bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the eigenfunctions corresponding to the bandpass kernel, in the case of degeneracy
Authors: Morrison J. A.
Published: December 2016

It has previously been pointed out that the eigenfunctions of the finite integral equation with bandlimited difference kernel satisfy a certain second order linear differential equation, containing one parameter, whose continuous solutions, for discrete values of the parameter, are the prolate spheroidal wave functions. We consider here the finite integral equation with bandpass difference kernel. It is shown that, in the case of degeneracy, one eigenfunction is the continuous solution of a certain fourth order linear differential equation, containing two parameters which must be determined from prescribed conditions. The second eigenfunction is the derivative of the first one.
The cylinder problem in viscoelastic stress analysis
Authors: Rogers T. G. , Lee E. H.
Published: December 2016

A short review is presented of the cylinder problem as a vehicle for developments in the theory of linear viscoelastic stress analysis. This is followed by the solution of the problem of a compressible, hollow circular viscoelastic cylinder encased in and bonded to an elastic cylindrical shell. The analysis includes the effects of arbitrarily varying angular velocity and internal pressure, and the inner surface may ablate at an arbitrary rate. Material properties are incorporated in the form of numerical values of the relaxation modulus in shear, and the bulk modulus. Results are presented and comparison made with previous solutions which deal with more restricted situations.
Solar heating of a rotating solid cylinder
Authors: Olmstead W. E. , Raynor S.
Published: December 2016

This paper is concerned with the quasi-steady temperature distribution of a solid cylinder which rotates about its geometric axis, arbitrarily inclined to the incoming parallel radiation. The differential equation for the temperature with a linearized boundary condition is solved by the method of Green’s functions. The numerical results for the case of an aluminum alloy cylinder indicated only small temperature variations for all angular velocities.
Research and development of artificial intelligence in China
Authors: Qiu Jane
Published: December 2016

This year saw several milestones in the development of artificial intelligence. In March, AlphaGo, a computer algorithm developed by Google's London-based company, DeepMind, beat the world champion Lee Sedol at Go, an ancient Chinese board game. In October, the same company unveiled in the journal Nature its latest technique that allows a machine to solve tasks that require logic and reasoning, such as finding its way around the London Underground using a map it has never seen before.

Such progress in recent years has provided significant impetus to developing cutting-edge learning machines around the world, including China. In 2015, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) set up the Centre for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology—a consortium of laboratories from more than 20 CAS institutes and universities. Early this year, China rolled out the China Brain Project, a fifteen-year programme that will focus on brain mapping, neurological diseases and brain-inspired artificial intelligence.

In a forum chaired by National Science Review's Executive Associative Editor, Mu-ming Poo, who also leads the CAS centre for excellence and the China Brain Project, several researchers discussed China's latest initiatives and progress in artificial intelligence, where the future lies and what the main challenges are.

Yunji Chen

Institute of Computing Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing

Tieniu Tan

Institute of Automation, Deputy President of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing

Yi Zeng

Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing

Hongbin Zha

Director of Key Lab of Machine Perception (MOE), Peking University, Beijing

Mu-ming Poo (Chair)

Director of Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai
Faculty–Resident “Co-learning”: A Longitudinal Exploration of an Innovative Model for Faculty Development in Quality Improvement
Authors: Wong Brian M. , Goldman Joanne , Goguen Jeannette M. , Base Christian , Rotteau Leahora , Van Melle Elaine , Kuper Ayelet , Shojania Kaveh G.
Published: December 2016

Purpose

To examine the effectiveness of co-learning, wherein faculty and trainees learn together, as a novel approach for building quality improvement (QI) faculty capacity.

Method

From July 2012 through September 2015, the authors conducted 30 semistructured interviews with 23 faculty participants from the Co-Learning QI Curriculum of the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, and collected descriptive data on faculty participation and resident evaluations of teaching effectiveness. Interviewees were from 13 subspecialty residency programs at their institution.

Results

Of the 56 faculty participants, the Co-Learning QI Curriculum trained 29 faculty mentors, 14 of whom taught formally. Faculty leads with an academic QI role, many of whom had prior QI training, reinforced their QI knowledge while also developing QI mentorship and teaching skills. Co-learning elements that contributed to QI teaching skills development included seeing first how the QI content is taught, learning through project mentorship, building experience longitudinally over time, a graded transition toward independent teaching, and a supportive program lead. Faculty with limited QI experience reported improved QI knowledge, skills, and project facilitation but were ambivalent about assuming a teacher role. Unplanned outcomes for both groups included QI teaching outside of the curriculum, applying QI principles to other work, networking, and strengthening one’s QI professional role.

