bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putting PHDs to work: PHF11 clears the way for EXO1 in double-strand break repair
Authors: Zahn Karl E. , Greenberg Roger A.
Published: January 2017

In this issue of Genes & Development, Gong and colleagues (pp. 46–58) bring to light a functional role for plant homeodomain finger 11 (PHF11) in 5′ end resection at DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Using the proteomics of isolated chromatin segments (PICh) technique to purify deprotected telomeres, PHF11 was enriched as cells mounted a DNA damage response (DDR) against exposed chromosome ends. The study reveals interactions between PHF11 and multiple DNA repair proteins and suggests that PHF11 mediates 5′ end resection by negotiating RPA-coated DNA repair intermediates. This finding provides a novel context for mediator-catalyzed RPA exchanges during the multistep process of homologous recombination (HR).
Roughness replication in neutron supermirrors
Authors: Veres Tamás , Sajti Szilárd , Cser László , Bálint Szabolcs , Bottyán László
Published: January 2017

Neutron supermirrors (SMs), the major components of neutron optical devices, are depth-graded d-spacing multilayers of several hundreds to several thousands of bilayers. The interface roughness is a major factor in the reflectivity of multilayers. This influence is especially significant if the number of bilayers is large. In this work, the interface roughness and its correlations were studied in DC-sputtered Ni–Ti neutron supermirrors. Detector scans were carried out to observe off-specular neutron scattering in selected regions of the q space from (increasing bilayer thickness) normal- and (decreasing bilayer thickness) reverse-layer-sequence SMs. In-plane and out-of-plane roughness correlations are manifested in diffuse scatter plateaus and peaks which are interpreted in terms of resonant diffuse scattering. Distorted wave Born approximation simulations quantitatively reproduce the characteristic features of the measured detector scans with reasonable roughness correlation parameters, i.e. in-plane and out-of-plane correlation lengths, common interface roughness, and Hurst parameters. The different character of resonant diffuse scattering from normal- and reverse-layer-sequence SMs is qualitatively explained and systematized using quasi-kinematical considerations in terms of material and SM parameters. The total off-specular intensity of the supermirrors was found to be non-monotonic with respect to the specular reflectivity at the corresponding angle of incidence.
A natural, single-residue substitution yields a less active peptaibiotic: the structure of bergofungin A at atomic resolution
Authors: Gessmann Renate , Axford Danny , Brückner Hans , Berg Albrecht , Petratos Kyriacos
Published: January 2017

Bergofungin is a peptide antibiotic that is produced by the ascomycetous fungusEmericellopsis donezkiiHKI 0059 and belongs to peptaibol subfamily 2. The crystal structure of bergofungin A has been determined and refined to 0.84 Å resolution. This is the second crystal structure of a natural 15-residue peptaibol, after that of samarosporin I. The amino-terminal phenylalanine residue in samarosporin I is exchanged to a valine residue in bergofungin A. According to agar diffusion tests, this results in a nearly inactive antibiotic peptide compared with the moderately active samarosporin I. Crystals were obtained from methanol solutions of purified bergofungin mixed with water. Although there are differences in the intramolecular hydrogen-bonding scheme of samarosporin I, the overall folding is very similar for both peptaibols, namely 310-helical at the termini and α-helical in the middle of the molecules. Bergofungin A and samarosporin I molecules are arranged in a similar way in both lattices. However, the packing of bergofungin A exhibits a second solvent channel along the twofold axis. This latter channel occurs in the vicinity of the N-terminus, where the natural substitution resides.
Crystal structure of a chloride-bridged copper(II) dimer: piperazine-1,4-dium bis(di-μ-chlorido-bis[(4-carboxypyridine-2-carboxylato-κ2N,O2)chloridocuprate(II)]
Authors: Inah Bassey Enyi , Ayi Ayi Anyama , Adhikary Amit
Published: January 2017

Crystals of a new dimeric chloride-bridged cuprate(II) derived from pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid were obtained solvothermally in the presence of piperazine and hydrochloric acid. The crystal structure determination of the title salt, (C4H12N2)[Cu2(C7H4NO4)2Cl4], revealed one of the carboxyl groups of the original pyridine-2,4-dicarboxylic acid ligand to be protonated, whereas the other is deprotonated and binds together with the pyridine N atom to the CuIIatom. The coordination environment of the CuIIatom is distorted square-pyramidal. One of the chloride ligands bridges two metal cations to form a centrosymmetric dimer with two different Cu—Cl distances of 2.2632 (8) and 2.7853 (8) Å, whereby the longer distance is associated with the apical ligand. The remaining chloride ligand is terminal at one of the basal positions, with a distance of 2.2272 (9) Å. In the crystal, the dimers are linked by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds, together with N—H...O and N—H...Cl interactions involving the centrosymmetric organic cation, into a three-dimensional supramolecular network. Further but weaker C—H...O and C—H...Cl interactions consolidate the packing.
Crystal structure of trirubidium citrate from laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data and DFT comparison
Authors: Rammohan Alagappa , Kaduk James A.
Published: January 2017

