bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nathaniel Hawthorne’s Travel Sketches and Samuel P. Newman’s A Practical System of Rhetoric: A Case of American Belletristic Theory on Praxis
Authors: Hewett Beth L. , Singer Erin C.
Published: October 2016

Historical study of teachers and students reveals how rhetorical theories influence writers (McClish 2015). This case study of Nathaniel Hawthorne’s prose considers the nineteenth-century rhetorical teachings of Samuel Phillips Newman, Hawthorne’s professor at Bowdoin College, a student of Blair, and a proponent of rhetorical taste. Using Newman’s 1827 A Practical System of Rhetoric and Hawthorne’s 1832 travel sketches, we analyze Newman’s influences on Hawthorne—particularly taste and the sublime and how these concepts challenged Hawthorne as a writer in the travel sketch genre. We consider Newman’s influences on Hawthorne as evidenced by writing practices that Newman had recommended or disapproved. In particular, we examine Newman’s explanation of taste and its complementary construct of sublimity and how these concepts challenged Hawthorne. We argue that Hawthorne both wrote within the paradigm of rhetorical taste as Newman taught it and struggled against its constraints to find his own perceptions. Furthermore, we see this struggle happening within the context of Hawthorne’s exposure to Newman’s American-inflected belletrism that emphasized both a discriminatory principle of taste and the growing body of American literature.
Winged migration
Authors: Mellone Barbara G.
Published: October 2016

It is an honor to become a part of the talented group of cell biologists who have received this award before me. While running a research group certainly has its ups and downs, I love being a faculty member and am continuously excited by the prospect of scientific discoveries yet to be made. I have benefited from the support of many people over the years and hope to be able to do the same for others through my mentoring and teaching.
Think differently
Authors: Serio Tricia R.
Published: October 2016

Asked to reflect on my own research and career after being selected for the great honor of the Women in Cell Biology Mid-Career Award for Excellence in Research, I found myself contemplating not only how I approach my own science but also how this approach contributes to the larger scientific enterprise. Here I discuss my motivations and their impact on how I conduct my research as one example of the myriad ways to be a scientist. I invite you to consciously consider how, as scientists, we view one another’s unique approaches and argue for the importance of diversity of perspective in scientific progress.
The Oxford Dictionary of Original Shakespearean Pronunciation
Authors: Crystal David
Published: October 2016

Over 20,000 entries

This dictionary is the first comprehensive description of Shakespearean original pronunciation (OP), enabling practitioners to answer any queries about the pronunciation of individual words. It includes all the words in the First Folio, transcribed using IPA, and provides sound files as an additional aid to pronunciation. It details the main pronunciation evidence in the texts, notably all spelling variants and rhymes. An extensive introduction provides a full account of the aims, evidence, history, and current use of OP in relation to Shakespeare productions as well as other uses. It is an invaluable resource for producers, directors, actors, and others wishing to present Shakespeare's plays or poetry in original pronunciation, as well as for students and academics in the fields of literary criticism and Shakespeare studies more generally.
Emancipatory Nursing Praxis
Authors: Walter Robin R.
Published: October 2016

Emancipatory nursing praxis (ENP) is a middle-range nursing theory of social justice developed from an international, grounded theory study of the critical factors influencing nurses' perceptions of their role in social justice. The ENPs implementing processes (becoming, awakening, engaging, and transforming) and 2 conditional contexts (relational and reflexive) provide an in-depth understanding of the transformative learning process that determines nurse engagement in social justice. Interpretive findings include the voice of Privilege primarily informed ENP theory, the lack of nursing educational and organizational support in social justice role development, and the advocate role should expand to include the role of an ally.
Reorienting Esthetic Knowing as an Appropriate “Object” of Scientific Inquiry to Advance Understanding of a Critical Pattern of Nursing Knowledge in Practice
Authors: Bender Miriam , Elias Dina
Published: October 2016

The esthetic pattern of knowing is critical for nursing practice, yet remains weakly defined and understood. This gap has arguably relegated esthetic knowing to an “ineffable” creativity that resists transparency and understanding, which is a barrier to articulating its value for nursing and its importance in producing beneficial health outcomes. Current philosophy of science developments are synthesized to argue that esthetic knowing is an appropriate “object” of scientific inquiry. Examples of empirical scholarship that can be conceived as scientific inquiry into manifestations of esthetic knowing are highlighted. A program of research is outlined to advance a science of esthetic knowing.
Misuse of Opioids in Orthopaedic Postoperative Patients
Authors: Gangavalli Anup , Malige Ajith , Terres George , Rehman Saqib , Nwachuku Chinenye
Published: October 2016

Objective:

In light of the recent uptrend in the prescription of opioids, this study seeks to identify patterns of opioid misuse among orthopaedic postoperative patients and principal external sources in obtaining these medications.

Design:

Ten-month survey–based study.

Setting:

Two Level I trauma centers (urban and suburban).

