bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential patient harms from misinterpretation of publically reported surgical outcomes
Authors: Sathianathen Niranjan J. , Albersheim‐Carter Jacob , Labine Lucas , Watson Brett , Konety Badrinath R. , Weight Christopher J.
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine how the general public interprets surgical complication rates presented from a publicly available online surgical‐rating website.

Subjects and Methods

An in‐person electronic survey was administered at the local State Fair to a convenience sample. Participants were presented with a representative output from an online surgeon‐rating website and were asked to choose from three statistically equivalent surgeons for a hypothetical medical decision. We then suggested that their insurance company would only cover one surgeon and probed their willingness to pay to switch surgeons for a small chance of lowering the risk of a complication (0.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI] −8.1% to 9.5%, P = 0.9). We quantified the characteristics of those willing to switch, the degree of misinterpretation, and the subsequent potential patient harms.

Results

There were 343 completed responses. When presented with a hypothetical healthcare decision, most participants (n = 209, 61%) said they were willing to pay out‐of‐pocket expenses to switch to a statistically equivalent surgeon. Those who were willing to pay to switch surgeons were more likely to be older (odds ratio [OR] 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.03), poorer (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.07–3.11), previously had cancer (OR 5.9, 95% CI 1.9–25), and misinterpreted the data (OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.87–4.96). Those who were willing to pay out‐of‐pocket expenses were more inaccurate in their estimation of surgeon complication rates (mean estimate 34.0% vs 8.9%, P < 0.001, correct rate = 3.6%), and on average were willing to pay $6 494 (95% CI 4 108–8 880).

Conclusion

Understanding of a publicly reported surgical‐complication website is often prone to misinterpretation by the general population and may lead to patient harm from a financial aspect.
Stability of the Gross Motor Function Classification System, Manual Ability Classification System, and Communication Function Classification System
Authors: Palisano Robert J , Avery Lisa , Gorter Jan Willem , Galuppi Barbara , McCoy Sarah Westcott
Published: May 2018

Aim

To determine the stability of the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS), Manual Ability Classification System (MACS), and Communication Function Classification System (CFCS) over 1‐year and 2‐year intervals using a process for consensus classification between parents and therapists.

Method

Participants were 664 children with cerebral palsy (CP), 18 months to 12 years of age, one of their parents, and 90 therapists. Consensus between parents and therapists on level of function was ≥92% for the GMFCS, MACS, and CFCS. A linearly weighted kappa coefficient of ≥0.75 was the criterion for stability.

Results

Kappa coefficients varied from 0.76 to 0.88 for the GMFCS, 0.59 to 0.73 for the MACS, and 0.57 to 0.77 for the CFCS. For children younger than 4 years of age, level of function did not change for 58.2% on the GMFCS, 30.3% on the MACS, and 39.3% on the CFCS. For children 4 years of age or older, level of function did not change for 72.3% on the GMFCS, 49.1% on the MACS, and 55% on the CFCS.

Interpretation

The findings support repeated classification of children over time. The kappa coefficients for the GMFCS are attributed to descriptions of levels for each age band. Consensus classification facilitates discussion between parents and professionals that has implications for shared decision‐making.

What this paper adds

The findings support repeated classification of children over time.

Stability was higher for the Gross Motor Function Classification System than the Manual Ability Classification System and Communication Function Classification System.

The function of younger children was more likely to be reclassified.

Percentage agreement between parents and therapists using consensus classification varied from 92% to 97%.

The intraclass correlation coefficient overestimated stability compared with the weighted kappa coefficient.
Clinical effectiveness of liraglutide vs basal insulin in a real‐world setting: Evidence of improved glycaemic and weight control in obese people with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Overbeek Jetty A. , Heintjes Edith M. , Huisman Eline L. , Tikkanen Christian K. , van Diermen Arnout W. , Penning‐van Beest Fernie J.A. , Herings Ron M.C.
Published: May 2018

Aims

To compare real‐world antidiabetic treatment outcomes over 12 months in obese people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) who previously received oral antidiabetic therapy and then initiated a first injectable therapy with liraglutide or basal insulin.

Patients and methods

This was a retrospective, propensity score‐matched, longitudinal cohort study using real‐world data (January 2010 to December 2015) from the Dutch PHARMO Database Network. Adult obese (body mass index [BMI] ≥35 kg/m2) patients with T2DM with ≥2 dispensing dates for liraglutide or basal insulin supported oral therapy (BOT) were selected. The primary endpoint was the change in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) from baseline during 12 months of follow‐up. The secondary endpoints were the changes in weight, BMI and cardiovascular risk factors from baseline. Clinical data were analysed using descriptive statistics and compared using mixed models for repeated measures.

Results

Obese patients with T2DM (N = 1157) in each treatment group were matched (liraglutide cohort, n = 544; BOT cohort, n = 613). From 3 months onwards, glycaemic control improved in both cohorts but improved significantly more with liraglutide than with BOT (12 months: −12.2 mmol/mol vs −8.8 mmol/mol; P = .0053). In addition, weight and BMI were significantly lower for treatments with liraglutide vs BOT (12 months: −6.0 kg vs −1.6 kg and − 2.1 kg/m2 vs −0.5 kg/m2, respectively; P < .0001 for both). No significant differences were seen in changes in cardiovascular risk factors.

