bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Temperature‐dependent uniaxial ratchetting of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Chen K. , Kang G. , Lu F. , Xu J. , Jiang H.
Published: January 2016

Uniaxial stress‐controlled cyclic tests were performed on the ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) polymer at different temperatures. The effects of stress level, stress rate, peak/valley stress hold and loading history on the ratchetting of the UHMWPE were discussed at different temperatures, and the temperature‐dependence of ratchetting was addressed. It is concluded from the experimental observations that the ratchetting of the UHMWPE depends greatly on the test temperature, and the ratchetting strain increases with the increasing temperature from −20 to 37 °C, but decreases when the temperature is equal to or higher than 60 °C in some cases. The ratchetting is also time‐dependent and increases with the increase of peak stress hold time and the decrease of stress rate. The ratchetting presents apparent loading history dependence, and previous cyclic history with higher stress level remarkably restrains the occurrence of ratchetting in the subsequent cyclic loading cases with lower stress levels, but previous cyclic history with lower stress level hardly influences the ratchetting in the subsequent cyclic loading cases with higher stress levels.
A landscape approach to advance intermittent river ecology
Authors: Datry Thibault , Pella Herve , Leigh Catherine , Bonada Núria , Hugueny Bernard
Published: February 2016

Intermittent rivers are increasingly viewed as shifting mosaics of lotic (flowing water), lentic (standing water) and terrestrial (dry riverbed) habitats. The diversity, spatial arrangement, temporal turnover and connectivity of these habitats are controlled by the magnitude, frequency, duration and extent of drying and rewetting events, which maintain habitat heterogeneity and control biodiversity and biogeochemical processes in intermittent rivers.

We consider intermittent rivers as spatiotemporal landscape mosaics to identify the implications such a view has for empirical and theoretical developments in landscape and river ecology. Using observational data of flow states collected by citizen scientists along 1400 km of river channels in western France, we used landscape metrics and ecologically scaled indices for four hypothetical, aquatic species (two fish and two insects) to describe the dynamics of intermittent river mosaics for five catchments.

Dry patches dominated most observation dates but flowing patches had the longest average length and occupied the greatest proportion of channel length. At the start of each summer, catchments were almost entirely composed of flowing patches but lentic and dry patches could represented up to 80% of the catchments as summer progressed. Patch dynamics were typified by high levels of spatiotemporal variability. In contrast, ecologically scaled indices did not vary greatly among catchments within species. The ecologically scaled indices representing small fish were the most affected by habitat fragmentation.

Such a landscape perspective could affect understanding of biodiversity patterns and biogeochemical processes in intermittent rivers. We outline the methodological developments required to integrate landscape approaches into intermittent river research, the associated challenges and current limitations in landscape ecology tools and models and the benefits of citizen science data sets. The continued quantification of shifting habitat mosaics in intermittent rivers will provide multiple opportunities to advance river and landscape ecology.
Lake‐type‐specific seasonal patterns of nutrient limitation in German lakes, with target nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations for good ecological status
Authors: Dolman Andrew M. , Mischke Ute , Wiedner Claudia
Published: February 2016

Eutrophication is a global environmental problem that leaves many lakes with impaired ecological status. Human activity has increased the total concentrations of both nitrogen and phosphorus in aquatic systems, but their relative influence on phytoplankton biomass is uncertain. Their action as alternative limiting resources complicates assessment of their relative influence and disagreement may be in part due to seasonal shifts and lake‐type‐specific differences in the prevalence of limitation by nitrogen versus phosphorus. Debate continues as to whether measures to reduce nitrogen would be beneficial in addition to controls placed on phosphorus.

We used a piecewise model to test whether total nitrogen (TN) concentrations, in addition to total phosphorus (TP), influence phytoplankton biomass in 369 lowland German lakes. The piecewise model predicts biomass from TN for low N : P ratio lakes, and from TP for high N : P ratio lakes. We tested three N : P mass ratios to divide lakes: dissolved inorganic nitrogen to TP (DIN : TP), DIN to dissolved reactive phosphorus (DIN : DIP) and TN : TP. TN was a better predictor of biomass than TP when either the DIN : TP ratio was below 1.6, DIN : DIP was below 8.4, or TN : TP below 29; predictions were most accurate when using the DIN : TP ratio.

To investigate seasonal and lake‐type‐specific patterns of N and P limitation, we used the DIN : TP ratio, together with absolute concentrations of DIN and DIP, to predict the limiting nutrient at each lake in each month of the vegetation period. N limitation was much more common in polymictic than stratified lakes. While a high proportion of both stratified and polymictic lakes were P limited in early spring (60–70%), for polymictic lakes, we found a strong shift from P limitation to N limitation in summer: more than 50% of polymictic lakes were N limited between June and September and only 15–30% were P limited.

To obtain lake‐type‐specific nutrient targets we estimated the average TN and TP concentrations at which lakes of different types achieved good ecological status according to EU water framework directive criteria. Stratified lakes achieved good ecological status at concentrations of 400–500 μg L−1 TN or 20–35 μg L−1 TP, while for polymictic lakes values of 500–1000 μg L−1 TN, or 35–75 μg L−1 TP were required.

