bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non Hybrid Long Read Consensus Using Local De Bruijn Graph Assembly
Authors: Tischler German , Myers Eugene W.
Published: February 2017

While second generation sequencing led to a vast increase in sequenced data, the shorter reads which came with it made assembly a much harder task and for some regions impossible with only short read data. This changed again with the advent of third generation long read sequencers. The length of the long reads allows a much better resolution of repetitive regions, their high error rate however is a major challenge. Using the data successfully requires to remove most of the sequencing errors. The first hybrid correction methods used low noise second generation data to correct third generation data, but this approach has issues when it is unclear where to place the short reads due to repeats and also because second generation sequencers fail to sequence some regions which third generation sequencers work on. Later non hybrid methods appeared. We present a new method for non hybrid long read error correction based on De Bruijn graph assembly of short windows of long reads with subsequent combination of these correct windows to corrected long reads. Our experiments show that this method yields a better correction than other state of the art non hybrid correction approaches.
A pooled sequencing approach identifies a candidate meiotic driver in Drosophila
Authors: Wei Kevin H-C , Reddy Hemakumar M. , Rathnam Chandramouli , Lee Jimin , Lin Deanna , Ji Shuqing , Mason James M. , Clark Andrew G. , Barbash Daniel A.
Published: February 2017

Meiotic drive occurs when a selfish element increases its transmission frequency above the Mendelian ratio by hijacking the asymmetric divisions of female meiosis. Meiotic drive causes genomic conflict and potentially has a major impact on genome evolution, but only a few drive loci of large effect have been described. New methods to reliably detect meiotic drive are therefore needed, particularly for discovering moderate-strength drivers that are likely to be more prevalent in natural populations than strong drivers. Here we report an efficient method that uses sequencing of large pools of backcross (BC1) progeny to test for deviations from Mendelian segregation genome-wide of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that distinguish the parental strains. We show that meiotic drive can be detected by a characteristic pattern of decay in distortion of SNP frequencies, caused by recombination unlinking the driver from distal loci. We further show that control crosses allow allele-frequency distortion caused by meiotic drive to be distinguished from distortion resulting from developmental effects. We used this approach to test whether chromosomes with extreme telomere-length differences segregate at Mendelian ratios, as telomeric regions are a potential hotspot for meiotic drive due to their roles in meiotic segregation and multiple observations of high rates of telomere sequence evolution. Using four different pairings of long and short telomere strains, we find no evidence that extreme telomere-length variation causes meiotic drive in Drosophila. However, we identify one candidate meiotic driver in a centromere-linked region that shows an ~8% increase in transmission frequency, corresponding to a ~54:46 segregation ratio. Our results show that candidate meiotic drivers of moderate strength can be readily detected and localized in pools of F1 progeny.
A projection-based reformulation of the coincident site lattice Σ for arbitrary bicrystals at finite temperature
Authors: Runnels B.
Published: February 2017

The coincident site lattice and, specifically, the `Σ value' of a grain boundary are a ubiquitous metric for experimental classification of grain boundaries. However, the mathematical nature of Σ – a pathological function taking values of either an integer or infinity – has been relatively unexplored. This work presents a framework for interpreting Σ as the inverse of a projection defined using the standard L
2 inner product over continuous fields that represent lattices. `Pre-mollifiers' are used to introduce thermal regularization in the context of the inner product, and a closed-form analytic result is derived. For all nonzero values of the regularization parameters, the formulation is mathematically smooth and differentiable, providing a tool for computationally determining experimental deviation from measured low-Σ boundaries at finite temperatures. It is verified that accurate Σ values are recovered for sufficiently low Σ boundaries, and that the numerical result either converges towards an integer value or diverges to infinity.
Crystal structure of erioflorin isolated fromPodanthus mitiqui(L.)
Authors: Paz Cristian , Ortiz Leandro , Schilde Uwe
Published: February 2017

The title compound, erioflorin, C19H24O6[systematic name: (1aR,3S,4Z,5aR,8aR,9R,10aR)-1a,2,3,5a,7,8,8a,9,10,10a-decahydro-3-hydroxy-4,10a-dimethyl-8-methylidene-7-oxooxireno[5,6]cyclodeca[1,2-b]furan-9-yl methacrylate], is a tricyclic germacrane sesquiterpene lactone, which was isolated fromPodanthus mitiqui(L.). The compound crystallizes in the space groupP212121, and its molecular structure consists of a methacrylic ester of a ten-membered ring sesquiterpenoid annelated with an epoxide and a butyrolactone. The structure is stabilized by one intramolecular C—H...O hydrogen bond. An O—H...O hydrogen bond and further C—H...O interactions can be observed in the packing.
4-(3-Methylphenyl)-3-[(3-methyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)methyl]-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5-thione
Authors: Mague Joel T. , Mohamed Shaaban K. , Akkurt Mehmet , Marzouk Adel A. , Abdel-Rahman Hamdy M. , Hawaiz Farouq E.
Published: February 2017

The title compound, C20H19N5S, adopts a `contorted' conformation and the dihedral angle between the heterocyclic rings is 86.54 (6)°. In the crystal, complementary N—H...N hydrogen bonds form centrosymmetric dimers, which generateR22(14) loops. The dimers stack along thea-axis direction with adjacent stacks having their aromatic rings directed towards one another.
The competition effect of new entry on mutual fund incumbents in China
Authors: Feng Xunan , Xu Jin , Wang Ying , Tang Chunyan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Using the sample between 2005 and 2011, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of a new fund entry on incumbents using the overlap measure in portfolio holdings.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical methodology is used in this study.

