bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in Allee effects: evidence, unknowns, and directions forward
Authors: Walter Jonathan A. , Grayson Kristine L. , Johnson Derek M. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAllee effects, positive effects of population size or density on per‐capita fitness, are of broad interest in ecology and conservation due to their importance to the persistence of small populations and to range boundary dynamics. A number of recent studies have highlighted the importance of spatiotemporal variation in Allee effects and the resulting impacts on population dynamics. These advances challenge conventional understanding of Allee effects by reframing them as a dynamic factor affecting populations instead of a static condition. First, we synthesize evidence for variation in Allee effects and highlight potential mechanisms. Second, we emphasize the “Allee slope,” i.e., the magnitude of the positive effect of density on the per‐capita growth rate, as a metric for demographic Allee effects. The more commonly used quantitative metric, the Allee threshold, provides only a partial picture of the underlying forces acting on population growth despite its implications for population extinction. Third, we identify remaining unknowns and strategies for addressing them. Outstanding questions about variation in Allee effects fall broadly under three categories: (1) characterizing patterns of natural variability; (2) understanding mechanisms of variation; and (3) implications for populations, including applications to conservation and management. Future insights are best achieved through robust interactions between theory and empiricism, especially through mechanistic models. Understanding spatiotemporal variation in the demographic processes contributing to the dynamics of small populations is a critical step in the advancement of population ecology.
Variability in medication taking is associated with cognitive performance in nondemented older adults
Authors: Austin Johanna , Klein Krystal , Mattek Nora , Kaye Jeffrey 
Published: March 2017

AbstractInterventions to slow cognitive decline typically can do little to reverse decline. Thus, early detection methods are critical. However, tools like cognitive testing are time consuming and require costly expertise. Changes in activities of daily living such as medication adherence may herald the onset of cognitive decline before clinical standards. Here, we determine the relationship between medication adherence and cognitive function in preclinical older adults. We objectively assessed medication adherence in 38 older adults (mean age 86.7 ± 6.9 years). Our results demonstrate that individuals with lower cognitive function have more spread in the timing of taking their medications (P = .014) and increase the spread in the timing of taking their medications over time (P = .012). These results demonstrate that continuous monitoring of medication adherence may provide the opportunity to identify patients experiencing slow cognitive decline in the earliest stages when pharmacologic or behavioral interventions may be most effective.
Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Sexual Medicine: A Questionnaire-Based Assessment of Knowledge, Clinical Practice Patterns, and Attitudes in Sexual Medicine Practitioners
Authors: Fode Mikkel , Lowenstein Lior , Reisman Yacov 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Introduction
Low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT) has emerged as a treatment option for male sexual dysfunction. However, results have been contradictory.

Aim
To investigate the knowledge, practice patterns, and attitudes regarding LI-ESWT among experts in sexual medicine.

Methods
A study-specific questionnaire was handed out at the 18th Congress for the European Society for Sexual Medicine. Participants were queried on their knowledge about LI-ESWT and about their use of the equipment.

Main Outcome Measures
Descriptive data on the knowledge of LI-ESWT and perception of treatment effects.

Results
One hundred ninety-two questionnaires were available for analysis. Most respondents were physicians (79.7%) and most of these specialized in urology (58.9%). Overall, 144 of 192 (75%) reported that they were familiar with LI-ESWT in sexual medicine. Twenty-seven (14.1%) had performed the treatment. Of the 117 non-users who were familiar with LI-ESWT, 37 sometimes referred patients for the treatment. Nevertheless, 103 of 144 (71.5%) stated that they considered LI-ESWT an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED) and 10 of 144 (6.9%) considered it an effective treatment for Peyronie disease. Of participants who regarded LI-ESWT an effective ED treatment, 91.2% would consider the treatment specifically for vasculogenic ED and 81.6% would combine it with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. Most participants (83.7%) regarded LI-ESWT as safe. A urology background (odds ratio = 2.4; 95% CI = 1.3–4.8; P = .0093) and working in a private setting (odds ratio = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.5–5.3; P = .0084) were significant predictors of familiarity with LI-ESWT in sexual medicine and of being an LI-ESWT user. Likewise, urologists were significantly more likely than non-urologists to consider the treatment effective (odds ratio = 2.8; 95% CI = 1.1–7.1; P = .033).