We estimate that nitrogen has an important influence on phytoplankton biovolume, and thus ecological status, for many polymictic lakes in Germany. While there is some uncertainty in the nutrient targets required to achieve good ecological status, this uncertainty is small compared with the range of concentrations currently observed, and lakes with moderate or worse status have concentrations of both TN and TP that are far above these current target estimates.
Beaver activity increases aquatic subsidies to terrestrial consumers
Authors: McCaffery Magnus , Eby Lisa
Published: February 2016

The occurrence and importance of fluxes of nutrients and organic matter between aquatic and terrestrial habitats is well established, but how catchment characteristics influence these fluxes remains unclear. Beaver (Castor canadensis) alter freshwater ecosystems and increase aquatic production, but it is unknown how these changes influence the magnitude and lateral dispersal of aquatic nutrients into terrestrial ecosystems.

We examined differences in abundances of dominant aquatic invertebrates, wolf spiders (Lycosidae), and deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), at beaver and non‐beaver sites. We used stable isotopes to track aquatic‐derived carbon in terrestrial consumers and linear mixed‐effects models to examine the importance of beaver presence and distance from stream channel on the percentage of aquatic‐derived carbon in terrestrial consumers.

Sites with beaver activity had >200% higher aquatic invertebrate emergence rates as well as 60% and 75% higher abundances of spiders and deer mice, respectively, relative to non‐beaver sites.

The tissues of both spiders and deer mice exhibited a greater percentage of aquatic‐derived carbon at sites with beaver activity than at non‐beaver sites.

Aquatic‐derived carbon in deer mice declined linearly with distance from the stream edge at both beaver and non‐beaver sites. The contribution of aquatic‐derived carbon in mice extended farther from the stream edge in beaver‐modified catchments. Aquatic‐derived carbon in spiders also declined linearly with distance from the stream at beaver sites but not at non‐beaver sites.

We documented a novel example of increased aquatic subsidy to riparian areas with beaver activity, leading to changes in the magnitude of the lateral dispersal of aquatic nutrient subsidies to the terrestrial environment in small stream systems. Understanding the effects of natural disturbance regimes, such as beaver modification, will be important for management and, where appropriate, restoration of natural catchment processes.
Dual, differential isotope labeling shows the preferential movement of labile plant constituents into mineral‐bonded soil organic matter
Authors: Haddix Michelle L. , Paul Eldor A. , Cotrufo M. Francesca
Published: February 2016

The formation and stabilization of soil organic matter (SOM) are major concerns in the context of global change for carbon sequestration and soil health. It is presently believed that lignin is not selectively preserved in soil and that chemically labile compounds bonding to minerals comprise a large fraction of the SOM. Labile plant inputs have been suggested to be the main precursor of the mineral‐bonded SOM. Litter decomposition and SOM formation are expected to have temperature sensitivity varying with the lability of plant inputs. We tested this framework using dual 13C and 15N differentially labeled plant material to distinguish the metabolic and structural components within a single plant material. Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) seedlings were grown in an enriched 13C and 15N environment and then prior to harvest, removed from the enriched environment and allowed to incorporate natural abundance 13C–CO2 and 15N fertilizer into the metabolic plant components. This enabled us to achieve a greater than one atom % difference in 13C between the metabolic and structural components within the plant litter. This differentially labeled litter was incubated in soil at 15 and 35 °C, for 386 days with CO2 measured throughout the incubation. After 14, 28, 147, and 386 days of incubation, the soil was subsequently fractionated. There was no difference in temperature sensitivity of the metabolic and structural components with regard to how much was respired or in the amount of litter biomass stabilized. Only the metabolic litter component was found in the sand, silt, or clay fraction while the structural component was exclusively found in the light fraction. These results support the stabilization framework that labile plant components are the main precursor of mineral‐associated organic matter.
Can the richness–climate relationship be explained by systematic variations in how individual species’ ranges relate to climate?
Authors: Boucher‐Lalonde Véronique , Morin Antoine , Currie David J.
Published: January 2016

Aim

At large spatial extents, the species richness of high‐level taxa is generally strongly positively correlated with temperature and precipitation, and consistently so across space and time. Here, we test whether this richness–climate relationship is driven by systematic associations between climate and characteristics of the geographical ranges of individual species. Specifically, we test the hypotheses that spatial variations in richness are driven by variations in species mean range size, climatic niche‐breadth, climatic range filling, frequency distribution of climatic niche position and/or frequency distribution of extant climatic conditions.

Location

The Americas.

Methods

We tested hypothetical effects of climatically constrained ranges on species richness using the breeding ranges of 3277 birds and 1659 mammals. We tallied species richness in 104‐km2 quadrats in the Americas as well as summary statistics describing the geographical ranges and climatic niches of the species occurring in each quadrat. We then used regression models to relate species richness to those characteristics.

Results

We found that species mean range size, climatic niche‐breadth and range filling were generally, but inconsistently, negatively related to species richness. As predicted, species richness per quadrat increased with the number of species having their climatic niches centred in the climatic conditions of the quadrats and with the geographical extent of those conditions, although these relationships were relatively weak.