Patients/Participants:

Two hundred seven patients between the ages of 18 and 89 years who underwent surgical fixation of fractures involving the pelvis, long bones, or periarticular regions of the knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist.

Main Outcome Measurements:

Patients who believed they were undermedicated, used prescribed opioids at higher than recommended doses, and took extra opioids in addition to their prescribed analgesics were analyzed by age, employment, income, education, controlled substance use, pain interference with activities of daily living, and anatomic surgical site.

Results:

One hundred eighty-two patients completed the survey; 19.2% of patients (n = 35) felt undermedicated [unemployed (P < 0.05), low income (P < 0.05), and self-reported controlled substance users (P < 0.05)]; 12.6% of patients (n = 23) admitted to using pain medications at a higher dose than prescribed [unemployed (P < 0.05), lower income (P < 0.05), nonhigh school graduates (P < 0.05), and previous controlled substance users (P < 0.05)]; 9.3% (n = 17) admitted to using external opioids [unemployed patients (P < 0.05) and self-reported controlled substance users (P < 0.05)]. Major sources of extraneous opioids include family/friends (n = 5) and other doctors (n = 4).

Conclusion:

Unemployed and lower-income patients were significantly more likely to believe that their surgeon was not prescribing them enough pain medications as well as use their prescribed opioid medications at a higher than recommended dose compared with their employed counterparts with higher incomes. Unemployed patients were also significantly more likely to use additional opioid analgesics in addition to those prescribed to them by their primary surgeon. Surgeon awareness of a patient's socioeconomic background and associated risk of opioid misuse is crucial to prescribe the safest most effective pain regimen.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Using Exploratory Focus Groups to Inform the Development of a Peer-Supported Pulmonary Rehabilitation Program
Authors: Poureslami Iraj , Camp Pat , Shum Jessica , Afshar Rowshanak , Tang Tricia , FitzGerald John Mark
Published: October 2016

PURPOSE:

There has been limited research on the role of peer support in self-management for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) attending pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs. This research explored patient acceptability of “peer supporters” in promoting sustained self-management practices after PR and to assess their perceived self-efficacy to manage their disease.

METHODS:

This qualitative study used focus groups and individual interviews to identify perspectives of peer supporters and benefits of participation in a PR program. The analysis included systematically reading and reviewing transcripts of the sessions, establishing themes, and sorting responses into thematic categories.

RESULTS:

A total of 28 patients with COPD (15 males) participated in either a focus group or interview. The majority of participants considered peer supporters to be good facilitators for motivating ongoing exercise after completing PR. Exercise sessions were viewed as extremely beneficial for disease management, and many were satisfied with the care they had received. Most subjects wanted to receive followup sessions with either a professional or peer after the intensive phase of PR. Overall, the concept of having a peer supporter involved in ongoing maintenance of self-management efforts after PR was generally viewed as positive.

CONCLUSIONS:

Integrating a peer support model into PR programs may improve better long-term health outcomes for COPD management as many participants endorsed the need for continued support after the program. It also improved our understanding of the role of “peer supports” in exercise and self-care maintenance after PR. The selection of peers and the specific model used warrants further investigation in a randomized controlled trial.
Lidocaine
Authors: Lin Elaine J. , Jacob Sharon E.
Published: October 2016

By definition, a drug is a medicine or substance that exerts a physiologic effect on an organism. In dermatology, medications and substances are utilized on a daily basis from topical treatments to anesthetics in micrographic surgery. The purpose of this section is to focus on some of the more common substances, specifically how they work, how they are utilized, and their routine alternatives (if available). The mechanism of action, usage, and alternatives of the medication lidocaine are discussed.
Age and Improved Attention Predict Work Attainment in Combined Compensatory Cognitive Training and Supported Employment for People With Severe Mental Illness
Authors: Puig Olga , Thomas Kelsey R. , Twamley Elizabeth W.
Published: October 2016

The objective of this study was to examine whether cognitive change and age predicted work outcome in the context of supported employment (SE) and compensatory cognitive training (CCT) in severe mental illness. Forty unemployed outpatients receiving SE (7 young [20–35 years], 15 middle-aged [36–50 years], and 18 older [51–66 years] patients) completed cognitive assessments at baseline and after 12 weeks of CCT. Logistic regression analyses showed that improvement in attention/vigilance significantly predicted work attainment (B = 2.35, SE = 1.16, p = 0.043). Young and older participants were more likely to obtain work than middle-aged participants (B = 4.03, SE = 1.43, p = 0.005; B = 2.16, SE = 0.93, p = 0.021, respectively). Improved attention and age group (young and old) were associated with better work outcomes after SE + CCT. Improving attention may be an important target for improving work outcome in severe mental illness. Middle-aged individuals may need additional support to return to work.
Physician Assistant Management of Pediatric Patients in a General Community Emergency Department
Authors: Pavlik Daniel , Sacchetti Alfred , Seymour Amanda , Blass Bonnie
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Multiple studies have documented the nonclinical characteristics of physician assistant (PA) practices in the emergency department (ED). This study examines the clinical care PAs provide to younger pediatric patients in a general community ED.