Conclusion
LI-ESWT is well known among experts in sexual medicine and the treatment is perceived as safe and effective against vasculogenic ED when combined with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The treatment is mainly offered by urologists.
Fode M, Lowenstein L, Reisman Y. Low-Intensity Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Sexual Medicine: A Questionnaire-Based Assessment of Knowledge, Clinical Practice Patterns, and Attitudes in Sexual Medicine Practitioners. Sex Med 2017;5:e94–e98.
Postoperative outcomes and functional results after Deloyer's procedure – a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Salgado-Nesme Noel , Vergara-Fernández Omar , Mitre-Reyes David , Luna-Torres Hugo A. , Molina-López Juan Francisco , Navarro-Navarro Adolfo , Guevara-Chipolini Jorge 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Introduction The objective of our study was to describe surgical outcomes of Deloyers procedure in our referral center, and to compare the results of patients with and without protective ileostomy.
Methods Patients undergoing a Deloyers procedure from 2013 to 2016 were prospectively included. General characteristics, intraoperative variables, postoperative course, and functional outcomes were analyzed. Patients were compared into two groups: group (1) patients undergoing Deloyers procedure without ileostomy, and group (2) Deloyers procedure with protective ileostomy.
Results Sixteen patients undergoing isoperistaltic transposition of the right colon remnant were included, of which 9 (63%) were males with a median age of 47 (range 22–76) years. The main surgical indication was the restoration of bowel transit (62.5%). There was higher major morbidity rate in the Deloyers procedure with protective ileostomy group, but without statistical significance (20% vs. 9%, p = 0.92). No leaks or deaths were reported. The length of hospital stay was 7 days. The mean number of bowel movements per day was 4 at 18 months of follow up. Only four (25%) patients used irregularly loperamide.
Conclusions The Deloyers procedure has satisfactory results and is reproducible with low morbidity. The major and minor morbidity rates were similar between groups, suggesting that the costs and risks of a second procedure can be avoided by providing a safe primary anastomosis.
Functional Variations in theNOS3Gene Are Associated with Erectile Dysfunction Susceptibility, Age of Onset and Severity in a Han Chinese Population
Authors: Yang Bo , Liu Liangren , Peng Zhufeng , Lu Dongliang , Ren Zhengju , Liu Shengzuo , Yang Xiling , Liao Jian , Dong Qiang 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackgroundImpaired function of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is involved in the pathologic processes of erectile dysfunction (ED), and three functional polymorphisms (G894T, T-786C, and a tandem repeat of 27 bp in intron 4) in the NOS3 gene, which encodes eNOS, are associated with the clinical characteristics of ED in several populations.AimTo investigate the effect of these variations of NOS3 on ED phenotypes and the response to sildenafil in a Han Chinese population.MethodsThis case-control study enrolled 112 patients with ED and 156 age-matched healthy men. Their medical history and laboratory data were collected. ED severity and response to sildenafil were assessed using the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5) score. Routine polymerase chain reaction and Sanger sequencing were used to genotype the three polymorphisms of NOS3.OutcomesThe frequencies of alleles, genotypes, and haplotypes of the loci in patients and controls; the IIEF-5 scores of patients carrying the risk and non-risk genotype; and the frequencies of risk and non-risk genotypes in patients with different ages at onset and responses to sildenafil were assessed.ResultsThe frequencies of drinkers and diabetic and hyperlipidemic patients in the ED group were higher than those in the age-matched control group (P &lt; .05). The distributions of alleles (G894T, P &lt; .005; T-786C, P &lt; .015), genotypes (G894T, P &lt; 0.015; T-786C, P &lt; .010), and haplotypes (G894T/T-786C, P &lt; .015) of the NOS3 polymorphisms were significantly different between patients with ED and controls. An increased risk for earlier onset of ED was observed in the G894T risk genotype carriers (odds ratio = 3.572; P &lt; .020). Patients with the risk genotype of T-786C exhibited lower IIEF-5 scores than patients with the non-risk genotype (8.2 ± 4.5 vs 12.2 ± 5.0; P &lt; .015). The influence of the T-786C or G894T genotype on the response to sildenafil was not observed.Clinical TranslationThe detectable effect of NOS3 functional polymorphisms on ED suggests their application potential as a molecular biomarker in predicting ED susceptibility and severity in the Han Chinese population.Strengths & LimitationsThis study provides strong evidence that NOS3 functional variation is an independent risk factor for ED in the Han Chinese population, which should be confirmed in larger cohorts considering the limited number of subjects in this study.ConclusionThese results are the first to identify a clear association between NOS3 functional variation and ED susceptibility, age at onset, and severity in the Han Chinese population.
Bilateral nail gun traumatic brain injury presents as intentional overdose: A case report
Authors: Alain Judith , Lavergne Pascal , St-Onge Maude , D’Astous Myreille , Côté Stéphane 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis report describes a rare but life-threatening case of a suicide attempt initially considered as intentional overdose at the emergency department. Persistent altered mental status, despite normal toxicology investigations, led the attending team to order a head computed tomography scan, which revealed a bilateral penetrating nail gun injury with a right temporal hematoma for which a decompressive craniectomy was performed. Although voluntary intoxication is the most frequent form of suicide attempt, emergency physicians must be alert and maintain a broad differential diagnosis. Although rare, penetrating head injuries have increased in recent decades. As neurological symptoms can be minimal and penetration wounds small, this type of injury could potentially be overlooked.
Hand Hygiene With Alcohol-Based Hand Rub: How Long Is Long Enough?
Authors: Pires Daniela , Soule Hervé , Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando , Gayet-Ageron Angèle , Pittet Didier 
Published: March 2017