Findings

The authors find that incumbents that have a higher overlap with the entrants underperform subsequently. Based on the characteristic-based approach of Daniel et al. (1997), the authors find that the characteristic selectivity component is negatively correlated with the overlap measure, and thereby the decline in performance is driven by the stock-picking ability. The authors also discuss the unobserved actions of incumbents using the approach proposed by Kacperczyk et al. (2008) and find that incumbent unobserved actions do not benefit mutual fund investors in China. Finally the authors find that investors respond to the supply-side competition between entrants and incumbents quickly. These findings help us understand the mutual fund completion in China.

Originality/value

The findings in this study can help scholars, industry experts and regulatory authorities to understand the effect of competition in Chinese mutual fund industry.
Analyst’s ability, media selection and investor interests: evidence from China
Authors: Yin Yugang , Tan Bin
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to find out whether the election of star analysts leads to the conflict of interests between analysts\institutional investors and individual investors. And then, further investigate how the election results to influence the individual investors’ decision making.

Design/methodology/approach

Given the fact that earnings forecasts and stock ratings are the most important foundations for the investor’s investment decision, the authors investigate the relationship among the earnings forecasts, abnormal returns and the election of star analyst. This paper further analyzes the impact factors on investors’ decision. The data used in this paper for star analysts’ information, analysts’ forecast and recommendations, as well as stock performances-related data are from 2005 to 2012.

Findings

This paper finds that mass media cannot select analysts with high forecast accuracy, and then misleads investors. It demonstrates that the analysts with poorer forecast ability and more optimistic stock recommendations are more prone to be entitled as star analysts by mass media, and these titled star analysts tend to show a poorer performance. Therefore, the star analyst worsens investors’ cognition on analysts forecast ability and then misleads investors’ decision making.

Social implications

Media plays a critical role in corporate governance, information collection and diffusion and reducing the information asymmetry, however, it is good to know the role of media in financial markets from a broader perspective. Because media may also bring negative factors to the financial markets such as misguiding the investors and intensify the conflict of interests between analyst and individual investors.

Originality/value

This paper supports a new perspective of the role of mass media in financial market, which is different from existing studies.
Combinations of eigenspace and GMM with Kinect sensor-extracted action gesture features for person identity recognition
Authors: Ding Ing-Jr , Wu Zong-Gui
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The Kinect sensor released by Microsoft is well-known for its effectiveness on human gesture recognition. Gesture recognition by Kinect has been proved to be an efficient command operation and provides an additional human-computer interface in addition to the traditional speech recognition. For Kinect gesture recognition in the application of gesture command operations, recognition of the active user making the gesture command to Kinect will be an extremely crucial problem. The purpose of this paper is to propose a recognition method for recognizing the person identity of an active user using combined eigenspace and Gaussian mixture model (GMM) with Kinect-extracted action gesture features.

Design/methodology/approach

Several Kinect-derived gesture features will be explored for determining the effective pattern features in the active user recognition task. In this work, a separate Kinect-derived feature design for eigenspace recognition and GMM classification is presented for achieving the optimal performance of each individual classifier. In addition to Kinect-extracted feature designs for active user recognition, this study will further develop a combined recognition method, called combined eigenspace-GMM, which properly hybridizes the decision information of both the eigenspace and the GMM for making a more reliable user recognition result.

Findings

Active user recognition using an effective combination of eigenspace and GMM with well-developed active gesture features in Kinect-based active user recognition will have an outstanding performance on the recognition accuracy. The presented Kinect-based user recognition system using the presented approach will further have the competitive benefits of recognition on both gesture commands and providing users of gesture commands.

Originality/value

A hybridized scheme of eigenspace and GMM performs better than eigenspace-alone or GMM-alone on recognition accuracy of active user recognition; a separate Kinect-derived feature design for eigenspace recognition and GMM classification is presented for achieving the optimal performance of the individual classifier; combined eigenspace-GMM active user recognition belonging to model-based active user recognition design has a fine extension on increasing the recognition rate by adjusting recognition models.
An approach for the numerical prediction of the compressible supercavitating flows over ultrahigh-speed underwater object
Authors: Chen Ying , Lu Chuanjing , Chen Xin , Li Jie , Gong Zhaoxin
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Ultrahigh-speed projectile running in water with the velocity close to the speed of sound usually causes large supercavity. The computation of such transonic cavitating flows is usually difficult, thus high-speed model reflecting the compressibility of both the liquid and the vapor phases should be introduced to model such flow. The purpose of this paper is to achieve a model within an in-house developed solver to simulate the ultrahigh-speed subsonic supercavitating flows.