Methods

The electronic medical record database of an urban community general ED was queried to identify pediatric patients aged 6 years or younger. This age group was selected because it was considered to be representative of physiologic and pathologic conditions unique to children. The 72-hour recidivism rates were used as an objective outcome measure to compare the care provided by PAs with the care of attending emergency physicians (EPs). Three different treatment groups were defined for the analysis: EPs alone, PAs alone, and PAs with consults from EPs (PA & EP).

Results

A total of 10,369 children aged 6 years or younger were seen during a 24-month study period. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 2.2 (0.2) years, with 2909 (28%) aged 1 year or younger. A total of 807 (7.8%) patients returned within 72 hours of their initial ED visit with 57 (0.55%) subsequently admitted. Recidivism rates for the 3 clinical groups were as follows: PA (6.8%), EP (8.0%), and PA & EP (9.3%) (P < 0.03). Patients admitted to the hospital on their return visits for the 3 clinical groups were as follows: PA (0.4%), EP (0.6%), and PA & EP (0.7%) (P = 0.2).

Conclusions

Based on the outcome measure of 72-hour recidivism, PA management of pediatric patients 6 years or younger is similar to that of attending EPs.
Developing the Evidence for Public Health Systems to Battle Vaccine Preventable Disease at the Local Level: Data Challenges and Strategies for Advancing Research
Authors: Bekemeier Betty , Pantazis Athena , Yip Michelle Pui-Yan , Kwan-Gett Tao
Published: October 2016

Context:

Generally decreasing local health department (LHD) resources devoted to immunization programs and changes in LHD roles in immunization services represent major shifts in a core LHD service.

Objective:

Within a rapidly changing immunization landscape and emerging vaccine preventable disease outbreaks, our objective was to examine how LHD immunization expenditures are related to county-level immunization coverage and pertussis rates.

Design:

We used a practice-based approach in which we collaborated with practice partners and uniquely detailed LHD immunization expenditure data. Our analyses modeled the ecologic relationship between LHD immunization expenditures and LHD system performance and health outcomes.

Setting:

This study was launched through a consortium of public health Practice-Based Research Network states as part of a suite of studies examining the relationship between various LHD service-related expenditures and health outcomes.

Participants:

We investigated and sought to include all LHDs in the states of Florida, New York (except New York City's LHD), and Washington.

Outcome Measures:

With LHD immunization expenditures as our independent variable, our outcomes were 1 year of jurisdiction-level rates of toddler immunization completeness, to measure immunization system performance, and 11 years of annual jurisdiction-level numbers of pertussis cases per 100 000 population, to measure related health outcomes.

Results:

Immunization completeness and pertussis rates varied greatly, but our models did not produce significant results despite numerous analytic approaches and while controlling for other factors.

Conclusion:

While our study was part of a suite of studies using similar methods and producing significant results, this study was instead challenged by serious data limitations and highlighted the gap in consistent, standardized data that can support critically needed evidence regarding immunization rates and disease. With LHDs at the epicenter of reducing vaccine preventable disease, it is vital to utilize emerging opportunities to understand the nature of their efforts in immunization coverage and disease prevention.
Supporting Human Papillomavirus Vaccination in Adolescents: Perspectives From Commercial and Medicaid Health Plans
Authors: Ng Judy H. , Sobel Katherine , Roth Lindsey , Byron Sepheen C. , Lindley Megan C. , Stokley Shannon
Published: October 2016

Context:

An estimated 79 million Americans are infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination can reduce the burden of infection and HPV-associated cancers; yet, vaccination rates remain low. Little is known about why some health plans achieve higher vaccination rates.

Objective:

This study sought to identify strategies used by higher-performing health plans to support HPV vaccination.

Design:

We used 2013 data from the Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS) Human Papillomavirus Vaccine for Female Adolescents measure to identify high-performing plans. The measure examines the percentage of female adolescent plan members who received 3 doses of HPV vaccine by their 13th birthday. High performers were defined as the subset of commercial plans with the top 10 rates and the subset of Medicaid plans with the top 10 rates. An interview guide was developed to assess activities related to providing HPV vaccination. Interviews were conducted with selected plans and audio-recorded. Transcripts were reviewed independently by 2 interviewers and analyzed by hand to identify key themes.

Participants:

Staff members representing 10 plans agreed to be interviewed, representing a diversity of plan size (range, 5500 to >2.7 million members); plan type (about half were commercial, half were Medicaid plans); patient population, from predominantly white to predominantly nonwhite; and geographic region.

Results:

Plans Participants highlighted multiple strategies that support HPV vaccination, particularly the “normalizing” of the vaccine. Plans' efforts highlighted patient and provider education, reminders, feedback loops, community collaborations, immunization registries, and use of medical home concepts—including team-driven efforts and coordination.