BACKGROUNDHand hygiene is the core element of infection prevention and control. The optimal hand-hygiene gesture, however, remains poorly defined.OBJECTIVEWe aimed to evaluate the influence of hand-rubbing duration on the reduction of bacterial counts on the hands of healthcare personnel (HCP).METHODSWe performed an experimental study based on the European Norm 1500. Hand rubbing was performed for 10, 15, 20, 30, 45, or 60 seconds, according to the WHO technique using 3 mL alcohol-based hand rub. Hand contamination with E. coli ATCC 10536 was followed by hand rubbing and sampling. A generalized linear mixed model with a random effect on the subject adjusted for hand size and gender was used to analyze the reduction in bacterial counts after each hand-rubbing action. In addition, hand-rubbing durations of 15 and 30 seconds were compared to assert non-inferiority (0.6 log10).RESULTSIn total, 32 HCP performed 123 trials. All durations of hand rubbing led to significant reductions in bacterial counts (P<.001). Reductions achieved after 10, 15, or 20 seconds of hand rubbing were not significantly different from those obtained after 30 seconds. The mean bacterial reduction after 15 seconds of hand rubbing was 0.11 log10 lower (95% CI, −0.46 to 0.24) than after 30 seconds, demonstrating non-inferiority.CONCLUSIONSHand rubbing for 15 seconds was not inferior to 30 seconds in reducing bacterial counts on hands under the described experimental conditions. There was no gain in reducing bacterial counts from hand rubbing longer than 30 seconds. Further studies are needed to assess the clinical significance of our findings.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2017;38:547–552
Gyrotactic swimmer dispersion in pipe flow: testing the theory
Authors: Croze Ottavio A. , Bearon Rachel N. , Bees Martin A. 
Published: March 2017