Design/methodology/approach

An improved TAIT equation adjusted by local temperature is adopted as the equation of state (EOS) for the liquid phase, and the Peng-Robinson EOS is used for the vapor phase. An all-speed variable coupling algorithm is used to unify the computations and regulate the convergence at arbitrary Mach number. The ultrahigh-speed (Ma=0.7) supercavitating flows around circular disk are investigated in contrast with the case of low subsonic (Ma=0.007) flow.

Findings

The characteristic physical variables are reasonably predicted, and the cavity profiles are compared to be close to the experimental empirical formula. An important conclusion in the compressible cavitating flow theory is verified by the numerical result that, at any specific cavitation number the cavity’s size and the drag coefficient both increase along with the rise of Mach number. On the contrary, it is found as well that the cavity’s slenderness ratio decreases when Mach number goes up. It indicates that the compressibility has different influences on the length and the radius of the supercavity.

Originality/value

A high-speed model reflecting the compressibility of both the liquid and the vapor phases was suggested to model the ultrahigh-speed supercavitating flows around underwater projectiles.
Initiatives that diminish the biases of recruiters against people who disclose or demonstrate a diagnosed mental disorder
Authors: Moss Simon , Vemuri S. Ram , Hedley Darren , Uljarevic Mirko
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the possibility that several workplace initiatives could stem the biases of recruiters against people who disclose or demonstrate diagnosed mental disorders. Specifically, in many nations, the level of unemployment in people who experience mental disorders is rife. Arguably, employers exhibit various biases that disadvantage people who disclose or demonstrate mental disorders; for example, recruiters tend to orient attention to the limitations, instead of the strengths, of job candidates. Because of these various biases, employers may reject applicants who acknowledge or manifest a mental disorder, even if these candidates would have been suitable.

Design/methodology/approach

To substantiate these premises, the authors analyzed established taxonomies of cognitive biases to identify which of these biases are likely to deter the employment of people with mental disorders. In addition, the authors applied several theories, such as the future self-continuity hypothesis, to uncover a variety of initiatives that could redress these biases in the future.

Findings

The authors uncovered five constellations of biases in recruiters that could disadvantage individuals who disclose or demonstrate mental disorders. Fortunately, consistent with the meaning maintenance model and cognate theories, when the vision and strategy of organizations is stable and enduring, these biases diminish, and people who report mental disorders are more likely to be employed.

Originality/value

This paper shows that initiatives that promote equality and stability in organizations could diminish stigma against individuals who experience mental disorders.
Engaging diversity in academia: manifold voices of faculty
Authors: Desivilya Helena , Borochowitz Dalit Yassour , Bouknik Shalom , Kalovski Geke , Lavy Ilana , Ore Liora
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the perspectives of academic staff on issues of diversity and social schisms: capturing their perceptions of the complex relations at an academic campus positioned in an intricate sociopolitical context. It also explored how the faculty’s construal of diversity and social divisions inform their educational practices.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employed a qualitative approach using grounded theory methodology. Data collection was based on semi-structured in-depth interviews with 20 diverse faculty members from different departments in a Northern Israeli college. The interviews were transcribed and processed into main themes and categories.

Findings

The findings revealed two main themes: “Diversity awareness” depicting recognition and sensitivity to the complex social context in the college, strategies of directly engaging with it, downplaying or overlooking the intricacies, and “Practices” describing the practical translations of the educational credos into teaching practice. Both themes reflected a myriad of faculty voices.

Social implications

The study illuminated the challenges posed by social schisms, inequalities, and diversity for the faculty who need to grapple with the intricacies on a daily basis. More open dialogue and debates by the protagonists are needed to increase awareness of diversity and experimenting with different ways of addressing the intricacies.

Originality/value

Empirical evidence of the organizational actors’ predicaments, their diverse patterns of coping with intricacies, and the factors underlying their choices contribute to the body of knowledge on managing diversity in vivo by real women and men with different backgrounds and experiences.
Emergency care usage and longevity have opposite effects on health insurance rates
Authors: Piulachs Xavier , Alemany Ramon , Guillen Montserrat
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aimed to study the price of health insurance for individuals aged 65 years and over.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of private health policyholders in Spain is analysed. Joint models are estimated for men and women, separately. A log-linear model of the transformed cumulated number of claims associated with emergency room occupation, ambulance use and hospitalization is estimated, together with a proportional hazard survival model.

Findings

The association between the longitudinal process of severe medical care and the survival time process is positive and highly significant for both men and women. An increase in the price of health insurance because of the effect of a larger number of emergency care demand events is slightly offset by the decrease in expected longevity.

Research limitations/implications

The effect of an increase in the number of claims is small compared to the reduction in survival, so age still plays a central role in ratemaking.

