bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constraining the dipolar magnetic field of M82 X-2 by the accretion model
Authors: Chen Wen-Cong 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Recently, ultraluminous X-ray source (ULX) M82 X-2 has been identified to be an accreting neutron star, which has a P = 1.37 s spin period, and is spinning up at a rate $\dot{P}=-2.0\times 10^{-10}\,\rm s\,s^{-1}$. Interestingly, its isotropic X-ray luminosity Liso = 1.8 × 1040 erg s− 1 during outbursts is 100 times the Eddington limit for a 1.4 M⊙ neutron star. In this Letter, based on the standard accretion model we attempt to constrain the dipolar magnetic field of the pulsar in ULX M82 X-2. Our calculations indicate that the accretion rate at the magnetospheric radius must be super-Eddington during outbursts. To support such a super-Eddington accretion, a relatively high multipole field ( ≳ 1013 G) near the surface of the accretor is invoked to produce an accreting gas column. However, our constraint shows that the surface dipolar magnetic field of the pulsar should be in the range of 1.0−3.5 × 1012 G. Therefore, our model supports that the neutron star in ULX M82 X-2 could be a low-magnetic-field magnetar (proposed by Tong) with a normal dipolar field (∼1012 G) and relatively strong multipole field. For the large luminosity variations of this source, our scenario can also present a self-consistency interpretation.
Simultaneous constraints on cosmology and photometric redshift bias from weak lensing and galaxy clustering
Authors: Samuroff S. , Troxel M. A. , Bridle S. L. , Zuntz J. , MacCrann N. , Krause E. , Eifler T. , Kirk D. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
We investigate the expected cosmological constraints from a combination of cosmic shear and large-scale galaxy clustering using realistic photometric redshift distributions. Introducing a systematic bias in the lensing distributions (of 0.05 in redshift) produces a &gt;2σ bias in the recovered matter power spectrum amplitude and dark energy equation of state for preliminary Stage III surveys. We demonstrate that cosmological error can be largely removed by marginalizing over biases in the assumed weak-lensing redshift distributions. Furthermore, the cosmological constraining power is retained despite removing much of the information on the lensing redshift biases. This finding relies upon high-quality redshift estimates for the clustering sample, but does not require spectroscopy. All galaxies in this analysis can thus be assumed to come from a single photometric survey. We show that this internal constraint on redshift biases arises from complementary degeneracy directions between cosmic shear and the combination of galaxy clustering and shear–density cross-correlations. Finally we examine a case where the assumed redshift distributions differ from the truth by more than a simple uniform bias. We find that the effectiveness of this self-calibration method will depend on the survey details and the nature of the uncertainties on the estimated redshift distributions.
Pulmonary diseases induced by ambient ultrafine and engineered nanoparticles in twenty-first century
Authors: Xia Tian , Zhu Yifang , Mu Lina , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Liu Sijin 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Air pollution is a severe threat to public health globally, affecting everyone in developed and developing countries alike. Among different air pollutants, particulate matter (PM), particularly combustion-produced fine PM (PM2.5) has been shown to play a major role in inducing various adverse health effects. Strong associations have been demonstrated by epidemiological and toxicological studies between increases in PM2.5 concentrations and premature mortality, cardiopulmonary diseases, asthma and allergic sensitization, and lung cancer. The mechanisms of PM-induced toxicological effects are related to their size, chemical composition, lung clearance and retention, cellular oxidative stress responses and pro-inflammatory effects locally and systemically. Particles in the ultrafine range (&lt;100 nm), although they have the highest number counts, surface area and organic chemical content, are often overlooked due to insufficient monitoring and risk assessment. Yet, ample studies have demonstrated that ambient ultrafine particles have higher toxic potential compared with PM2.5. In addition, the rapid development of nanotechnology, bringing ever-increasing production of nanomaterials, has raised concerns about the potential human exposure and health impacts. All these add to the complexity of PM-induced health effects that largely remains to be determined, and mechanistic understanding on the toxicological effects of ambient ultrafine particles and nanomaterials will be the focus of studies in the near future.
Clinical Reasoning of Infectious Diseases Physicians Behind the Use or Nonuse of Transesophageal Echocardiography in Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia
Authors: Young Heather , Knepper Bryan C. , Price Connie S. , Heard Susan , Jenkins Timothy C. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
In this prospective cohort with Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) was performed in 24% of cases. Consulting Infectious Diseases physicians most frequently cited low suspicion for endocarditis due to rapid clearance of blood cultures and the presence of a secondary focus requiring an extended treatment duration as reasons for foregoing TEE.
Risk of Herpes Zoster in Individuals on Biologics, Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs, and/or Corticosteroids for Autoimmune Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Marra Fawziah , Lo Elaine , Kalashnikov Viktor , Richardson Kathryn 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Background
Studies examining the risk of herpes zoster (HZ) associated with immunosuppressants, such as biologics, nonbiological disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (nbDMARDs), or corticosteroids, have generated conflicting results.