Conclusions

The Co-Learning QI Curriculum was effective in improving faculty QI knowledge and skills and increased faculty capacity to teach and mentor QI. Findings suggest that a combination of curriculum and contextual factors were critical to realizing the curriculum’s full potential.
Constructing a Shared Mental Model for Faculty Development for the Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency
Authors: Favreau Michele A. , Tewksbury Linda , Lupi Carla , Cutrer William B. , Jokela Janet A. , Yarris Lalena M.
Published: December 2016

In 2014, the Association of American Medical Colleges identified 13 Core Entrustable Professional Activities for Entering Residency (Core EPAs), which are activities that entering residents might be expected to perform without direct supervision. This work included the creation of an interinstitutional concept group focused on faculty development efforts, as the processes and tools for teaching and assessing entrustability in undergraduate medical education (UME) are still evolving. In this article, the authors describe a conceptual framework for entrustment that they developed to better prepare all educators involved in entrustment decision making in UME. This framework applies to faculty with limited or longitudinal contact with medical students and to those who contribute to entrustment development or render summative entrustment decisions.

The authors describe a shared mental model for entrustment that they developed, based on a critical synthesis of the EPA literature, to serve as a guide for UME faculty development efforts. This model includes four dimensions for Core EPA faculty development: (1) observation skills in authentic settings (workplace-based assessments), (2) coaching and feedback skills, (3) self-assessment and reflection skills, and (4) peer guidance skills developed through a community of practice. These dimensions form a conceptual foundation for meaningful faculty participation in entrustment decision making.

The authors also differentiate between the UME learning environment and the graduate medical education learning environment to highlight distinct challenges and opportunities for faculty development in UME settings. They conclude with recommendations and research questions for future Core EPA faculty development efforts.
The Early Tech Development Course: Experiential Commercialization Education for the Medical Academician
Authors: Servoss Jonathan , Chang Connie , Fay Jonathan , Ward Kevin
Published: December 2016

Problem

Research produced by medical academicians holds promise for developing into biomedical innovations in therapeutics, devices, diagnostics, and health care information technology; however, the road to biomedical innovation is fraught with risk, including the challenge of moving from basic research insight onto a viable commercialization path. Compounding this challenge is the growing demand on medical academicians to be more productive in their clinical, teaching, and research duties within a resource-constrained environment.

Approach

In 2014, the University of Michigan (UM) Medical School and College of Engineering codesigned and implemented an accelerated, biomedical-focused version of the National Science Foundation (NSF) Innovation Corps (I-Corps) program. The UM Early Tech Development (ETD) Course, designed for medical academicians exploring the commercial potential of early-stage ideas, covers the NSF I-Corps concept; supports the formation of teams of faculty, graduate, and medical students; and accommodates medical academicians’ schedules.

Outcomes

From 2014 to 2015, the ETD Course graduated 39 project teams from UM and other institutions. One-third of the teams have continued to pursue their projects, receiving additional funding, engaging industry partners, or enrolling in the NSF I-Corps program.

Next Steps

The ETD Course, a potential pipeline to the NSF I-Corps program, captures a target audience of medical academicians and others in academic medicine. To better understand the long-term effects of the course and its relationship to the NSF I-Corps program, the authors will conduct a study on the careers of all ETD Course graduates, including those who have enrolled in NSF I-Corps versus those who have not.
Sensory Symptom Profiles of Patients With Neuropathic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Soler Maria Dolors , Moriña David , Rodríguez Neus , Saurí Joan , Vidal Joan , Navarro Albert , Navarro Xavier
Published: December 2016

Aim:

Individuals experiencing neuropathic pain (NP) after spinal cord injury (SCI) present with a variety of pain descriptors in different combinations and at different intensities. These sensory features form distinct patterns, known as sensory symptom profiles.

Methods:

In the present cross-sectional study, we have used a multivariate statistical method (multiple correspondence analysis) to categorize the sensory symptom profiles of a cohort of 338 patients with at-level or below-level NP after SCI. We also investigated possible associations between positive neuropathic symptoms and features of the neurological lesion.

Results:

The majority of participants had a combination of pain descriptors, with 59% presenting with 3 or 4 pain subtypes. No significant associations were found between specific pain profiles and etiology or clinical degree of the neurological lesion. Furthermore, similar symptom profiles were seen in patients with at-level and below-level NP. The most frequent pattern observed in patients with cervical SCI consisted predominantly of electric shocks and tingling, without burning, pressure pain, or allodynia.

Conclusions:

Classification of SCI-NP patients into the 5 groups identified in the present study based on their distinct sensory symptom profiles may allow identification of those most likely to respond to a specific analgesic approach.
Peripheral Nerve Blockade for Primary Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: McIsaac Daniel I. , McCartney Colin J. L. , Walraven Carl van
Published: December 2016

Background

Although peripheral nerve blocks decrease pain after total knee arthroplasty, the population-level impact of nerve blocks on arthroplasty resource utilization is unknown.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cohort study using linked administrative data from Ontario, Canada. We identified all adults having their first primary knee arthroplasty between 2002 and 2013. Using propensity scores to adjust for measureable confounders, we matched nerve block patients to a patient who did not receive a block. Within the matched cohort, we estimated the independent association of blocks with outcomes (length of hospital stay [primary]; and readmissions, emergency department visits, and falls [secondary]).

