bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A practical future-scenarios selection tool to breed for heat tolerance in Australian dairy cattle
Authors: Nguyen Thuy T. T. , Hayes Ben J. , Pryce Jennie E.
Published: December 2016

Climate change will have an impact on dairy cow performance. When heat stressed, animals consume less feed, followed by a decline in milk yield. Previously, we have found that there is genetic variation in this decline. Selection for increased milk production, a major breeding objective, is expected to reduce heat tolerance (HT), as these traits are genetically unfavourably correlated. We aimed to develop a future-scenarios selection tool to assist farmers in making selection decisions, that combines the current national dairy selection index, known as the balanced performance index (BPI), with a proposed HT genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV). Heat-tolerance GEBV was estimated for 12 062 genotyped cows and 10 981 bulls, using an established genomic-prediction equation. Publicly available future daily average temperature and humidity data were used to estimate mean daily temperature–humidity index for each dairy herd. An economic estimate of an individual cow’s heat-tolerance breeding value (BV_HT) was calculated by multiplying head-tolerance GEBVs for milk, fat and protein by their respective economic values that are already used in the BPI. This was scaled for each region by multiplying BV_HT by the heat load, which is the temperature–humidity index units exceeding the threshold per year at a particular location. BV_HT were incorporated into the BPI as: BPI_HT = BPI + BV_HT; where BPI_HT is the ‘augmented BPI’ breeding value including HT. A web-based application was developed enabling farmers to predict the future heat load of a herd and take steps to aim at genetic improvement in future generations by selecting bulls and cows that rank high for the ‘augmented BPI’.
Unfolding large-scale online collaborative human dynamics
Authors: Zha Yilong , Zhou Tao , Zhou Changsong
Published: December 2016

Significance

This paper uncovered a universal double–power-law distribution of interupdate times for articles in Wikipedia and unfolded the seemingly complex collaborative patterns into three generic modules related to individual behavior, interaction among individuals, and population growth. The model is analytically solved and fully supported by the real data. As this model does not depend on any specific rules of Wikipedia, it is highly applicable for other online collaborative systems like software development and email communication. Similar scaling properties and models were reported for earthquake recurrence times, suggesting that interacting natural and social systems share universal collective mechanisms.
Siderophore-based microbial adaptations to iron scarcity across the eastern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Boiteau Rene M. , Mende Daniel R. , Hawco Nicholas J. , McIlvin Matthew R. , Fitzsimmons Jessica N. , Saito Mak A. , Sedwick Peter N. , DeLong Edward F. , Repeta Daniel J.
Published: December 2016

Significance

Iron limits marine production across one third of the surface ocean. The chemical form of iron in these regions is unknown, but it is well established that molecular speciation affects microbial competition for iron uptake. Here we show that the abundance and identity of siderophores, strong iron-binding compounds secreted by microbes to enhance iron uptake, changes across iron-replete and iron-deficient regions of the South Pacific Ocean. In low-iron regions, amphiphilic siderophores are particularly abundant, suggesting a microbial strategy designed to minimize diffusive loss of metabolically expensive compounds while facilitating iron acquisition. Phylogenetic analysis further suggests that the ability to produce amphiphilic siderophores has been transferred across multiple bacterial lineages, suggesting a possible mechanism of adaptation.
Combined Effects of Barge Transportation, River Environment, and Rearing Location on Straying and Migration of Adult Snake River Fall‐Run Chinook Salmon
Authors: Bond Morgan H. , Westley Peter A. H. , Dittman Andrew H. , Holecek Dean , Marsh Tiffani , Quinn Thomas P.
Published: December 2016

Homing and straying in salmon have been extensively studied, yet it has proven difficult to disentangle the biotic and abiotic factors that influence straying. In the Columbia River basin, some juvenile salmon are collected at dams and transported downstream to increase survival during seaward migration, and as returning adults they experience a range of environmental conditions as they ascend the river. We examined 8 years of PIT tag detection data for hatchery‐reared, fall‐run Chinook SalmonOncorhynchus tshawytschareleased in the Snake River to evaluate the combined effects of juvenile barging, rearing and release locations, and environmental conditions on adult migration speed and straying below and above the Columbia River–Snake River confluence. Straying to the upper Columbia River was 10–19 times more likely among adults that were barged as juveniles from Snake River dams than among adults that were in‐river migrants or that were transported from McNary Dam (below the confluence) as juveniles. Similarly, barging from Snake River dams and warmer Columbia River temperatures increased the likelihood of straying into streams below the confluence. Furthermore, adult upstream migration was slower among juveniles that were reared at two mid‐Columbia River hatcheries and juveniles that were barged, indicating possible navigational impairment. However, rearing location, release distance, and release age had relatively minimal effects on straying. Collectively, our results indicate that (1) adult migration and homing are affected by a complex combination of processes that take place during smolt out‐migration and the adult return migration, and (2) enhancement efforts can inadvertently add to the challenge. The straying of barged fish demonstrates the potential for increasing adult returns to the Snake River by changing the barging process so that it more adequately supports the proper imprinting of juveniles.

