bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evolved to adapt: A computational approach to animal innovation and creativity
Authors: Kolodny Oren , Edelman Shimon , Lotem Arnon
Published: February 2016

The production of novel behavioral sequences that gives rise to animal innovation and creativity is one of the most intriguing aspects of behavioral evolution. Numerous studies have recently documented the abundance and diversity of innovative and creative behaviors between and within species, yet the ability to innovate or to act creatively has mainly been described and quantified as a measure of animals’ cognitive abilitywithout explicit reference to cognitive mechanismsthat may account for these behaviors. Here we discuss the creative process from a computational point of view and suggest such a mechanistic framework. In light of recent research on human creativity, animal learning, and animal problem solving, we suggest that animal creativity is best understood as the production of context-appropriate novel behavioral sequences, which may be facilitated by the ability to learn the regularities in the environment and to represent them hierarchically, allowing for generalization. We present a cognitive framework that we recently developed, which employs domain-general mechanisms and has been used in the modeling of a range of sequential behaviors, from animal foraging to language acquisition, and apply it to behavioral innovation. In a series of simulations, we show how innovation and creative behavior can be produced by this learning mechanism, as it constructs a network representing the statistical regularities of the environment. We use the simulations to demonstrate the role of particular cognitive parameters in this process and to highlight the effects of the learning dynamics and individual experience on creativity.
Invasion genetics: Lessons from a ubiquitous bird, the house sparrow Passer domesticus
Authors: Liebl Andrea L. , Schrey Aaron W. , Andrew Samuel C. , Sheldon Elizabeth L. , Griffith Simon C.
Published: February 2016

Following an introduction, non-native species are exposed to environments that differ from those found in their native range; further, as these non-native species expand beyond the site of introduction, they must constantly adapt to novel environments. Although introduced species are present across most ecosystems, few species have successfully established themselves on a truly global scale. One such species, the house sparrow Passer domesticus, is now one of the world’s most broadly distributed vertebrate species and has been introduced to a great part of its current range. To date, work on four continents suggests both genetic and phenotypic variation exists between native and introduced ranges. As such, house sparrows represent an excellent opportunity to study adaptations to novel environments and how these adaptations are derived. The global distribution of this species and the multiple independent introductions to geographically isolated sites allow researchers to ask questions regarding genetic variation and adaptation on a global scale. Here, we summarize the molecular studies of invasive house sparrows from the earliest work using allozymes through more recent work on epigenetics; using these studies, we discuss patterns of dispersal of this species. We then discuss future directions in techniques (e.g. next generation sequencing) and how they will provide new insight into questions that are fundamental to invasion biology. Finally, we discuss how continued research on the house sparrow in light of these genetic changes and adaptations will elucidate answers of adaptation, invasion biology, range expansion, and resilience in vertebrate systems generally.
Individual variation in ballooning dispersal by black widow spiderlings: The effects of family and social rearing
Authors: Johnson J. Chadwick , Halpin Rebecca , Stevens Dale , Vannan Annika , Lam Jesse , Bratsch Katie
Published: February 2016

Individual behavioral variation is ubiquitous across taxa and important to understand if we wish to fully use behavioral data to understand the ecology and evolution of organisms. Only recently have studies of individual variation in dispersal behavior become a focus of research. A better understanding of individual variation in dispersal behavior is likely to improve our understanding of population dynamics. In particular, the dynamics of critically small populations (endangered species) and large populations (pest species) may be driven by unique dispersal variants. Here we documented individual variation in the ballooning dispersal behavior of Western black widow spiderlings Latrodectus hesperus, an urban pest species found in superabundant infestations throughout cities of the desert Southwest USA. We found a great deal of family-level variation in ballooning dispersal, and this variation was highly consistent (repeatable) across time. Maternal egg investment was a poor predictor of this ballooning dispersal. Instead, we show that spiderlings reared in isolation are significantly slower to disperse than spiderlings raised in a more natural setting surrounded by full siblings. Thus, our study examines a widespread but poorly understood dispersal behavior (ballooning), and suggests urban pest population dynamics are likely driven by the interaction of variation in individuals, families and social environments.
The impact of personality on the success of prospecting behavior in changing landscapes
Authors: Burkhalter John Curtis , Fefferman Nina H. , Lockwood Julie L.
Published: February 2016