Conclusions

The results of this real‐world study in matched obese patients with T2DM showed that liraglutide was more effective than BOT for HbA1c control and weight/BMI reductions. Patients were more likely to maintain glycaemic control over time after initiating liraglutide than after initiating BOT.
Modulation of plant cytokinin levels in the Wolbachia‐free leaf‐mining species Phyllonorycter mespilella
Authors: Zhang Hui , Dubreuil Géraldine , Faivre Nicolas , Dobrev Petre , Kaiser Wilfried , Huguet Elisabeth , Vankova Radomira , Giron David
Published: May 2018

As phytohormones lie at the very core of molecular mechanisms controlling the plant physiology and development, they have long been hypothesized to be involved in insect‐induced plant manipulations. Cytokinins (CKs) are phytohormones now widely recognized to be utilized by leaf‐mining and gall‐inducing insects in the control of the physiology of their host plant. In some leaf‐mining moth species, larvae can supply the hormones themselves, bacterial symbionts contributing to the production of CKs. Our objective was to investigate whether closely related leaf‐miner species sharing the same ecological niche but differing in their Wolbachia infection status develop similar strategies to manipulate their host plant. An extensive identification and quantification of CKs has been used to elucidate physiological patterns relevant for the plant–insect interactions. Our results show that modulation of plant CK levels is impaired in the Wolbachia‐free leaf‐mining moth Phyllonorycter mespilella (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) contrasting with results previously observed in the closely related moth species Phyllonorycter blancardella (Fabricius) that produce and deliver CKs to the plant through an intricate interaction with Wolbachia. Our study suggests that mechanisms underlying colonization of the host plant and adaptation to fluctuating environmental conditions are different between the two leaf‐miner species and that P. mespilella larvae most likely do not produce CKs. This species rather only buffers the degradation of CKs naturally occurring during the senescence of leaves leading to few active CKs being maintained at a sufficiently high level to induce and maintain a ‘green island’ phenotype (photosynthetically active green patches in otherwise senescing leaves). This study further provides converging experimental evidence pointing toward the influence of bacterial symbionts in the ability of leaf‐mining moths to control the physiology of their host plant with consequences for their ecology and evolutionary diversification.
Interaction between adenylate kinase 3 and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
Authors: Zhang Yizhi , Launay Hélène , Liu Fan , Lebrun Régine , Gontero Brigitte
Published: May 2018

The critical and ubiquitous enzyme adenylate kinase (ADK) catalyzes the nucleotide phosphoryl exchange reaction: 2ADP ↔ ATP + AMP. The ADK3 in the chloroplasts of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, bears an unusual C‐terminal extension that is similar to the C‐terminal end of the intrinsically disordered protein CP12. In this study, we report that this enzyme, when oxidized but not when reduced, is able to interact with the chloroplast glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) forming a stable complex as shown by native electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. In this bienzyme complex, the activity of ADK3 is unchanged while the NADPH‐dependent activity of GAPDH is significantly inhibited. Moreover ADK3, like CP12, can protect GAPDH against thermal inactivation and aggregation. The ADK3‐GAPDH bienzyme complex is unable to recruit phosphoribulokinase (PRK), in contrast with the ternary complex formed between GAPDH‐CP12 and PRK. The interaction between ADK3 and GAPDH might be a mechanism to regulate the crucial ATP: NADPH ratio within chloroplasts to optimize the Calvin‐Benson cycle during rapid fluctuation in environmental resources.

Enzymes

Adenylate kinase (EC 2.7.4.3), glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, EC 1.2.1.13), phosphoribulokinase (PRK, EC 2.7.1.19).
Creep crack initiation prediction considering constraint effect for pressurized pipelines with circumferential surface cracks
Authors: Wu D. , Jing H. , Xu L. , Zhao L. , Han Y.
Published: May 2018

Theoretical 2‐parameter C*‐Q* approaches and numerical simulation were conducted to investigate the creep crack initiation (CCI) time and the effect of constraints induced by the geometrical sizes of pipelines with circumferential surface cracks. The theoretical enhancement model of the C*‐Q* approaches under the transient creep condition, which considered the load‐independent constraint parameter Q*, was proposed to predict the CCI time around the crack front. The results revealed that the distribution regulation of Q* along the crack front for circumferential internal surface cracks and external surface cracks was similar. The maximum constraint level occurred near the deepest crack front part for cracks with small a/c (a/c < 0.4), while it occurred near the free surface for cracks with large a/c (a/c > 0.4). The constraint values at the same position (2Φ/π) increased with the increasing of the crack depth when a/c kept constant. In addition, the circumferential internal surface cracks of pipelines were proved more dangerous than the external surface cracks with the same geometrical size. Furthermore, the CCI times were decided by the peak values of constraint, or the CCI firstly occurred at the position where the constraint level was maximum. Additionally, the variation of hydrostatic stresses, triaxiality, and multiaxial strain factor considering the constraint parameter Q* was discussed. The suitability of the analytical C*‐Q* approaches was verified to predict CCI. The comparison of CCI times between the analytical approach and the BS 7910 as well as the finite element results demonstrated that the solutions under stress intensity factor–Riedel‐Rice control (initially by stress intensity factor and then by transient creep stress or Riedel‐Rice conditions)—were more accurate when internal pressure P < 18 MPa, but the solutions under Hutchinson‐Rice‐Rosengren–Riedel‐Rice control (initially by plastic Hutchinson‐Rice‐Rosengren control and then by Riedel‐Rice conditions) were more appropriate when P > 18 MPa. Finally, the accuracy of C*‐Q* 2‐parameter approaches and the suitability of finite element simulation were validated.
VHCF response of as‐built SLM AlSi10Mg specimens with large loaded volume
Authors: Tridello A. , Biffi C.A. , Fiocchi J. , Bassani P. , Chiandussi G. , Rossetto M. , Tuissi A. , Paolino D.S.
Published: May 2018