Results

One hundred seventy-eight thousand two hundred fourteen patients were identified; 61,588 (34.6%) had a block. The mean hospital stay was 4.6 days with a block compared to 4.8 without. After matching, there was a statistically significant decrease in the length of stay in the block group (relative risk, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.97 to 0.99; P < 0.001). Blocks were associated with a significant decrease in readmissions (relative risk, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.79 to 0.88; P < 0.001) but not emergency department visits (relative risk, 1.02; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.05) or falls (relative risk, 1.37; 95% CI, 0.90 to 2.08). The association of blocks with length of stay after 2008 was inconsistent; overall, they were associated with longer stays; however, single-shot blocks were associated with shorter stays, while continuous techniques prolonged the length of stay.

Conclusions

Nerve blocks in total knee arthroplasty patients were associated with statistically significant reductions in length of stay and readmissions, but not emergency department visits or falls. The significance of these findings at the patient level and in contemporary practice requires further exploration in prospective randomized studies at low risk of indication bias.
Comparison of 3 Methods for Maintaining Inter-Fragmentary Compression After Fracture Reduction and Fixation
Authors: Au Brigham , Groundland John , Stoops T. Kyle , Santoni Brandon G. , Sagi H. Claude
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

It is recommended that the intra-articular component of a supracondylar distal femoral fracture be stabilized by a lag screw to create interfragmental compression. Generally, it is thought that lag screw fixation should precede any positional screw or locking screw application. This study compared 3 methods of maintaining interfragmentary compression after fracture reduction with a reduction clamp.

Methods:

Intra-articular vertical split fractures were created in synthetic femora. A force transducer was interposed between the medial and lateral condyles and 20 lbs of compression was applied to the fracture with a reduction clamp. 3.5-mm cortical lag screws (group 1), 3.5-mm cortical position screws (group 2), and 5.4-mm distal locking screws through a distal femur locking plate (group 3) were placed across the fracture (n = 4/group). After screw placement, the clamp was removed and the amount of residual interfragmentary compression was recorded. After 2 minutes, a final steady-state force was measured and compared across groups.

Results:

Locking screws placed through the plate (group 3) maintained 27% of the initial force applied by the clamp (P = 0.043), whereas positional screws (group 2) maintained 90% of the initial force applied by the clamp (P = 0.431). The steady-state compression force measured with lag screws (group 1) increased by 240% (P = 0.030) relative to the initial clamp force. The steady-state force in the lag screw group was significantly greater than groups 1 and 2 (P = 0.012).

Conclusions:

When reducing intra-articular fractures and applying interfragmentary compression with reduction clamps, additional lag screws increase the amount of compression across the fracture interface. Compressing a fracture with reduction clamps and relying on locking screws to maintain the compression result in a loss of interfragmentary compression and should be avoided. This study lends biomechanical support that lag screws placed outside of the plate before locking screws for fracture fixation help maintain optimal interfragmentary compression.
Corneal Biomechanical Changes After Trabeculectomy and the Impact on Intraocular Pressure Measurement
Authors: Pillunat Karin R. , Spoerl Eberhard , Terai Naim , Pillunat Lutz E.
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

To evaluate corneal biomechanical changes induced by trabeculectomy and their impact on intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements.

Materials and Methods:

In total, 35 eyes of 35 consecutive glaucoma patients undergoing first-time trabeculectomy with mitomycin C were enrolled in this prospective interventional case series. Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) IOP, central corneal thickness, axial length, and Ocular Response Analyzer measurements [Goldmann-correlated IOP (IOPg), corneal-compensated IOP (IOPcc), corneal hysteresis (CH), and corneal resistance factor (CRF)] were assessed before and 6 months after uncomplicated trabeculectomy. Linear mixed models were used to compare the parameters before and after surgery.

Results:

IOP, central corneal thickness, and axial length showed a strong correlation with CH and CRF preoperatively and postoperatively. After adjusting for these influencing factors, CH changed from 7.75±1.46 to 7.62±1.66 mm Hg (P=0.720) and CRF from 8.67±1.18 to 8.52±1.35 mm Hg (P=0.640) after trabeculectomy, but these changes were not statistically significant. IOP decreased statistically significantly with all IOP measurements (P=0.001). IOPcc was statistically significantly higher than GAT (4.82±5.24 mm Hg; P=0.001) and IOPg (2.92±1.74 mm Hg; P=0.001) preoperatively and postoperatively (GAT, 3.29±3.36 mm Hg; P=0.001; IOPg, 3.35±1.81 mm Hg; P=0.001). The difference between IOPcc and GAT (P=0.5) and IOPcc and IOPg (P=0.06) did not change significantly before or after trabeculectomy.