Personality can play a large role in dispersal decisions, influencing how each individual estimates and values expected costs versus benefits of venturing out to explore the unknown. We contrast the impact of persistence on fitness using decision theory models to examine the relative success of prospecting movement (which is a widespread behavior used by animals to explore available breeding habitat before determining where to settle) in different landscapes among individuals with different personalities. While evaluating trends in the costs and benefits of movement we provide a quantifiable measure of the impacts of relative tenacity in prospecting behavior on fitness gains/losses. Our model results predict that, regardless of landscape composition, individuals with greater tenacity in prospecting strategy have reduced fitness gains relative to individuals who are more willing to both initiate novel strategies, but then also abandon the new strategy rapidly if initial search does not seem fruitful. We show that fitness gains from choosing an appropriate prospecting strategy (i.e. abandoning poor habitat or staying in rich habitat) can be very high, indicating a potentially large influence from personality on fitness. Importantly, the model predicts that relative fitness gains are highly dependent on the availability of high quality habitat in the landscape, even if the difference under varying fitness outcomes between poor and rich habitat was substantial.
Stuck in a rut: Potential costs of sand roads to gopher tortoises Gopherus polyphemus
Authors: Gilson Lauren N. , Bateman Philip W.
Published: February 2016

Roads affect wildlife significantly through direct mortality but also through behavioral change. We explored the effects of unsurfaced sand roads with a low traffic volume on the travelling behavior of gopher tortoises Gopherus polyphemus in scrub habitat in central Florida, as evidenced by the tracks left by tortoises on sand roads. Tortoises (and most other taxa leaving tracks on the roads) did not appear to make use of roads for travel but attempted to cross them, the success of which was influenced by the size of the individual. Smaller animals (presumably younger tortoises) were more challenged than larger animals by both sand road widths and depths of vehicle ruts in sand roads. Sand roads may present both physical and physiological challenges to gopher tortoises, particularly to small ones. This research provides further evidence that the negative influence of roads in fragmenting the environment is not limited to vehicle mortality.
Reducing the loss of genetic diversity associated with assisted colonization-like introductions of animals
Authors: Kekkonen Jaana , Brommer Jon E.
Published: February 2016

Translocations, especially assisted colonizations, of animals are increasingly used as a conservation management tool. In many cases, however, limited funding and other logistic challenges limit the number of individuals available for translocation. In conservation genetics, small populations are predicted to rapidly lose genetic diversity which can deteriorate population survival. Thus, how worried should we be about the loss of genetic diversity when introducing small, isolated populations? Historical species introductions provide a means to assess these issues. Here we review 13 studies of “assisted colonization-like” introductions of animals, where only a small known number of founders established an isolated population without secondary contact to the source population. We test which factors could be important in retaining genetic diversity in these cases. In many cases, loss in heterozygosity (-12.1%) was detected, and more seriously the loss in allelic richness (-27.8 %). Number of founders seemed to have an effect but it also indicated that high population growth rate could help to retain genetic diversity, i.e. future management actions could be effective even with a limited number of founders if population growth would be enhanced. On the contrary, translocated organisms with longer generation times did not seem to retain more genetic diversity. We advocate that, where possible, future studies on translocated animals should report the loss of genetic diversity (both heterozygosity and allelic richness), which is essential for meta-analyses like this one for deepening our understanding of the genetic consequences of assisted colonization, and justifying management decisions.
Genetic differentiation in two widespread, open-forest bird species of Southeast Asia (Copsychus saularis and Megalaima haemacephala): Insights from ecological niche modeling
Authors: Lim Haw Chuan , Zou Fasheng , Sheldon Frederick H.
Published: February 2016

Ecological niche modeling has emerged as an useful tool in the investigation of the phylogeographic histories of species or communities in a region. The high biodiversity (oftentimes cryptic), and complex geography and geological history of Southeast Asia particularly call for multipronged approaches in phylogeographic investigations. Past studies have focused on taxa that are associated with lowland rainforests, which is the dominant natural vegetation type. Here, we combine published phylogenetic data, ecological niche modeling and paleo-climate models to reveal potential drivers of divergence in two open-forest bird species, the oriental magpie-robin Copsychus saularis and Coppersmith barbet Megalaima haemacephala. In spite of broad overlap in current distributions, there are subtle differences in their climatic niches, which result in different responses to past climatic changes. For C. saularis, both Last Glacial Maximum climate models indicated that the entire Sundaland was climatically suitable, while phylogenetic analyses found divergent eastern and western Sundaland lineages. We thus postulate that this genetic divergence was a result of past separations of coastal habitats into eastern and western portions due to the emergence of Sunda shelf as sea-level fell. The current separation of morphological subspecies in Borneo is maintained by low climatic suitability (high annual rainfall) in certain regions. The extirpation of M. haemacephala from Borneo and southern Malay Peninsula might have been driven by unsuitable conditions (high temperature seasonality) in central Sundaland and/or the lack of open woodlands. Our study shows that ecological niche modeling adds a powerful dimension to our attempt to understand lineage evolution in space.
Early social conditions affect female fecundity in hermaphrodites
Authors: Cannarsa Elio , Lorenzi Maria Cristina , Sella Gabriella
Published: February 2016