Suspensions of microswimmers are a rich source of fascinating new fluid mechanics. Recently we predicted the active pipe flow dispersion of gyrotactic microalgae, whose orientation is biased by gravity and flow shear. Analytical theory predicts that these active swimmers disperse in a markedly distinct manner from passive tracers (Taylor dispersion). Dispersing swimmers display non-zero drift and effective diffusivity that is non-monotonic with Péclet number. Such predictions agree with numerical simulations, but hitherto have not been tested experimentally. Here, to facilitate comparison, we obtain new solutions of the axial dispersion theory accounting both for swimmer negative buoyancy and a local nonlinear response of swimmers to shear, provided by two alternative microscopic stochastic descriptions. We obtain new predictions for suspensions of the model swimming alga Dunaliella salina, whose motility and buoyant mass we parametrise using tracking video microscopy. We then present a new experimental method to measure gyrotactic dispersion using fluorescently stained D. salina and provide a preliminary comparison with predictions of a non-zero drift above the mean flow for each microscopic stochastic description. Finally, we propose further experiments for a full experimental characterisation of gyrotactic dispersion measures and discuss the implications of our results for algal dispersion in industrial photobioreactors.
Generic revision of the Holocystitidae of North America (Diploporita, Echinodermata) based on universal elemental homology
Authors: Sheffield Sarah L. , Sumrall Colin D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTheHolocystitesFauna is an enigmatic group of North American diploporitans that presents a rare window into unusual middle Silurian echinoderm communities. Multiple systematic revisions have subdivided holocystitids on the basis of presumed differences in oral area plating and respiratory structures. However, these differences were based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the homologous elements of the oral area and the taphonomic process; taphonomic disarticulation of the oral area formed the basis for the erection ofPentacystisandOsgoodicystisas separate genera, andOsgoodicystisis interpreted as the junior synonym ofPentacystis. Holocystitids show a conservative peristomial bordering plate pattern that is shared among all described genera. The peristome is bordered by seven interradially positioned oral plates as is typical for oral plate–bearing blastozoans. A second open circlet of facetal plates lies distal to the oral plates; five of these facetal plates bear facets for feeding appendages (lost on the A ambulacrum in some taxa), while two lateral facets (present in all taxa exceptPustulocystis) do not. Holocystitid taxa show minor modifications to this basic peristomial bordering plate pattern. As thecal morphologies are highly variable within populations, taxonomic revision of holocystitids is based on modifications of the plating of the oral area.
Geochemical and Nd isotopic compositions of the Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks in the Kongling complex, nucleus of Yangtze craton, South China block: implications for provenance and tectonic evolution
Authors: QIU XIAO-FEI , ZHAO XIAO-MING , YANG HONG-MEI , LU SHAN-SONG , WU NIAN-WEN , JIANG TUO , GU TAO , WANG YUN-FENG 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPalaeoproterozic metasedimentary rocks, also referred to as khondalites, characterized by Al-rich minerals, are extensively exposed in the nucleus of the Yangtze craton, South China block. Samples of garnet–sillimanite gneiss in the khondalite suite were collected from the Kongling complex for Nd isotopic and elemental geochemical study. These rocks are characterized by variable SiO2contents ranging from 35.71 to 58.07 wt%, and have low CaO (0.45–0.84 wt%) but high Al2O3(18.56–29.04 wt%), Cr (174–334 ppm) and Ni (42.5–153 ppm) contents. They have high CIW (Chemical Index of Weathering) values (90.4–94.7), indicating intense chemical weathering of the source material. The samples display light rare earth elements (LREE) enrichment with negative Eu anomalies (Eu/Eu*=0.40–0.68), and have flat heavy rare earth elements (HREE) patterns. The high contents of transition elements (e.g. Cr, Ni, Sc, V) and moderately radiogenic Nd isotopic compositions suggest that the paragneisses might be those of first-cycle erosion products of predominantly mafic rocks mixing with small amounts of felsic moderately evolved Archaean crustal source. Geochemical and Nd isotopic compositions reveal that at least some of the protoliths of Kongling khondalite were sourced from local pre-existing mafic igneous rocks in a continental arc tectonic setting. Combined with documented zircon U–Pb geochronological data, we propose that the Palaeoproterozoic high-pressure granulite-facies metamorphism, rapid weathering, erosion and deposition of the khondalites in the interior of the Yangtze craton might be related to a Palaeoproterozoic collisional orogenic event during 2.1–1.9 Ga, consistent with the worldwide contemporary orogeny, implying that the Yangtze craton may have been an important component of the Palaeoprotorozoic Columbia supercontinent.
Origin and tectonic evolution of the NE basement of Oman: a window into the Neoproterozoic accretionary growth of India?
Authors: ALESSIO BRANDON L. , BLADES MORGAN L. , MURRAY GEORGE , THORPE BENJAMIN , COLLINS ALAN S. , KELSEY DAVID E. , FODEN JOHN , PAYNE JUSTIN , AL-KHIRBASH SALAH , JOURDAN FRED 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe Omani basement is located spatially distant from the dominantly juvenile Arabian–Nubian Shield (ANS) to its west, and its relationship to the amalgamation of those arc terranes has yet to be properly constrained. The Jebel Ja'alan (NE Oman) basement inlier provides an excellent opportunity to better understand the Neoproterozoic tectonic geography of Oman and its relationship to the ANS. To understand the origin of this basement inlier, we present new radiogenic isotopic data from igneous bodies in Jebel Ja'alan. U–Pb and 40Ar/39Ar geochronological data are used to constrain the timing of magmatism and metamorphism in the jebel. Positive εHf and εNd values indicate a juvenile origin for the igneous lithologies. Phase equilibria modelling is used to constrain the metamorphic conditions recorded by basement. Pressure–temperature (P–T) pseudosections show that basement schists followed a clockwise P–T path, reaching peak metamorphic conditions of c. 650–700°C at 4–7.5 kbar, corresponding to a thermal gradient of c. 90–160°C/kbar. From the calculated thermal gradient, in conjunction with collected trace-element data, we interpret that the Jebel Ja'alan basement formed in an arc environment. Geochronological data indicate that this juvenile arc formed during Tonian time and is older than basement further west in Oman. We argue that the difference in timing is related to westwards arc accretion and migration, which implies that the Omani basement represents its own tectonic domain separate to the ANS and may be the leading edge of the Neoproterozoic accretionary margin of India.
The posterior auricular muscle: a useful anatomical landmark for otoplasty
Authors: Stephen C , Lowrie A G 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBackground:The correct anatomical placement of conchomastoid sutures during suture otoplasty can sometimes prove challenging. If the suture vector is inaccurate, reduction can be difficult and this may lead to malrotation of the pinna.Methods:This paper describes the adoption of the auricularis posterior muscle, which runs from the mastoid to the concha and whose function is to adduct the pinna, as a marker for conchomastoid suture placement.Results and conclusion:The muscle is easily identified and dissected, providing a landmark for the placement of sutures onto the adjacent concha and mastoid fascia. This allows for an anatomical reduction of the pinna. It is believed that this approach will prove useful to the otoplasty surgeon.
The serine 106 residue within the N-terminal transactivation domain is crucial for Oct4 function in mice
Authors: Mitani Atsushi , Fukuda Atsushi , Miyashita Toshiyuki , Umezawa Akihiro , Akutsu Hidenori 
Published: March 2017