Conclusions:

Despite a marked IOP reduction and a possible weakening of the ocular walls after trabeculectomy, corneal structural tissue properties are not altered, and therefore, the accuracy of IOP measurements is not changed postoperatively. It seems likely, however, that Goldmann-correlated IOP measurements are underestimated in glaucoma patients before and after surgery.
Referral to Low Vision Services for Glaucoma Patients: Referral Patterns and Characteristics of Those Who Refer
Authors: Kaleem Mona A. , West Sheila K. , Im Lily T. , Swenor Bonnielin K.
Published: December 2016

Purpose:

To identify characteristics of ophthalmologists and practices who refer glaucoma patients to low vision services (LVS).

Materials and Methods:

An online survey was distributed to members of the American Glaucoma Society. The survey queried demographics of responders and their clinical practices, criteria and barriers to referral to LVS. Survey responders were categorized as high referrers if they reported referring >5 patients to LVS and low referrers if they referred ≤5. χ2 and Fischer exact tests were used to compare characteristics between high and low referrers. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals and determine factors associated with referrer status.

Results:

High referrers to LVS tended to have >10 patients per month who had already seen a low vision provider (53% vs. 10%, P<0.001), reported following the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s Preferred Practice Pattern (PPP) recommendations for LVS referrals (38% vs. 18%, P=0.011), and expressed satisfaction with their current referral practices (86% vs. 70%, P=0.049). In the fully adjusted model those who followed PPP were 2.5 times more likely to report being a high referrer as compared with a low referrer (95% confidence interval, 1.1-5.3). However, only 22% of ophthalmologists reported following these guidelines in their practice. The number of years in practice, practice location or type, volume of patients seen each week, and distance to a low vision clinic were not associated with referral.

Conclusions:

Familiarity with PPP guidelines may positively influence LVS referral practices.
Perceptions of Teamwork in the Interprofessional Bedside Rounding Process
Authors: Beaird Genevieve , Dent John M. , Keim-Malpass Jessica , Muller Abigail Guo Jian , Nelson Nicole , Brashers Valentina
Published: December 2016

Patient perceptions of teamwork have been a relatively undiscovered domain. Our study investigated the use of the Patients' Insights and Views of Teamwork (PIVOT) survey on an acute cardiology unit in an academic teaching hospital with patients receiving Rounding with Heart, an interprofessional bedside rounding initiative, and others receiving traditional rounding processes. Sixty-three subjects were surveyed during their hospital stay. We found a significant difference (p = .006) in PIVOT scores between those receiving interprofessional rounding and those not receiving this rounding structure. In an item-by-item analysis, four specific items were found to be significant which were supported by analysis of qualitative data. Observations of the structured interprofessional rounding process by our research team reveal themes that emerged from observations: (1) openness/inclusivity, (2) patient-centeredness, (3) attending role/shared leadership, (4) nonconfrontational learning, (5) efficacy, and (6) team at bedside. Our results indicate that patients may be able to recognize the teamwork in the structured bedside rounding process and that interfacing with the team may be an important component to patients. We conclude that patient perceptions of teamwork are a valuable informant to modeling collaborative practices, and there are key observable components to the structured rounding model that may foster collaboration among different disciplines.
Reducing Restraint With Clozapine in Involuntarily Admitted Patients With Schizophrenia
Authors: Ifteni Petru , Szalontay Andreea S. , Teodorescu Andreea
Published: December 2016

Background:

In the entire world, restraint and seclusion are common interventions in psychiatric inpatient settings because of aggressive behavior.

Study Question:

Our objective was to test for the immediate antiaggressive property of clozapine compared with other antipsychotic treatments in an enriched cohort with high rates of restraint during early hospitalization.

Methods:

We present a retrospective chart review in all involuntary admissions with schizophrenia during 2011–2014 in Psychiatry and Neurology Hospital, Brasov, Romania. Timing and number of restraints in addition to clinical, demographic, and treatment characteristics were extracted. Based on our earlier observation of clinical efficacy of early, fast titration of clozapine, we tested the hypothesis that clozapine treatment was associated with reduced use of restraint and with longer restraint-free periods.

Results:

In 115 consecutive patients with schizophrenia (age = 39.7 ± 11.1 years; male = 59%) involuntarily admitted because of externalized (74.7%) or self-directed violence (25.2%), restraint was used in 89.6%; with a median duration of 3 hours until restraint past admission. Antipsychotics used immediately after hospitalization included haloperidol (70.4%), clozapine (11.3%), olanzapine (10.4%), and other second-generation antipsychotics (7.9%). Comparison of restraint characteristics favored immediate clozapine use with highly reduced rates of restraint (23% vs. 95.6%; P < 0.001) and significantly extended hours until restraint [(118, 24, 426 hours) vs. (3, 0.25, 48 hours); median; 25th, 75th percentile; P < 0.001] relative to the remaining cohort. These effects remained highly significant after controlling for potential moderators of restraint use in multivariate models.

