing economic policy preferences, the strong support by certain immigrant groups, and the role of the long‐term regional political context – stand out and distinguish the AfD from other Western European PRRPs.
‘Going with the flow’ of dementia: A reply to Nigel Rapport on the social ethics of care
Authors: Dawson Andrew , Goodwin‐Hawkins Bryonny
Published: June 2018

In this editors’ reply to Nigel Rapport's Afterword to the articles collected in the special issue ‘Moralities of care in later life’, we wonder: does the social ethics of care come with unacknowledged limits? We join with Rapport's call to maintain the individual's ‘personal preserve’ but observe—critically—that his “so far as possible, for as long as possible” makes for an uncomfortable caveat. To do so, we return ethnographically to the former mining town of Ashington, Northern England, and illustratively to a disease typically associated with the progressive loss of personhood: dementia. In contrast to both prevailing biomedical and person‐centred views of dementia, we adopt a radically relational approach, which in practice calls for attentiveness and opening oneself up on the part of the carer to the individual life‐world of another. Or, as it was for Ashington residents Eric and Elizabeth, a care‐full inter‐relationship re‐found in ‘going with the flow’.
The prevalence of Dermatophilus congolensis in horses with pastern dermatitis using PCR to diagnose infection in a population of horses in southern USA
Authors: Aufox Erin E. , Frank Linda A. , May Elizabeth R. , Kania Stephen A.
Published: June 2018

Background

Dermatophilus congolensis is a facultative anaerobic actinomycete that causes papular to exudative dermatitis with crusting in horses. This organism is frequently implicated as a cause of pastern dermatitis, but few data are available validating the organism's association with this disease.

Hypothesis/Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate if D. congolensis is associated with pastern dermatitis in horses utilizing RT‐qPCR.

Animals

Fifteen client‐owned horses diagnosed with pastern dermatitis and eight client‐owned unaffected control horses were utilized for this study.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was performed. History and physical examination findings were recorded, and samples were collected and tested for D. congolensis utilizing cytological evaluation and RT‐qPCR. Dermatophyte culture and superficial skin scrapings were also performed.

Results

Ten of 15 horses with pastern dermatitis had feathered pasterns. Dermatophilus congolensis was identified by RT‐qPCR from one nonfeathered horse but none with feathered pasterns. Cytological evaluation identified bacteria in all horses but failed to identify organisms resembling D. congolensis in any horse. Four of 15 horses, all feathered, were positive for Chorioptes mites. Fungal culture was negative for dermatophytes in all horses. All test results were negative for the eight control horses.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Dermatophilus congolensis was uncommonly associated with pastern dermatitis in horses in this population. However, chorioptic mange was commonly associated with pastern dermatitis in feathered horses and represented an important differential diagnosis for this clinical presentation.
Targeted ablation of cardiac sympathetic neurons attenuates adverse postinfarction remodelling and left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Xiong Liang , Liu Yu , Zhou Mingmin , Wang Guangji , Quan Dajun , Shuai Wei , Shen Caijie , Kong Bin , Huang Congxin , Huang He
Published: June 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Can targeted ablation of cardiac sympathetic neurons suppress myocardial infarction‐induced adverse cardiac remodelling and left ventricular dysfunction?

What is the main finding and its importance?

Targeted ablation of cardiac sympathetic neurons significantly alleviated sympathetic remodelling and neuroendocrine activation, attenuated cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and improved left ventricular function. Thus, targeted ablation of cardiac sympathetic neurons might have a beneficial effect on adverse postinfarction remodelling and left ventricular dysfunction.