The crystal structure of trirubidium citrate, 3Rb+·C6H5O73−, has been solved and refined using laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data, and optimized using density functional techniques. The two independent Rb+cations are seven- and eight-coordinate, with bond-valence sums of 0.99 and 0.92 valence units. The coordination polyhedra share edges and corners to form a three-dimensional framework. The only hydrogen bond is an intramolecular one between the hydroxy group and the central carboxylate, with graph setS(5). The hydrophobic methylene groups lie in pockets in the framework.
Crystal structures of two mononuclear complexes of terbium(III) nitrate with the tripodal alcohol 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane
Authors: Gregório Thaiane , Giese Siddhartha O. K. , Nunes Giovana G. , Soares Jaísa F. , Hughes David L.
Published: January 2017

Two new mononuclear cationic complexes in which the TbIIIion is bis-chelated by the tripodal alcohol 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane (H3LEt, C6H14O3) were prepared from Tb(NO3)3·5H2O and had their crystal and molecular structures solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis after data collection at 100 K. Both products were isolated in reasonable yields from the same reaction mixture by using different crystallization conditions. The higher-symmetry complex dinitratobis[1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane]terbium(III) nitrate dimethoxyethane hemisolvate, [Tb(NO3)2(H3LEt)2]NO3·0.5C4H10O2,1, in which the lanthanide ion is 10-coordinate and adopts ans-bicapped square-antiprismatic coordination geometry, contains two bidentate nitrate ions bound to the metal atom; another nitrate ion functions as a counter-ion and a half-molecule of dimethoxyethane (completed by a crystallographic twofold rotation axis) is also present. In product aquanitratobis[1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)propane]terbium(III) dinitrate, [Tb(NO3)(H3LEt)2(H2O)](NO3)2,2, one bidentate nitrate ion and one water molecule are bound to the nine-coordinate terbium(III) centre, while two free nitrate ions contribute to charge balance outside the tricapped trigonal-prismatic coordination polyhedron. No free water molecule was found in either of the crystal structures and, only in the case of1, dimethoxyethane acts as a crystallizing solvent. In both molecular structures, the two tripodal ligands are bent to one side of the coordination sphere, leaving room for the anionic and water ligands. In complex2, the methyl group of one of the H3LEtligands is disordered over two alternative orientations. Strong hydrogen bonds, both intra- and intermolecular, are found in the crystal structures due to the number of different donor and acceptor groups present.
Four pyrrole derivatives used as building blocks in the synthesis of minor-groove binders
Authors: Kennedy Alan R. , Khalaf Abedawn I. , Scott Fraser J. , Suckling Colin J.
Published: January 2017

The title nitropyrrole-based compounds, C7H8N2O4, (I) (ethyl 4-nitro-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate), its derivative C12H14N2O4, (II) [ethyl 4-nitro-1-(4-pentynyl)-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxylate], C15H26N4O3, (III) {N-[3-(dimethyamino)propyl]-1-isopentyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide}, and C20H27N9O5, (IV) {1-(3-azidopropyl)-4-(1-methyl-4-nitro-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamido)-N-[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl]-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide}, are intermediates used in the synthesis of modified DNA minor-groove binders. In all four compounds, the nitro groups lie in the plane of the pyrrole ring. In compounds (I) and (II), the ester groups also lie in the plane of the pyrrole ring. In compound (III), both of the other substituents lie out of the plane of the pyrrole ring. In the case of compound (IV), the coplanarity extends to the second pyrrole ring and through both amide groups. In the crystals of all four compounds, layer-like structures are formed,viaa combination of N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds for (I), (III) and (IV), but by only C—H...O hydrogen bonds for (II).
Crystal structure of μ6-chlorido-nonakis(μ-4-chloropyrazolato)bis-μ3-methoxo-hexacopper(II)
Authors: Shi Kaige , Mathivathanan Logesh , Raptis Raphael G.
Published: January 2017

The hexanuclear title compound, [{Cu3(μ3-OCH3)(μ-C3H2ClN2)3}2(μ-C3H2ClN2)3(μ6-Cl)] or [Cu6(C3H2ClN2)9(CH3O)2Cl], crystallizes in the space groupPbcn, with individual molecules being located on a twofold rotation axis. The molecule adopts a trigonal prismatic shape, with two trinuclear units linked by three 4-chloropyrazolate ligand bridges by encapsulating a Cl−anion in a μ6-coordination mode. In the crystal, individual molecules are stacked into rods parallel to [1-10] that are arranged in a pseudo-hexagonal packing. Cohesion between molecules is accomplished through weak C—H...Cl interactions.
Ethyl 2-(2,5-dioxo-4,4-diphenylimidazolidin-1-yl)acetate
Authors: Ramli Youssef , Akrad Rachida , Guerrab Walid , Taoufik Jamal , Ansar Mhamed , Mague Joel T.
Published: January 2017