Social conditions experienced prior to sexual maturity influence reproduction later in life in many animals. In simultaneous hermaphrodites, variation in mating group size influences reproductive investment. As the mating group size increases, reproductive resources devoted to the female function decrease in favor of the male function. Prior to sexual maturity, many hermaphrodites have a protandrous phase during which they produce sperm and can fertilize hermaphrodites’ eggs. In the simultaneously hermaphroditic polychaete worm Ophryotrocha diadema, the cost of male reproduction during adolescence is spread over the whole energy budget of worms as shown by a reduced growth rate, a delayed age at sexual maturity and the shortening of life span compared to protandrous males that do not reproduce. Little is known on whether social conditions experienced during development affect reproductive investment of immature individuals. We investigated whether social conditions affected the length of the protandrous phase, body size and also the subsequent female fecundity of same-age protandrous individuals of O. diadema, which did not had to face competition for egg fertilization. Results show that in large group sizes protandrous males lengthened their protandrous phase, slowed down body growth and decreased their individual investment at the first egg laying compared to protandrous males that were reared in isolation. In the successive egg layings worms adjusted their egg output to the current social conditions. We interpreted these results as an indication that early social conditions represent a social stress resulting in a reduction of the overall reproductive resources up to the first egg laying.
Do algae blooms dilute the risk of trematode infections in threespine sticklebacks?
Authors: Budria Alexandre , Candolin Ulrika
Published: February 2016

Human-induced growth of macro-algae is often assumed to increase trematode infections in fishes by increasing the abundance and condition of the parasite’s intermediate host – snails – as this can boost the release of trematode larvae, cercariae, from the intermediate hosts. However, macro-algae can also impose barriers to the transmission of cercariae and reduce infections. We investigated whether an increased growth of filamentous algae affects the transmission of Diplostomum pseudospathaceum cercariae to the threespine stickleback Gasterosteus aculeatus, a common fish in eutrophied shallow waters. We exposed sticklebacks to trematode cercariae in the absence and presence of artificial filamentous algae, and recorded effects on the proportion of sticklebacks infected and the number of encysted metacercariae per fish. No significant effect of artificial algae on cercariae transmission was detected. However, the body size and the sex of the sticklebacks were strongly correlated with the number of encysted metacercariae per infected fish, with females and larger individuals being more infected. We discuss different factors that could have caused the difference in parasite transmission, including sex-related differences in body size and behaviour of sticklebacks.
Neurocognitive functioning and health-related quality of life in patients treated with stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases: a prospective study
Authors: Habets Esther J.J. , Dirven Linda , Wiggenraad Ruud G. , Verbeek-de Kanter Antoinette , Lycklama à Nijeholt Geert J. , Zwinkels Hanneke , Klein Martin , Taphoorn Martin J.B.
Published: February 2016

Background

Stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is expected to have a less detrimental effect on neurocognitive functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than whole-brain radiotherapy. To evaluate the impact of brain metastases and SRT on neurocognitive functioning and HRQoL, we performed a prospective study.

Methods

Neurocognitive functioning and HRQoL of 97 patients with brain metastases were measured before SRT and 1, 3, and 6 months after SRT. Seven cognitive domains were assessed. HRQoL was assessed with the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and BN20 questionnaires. Neurocognitive functioning and HRQoL over time were analyzed with linear mixed models and stratified for baseline Karnofsky performance status (KPS), total metastatic volume, and systemic disease.

Results

Median overall survival of patients was 7.7 months. Before SRT, neurocognitive domain and HRQoL scores were lower in patients than in healthy controls. At group level, patients worsened in physical functioning and fatigue at 6 months, while other outcome parameters of HRQoL and cognition remained stable. KPS < 90 and tumor volume >12.6 cm3 were both associated with worse information processing speed and lower HRQoL scores over 6 months time. Intracranial tumor progression was associated with worsening of executive functioning and motor function.

Conclusions

Prior to SRT, neurocognitive functioning and HRQoL are moderately impaired in patients with brain metastases. Lower baseline KPS and larger tumor volume are associated with worse functioning. Over time, SRT does not have an additional detrimental effect on neurocognitive functioning and HRQoL, suggesting that SRT may be preferred over whole-brain radiotherapy.
Clinical Outcomes of Different Surgical Strategy for Patients With Congenital Scoliosis and Type I Split Cord Malformation
Authors: Feng Fan , Shen Jianxiong , Zhang Jianguo , Zhao Hong , Zhao Yu , Li Zheng , Xue Xuhong , Lin Youxi , Qiu Guixing
Published: February 2016

Study Design.

A retrospective study.

Objective.

To compare the clinical outcomes of different surgical strategy for patients with congenital scoliosis (CS) and type I split cord malformation (SCM).

Summary of Background Data.

CS associated with type I SCM is a challenge for spine surgeon because of the high potential rate of neurological compromise. Traditionally, bony spur resection (BR) has been indicated before any procedure for scoliosis correction.

Methods.