It is well known in the literature that fatigue is particularly critical for Additive Manufacturing (AM) parts, because internal defects originating during the AM process represent a critical site for crack initiation. In the literature, the High‐Cycle‐Fatigue (HCF) response of AM parts has been extensively investigated; however, there are few results on the Very‐High‐Cycle‐Fatigue (VHCF) behavior of AM parts, even if the number of machinery components that may sustain VHCF is rapidly increasing in the last years.

The present paper investigates the VHCF response of an AlSi10Mg alloy produced through Selective Laser Melting. Ultrasonic tests are carried out on Gaussian specimens with a large loaded volume and show that fatigue failures in VHCF originate from surface and sub‐surface defects with the same mechanism of HCF failures. P‐S‐N curves and fatigue strength at 109 cycles are finally estimated to show the effect of defect size on the VHCF strength.

Research highlights

Ultrasonic VHCF tests on AlSi10Mg Gaussian specimens produced through SLM.

Identification and analysis of critical AM defects inducing VHCF failure.

Statistical estimation of models for the prediction of the VHCF response of AM parts.

Statistical prediction of effect of defect size on the VHCF response of AM parts.
A comparative analysis of heterogeneity in commercially available recombinant factor VIII products
Authors: Baunsgaard D. , Nielsen A. D. , Nielsen P. F. , Henriksen A. , Kristensen A. K. , Bagger H. W. , Ezban M.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Advances in analytical technologies enable investigation of possible correlations between molecular structure, aggregation and subvisible particle content. Regulatory agencies place increasing attention on potential risks associated with protein aggregates in the micron range in biological therapeutics.

Aim

Assess the heterogeneity, high‐molecular‐weight protein (HMWP) species, subvisible particle content and posttranslational modifications in six commercially available recombinant FVIII (rFVIII) products.

Methods

Three B‐domain‐deleted (BDD) or B‐domain truncated rFVIII products (turoctocog alfa, simoctocog alfa and moroctocog alfa) and three full‐length rFVIII products (octocog alfa FS and two octocog alfa) were analysed. HMWP content, amount of micron range subvisible particles, tyrosine‐1680 sulphation and N‐glycan analysis were investigated.

Results

The B‐domain‐modified products had more protein size homogeneity vs the full‐length products. Size exclusion‐high‐performance liquid chromatography data indicated no association between B‐domain structure and aggregate content or size of the products tested. The rFVIII products showed large variation in subvisible particle concentration, with turoctocog alfa and simoctocog alfa having the lowest numbers (1000‐1600 and 1800‐2400 particles/100 IU, respectively). Turoctocog alfa and simoctocog alfa displayed the most complete tyrosine sulphation (>99.5%).

Conclusion

Overall, there was no association between molecular structure (full‐length B‐domain, BDD or truncated) and subvisible particle or HMWP content. Dissimilarities may be related to production and product handling differences. In this study, turoctocog alfa, such as simoctocog alfa, had one of the lowest levels of subvisible particles and HMWP content, and high protein size homogeneity.
αβ T‐cell receptors with a central CDR3 cysteine are enriched in CD8αα intraepithelial lymphocytes and their thymic precursors
Authors: Wirasinha Rushika C , Singh Mandeep , Archer Stuart K , Chan Anna , Harrison Paul F , Goodnow Christopher C , Daley Stephen R
Published: May 2018

The thymus plays a crucial role in immune tolerance by exposing developing T cells (thymocytes) to a myriad of self‐antigens. Strong T‐cell receptor (TCR) engagement induces tolerance in self‐reactive thymocytes by stimulating apoptosis or selection into specialized T‐cell lineages, including intestinal TCRαβ+ CD8αα+ intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). TCR‐intrinsic amino acid motifs that can be used to predict whether a TCR will be strongly self‐reactive remain elusive. Here, a novel TCR sequence alignment approach revealed that T‐cell lineages in C57BL/6 mice had divergent usage of cysteine within two positions of the amino acid at the apex of the complementarity‐determining region 3 (CDR3) of the TCRα or TCRβ chain. Compared to pre‐selection thymocytes, central CDR3 cysteine usage was increased in IEL and Type A IEL precursors (IELp) and markedly decreased in Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (T‐reg) and naïve T cells. These findings reveal a TCR‐intrinsic motif that distinguishes Type A IELp and IEL from T‐reg and naïve T cells.
65 years of influenza surveillance by a World Health Organization‐coordinated global network
Authors: Ziegler Thedi , Mamahit Awandha , Cox Nancy J.
Published: May 2018