Main conclusion

The richness–climate relationship appears to be largely decoupled from systematic variations in the characteristics of species climatic niches. Species generally have larger geographical ranges, wider climatic niches and higher range filling in species‐poor areas, each of which, all else being equal, should generate a richness–climate relationship the inverse of what we generally observe in nature. More species have their ranges centred on warm, wet and common climatic conditions. However, temperature and precipitation variables themselves explain more of the variance in species richness than the measured characteristics of species climatic niches.
Beneficial effects of dietary docosahexaenoic acid intervention on cognitive function and mental health of the oldest elderly in Japanese care facilities and nursing homes
Authors: Hashimoto Michio , Kato Setsushi , Tanabe Yoko , Katakura Masanori , Mamun Abdullah Al , Ohno Miho , Hossain Shahdat , Onoda Keiichi , Yamaguchi Shuhei , Shido Osamu
Published: January 2016

Aim

We examined the effects of the administration of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)‐enriched meals on cognitive function in the oldest elderly with cognitive impairment, such as dementia, living in nursing homes, and on the improvement in caregiver burden at aging agencies.

Methods

Participants in elderly care facilities and nursing homes (n = 75; 88.5 ± 0.6 years) were randomized in active and placebo groups. The active group had family‐style meals containing an additional 1720 mg of docosahexaenoic acid per day for 12 months. At baseline, and after 6 and 12 months of intervention, cognitive function was assessed using Hasegawa's Dementia Scale‐Revised and the Mini‐Mental State Examination; mental health condition was assessed with the Apathy scale and the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale; caregiver burden was evaluated using Zarit Burden Interview scores; and participants’ serum biochemical factors were measured.

Results

The participants were suggested to have dementia. After 12 months, the mean change in Mini‐Mental State Examination subitem “Registration” score from baseline to month 12 showed a tendency to be greater in the active group than that in the placebo group. Mean changes in the Apathy scale from baseline to month 12 were less, and the changes in the Zung Self‐Rating Depression Scale and the total Zarit Burden Interview scores showed a tendency to be lower in the active group than in the placebo group, respectively.

Conclusion

These results suggest that docosahexaenoic acid‐enriched meals protect against age‐related cognitive decline, and also improve apathy and caregiver burden for the oldest‐elderly Japanese with cognitive impairment, such as dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 330–337.
Direct and Indirect Costs of Chronic and Episodic Migraine in the United States: A Web‐Based Survey
Authors: Messali Andrew , Sanderson Joanna C. , Blumenfeld Andrew M. , Goadsby Peter J. , Buse Dawn C. , Varon Sepideh F. , Stokes Michael , Lipton Richard B.
Published: February 2016

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the societal direct and indirect costs of chronic and episodic migraine in the United States.

Background

Episodic and chronic migraine are distinguished by the frequency of headache‐days. Chronic migraine has a greater overall impact on quality of life than does episodic migraine. Individuals with chronic migraine also use more healthcare resources (resulting in higher direct costs) and experience greater decreases in productivity (resulting in higher indirect costs) than those with episodic migraine as shown in the American Migraine Prevalence and Prevention (AMPP) Study.

Methods

The International Burden of Migraine Study utilized a web‐based questionnaire to elicit data on several topics related to the burden of migraine illness, including health resource utilization and productivity losses. Potential survey participants were identified by Synovate Healthcare (Chicago, IL, USA) from a pool of registered panelists from various countries. The panelists were screened online to determine eligibility and to identify individuals with migraine (episodic or chronic), based on reported symptoms. Participants from the United States were divided into episodic and chronic migraine groups, based on reported headache‐day per month frequency. Direct and indirect costs were estimated by applying estimated unit costs to reported headache‐related productivity losses and resource use. Costs were compared between participants with episodic and chronic migraine.

Results

Mean [standard deviation] total annual cost of headache among people with chronic migraine ($8243 [$10,646]) was over three times that of episodic migraine ($2649 [$4634], P < .001). Participants with chronic migraine had significantly greater direct medical costs ($4943 [$6382]) and indirect (lost productivity) costs ($3300 [$6907]) than did participants with episodic migraine (direct, $1705 [$3591]; indirect, $943 [$2084]) (P < .001 for each). Unlike previous findings, direct medical costs constituted the majority of total headache‐related costs for both chronic migraine (60.0%, $4943 of $8243) and episodic migraine (64.3%, $1705 of $2649) participants. A large portion of direct medical costs are attributable to pharmaceutical utilization among both chronic migraine (80%, $3925 of 4943) and episodic migraine (70%, $1196 of $1705) participants.