Sympathetic overactivation is crucial in the development and progression of adverse cardiac remodelling and dysfunction. Targeted ablation of cardiac sympathetic neurons (TACSN) is an effective approach to inhibit overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate whether TACSN could suppress myocardial infarction (MI)‐induced adverse cardiac remodelling and dysfunction, thereby producing protective effects. Thirty‐eight dogs were randomly assigned into the sham‐operated, MI or MI‐TACSN group. The TACSN was induced by injecting cholera toxin B subunit–saporin compound into the stellate ganglia 1 week after MI. Five weeks after MI surgery, echocardiographic and haemodynamic parameters of cardiac function were significantly improved in the TACSN group compared with the MI group. In addition, TACSN attenuated the extent of cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis and suppressed the increase in the plasma concentrations of noradrenaline, nerve growth factor, atrial natriuretic peptide, brain natriuretic peptide, angiotensin II and aldosterone. Furthermore, TACSN alleviated the growth associated protein‐43‐positive and tyrosine hydroxylase‐positive nerve densities in the infarcted border zone and restored protein expression of the β1‐adrenergic receptor in the left ventricular myocardium. These findings indicate that TACSN might have a beneficial effect on adverse postinfarction remodelling and left ventricular dysfunction, which might be attributable, at least in part, to the attenuation of both sympathetic remodelling and the cardiac neuroendocrine system.
Motor cortical and corticospinal function differ during an isometric squat compared with isometric knee extension
Authors: Brownstein Callum G. , Ansdell Paul , Škarabot Jakob , Frazer Ash , Kidgell Dawson , Howatson Glyn , Goodall Stuart , Thomas Kevin
Published: June 2018

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

In order to discern information about testing modalities when assessing neuroplastic responses to squat resistance training, the present study investigated whether corticospinal and intracortical function was different between a joint‐angle‐matched isometric squat and isometric knee extension.

What is the main finding and its importance?

The present data show poor agreement of corticospinal and intracortical function between the isometric squat and isometric knee extension. The data reinforce the notion that task specificity is of the utmost importance for assessing neuroplasticity.

It has been suggested that task‐specific changes in neurophysiological function (neuroplasticity) should be assessed using testing modalities that replicate the characteristics of the intervention. The squat is a commonly prescribed resistance exercise that has been shown to elicit changes in CNS function. However, previous studies have assessed squat‐induced neuroplasticity using isometric knee extension, potentially confounding the results. The aim of the present study was to assess the agreement between corticospinal and intracortical activity relating to the knee extensors during isometric knee extension compared with an isometric squat task. Eleven males completed a neurophysiological assessment in an isometric squat (IS) and knee‐extension (KE) task matched for joint angles (hip, knee and ankle). Single‐ and paired‐pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered during isometric contractions at a range of intensities to assess short‐interval cortical inhibition (SICI) and corticospinal excitability. Group mean values for SICI (70 ± 14 versus 63 ± 12% of unconditioned motor evoked potential during IS and KE, respectively) and corticospinal excitability (mean differences 2–5% of the maximal compound muscle action potential at 25, 50, 75 and 100% maximal voluntary contraction between the IS and KE) were not different between the two tasks (P > 0.05) in the vastus lateralis. However, limits of agreement were wide, with poor‐to‐moderate average intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) (SICI, ICC3,1 = 0.15; corticospinal excitability, average ICC3,1 range = 0.0–0.63), indicating disparate corticospinal and intracortical activity between the IS and KE. These data highlight the importance of task specificity when assessing the modulation of corticospinal excitability and SICI in response to interventions resulting in neuroplastic changes.
Discrimination bandwidths for amplitude modulated and quasi-frequency modulated tones with spectral cues degraded by a roving-level
Authors: Berg Bruce G. , Zhu Joann , Tan Alison Y. , Borucki Ewa M.
Published: June 2018

Theoretically, discriminating an amplitude modulated tone (AM) from a quasi-frequency modulated tone (QFM) is an ideal task for measuring the bandwidth of phase sensitivity because the stimuli have identical amplitude spectra but different phase spectra. The stimuli are perfectly discriminable at narrow bandwidths, but become indistinguishable at wide bandwidths. Measurements, however, are thought to be compromised by auditory distortion products, particularly a cubic distortion tone which interacts with the lower sideband of the stimulus to create an intensity cue. The results and implications of using a roving level procedure to eliminate distortion product effects are discussed.
The influence of gas diffusion on bubble persistence in shock-scattering histotripsy
Authors: Bader Kenneth B. , Bollen Viktor
Published: June 2018

Bubble cloud persistence reduces the efficacy of mechanical liquefaction with shock-scattering histotripsy. In this study, the contribution of gas transfer to bubble longevity was investigated in silico by solving the equations for bubble oscillations and diffusion in parallel. The bubble gas content increased more than 5 orders of magnitude during the expansion phase, arresting the inertial collapse. The residual gas bubble required more than 15 ms for passive dissolution post excitation, consistent with experimental observation. These results demonstrate gas diffusion is an important factor in the persistence of histotripsy-induced cavitation.
Envelope following responses, noise exposure, and evidence of cochlear synaptopathy in humans: Correction and comment
Authors: Paul Brandon T. , Bruce Ian C. , Roberts Larry E.
Published: June 2018