The five-membered ring of the title compound, C19H18N2O4, adopts an envelope conformation. In the crystal, pairwise N—H...O hydrogen bonds form centrosymmetric dimers which are connected into chains parallel to the c-axis direction by pairwise C—H...O hydrogen bonds. A second set of C—H...O hydrogen bonds links these chains into sheets oriented parallel to (100). A combination of additional C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—H...π(ring) interactions combine the sheets into a three-dimensional network.
Dichlorido{2-[(5-methyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl-κN
2)methyl]-1H-1,3-benzimidazole-κN
3}zinc
Authors: Chkirate Karim , El Bakri Youness , Essassi El Mokhtar , Mague Joel T.
Published: January 2017

The asymmetric unit of the title complex, [ZnCl2(C12H12N4)], contains two independent molecules having similar conformations. The coordination about the ZnII atom is distorted tetrahedral, with the geometrical constraints of the chelating ligand responsible for the observed distortion. Each of the independent molecules forms chains in the crystal through pairs of N—H...Cl hydrogen bonds, using the pyrazole and benzimidazole N—H groups as donors. The first molecule forms chains running parallel to the b axis, while the other molecule affords the same kind of one-dimensional supramolecular structure parallel to the a axis. The structure was refined as a two-component twin with BASF = 0.0437 (4).
Mixed-model multi-manned assembly line balancing problem: a mathematical model and a simulated annealing approach
Authors: Roshani Abdolreza , Ghazi Nezami Farnaz
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to study a generalized type of mixed-model assembly line with multi-manned workstations where multiple workers simultaneously perform different tasks on the same product. This special kind of assembly line is usually utilized to assemble different models of large products, such as buses and trucks, on the same production line.

Design/methodology/approach

To solve the mixed-model multi-manned assembly line balancing problem optimally, a new mixed-integer-programming (MIP) model is presented. The proposed MIP model is nondeterministic polynomial-time (NP)-hard, and as a result, a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is developed to find the optimal or near-optimal solution in a small amount of computation time.

Findings

The performance of the proposed algorithm is examined for several test problems in terms of solution quality and running time. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has a satisfactory performance from computational time efficiency and solution accuracy.

Originality/value

This research is the very first study that minimizes the number of workers and workstations simultaneously, with a higher priority set for the number of workers, in a mixed-model multi-manned assembly line setting using a novel MIP model and an SA algorithm.
Space claim analysis for addressing maintenance of key components in complex products
Authors: Moscheto Andre Diogo , Cziulik Carlos , Junior Simão Marcon , Sulevis Marcos
Published: January 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a new approach involving guidelines and supporting techniques that guarantees all needed space for appropriate product maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

The approach is based on two major areas: field survey to understand how maintainability parameter is applied and converge theory and practice into a systematic space claim method using computer-aided design (CAD) systems to assure proper maintenance procedures at design stages.

Findings

Case studies from a truck industry conducted following the proposed approach contrast the savings that can be achieved by using a proper space claim for aftermarket needs against an unsuitable level of participation by maintenance personnel during the design development.

Research limitations/implications

This approach is highly dependent on maintenance experts with suitable skills on CAD systems.

Practical implications

Products developed according to the approach envisaged can result in following aspects: lower repair time, better maintenance procedures on key components, easier preventive maintenance, less need for special tools, more ergonomic design, better communication between design and service engineers, simplicity and less complex training.

Social implications

Further research on maintainability will provide new information on how to apply this parameter on product development process (PDP), so design teams can better understand and address this relevant issue. The proposed method has been introduced in the PDP of a major multinational automotive company.

Originality/value

A new process is presented, considering the protection of needed spaces for maintenance procedures throughout the PDP, diverging to other studies that only propose analysis addressing maintainability at singular point in time during the product development. In just one case study presented, savings of US$1.3m were achieved by applying this space claim approach.
Investigations for improving the surface finish of FDM based ABS replicas by chemical vapor smoothing process: a case study
Authors: Singh Jaspreet , Singh Rupinder , Singh Harwinder
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This research work aims to make an effort to investigate the effect of fused deposition modelling (FDM) process parameters on the surface finish of acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) replicas (as pre-processing stage), followed by chemical vapor smoothing (CVS) process (as a post-processing stage) as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

The Taguchi L18 orthogonal array has been used for optimizing process parameters of FDM and CVS processes.

Findings

This study highlights that orientation and part density, and the interaction between these two have a significant effect on the surface finish at the pre-processing stage of FDM. However, after post-processing with CVS, there is hardly any influence of pre-processing FDM parameters.