SummaryPou5f1/Oct4 is a key transcription factor for the induction of pluripotency and totipotency in preimplantation mouse embryos. In mice, loss or gain of function experiments have demonstrated an important role for Oct4 in preimplantation and developmental ability. In this study, using mouse preimplantation embryos as a model for the evaluation of Oct4 function, we constructed Oct4 overexpression embryos with various mutations at the N-terminal transactivation domain. Developmental competency and molecular biological phenotypes depended on the type of mutation. The replacement of serine 106 with alanine resulted in more severe phenotypes similar to that of wild type Oct4, indicating that this alteration using alanine is negligible for Oct4 function. In contrast, we found that Oct4-specific antibodies could not recognize Oct4 protein when this residue was replaced by aspartic acid (Oct4-S106D). Oct4-S106D overexpressing embryos did not show developmental arrest and aberrant chromatin structure. Thus, these results demonstrated that the Ser-106 residue within the N-terminal transactivation domain is crucial for Oct4 function and suggested that this mutation might affect Oct4 protein conformation.
Stent implantation to ductus arteriosus in a patient with interrupted aortic arch guided by CT image overlay
Authors: Goreczny Sebastian , Dryzek Pawel , Moszura Tomasz 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA 15-day-old premature patient with ventricular septal defect and interrupted aortic arch type B underwent “hybrid” initial treatment consisting of bilateral pulmonary artery banding followed by stenting of the ductus arteriosus. A pre-registered CT scan was re-purposed with a new three-dimensional image fusion software (VesselNavigator) to create a roadmap for stent delivery.