Implications:

There is an important need to improve the uptake of HPV vaccination. As health coverage expands to more organizations and individuals, it will be critical for health plans to consider the strategies implemented by higher-performing organizations.

Conclusion:

Although HPV immunization rates are low nationally, health plans can employ multiple efforts to encourage vaccination by implementing activities that involve the patient, the provider, and the community.
Assessing the Congregate Disaster Shelter: Using Shelter Facility Assessment Data for Evaluating Potential Hazards to Occupants During Disasters
Authors: Cruz Miguel A. , Garcia Stephanie , Chowdhury Muhammad A. B. , Malilay Josephine , Perea Nancy , Williams O. Dale
Published: October 2016

Disaster shelter assessments are environmental health assessments conducted during disaster situations to evaluate the living environment of shelters for hygiene, sanitation, and safety conditions. We conducted a secondary data analysis of shelter assessment records available (n = 108) on ice storms, floods, and tornado events from 1 state jurisdiction. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze results of environmental health deficiencies found in the facilities. The greater numbers of environmental health deficiencies were associated with sanitation (26%), facility physical issues (19%), and food areas (17%). Most deficiencies were reported following ice storms, tornadoes, and flood events. This report describes the first analysis of environmental health deficiencies found in disaster shelters across a spectrum of disaster events. Although the number of records analyzed for this project was small and results may not be generalizable, this new insight into the living environment in shelter facilities offers the first analysis of deficiencies of the shelter operation and living environment that have great potential to affect the safety and health of shelter occupants.
Barriers to Local Public Health Chronic Disease Surveillance Through Health Information Exchange: A Capacity Assessment of Health Departments in the Health Information Network of South Texas
Authors: Khan Saad , Shea Christopher M. , Qudsi Hibah Khalid
Published: October 2016

Health information exchanges (HIEs) offer potential data sources for public health agencies to improve chronic disease surveillance; however, public health has not yet capitalized on these data. This study identified barriers that public health departments participating in the Health Information Network of South Texas face regarding HIE and community-level surveillance of chronic diseases. This study focused on 2 health departments participating in the Health Information Network of South Texas. We administered a survey to inventory the technology infrastructure of health departments and conducted semistructured interviews of the local, state, and national officials. We identified 3 barriers to using HIE for disease surveillance: insufficient skilled staff, variation in how laws are interpreted, and lack of a coordinated public health information technology strategy. We provide 4 recommendations for policy and practice: personnel capacity development, interorganizational informatics collaboration, interim approaches to clarifying the legality of bidirectional HIE until overarching legislation is enacted, and development of an enterprise architecture plan.
A Review of Statistical Disclosure Control Techniques Employed by Web-Based Data Query Systems
Authors: Matthews Gregory J. , Harel Ofer , Aseltine Robert H.
Published: October 2016

We systematically reviewed the statistical disclosure control techniques employed for releasing aggregate data in Web-based data query systems listed in the National Association for Public Health Statistics and Information Systems (NAPHSIS). Each Web-based data query system was examined to see whether (1) it employed any type of cell suppression, (2) it used secondary cell suppression, and (3) suppressed cell counts could be calculated. No more than 30 minutes was spent on each system. Of the 35 systems reviewed, no suppression was observed in more than half (n = 18); observed counts below the threshold were observed in 2 sites; and suppressed values were recoverable in 9 sites. Six sites effectively suppressed small counts. This inquiry has revealed substantial weaknesses in the protective measures used in data query systems containing sensitive public health data. Many systems utilized no disclosure control whatsoever, and the vast majority of those that did deployed it inconsistently or inadequately.
Cost-effectiveness of Community-Based Minigrants to Increase Physical Activity in Youth
Authors: Moore Justin B. , Heboyan Vahé , Oniffrey Theresa M. , Brinkley Jason , Andrews Sara M. , Kolbe Mary Bea
Published: October 2016

Context:

American youth are insufficiently active, and minigrant programs have been developed to facilitate implementation of evidence-based interventions in communities. However, little is known about the cost-effectiveness of targeted minigrant programs for the implementation of physical activity (PA) promoting strategies for youth.

Objective:

To determine the cost-effectiveness of a minigrant program to increase PA among youth.

Design:

Twenty community grantees were pair-matched and randomized to receive funding at the beginning of year 1 (2010-2011) or year 2 (2011-2012) to implement interventions to increase PA in youth. Costs were calculated by examining financial reports provided by the granting organization and grantees.

Setting:

Twenty counties in North Carolina.

Participants:

A random sample of approximately 800 fourth- to eighth-grade youth (per year) from the approximately 6100 youth served by the 20 community-based interventions.

Main Outcome Measure:

Cost-effectiveness ratios (CERs) were calculated at the county and project levels to determine the cost per child-minute of moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA) increased by wave. Analyses were conducted utilizing cost data from 20 community grantees and accelerometer-derived PA from the participating youth.