Originality/value

The study highlights that for improving the productivity of the FDM process, the parametric optimization of process may be made on the basis of production cost and time in place of surface finish of ABS replicas. The results obtained have been verified by performing the confirmation experiments.
Enhancing theory development in the domain of relationship marketing: how to avoid the danger of getting stuck in the middle
Authors: Brodie Roderick J.
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study aims to explore how relationship marketing can sustain the position as a major domain for academic research and avoid premature stagnation.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper outlines a process in which theory informs empirical research and practice, and at the same time, where practice informs empirical research and theory. This requires giving attention to the process of theorizing itself, rather than treating theory as an outcome. To facilitate this outcome, mid-range theorizing needs to be embedded in the processes.

Findings

The application of mid-range theorizing processes is illustrated. Examples are provided to show how a broader “transcending” relational network perspective informs empirical research, and to illustrate how marketing practice can be used to inform empirical research and theoretical knowledge.

Originality/value

New thinking is provided about enhancing theory development to ensure relationship marketing remains a major domain for research.
Relationship marketing: looking backwards towards the future
Authors: Payne Adrian , Frow Pennie
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to review the growth and development of the field of relationship marketing and, through a consideration of this body of work, identifies key research priorities for the future of relationship marketing. The paper also delineates the frequently confused associated concepts of customer relationship management and customer management and considers how they fit within the broader concept of relationship marketing.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper undertakes a review of the relationship marketing literature, supplemented by the authors’ on-going interactive research with managers.

Findings

The paper reviews alternative approaches to relationship marketing, reflects on the development of the field of relationship marketing and identifies three critical priorities for future research in relationship marketing.

Practical implications

The research priorities that are identified in this paper represent important priorities for scholars, managers, regulators and policy makers.

Originality/value

Although there is now a substantial body of research on relationship, marketing, much of this work focuses on the customer-firm dyad, with a smaller body of work focusing on a broader range of stakeholders. This paper argues for the broadening of the role of relationship marketing to consider ecosystems; the need for firms to shift from a value-in-exchange to a value-in-use perspective when addressing customer relationships; and the critical need to address “dark side” behaviour and dysfunctional processes in relationship marketing.
Guest editorial: relationship marketing – past, present and future
Authors: Gummerus Johanna , von Koskull Catharina , Kowalkowski Christian
Published: January 2017

Purpose

In a time when relationships have been recognized as an integral part of contemporary marketing theory and practice, what role can the sub-discipline of relationship marketing play? The aim with this special issue is to critically assess the state of relationship marketing and call for new ideas to take the field forward.

Design/methodology/approach

The editors had an open call for papers with an original perspective and advanced thinking on relationship marketing, resulting in 50 originally submitted manuscripts that were subjected to double-blind review. Of these, this issue presents five articles. In addition, the editors invited well-renowned thought leaders who have contributed to theory development within relationship marketing. This issue starts with their four thoughtful, forward-orientated contributions.

Findings

Several thought-provoking reflections and research findings are presented that urge relationship marketing researchers to explore novel avenues for the future of this area. A prominent way forward may be looking for a common ground in relationship marketing thinking, assessing the extent to which the different literature streams add to marketing research and when they do not and testing/deploying the learnings in new settings.

Research limitations/implications

The special issue does not address all areas of relationship marketing research. Potential areas for future relationship marketing research are identified.

Originality/value

To assess existent knowledge of relationship marketing is needed to take the field forward.
Barriers and enablers to academic health leadership
Authors: Bharwani Aleem , Kline Theresa , Patterson Margaret , Craighead Peter
Published: January 2017

Purpose

This study sought to identify the barriers and enablers to leadership enactment in academic health-care settings.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews (n = 77) with programme stakeholders (medical school trainees, university leaders, clinical leaders, medical scientists and directors external to the medical school) were conducted, and the responses content-analysed.

Findings

Both contextual and individual factors were identified as playing a role in affecting academic health leadership enactment that has an impact on programme development, success and maintenance. Contextual factors included sufficient resources allocated to the programme, opportunities for learners to practise leadership skills, a competent team around the leader once that person is in place, clear expectations for the leader and a culture that fosters open communication. Contextual barriers included highly bureaucratic structures, fear-of-failure and non-trusting cultures and inappropriate performance systems. Programmes were advised to select participants based on self-awareness, strong communication skills and an innovative thinking style. Filling specific knowledge and skill gaps, particularly for those not trained in medical school, was viewed as essential. Ineffective decision-making styles and tendencies to get involved in day-to-day activities were barriers to the development of academic health leaders.