Received May 13, 2016; accepted September 7, 2016 Published online December 2, 2016
From hero worship to organized oblivion: representations of the People's Front in Tajikistan's national memory
Authors: Nourzhanov Kirill
Published: December 2016

The People's Front of Tajikistan (PFT), one of the parties to the country's civil war, was instrumental in bringing the government of President Emomali Rahmon to power. The article examines the official strategies of memorialization of the PFT from the early 1990s to the present. It discusses the emergence of a canon of the PFT heroes and martyrs and locates it within the nascent national mythology after independence. It argues that the maintenance of this canon was rendered impossible by the imperatives of consolidating presidential authority and securing national reconciliation following the 1997 peace deal. It concludes with an examination of the growing tension between the official line of historical amnesia on the one hand and resurgent social memory on the other. People in Tajikistan are increasingly interested in revisiting the events and protagonists of the war to develop a sense of the past, and remembering the PFT forms an essential part of their search for shared history and a sense of identity.
“The (final) solution of the Gypsy-question:” continuities in discourses about Roma in Hungary, 1940s–1950s
Authors: Varsa Eszter
Published: December 2016

Although the repression and elimination of Roma from Hungarian society in the 1940s did not reach the same extent as in the German and Austrian part of the Third Reich, their characterization as lazy and work-shy, used to justify their persecution, was similar. This paper establishes the presence of racial hygienic discourse related to Roma during the late 1930s and the first half of the 1940s in Hungary, and traces its survival and influence on regional policy-making in the postwar period. It furthermore explores the transformation and adaptation of racism and eugenics to the socialist ideology of equality based on citizens' participation in productive work in the early state socialist period, including the first Party declaration on the situation of Roma in Hungary in 1961. Specific attention is paid to the role of medical experts who discussed the “radical solution of the Gypsy-question” in the early 1940s and the immediate years following World War II. Reflecting on wider transformations of racism in the postcolonial and post-World War II period in Europe and North America, the paper contributes to scholarship that complicates the evaluation of the state socialist past, including the connection between medicine and politics in Cold War Europe.
Th2 responses are primed by skin dendritic cells with distinct transcriptional profiles
Authors: Connor Lisa M. , Tang Shiau-Choot , Cognard Emmanuelle , Ochiai Sotaro , Hilligan Kerry L. , Old Samuel I. , Pellefigues Christophe , White Ruby F. , Patel Deepa , Smith Adam Alexander T. , Eccles David A. , Lamiable Olivier , McConnell Melanie J. , Ronchese Franca
Published: December 2016

The dendritic cell signals required for the in vivo priming of IL-4–producing T cells are unknown. We used RNA sequencing to characterize DCs from skin LN of mice exposed to two different Th2 stimuli: the helminth parasite Nippostrongylus brasiliensis (Nb) and the contact sensitizer dibutyl phthalate (DBP)-FITC. Both Nb and DBP-FITC induced extensive transcriptional changes that involved multiple DC subsets. Surprisingly, these transcriptional changes were highly distinct in the two models, with only a small number of genes being similarly regulated in both conditions. Pathway analysis of expressed genes identified no shared pathways between Nb and DBP-FITC, but revealed a type-I IFN (IFN-I) signature unique to DCs from Nb-primed mice. Blocking the IFN-I receptor at the time of Nb treatment had little effect on DC migration and antigen transport to the LN, but inhibited the up-regulation of IFN-I–induced markers on DCs and effectively blunted Th2 development. In contrast, the response to DBP-FITC was not affected by IFN-I receptor blockade, a finding consistent with the known dependence of this response on the innate cytokine TSLP. Thus, the priming of Th2 responses is associated with distinct transcriptional signatures in DCs in vivo, reflecting the diverse environments in which Th2 immune responses are initiated.
Plasma acylcarnitines are associated with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Luo Nancy , Craig Damian , Ilkayeva Olga , Muehlbauer Michael , Kraus William E. , Newgard Christopher B. , Shah Svati H. , Rajagopal Sudarshan
Published: December 2016