A correction and comment are provided for a recent article by Paul, Waheed, Bruce, and Roberts [(2017). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 142(5), EL434–EL440].
Observed rapid bedrock uplift in Amundsen Sea Embayment promotes ice-sheet stability
Authors: Barletta Valentina R. , Bevis Michael , Smith Benjamin E. , Wilson Terry , Brown Abel , Bordoni Andrea , Willis Michael , Khan Shfaqat Abbas , Rovira-Navarro Marc , Dalziel Ian , Smalley Robert , Kendrick Eric , Konfal Stephanie , Caccamise Dana J. , Aster Richard C. , Nyblade Andy , Wiens Douglas A.
Published: June 2018

A quick rebound for Antarctic crust

Earth's crust deforms under the load of glaciers and ice sheets. When these masses are removed, the crust rebounds at a time scale determined by the viscosity of the upper mantle. Using GPS, Barletta
et al.
found that the viscosity of the mantle under the West Antarctic Ice Sheet is much lower than expected. This means that as ice is lost, the crust rebounds much faster than previously expected. Although estimates of total ice loss have to be revised upward, the surprising finding indicates that the ice sheet may stabilize against catastrophic collapse.

Science
, this issue p.
1335
Receptor networks underpin plant immunity
Authors: Wu Chih-Hang , Derevnina Lida , Kamoun Sophien
Published: June 2018

Plant-pathogen coevolution led to complex immune receptor networks
Three-dimensional intact-tissue sequencing of single-cell transcriptional states
Authors: Wang Xiao , Allen William E. , Wright Matthew A. , Sylwestrak Emily L. , Samusik Nikolay , Vesuna Sam , Evans Kathryn , Liu Cindy , Ramakrishnan Charu , Liu Jia , Nolan Garry P. , Bava Felice-Alessio , Deisseroth Karl
Published: June 2018

Transcriptome mapping in the 3D brain

RNA sequencing samples the entire transcriptome but lacks anatomical information. In situ hybridization, on the other hand, can only profile a small number of transcripts. In situ sequencing technologies address these shortcomings but face a challenge in dense, complex tissue environments. Wang
et al.
combined an efficient sequencing approach with hydrogel-tissue chemistry to develop a multidisciplinary technology for three-dimensional (3D) intact-tissue RNA sequencing (see the Perspective by Knöpfel). More than 1000 genes were simultaneously mapped in sections of mouse brain at single-cell resolution to define cell types and circuit states and to reveal cell organization principles.

Science
, this issue p.
eaat5691
; see also p.
328
Genome Analysis, Metabolic Potential, and Predatory Capabilities of Herpetosiphon llansteffanense sp. nov
Authors: Livingstone Paul G. , Morphew Russell M. , Cookson Alan R. , Whitworth David E.
Published: June 2018

Predatory bacteria are able to kill and consume other microbes and are therefore of interest as potential sources of new antimicrobial substances for applications in the clinic. “Wolf pack” predators kill prey by secreting antimicrobial substances into their surroundings, and those substances can kill prey organisms independently of the predatory cells. The genus
Herpetosiphon
exhibits wolf pack predation, yet its members are poorly described compared to other wolf pack predators, such as the myxobacteria. By providing a thorough characterization of a novel
Herpetosiphon
species, including its predatory, biochemical, and genomic features, this study increases our understanding of genomic variation within the
Herpetosiphon
genus and how that variation affects predatory activity. This will facilitate future rational exploitation of genus members (and other wolf pack predators) as sources of novel antimicrobials.
Microvascular abnormalities secondary to radiation therapy in neovascular age-related macular degeneration: findings from the INTREPID clinical trial
Authors: Freiberg Florentina Joyce , Michels Stephan , Muldrew Alyson , Slakter Jason , O’Shaughnessy Denis , Czeszynski Alan , Danielson Linda , Jackson Timothy L , Chakravarthy Usha
Published: June 2018

Purpose

To report the incidence and features of retinal microvascular abnormalities (MVAs) occurring secondary to stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) in a randomised double-masked sham-controlled clinical trial at 21 European sites.