Conclusion

The results of this study build on previous results of the AMPP Study, demonstrating that headache‐related direct, indirect, and total costs are significantly greater among individuals with chronic migraine than with episodic migraine in the United States.
EMOTIONAL TRANSLATIONS: CONCEPTUAL HISTORY BEYOND LANGUAGE
Authors: PERNAU MARGRIT , RAJAMANI IMKE
Published: February 2016

Conceptual history is a useful tool for writing the history of emotions. The investigation of how a community used emotion words at certain times and in certain places allows us to understand specific emotion knowledge without being trapped by universalism. But conceptual history is also an inadequate tool for writing the history of emotions. Its exclusive focus on language fails to capture the meanings that can be derived from emotional expressions in other media such as painting, music, architecture, film, or even food. Here emotion history can contribute to a rethinking of conceptual history, bringing the body and the senses back in. This article proposes a theoretical model to expand conceptual history beyond language by exploring three processes of emotional translation: First, how the translation between reality and its interpretation is mediated by the body and the senses. Second, how translations between different media and sign systems shape and change the meanings of concepts. Third, how concepts translate into practices that have an impact on reality. The applicability of the model is not limited to the research on concepts of emotion; the article argues that emotions have a crucial role in all processes of conceptual change. The article further suggests that historicizing concepts can best be achieved by reconstructing the relations that actors have created between elements within multimedial semantic nets. The approach will be exemplified by looking at the South Asian concept of the monsoon and the emotional translations between rain and experiences of love and romance.
Evaluation of the enzymatic activity and stability of commercial bromelain incorporated in topical formulations
Authors: Lourenço C. B. , Ataide J. A. , Cefali L. C. , Novaes L. C. d. L. , Moriel P. , Silveira E. , Tambourgi E. B. , Mazzola P. G.
Published: February 2016

Background

Bromelain is a mixture of proteolytic enzymes found in various tissues of the pineapple plant (Ananas comosus) and other species of Bromeliaceae. Owing to its proteolytic activity, bromelain has been used in the food, medical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, for its cell renewal, anti‐ageing, whitening and anti‐cellulite properties.

Objective

This study evaluated the stability of bromelain (commercial powder) incorporated in topical formulations.

Methods

Bromelain was incorporated at three concentrations, 0.5%, 1.0% and 2.0%, in oil‐in‐water emulsion and gel, and stored for six months at varying stress conditions. Stability was accessed by measuring the changes in the protein content, enzymatic activity, viscosity, rheology, pH and colour of the selected formulations.

Results

The colour of all the samples changed after 180 days of incubation, indicating the concentration‐dependence and temperature‐sensitive nature of these formulations. No relationship was observed between the changes in the pH, temperature and luminosity exposure in all the samples. Gels proved to be the least preferred base for incorporation of bromelain for use as a topical formulation, owing to its inability to maintain the integrity of bromelain, thereby affecting the formulation characteristics.

Conclusion

The emulsion‐based formulations at all the concentrations of bromelain were more stable than the gel‐based formulation over 180 days of evaluation, at a temperature of 5°C, protected from light.
Effective Improvements in Microstructure and Electrical Properties of the IGZO Films by Sputtering Angles
Authors: Li Tse‐Chang , Chung Chung‐Jen , Lin Jen‐Fin
Published: February 2016

Indium gallium zinc oxide (IGZO)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) specimens were prepared under inclination angles of 0°, 15°, 30°, 45°, and 60°. The film thickness, top and lateral surface morphologies, and chemical compositions were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (Ga2p, Ga3d, In3d, Zn2p, and O1s). The intensity ratio (IR) is defined as the ratio of the InGaO3(ZnO)3 peak value to the sum of the peak values of InGaO3(ZnO)3 and InGaZnO4. Decompositions of O1s and Ga3d provide the Gaussian‐like profiles of Ga‐Ga, In4d, Ga‐O, O1, O2, and O3. The ratio of the O2 peak intensity (PI) to the sum of the O1 and O2 intensities, termed IRO2, was used as an indicator of oxygen‐vacancy defects in the five specimens. An increase in the inclination angle significantly reduced surface roughness. An increase in IRO2, due to inclination angle increase, elevated the carrier concentration, which is consistent with the increases in O2 PI often being advantageous for carrier mobility reductions. Moreover, a high IRO2 value is unfavorable for increasing film's adhesive strength to the PET substrate.
Integrating Extension, Teaching, and Research for Stormwater Management Education
Authors: Shelton David P. , Rodie Steven N. , Feehan Kelly A. , Franti Thomas G. , Pekarek Katie A. , Holm Bobbie A.
Published: January 2016

Stormwater management is a concern for communities in the United States, particularly those with populations over 10,000 because of mandates to reduce runoff volumes and associated pollutants. An extension Stormwater and Greenspace Work Group was organized at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL) in 2006 to develop educational programs addressing municipal stormwater runoff using green infrastructure and other best management practices. A USDA‐NIFA integrated grant was received in 2009 which greatly expanded the audience and scope of programming to include extension, education, and research components. Extension programming was targeted at design and green industry professionals, MS4 stormwater program managers, municipal officials, Master Gardeners, and homeowners. Extension activities included: meeting presentations; all‐day rain garden workshops/installations; green infrastructure tours; rain barrel construction workshops; web‐based resources; interactive rain garden models; youth activities; and publications. Academic programs in landscape architecture and landscape horticulture expanded curriculum in green infrastructure, low impact development, and stormwater best management practice design and construction. Efforts have culminated in new course lectures as well as studio design projects that conceptually addressed real‐world clients and stormwater management projects. Project research studies evaluated in‐situ rain garden hydrologic and plant growth attributes, homeowner perspectives on rain garden installation programs, and current regional bioretention design standards. The strong integration of extension, teaching, and research, which can often be a significant challenge, is a primary key to the success of UNL stormwater management programming. The resulting synergy has helped communities and individuals more effectively manage stormwater quantity and quality while building a knowledge‐base that will support future initiatives and programs.
Photoluminescence, Structural, and Electrical Properties of Erbium‐Doped Na0.5Bi4.5Ti4O15 Ferroelectric Ceramics
Authors: Jiang Xingan , Jiang Xiangping , Chen Chao , Tu Na , Chen Yunjing , Zhang Banchao
Published: February 2016