Quantifying metabolic derangements in pulmonary hypertension (PH) by plasma metabolomics could identify biomarkers useful for diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this paper is to test the hypotheses that circulating metabolites are differentially expressed in PH patients compared with controls and among different hemodynamic subtypes of PH associated with left heart disease. We studied patients enrolled in the CATHGEN biorepository with PH (right heart catheterization mPAP ≥ 25 mmHg; n = 280). Of these, 133 met criteria for postcapillary PH, 82 for combined precapillary and postcapillary PH (CpcPH), and 65 for precapillary PH. Targeted profiling of 63 metabolites (acylcarnitines, amino acids, and ketones) was performed using tandem flow injection mass spectrometry. Multivariable linear regression was used to determine differences in metabolite factors derived from a principal components analysis between PH cases, PH subtypes, and non‐PH controls. In adjusted models, the metabolite factor loaded with long‐chain acylcarnitines was higher in all PH cases versus non‐PH controls (P = 0.00008), but did not discriminate between CpcPH and postcapillary PH (P = 0.56). In analyses of subtypes, CpcPH patients had lower levels of factors loaded with urea cycle amino acids and short chain acylcarnitines as compared to controls (P = 0.002 and P = 0.01, respectively) and as compared to postcapillary PH (P = 0.04 and P = 0.02, respectively). Compared to controls, PH was strongly associated with greater concentrations of long‐chain acylcarnitines. Postcapillary PH and CpcPH were weakly associated with distinct metabolomic profiles. These findings suggest the presence of unique metabolic abnormalities in subtypes of PH and may reflect underlying pathophysiology.
Return migration patterns of porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) in the Northeast Atlantic: implications for stock range and structure
Authors: Biais Gérard , Coupeau Yann , Séret Bernard , Calmettes Beatriz , Lopez Rémy , Hetherington Stuart , Righton David
Published: December 2016

During two surveys in 2011 and 2013, we deployed pop-up satellite archival tags (PSATs) on subadult or adult porbeagles at the Bay of Biscay shelf break. We collected data that enabled the reconstruction of nine migrations (eight females, one male) that uncover the large spatial extent of these sharks in the Northeast Atlantic. The mean duration of each deployment was 292 d, with four reaching 365 d. The reconstructions show that, after migrations that extended up to 2000 km away from the point of release, the tagged porbeagles returned to their location of tagging. All the reconstructed migrations followed the same general pattern of a migration away from the Bay of Biscay in late summer, and a return in spring the following year. The total distance of the migrations was estimated at 5000–13 000 km for PSATs deployed for a full year (n = 4), with examples of migration to the Arctic Circle, southward to Madeira and westward to the mid-Atlantic Ridge. The observed site fidelity to the Bay of Biscay and the common migration pattern of all females provide evidence of complex spatial structure and dynamics that encompasses both the open ocean and heavily fished coastal areas, and highlights the challenge of assessing and managing the porbeagle stock in this area.
Weight Trajectories of Israeli Pediatric Cancer Survivors
Authors: Stern Marilyn , Bachar Eytan , Ronen Ackerman Eyal , Rancourt Diana , Bonne Omer , Weintraub Michael
Published: December 2016

Objective Cross-national replication of the high rates of overweight/obesity among U.S. pediatric cancer survivors (PCS) is limited. Predictors of weight trajectories of Israeli PCS were examined from diagnosis and end of active cancer treatment to 3 years posttreatment. Methods World Health Organization-derived body mass index (z-BMI) values were calculated at each time point from medical records of 135 Israeli PCS (M diagnosis age = 11.4). A three-section piecewise multilevel model including age, ethnicity, gender, treatment length, and diagnosis as predictors was used to estimate z-BMI trajectories. Results Most participants remained at a healthy weight at all time points. Differing weight trajectories emerged for PCS diagnosed with lymphoma/leukemia versus other cancer diagnoses from diagnosis to end of treatment, but similar weight change patterns were observed posttreatment. Conclusion Replication of U.S. PCS weight trajectories was not observed in Israeli PCS, suggesting the importance of exploring environmental risk factors contributing to obesity among PCS.
A strongly truncated inner accretion disc in the Rapid Burster
Authors: van den Eijnden J. , Bagnoli T. , Degenaar N. , Lohfink A. M. , Parker M. L. , in ‘t Zand J. J. M , Fabian A. C.
Published: December 2016

The neutron star (NS) low-mass X-ray binary (LMXB) the Rapid Burster (RB; MXB 1730-335) uniquely shows both Type I and Type II X-ray bursts. The origin of the latter is ill-understood but has been linked to magnetospheric gating of the accretion flow. We present a spectral analysis of simultaneous Swift, NuSTAR and XMM–Newton observations of the RB during its 2015 outburst. Although a broad Fe K line has been observed before, the high quality of our observations allows us to model this line using relativistic reflection models for the first time. We find that the disc is strongly truncated at $41.8^{+6.7}_{-5.3}$ gravitational radii (∼87 km), which supports magnetospheric Type II burst models and strongly disfavours models involving instabilities at the innermost stable circular orbit. Assuming that the RB magnetic field indeed truncates the disc, we find B = (6.2 ± 1.5) × 108 G, larger than typically inferred for NS LMXBs. In addition, we find a low inclination ($i = 29^{\circ } \pm 2^{\circ }$). Finally, we comment on the origin of the Comptonized and thermal components in the RB spectrum.
Energy storage through intercalation reactions: electrodes for rechargeable batteries
Authors: Massé Robert C. , Liu Chaofeng , Li Yanwei , Mai Liqiang , Cao Guozhong
Published: December 2016