Practical implications

High rates of health insurance for elderly insureds should be compensated with younger insureds in the portfolio.

Social implications

Affordable health insurance premiums for elderly people are difficult to obtain only with strict actuarial principles.

Originality/value

The proposed methodology allows dynamic rates to be designed, so that the price of health insurance can change as new usage information becomes available.
Sustainable futures online
Authors: Raine Derek Jeffrey , Gretton Sarah , Greenhill Duncan
Published: February 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a project to adapt existing material from some modules on sustainability delivered face-to-face by the Centre for Interdisciplinary Science to create a non-credit bearing course in sustainability delivered on-line and available to all students at the University. A total of 250 staff and students signed up for the course, 104 completed at least one multiple choice test and 49 completed the essay assignment for the Higher Education Achievement Record (HEAR) recognition. Feedback from students completing the evaluation questionnaire was overwhelmingly positive. The authors reflect on lessons learnt in preparing and delivering the course and the impact on university strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The course was piloted in the 2014-2015 academic year.

Findings

A total of 250 staff and students signed up for the course; 104 completed at least one multiple choice test and 49 completed the essay assignment for HEAR recognition. Feedback from students completing the evaluation questionnaire was overwhelmingly positive.

Originality/value

The paper presents a case study of a bottom-up approach to the introduction of sustainability literacy modules on an institution-wide scale that has influenced changes at senior management level.
Servant leadership and positive organizational behaviour: the road ahead to reduce employees’ turnover intentions
Authors: Dutta Sumedha , Khatri Puja
Published: February 2017

Purpose

Over time, interest in servant leadership has increased manifold both in academic research and the popular press. These rampant developments have set the stage for addressing the worthiness of servant leadership’s theory. Empirical studies undertaken by numerous scholars (Farlinget al., 1999; Bass, 2000; Page and Wong, 2000; Russell and Stone, 2002; Sendjaya and Serros, 2002; Dennis and Winston, 2003; Smithet al., 2004; Stoneet al., 2004; Dennis and Bocarnea, 2005; Humphreys, 2005) have surfaced significant findings supporting relevance of servant leadership in organizational context; however, an absence of universal definition and its measures impinges on this concept. Noticeably missing from research attention has been the effect of servant leadership in promoting positive organizational behaviour among organizational employees. Thus, this paper aims to explore the available literature on servant leadership with a view to establish a servant leader’s role in instilling and facilitating positive organizational behaviour in the workplace. Moreover, the purpose is also to determine whether the positive organizational behaviour inculcated among the employees through a servant leader helps in reducing their turnover intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using different keywords, relevant research papers on Google Scholar were selected. Also, several online databases like Emerald Management, Elseiver, EBSCO Host, etc., were accessed for conducting this exploratory study.

Findings

To examine the various convergent and divergent dimensions of the major constructs, numerous definitions and scholarly work of renowned practitioners have been collated through an extensive literature review. To put forth a comprehensive picture encompassing the noteworthy findings of the studies pertaining to the major construct, a tabular representation has been made.

Originality/value

This is the first study wherein the linkage about servant leadership and positive organizational behaviour in organizational context has been talked about. The paper carries value as the literature pertaining to servant leadership in published domain is still in its nascent stage. The repertoire of literature, presented here, will provide a clear direction to the future researchers who wish to pursue their study in this area.
Capital or people – what is the true purpose of education?
Authors: Ali Tanweer
Published: February 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to present the book Education, Economy and Society, edited by Salim Vally and Enver Motala (UNISA Press, Pretoria, 2014), which highlights the main concepts introduced and discussed.

Design/methodology/approach

The study primarily summarizes the critique of human capital theory (HCT) which is developed in the book. This is done using different approaches and is comprehensive in scope. The study also introduces some of the alternative visions of education as presented by the contributing authors. The author of the review also draws on other literature which addresses the same fields.

Findings

HCT dominates the discourse on the role of education in society, but the concept is hard to measure and evidence of its importance is scant. Despite the criticism of this theory, it continues to dominate the mainstream economic theory.

Research limitations/implications

The main premise merits more systematic study, ideally drawing on more extensive literature, and extending beyond the confines of any one country. As a review, this study aimed to maintain a focus on this one important collection.

Social implications

HCT tends to promote a view of education as a tool of material economic progress. This excludes a discussion of social justice and de-emphasizes the role of education in advancing individual fulfilment and in strengthening democratic values. A view of useful human activity outside of production within a corporate environment is also ignored. This book covers all of these ideas.