Results:

Of the 20 participating counties, 18 counties displayed increased youth MVPA between at least 2 waves of observation. Of those 18 counties, the CER (US dollars/MVPA minutes per day) ranged from $0.02 to $1.86 (n = 13) in intervention year 1, $0.02 to $6.19 (n = 15) in intervention year 2, and $0.02 to $0.58 (n = 17) across both years.

Conclusion:

If utilized to implement effectual behavior change strategies, minigrants can be a cost-effective means of increasing children's MVPA, with a low monetary cost per minute of MVPA.
Root Cause Analysis: An Examination of Odontogenic Origins of Acute Maxillary Sinusitis in Both Immunocompetent & Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: McCarty Jennifer L. , David Ryan M. , Lensing Shelly Y. , Samant Rohan S. , Kumar Manoj , Van Hemert Rudy L. , Angtuaco Edgardo J.C. , Fitzgerald Ryan T.
Published: October 2016

Background and Purpose

Dental and periodontal diseases represent important but often overlooked causes of acute sinusitis. Our goal was to examine the prevalence of potential odontogenic sources of acute maxillary sinusitis according to immune status and their associations with sinusitis.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of maxillofacial computed tomography studies from 2013 to 2014 was performed. Each maxillary sinus and its ipsilateral dentition were evaluated for findings of acute sinusitis and dental/periodontal disease.

Results

Eighty-four patients (24 immunocompetent, 60 immunocompromised) had 171 maxillary sinuses that met inclusion criteria for acute maxillary sinusitis. Inspection of dentition revealed oroantral fistula in 1%, periapical lucencies in 16%, and projecting tooth root(s) in 71% of cases. Immunocompromised patients were more likely to have bilateral sinusitis than immunocompetent patients (67% vs 33%, P = 0.005). A paired case-control analysis in a subset of patients with unilateral maxillary sinusitis (n = 39) showed a higher prevalence of periapical lucency in association with sinuses that had an air fluid level—29% of sinuses with a fluid level had periapical lucency compared with 12% without sinus fluid (P = 0.033).

Conclusions

Potential odontogenic sources of acute maxillary sinusitis are highly prevalent in both immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients, although the 2 patient populations demonstrate no difference in the prevalence of these potential odontogenic sources. Periapical lucencies were found to be associated with an ipsilateral sinus fluid level. Increased awareness of the importance of dental and periodontal diseases as key components of maxillofacial computed tomography interpretation would facilitate a more appropriate and timely treatment.
Assessment of Diastolic Function in Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy by Computed Tomography–Derived Analysis of Left Ventricular Filling
Authors: Ghersin Itai , Ghersin Eduard , Abadi Sobhi , Runco Therrien Jennifer E. , Tanawuttiwat Tanyanan , Aronson Doron , Lessick Jonathan
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by diastolic dysfunction, which is difficult to assess by noninvasive methods. We hypothesized that measurement of simultaneous left ventricular (LV) and left atrial (LA) volume changes by cardiac computed tomography would be useful in the assessment of diastolic function in HCM.

Methods

We studied 21 patients with HCM and 21 age-matched controls. The LA and LV volumes were calculated and early and late diastolic volume changes derived.

Results

The HCM patients had significantly larger LA volumes and reduced LA total emptying fraction (30 ± 7% vs 42 ± 6%; P < 0.0001). Conduit volume was increased (30 ± 6 vs 22 ± 4 mL/m2; P < 0.0001) and contributed a significantly higher proportion of total LV diastolic filling, suggesting that passive filling of the LV compensates for LA dysfunction, but at the expense of increased pulmonary filling pressure.

Conclusions

This study suggests that simultaneous depiction of computed tomography–derived LV and LA volume changes can characterize diastolic dysfunction in HCM.
Five Minutes a Day to Improve Comprehension Monitoring in Oral Language Contexts
Authors: Kim Young-Suk Grace , Phillips Beth
Published: October 2016

Comprehension monitoring has received substantial attention as a reading comprehension strategy. However, comprehension monitoring is not limited to the reading context, but applies to the oral context for children's listening comprehension, which is a critical foundation for reading comprehension. Therefore, a systematic and explicit instructional routine for comprehension monitoring in oral language contexts was developed for prekindergartners from low-income families. Instruction was provided in small groups for approximately 5 min a day for 4 days a week for 8 weeks. Results showed that children who received comprehension monitoring instruction were better at identifying inconsistencies in short stories than those who received typical instruction with a medium effect size (d = .57). These results suggest comprehension monitoring is malleable and can be taught in the oral language context to prereaders from low socioeconomic backgrounds. Furthermore, the instructional routine reported in this study is flexible for individual, small group, or whole class settings, and likely can be easily delivered by educators such as teachers and paraeducators.
A microRNA family exerts maternal control on sex determination inC. elegans
Authors: McJunkin Katherine , Ambros Victor
Published: October 2016