Originality/value

Programmes designed to develop academic health-care leaders will be most effective if they develop leadership at all levels; ensure that the organisation’s culture, structure and processes reinforce positive leadership practices; and recognise the critical role of teams in supporting its leaders.
Hidden survival heterogeneity of three Common eider populations in response to climate fluctuations
Authors: Guéry Loreleï , Descamps Sébastien , Pradel Roger , Hanssen Sveinn Are , Erikstad Kjell Einar , Gabrielsen Geir W. , Gilchrist H. Grant , Bêty Joël
Published: January 2017

Understanding how individuals and populations respond to fluctuations in climatic conditions is critical to explain and anticipate changes in ecological systems. Most such studies focus on climate impacts on single populations without considering inter‐ and intra‐population heterogeneity. However, comparing geographically dispersed populations limits the risk of faulty generalizations and helps to improve ecological and demographic models.

We aimed to determine whether differences in migration tactics among and within populations would induce inter‐ or intra‐population heterogeneity in survival in relation to winter climate fluctuations. Our study species was the Common eider (Somateria mollissima), a marine duck with a circumpolar distribution, which is strongly affected by climatic conditions during several phases of its annual cycle.

Capture‐mark‐recapture data were collected in two arctic (northern Canada and Svalbard) and one subarctic (northern Norway) population over a period of 18, 15, and 29 years respectively. These three populations have different migration tactics and experience different winter climatic conditions. Using multi‐event and mixture modelling, we assessed the association between adult female eider survival and winter conditions as measured by the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) index.

We found that winter weather conditions affected the survival of female eiders from each of these three populations. However, different mechanisms seemed to be involved. Survival of the two migrating arctic populations was impacted directly by changes in the NAO, whereas the subarctic resident population was affected by the NAO with time lags of 2–3 years. Moreover, we found evidence for intra‐population heterogeneity in the survival response to the winter NAO in the Canadian eider population, where individuals migrate to distinct wintering areas.

Our results illustrate how individuals and populations of the same species can vary in their responses to climate variation. We suspect that the found variation in the survival response of birds to winter conditions is partly explained by differences in migration tactic. Detecting and accounting for inter‐ and intra‐population heterogeneity will improve our predictions concerning the response of wildlife to global changes.
Why do boys and girls perform differently on PISA Reading in Finland? The effects of reading fluency, achievement behaviour, leisure reading and homework activity
Authors: Torppa Minna , Eklund Kenneth , Sulkunen Sari , Niemi Pekka , Ahonen Timo
Published: January 2017

The present study examined gender gap in Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) Reading and mediators of the gender gap in a Finnish sample (n = 1,309). We examined whether the gender gap in PISA Reading performance can be understood via the effects of reading fluency, achievement behaviour (mastery orientation and task‐avoidant behaviour) or the amount of time spent with leisure reading and homework. Girls outperformed boys in all measures except for achievement behaviour. The models explaining PISA Reading were not different: For boys and girls, reading fluency, mastery orientation, leisure book reading and homework explained the variance in PISA Reading scores. The gender effect on PISA Reading was, however, for the most part mediated by differences in reading fluency. These findings suggest that while mastery orientation, homework activity and leisure book reading are concurrent predictors of PISA Reading over and above reading fluency, they do not explain gender difference.
Assessment of Social Services’ Disaster Risk Management: Case Finland
Authors: Rapeli Merja
Published: January 2017

Local actors are crucial in disaster risk management; thus, their capacities should be assessed periodically. In this study, local social services’ preparedness plans were assessed using Emergency Management Program Measurement and quantitative document analysis. The specific aim was to study how social service areas of various sizes were prepared for disasters in Finland. The results showed that disaster risk management capacity varied significantly between large and small service areas. Larger areas were better prepared for supporting management, and had better procedures to activate their response, modern public information and deeper cooperation with the private sector and the civil society. The differences might derive from the fact that large areas have more resources allocated to disaster risk management.
The influence of age at menarche, menstrual cycle length and bleeding duration on time to pregnancy: a large prospective cohort study among rural Chinese women
Authors: Zhang Q , Wang YY , Zhang Y , Zhang HG , Yang Y , He Y , Xu JH , Zhao J , Peng ZQ , Ma X
Published: January 2017

Objective

To investigate the relations among age at menarche (AAM), menstrual cycle length, menstrual bleeding duration and time to pregnancy in a large cohort of rural Chinese women.

Design

A prospective cohort study.

Setting

Local family‐planning service agencies and maternal/child care service centres.

Population

A total of 391 320 rural women of reproductive age who participated in the National Free Pre‐pregnancy Checkups and were planning to conceive were enrolled.

Methods

Menstrual characteristics were collected via face‐to‐face interviews. The Cox proportional hazards model were used to estimate the fecundability ratios (FRs) and 95% confidence intervals for each measure relative to its reference category.

Main outcome measures

Time to pregnancy.