Originality/value

This study draws attention to an important book which discusses the proper role of education in economic development and critiques policy making in South Africa. The book is broad enough in scope to be of relevance to educators, academics and policy makers in the developing and developed worlds.
Comparison of biofilm formation and motility processes in arsenic‐resistant Thiomonas spp. strains revealed divergent response to arsenite
Authors: Farasin Julien , Koechler Sandrine , Varet Hugo , Deschamps Julien , Dillies Marie‐Agnès , Proux Caroline , Erhardt Mathieu , Huber Aline , Jagla Bernd , Briandet Romain , Coppée Jean‐Yves , Arsène‐Ploetze Florence
Published: February 2017

Bacteria of the genus Thiomonas are found ubiquitously in arsenic contaminated waters such as acid mine drainage (AMD), where they contribute to the precipitation and the natural bioremediation of arsenic. In these environments, these bacteria have developed a large range of resistance strategies among which the capacity to form particular biofilm structures. The biofilm formation is one of the most ubiquitous adaptive response observed in prokaryotes to various stresses, such as those induced in the presence of toxic compounds. This study focused on the process of biofilm formation in three Thiomonas strains (CB1, CB2 and CB3) isolated from the same AMD. The results obtained here show that these bacteria are all capable of forming biofilms, but the architecture and the kinetics of formation of these biofilms differ depending on whether arsenite is present in the environment and from one strain to another. Indeed, two strains favoured biofilm formation, whereas one favoured motility in the presence of arsenite. To identify the underlying mechanisms, the patterns of expression of some genes possibly involved in the process of biofilm formation were investigated in Thiomonas sp. CB2 in the presence and absence of arsenite, using a transcriptomic approach (RNA‐seq). The findings obtained here shed interesting light on how the formation of biofilms, and the motility processes contribute to the adaptation of Thiomonas strains to extreme environments.
Differences in internalization and growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7 within the apoplast of edible plants, spinach and lettuce, compared with the model species Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Wright Kathryn M. , Crozier Louise , Marshall Jacqueline , Merget Bernhard , Holmes Ashleigh , Holden Nicola J.
Published: February 2017

Internalization of food‐borne bacteria into edible parts of fresh produce plants represents a serious health risk. Therefore, internalization of verocytotoxigenic E. coli O157:H7 isolate Sakai was assessed in two species associated with outbreaks, spinach (Spinacia oleracea) and lettuce (Lactuca sativa) and compared to the model species Nicotiana benthamiana. Internalization occurred in the leaves and roots of spinach and lettuce throughout a 10 day time‐course. The plant species, tissue type and inoculum dose all impacted the outcome. A combination of low inoculum dose (~102 CFU) together with light microscopy imaging highlighted marked differences in the fate of endophytic E. coli O157:H7 Sakai. In the fresh produce species, bacterial growth was restricted but viable cells persisted over 20 days, whereas there was > 400‐fold (~2.5 Log10) increase in growth in N. benthamiana. Colony formation occurred adjacent to epidermal cells and mesophyll cells or close to vascular bundles of N. benthamiana and contained components of a biofilm matrix, including curli expression and elicitation, extracellular DNA and a limited presence of cellulose. Together the data show that internalization is a relevant issue in crop production and that crop species and tissue need to be considered as food safety risk parameters.
Managing buzz
Authors: Campbell Arthur , Mayzlin Dina , Shin Jiwoong
Published: February 2017

We model the incentives of individuals to engage in word of mouth (or buzz) about a product, and how a firm may strategically influence this process through its information release and advertising strategies. Individuals receive utility by improving how others perceive them. A firm restricts access to information, advertising may crowd out word of mouth, and a credible commitment not to engage in advertising is valuable for a firm.
Dynamic limit pricing
Authors: Toxvaerd Flavio
Published: February 2017

I study a multiperiod model of limit pricing under one‐sided incomplete information. I characterize pooling and separating equilibria and their existence and determine when these involve limit pricing. For some parameter constellations, the unique equilibrium surviving a D1 type refinement involves immediate separation on monopoly prices. For others, there are limit price equilibria surviving the refinement in which different types may initially pool and then (possibly) separate. Separation involves setting prices such that the inefficient incumbent's profits from mimicking are negative. As the horizon increases or as firms become more patient, limit pricing becomes increasingly difficult to sustain in equilibrium.
Prevalence of Brain Injuries and Recurrence of Seizures in Children With Posttraumatic Seizures
Authors: Badawy Mohamed K. , Dayan Peter S. , Tunik Michael G. , Nadel Frances M. , Lillis Kathleen A. , Miskin Michelle , Borgialli Dominic A. , Bachman Michael C. , Atabaki Shireen M. , Hoyle John D. , Holmes James F. , Kuppermann Nathan ,   the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network (PECARN)
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Computed tomography (CT) is often used in the emergency department (ED) evaluation of children with posttraumatic seizures (PTS); however, the frequency of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and short‐term seizure recurrence is lacking. Our main objective was to evaluate the frequency of TBIs on CT and short‐term seizure recurrence in children with PTS. We also aimed to determine the associations between the likelihood of TBI on CT with the timing of onset of PTS after the traumatic event and duration of PTS. Finally, we aimed to determine whether patients with normal CT scans and normal neurological examinations are safe for discharge from the ED.