Conclusions:

These retrospective data suggest an early antiaggressive effect of clozapine during the immediate use of clozapine in highly problematic patients.
Outcomes From Pediatric Gastroenterology Maintenance of Certification Using Web‐based Modules
Authors: Sheu Josephine , Chun Stanford , O'Day Emily , Cheung Sara , Cruz Rusvelda , Lightdale Jenifer R. , Fishman Douglas S. , Bousvaros Athos , Huang Jeannie S.
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

Beginning in 2013, the North American Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (NASPGHAN) sponsored and developed subspecialty field–specific quality improvement (QI) activities to provide Part 4 Maintenance of Certification (MOC) credit for ongoing certification of pediatric gastroenterologists by the American Board of Pediatrics. Each activity was a Web‐based module that measured clinical practice data repeatedly over at least 3 months as participants implemented rapid cycle change. Here, we examine existing variations in clinical practice among participating pediatric gastroenterologists and determine whether completion of Web‐based MOC activities improves patient care processes and outcomes.

Methods:

We performed a cross‐sectional and prospective analysis of physician and parent‐reported clinical practice data abstracted from Web‐based MOC modules on the topics of upper endoscopy, colonoscopy, and informed consent collected from pediatric gastroenterologists from North America from 2013 to 2016.

Results:

Among 134 participating pediatric gastroenterologists, 56% practitioners practiced at an academic institution and most (94%) were NASPGHAN members. Participating physicians reported data from 6300 procedures. At baseline, notable practice variation across measured activities was demonstrated. Much of the rapid cycle changes implemented by participants involved individual behaviors, rather than system/team‐based improvement activities. Participants demonstrated significant improvements on most targeted process and quality care outcomes.

Conclusions:

Pediatric gastroenterologists and parents reported baseline practice variation, and improvement in care processes and outcomes measured during NASPGHAN‐sponsored Web‐based MOC QI activities. Subspecialty‐oriented Web‐based MOC QI activities can reveal targets for reducing unwarranted variation in clinical pediatric practice, and can effectively improve care and patient outcomes.
Effectiveness of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in patients with fibromyalgia: a meta-analysis
Authors: Saltychev Mikhail , Laimi Katri
Published: December 2016

Even though repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been used for a decade for the treatment of fibromyalgia, evidence of its effectiveness has not been definitely presented. The aim of this study was to investigate whether there is evidence of rTMS being effective in decreasing the severity of pain among patients with fibromyalgia. CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, SCOPUS, WEB OF SCIENCE, and relevant references of the identified studies were searched. Randomized controlled studies on adults with fibromyalgia were included. The outcome studied was change in pain severity. Methodological quality was assessed using the scale introduced in the Guidelines for Systematic Reviews in the Cochrane Collaboration Back Review Group. A random-effects meta-analysis was carried out with a test for heterogeneity using the I
2 and pooled estimate as a nonstandardized mean of difference in change in pain severity measures by a numeric rating scale. The search resulted in 791 records, eight relevant, and meta-analyses on seven trials. The risk of bias was considered low for seven studies. Pain severity before and after the last stimulation decreased by −1.2 points on 0–10 numeric rating scale (95% confidence interval: −1.7 to −0.8). Pain severity before and 1 week to 1 month after the last stimulation decreased by −0.7 points (95% confidence interval: −1.0 to −0.3). Both pooled results were below the minimal clinically important difference of 1.5 points. There is moderate evidence that rTMS is not more effective than sham in reducing the severity of pain in fibromyalgia patients, questioning the routine recommendation of this method for fibromyalgia treatment.
Continuous Venovenous Hemofiltration in Children Less Than or Equal to 10 kg: A Single-Center Experience
Authors: Kaempfen Sirée , Dutta-Kukreja Pompa , Mok Quen
Published: December 2016

Objectives:

The aim of this study was to review the data from patients with a body weight less than or equal to 10 kg who required continuous venovenous hemofiltration, to assess the feasibility and problems associated with continuous venovenous hemofiltration in this population and compare the results with the current literature.

Design:

Retrospective study design.

Setting:

PICU in a single tertiary pediatric referral center.

Patients:

Children less than or equal to 10 kg who received continuous venovenous hemofiltration between January 2008 and July 2014 were included in the study.

Interventions:

Clinical data from these children were analyzed, and the differences between survivors and nonsurvivors were evaluated and compared with results from current literature. In a subgroup analysis of children less than or equal to 5 kg compared with children between 5 and 10 kg, the survival rate, indications for continuous venovenous hemofiltration, and continuous venovenous hemofiltration characteristics were assessed.