Electrochemical energy storage has been an important enabling technology for modern electronics of all kinds, and will grow in importance as more electric vehicles and grid-scale storage systems are deployed. We briefly review the history of intercalation electrodes and basic concepts pertaining to batteries based on intercalation reactions. Then we summarize how the critical performance metrics—energy density, power density, safety and stability—relate back to electrode materials properties, and how these materials properties are related to fundamental chemical and physical structure relationships highlighted with the most recent research advancement. Challenges and avenues for further research have been highlighted throughout.
Oculographic, Clinical Test of Sensory Integration and Balance and Computerized Dynamic Posturography Findings in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Amor-Dorado Juan Carlos , Barreira-Fernandez Maria P. , Llorca Javier , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A.
Published: December 2016

Objective:

To assess the frequency and characteristics of the oculographic findings and the usefulness of the clinical test of sensory integration and balance (CTSIB) for the evaluation of balance in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) by comparing this test with the computerized dynamic posturography (CDP).

Study Design:

A series of consecutive patients that fulfilled the Moll and Wright criteria for PsA and matched controls were studied.

Setting:

The study was performed at the Otolaryngology Division of a tertiary reference center.

Intervention:

Vestibular evaluation including CTSIB followed by CDP was performed to all patients and age, sex, and ethnically frequency-matched controls.

Main Outcome Measure:

Patterns of CTSIB and CDP (gold standard) were assessed and compared.

Patients:

Sixty PsA patients (63.3% women) and 60 matched controls.

Results:

PsA patients had higher frequency of abnormal oculocephalic response (13.3%) and abnormal caloric test (26.7%) than controls (0% in both cases) (p = 0.006 and p < 0.001, respectively). Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) was diagnosed in two (3.4%) patients and none of the controls (p = 1). Significantly increased frequency of abnormal CTSIB test with vestibular loss pattern (33.3%) in patients compared with controls (6%) was observed (p = 0.002). Significantly increased frequency of abnormal CDP was also observed in PsA patients (14 [23.3%] versus 0 [0%] of controls) (p < 0.001). CTSIB yielded 100% sensitivity, 73% specificity, 48% positive predictive value, and 100% negative predictive value.

Conclusions:

This study indicates that oculographic findings are common in PsA. CTSIB is useful for assessing balance disorder screening in the routine clinical practice in these patients.
Pediatric Oncology Discharges With Febrile Neutropenia: Variation in Location of Care
Authors: Alvarez Elysia , Chamberlain Lisa J. , Aftandilian Catherine , Saynina Olga , Wise Paul
Published: December 2016

We examined the use of Pediatric Cancer Specialty Centers (PCSCs) over time and the length of stay (LOS) in pediatric oncology patients with a diagnosis of febrile neutropenia. PCSCs were defined as Children’s Oncology Group and California Children’s Services designated centers. We performed a retrospective analysis on all discharges of pediatric (0 to 18) oncology patients with febrile neutropenia in California (1983 to 2011) using the private Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database. We examined influence of age, sex, race/ethnicity, payer, income, distance, tumor type, and complications on utilization of PCSCs and LOS (SAS 9.2). Analysis of 24,559 pediatric oncology febrile neutropenia discharges showed hospitalizations in PCSCs increasing from 48% in 1983 to 94% in 2011. The adjusted regression analysis showed decreased PCSC utilization for ages 15 to 18, Hispanic patients, and those living >40 miles away. The median PCSC LOS was 9 days compared with 7 days at a non-PCSC (P<0.0001). Discharge from a PCSC was associated with a LOS >8 days after controlling for complications. Inpatient PCSC care for febrile neutropenia in California has increased since 1983. Receiving care at a PCSC is influenced by age, tumor type, ethnicity, geography, and complications.
Leading DNP Professionals
Authors: Malloch Kathy
Published: December 2016

The doctorate in nursing practice (DNP) role is quickly emerging across the United States in numerous practice settings, especially in hospitals, outpatient services, and academic institutions. There is now a need for guidelines to evaluate the enactment of the standards used to create DNP education and practice, competencies expected in practice, and the outcomes and value created by this role. This article presents a DNP Performance Demonstration and Impact template created on the basis of the AACN (American Association of Colleges of Nursing), NONPF (National Organization of Nurse Practitioner Faculties), and AONE (American Organization of Nurse Executives) standards to assist leaders in evaluating DNP performance from a standards-driven perspective.
The Advanced Practice Clinical Nurse Specialist
Authors: Mayo Ann M. , Ray Melinda Mercer , Chamblee Tracy B. , Urden Linda D. , Moody Rachel
Published: December 2016

The clinical nurse specialist (CNS), one of the 4 advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) categories, has a unique role to play in contributing to high-quality patient care and system-level change across multiple health care settings. CNS practice requires advanced knowledge and skills, including specialty expertise, the ability to integrate new knowledge and innovation into the system of care, the ability to consult and collaborate with all health professions, and the mentoring of nursing staff to support and fully implement that new knowledge. The purpose of this article was to describe the role of the CNS, explain the background of the CNS role as it relates to APRN practice, provide current CNS workforce statistics, and share opportunities for hospitals and health systems to strategically use CNSs to advance patient and organizational goals.
The Evolution of the New Provider Team
Authors: Anen Trish , McElroy Debra
Published: December 2016