Results

Women with an AAM later than 14 years of age were less likely become pregnant compared with women with AAM at 13–14 years of age (FR 0.93, 95% CI 0.92–0.94). Those with menstrual cycle lengths >29 days were less likely to come pregnant (FR 0.91, 95% CI 0.90–0.92) compared with the reference cycle length of 27–29 days. Women with bleeding durations of <4 (FR 0.88; 95% CI 0.86–0.91) or >5 days (FR 0.91; 95% CI 0.90–0.91) showed lower FRs compared with those reporting 4–5 days of bleeding. The associations were independent of maternal age, ethnicity, education level, occupation, tobacco use, alcohol use and body mass index.

Conclusion

A later onset of menarche, longer menstrual cycle length, both shorter (<4 days) and longer (>5 days) bleeding duration were associated with a lower FR and longer time to pregnancy in rural Chinese women.

Tweetable abstract

A later menarche, longer cycle, shorter or longer bleeding duration were associated with lower fecundity.
Survival effect of laparoscopic para‐aortic staging in locally advanced cervical cancer: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Pomel C , Martinez A , Bourgin C , Beguinot M , Benoit C , Naik R , Dauplat J , Lebouedec G , Ferron G
Published: January 2017

Objective

This study compares two methods of evaluating para‐aortic node involvement in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) in order to define external radiotherapy treatment fields: laparoscopic surgical para‐aortic lymphadenectomy or PET‐CT imaging.

Population

We selected 187 patients with LACC who had been treated by chemoradiation therapy in two comprehensive cancer centres from January 2001 to December 2013. A total of 98 underwent para‐aortic evaluation by PET‐CT (Centre 1) and 89 received surgical laparoscopic excision (Centre 2).

Methods

All patients with LACC were retrospectively collected in each centre. OS and DFS were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier's method and survival curves were compared using log‐rank test.

Main outcome measures

Outcomes were the comparison of patients’ disease‐free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) between the two centres.

Results

Patients had a significantly better disease‐free survival in cohort 1 than in cohort 2, at 2 years [80.9% (71.7–87.5) versus 57.1% (46.1–67.3)] and at 5 years [70.5% (58.8–79.9) versus 49.2% (38.2–60.4)] (P = 0.009). These results are confirmed by multivariate analysis model [hazard ratio (HR) 1.93; 95% CI 1.03–3.61; P = 0.04]. The overall survival was also better in cohort 1, both at 2 and 5 years [93.5% (86.5–97.0) versus 78.5% (68.5–86.0) and 85.1% (73.2–92.2) versus 63.8% (51.9–74.2), respectively; P = 0.006]. The multivariate analysis model found concordant results with an increased relative risk of death for patients treated in cohort 2 (HR 2.55; 95% CI 1.09–5.99; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

In this retrospective cohort analysis, para‐aortic surgical staging in LACC is more deleterious for patients than is radiological staging in terms of OS and DFS.

Tweetable abstract

Para‐aortic surgical staging in LACC is more deleterious for patients than clinical staging.
The Association of Electronic Health Record Adoption with Staffing Mix in Community Health Centers
Authors: Frogner Bianca K. , Wu Xiaoli , Park Jeongyoung , Pittman Patricia
Published: January 2017

Objective

To assess how medical staffing mix changed over time in association with the adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) in community health centers (CHCs).

Study Setting

Community health centers within the 50 states and Washington, DC.

Study Design

Estimated how the change in the share of total medical staff full‐time equivalents (FTE) by provider category between 2007 and 2013 was associated with EHR adoption using fractional multinomial logit.

Data Collection

2007–2013 Uniform Data System, an administrative data set of Section 330 federal grant recipients; and Readiness for Meaningful Use and HIT and Patient Centered Medical Home Recognition Survey responses collected from Section 330 recipients between December 2010 and February 2011.

Principal Findings

Having an EHR system did significantly shift the share of workers over time between physicians and each of the other categories of health care workers. While an EHR system significantly shifted the share of physician and other medical staff, this effect did not significantly vary over time. CHCs with EHRs by the end of the study period had a relatively greater proportion of other medical staff compared to the proportion of physicians.

Conclusions

Electronic health records appeared to influence staffing allocation in CHCs such that other medical staff may be used to support adoption of EHRs as well as be leveraged as an important care provider.
A Methodology for Using Workforce Data to Decide Which Specialties and States to Target for Graduate Medical Education Expansion
Authors: Fraher Erin P. , Knapton Andy , Holmes George M.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To outline a methodology for allocating graduate medical education (GME) training positions based on data from a workforce projection model.

Data Sources

Demand for visits is derived from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and Census data. Physician supply, retirements, and geographic mobility are estimated using concatenated AMA Masterfiles and ABMS certification data. The number and specialization behaviors of residents are derived from the AAMC's GMETrack survey.

Design

We show how the methodology could be used to allocate 3,000 new GME slots over 5 years—15,000 total positions—by state and specialty to address workforce shortages in 2026.