Measurements and Main Results:

In total, 71 continuous renal replacement therapy episodes in 70 children were included in the study. Children in our cohort had a survival rate of 57.7% (41/71). Survivors had less frequent need for vasopressor support prior to continuous venovenous hemofiltration, lower oxygen requirement and percent fluid overload at continuous venovenous hemofiltration initiation. Survival rate was not significantly different in children less than or equal to 5 kg compared with 5–10 kg. However, in children less than or equal to 5 kg, metabolic manipulation was a significantly more frequent indication for continuous venovenous hemofiltration, heparin use was lower and maximal blood flow rate was higher.

Conclusions:

We have shown that continuous venovenous hemofiltration can be performed with good outcomes in children less than or equal to 10 kg using relatively high blood flow rates and with the current equipment available.
Chronic Stress and C-Reactive Protein in Mothers During the First Postpartum Year
Authors: Guardino Christine M. , Dunkel Schetter Christine , Hobel Calvin J. , Gaines Lanzi Robin , Schafer Peter , Thorp John M. , Shalowitz Madeleine U.
Published: December 2016

Objective

Elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disease. The current study tested associations between psychosocial stress and CRP in a large sample of women during the first postpartum year.

Methods

We analyzed data collected by the five-site Community Child Health Network study, which studied a predominately poor population. Participants (n = 1206 women; 54% African American, 23% white, 23% Hispanic/Latina) were recruited shortly after the birth of a child. Multiple linear regression analyses tested associations of psychosocial stress in several life domains (financial, neighborhood, family, coparenting, partner relationship, discrimination, and interpersonal violence) with log-transformed CRP concentrations at 6-month and 1-year postpartum.

Results

Forty-eight percent of participants showed evidence of elevated CRP (≥3 mg/L) at 6-month postpartum, and 46% had elevated CRP at 12-month postpartum. Chronic financial stress at 1-month postpartum predicted higher levels of CRP at 6- (b = .15, SE = .05, p = .006) and 12-month postpartum (b = .15, SE = .06, p = .007) adjusting for race/ethnicity, income, education, parity, health behaviors, and chronic health conditions, though associations became nonsignificant when adjusted for body mass index.

Conclusions

In this low-income and ethnic/racially diverse sample of women, higher financial stress at 1-month postbirth predicted higher CRP. Study findings suggest that perceived financial stress stemming from socioeconomic disadvantage may be a particular deleterious form of stress affecting maternal biology during the year after the birth of a child.
Variation in growth of Damaraland mole-rats is explained by competition rather than by functional specialization for different tasks
Authors: Zöttl Markus , Thorley Jack , Gaynor David , Bennett Nigel C. , Clutton-Brock Tim
Published: December 2016

In some eusocial insect societies, adaptation to the division of labour results in multimodal size variation among workers. It has been suggested that variation in size and growth among non-breeders in naked and Damaraland mole-rats may similarly reflect functional divergence associated with different cooperative tasks. However, it is unclear whether individual growth rates are multimodally distributed (as would be expected if variation in growth is associated with specialization for different tasks) or whether variation in growth is unimodally distributed, and is related to differences in the social and physical environment (as would be predicted if there are individual differences in growth but no discrete differences in developmental pathways). Here, we show that growth trajectories of non-breeding Damaraland mole-rats vary widely, and that their distribution is unimodal, contrary to the suggestion that variation in growth is the result of differentiation into discrete castes. Though there is no evidence of discrete variation in growth, social factors appear to exert important effects on growth rates and age-specific size, which are both reduced in large social groups.
Microstructural and geometric influences in the protective scales of
Atractosteus spatula
Authors: Sherman Vincent R. , Yaraghi Nicholas A. , Kisailus David , Meyers Marc A.
Published: December 2016

Atractosteus spatula
has been described as a living fossil (having existed for 100 Myr), retaining morphological characteristics of early ancestors such as the ability to breathe air and survive above water for hours. Its highly effective armour consists of ganoid scales. We analyse the protective function of the scales and identify key features which lead to their resistance to failure. Microstructural features include: a twisted cross-plied mineral arrangement that inhibits crack propagation in the external ganoine layer, mineral crystals that deflect cracks in the bony region in order to activate the strength of mineralized collagen fibrils, and saw-tooth ridges along the interface between the two scale layers which direct cracks away from the intrinsically weak interface. The macroscale geometry is additionally evaluated and it is shown that the scales retain full coverage in spite of minimal overlap between adjacent scales while conforming to physiologically required strain and maintaining flexibility via a process in which adjacent rows of scales slide and concurrently reorient.
Dust evolution, a global view: II. Top-down branching, nanoparticle fragmentation and the mystery of the diffuse interstellar band carriers
Authors: Jones A. P.
Published: December 2016