Nursing executives are continually challenged to address a rapidly evolving health care system. Every aspect of care delivery is being scrutinized, yet the constant requirement remains assurance of high-quality, highly reliable care that is cost-effective and easily accessible. The nursing workforce remains visible in traditional roles as well as in new and innovative capacities, whereas nurse executives experience expanded realms of focus and responsibility. As health systems continue to adapt to the changing environment, the ability to leverage the role and scope of the advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) as a health care provider is emerging as an essential business and care strategy. While the APRN role is more commonly accepted in primary care, ambiguity persists in how to best use the role along the continuum of care to achieve the cost-effective solutions required in today's health care environment. Successful health care systems of today and tomorrow are those that act boldly in a strategic direction. Data-driven decision making is key to meaningful change, whether clinical or operational. The need to develop high-functioning, integrated provider teams is apparent and immediate. Nurse executives and their nursing leadership colleagues must lead with evidence in hand to create infrastructures that support true integration, optimization, and engagement of all members of the provider team to better serve our patients and communities.
Establishing a Viable Workforce Pipeline of Primary Care Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Madler Billie , Helland Mary
Published: December 2016

Maldistribution and shortages of primary care providers, changing reimbursement structures, movement from inpatient to community-based models of care, an aging population, and health care reform lead to increased numbers of patients seeking care. All of these phenomena have a part in creating a health care landscape that requires industry leaders enlist innovative strategies to meet the health care needs of their communities. Delivery of high-quality, efficient care by qualified providers is essential for the success of any health care system. Partnerships between health systems and academic centers of learning to develop a pipeline of providers is one inventive approach that can address primary care workforce needs. The purpose of this article was to share an example of an academic/health care system partnership to address primary care workforce needs in a rural Midwestern region.
Full Practice Authority for Nurse Practitioners
Authors: Dillon Deborah , Gary Faye
Published: December 2016

Implementation of the Affordable Care Act (2010) enabled more than 30 million people to have new access to primary care services. On the basis of current utilization patterns, demand for primary care providers is expected to grow more rapidly than physician supply. This imbalance is expected to worsen, as the aging population requires more health care resources. In addition, more patients are requiring critical care services and physician numbers are not keeping with this growing need. Restrictions on resident physician practice hours have impacted inpatient care as well. Revisiting outdated state practice laws, and considering Full Practice Authority (FPA) for nurse practitioners (NP), is needed for improving access to care while creating greater flexibility for development of patient-centered health care homes and other emerging models of care delivery. Currently, 21 states and the District of Columbia have adopted FPA for NPs, with 15 more states planning legislation in 2016. Allowing FPA and Prescriptive Authority (PA) enables NPs to become more efficient and effective patient care team members. However, physician resistance to FPA and PA presents barriers to implementation.
Social Psychological Factors and Suicidal Intent Among Suicide Attempters in Rural China
Authors: Wang Jin-Yu , Chu Jie , Sun Shi-Hua , Zhang Jie , Guo Xiao-Lei , Jia Cun-Xian
Published: December 2016

This study explores the effects of social psychological factors on suicidal intent among suicide attempters in rural China. Suicide attempters were identified by the county-level Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) and interviewed by the research team. A path analysis was conducted with physical illness, social support, and negative life events as exogenous variables, and life satisfaction, depressive emotions, and suicidal intent as endogenous variables. Beginning with a saturation model, a best model was obtained after removing the paths that were not significant. In the final model, depressive emotions and life satisfaction were directly associated with suicidal intent, and the standardized effect estimates were 0.3007 (p < 0.001) and −0.1182 (p = 0.0368). Physical illness, social support, and negative life events did not directly affect suicidal intent but had indirect effect. Depressive emotions may be the most important and direct predictor of suicidal intent; physical illness, negative life events, and social support affect suicidal intent through life satisfaction and depressive emotions.
Expressed Emotion and Attributions in Relatives of Patients With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Panic Disorder
Authors: Renshaw Keith D. , Chambless Dianne L. , Thorgusen Sommer
Published: December 2016

Relatives' criticism of, hostility toward, and emotional overinvolvement (EOI) with patients are predictive of treatment response and relapse. Although these constructs have been linked to relatives' attributions for patient problems, little research has yet evaluated attributions for specific types of problems. This study examined event-specific attributions (i.e., attributions specifically for either disorder-related [DR] or non-DR problems) in relatives of patients with anxiety disorders. Relatives made more illness attributions (attributing problems to a patient's disorder) than controllable attributions (attributing problems to factors controllable by patients) for DR events, with the reverse pattern for non-DR events. Criticism and hostility were associated primarily with controllability attributions for non-DR events. In contrast, the presence of EOI was associated with illness attributions for non-DR events. Family-based interventions for anxiety disorders might need to focus on relatives' controllability attributions for a broad range of patient behaviors and on reducing tendencies to attribute non-DR problems to patients' disorders.
Advances in Endoscope Reprocessing Technology and Its Impact on Pathogen Transmission
Authors: Shellnutt Cathleen
Published: December 2016