Structural, electrical, and up‐conversion (UC) properties of Na0.5Bi4.5‐xErxTi4O15 (NBT–xEr3+) (0.00 < x < 0.40) ceramics have been studied. All the ceramic samples possessed a single‐phase orthorhombic structure. The unit cell volume, the lattice parameters a, b, and c, and orthorhombic distortion analyzed on the basis of Rietveld refinement were observed to decrease with increasing Er3+ contents (x). The average values of grain size were found to slightly decrease with increasing x. Raman spectroscopy revealed that (Bi2O2)2+ layers remained unaffected in the modified compositions, and Er3+ substitution for Bi3+ occurred predominantly at the A‐site in the perovskite blocks causing the cationic disorder and a slight decrease in the TiO6 octahedral distortion. NBT–xEr3+ ceramic with x = 0.20 achieved the optimized photoluminescence. The relative intensity of green and red UC emissions could be tuned by changing Er3+ ions concentrations. Ferroelectric measurements revealed that Er3+ doping led to reduction in 2Pr and 2Ec. However, dielectric measurements showed that the incorporation of Er3+ ions increased Tc with simultaneously lowered tanδ at high temperature, implying that this ceramics can be suitable for high‐temperature sensor applications.
Mechanical Behavior and Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Properties of C/SiC–Ti3Si(Al)C2
Authors: Fan Xiaomeng , Yin Xiaowei , Chen Lingqi , Zhang Litong , Cheng Laifei
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a low‐temperature densification process of Al–Si alloy infiltration was developed to fabricate C/SiC–Ti3Si(Al)C2, and then the microstructure, mechanical, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties were studied compared with those of C/SiC–Ti3SiC2 and C/SiC–Si. The interbundle matrix of C/SiC–Ti3Si(Al)C2 is mainly composed of Ti3Si(Al)C2, which can bring various microdeformation mechanisms, high damage tolerance, and electrical conductivity, leading to the high effective volume fraction of loading fibers and electrical conductivity of C/SiC–Ti3Si(Al)C2. Therefore, C/SiC–Ti3Si(Al)C2 shows excellent bending strength of 556 MPa, fracture toughness 21.6 MPa·m1/2, and EMI shielding effectiveness of 43.9 dB over the frequency of 8.2–12.4 GHz. Compared with C/SiC–Si and C/SiC–Ti3SiC2, both the improvement of mechanical properties and EMI shielding effectiveness can be obtained by the introduction of Ti3Si(Al)C2 into C/SiC, revealing great potential as structural and functional materials.
Testing the climate variability hypothesis in thermal tolerance limits of tropical and temperate tadpoles
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Pesquera L. M. , Tejedo M. , Olalla‐Tárraga M. Á. , Duarte H. , Nicieza A. , Solé M.
Published: February 2016

Aim

The climate variability hypothesis (CVH) states that a positive relationship may exist between the breadth of thermal tolerance range and the level of climatic variability experienced by taxa with increasing latitude, especially in terrestrial ectotherms. UnderCVH, we expected to find a correspondence between both thermal tolerance limits (CTmax andCTmin), ambient extreme temperature and the range sizes of species. We examined the validity of these predictions in a lowland tropical and a temperate tadpole assemblage.

Location

Lowland Neotropics (Bahia, Brazil) and Palaearctic (Iberian Peninsula and North Africa).

Method

We employed phylogenetic eigenvector regression (PVR) and Pagel's lambda to analyse phylogenetic signals inCTmax andCTmin. We used phylogenetic regression analyses (PGLS) to test the relationships between thermal limits, range size and temperature predictors (measured at the macroscale and microhabitat levels) and phy‐ANOVAto compare both the physiological traits and thermal regimen in both tropical and temperate assemblages.

Results

We documented moderate‐to‐strong phylogenetic signal in both heat and cold tolerance. Temperate‐zone tadpoles had broader thermal tolerances than tropical ones. Thermal tolerance range was correlated with range sizes and was explained by seasonal thermal range predictors at the global scale. Both macro‐ and microclimate temperature variables provided the best predictive multivariate models of thermal limits at the global scale. Microclimatic predictors, however, were the main determinants ofCTmax andCTmin variation at the local level of tropical and temperate communities respectively.

Main conclusions

Thermal tolerance range increases with latitude in tadpoles due to the higher increase in cold tolerance in temperate tadpoles. At the global scale, both macro‐ and microenvironment thermal information were reliable predictors of critical thermal limits and thermal tolerance range, asCVHpredicts. However, thermal limits were best predicted by temperatures of the micro‐habitat at the regional level, thus suggesting that physiological thermal boundaries may be governed by thermal selection.
Effect of self‐performed mechanical plaque control frequency on gingival inflammation revisited: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: de Freitas Guilherme Camponogara , Pinto Tatiana Militz Perrone , Grellmann Alessandra Pascotini , Dutra Danilo Antonio Milbradt , Susin Cristiano , Kantorski Karla Zanini , Moreira Carlos Heitor Cunha
Published: January 2016

Aim

To evaluate the effect of self‐performed mechanical plaque control (SPC) frequency on gingival health.