The origin of the diffuse interstellar bands (DIBs), one of the longest-standing mysteries of the interstellar medium (ISM), is explored within the framework of
The Heterogeneous dust Evolution Model for Interstellar Solids
(THEMIS). The likely nature of the DIB carriers and their evolution is here explored within the framework of the structures and sub-structures inherent to doped hydrogenated amorphous carbon grains in the ISM. Based on the natural aromatic-rich moieties (asphaltenes) recovered from coal and oil, the likely structure of their interstellar analogues is investigated within the context of the diffuse band problem. It is here proposed that the top-down evolution of interstellar carbonaceous grains, and, in particular, a-C(:H) nanoparticles, is at the heart of the formation and evolution of the DIB carriers and their associations with small molecules and radicals, such as C
2
, C
3
, CH and CN. It is most probable that the DIBs are carried by dehydrogenated, ionized, hetero-cyclic, olefinic and aromatic-rich moieties that form an integral part of the contiguous structure of hetero-atom-doped hydrogenated amorphous carbon nanoparticles and their daughter fragmentation products. Within this framework, it is proposed that polyene structures in all their variants could be viable DIB carrier candidates.
Dust evolution, a global view: III. Core/mantle grains, organic nano-globules, comets and surface chemistry
Authors: Jones A. P.
Published: December 2016

Within the framework of
The Heterogeneous dust Evolution Model for Interstellar Solids
(THEMIS), this work explores the surface processes and chemistry relating to core/mantle interstellar and cometary grain structures and their influence on the nature of these fascinating particles. It appears that a realistic consideration of the nature and chemical reactivity of interstellar grain surfaces could self-consistently and within a coherent framework explain: the anomalous oxygen depletion, the nature of the CO dark gas, the formation of ‘polar ice’ mantles, the red wing on the 3 μm water ice band, the basis for the O-rich chemistry observed in hot cores, the origin of organic nano-globules and the 3.2 μm ‘carbonyl’ absorption band observed in comet reflectance spectra. It is proposed that the reaction of gas phase species with carbonaceous a-C(:H) grain surfaces in the interstellar medium, in particular the incorporation of atomic oxygen into grain surfaces in epoxide functional groups, is the key to explaining these observations. Thus, the chemistry of cosmic dust is much more intimately related with that of the interstellar gas than has previously been considered. The current models for interstellar gas and dust chemistry will therefore most likely need to be fundamentally modified to include these new grain surface processes.
Next Gen Pop Gen: implementing a high-throughput approach to population genetics in boarfish (Capros aper)
Authors: Farrell Edward D. , Carlsson Jeanette E. L. , Carlsson Jens
Published: December 2016

The recently developed approach for microsatellite genotyping by sequencing (GBS) using individual combinatorial barcoding was further improved and used to assess the genetic population structure of boarfish (Capros aper) across the species' range. Microsatellite loci were developed de novo and genotyped by next-generation sequencing. Genetic analyses of the samples indicated that boarfish can be subdivided into at least seven biological units (populations) across the species' range. Furthermore, the recent apparent increase in abundance in the northeast Atlantic is better explained by demographic changes within this area than by influx from southern or insular populations. This study clearly shows that the microsatellite GBS approach is a generic, cost-effective, rapid and powerful method suitable for full-scale population genetic studies—a crucial element for assessment, sustainable management and conservation of valuable biological resources.
Identifying the diamond in the rough: a study of allelic diversity underlying flowering time adaptation in maize landraces
Authors: Romero-Navarro J. Alberto , Wilcox Martha , Burgueño Juan , Romay Cinta , Swarts Kelly , Trachsel Samuel , Preciado Ernesto , Terron Arturo , Vallejo Delgado Humberto , Vidal Victor , Ortega Alejandro , Espinoza Banda Armando , Gómez Montiel Noel Orlando , Ortiz-Monasterio Ivan , San Vicente Félix , Guadarrama Espinoza Armando , Atlin Gary , Wenzl Peter , Hearne Sarah , Buckler Edward
Published: December 2016

Landraces (traditional varieties) of crop species are a reservoir of useful genetic diversity, yet remain untapped due to the genetic linkage between the few useful alleles with hundreds of undesirable alleles1. We integrated two approaches to characterize the genetic diversity of over 3000 maize landraces from across the Americas. First, we mapped the genomic regions controlling latitudinal and altitudinal adaptation, identifying 1498 genes. Second, we developed and used F-One Association Mapping (FOAM) to directly map genes controlling flowering time across 22 environments, identifying 1,005 genes. In total 65% of the SNPs associated with altitude were also associated with flowering time. In particular, we observed many of the significant SNPs were contained in large structural variants (inversions, centromeres, and pericentromeric regions): 29.4% for flowering time, 58.4% for altitude and 13.1% for latitude. The combined mapping results indicate that while floral regulatory network genes contribute substantially to field variation, over 90% of contributing genes likely have indirect effects. Our strategy can be used to harness the diversity of maize and other plant and animal species.
Ancient individuals from the North American Northwest Coast reveal 10,000 years of regional genetic continuity
Authors: Lindo John , Achilli Alessandro , Perego Ugo , Archer David , Valdiosera Cristina , Petzelt Barbara , Mitchell Joycelynn , Worl Rosita , Dixon E. James , Fifield Terence E. , Rasmussen Morten , Willerslev Eske , Cybulski Jerome S. , Kemp Brian M. , DeGiorgio Michael , Malhi Ripan S.
Published: December 2016