Extraction Methods

We use the model to identify shortages for 19 types of health care services provided by 35 specialties in 50 states.

Principal Findings

The new GME slots are allocated to nearly all specialties, but nine states and the District of Columbia do not receive any new positions.

Conclusions

This analysis illustrates an objective, evidence‐based methodology for allocating GME positions that could be used as the starting point for discussions about GME expansion or redistribution.
Nurse‐Related Clinical Nonlicensed Personnel in U.S. Hospitals and Their Relationship with Nurse Staffing Levels
Authors: Li Suhui , Pittman Patricia , Han Xinxin , Lowe Timothy John
Published: January 2017

Objective

This study examines nurse‐related clinical nonlicensed personnel (CNLP) in U.S. hospitals between 2010 and 2014, including job categories, trends in staffing levels, and the possible relationship of substitution between this group of workers and registered nurses (RNs) and/or licensed practical nurses (LPNs).

Data Source

We used 5 years of data (2010–2014) from an operational database maintained by Premier, Inc. that tracks labor hours, hospital units, and facility characteristics.

Study Design

We assessed changes over time in the average number of total hours worked by RNs, LPNs, and CNLP, adjusted by total patient days. We then conducted linear regressions to estimate the relationships between nurse and CNLP staffing, controlling for patient acuity, volume, and hospital fixed effects.

Principal Findings

The overall use of CNLP and LPN hours per patient day declined from 2010 to 2014, while RN hours per patient day remained stable. We found no evidence of substitution between CNLP and nurses during the study period: Nurse‐related CNLP hours were positively associated with RN hours and not significantly related to LPN hours, holding other factors constant.

Conclusions

Findings point to the importance of examining where and why CNLP hours per patient day have declined and to understanding of the effects of these changes on outcomes.
Developing Physician Migration Estimates for Workforce Models
Authors: Holmes George M. , Fraher Erin P.
Published: January 2017

Objective

To understand factors affecting specialty heterogeneity in physician migration.

Data Sources/Study Setting

Physicians in the 2009 American Medical Association Masterfile data were matched to those in the 2013 file. Office locations were geocoded in both years to one of 293 areas of the country. Estimated utilization, calculated for each specialty, was used as the primary predictor of migration. Physician characteristics (e.g., specialty, age, sex) were obtained from the 2009 file. Area characteristics and other factors influencing physician migration (e.g., rurality, presence of teaching hospital) were obtained from various sources.

Study Design

We modeled physician location decisions as a two‐part process: First, the physician decides whether to move. Second, conditional on moving, a conditional logit model estimates the probability a physician moved to a particular area. Separate models were estimated by specialty and whether the physician was a resident.

Principal Findings

Results differed between specialties and according to whether the physician was a resident in 2009, indicating heterogeneity in responsiveness to policies. Physician migration was higher between geographically proximate states with higher utilization for that specialty.

Conclusions

Models can be used to estimate specialty‐specific migration patterns for more accurate workforce modeling, including simulations to model the effect of policy changes.
Prophylactic perihepatic lymphadenectomy in patients with colorectal cancer with liver metastasis: A prospective preliminary study
Authors: Baek Jeong Heum , Kim Keon‐Kuk , Lee Jung‐Nam , Ha Seung‐Yeon , Lee Woon Kee , Lee Won‐Suk
Published: January 2017

Aim

The aim of the present study was to prospectively evaluate the incidence of occult perihepatic lymph node metastasis.

Patients and Methods

Perihepatic lymph nodes were dissected in 39 patients undergoing resection for colon cancer liver metastasis.

Results

The complication rates of the two groups were not significantly different (P = 0.094). No mortality was associated with lymphadenectomy. The average rate of perihepatic lymph node retrieval was seven lymph nodes per patient. The perihepatic lymph node metastasis rate was 5.1 per cent.

Conclusions

The radiologically‐negative perihepatic lymph node metastasis rate was found to be 5.1 per cent among colorectal cancer patient undergoing liver resection. Due to the high risk of intra‐abdominal bleeding, this should not be done routinely.
Potential for coupling the monitoring of bush‐crickets with established large‐scale acoustic monitoring of bats
Authors: Newson Stuart E. , Bas Yves , Murray Ash , Gillings Simon
Published: January 2017

Monitoring biodiversity over large spatial and temporal scales is crucial for assessing the impact of global changes and environmental mitigation measures. However, large‐scale monitoring of invertebrates remains poorly developed despite the importance of these organisms in ecosystem functioning. Exciting possibilities applicable to professional and citizen science are offered by new recording techniques and methods of semi‐automated species recognition based on sound detection.