Methods

Thirty‐nine subjects exhibiting limited gingival inflammation and minimal clinical attachment loss were enrolled in a single‐blind, parallel group, randomized clinical trial. The subjects that were divided into three groups were tasked to perform SPC (using tooth brush and dental floss) at 12, 24 or 48 h intervals. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PlI), and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) volume were evaluated at baseline and 30 days follow‐up. Groups were compared using anova and Tukey.

Results

No significant differences in mean GI change were observed between the 12 and 24 h SPC intervals from baseline to 30 days (−0.06 ± 0.13 versus 0.05 ± 0.09; p = 0.11). In contrast, the 48 h interval had significantly higher mean GI change than the 12 and 24 h intervals (0.33 ± 0.17; p = 0.001). Similarly, mean PlI change was not significantly different between the 12 and 24 h SPC intervals (0.11 versus 0.28; p = 0.15), whereas SPC at 48 h‐intervals yielded a significantly increased PlI (0.39; p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Self‐performed mechanical plaque control performed at 12 h or 24 h intervals appears sufficient to maintain gingival health in subjects with no or limited clinical attachment loss.
Stereological estimation of particle shape and orientation from volume tensors
Authors: RAFATI A.H. , ZIEGEL J.F. , NYENGAARD J.R. , JENSEN E.B. VEDEL
Published: January 2016

In the present paper, we describe new robust methods of estimating cell shape and orientation in 3D from sections. The descriptors of 3D cell shape and orientation are based on volume tensors which are used to construct an ellipsoid, the Miles ellipsoid, approximating the average cell shape and orientation in 3D. The estimators of volume tensors are based on observations in several optical planes through sampled cells. This type of geometric sampling design is known as the optical rotator. The statistical behaviour of the estimator of the Miles ellipsoid is studied under a flexible model for 3D cell shape and orientation. In a simulation study, the lengths of the axes of the Miles ellipsoid can be estimated with coefficients of variation of about 2% if 100 cells are sampled. Finally, we illustrate the use of the developed methods in an example, involving neurons in the medial prefrontal cortex of rat.
Utilizing Task Shifting to Increase Access to Maternal and Infant Health Interventions: A Case Study of Midwives for Haiti
Authors: Floyd Barbara O'Malley , Brunk Nadene
Published: January 2016

The shortage of health workers worldwide has been identified as a barrier to achieving targeted health goals. Task shifting has been recommended by the World Health Organization to increase access to trained and skilled birth attendants. One example of task shifting is the use of cadres of health care workers, such as nurses and auxiliary nurse‐midwives, who can successfully deliver skilled care to women and infants in low‐resource areas where women would otherwise lack access to critical health interventions during the childbearing years. Midwives for Haiti is an organization demonstrating the use of task shifting in its education program for auxiliary midwives. Graduates of the Midwives for Haiti education program are employed and working with women in hospitals, birth centers, and clinics across Haiti. This article reviews the Midwives for Haiti education program and presents successes and challenges in task shifting as a strategy to increase access to skilled maternal and newborn care and to meet international health goals to reduce maternal and infant mortality in a low‐resource country.
Kurtosis imaging reveals microstructural changes of late‐stage α‐synuclein accumulation in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Williams Stephen
Published: February 2016

This article is a critique of the paper by Khairnar et al. in the current issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry which describes the use of a sophisticated magnetic resonance imaging technique, diffusion kurtosis imaging, to investigate microstructural changes in the brain of TNWT‐61 mice that are over‐expressing α‐synuclein. The importance of α‐synuclein to Parkinson's disease pathology is considered and the article critically assessed. The steps needed to establish this method as a biomarker in human disease is discussed.

Read the highlighted article ‘Late‐stage α‐synuclein accumulation in TNWT‐61 mouse model of Parkinson's disease detected by diffusion kurtosis imaging’ on page 1259.
Laquinimod dampens hyperactive cytokine production in Huntington's disease patient myeloid cells
Authors: Dobson Lucianne , Träger Ulrike , Farmer Ruth , Hayardeny Liat , Loupe Pippa , Hayden Michael R. , Tabrizi Sarah J.
Published: January 2016