From May 2002 to February 2013, 82 CS patients with type I SCM who underwent corrective surgery at our center were retrospectively reviewed. There were 20 male and 62 female patients with an average age of 13.8 years (4–39 yrs) at surgery. They were divided into two groups according to different surgical strategy. The patients in the BR group underwent staged prophylactic neurosurgery or one-stage BR before corrective surgery, whereas patients in the nonresection (NR) group underwent one-stage corrective surgery without addressing bony spur.

Results.

There were 15 patients in the BR group and 67 patients in the NR group. No significant differences were detected in preoperative characteristics between two groups. The average follow up was 37 months (24–105 months). In the BR group, the correction rate was 53.0% and 45.9% at the final follow up. Whereas, in the NR group, the correction rate was 48.5% and 42.1% at the final follow up. Compared with the NR group, the operation time and blood loss were statistically higher in the BR group. Five patients experienced transient neurological complications and one patient in the BR group suffered permanent neurological damage of incomplete loss bladder control.

Conclusion.

One-stage corrective surgery could be safe and effective for patients with CS and SCM. For patients with intact or stable neurological status, prophylactic neurosurgical intervention to remove bony spur before curve correction may not be necessary.

Level of Evidence: 4
Appending Limited Clinical Data to an Administrative Database for Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Hannan Edward L. , Samadashvili Zaza , Cozzens Kimberly , Jacobs Alice K. , Venditti Ferdinand J. , Holmes David R. , Berger Peter B. , Stamato Nicholas J. , Hughes Suzanne , Walford Gary
Published: February 2016

Background:

Hospitals’ risk-standardized mortality rates and outlier status (significantly higher/lower rates) are reported by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients using Medicare claims data. New York now has AMI claims data with blood pressure and heart rate added.

Objective:

The objective of this study was to see whether the appended database yields different hospital assessments than standard claims data.

Methods:

New York State clinically appended claims data for AMI were used to create 2 different risk models based on CMS methods: 1 with and 1 without the added clinical data. Model discrimination was compared, and differences between the models in hospital outlier status and tertile status were examined.

Results:

Mean arterial pressure and heart rate were both significant predictors of mortality in the clinically appended model. The C statistic for the model with the clinical variables added was significantly higher (0.803 vs. 0.773, P<0.001). The model without clinical variables identified 10 low outliers and all of them were percutaneous coronary intervention hospitals. When clinical variables were included in the model, only 6 of those 10 hospitals were low outliers, but there were 2 new low outliers. The model without clinical variables had only 3 high outliers, and the model with clinical variables included identified 2 new high outliers.

Conclusion:

Appending even a small number of clinical data elements to administrative data resulted in a difference in the assessment of hospital mortality outliers for AMI. The strategy of adding limited but important clinical data elements to administrative datasets should be considered when evaluating hospital quality for procedures and other medical conditions.
Vaccination Rates are Associated With Functional Proximity But Not Base Proximity of Vaccination Clinics
Authors: Beshears John , Choi James J. , Laibson David I. , Madrian Brigitte C. , Reynolds Gwendolyn I.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Routine annual influenza vaccinations are recommended for persons 6 months of age and older, but less than half of US adults get vaccinated. Many employers offer employees free influenza vaccinations at workplace clinics, but even then take-up is low.

Objective:

To determine whether employees are significantly more likely to get vaccinated if they have a higher probability of walking by the clinic for reasons other than vaccination.

Method:

We obtained data from an employer with a free workplace influenza vaccination clinic. Using each employee’s building entry/exit swipe card data, we test whether functional proximity—the likelihood that the employee walks by the clinic for reasons other than vaccination—predicts whether the employee gets vaccinated at the clinic. We also test whether base proximity—the inverse of walking distance from the employee’s desk to the clinic—predicts vaccination probability.

Participants:

A total of 1801 employees of a health benefits administrator that held a free workplace influenza vaccination clinic.

Results:

A 2 SD increase in functional proximity is associated with a 6.4 percentage point increase in the probability of vaccination (total vaccination rate at company=40%), even though the average employee’s desk is only 166 meters from the clinic. Base proximity does not predict vaccination probability.

Conclusions and Relevance:

Minor changes in the environment can have substantial effects on the probability of vaccination. If these results generalize, health systems should emphasize functional proximity over base proximity when locating preventive health services.
Evaluation of Intestinal Function in Children With Autism and Gastrointestinal Symptoms
Authors: Kushak Rafail I. , Buie Timothy M. , Murray Katherine F. , Newburg David S. , Chen Ceng , Nestoridi Eirini , Winter Harland S.
Published: February 2016

Objective:

Alterations in intestinal function, often characterized as a “leaky gut,” have been attributed to children who are on the autism spectrum. Disaccharidase activity, intestinal inflammation, and permeability were analyzed in 61 children with autism and 50 nonautistic individuals with gastrointestinal symptoms.