Recent genome-wide studies of both ancient and modern indigenous people of the Americas have shed light on the demographic processes involved during the first peopling. The Pacific northwest coast proves an intriguing focus for these studies due to its association with coastal migration models and genetic ancestral patterns that are difficult to reconcile with modern DNA alone. Here we report the genome-wide sequence of an ancient individual known as“ShukáKáa”(“Man Ahead of Us”) recovered from the On Your Knees Cave (OYKC) in southeastern Alaska (archaeological site 49-PET-408). The human remains date to approximately 10,300 cal years before present (BP). We also analyze low coverage genomes of three more recent individuals from the nearby coast of British Columbia dating from approximately 6075 to 1750 cal years BP. From the resulting time series of genetic data, we show that the Pacific Northwest Coast exhibits genetic continuity for at least the past 10,300 cal BP. We also infer that population structure existed in the late Pleistocene of North America withShukáKáaon a different ancestral line compared to other North American individuals (i.e., Anzick-1 and Kennewick Man) from the late Pleistocene or early Holocene. Despite regional shifts in mitochondrial DNA haplogroups we conclude from individuals sampled through time that people of the northern Northwest Coast belong to an early genetic lineage that may stem from a late Pleistocene coastal migration into the Americas.

Significance Statement

The peopling of the Americas has been examined on the continental level with the aid of single-nucleotide polymorphism arrays, next generation sequencing, and advancements in ancient DNA, all of which have helped elucidate major population movements. Regional paleogenomic studies, however, have received less attention and may reveal a more nuanced demographic history. Here we present genomewide sequences of individuals from the northern Northwest Coast covering a time span of ~10,000 years and show that continental patterns of demography do not necessarily apply on the regional level. In comparison with existing paleogenomic data, we demonstrate that geographically linked population samples from the Northwest Coast exhibit an early ancestral lineage and find that population structure existed among Native North American groups as early as the late Pleistocene.
CrowdVariant: a crowdsourcing approach to classify copy number variants
Authors: Greenside Peyton , Zook Justin M. , Salit Marc , Poplin Ryan , Cule Madeleine , DePristo Mark
Published: December 2016

Copy number variants (CNVs) are an important type of genetic variation and play a causal role in many diseases. However, they are also notoriously difficult to identify accurately from next-generation sequencing (NGS) data. For larger CNVs, genotyping arrays provide reasonable benchmark data, but NGS allows us to assay a far larger number of small (< 10kbp) CNVs that are poorly captured by array-based methods. The lack of high quality benchmark callsets of small-scale CNVs has limited our ability to assess and improve CNV calling algorithms for NGS data. To address this issue we developed a crowdsourcing framework, called CrowdVariant, that leverages Google’s high-throughput crowdsourcing platform to create a high confidence set of copy number variants for NA24385 (NIST HG002/RM 8391), an Ashkenazim reference sample developed in partnership with the Genome In A Bottle Consortium. In a pilot study we show that crowdsourced classifications, even from non-experts, can be used to accurately assign copy number status to putative CNV calls and thereby identify a high-quality subset of these calls. We then scale our framework genome-wide to identify 1,781 high confidence CNVs, which multiple lines of evidence suggest are a substantial improvement over existing CNV callsets, and are likely to prove useful in benchmarking and improving CNV calling algorithms. Our crowdsourcing methodology may be a useful guide for other genomics applications.
DiffTAD: Detecting Differential contact frequency in Topologically Associating Domains Hi-C experiments between conditions
Authors: Zaborowski Rafal , Wilczynski Bartek
Published: December 2016

Motivation

In recent years, the interest in analyzing chromosome conformation by Hi-C and related techniques has grown. It has been shown that contact frequency matrices obtained by these methods correlate with other methods of measurement of activity such as transcriptomics and histone modification assays. This brings a question of testing for differential contact frequency between experiments to the field.

Results

In this work, we provide a freely available software that implements two statistical methods for testing the significance of differential contact frequency in topological domains between two experiments. One method follows an empirical, permutation based approach to computing p-values, while the other is a parametric test based on the Poisson-Binomial distribution.

Availability

The software is freely available on the GNU General Public License athttps://bitbucket.org/rzaborowski/differential-analysis

Contact

[r.zaborowski|bartek]@mimuw.edu.pl

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.