Methods

This was a planned secondary analysis from a prospective observational cohort study to derive and validate a neuroimaging decision rule for children after blunt head trauma at 25 EDs in the Pediatric Emergency Care Applied Research Network. We evaluated children < 18 years with head trauma and PTS between June 2004 and September 2006. We assessed TBI on CT, neurosurgical interventions, and recurrent seizures within 1 week. Patients discharged from the ED were contacted by telephone 1 week to 3 months later.

Results

Of 42,424 children enrolled, 536 (1.3%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.2%–1.4%) had PTS. A total of 466 of 536 (86.9%, 95% CI = 83.8%–89.7%) underwent CT in the ED. TBIs on CT were identified in 72 (15.5%, 95% CI = 12.3%–19.1%), of whom 20 (27.8%, 95% CI = 17.9%–39.6%) underwent neurosurgical intervention and 15 (20.8%, 95% CI = 12.2%–32.0%) had recurrent seizures. Of the 464 without TBIs on CT (or no CTs performed), 457 had recurrent seizure status known, and five (1.1%, 95 CI = 0.4%–2.5%) had recurrent seizures; four of five presented with Glasgow Coma Scale scores < 15. None of the 464 underwent neurosurgical intervention. We found significant associations between likelihood of TBI on CT with longer time until the PTS after the traumatic event (p = 0.006) and longer duration of PTS (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Children with PTS have a high likelihood of TBI on CT, and those with TBI on CT frequently require neurosurgical interventions and frequently have recurrent seizures. Those without TBIs on CT, however, are at low risk of short‐term recurrent seizures, and none required neurosurgical interventions. Therefore, if CT‐negative and neurologically normal, patients with PTS may be safely considered for discharge from the ED.
Flow‐Field Simulations and Hemolysis Estimates for the Food and Drug Administration Critical Path Initiative Centrifugal Blood Pump
Authors: Heck Margaret L. , Yen Allen , Snyder Trevor A. , O'Rear Edgar A. , Papavassiliou Dimitrios V.
Published: February 2017

The design of blood pumps for use in ventricular assist devices, which provide life‐saving circulatory support in patients with heart failure, require remarkable precision and attention to detail to replicate the functionality of the native heart. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) initiated a Critical Path Initiative to standardize and facilitate the use of computational fluid dynamics in the study and development of these devices. As a part of the study, a simplified centrifugal blood pump model generated by computer‐aided design was released to universities and laboratories nationwide. The effects of changes in fluid rheology due to temperature, hematocrit, and turbulent flow on key metrics of the FDA pump were examined in depth using results from a finite volume‐based commercial computational fluid dynamics code. Differences in blood damage indices obtained using Eulerian and Lagrangian formulations were considered. These results are presented and discussed awaiting future validation using experimental results, which will be released by the FDA at a future date.
Systematic evaluation of paediatric cohort with iron refractory iron deficiency anaemia (IRIDA) phenotype reveals multiple TMPRSS6 gene variations
Authors: Bhatia Prateek , Singh Aditya , Hegde Avani , Jain Richa , Bansal Deepak
Published: February 2017

Systematic screening identified patients with an iron refractory iron deficiency anaemia (IRIDA) phenotype and genotype in iron‐deficient children in the Indian subcontinent. Cases of moderate to severe microcytosis and anaemia with no obvious cause and normal C‐reactive protein, HbA2 and tissue transglutaminase antibody levels (n = 550) were put on a trial of oral iron for 4 weeks. Sixty of these 550 cases (11%) were variably refractory to oral iron therapy (<10 g/l Hb rise) at 4–6 weeks and were subsequently evaluated for plasma iron, ferritin and hepcidin levels. The mean age of this cohort was 2.06 years. Low‐normal to normal ferritin and normal to high hepcidin levels were noted in 25/60 (41.6%) and 47/60 (78.3%), respectively. An IRIDA phenotype was noted in 38.3% (23/60) based on standard criteria. TMPRSS6 gene sequencing in 20 cases with IRIDA phenotype revealed 9 potentially deleterious intronic and two benign exonic variations in 12/20 cases (60%). Of these, 4 intronic and both exonic variations were noted in multiple cases and are likely to act synergistically leading to an IRIDA phenotype. However, given that only 38% (23/60 cases) of cases with iron refractoriness had IRIDA phenotype, a balanced approach is needed and other causes for refractoriness should be investigated before genetic studies for TMPRSS6 are undertaken.
Tree Branch Level of Detail Models for Forest Navigation
Authors: Zhang Xiaopeng , Bao Guanbo , Meng Weiliang , Jaeger Marc , Li Hongjun , Deussen Oliver , Chen Baoquan
Published: February 2017