Static broad‐spectrum detectors deployed to record throughout whole nights have been recommended for standardised acoustic monitoring of bats, but they have the potential to also collect acoustic data for other species groups. Large‐scale deployment of such systems is only viable when combined with robust automated species identification algorithms. Here we examine the potential of such a system for detecting, identifying and monitoring bush‐crickets (Orthoptera of the family Tettigoniidae). We use incidental sound recordings generated by an extensive citizen science bat survey and recordings from intensive site surveys to test a semi‐automated step‐wise method with a classifier for assigning species identities. We assess species’ diel activity patterns to make recommendations for survey timing and interpretation of existing nocturnal data sets and consider the feasibility of determining site occupancy.

Of six species of bush‐crickets, the species classifier achieved over 85% accuracy for three, speckled bush‐cricket, dark bush‐cricket and Roesel's bush‐cricket. It should be possible to automatically scan recordings for these species with minimal manual validation. Further refinement of the classifier is required for the three remaining species, in particular for the acoustically similar short‐winged conehead and long‐winged conehead. Diel activity patterns are species specific and it may be necessary to adjust the hours over which the detectors record to increase detection of key species, but this must be weighed against the costs in terms of increased memory and battery use and equipment security during daytime.

We conclude that with logistical support and centralised semi‐automated species identification it is now possible for the public to contribute to large‐scale acoustic monitoring of Orthoptera while recording bats. Further innovation of sound classifier algorithms is needed and would be aided by improved reference sound libraries from multiple locations spanning species’ ranges.
Enriching the ant tree of life: enhanced UCE bait set for genome‐scale phylogenetics of ants and other Hymenoptera
Authors: Branstetter Michael G. , Longino John T. , Ward Philip S. , Faircloth Brant C.
Published: January 2017

Targeted enrichment of conserved genomic regions (e.g. ultraconserved elements or UCEs) has emerged as a promising tool for inferring evolutionary history in many organismal groups. Because the UCE approach is still relatively new, much remains to be learned about how best to identify UCE loci and design baits to enrich them.

We test an updated UCE identification and bait design workflow for the insect order Hymenoptera, with a particular focus on ants. The new strategy augments a previous bait design for Hymenoptera by (i) changing the parameters by which conserved genomic regions are identified and retained, and (ii) increasing the number of genomes used for locus identification and bait design. We perform in vitro validation of the approach in ants by synthesizing an ant‐specific bait set that targets UCE loci and a set of ‘legacy’ phylogenetic markers. Using this bait set, we generate new data for 84 taxa (16/17 ant subfamilies) and extract loci from an additional 17 genome‐enabled taxa. We then use these data to examine UCE capture success and phylogenetic performance across ants. We also test the workability of extracting legacy markers from enriched samples and combining the data with published datasets.

The updated bait design (hym‐v2) contained a total of 2590‐targeted UCE loci for Hymenoptera, significantly increasing the number of loci relative to the original bait set (hym‐v1; 1510 loci). Across 38 genome‐enabled Hymenoptera and 84 enriched samples, experiments demonstrated a high and unbiased capture success rate, with the mean locus enrichment rate being 2214 loci per sample. Phylogenomic analyses of ants produced a robust tree that included strong support for previously uncertain relationships. Complementing the UCE results, we successfully enriched legacy markers, combined the data with published Sanger datasets and generated a comprehensive ant phylogeny containing 1060 terminals.

Overall, the new UCE bait design strategy resulted in an enhanced bait set for genome‐scale phylogenetics in ants and other Hymenoptera. Our in vitro tests demonstrate the utility of the updated design workflow, providing evidence that this approach could be applied to any organismal group with available genomic information.
Novel, continuous monitoring of fine‐scale movement using fixed‐position radiotelemetry arrays and random forest location fingerprinting
Authors: Harbicht Andrew B. , Castro‐Santos Theodore , Ardren William R. , Gorsky Dimitry , Fraser Dylan J.
Published: January 2017

Radio‐tag signals from fixed‐position antennas are most often used to indicate presence or absence of individuals, or to estimate individual activity levels from signal strength variation within an antenna's detection zone. The potential of such systems to provide more precise information on tag location and movement has not been explored in great detail in an ecological setting.

By reversing the roles that transmitters and receivers play in localization methods common to the telecommunications industry, we present a new telemetric tool for accurately estimating the location of tagged individuals from received signal strength values. The methods used to characterize the study area in terms of received signal strength are described, as is the random forest model used for localization. The resulting method is then validated using test data before being applied to true data collected from tagged individuals in the study site.

Application of the localization method to test data withheld from the learning dataset indicated a low average error over the entire study area (<1 m), whereas application of the localization method to real data produced highly probable results consistent with field observations.

This telemetric approach provided detailed movement data for tagged fish along a single axis (a migratory path) and is particularly useful for monitoring passage along migratory routes. The new methods applied in this study can also be expanded to include multiple axes (x, y, z) and multiple environments (aquatic and terrestrial) for remotely monitoring wildlife movement.