Gene expression in early animal embryogenesis is in large part controlled post-transcriptionally. Maternally-contributed microRNAs may therefore play important roles in early development. We have elucidated a major biological role of the nematodemir-35family of maternally-contributed, essential microRNAs. We show that this microRNA family regulates the sex determination pathway at multiple levels, acting both upstream and downstream ofher-1to prevent aberrantly activated male developmental programs in hermaphrodite embryos. The predicted target genes that act downstream of themir-35family in this process,sup-26andnhl-2, both encode RNA binding proteins, thus delineating a previously unknown post-transcriptional regulatory subnetwork within the well-studied sex determination pathway ofC. elegans. Genome-wide profiling of SUP-26 binding targets reveals 775 mRNAs, most of which have no known role in sex determination, suggesting that themir-35family may modulate numerous other pathways via regulation ofsup-26. Since sex determination inC. elegansrequires zygotic gene expression to read the sex chromosome karyotype, early embryos must remain gender-naïve; our findings show that themir-35family microRNAs act in the early embryo to function as a developmental timer that preserves naïveté and prevents premature deleterious developmental decisions.
Single cell analysis of lincRNA expression during human blastocyst differentiation identifiesTERT(+)multi-lineage precursor cells
Authors: Durruthy-Durruthy Jens , Wossidlo Mark , Sebastiano Vittorio , Glinsky Gennadi
Published: October 2016

Chromosome instability and aneuploidies occur very frequently in human embryos, impairing proper embryogenesis and leading to cell cycle arrest, loss of cell viability, and developmental failures in 50-80% of cleavage-stage embryos. This high frequency of cellular extinction events represents a significant experimental obstacle challenging analyses of individual cells isolated from human preimplantation embryos. Here, we carried out single cell expression profiling analyses of 241 individual cells recovered from 32 human embryos during the early and late stages of viable human blastocyst differentiation. Classification of embryonic cells was performed solely based on expression patterns of human pluripotency-associated transcripts (HPAT), which represent a family of transposable element-derived lincRNAs highly expressed in human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and regulating nuclear reprogramming and pluripotency induction. We then validated our findings by analyzing 1,708 individual embryonic cells recovered from more than 100 human embryos and 259 mouse embryonic cells at different stages of preimplantation embryogenesis. Our experiments demonstrate that segregation of human blastocyst cells into distinct sub-populations based on single-cell expression profiling of just threeHPATs(HPAT-21; -2;and-15) appears to inform key molecular and cellular events of naïve pluripotency induction and accurately captures a full spectrum of cellular diversity during human blastocyst differentiation.HPAT’s expression-guided spatiotemporal reconstruction of human embryonic development inferred from single-cell expression analysis of viable blastocyst differentiation enabled identification ofTERT(+)sub-populations, which are significantly enriched for cells expressing key naïve pluripotency regulatory genes and genetic markers of all three major lineages created during human blastocyst differentiation. Results of our analyses suggest that during early stages of preimplantation embryogenesis putative immortal multi-lineage precursor cells (iMPCs) are created, which then differentiate into trophectoderm, primitive endoderm and pluripotent epiblast lineages. We propose that cellular extinction events in cleavage-stage embryos are triggered by premature activation of HPAT lincRNAs reflecting failed iMPC’s creation attempts.

Highlights

Single cell analysis of 1,949 human & 259 mouse embryonic cells

Identification of 5 most abundant HPAT lincRNAs in viable human blastocysts

Expression profiling of just 3 lincRNAs captures cellular diversity of human blastocysts

Identification & characterization ofTERT(+)multi-lineage precursor cells

MTTH/HPATlincRNAs regulatory axis of naïve pluripotency inductionin vivo
Genomic diagnosis for children with intellectual disability and/or developmental delay
Authors: Bowling Kevin M. , Thompson Michelle L. , Amaral Michelle D. , Finnila Candice R. , Hiatt Susan M. , Engel Krysta L. , Cochran J. Nicholas , Brothers Kyle B. , East Kelly M. , Gray David E. , Kelley Whitley V. , Lamb Neil E. , Lose Edward J. , Rich Carla A. , Simmons Shirley , Whittle Jana S. , Weaver Benjamin T. , Nesmith Amy S. , Myers Richard M. , Barsh Gregory S. , Bebin E. Martina , Cooper Gregory M.
Published: October 2016

Background

Developmental disabilities have diverse genetic causes that must be identified to facilitate precise diagnoses. We describe genomic data from 371 affected individuals, 309 of which were sequenced as proband-parent trios.

Methods

Whole exome sequences (WES) were generated for 365 individuals (127 affected) and whole genome sequences (WGS) were generated for 612 individuals (244 affected).