Methods:

All patients had duodenal biopsies assayed for lactase, sucrase, maltase, and palatinase activity. Intestinal permeability was evaluated by rhamnose/lactulose test and measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Intestinal inflammation was evaluated by fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin levels using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and histology.

Results:

Some children with autism had mild levels of mucosal inflammation on intestinal biopsy. Disaccharidase activity was not different in autistic and nonautistic individuals. Fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin were similar in both groups. Differences between lactulose and rhamnose recovery and lactulose/rhamnose ratio in urine were not statistically different in patients with and without autism.

Conclusions:

The present study supports the observation that children with autism who have symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders have objective findings similar to children without autism. Neither noninvasive testing nor endoscopic findings identify gastrointestinal pathology specific to autism, but may be of benefit in identifying children with autism who have atypical symptoms.
Struma Ovarii With Malignant Transformation and Germline KIT Mutation: A Case Report With Review of the Literature
Authors: Ma Deqin , Guseva Natalya V. , Dahmoush Laila , Robinson Robert A.
Published: February 2016

Struma ovarii accounts for 5% of ovarian teratomas. Malignant transformation occurs in <0.3%, however, the underlying molecular mechanism is unknown. We report a patient with follicular variant and tall cell variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) arising from struma ovarii and coexisting incidental PTC in the thyroid. Mutation analysis by next-generation sequencing identified a novel germline mutation, KIT p.V530I mutation in the tumors and normal ovarian and thyroid tissue. Immunohistochemical staining showed loss of KIT expression in the PTCs. Activating mutations in KIT play an important role in diagnosis and prognosis of multiple malignancies including mastocytosis, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, and a subset of melanoma and acute myeloid leukemia. The p.V530I mutation has only been reported in 3 previous cases: acute myeloid leukemia, aggressive fibromatosis, and adenocarcinoma of the colon. In the case of aggressive fibromatosis, the patient responded well to imatinib treatment. KIT mutations have never been reported in thyroid carcinomas. This is the first case of PTC-harboring KIT mutation. Although more work needs to be done to elucidate the significance of this germline mutation, the response of the fibromatosis patient to imatinib may shed light on targeted therapy in PTC harboring this mutation.
Predicting intensities of Zika infection and microcephaly using transmission intensities of other arboviruses
Authors: Rodríguez-Barraquer Isabel , Salje Henrik , Lessler Justin , Cummings Derek A.T.
Published: February 2016

The World Health Organization has declared Zika Virus a Public Health Emergency of International Concern due to the virus’ emergence in multiple countries globally and the possible association of Zika virus with microcephaly and neurological disorders. There is a clear need to identify risk factors associated with Zika infection and microcephaly in order to target surveillance, testing and intervention efforts. Here, we show that there is a strong correlation between the incidence of Zika in Colombian departments and the force of infection (but not the crude incidence) of dengue, a virus transmitted by the same mosquito species,Aedes aegypti(R2= 0.41, p<0.001). Furthermore, we show that there is also a strong correlation between the incidence of microcephaly in Brazilian states and the force of infection of dengue (R2= 0.36, p<0.001). Because dengue, Zika and chikungunya are transmitted by the same vector, these associations provide further support to the supposition that Zika virus infection during pregnancy causes microcephaly. In addition, they provide an opportunity to project the expected incidence of microcephaly in multiple dengue endemic locations across Colombia and the American continent. Detailed knowledge of dengue transmission should be use to target efforts against Zika and other flaviviruses.
Line drawings reveal the structure of internal visual models conveyed by cortical feedback.
Authors: Morgan Andrew T , Petro Lucy S , Muckli Lars
Published: February 2016

Human behaviour is dependent on the ability of neuronal circuits to predict the outside world. Neuronal circuits make these predictions based on internal models. Despite our extensive knowledge of the sensory features that drive cortical neurons, we have a limited grasp on the structure of the brain's internal models. Substantial progress in neuroscience therefore depends on our ability to replicate the models that the brain creates internally. Here we record human fMRI data while presenting partially occluded visual scenes. Visual occlusion controls sensory input to subregions of visual cortex while internal models continue to influence activity in these regions. Since the observed activity is dependent on internal models, but not on sensory input, we have the opportunity to map the features of the brain's internal models. Our results show that internal models in early visual cortex are both categorical and scene-specific. We further demonstrate that behavioural line drawings provide a good description of internal model structure. These findings extend our understanding of internal models by showing that line drawings, which have been effectively used by humans to convey information about the world for thousands of years, provide a window into our brains' internal models of vision.
NextflowWorkbench: Reproducible and Reusable Workflows for Beginners and Experts
Authors: Kurs Jason P. , Simi Manuele , Campagne Fabien
Published: February 2016

