Genomic insights into rapid speciation within the world’s largest tree genus Syzygium

Species radiations, despite immense phenotypic variation, can be difficult to resolve phylogenetically when genetic change poorly matches the rapidity of diversification. Genomic potential furnished by palaeopolyploidy, and relative roles for adaptation, random drift and hybridisation in the apportionment of genetic variation, remain poorly understood factors. Here, we study these aspects in a model radiation, Syzygium, the most species-rich tree genus worldwide. Genomes of 182 distinct species and 58 unidentified taxa are compared against a chromosome-level reference genome of the sea apple, Syzygium grande. We show that while Syzygium shares an ancient genome doubling event with other Myrtales, little evidence exists for recent polyploidy events. Phylogenomics confirms that Syzygium originated in Australia-New Guinea and diversified in multiple migrations, eastward to the Pacific and westward to India and Africa, in bursts of speciation visible as poorly resolved branches on phylogenies. Furthermore, some sublineages demonstrate genomic clines that recapitulate cladogenetic events, suggesting that stepwise geographic speciation, a neutral process, has been important in Syzygium diversification

Factors Associated with Revision Surgery after Internal Fixation of Hip Fractures

Background: Femoral neck fractures are associated with high rates of revision surgery after management with internal fixation. Using data from the Fixation using Alternative Implants for the Treatment of Hip fractures (FAITH) trial evaluating methods of internal fixation in patients with femoral neck fractures, we investigated associations between baseline and surgical factors and the need for revision surgery to promote healing, relieve pain, treat infection or improve function over 24 months postsurgery. Additionally, we investigated factors associated with (1) hardware removal and (2) implant exchange from cancellous screws (CS) or sliding hip screw (SHS) to total hip arthroplasty, hemiarthroplasty, or another internal fixation device. Methods: We identified 15 potential factors a priori that may be associated with revision surgery, 7 with hardware removal, and 14 with implant exchange. We used multivariable Cox proportional hazards analyses in our investigation. Results: Factors associated with increased risk of revision surgery included: female sex, [hazard ratio (HR) 1.79, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25-2.50; P = 0.001], higher body mass index (fo

The pattern of utilisation and accuracy of a commercial nucleic acid amplification test for the rapid diagnosis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in routine clinical practice

Singapore Medical Journal438415-420SIMJ

A high-resolution map of Singapore’s terrestrial ecosystems

The natural and semi-natural areas within cities provide important refuges for biodiversity, as well as many benefits to people. To study urban ecology and quantify the benefits of urban ecosystems, we need to understand the spatial extent and configuration of different types of vegetated cover within a city. It is challenging to map urban ecosystems because they are typically small and highly fragmented; thus requiring high resolution satellite images. This article describes a new high-resolution map of land cover for the tropical city-state of Singapore. We used images from WorldView and QuickBird satellites, and classified these images using random forest machine learning and supplementary datasets into 12 terrestrial land classes. Close to 50 % of Singapore’s land cover is vegetated while freshwater fills about 6 %, and the rest is bare or built up. The overall accuracy of the map was 79 % and the class-specific errors are described in detail. Tropical regions such as Singapore have a lot of cloud cover year-round, complicating the process of mapping using satellite imagery. The land cover map provided here will have applications for urban biodiversity studies, ecosystem service quantification, and natural capital assessment

Development of digital pseudo binaural hearing aid

10.2316/Journal.201.2013.3.201-2498Control and Intelligent Systems413161-168CISS

Hydrological and geochemical investigations of selenium behavior at Kesterson Reservoir

From 1985 to the present we have studied the behavior of selenium in various habitats and environments at Kesterson reservoir, shifting emphasis as remedial actions altered the physical setting. Investigations have evaluated the efficacy of several remedial alternatives, from innovative techniques relying on the complex geochemical behavior of selenium alternatives, from innovative techniques relying on the complex geochemical behavior of selenium in aquatic environments to conventional excavation schemes. Results of these studies supported two cost-effective remedial measures; drain water deliveries were terminated in 1986 and, in 1988, 1 million cubic yards of soil were imported and used to fill the low lying areas of the former Kesterson Reservoir. To date, these two actions appear to have eliminated the aquatic habitat that caused waterfowl death and deformity at Kesterson from the early 1980's to 1987. Biological, surface water and groundwater monitoring data collected by the USBR indicate that Kesterson is now a much safer environment than in past years when drainage water containing 300{mu}g/l of selenium was delivered to the Reservoir. The continued presence of a large inventory of selenium within the upper portions of unfilled areas of Kesterson Reservoir and immediately below the fill material requires that a continued awareness of the status of this inventory be maintained and improved upon. 83 refs., 130 figs., 19 tabs

Problem-focused coping mediates the impact of intimate partner violence on mental health among Chinese women

Our study focused on understanding on the ways that abused Chinese women cope and aimed to examine the mediating role of coping strategies between the relationships of intimate partner violence (IPV; including partner stalking) and mental health problems. Method: A population-based household survey was completed by 550 Chinese community-dwelling women. Data on the mediating roles of coping strategies were examined using structural equation models. Results: The prevalence of IPV among Chinese women was 22.9% for psychological abuse, 6.5% for physical abuse, 2.2% for sexual abuse, and 4.2% for partner stalking in the past year. Abused women used more active coping (p = .01), planning (p = .006), and self-distraction (p = .02) than nonabused women. Results supported the mediating effect of problem-focused and passive coping strategies, but not emotion-focused coping, in the pathways of IPV and mental health outcomes (root mean squared error of approximation = .063, comparative fit index = .93, Tucker-Lewis index = .91, and standardized root mean squared residual = .06). Negative mental health outcomes significantly decreased by problem-focused coping (β =-5.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] =-9.56,-.77, p = .021) and significantly increased by passive coping (β = 4.72, 95% CI = 1.24, 8.19, p = .008). Conclusions: Abused women used multifaceted types of coping. Both problem-focused and passive coping mediated the IPV-mental health outcomes link. The findings reinforced the importance of helping abused women find practical ways to cope with IPV