The 1918 devastating influenza pandemic left a lasting impact on influenza experts and the public, and the importance of global influenza surveillance was soon recognized. The World Health Organization (WHO) Global Influenza Surveillance Network (GISN) was founded in 1952 and renamed to Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System in 2011 upon the adoption by the World Health Assembly, of the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework for the Sharing of Influenza Viruses and Access to Vaccines and Other Benefits (“PIP Framework”). The importance of influenza surveillance had been recognized and promoted by experts prior to the years leading up to the establishment of WHO. In the 65 years of its existence, the Network has grown to comprise 143 National Influenza Centers recognized by WHO, 6 WHO Collaborating Centers, 4 Essential Regulatory Laboratories, and 13 H5 Reference Laboratories. The Network has proven its excellence throughout these 65 years, providing detailed information on circulating seasonal influenza viruses, as well as immediate response to the influenza pandemics in 1957, 1968, and 2009, and to threats caused by animal influenza viruses and by zoonotic transmission of coronaviruses. For its central role in global public health, the Network has been highly recognized by its many partners and by international bodies. Several generations of world‐renowned influenza scientists have brought the Network to where it is now and they will take it forward to the future, as influenza will remain a preeminent threat to humans and to animals.
SKU arrangement on a unidirectional picking line
Authors: Matthews Jason , Visagie Stephan E.
Published: May 2018

An order picking system consisting of independent unidirectional picking lines has been investigated in this study. A picking line forms a type of unidirectional carousel as multiple pickers walk in a clockwise direction around a conveyor belt running down the centre of the picking line. There are three decision tiers in this order picking system, namely the assignment of stock keeping units (SKUs) to different waves, the arrangement of SKUs into locations on a picking line for a wave of picking and the sequencing of orders. Each tier has an objective to minimise the total travel distance of pickers. The focus of this paper is on the arrangement of SKUs on a picking line for a wave of picking. An exact mathematical formulation is introduced which is not solvable to optimality for large real‐life instances. Two heuristics known to be optimal for certain carousel systems as well as two further heuristics using SKU correlations are therefore tested. The heuristic approaches are compared against lower bounds generated by relaxing the exact formulation and a set of random solutions. Known algorithms for carousel systems are not optimal in this carousel system and all heuristic approaches perform approximately equally well. It is shown that the gains from addressing the order sequencing decision tier outweighs that of the SKU arrangement decision tier. Moreover, the complexity of addressing the entire system of decision can be reduced by arranging SKUs with a simple heuristic having a negligible impact on solution quality.
Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition softens head and neck cancer cells to facilitate migration in 3D environments
Authors: Chen Yin‐Quan , Lan Hsin‐Yi , Wu Yi‐Chang , Yang Wen‐Hao , Chiou Arthur , Yang Muh‐Hwa
Published: May 2018

The biological impact and signalling of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) during cancer metastasis has been established. However, the changes in biophysical properties of cancer cells undergoing EMT remain elusive. Here, we measured, via video particle tracking microrheology, the intracellular stiffness of head and neck cancer cell lines with distinct EMT phenotypes. We also examined cells migration and invasiveness in different extracellular matrix architectures and EMT‐related signalling in these cell lines. Our results show that when cells were cultivated in three‐dimensional (3D) environments, the differences in cell morphology, migration speed, invasion capability and intracellular stiffness were more pronounced among different head and neck cancer cell lines with distinct EMT phenotypes than those cultivated in traditional plastic dishes and/or seated on top of a thick layer of collagen. An inverse correlation between intracellular stiffness and invasiveness in 3D culture was revealed. Knock‐down of the EMT regulator Twist1 or Snail or inhibition of Rac1 which is a downstream GTPase of Twist1 increased intracellular stiffness. These results indicate that the EMT regulators, Twist1 and Snail and the mediated signals play a critical role in reducing intracellular stiffness and enhancing cell migration in EMT to promote cancer cells invasion.
Can a Link Be Found Between Physical Resilience and Frailty in Older Adults by Studying Dynamical Systems?
Authors: Varadhan Ravi , Walston Jeremy D. , Bandeen‐Roche Karen
Published: May 2018

See related editorial by George A. Kuchel
Hitherto unknown detailed muscle anatomy in an 8‐week‐old embryo
Authors: Warmbrunn Moritz V. , de Bakker Bernadette S. , Hagoort Jaco , Alefs‐de Bakker Pauline B. , Oostra Roelof‐Jan
Published: May 2018

Congenital muscle diseases, such as myopathies or dystrophies, occur relatively frequently, with estimated incidences of up to 4.7 per 100 000 newborns. To diagnose congenital diseases in the early stages of pregnancy, and to interpret the results of increasingly advanced in utero imaging techniques, a profound knowledge of normal human morphological development of the locomotor system and the nervous system is necessary. Muscular development, however, is an often neglected topic or is only described in a general way in embryology textbooks and papers. To provide the required detailed and updated comprehensive picture of embryologic muscular anatomy, three‐dimensional (3D) reconstructions were created based on serial histological sections of a human embryo at Carnegie stage 23 (8 weeks of development, crown–rump length of 23.8 mm), using Amira reconstruction software. Reconstructed muscles, tendons, bones and nerves were exported in a 3D‐PDF file to permit interactive viewing. Almost all adult skeletal muscles of the trunk and limbs could be individually identified in their relative adult position. The pectoralis major muscle was divided in three separate muscle heads. The reconstructions showed remarkable highly developed extraocular, infrahyoid and suprahyoid muscles at this age but surprisingly also absence of the facial muscles that have been described to be present at this stage of development. The overall stage of muscle development suggests heterochrony of skeletal muscle development. Several individual muscle groups were found to be developed earlier and in more detail than described in current literature.
How is the human umbilical artery regulated?
Authors: Lorigo Margarida , Mariana Melissa , Feiteiro Joana , Cairrao Elisa
Published: May 2018