Pathogen transmissions via flexible endoscopes have been documented in the literature and have been historically related to human error or omission of steps in the reprocessing cycle. The 2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report challenged manufacturers of automated endoscope reprocessors to improve and advance technology to automate more of the reprocessing steps. A review and synthesis of the literature following the 2008 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report was performed to evaluate whether advances in reprocessing technology have occurred and whether these have had an impact on pathogen transmission via flexible endoscopes. The Iowa Model of Evidence-Based Practice to Promote Quality Care was used to guide the project. The literature search regarding pathogen transmission related to flexible endoscopes yielded 10 documents citing infections from 2008 to 2015. A total of 353 patients were identified as having been infected with a contaminated gastroscope, bronchoscope, or duodenoscope. An evaluation of reprocessing technology identified 3 automated endoscope reprocessors with enhanced capabilities and flushing devices intended to automate portions of the manual cleaning step.
BCFtools/csq: Haplotype-aware variant consequences
Authors: Danecek Petr , McCarthy Shane A.
Published: December 2016

Motivation:

Prediction of functional variant consequences is an important part of sequencing pipelines, allowing the categorization and prioritization of genetic variants for follow up analysis. However, current predictors analyze variants as isolated events, which can lead to incorrect predictions when adjacent variants alter the same codon, or when a frame-shifting indel is followed by a frame-restoring indel. Exploiting known haplotype information when making consequence predictions can resolve these issues.

Results:

BCFtools/csq is a fast program for haplotype-aware consequence calling which can take into account known phase. Consequence predictions are changed for 501 of 5019 compound variants found in the 81.7M variants in the 1000 Genomes Project data, with an average of 139 compound variants per haplotype. Predictions match existing tools when run in localized mode, but the program is an order of magnitude faster and requires an order of magnitude less memory.

Availability:

The program is freely available for commercial and non-commercial use in the BCFtools package which is available for download fromhttp://samtools.github.io/bcftools

Contact:

pd3@sanger.ac.uk
The Bacterial Sequential Markov Coalescent
Authors: De Maio Nicola , Wilson Daniel J
Published: December 2016

Bacteria can exchange and acquire new genetic material from other organisms directly and via the environment. This process, known as bacterial recombination, has a strong impact on the evolution of bacteria, for example leading to the spread of antibiotic resistance across clades and species, and to the avoidance of clonal interference. Recombination hinders phylogenetic and transmission inference because it creates patterns of substitutions that are not consistent with the hypothesis of a single evolutionary tree (homoplasies). Bacterial recombination is typically modelled as statistically akin to the gene conversion process of eukaryotes, i.e., using the coalescent with gene conversion (CGC). However, this model can be very computationally demanding as it requires to account for the correlations of evolutionary histories of even distant loci. So, with the increasing popularity of whole genome sequencing, the need has emerged for a new and faster approach to model and simulate bacterial evolution at genomic scales. We present a new model that approximates the coalescent with gene conversion: the bacterial sequential Markov coalescent (BSMC). Our approach is based on a similar idea to the the sequential Markov coalescent (SMC), an approximation of the coalescent with recombination. However, bacterial recombination poses hurdles to a sequential Markov approximation, as it leads to strong correlations and linkage disequilibrium across very distant sites in the genome. Our BSMC overcomes these difficulties and shows both a considerable reduction in computational demand compared the exact CGC, and very similar patterns in the simulated data. We use the BSMC within an Approximate Bayesian Computation (ABC) inference scheme and show that we can correctly recover parameters simulated under the exact CGC, which further showcases the accuracy of our approximation. We also use this ABC approach to infer recombination rate, mutation rate, and recombination tract length from a whole genome alignment ofBacillus cereus. Lastly, we implemented our BSMC model within a new simulation software FastSimBac. In addition to the decreased computational demand compared to previous bacterial genome evolution simulators, FastSimBac also provides a much more general set of options for evolutionary scenarios, allowing population structure with migration, speciations, population size changes, and recombination hotspots. FastSimBac is available fromhttps://bitbucket.org/nicofmay/fastsimbacand is distributed as open source under the terms of the GNU General Public Licence.
Poly[di-μ2-acetato-κ4O:O′-μ3-thiourea-κ3S:S:S-lead(II)]: a redetermination
Authors: Zouihri Hafid , Ait Mouha Mbark , Ba Mohamed Bouchra , Yamni Khalid , Tijani Najib
Published: December 2016