Computational workflows and pipelines are often created to automate series of processing steps. For instance, workflows enable one to standardize analysis for large projects or core facilities, but are also useful for individual biologists who need to perform repetitive data processing. Some workflow systems, designed for beginners, offer a graphical user interface and have been very popular with biologists. In practice, these tools are infrequently used by more experienced bioinformaticians, who may require more flexibility or performance than afforded by the user interfaces, and seem to prefer developing workflows with scripting or command line tools. Here, we present a workflow system, the NextflowWorkbench (NW), which was designed for both beginners and experts, and blends the distinction between user interface and scripting language. This system extends and reuses the popular Nextflow workflow description language and shares its advantages. In contrast to Nextflow, NextflowWorkbench offers an integrated development environment that helps complete beginners get started with workflow development. Auto-completion helps beginners who do not know the syntax of the Nextflow language. Reusable processes provide modular workflows. Programmers will benefit from unique interactive features that help users work more productively with docker containers. We illustrate this tool with a workflow to estimate RNA-Seq counts using Kallisto. We found that beginners can be taught how to assemble this workflow in a two hours training session. NW workflows are portable and can execute on laptop/desktop computers with docker, on a lab cluster, or in the cloud to facilitate training. NextflowWorkbench is open-source and available athttp://workflow.campagnelab.org.
Security behaviors of smartphone users
Authors: Das Amit , Khan Habib Ullah
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– This paper aims to report on the information security behaviors of smartphone users in an affluent economy of the Middle East.

Design/methodology/approach

– A model based on prior research, synthesized from a thorough literature review, is tested using survey data from 500 smartphone users representing three major mobile operating systems.

Findings

– The overall level of security behaviors is low. Regression coefficients indicate that the efficacy of security measures and the cost of adopting them are the main factors influencing smartphone security behaviors. At present, smartphone users are more worried about malware and data leakage than targeted information theft.

Research limitations/implications

– Threats and counter-measures co-evolve over time, and our findings, which describe the state of smartphone security at the current time, will need to be updated in the future.

Practical implications

– Measures to improve security practices of smartphone users are needed urgently. The findings indicate that such measures should be broadly effective and relatively costless for users to implement.

Social implications

– Personal smartphones are joining enterprise networks through the acceptance of Bring-Your-Own-Device computing. Users’ laxity about smartphone security thus puts organizations at risk.

Originality/value

– The paper highlights the key factors influencing smartphone security and compares the situation for the three leading operating systems in the smartphone market.
Private label brands in an emerging economy: an exploratory study in India
Authors: Sarkar Siddhartha , Sharma Dinesh , Kalro Arti D.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present different naming, packaging, and pricing strategies adopted by private label (PL) retailers in India. This study also aims to identify preferred private label brand (PLB) categories, factors influencing their selection, and the importance of cues in evaluation of PLBs. The overall purpose is to identify important areas for future research of PLBs in the wake of organized retail growth in an emerging economy (India is the context here).

Design/methodology/approach

– This study is based on in-store observations of major Indian retail chains, longitudinal analyses of customers’ shopping bills, qualitative analyses of consumer interviews, and focus group discussions.

Findings

– The results indicate that retailers primarily adopt “Sub-branding” (using the store name along with a separate brand name) and “House of Brands” (using a separate brand name only) strategies to sell PLBs in the Indian market. Groceries, food and beverages, and apparel are the preferred categories in PLB. Price, quality, and convenience are the major factors influencing PLB. Taste, ingredients, packaging, price, brand name, and store name are the main factors that are used to evaluate PLBs.

Research limitations/implications

– Due to the qualitative analyses and interpretation, there are limitations to this study which need to be empirically validated.

Practical implications

– This research has implications for organized retailers in understanding the various strategies used for PLBs in India.

Originality/value

– This study is a novel study for documenting the PLB strategies adopted by organized retailers in India. It also uses a longitudinal exploratory approach to further understanding the consumption of PLBs in India.
Interest, views and perceived barriers to bariatric surgery in patients with morbid obesity
Authors: Wharton S. , Serodio K. J. , Kuk J. L. , Sivapalan N. , Craik A. , Aarts M.‐A.
Published: February 2016

The objective of the study was to assess the interest, views and patient‐perceived barriers to bariatric surgery among surgery‐eligible patients. Surveys were completed at a weight management clinic and local hospital in Ontario, Canada. Patients were ≥18 years of age with a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg m−2 or BMI > 35 kg m−2 with ≥1 comorbidity. The sample included 105 participants, 73.3% female, with a mean BMI of 46.6 ± 7.1 kg m−2. Only 33.3% of participants were interested in surgery; 50.5% of participants were not interested and 16.2% had mixed feelings. Participants identified risks (69.5%) and side effects (57.1%) as significant surgical barriers. Interested participants were more likely to perceive themselves as obese, were unhappy with their current weight loss method and were less likely to fear surgery (P < 0.05). The prevalence of comorbidities was not different by surgical interest (P = 0.17). Despite the effectiveness of bariatric surgery, the majority of qualified patients are not interested in surgery mainly due to the perceived risk of surgery in general and satisfaction with current non‐surgical weight loss efforts. The self‐perception of obesity, as opposed to medical comorbidities, may be a stronger driver of the decision to have bariatric surgery. It is unclear if patients are aware of the effectiveness of bariatric surgery to help improve comorbidities or if bariatric surgery is perceived as being more cosmetic in nature.
Inheritance taxation in Sweden, 1885–2004: the role of ideology, family firms, and tax avoidance
Authors: Henrekson Magnus , Waldenström Daniel
Published: February 2016