The purpose of this review is to present an update of the main mechanisms involved in the physiological regulation of contraction and relaxation of the human umbilical artery (HUA) smooth muscle cells. A literature review was performed based on the analysis of papers available on PubMed. The most important and relevant studies regarding the regulation of the HUA are presented in this article. The vascular smooth muscle is a highly specialized structure, whose main function is to regulate the vascular tonus. This is controlled by a balance between the cellular signaling pathways that mediate contraction and relaxation. The cells responsible for the contractile property of this muscle are the smooth muscle cells (SMC), and an excellent source of these cells is the HUA, involved in fetoplacental circulation. Since the umbilical blood vessels are not innervated, the HUA tonus is modulated by vasoactive substances that regulate the contractile process. The main vasoactive substances that induce contraction are serotonin, histamine, thromboxane, bradykinin, endothelin 1 and prostaglandin F2α, that are linked to the activation of proteins Gq and Gi/0. On the other hand, the main vasorelaxation mechanisms are the activation of adenyl and guanil cyclases, potassium channels and the inhibition of calcium channels. The SMC from the HUA allow the study of different cellular mechanisms and their functions. Therefore, these cells are an important tool to study the mechanisms regulating the contractility of this artery, allowing to detect potential therapeutic targets to treat HUA disorders (gestational hypertension and pre‐eclampsia).
Karrikin‐KAI2 signalling provides Arabidopsis seeds with tolerance to abiotic stress and inhibits germination under conditions unfavourable to seedling establishment
Authors: Wang Lu , Waters Mark T. , Smith Steven M.
Published: May 2018

The control of seed germination in response to environmental conditions is important for plant success. We investigated the role of the karrikin receptor KARRIKIN INSENSITIVE2 (KAI2) in the response of Arabidopsis seeds to osmotic stress, salinity and high temperature.

Germination of the kai2 mutant was examined in response to NaCl, mannitol and elevated temperature. The effect of karrikin on germination of wild‐type seeds, hypocotyl elongation and the expression of karrikin‐responsive genes was also examined in response to such stresses.

The kai2 seeds germinated less readily than wild‐type seeds and germination was more sensitive to inhibition by abiotic stress. Karrikin‐induced KAI2 signalling stimulated germination of wild‐type seeds under favourable conditions, but, surprisingly, inhibited germination in the presence of osmolytes or at elevated temperature. By contrast, GA stimulated germination of wild‐type seeds and mutants under all conditions. Karrikin induced expression of DLK2 and KUF1 genes and inhibited hypocotyl elongation independently of osmotic stress. Under mild osmotic stress, karrikin enhanced expression of DREB2A, WRKY33 and ERF5 genes, but not ABA signalling genes.

Thus, the karrikin‐KAI2 signalling system can protect against abiotic stress, first by providing stress tolerance, and second by inhibiting germination under conditions unfavourable to seedling establishment.
The case for treatment fidelity in active music interventions: why and how
Authors: Wiens Natalie , Gordon Reyna L.
Published: May 2018

As the volume of studies testing the benefits of active music‐making interventions increases exponentially, it is important to document what exactly is happening during music treatment sessions in order to provide evidence for the mechanisms through which music training affects other domains. Thus, to complement systematic and rigorous attention to outcomes of the treatment, we outline four vital components of treatment fidelity and discuss their implementation in nonmusic‐ and music‐based interventions. We then describe the design of Music Impacting Language Expertise (MILEStone), a new intervention that aims to improve grammar skills in children with specific language impairment by increasing sensitivity to rhythmic structure, which may enhance general temporal processing and sensitivity to syntactic structure. We describe the approach to addressing treatment fidelity in MILEStone adapted from intervention research from other fields, including a behavioral coding system to track instructional episodes and child participation, a treatment manual, activity checklists, provider training and monitoring, a home practice log, and teacher ratings of participant engagement. This approach takes an important first step in modeling a formalized procedure for assessing treatment fidelity in active music‐making intervention research, as a means of increasing methodological rigor in support of evidence‐based practice in clinical and educational settings.
Planning music‐based amelioration and training in infancy and childhood based on neural evidence
Authors: Huotilainen Minna , Tervaniemi Mari
Published: May 2018