Methods
We conducted a systematic literature search from January 1946 to February 2016. Search terms related to HZ, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematous, or inflammatory bowel disease, biologics, nbDMARDS, and corticosteroids were used. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and observational studies reporting associations between immunosuppressants and HZ outcomes in adults. For RCTs, we used the Mantel-Haenszel fixed-effects model to estimate pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for HZ risk. For observational studies, adjusted ORs were pooled separately using random-effects inverse variance models.

Results
Data were pooled from 40 eligible RCTs (20136 patients) and 19 observational studies (810939 patients). Biologics were associated with a greater risk of HZ than control (RCTs: OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.11–2.64; observational studies: OR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.39–1.81). In RCTs, the OR of non-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blockers was 2.19 (95% CI 1.20–4.02), but that of TNF blockers was not significantly different from control. Increased risks of HZ with nbDMARDs (OR = 1.21; 95% CI = 1.15–1.28) and corticosteroids (OR = 1.73; 95% CI = 1.57–1.89) were observed in observational studies, but few RCTs examined these comparisons.

Conclusions
Immunocompromised patients receiving biologics were associated with an increased risk of HZ. The risk is also increased with corticosteroids and nbDMARDs. These findings raise the issue of prophylaxis with zoster vaccine in patients initiating immunosuppressive therapy for autoimmune diseases.
Family-centered outcomes during and after critical illness: current outcomes and opportunities for future investigation
Authors: Long Ann C. , Kross Erin K. , Curtis J. Randall 
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review
Family-centered outcomes during and after critical illness assess issues that are most important to family members. An understanding of family-centered outcomes is necessary to support the provision of family-centered care and to foster development of interventions to improve care and communication in the ICU.

Recent findings
Current family-centered outcomes in critical care include satisfaction with care, including end-of-life care, symptoms of psychological distress, and health-related quality of life. Novel measures include assessments of decisional conflict, decision regret, therapeutic alliance, and caregiver burden, as well as positive adaptations and resilience.

Summary
Critical illness places a significant burden on family members. A wide variety of family-centered outcomes are available to guide improvements in care and communication. Future research should focus on developing sensitive and responsive measures that capture key elements of the family member experience during and after critical illness.
Fluid composition and acute kidney injury
Authors: Zampieri Fernando G. , Libório Alexandre B. , Cavalcanti Alexandre B. 
Published: September 2016

Purpose of review
To describe recent advances in the understanding of the role of fluid composition in renal outcomes in critically ill patients.

Recent findings
The debate on fluid composition is now focused in a pragmatic discussion on fluid electrolyte composition. The resurgence of this debate was propelled by several observational studies that suggested that balanced (i.e., low chloride) solutions were associated with less acute kidney injury in critically ill patients. Nevertheless, a cluster randomized trial failed to show any benefit of balanced solutions. This trial, however, may have failed to detect an effect because of low global illness severity and little fluid infused. If balanced solutions are to be associated with less acute kidney injury, it will probably be in high risk, aggressively resuscitated patients. Additionally, the causal loop involving unbalanced solution infusion, induction of hyperchloremia and acute kidney injury is yet to be closed. Other factors, such as buffer type, speed of infusion and temperature, among others, may also be important.

Summary
Recent evidence suggests that crystalloid fluid composition matters and can influence renal outcomes in critically ill patients. Further studies should assess the impact and cost-efficiency of balanced solutions in the context of high-risk scenarios.
Interoperability of Information Systems Managed and Used by the Local Health Departments
Authors: Shah Gulzar H. , Leider Jonathon P. , Luo Huabin , Kaur Ravneet 
Published: September 2016

Background:
In the post-Affordable Care Act era marked by interorganizational collaborations and availability of large amounts of electronic data from other community partners, it is imperative to assess the interoperability of information systems used by the local health departments (LHDs).

Objectives:
To describe the level of interoperability of LHD information systems and identify factors associated with lack of interoperability.

Data and Methods:
This mixed-methods research uses data from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs Assessment Survey, with a target population of all LHDs in the United States. A representative sample of 650 LHDs was drawn using a stratified random sampling design. A total of 324 completed responses were received (50% response rate). Qualitative data were used from a key informant interview study of LHD informatics staff from across the United States. Qualitative data were independently coded by 2 researchers and analyzed thematically. Survey data were cleaned, bivariate comparisons were conducted, and a multivariable logistic regression was run to characterize factors associated with interoperability.