This article studies the evolution of Swedish inheritance taxation since the late nineteenth century to its abolition in 2004. The contribution of this article is twofold. First, the annual effective inheritance tax rates are computed for different sizes of bequests and asset types, accounting for all relevant exemptions, deductions, and valuation discounts. Second, an attempt is made to explain changes in inheritance taxation over time. Ideology appears to be the main driver of the sharp tax increases of the 1930s to the 1960s. Wartime economies with higher pressures on the people induced politicians to raise inheritance taxes on the wealthy, primarily during the First World War. Increased opportunities for tax planning for the wealthy are also documented, most notably a series of tax cuts on inherited family firms in the 1970s. This rise in avoidance opportunities for the rich, while middle‐class heirs faced growing inheritance tax rates, undermined the legitimacy of the tax and led to its repeal.
Photosensitivity of murine skin greatly depends on the genetic background: clinically relevant dose as a new measure to replace minimal erythema dose in mouse studies
Authors: Gyöngyösi Nóra , Lőrincz Kende , Keszeg András , Haluszka Dóra , Bánvölgyi András , Tátrai Erika , Kárpáti Sarolta , Wikonkál Norbert M.
Published: February 2016

Artificial UV irradiation of murine skin is a frequently used method for testing photosensitivity, study carcinogenesis and photoprotective effects of different compounds. However, doses of UV radiation and mouse strains used in experiments vary greatly. The genetic background of mice may influence the photosensitivity as melanin content, pigmentation and hair cycle parameters are dissimilar. Doses of UV are often expressed in relation to the minimal erythema dose (MED) that was not necessarily determined for the given strain. We set out to standardize the method of measuring photosensitivity in three commonly used mouse strains, C57BL/6N, Balb/c and SKH‐1. We found that MED may not be determined for some strains as erythema development in mice with diverse genotypes differs greatly. We measured the oedema response in vivo and ex vivo by using OCT. Given the strain‐specific variability of erythema, we introduced Clinically Relevant Dose (CRD) as a new term to replace MED in experiments, to describe the lowest dose that triggers a perceptible skin reaction in mice. Not only the CRD but the proportion of erythema and oedema were different in strains examined. C57BL/6N mice display skin reactions at the lowest UVB dose, while SKH‐1 hairless mice show changes, mostly oedema, after higher doses of UVB. The cellular composition and skin thickness were examined by histopathology. IL‐1beta and IL‐6 levels in skin correlated with the increasing doses of UVB. Despite the variations in the degree of erythema and oedema, no major differences in cytokine expressions were seen among various strains of mice.
Mast cell histamine‐mediated transient inflammation following exposure to nickel promotes nickel allergy in mice
Authors: Kinbara Masayuki , Bando Kanan , Shiraishi Daisuke , Kuroishi Toshinobu , Nagai Yasuhiro , Ohtsu Hiroshi , Takano‐Yamamoto Teruko , Sugawara Shunji , Endo Yasuo
Published: February 2016

We previously reported that allergic responses to nickel (Ni) were minimal in mice deficient in the histamine‐forming enzyme histidine decarboxylase (HDC‐KO), suggesting an involvement of histamine in allergic responses to Ni. However, it remains unclear how histamine is involved in the process of Ni allergy. Here, we examined the role of histamine in Ni allergy using a murine model previously established by us. Mice were sensitized to Ni by intraperitoneal injection of a NiCl2‐lipopolysaccharide (LPS) mixture. Ten days later, allergic inflammation was elicited by challenging ear‐pinnas intradermally with NiCl2. Then, ear‐swelling was measured. Pyrilamine (histamine H1‐receptor antagonist) or cromoglicate (mast cell stabilizer) was intravenously injected 1 h before the sensitization or the challenge. In cell‐transfer experiments, spleen cells from Ni‐sensitized donor mice were intravenously transferred into non‐sensitized recipient mice. In both sensitized and non‐sensitized mice, 1 mm or more NiCl2 (injected into ear‐pinnas) induced transient non‐allergic inflammation (Ni‐TI) with accompanying mast cell degranulation. LPS did not affect the magnitude of this Ni‐TI. Pyrilamine and cromoglicate reduced either the Ni‐TI or the ensuing allergic inflammation when administered before Ni‐TI (at either the sensitization or elicitation step), but not if administered when the Ni‐TI had subsided. Experiments on HDC‐KO and H1‐receptor‐KO mice, and also cell‐transfer experiments using these mice, demonstrated histamine's involvement in both the sensitization and elicitation steps. These results suggest that mast cell histamine‐mediated Ni‐TI promotes subsequent allergic inflammatory responses to Ni, raising the possibility that control of Ni‐TI by drugs may be effective at preventing or reducing Ni allergy.
Associations between adiposity and indicators of thyroid status in children and adolescents
Authors: Krause A. J. , Cines B. , Pogrebniak E. , Sherafat‐Kazemzadeh R. , Demidowich A. P. , Galescu O. A. , Brady S. M. , Reynolds J. C. , Hubbard V. S. , Yanovski J. A.
Published: February 2016