Music‐based amelioration and training of the developing auditory system has a long tradition, and recent neuroscientific evidence supports using music in this manner. Here, we present the available evidence showing that various music‐related activities result in positive changes in brain structure and function, becoming helpful for auditory cognitive processes in everyday life situations for individuals with typical neural development and especially for individuals with hearing, learning, attention, or other deficits that may compromise auditory processing. We also compare different types of music‐based training and show how their effects have been investigated with neural methods. Finally, we take a critical position on the multitude of error sources found in amelioration and training studies and on publication bias in the field. We discuss some future improvements of these issues in the field of music‐based training and their potential results at the neural and behavioral levels in infants and children for the advancement of the field and for a more complete understanding of the possibilities and significance of the training.
Accounting for twin births in sample size calculations for randomised trials
Authors: Yelland Lisa N. , Sullivan Thomas R. , Collins Carmel T. , Price David J. , McPhee Andrew J. , Lee Katherine J.
Published: May 2018

Background

Including twins in randomised trials leads to non‐independence or clustering in the data. Clustering has important implications for sample size calculations, yet few trials take this into account. Estimates of the intracluster correlation coefficient (ICC), or the correlation between outcomes of twins, are needed to assist with sample size planning. Our aims were to provideICCestimates for infant outcomes, describe the information that must be specified in order to account for clustering due to twins in sample size calculations, and develop a simple tool for performing sample size calculations for trials including twins.

Methods

ICCs were estimated for infant outcomes collected in four randomised trials that included twins. The information required to account for clustering due to twins in sample size calculations is described. A tool that calculates the sample size based on this information was developed in Microsoft Excel and in R as a Shiny web app.

Results

ICCestimates ranged between ‐0.12, indicating a weak negative relationship, and 0.98, indicating a strong positive relationship between outcomes of twins. Example calculations illustrate how theICCestimates and sample size calculator can be used to determine the target sample size for trials including twins.

Conclusions

Clustering among outcomes measured on twins should be taken into account in sample size calculations to obtain the desired power. OurICCestimates and sample size calculator will be useful for designing future trials that include twins. Publication of additionalICCs is needed to further assist with sample size planning for future trials.
Financial Development and Inequality in the Global Economy
Authors: Ehrlich Maximilian v. , Seidel Tobias
Published: May 2018

We build a heterogeneous firms model with firm‐specific wages and credit frictions to study the role of financial development for inequality in the global economy. If there are many small (non‐exporting) firms, better access to external funds reduces wage and profit inequality as well as unemployment. In contrast, if there are many large (exporting) firms, financial development might have opposite effects – especially if trade costs are low. In summary, the implications of financial development for inequality depend on the size distribution of firms and on the costs of exporting. Trade liberalization, however, raises inequality unambiguously.
The distinctive South and the invisible North: Why urban ethnography needs regional sociology
Authors: Garner Betsie
Published: May 2018

This article is a review of urban ethnography's Northern bias and regional sociology's Southern bias. I begin by arguing that these two subfields have reified the South's reputation for regional distinctiveness and rendered the North's regional characteristics invisible. To illustrate why urban ethnography needs regional sociology, I explain how the reluctance to view Northern cities through a regional lens has resulted in canonical conceptualizations of “the street” that lack precision and clarity. I conclude with a discussion of how efforts to revive regional sociology by conducting ethnographic research in Southern cities will need to expand beyond the study of the South to achieve lasting impact in urban ethnography more broadly.
When does power trigger approach motivation? Threats and the role of perceived control in the power domain
Authors: Deng Mianlin , Zheng Mufan , Guinote Ana
Published: May 2018

It is widely believed that power activates the behavioral approach system (Guinote, ; Keltner, Gruenfeld, & Anderson, ); however, findings are inconsistent. Here we discuss evidence suggesting that perceived threats to control in the power domain are key determinants of the association between power and approach motivation. We propose that objective or subjective threats to the exercise of power trigger behavioral inhibition, conflicts between approach and behavioral inhibition, and reactive, negatively valenced approach motivation. Furthermore, threatened power holders reassert power—in particular by using coercion—as defense against threat. We discuss literature in support of these hypotheses involving external threats (e.g., instability, illegitimacy, and uncertainty) and subjective states (anxiety, motivation to maintain power, perceived incompetence, submissiveness, and perceptions of low power) that trigger the perception of lack of control in the power domain and undermine the positive tone of power holders' approach motivation.
Ready for more-than-human? Measuring urban residents’ willingness to coexist with animals
Authors: Rupprecht Christoph D. D.
Published: May 2018

In the context of rapid urbanisation, geographers are calling for embracing non-humans as urban co-inhabitants. But if animals and plants are seen as ‘out of place’, sharing urban space can lead to wildlife conflicts. We therefore need to better understand residents’ willingness to coexist if we are to work towards more-than-human cities. This study quantitatively compared residents’ preferences toward sharing their neighbourhood, as well as perceptions of belonging across urban green space in two geographically and culturally distinct cities: Brisbane, Australia, and Sapporo, Japan. Results suggest that geographical and cultural context alongside educational attainment and age influenced respondents’ willingness to coexist, but not sex and income. Mapping respondents’ preferences for animals in their neighbourhood revealed four groups of animals along two axes – global-local and wanted-unwanted. These arose from the way animals contested the human notions of control over urban space. As spaces where animals belong in cities, most respondents chose informal green space (e.g. vacant lots, brownfields) after forests and bushland. Drawing upon recent theoretical and empirical research on liminal urban spaces, I argue that such informal green space can offer ‘provisional arrangements’ which allow for conciliatory engagements with non-humans. I thus propose informal green spaces as territories of encounter – a possible path towards more-than-human cities. Finally, I discuss some implications for planning and management of interspecies interactions.
Direct-adaptation based bidirectional turbo equalization for underwater acoustic communications: Algorithm and undersea experimental results
Authors: Xi Junyi , Yan Shefeng , Xu Lijun
Published: May 2018