Results:
For 30% of LHDs, no systems were interoperable, and 38% of LHD respondents indicated some of the systems were interoperable. Significant determinants of interoperability included LHDs having leadership support (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 3.54), control of information technology budget allocation (AOR = 2.48), control of data systems (AOR = 2.31), having a strategic plan for information systems (AOR = 1.92), and existence of business process analysis and redesign (AOR = 1.49).

Conclusion:
Interoperability of all systems may be an informatics goal, but only a small proportion of LHDs reported having interoperable systems, pointing to a substantial need among LHDs nationwide.
Assessing Skills and Capacity for Informatics: Activities Most Commonly Performed by or for Local Health Departments
Authors: Drezner Kate , McKeown Lisa , Shah Gulzar H. 
Published: September 2016

Objective:
To describe the informatics activities performed by and for local health departments.

Design:
Analysis of data from the 2015 Informatics Capacity and Needs Assessment Survey of local health departments conducted by the Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health at Georgia Southern University in collaboration with the National Association of County & City Health Officials.

Participants:
324 local health departments.

Main Outcome Measure(s):
Informatics activities performed at or for local health departments in use and analysis of data, system design, and routine use of information systems.

Results:
A majority of local health departments extract data from information systems (69.5%) and use and interpret quantitative (66.4%) and qualitative (55.1%) data. Almost half use geographic information systems (45.0%) or statistical or other analytical software (39.7%). Local health departments were less likely to perform project management (35.8%), business process analysis and redesign (24.0%), and developing requirements for informatics system development (19.7%). Local health departments were most likely to maintain or modify content of a Web site (72.1%). A third of local health departments (35.8%) reported acting as “super users” for their information systems. A significantly higher proportion of local health departments serving larger jurisdictions (500 000+) and those with shared governance reported conducting informatics activities.

Conclusion:
Most local health department informatics activities are completed by local health department staff within each department or a central department, but many state health departments also contribute to informatics at the local level. Larger local health departments and those with shared governance were more likely to perform informatics activities. Local health departments need effective leadership, a skilled workforce, strong partnerships, and policies that foster implementation of health information systems to successfully engage in informatics. Local health departments also face important training needs, including data analytics, project management, and geographical information systems, so they can adapt to the increasing availability of electronic data and changes in technology.
Variant Set Enrichment: An R package to Identify Dis-ease-Associated Functional Genomic Regions
Authors: Ahmed Musaddeque , Sallari Richard C. , Guo Haiyang , Moore Jason H. , He Housheng Hansen , Lupien Mathieu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractSummaryGenetic predispositions to diseases populate the noncoding regions of the human genome. Delineating their functional basis can inform on the mechanisms contributing to disease development. However, this remains a challenge due to the poor characterization of the noncoding genome. Variant Set Enrichment (VSE) is a fast method to calculate the enrichment of a set of disease-associated variants across functionally annotated genomic regions, consequently highlighting the mechanisms important in the etiology of the disease studied.Availability and ImplementationVSE is implemented as an R package and can easily be implemented in any system with R. See supplementary information for details.Contacthansenhe@uhnresearch.ca;mlupien@uhnresearch.ca
Educational attainment and personality are genetically intertwined
Authors: Mõttus René , Realo Anu , Vainik Uku , Allik Jüri , Esko Tõnu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractHeritable variance in psychological traits may reflect genetic and biological processes that are not necessarily specific to these particular traits but pertain to a broader range of phenotypes. We tested the possibility that Five-Factor Model personality domains and their 30 facets, as rated by people themselves and their knowledgeable informants, reflect polygenic influences that have been previously associated with educational attainment. In a sample of over 3,000 adult Estonians, polygenic scores for educational attainment (EPS; interpretable as estimates of molecular genetic propensity for education) were correlated with various personality traits, particularly from the Neuroticism and Openness domains. The correlations of personality traits with phenotypic educational attainment closely mirrored their correlations with EPS. Moreover, EPS predicted an aggregate personality trait tailored to capture maximum amount of variance in educational attainment almost as strongly as it predicted the attainment itself. We discuss possible interpretations and implications of these findings.
A Rapid Subcortical Amygdala Route for Faces Irrespective of Spatial Frequency and Emotion
Authors: McFadyen Jessica , Mermillod Martial , Mattingley Jason B. , Halász Veronika , Garrido Marta I. 
Published: September 2016