Results

Pathogenic or likely pathogenic variants were found in 100 individuals (27%), with variants of uncertain significance in an additional 42 (11.3%). We found that a family history of neurological disease, especially the presence of an affected 1stdegree relative, reduces the pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant identification rate, reflecting both the disease relevance and ease of interpretation ofde novovariants. We also found that improvements to genetic knowledge facilitated interpretation changes in many cases. Through systematic reanalyses we have thus far reclassified 15 variants, with 11.3% of families who initially were found to harbor a VUS, and 4.7% of families with a negative result, eventually found to harbor a pathogenic or likely pathogenic variant. To further such progress, the data described here are being shared through ClinVar, GeneMatcher, and dbGAP.

Conclusion

Our data strongly support the value of large-scale sequencing, especially WGS within proband-parent trios, as both an effective first-choice diagnostic tool and means to advance clinical and research progress related to pediatric neurological disease.
Corporate governance and earnings conservatism in Malaysia
Authors: Madah Marzuki Marziana , Abdul Wahab Effiezal Aswadi , Haron Hasnah
Published: October 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether the revised Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance in 2007 enhances earnings conservatism. In addition, the authors examine the relationship between board of directors’ expertise and conservatism. The third objective is to investigate the relationship between audit committee characteristics and earnings conservatism.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample of this study is based on 3,183 firm-year observations for a period of 2004-2009. The authors hand collected the corporate governance variables, whereas the remaining data were extracted from Compustat Global. The authors used two measures of conservatism. The first is the market-based model by Basu’s (1997), and the second measure is the accrual-based measure by Ball and Shivakumar (2005).

Findings

The authors find that the revision of Malaysian Code on Corporate Governance 2007 results in improving earnings conservatism. The authors find two audit committee characteristics, namely, audit committee financial expertise and independence increase earnings conservatism, after 2007. However, the authors could not find support whether board financial expertise mix affect conservatism.

Research limitations/implications

This study did not consider other possible corporate governance variables that could influence earnings conservatism, as it would be a difficult task to gather them.

Originality/value

The authors provide evidence on the role of corporate governance and earnings conservatism in Malaysia.
Choice of governance structure and earnings quality
Authors: Kent Pamela , Kent Richard Anthony , Routledge James , Stewart Jenny
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of voluntary governance mechanisms in Australia.

Design/methodology/approach

This study identifies similar choices of corporate governance by Australian firms and tests the effectiveness of the choices made based on the earnings quality of reported firms. Cluster analysis is conducted using governance best practice variables, firm size and an earnings quality variable.

Findings

This paper’s results support the voluntary governance approach for smaller firms, but suggest that mandatory governance requirements could be beneficial for larger firms. Evidence suggests that a benefit accrues for larger firms with the adoption of governance best practice. Cluster analysis indicates that larger firms tend to exhibit higher levels of adoption of governance best practice than smaller firms.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature by providing important information regarding the suitability of adoption of voluntary governance mechanisms in Australia.
Frozen child: schema therapy for a forensic patient in a service for men with a diagnosis of severe personality disorder
Authors: Lah Asad Ul , Saradjian Jacqui
Published: October 2016

Purpose

Schema therapy has gone through various adaptations, including the identification of various schema modes. The purpose of this paper is to suggest that there may be a further dissociative mode, the “frozen child” mode, which is active for some patients, particularly those that have experienced extreme childhood trauma.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is participant observer case study which is based on the personal reflections of a forensic patient who completed a treatment programme which includes schema therapy.

Findings

The proposed mode, “frozen child”, is supported by theoretical indicators in the literature. It is proposed that patients develop this mode as a protective strategy and that unless recognised and worked with, can prevent successful completion of therapy.

Research limitations/implications

Based on a single case study, this concept is presented as a hypothesis that requires validation as the use of the case study makes generalisation difficult.

Practical implications

It is suggested that if validated, this may be one of the blocks therapists have previously encountered that has led to the view that people with severe personality disorder are “untreatable”. Suggestions are made as to how patients with this mode, if validated, can be treated with recommendations as to the most appropriate processes to potentiate such therapy.

Originality/value

The suggestion of this potential “new schema mode” is based on service user initiative, arising from a collaborative enterprise between service user and clinician, as recommended in recent government policies.
The impact of uncertainty on payout policy
Authors: Walkup Brian
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of market-level uncertainty on dividend and repurchase decisions.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a large data set over a nearly 50-year period, the author examines the choice to pay dividends and repurchase shares using logit and multinomial logit regressions.

Findings

Market-level uncertainty (measured by a GARCH estimate of volatility, as well as the Chicago Board Options Exchange Volatility Index) is shown to have a statistically significant impact on firms’ payout policy decisions. This impact is different for dividends and repurchases as well as for firms with differing levels of cash flows. As market uncertainty increases, firms with low cash flow levels tighten dividend policy to conserve cash while firms with high cash flow levels become opportunistic through the use of share repurchases.

Practical implications

The findings allow investors to better understand the connection between shifts in market-level uncertainty and corporate payout policy, specifically through the differing use of dividends and repurchases.