The direct-adaptation based turbo equalizer (DA-TEQ) has been widely studied for underwater acoustic communications due to its decent performance and simple implementation. However, there are still some inherent problems that limit its practical application, such as slow convergence rate and error propagation effect. In this paper, a direct-adaptation based bidirectional turbo equalizer (DA-BTEQ) is proposed for underwater acoustic communications. The proposed scheme incorporates a forward DA-TEQ with a backward DA-TEQ to exploit bidirectional diversity gain and combat error propagation, thereby enabling faster convergence rate and better symbol detection performance. A general symbol combining scheme, which is suitable for turbo equalizers with high-order modulations, is derived by using the minimum mean square error criterion. The proposed scheme has been tested by the undersea trial data collected in an experiment conducted at the coast of Jiaozhou Bay in March 2017. The results demonstrate that the DA-BTEQ is effective against error propagation and clearly outperforms the traditional single-direction DA-TEQ for both single-input multiple-output and single-input single-output systems.
MicroRNA-146a controls functional plasticity in γδ T cells by targeting NOD1
Authors: Schmolka Nina , Papotto Pedro H. , Romero Paula Vargas , Amado Tiago , Enguita Francisco J. , Amorim Ana , Rodrigues Ana F. , Gordon Katrina E. , Coroadinha Ana S. , Boldin Mark , Serre Karine , Buck Amy H. , Gomes Anita Q. , Silva-Santos Bruno
Published: May 2018

Expression of microRNA-146a limits IFN-γ production in IL-17–producing γδ T cells.
Antibodies that l
IgA
te our intestinal microbes
Authors: Macpherson Andrew J. , Yilmaz Bahtiyar
Published: May 2018

Perturbations in gut microbiota of IgA-deficient humans provide insight into how secretory IgA shapes microbiota composition (see the related research article by

Fadlallah
et al.

).
Insight into Energy Conservation via Alternative Carbon Monoxide Metabolism in Carboxydothermus pertinax Revealed by Comparative Genome Analysis
Authors: Fukuyama Yuto , Omae Kimiho , Yoneda Yasuko , Yoshida Takashi , Sako Yoshihiko
Published: May 2018

Carboxydothermus
species are some of the most studied thermophilic carboxydotrophs. Their varied carboxydotrophic growth properties suggest distinct strategies for energy conservation via carbon monoxide (CO) metabolism. In this study, we used comparative genome analysis of the genus
Carboxydothermus
to show variations in the CO dehydrogenase-energy-converting hydrogenase gene cluster, which is responsible for CO metabolism with H
2
production (hydrogenogenic CO metabolism). Indeed, the ability or inability to produce H
2
with CO oxidation is explained by the presence or absence of this gene cluster in
Carboxydothermus hydrogenoformans
,
Carboxydothermus islandicus
, and
Carboxydothermus ferrireducens
. Interestingly, despite its hydrogenogenic CO metabolism,
Carboxydothermus pertinax
lacks the Ni-CO dehydrogenase catalytic subunit (CooS-I) and its transcriptional regulator-encoding genes in this gene cluster, probably due to inversion. Transcriptional analysis in
C. pertinax
showed that the Ni-CO dehydrogenase gene (
cooS-II
) and distantly encoded energy-converting-hydrogenase-related genes were remarkably upregulated with 100% CO. In addition, when thiosulfate was available as a terminal electron acceptor in 100% CO, the maximum cell density and maximum specific growth rate of
C. pertinax
were 3.1-fold and 1.5-fold higher, respectively, than when thiosulfate was absent. The amount of H
2
produced was only 62% of the amount of CO consumed, less than expected according to hydrogenogenic CO oxidation (CO + H
2
O → CO
2
+ H
2
). Accordingly,
C. pertinax
would couple CO oxidation by Ni-CO dehydrogenase II with simultaneous reduction of not only H
2
O but also thiosulfate when grown in 100% CO.

IMPORTANCE
Anaerobic hydrogenogenic carboxydotrophs are thought to fill a vital niche by scavenging potentially toxic CO and producing H
2
as an available energy source for thermophilic microbes. This hydrogenogenic carboxydotrophy relies on a Ni-CO dehydrogenase-energy-converting hydrogenase gene cluster. This feature is thought to be common to these organisms. However, the hydrogenogenic carboxydotroph
Carboxydothermus pertinax
lacks the gene for the Ni-CO dehydrogenase catalytic subunit encoded in the gene cluster. Here, we performed a comparative genome analysis of the genus
Carboxydothermus
, a transcriptional analysis, and a cultivation study in 100% CO to prove the hydrogenogenic CO metabolism. Results revealed that
C. pertinax
could couple Ni-CO dehydrogenase II alternatively to the distal energy-converting hydrogenase. Furthermore,
C. pertinax
represents an example of the functioning of Ni-CO dehydrogenase that does not always correspond to its genomic context, owing to the versatility of CO metabolism and the low redox potential of CO.
Fluoride-mediated rearrangement of phenylfluorosilanes
Authors: Dean Natalie L. , McIndoe J. Scott
Published: May 2018