We present a level of detail (LOD) method designed for tree branches. It can be combined with methods for processing tree foliage to facilitate navigation through large virtual forests. Starting from a skeletal representation of a tree, we fit polygon meshes of various densities to the skeleton while the mesh density is adjusted according to the required visual fidelity. For distant models, these branch meshes are gradually replaced with semi‐transparent lines until the tree recedes to a few lines. Construction of these complete LOD models is guided by error metrics to ensure smooth transitions between adjacent LOD models. We then present an instancing technique for discrete LOD branch models, consisting of polygon meshes plus semi‐transparent lines. Line models with different transparencies are instanced on the GPU by merging multiple tree samples into a single model. Our technique reduces the number of draw calls in GPU and increases rendering performance. Our experiments demonstrate that large‐scale forest scenes can be rendered with excellent detail and shadows in real time.
Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonist Prevents Memory Deficits and Synaptic Plasticity Disruption Following Isoflurane Exposure
Authors: Luo Tao , Wang Ying , Qin Jian , Liu Zhi‐Gang , Liu Min
Published: February 2017

Background

Exposure to pharmacological concentration of inhaled anesthetics such as isoflurane can cause short‐ or long‐term cognitive impairments in preclinical studies. The selective antagonists of the histamine H3 receptors are considered as a promising group of novel therapeutic agents for the treatment of cognitive disorders. In this study, we investigated whether ciproxifan, a nonimidazole antagonist of H3 histamine receptors, could overcome the functional and electrophysiological sequela associated with isoflurane anesthesia.

Methods

Adult male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to 1.4% isoflurane or vehicle gas for 2 h. The memory tests (novel object recognition and passive avoidance) as well as in vivo hippocampal excitatory synaptic potentials were recorded 24 h postanesthesia. Locomotor activity, anxiety, and nociception 24 h after isoflurane were also examined. The drugs (ciproxifan 3 mg/kg or saline) were intraperitoneally injected 30 min prior to the behavioral tests or long‐term potentiation induction.

Results

Animals that were previously (24 h) exposed to 1.4% isoflurane for 2 h displayed no preference for novel objects and had impaired retention of a passive avoidance response at 1 h after sample phase. Treating isoflurane‐exposed rats with ciproxifan significantly improved the memory performance, as evidenced by an increased discrimination ratio in objects recognition and prolonged retention time in passive avoidance test. Accordingly, hippocampus long‐term potentiation was reduced in animals that received isoflurane, while administration of ciproxifan completely abolished the effect of isoflurane exposure on synaptic plasticity. Neither isoflurane nor ciproxifan altered motor performance, anxiety, and nociceptive responses.

Conclusion

These results suggest that H3R in the CNS, probably in the hippocampus, may serve as therapeutic target for improvement of anesthesia‐associated cognitive deficits.
18F‐FDG PET/CT for planning external beam radiotherapy alters therapy in 11% of 581 patients
Authors: Birk Christensen Charlotte , Loft‐Jakobsen Annika , Munck af Rosenschöld Per , Højgaard Liselotte , Roed Henrik , Berthelsen Anne K.
Published: February 2017

Background

18F‐FDG PET/CT (FDG PET/CT) used in radiotherapy planning for extra‐cerebral malignancy may reveal metastases to distant sites that may affect the choice of therapy.

Aim

To investigate the role of FDG PET/CT on treatment strategy changes induced by the use of PET/CT as part of the radiotherapy planning. ‘A major change of treatment strategy’ was defined as either including more lesions in the gross tumour volume (GTV) distant from the primary tumour or a change in treatment modalities.

Methods

The study includes 581 consecutive patients who underwent an FDG PET/CT scan for radiotherapy planning in our institution in the year 2008. All PET/CT scans were performed with the patient in treatment position with the use of immobilization devices according to the intended radiotherapy treatment. All scans were evaluated by a nuclear medicine physician together with a radiologist to delineate PET‐positive GTV (GTV‐PET).

Results

For 63 of the patients (11%), the PET/CT simulation scans resulted in a major change in treatment strategy because of the additional diagnostic information. Changes were most frequently observed in patients with lung cancer (20%) or upper gastrointestinal cancer (12%). In 65% of the patients for whom the PET/CT simulation scan revealed unexpected dissemination, radiotherapy was given – changed (n = 38) or unchanged (n = 13) according to the findings on the FDG PET/CT.

Conclusion

Unexpected dissemination on the FDG PET/CT scanning performed for radiotherapy planning caused a change in treatment strategy in 11% of 581 patients.
Physiological responses during the practice of synchronized swimming: a systematic review
Authors: Ponciano Kátia , Miranda Maria Luiza de Jesus , Homma Miwako , Miranda João Marcelo Queiroz , Figueira Júnior Aylton J. , Meira Júnior Cássio De Miranda , Bocalini Danilo Sales
Published: February 2017