Originality/value

While prior literature on payout policy has focused on firm-level determinants, this study demonstrates that market-level uncertainty impacts firms’ payout policy decisions uniquely. Furthermore, this is, to the author’s knowledge, the first study to differentiate by relative cash flow level, demonstrating that not all cash flow levels react in the same manner.
Returns to buying upward revision and selling downward revision stocks
Authors: Hou Tony Chieh-Tse , McKnight Phillip , Weir Charlie
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of earnings forecast revisions by equity analysts in predicting Canadian stock returns

Design/methodology/approach

The sample covers 420 Canadian firms over the period 1998-2009. It analyses investors’ reactions to 27,271 upward revisions and 32,005 downward revisions of analysts’ forecasts for Canadian quoted companies. To test whether analysts’ earnings forecast revisions affect stock return continuation, forecast revision portfolios similar to Jegadeesh and Titman (2001) are constructed. The paper analyses the returns gained from a trading strategy based on buying the strong upward revisions portfolio and short selling the strong downward revisions portfolio. It also separates the sample into upward and downward revisions.

Findings

The authors find that new information in the form of analyst forecast revisions is not impounded efficiently into stock prices. Significant returns persist for a trading strategy that buys stocks with recent upward revisions and short sells stocks with recent downward revisions. Good news is impounded into stock prices more slowly than bad news. Post-earnings forecast revisions drift is negatively related to analyst coverage. The effect is strongest for stocks with greatest number of upward revisions. The introduction of the better disclosure standards has made the Canadian stock market more efficient.

Originality/value

The paper adds to the limited evidence on the effect of analyst forecast revisions on the returns of Canadian stocks. It sheds light on the importance of analysts’ earnings forecast information and offers support for the investor conservatism and information diffusion hypotheses. It also shows how policy can improve market efficiency.
Flash of green: are environmentally driven stock returns sustainable?
Authors: Levi Melissa , Newton David
Published: October 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the source of apparent abnormal returns accrued by “green” company stocks. Though one cannot completely rule out that market-to-book and size factors may already capture the information of Trucosts’ total damage measure, the authors attempt to attribute the effect to risk, a persistent desirable characteristic or a short-run attention effect.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors construct portfolios of stocks using the Trucost data for identifying more environmentally friendly companies. The authors then compare the risk-adjusted returns of the green portfolios to the non-green portfolios. A secondary analysis of the price impact of being listed on the Newsweek green company listed is used to determine attention effects.

Findings

The authors find that green stock returns outperform the most polluting stocks by 3.7 percent per year on a risk-adjusted basis. The evidence is most consistent with a significant but economically small attention effect coupled with a longer lasting and greater magnitude desirable characteristic driving green returns. The authors do not find evidence of a risk-contribution to the performance after controlling for well-known factors.

Practical implications

Fund managers may benefit from this research in selecting green stocks, and thereby enhancing investment performance, with desirable characteristics without fear of increasing risk.

Social implications

One social implication is that investing in sustainable and green firms may not only be beneficial for the common good but also for the investor. Increased capital flows, and hence lower borrowing costs, for green firms may assist in creating a more ecologically sustainable economy.

Originality/value

To the authors’ knowledge this paper unique in attempting to determine if the green premium is a short-run inefficiency resolved by attention or a result of a desirable characteristic.
Perturbation and delayed recovery of the reed invertebrate assemblage in Camargue marshes sprayed with Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis
Authors: Poulin Brigitte , Lefebvre Gaëtan
Published: October 2016

Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) is the most commonly used larvicide to control mosquitoes worldwide. Considered as nontoxic to most organisms, Bti can nevertheless cause trophic perturbations to natural communities by reducing the abundance of Chironomidae, which are a key element of wetland food webs. Since August 2006, up to 8400 of the 33 000 ha of mosquito larval biotopes in the Camargue (Rhône delta, in southern France), are monitored by a public agency and Bti‐sprayed (aqueous solution of VectoBac 12AS at 2.5 L/ha) whenever mosquito larvae (Ochlerotatus caspius and Oc. detritus) appeared in water bodies. This resulted in 30–50 aerial treatments/year, in addition to ground spraying of unknown frequency. The sprayed habitats include Phragmites australis reedbeds, which support a specific avifauna of conservation concern. We compared the abundance of invertebrate prey available to passerine birds at treated and control sites relative to the predicted values based on hydrology over a 9‐year period. Food available to reed passerines was significantly reduced at treated areas, translating into a 34% decrease in breeding birds based on predictive modeling. The most affected arthropods were Diptera, Aranaea, Coleoptera, and Hymenoptera. No cumulative effects were observed over time, but the recovery of the invertebrate assemblage after the cessation of mosquito control was delayed due to Bti spore persistence and proliferation in the sediments. While hydrology remains a prime factor influencing primary and secondary productivity of the Camargue reed marshes, Bti spraying had significant negative effects on animal communities at several trophic levels.