Combining Ph3SiF and fluoride ion under conditions used for the Hiyama coupling causes rapid formation of the expected [Ph3SiF2]−; however, real-time electrospray mass spectrometric analysis reveals that phenyl-fluoride exchange occurs concomitantly, also producing substantial quantities of [PhnSiF5–n]− (n = 0–2). The exchange process is verified using 19F NMR spectroscopy. This observation may have implications for Hiyama reaction protocols, which use transmetallation from triaryldifluorosilicates as a key step in cross-coupling.
Comparison of ant-associated beetle communities inhabiting mounds of forest-dwelling ants in forests and forest clearings
Authors: Härkönen Salla K. , Sorvari Jouni
Published: May 2018

Red wood ant (Formica rufa group) nests contain a highly diverse community of invertebrates, which is largely due to their abundant resources and regulated microclimatic conditions. Clear-felling, however, causes nest mounds to lose surface layer moisture, thus disrupting their inner stability. To study the effects of clear-felling on ant-associated beetles (myrmecophile and non-myrmecophile), 41 nests of Formica aquilonia Yarrow, 1955 located on three clear-fells and adjacent mature forest stands were sampled, and the beetle communities between these habitats were compared. We investigated how habitat type, nest surface moisture content, nest volume, and isolation affect the community composition, species richness, and abundance of beetles. Beetle community composition or species richness did not markedly differ between clearings and forests, although total abundance was higher in forests. Also, total species richness and abundance and myrmecophile abundance increased with increasing moisture content. Overall, nests with similar moisture content and volume had similar species compositions. Nest volume was negatively correlated with myrmecophile species richness. Nest isolation was not related to species richness or abundance. The lower abundances in clearings could be problematic in the long term, as small populations are more likely to become extinct. To ensure the survival of ants and their associates, small-scale clearings should be preferred.
A 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase gene probably involved in the synthesis of terpenoids in Chrysanthemum indicum var. aromaticum
Authors: Gao Wenjie , Wang Xiang , Purente Nuananong , Muhammad Luqman , Zhou Yunwei , He Miao
Published: May 2018

Terpenoids are important secondary metabolites in plants. The synthesis of terpenoids involves a key enzyme, 1-deoxy-d-xylulose 5-phosphate reductoisomerase (DXR). In an aromatic ornamental plant, Chrysanthemum indicum var. aromaticum, terpenoids were found to be an important component in leaf secretions. To study the regulatory mechanism of terpenoid synthesis in C. indicum var. aromaticum, we cloned the DXR gene from C. indicum var. aromaticum, named CiDXR, based on transcriptome data. CiDXR is 1419 bp, encoding a polypeptide chain of 472 amino acids. Comparative and bioinformatic analysis showed that CiDXR was highly similar to DXRs from other plant species. The protein product of CiDXR was analyzed for physical and chemical properties, and secondary and tertiary structures. Methyl jasmonate (MeJA) is an effective exogenous elicitor that can impact the synthesis of secondary metabolites by regulating the expression of a series of specific key enzymes. In our study, MeJA treatment was used to study the relationship between CiDXR expression and terpenoid metabolism. The expression pattern of CiDXR was analyzed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Leaves expressed the highest level of CiDXR mRNA. In addition, CiDXR expression was found to be activated by MeJA, up to 20-fold at 24 h post induction. The MeJA treatment significantly affected the relative contents of the secretion products, and the induction effect was maximal at 24 h, consistent with the expression of CiDXR. This study shows that CiDXR may play a key regulatory role in the control of terpenoid synthesis in C. indicum var. aromaticum.
Cloning and function analysis of ClNAC9 from Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium
Authors: Dong Fengli , Huang He , Liu Jie , Zhang Mi , Zhou Yunwei , Dai Silan
Published: May 2018

NAC transcription factors have been found to play an important role in several plant development programs and stress responses. In this study, a NAC gene, ClNAC9 (Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium NAC gene), was isolated from a cDNA library constructed according to the known expressed sequence tag sequence. The cDNA full-length sequence of ClNAC9 is comprised of 881 bp, encoding a putative protein of 217 amino acids. ClNAC9 has a conserved NAC domain in the N-terminus — the NAM domain. ClNAC9 is highly similar to other NACs, especially SENU5 subgroup members. Transgenic Arabidopsis overexpressing ClNAC9 controlled by the CaMV-35S promoter was generated and subjected to saline, alkaline, and drought stresses for morphological and physiological assays. Morphological analyses showed that transgenic plants had enhanced tolerance to saline, alkaline, and drought stresses, as indicated by improved physiological traits, including higher superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities, and reduced malondialdehyde accumulation. Moreover, overexpression of ClNAC9 enhanced up-regulation of RD29A, RD26, MYB2, and MYB96 expression, and reduced HAB1 expression under saline, alkaline, and drought treatments. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ClNAC9 is likely related to saline, alkaline, and drought resistances and overexpression of ClNAC9 increases the saline, alkaline, and drought resistance of transgenic Arabidopsis.