ABSTRACTThere is significant controversy over the anatomical existence and potential function of a direct subcortical visual pathway to the amygdala. It is thought that this pathway rapidly transmits low spatial frequency information to the amygdala independently of the cortex and yet this function has never been causally determined. In this study, neural activity was measured using magnetoencephalography (MEG) while participants discriminated the gender of neutral and fearful faces filtered for low or high spatial frequencies. Dynamic causal modelling (DCM) revealed that the most likely underlying neural network consisted of a subcortical pulvino-amygdala connection that was not modulated by spatial frequency or emotion and a cortico-amygdala connection that conveyed predominantly high spatial frequencies. Crucially, data-driven neural simulations demonstrated a clear temporal advantage of the subcortical route (70ms) over the cortical route (155ms) in influencing amygdala activity. Thus, our findings support the existence of a rapid functional subcortical pathway that is unselective of the spatial frequency or emotional content of faces.
Interorganizational collaboration in public health data sharing
Authors: Casey Colleen , Li Jianling , Berry Michele 
Published: September 2016

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to analyze the institutional and social forces that influence collaborative data sharing practices in cross-sector interorganizational networks. The analysis focusses on the data sharing practices between professionals in the transportation and public health sectors, areas prioritized for collaborative action to improve public health.

Design/methodology/approach
A mixed methods design is utilized. Electronic surveys were sent to 57 public health and 157 transportation professionals in a large major metropolitan area in the USA (response rate 39.7 percent). Focus groups were held with 12 organizational leaders representing professionals in both sectors.

Findings
The application of the institutional-social capital framework suggests that professional specialization and organizational forces make it challenging for professionals to develop the cross-sector relationships necessary for cross-sector collaborative data sharing.

Research limitations/implications
The findings suggest that developing the social relationships necessary for cross-sector collaboration may be resource intensive. Investments are necessary at the organizational level to overcome the professional divides that limit the development of cross-sector relationships critical for collaborative data sharing. The results are limited to the data sharing practices of professionals in one metropolitan area.

Originality/value
Despite mandates and calls for increased cross-sector collaboration to improve public health, such efforts often fail to produce true collaboration. The study’s value is that it adds to the theoretical conceptualization of collaboration and provides a deeper understanding as to why collaborative action remains difficult to achieve. Future study of collaboration must consider the interaction between professional specialization and the social relationships necessary for success.
Developing an evaluation framework for clinical redesign programs: lessons learnt
Authors: Samaranayake Premaratne , Dadich Ann , Fitzgerald Anneke , Zeitz Kathryn 
Published: September 2016

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to present lessons learnt through the development of an evaluation framework for a clinical redesign programme – the aim of which was to improve the patient journey through improved discharge practices within an Australian public hospital.Design/methodology/approachThe development of the evaluation framework involved three stages – namely, the analysis of secondary data relating to the discharge planning pathway; the analysis of primary data including field-notes and interview transcripts on hospital processes; and the triangulation of these data sets to devise the framework. The evaluation framework ensured that resource use, process management, patient satisfaction, and staff well-being and productivity were each connected with measures, targets, and the aim of clinical redesign programme.FindingsThe application of business process management and a balanced scorecard enabled a different way of framing the evaluation, ensuring measurable outcomes were connected to inputs and outputs. Lessons learnt include: first, the importance of mixed-methods research to devise the framework and evaluate the redesigned processes; second, the need for appropriate tools and resources to adequately capture change across the different domains of the redesign programme; and third, the value of developing and applying an evaluative framework progressively.Research limitations/implicationsThe evaluation framework is limited by its retrospective application to a clinical process redesign programme.Originality/valueThis research supports benchmarking with national and international practices in relation to best practice healthcare redesign processes. Additionally, it provides a theoretical contribution on evaluating health services improvement and redesign initiatives.
Nigeria: Should the Government Float or Devalue the Naira?
Authors: Eregha Perekunah , Ndoricimpa Arcade , Olakojo Solomon , Nchake Mamello , Nyang'oro Owen , Togba Edith 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe recent rapid fall in oil prices and its impacts on foreign exchange earnings and reserves in Nigeria has resulted in a number of internal and external imbalances putting serious threat to the stability of the economy. This study therefore examines whether devaluation or floating exchange rate regime is an option to consider given the recent challenges in the nation's policy space. A behavioural equilibrium exchange rate approach is used to determine the extent of exchange rate misalignment complemented with a structural vector autoregressive (SVAR) model to examine the impact of currency devaluation on trade balance, domestic output and inflation. The result reveals the existence of an overvalued currency misalignment in recent times; while there is weak evidence to support that devaluation will improve the trade balance. Hence, floating the currency will be an adequate policy option given the current reality. This is expected to boost investors’ confidence, creates needed automatic adjustment mechanism and makes the tradable goods sector more competitive, resulting in more favourable external balances. However, this requires a concerted effort at boosting the nation's supply capacity through implementation of structural reforms in both oil and the non‐energy sector to diversify Nigeria's production and export base.