Methods

Two hundred and thirty participants with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) treated with at least three intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) injections prior to enrolment, and demonstrating a continuing need for re-treatment. Interventions: 16 Gy, 24 Gy or sham SRT. All three groups received pro re nata anti-VEGF injections if the lesion was judged to be active at review visits. Colour fundus images from baseline and 6 months and fluorescein angiograms from baseline and annual visits were graded for measures of morphological outcome and safety using a prespecified protocol with accompanying definitions to distinguish RT-related MVA from non-specific retinal vessel abnormalities that are known to occur in neovascular AMD. The main outcome measure was MVA detected by months 12, 24 and 36 after enrolment.

Results

The frequency of MVAs in the combined SRT arms was 0% in year 1, 13.1% in year 2 and 30.3% in year 3. The area of MVA was small and the mean change in visual acuity in year 2 was similar in a subset of SRT eyes with MVAs, versus those without MVAs. MVA was considered to have possibly contributed to vision loss in 2 of 18 cases with MVA in year 2, and 5 of 37 cases in year 3.

Conclusion

Treatment with SRT is associated with development of subtle MVAs that have little or no impact on visual outcome. These findings can help clinicians recognise the retinal MVAs that occur in response to SRT.
Minimal rotational surfaces in the product space ℚ𝜀2 × 𝕊1
Authors: Arsan Güler Gürpınar , Dursun Uğur
Published: June 2018

In this work, we study minimal rotational surfaces in the product space [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] denotes either the unit [Formula: see text]-sphere [Formula: see text] or the [Formula: see text]-dimensional hyperbolic space [Formula: see text] of constant curvature [Formula: see text], according to [Formula: see text] or [Formula: see text], respectively. While there is only one kind of rotational surfaces in [Formula: see text], there are three different possibilities for rotational surfaces in [Formula: see text], according to the types of the induced inner product on the rotational axis of the surface. We determine the profile curves of all minimal rotational surfaces in [Formula: see text].
Online Matching in Regular Bipartite Graphs
Authors: Barrière Lali , Muñoz Xavier , Fuchs Janosch , Unger Walter
Published: June 2018

In an online problem, the input is revealed one piece at a time. In every time step, the online algorithm has to produce a part of the output, based on the partial knowledge of the input. Such decisions are irrevocable, and thus online algorithms usually lead to nonoptimal solutions. The impact of the partial knowledge depends strongly on the problem. If the algorithm is allowed to read binary information about the future, the amount of bits read that allow the algorithm to solve the problem optimally is the so-called advice complexity. The quality of an online algorithm is measured by its competitive ratio, which compares its performance to that of an optimal offline algorithm.

In this paper we study online bipartite matchings focusing on the particular case of bipartite matchings in regular graphs. We give tight upper and lower bounds on the competitive ratio of the online deterministic bipartite matching problem. The competitive ratio turns out to be asymptotically equal to the known randomized competitive ratio. Afterwards, we present an upper and lower bound for the advice complexity of the online deterministic bipartite matching problem.
Shear and expansion evolution for dissipative fluids
Authors: Ahmad S. , Jami A. Rehman , Aas Z.
Published: June 2018

The aim of this work is to analyze the role of shear evolution equation in the modeling of relativistic spheres in f(R) gravity. We assume that non-static diagonally symmetric geometry is coupled with dissipative anisotropic viscous fluid distributions in the presence of f(R) dark source terms. A specific distribution of f(R) cosmic model has been assumed and the spherical mass function through generic formula introduced by Misner–Sharp has been formulated. Some very important relations regarding Weyl scalar, matter variables and mass functions are being computed. After decomposing orthogonally the Riemann tensor, some scalar variables in the presence of f(R) extra degrees of freedom are calculated. The effects of the three parametric modified structure scalars in the modeling of Weyl, shear, expansion scalar differential equations are investigated. The energy density irregularity factor has been calculated for both anisotropic radiating viscous with varying Ricci scalar and dust cloud with present Ricci scalar corrections.
A gentle introduction to Schwinger’s formulation of quantum mechanics: The groupoid picture
Authors: Ciaglia F. M. , Ibort A. , Marmo G.
Published: June 2018

In this paper, we review Schwinger’s formulation of Quantum Mechanics and argue that the mathematical structure behind Schwinger’s “Symbolism of Atomic Measurements” is that of a groupoid. In this framework, both the Hilbert space (Schrödinger picture) and the [Formula: see text]-algebra (Heisenberg picture) of the system turn out to be derived concepts, that is, they arise from the underlying groupoid structure.