Huntington's disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative condition characterized by pathology in the brain and peripheral tissues. Hyperactivity of the innate immune system, due in part to NFκB pathway dysregulation, is an early and active component of HD. Evidence suggests targeting immune disruption may slow disease progression. Laquinimod is an orally active immunomodulator that down‐regulates proinflammatory cytokine production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and in the brain down‐regulates astrocytic and microglial activation by modulating NFκB signalling. Laquinimod had beneficial effects on inflammation, brain atrophy and disease progression in multiple sclerosis (MS) in two phase III clinical trials. This study investigated the effects of laquinimod on hyperactive proinflammatory cytokine release and NFκB signalling in HD patient myeloid cell cultures. Monocytes from manifest (manHD) and pre‐manifest (preHD) HD gene carriers and healthy volunteers (HV) were treated with laquinimod and stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. After 24 h pre‐treatment with 5 μM laquinimod, manHD monocytes released lower levels of IL‐1β, IL‐5, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐13 and TNFα in response to stimulation. PreHD monocytes released lower levels of IL‐8, IL‐10 and IL‐13, with no reduction observed in HV monocytes. The effects of laquinimod on dysfunctional NFκB signalling in HD was assessed by inhibitor of kappa B (IκB) degradation kinetics, nuclear translocation of NFκB and interactions between IκB kinase (IKK) and HTT, in HD myeloid cells. No differences were observed between laquinimod‐treated and untreated conditions. These results provide evidence that laquinimod dampens hyper‐reactive cytokine release from manHD and preHD monocytes, with a much reduced effect on HV monocytes.

image

Evidence suggests targeting CNS and peripheral immune disruption may slow Huntington's disease (HD) neurodegenerative processes. The effects of laquinimod, an orally active immunomodulator, on hyperactive cytokine release and dysfunctional NFκB signalling in stimulated myeloid cell cultures from pre‐manifest and manifest HD gene carriers and healthy volunteers were investigated. Laquinimod dampened cytokine release but did not impact NFκB signalling.

Read the Editorial Highlight for this article on page 670.
Effects of Salt Loading on the Regulation of Rat Hypothalamic Magnocellular Neurosecretory Cells by Ionotropic GABA and Glycine Receptors
Authors: Choe K. Y. , Trudel E. , Bourque C. W.
Published: February 2016

Synaptic and extrasynaptic transmission mediated by ionotropic GABA and glycine receptors plays a critical role in shaping the action potential firing (spiking) activity of hypothalamic magnocellular neurosecretory cells and therefore determines the rate at which vasopressin and oxytocin are released from the neurohypophysis. The inhibitory effect of these transmitters relies on the maintenance of a low concentration of intracellular chloride ions such that, when activated by GABA or glycine, a hyperpolarisation of the neuronal membrane potential results. In this review, we highlight the various ways by which the two types of inhibitory receptors contribute to homeostasis by fine‐tuning the spiking rate of vasopressin‐releasing magnocellular neurosecretory cells in a manner dependent on the hydration state of the animal. In addition, we review the currently available evidence on how the strength of these inhibitory pathways can be regulated during chronic hypernatraemia via a form of activity‐dependent depolarisation of the chloride reversal potential, leading to an abolition of these inhibitory pathways potentially causing sodium‐dependent elevations in blood pressure.
Direct care nurses on the shared governance journey towards positive patient outcomes
Authors: Kneflin Nicole , O'Quinn Lucy , Geigle Gina , Mott Brenda , Nebrig Dawn , Munafo Jennifer
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives

To describe shared governance in action through the example of one paediatric institution's decision to institute daily chlorhexidine bathing.

Background

Shared governance processes are discussed extensively in the literature; however, implementation of the processes can be challenging. Recently nurses at one paediatric hospital were involved in a hospital‐wide practice change where the theoretical approach of shared governance was actualised. Several questions arose from direct care nurses about unwarranted variations in bathing practices across settings and whether bathing standardisation could address the recent increase in central line‐associated bloodstream infections. Shared governance council members identified daily chlorhexidine bathing as a potential intervention to standardise bathing across the hospital and to decrease infection rates. At this time, chlorhexidine bathing had been widely adopted in adult hospitals but was less commonly practiced in paediatric institutions.

Design

This is a position paper describing the use of shared governance to make a house‐wide practice decision and positively impact patient outcomes.

Method

Inquiry Council members conducted a systematic evidence search on best practices around chlorhexidine bathing. This evidence was used in Practice Council discussions to standardise house‐wide practice. Once consensus was achieved, council members collaborated with Education Council to ensure understanding, competency, and the adoption and sustainment of the practice change.

Conclusions

Patients with central lines are at decreased risk for acquiring a central line‐associated blood stream infection due, in part, to the change in nursing practice to include daily chlorhexidine bathing. The shared governance structure was the vehicle through which this practice was vetted and instituted.

Relevance to clinical practice

This paper provides a real‐life example of leveraging shared governance structures and the direct care nurse leaders within the councils when an organisation faces critical needs in patient care.
Aortic Root Distortion and Aortic Insufficiency During Balloon Angioplasty of the Right Ventricular Outflow Tract Prior to Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement
Authors: Torres Alejandro J. , McElhinney Doff B. , Anderson Brett R. , Turner Mariel E. , Crystal Matthew A. , Timchak Donna M. , Vincent Julie A.
Published: January 2016

Objective

To describe the significance of aortic root distortion (AD) and/or aortic valve insufficiency (AI) during balloon angioplasty of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) performed to rule out coronary artery compression prior to transcatheter pulmonary valve (TPV) implantation.

Methods

AD/AI was assessed by retrospective review of all procedural aortographies performed to evaluate coronary anatomy prior to TPV implantation. AD/AI was also reviewed in all pre‐post MPV implant echocardiograms to assess for progression.