The structure of the title polymeric lead(II) thiourea complex, [Pb(CH3O)2{SC(NH2)2}]n, has been redetermined at significantly higher precision using diffractometer data at 100 K. The previous determination used data obtained from multiple-film integrated Weissenberg photographs [Nardelliet al.(1960).Acta Cryst.13, 898–904]. The main difference between the two models is in the precision of the bond lengths, angles and cell parameters. In the crystal, the eight-coordinate PbIIatom is chelated by two carboxylate groups and bridged by three S atoms from thiourea ligands. The coordination sphere is completed by an O atom from a third carboxylate group, the second O atom of which binds to a neighbouring PbIIatom, forming a polymeric chain that runs theaaxis. Two of these chains are related by centres of symmetry. Intermolecular hydrogen bonds connect neighbouring chains to one another, generating a three-dimensional network.
Funny, scary, dead
Authors: Branchik Blaine J. , O’Leary Bay
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine negative depictions of male homosexuality in US print and video advertising during the twentieth and early twenty-first centuries. It answers three research questions: What sorts of negative depictions of homosexuality are presented? How, if at all, have pejorative depictions of gay men evolved in the past 100 years? and Why have they changed?

Design/methodology/approach

The authors specify eight depictions of negative imagery in advertising and, using content analysis, assess 88 print and video advertisements featuring 133 depictions culled from a large sample.

Findings

Analysis reveals that, once rare, there has been a rapid expansion of negative gay imagery in advertisements beginning in 2000, even as gays are gain increasing acceptance and visibility. Typical advertisement depictions have evolved from men dressed as woman early in the twentieth century to men reacting with fear, revulsion or even violence to concerns that they might be gay or be subject to homosexual advances.

Research limitations/implications

Given the paucity of available imagery, data collection was opportunistic and resulted in a relatively small sample.

Practical implications

Practitioners can benefit from explication of how various audiences can view certain advertisement depictions of gay men as insulting or threatening. They can then become more attuned to the impact of negative minority depictions in general.

Social implications

Society can benefit from heightened awareness of the impact imagery can have on minority or marginalized groups. Results further illustrate society’s evolving and ambivalent views on homosexuality, the visibility of gay imagery in media in general and changing notions of manhood and masculinity.

Originality/value

The authors are aware of no other study that specifically categorizes and assesses negative depictions of gay advertisement imagery.
Heraldry and brand logotypes: 800 years of color combinations
Authors: Droulers Olivier
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to draw a parallel between color combinations in coats of arms of the twelfth century and color combinations in current brand logotypes of 400 companies from the Forbes Global 2000 list.

Design/methodology/approach

In this work, the frequency of color combinations displayed in medieval coats of arms and in the brand logotypes of the top 400 largest companies in the Forbes list were compared.

Findings

One of the main findings of this research is the stability of color usage in two visual identity systems – coats of arms and brand logotypes – although 800 years separate them. In these two identification systems, almost the same colors are preferred or rejected. Yet, even though it is regularly argued that color will submerge the consumption world, this research shows that, in the twenty-first century, visual identities of brands are rather less colorful than medieval coats of arms: nowadays, at a global level, half of the logotypes are formed with white combined with red and/or blue.

Originality/value

By drawing a parallel between two visual identification systems that are coats of arms and logotypes, the results from this study highlight the stability in color usage and color combinations along the centuries. Thus, it seems that modern analysis of color combination practices could greatly benefit from the history and historical evolution of coats of arms. Far from being out of date, the study of coats of arms can provide marketers with interesting insights about the rules and implementation of color combinations when designing logotypes.
Effectiveness of the GM(1,1) model on linear growth sequence and its application in global primary energy consumption prediction
Authors: Yuan Chaoqing , Chen Ding
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effectiveness of GM(1,1) model on linear growth sequences (LGS) by random experiments and global primary energy consumption is predicted as by the GM(1,1) and the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) model, which is used as a reference.

Design/methodology/approach

LGS generated randomly are used for GM(1,1) modeling. The results of the massive repeated random experiments are analyzed to test the effectiveness of the GM(1,1) model and global primary energy consumption is predicted using the GM(1,1) model and the ARIMA model.

Findings

The use of the GM(1,1) model is effective when used for a LGS and the model is proven to be reliable by the experiments. Global primary energy consumption is predicted with the GM(1,1) model and the ARIMA model as a case study, and the results show that GM(1,1) is quite good. Global primary energy consumption will increase by 1.03 percent in 2016.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper includes the following: first, the applicability of the GM (1,1) model is further discussed with random experiments and it is feasible for a LGS; second, random experiments provide good proof that four data are enough for GM(1,1) modeling, and GM(1,1) model is reliable; third, prediction by using GM(1,1) model with small data is even better than time-series analysis in the case study.
On the fit and forecasting performance of grey prediction models for projecting educational attainment
Authors: Tang Hui-Wen Vivian , Chou Tzu-chin Rojoice
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the forecasting performance of grey prediction models on educational attainmentvis-à-visthat of exponential smoothing combined with multiple linear regression employed by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).