This study is aimed at analysing the scientific literature related to physiological responses in synchronized swimmers, produced from 2006 to 2016. A systematic review was conducted using electronic databases (Google Scholar, PubMed, SportDiscus, Web Science, Scielo and Scopus) in national and international journals. The articles were selected using the following inclusion criteria: composed samples of synchronized swimmers of both sexes, articles in English, Spanish and Portuguese, published from 2006 to 2016. Ten studies were included. The concentration of the articles and their publication was as follows: Europe (77%) and North America (23%). The protocols used analyse physiological responses in synchronized swimmers athletes during competitions or laboratory tests, lactate measurements, heart rate, rates of perceived exertion, VO2 and lung volume. The subjects of 100% of the studies included in this review were athletes of junior and senior categories who volunteered. Only 03 of the 10 studies have compared the physiological responses in volunteers who were not synchronized swimmers to synchronized swimmer athletes. The studies were conducted using different methodologies, which makes it difficult to compare them, so the standardization of instruments and definitions is essential for the scientific advancement in this field. In addition, it would be interesting to expand the research of these physiological responses in synchronized swimmers using base level or beginners as sample.
The Mass Psychology of Classroom Discourse
Authors: Backer David I.
Published: February 2017

In a majority of cases observed in classrooms over the last several decades, what has gone by the name “discussion” is not discussion, but rather an interaction better known as recitation. If one sees this phenomenon as a problem, then an aspect of its resolution must be theoretical (as opposed to empirical or pedagogical): What series of conceptual terms might we adopt such that recitation does not pass for discussion? Such a theoretical response would have to address internal and external, or subjective and intersubjective, phenomena to describe what it means to participate in an interaction like discussion or recitation. Next the theory would have to explain the differences between interactions such as discussion and recitation in robust terms. Finally, these robust differences would have to prevent the “mistaking” of discussion for recitation, and vice versa. David Backer sets out to accomplish these three goals in the following essay. The theory he builds relies on a distinction between two psychological‐affective states: dehiscence and melancholia. Backer argues that recitation forms a mass through melancholic introjection of a single object, while discussion forms a group that dehiscently introjects no particular object at all. The chief finding of this essay is that viewing discussion and recitation through the mass‐psychological lens offers a new way to examine what kind of relations of influence and power form during classroom discourse and, specifically, the political significance of those discourses.
Effects of management and pore characteristics on organic matter composition of macroaggregates: evidence from characterization of organic matter and imaging
Authors: Toosi E. R. , Kravchenko A. N. , Mao J. , Quigley M. Y. , Rivers M. L.
Published: February 2017

Macroaggregates are of interest because of their fast response to land management and their role in the loss or restoration of soil organic carbon (SOC). The study included two experiments. In Experiment I, we investigated the effect of long‐term (27 years) land management on the chemical composition of organic matter (OM) of macroaggregates. Macroaggregates were sampled from topsoil under conventional cropping, cover cropping and natural succession systems. The OM of macroaggregates from conventional cropping was more decomposed than that of cover cropping and especially natural succession, based on larger δ15N values and decomposition indices determined by multiple magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (13C CP/MAS NMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Previous research at the sites studied suggested that this was mainly because of reduced diversity and activity of the decomposer community, change in nutrient stoichiometry from fertilization and contrasting formation pathways of macroaggregates in conventional cropping compared with cover cropping and, specifically, natural succession. In Experiment II, we investigated the relation between OM composition and pore characteristics of macroaggregates. Macroaggregates from the natural succession system only were studied. We determined 3‐D pore‐size distribution of macroaggregates with X‐ray microtomography, for which we cut the macroaggregates into sections that had contrasting dominant pore sizes. Then, we characterized the OM of macroaggregate sections with FTIR and δ15N methods. The results showed that within a macroaggregate, the OM was less decomposed in areas where the small (13–32 µm) or large (136–260 µm) pores were abundant. This was attributed to the role of large pores in supplying fresh OM and small pores in the effective protection of OM in macroaggregates. Previous research at the site studied had shown increased abundance of large and small intra‐aggregate pores following adoption of less intensive management systems. It appears that land management can alter the OM composition of macroaggregates, partly by the regulation of OM turnover at the intra‐aggregate scale.

Highlights

OM and pore characteristics were studied in soil macroaggregates under different land management.

Long‐term intensive land management increased degree of OM decomposition in macroaggregates.

Abundance of < 32 and > 136 µm pores was positively related to less decomposed OM.

Land management may affect rate of SOM turnover by changing intra‐aggregate pore‐size distribution.
A convolutional neural network to classify American Sign Language fingerspelling from depth and colour images
Authors: Ameen Salem , Vadera Sunil
Published: February 2017

Sign language is used by approximately 70 million (http://wfdeaf.org/human‐rights/crpd/sign‐language) people throughout the world, and an automatic tool for interpreting it could make a major impact on communication between those who use it and those who may not understand it. However, computer interpretation of sign language is very difficult given the variability in size, shape, and position of the fingers or hands in an image. Hence, this paper explores the applicability of deep learning for interpreting sign language and develops a convolutional neural network aimed at classifying fingerspelling images using both image intensity and depth data. The developed convolutional network is evaluated by applying it to the problem of fingerspelling recognition for American Sign Language. The evaluation shows that the developed convolutional network performs better than previous studies and has precision of 82% and recall of 80%. Analysis of the confusion matrix from the evaluation reveals the underlying difficulties of classifying some particular signs, which are discussed in the paper.