Results

From 04/2007 to 3/2015, 118 pts underwent catheterization with intent for TPV implant. Mean age and weight were 24.5 ± 12 years and 64.3 ± 20 kg, respectively. Diagnoses were: TOF (53%), D‐TGA/DORV (18%), s/p Ross (15%), and Truncus (9%). Types of RV‐PA connections were: conduits (96), bioprosthetic valves (14), and other (7). Successful TPV implant occurred in 91 pts (77%). RVOT balloon angioplasty was performed in 43/118 pts (36%). Aortography was performed in 18/43 pts with AD/AI noted in 6/18 (33%); 2 with D‐TGA (1 s/p Lecompte, 1 s/p Rastelli), 2 with TOF, 1 Truncus and 1 s/p Ross. Procedure was aborted in the 2 who developed severe AD/AI. TPV was implanted in 3/4 patients with mild AD/AI. Review of pre‐post TPV implantation echocardiograms in 83/91 pts (91%) revealed no new/worsened AI in any patient.

Conclusion

AD/AI is relatively common on aortography during simultaneous RVOT balloon angioplasty. Lack of AI progression by echocardiography post‐TPV implant suggests these may be benign findings in most cases. However, AD/AI should be carefully evaluated in certain anatomic subtypes with close RVOT/aortic alignments. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:197–207)
Post‐Procedural Bivalirudin Infusion Following Primary PCI to Reduce Stent Thrombosis
Authors: Kinnaird Tim , Yazji Khaled , Thornhill Laurence , Butt Mehmood , Ossei‐Gerning Nicholas , Choudhury Anirban , Mitra Rito , Anderson Richard
Published: January 2016

Background

Prolonging infusions may abrogate the acute stent thrombosis (ST) associated with bivalirudin use during primary PCI but at an increased cost. We hypothesized that continuing the bivalirudin infusion commenced during the procedure at the PCI recommended dose until infusion end would prevent excess early ST.

Methods

Baseline demographics, procedural data and outcomes were gathered prospectively on 1395 consecutive patients undergoing primary PCI. The choice of bivalirudin versus heparin was at the cardiologist's discretion. Local protocol recommended continuation of the procedural bivalirudin at the PCI dose until infusion end.

Results

Patients' mean age was 62.8 ± 13.1years with 11.4% presenting with shock. The majority of patients underwent PCI using bivalirudin with fewer using heparin (87.7 vs. 12.3%, P < 0.0001). Glycoprotein inhibitor bailout rates were 6.1% with bivalirudin and 36.3% with heparin (P < 0.0001). Calculated on an individual patient basis the median intra‐procedure duration of the bivalirudin infusion was 30(IQR 21‐43) minutes and post‐procedure 49(32–66) minutes. The acute (<24‐hours) ST rates were 4/1224 with bivalirudin ± GPI (0.3%) and 0/171 with heparin ± GPI (0%, P = 0.41). The sub‐acute (24‐hours to 30‐days) ST rates were 3/1224 for bivalirudin ± GPI (0.3%) and 2/171 with heparin ± GPI (1.2%, P = 0.11). In total the early (<30‐days) ST rates were 7/1224 for bivalirudin ± GPI (0.6%) and 2/171 with heparin ± GPI (1.2%, P = 0.31). Acute ST was significantly more likely to occur in clopidogrel‐loaded patients than prasugrel/ticagrelor patients (2.7 vs. 0.5%, P = 0.003).

Conclusion

Continuing the bivalirudin infusion commenced during the procedure at the PCI recommended dose until infusion end combined with potent P2Y12 inhibitors ameliorates excess early stent thrombosis. (J Interven
Cardiol 2016;29:129–136)
Osseoperception in Dental Implants: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mishra Sunil Kumar , Chowdhary Ramesh , Chrcanovic Bruno Ramos , Brånemark Per‐Ingvar
Published: January 2016

Purpose

Replacement of lost teeth has significant functional and psychosocial effects. The capability of osseointegrated dental implants to transmit a certain amount of sensibility is still unclear. The phenomenon of developing a certain amount of tactile sensibility through osseointegrated dental implants is called osseoperception. The aim of this article is to evaluate the available literature to find osseoperception associated with dental implants.

Materials and Methods

To identify suitable literature, an electronic search was performed using Medline and PubMed database. Articles published in English and articles whose abstract is available in English were included. The articles included in the review were based on osseoperception, tactile sensation, and neurophysiological mechanoreceptors in relation to dental implants. Articles on peri‐implantitis and infection‐related sensitivity were not included. Review articles without the original data were excluded, although references to potentially pertinent articles were noted for further follow‐up. The phenomenon of osseoperception remains a matter of debate, so the search strategy mainly focused on articles on osseoperception and tactile sensibility of dental implants. This review presents the histological, neurophysiological, and psychophysical evidence of osseoperception and also the role of mechanoreceptors in osseoperception.

Results

The literature on osseoperception in dental implants is very scarce. The initial literature search resulted in 90 articles, of which 81 articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included in this systematic review.

Conclusion

Patients restored with implant‐supported prostheses reported improved tactile and motor function when compared with patients wearing complete dentures.