Design/methodology/approach

An out-of-sample forecasting experiment was carried out to compare the forecasting performances on educational attainments among GM(1,1), GM(1,1) rolling, FGM(1,1) derived from the grey system theory and exponential smoothing prediction combined with multivariate regression. The predictive power of each model was measured based on MAD, MAPE, RMSE and simpleF-test of equal variance.

Findings

The forecasting efficiency evaluated by MAD, MAPE, RMSE and simpleF-test of equal variance revealed that the GM(1,1) rolling model displays promise for use in forecasting educational attainment.

Research limitations/implications

Since the possible inadequacy of MAD, MAPE, RMSE andF-type test of equal variance was documented in the literature, further large-scale forecasting comparison studies may be done to test the prediction powers of grey prediction and its competing out-of-sample forecasts by other alternative measures of accuracy.

Practical implications

The findings of this study would be useful for NCES and professional forecasters who are expected to provide government authorities and education policy makers with accurate information for planning future policy directions and optimizing decision-making.

Originality/value

As a continuing effort to evaluate the forecasting efficiency of grey prediction models, the present study provided accumulated evidence for the predictive power of grey prediction on short-term forecasts of educational statistics.
Broad-spectrum analysis on some special systems
Authors: Wang Xiaogang
Published: December 2016

Purpose

In daily life, some special systems are difficult to handle, such as indistinct systems (the reverse of explicit systems), history systems, future systems, infinite systems, etc. It is one of the more important topics of broad-spectrum philosophy to give these systems observo-controllable and -manipulatable forms from the angle of epistemology and methodology. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

The author conducted a broad-spectrum analysis of some typical mechanisms of general object systems and general cognition systems through a generalized quantification method and a dynamic structure method.

Findings

Through generalized quantification and dynamic structure methods, the author can draw some new conclusions about these special systems: for example, the indistinct system has certain relations and structures, but these relations and structures cannot be observo-controlled directly under certain conditions; further, the indistinct system and explicit system are interdependent, and therefore people can transform an indistinct system into an explicit one.

Originality/value

Through the study of special systems, the author may find a new perspective and research topic for broad-spectrum philosophy, which may provide a new concept and study frame for future analysis of these special systems.
Resource scheduling in a private cloud environment: an efficiency priority perspective
Authors: Chu Junfei , Wu Jie , Zhu Qingyuan , Sun Jiasen
Published: December 2016

Purpose

Resource scheduling is the study of how to effectively measure, evaluate, analyze, and dispatch resources in order to meet the demands of corresponding tasks. Aiming at the problem of resource scheduling in the private cloud environment, the purpose of this paper is to propose a resource scheduling approach from an efficiency priority point of view.

Design/methodology/approach

To measure the computational efficiencies for the resource nodes in a private cloud environment, the data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach is incorporated and a suitable DEA model is proposed. Then, based on the efficiency scores calculated by the proposed DEA model for the resource nodes, the 0-1 programming technique is introduced to build a simple resource scheduling model.

Findings

The proposed DEA model not only has the ability of ranking all the decision-making units into different positions but also can handle non-discretionary inputs and undesirable outputs when evaluating the resource nodes. Furthermore, the resource scheduling model can generate for the calculation tasks an optimal resource scheduling scheme that has the highest total computational efficiency.

Research limitations/implications

The proposed method may also be used in studies of resource scheduling studies in the environments of public clouds and hybrid clouds.

Practical implications

The proposed approach can achieve the goal of resource scheduling in private cloud computing platforms by attaining the highest total computational efficiency, which is very significant in practice.

Originality/value

This paper uses an efficiency priority point of view to solve the problem of resource scheduling in private cloud environments.
Behavioral biases on institutional investors: a literature review
Authors: Aren Selim , Aydemir Sibel Dinç , Şehitoğlu Yasin
Published: December 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate published institutional investor research focused on home bias, disposition effect, and herding behavior in recognized journals and to ascertain some substantial gaps with regard to them.

Design/methodology/approach

Recently published studies between 2005 and 2014, which intend to examine behavioral biases on institutional investors, have been reviewed through juxtaposing them under the three fundamental titles and figuring them according to the explanation why these biases occurs.

Findings

The research examining home bias has identified the presence of this effect on institutional investors and explained it with information or culture. Yet, the existence of disposition effect has not been found in the extant research. These studies have estimated disposition effect through overconfidence and experience. Also, extant studies have provided evidence of herding behavior, attributing this behavior to pursuing same published information and protecting their reputation and career.

Originality/value

Currently, no study, which reviews and evaluates the empirical research body on behavioral biases displayed institutional investors, exists. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first paper which highlights the empirical evidence on these bias and summarizes the explanations in these studies for these biases exhibited by institutional investors. This could contribute to the researchers focusing on behavioral biases on institutional investors by providing them with a meaningful figuralization regarding their evidence and explanation.