Background

In adults, obesity is associated with abnormalities of thyroid function; there are fewer studies in paediatric cohorts.

Objectives

To examine associations of weight and adiposity with indices of thyroid function and thyroid‐related metabolic factors in children.

Design/Methods

A sample of 1203 children without obesity (body mass index [BMI] < 95th percentile; N = 631) and with obesity (BMI ≥ 95th percentile; N = 572), age 5–18 years, had height and weight measured (to calculate BMI‐Z score for age and sex) and had blood collected in the morning for thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxine (FT4) and leptin. A subset (N = 829) also underwent measurement of fat mass by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Analyses examined associations of TSH and FT4 with adiposity and obesity‐related conditions accounting for sociodemographic factors.

Results

Thyroid‐stimulating hormone was positively related to BMIz and fat mass (both p‐values < 0.001). FT4 was negatively related to BMIz and fat mass (both p‐values < 0.001). TSH was positively correlated to leptin (p = 0.001) even after accounting for fat mass.

Conclusions

Paediatric obesity is associated with higher TSH and lower FT4 concentrations and with a greater prevalence of abnormally high TSH. Leptin concentrations may in part explain obesity's effects on thyroid status, perhaps through leptin's effects on TSH secretion.
Clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndromes undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: Yudi M. B. , Clark D. J. , Farouque O. , Eccleston D. , Andrianopoulos N. , Duffy S. J. , Brennan A. , Lefkovits J. , Ramchand J. , Yip T. , Oqueli E. , Reid C. M. , Ajani A. E. ,   Melbourne Interventional Group
Published: February 2016

Background

Guidelines recommend prasugrel or ticagrelor instead of clopidogrel in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI).

Aim

We sought to describe the trends in uptake of the newer agents and analyse the clinical characteristics and short‐term outcomes of patients treated with clopidogrel, prasugrel or ticagrelor.

Methods

We analysed the temporal trends of antiplatelet use since the availability of prasugrel (2009–2013) in patients with ACS from the Melbourne Interventional Group registry. To assess clinical characteristics and outcomes, we included 1850 patients from 2012 to 2013, corresponding to the time all three agents were available. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). The safety end‐point was in‐hospital bleeding.

Results

For the period of 2009–2013, the majority of patients were treated with clopidogrel (72%) compared with prasugrel (14%) or ticagrelor (14%). There was a clear trend towards ticagrelor by the end of 2013. Patients treated with clopidogrel were more likely to present with non‐ST‐elevation ACS, be older, and have more comorbidities. There was no difference in unadjusted 30‐day mortality (0.9 vs 0.5 vs 1.0%, P = 0.76), myocardial infarction (2 vs 1 vs 2%, P = 0.52) or MACE (3 vs 3 vs 4%, P = 0.57) between the three agents. There was no difference in in‐hospital bleeding (3 vs 2 vs 2%, P = 0.64).

Conclusion

Prasugrel and ticagrelor are increasingly used in ACS patients treated with PCI, predominantly in a younger cohort with less comorbidity. Although antiplatelet therapy should still be individualised based on the thrombotic and bleeding risk, our study highlights the safety of the new P2Y12
inhibitors in contemporary Australian practice.
MANAGING SOCIAL CAPITAL AND DIVERSITY FOR PERFORMANCE IN PUBLIC ORGANIZATIONS
Authors: COMPTON MALLORY E. , MEIER KENNETH J.
Published: February 2016

Managers concerned with the performance of their organizations will exploit available social, administrative, and human capital resources. However, extant theory and mixed empirical evidence leave the effect of social capital on performance unclear. The gains from these norms of reciprocity, participation, networking, and trust may disproportionately benefit only some of their clients, leading to disparities in outcomes among diverse clienteles. We argue that in such contexts, management will put in place policies to counter these disparities. Indeed, our empirical evidence from the management of public education supports the expectation that an institutional commitment to diversity successfully mitigates the uneven effects of social capital on organizational performance. This finding carries important implications for public management and equity in public policy outcomes and may be of particular relevance to management of outcomes relying on co‐production.