bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persoonlijkheidskenmerken van e-fraudeslachtoffers
Authors: Borwell Jildau , Jansen Jurjen , Stol Wouter
Published: July 2018

Personality traits of e-fraud victims

With the digitization of society, perpetrators gained new tools to commit crimes. Online fraud, also referred to as e-fraud, is one of the most common types of cybercrime. The present study focusses on two types of e-fraud: phishing and online consumer fraud. Although e-fraud always contains a digital component, the human is the weakest link in such crimes. Perpetrators deceive their victims to acquire sensitive data or to conclude a fraudulent sale, which makes victims unwillingly participate in the offence. However, not every person adheres to such fraudulent schemes. This raises the question what makes some people comply with these schemes and thus become a victim of cybercrime, while others do not. In this study, the differences between personality traits of e-fraud victims and the Dutch population were investigated. Personality traits influence the way people process information and react to situations, which also applies when people are confronted with e-fraud. Data were collected through an online survey, in which 224 e-fraud victims participated. The outcomes of the survey were compared with norm groups representative for the Dutch population. E-fraud victims, compared to the Dutch population, scored higher on extraversion, altruism and conscientiousness, and lower on neuroticism. Based on the findings, recommendations have been made for the development of targeted preventive measures against e-fraud.
Determinanten en motivaties voor intentie tot aangifte na slachtofferschap van cybercrime
Authors: Jong Lisanne , Leukfeldt Rutger , van de Weijer Steve
Published: July 2018

Determinants and motivations for crime reporting after victimization of cybercrime

This study focusses on determinants of willingness to report cybercrime to the police or to other organizations and motivations for (not) reporting victimization. In this study, a questionnaire containing vignettes is used. Vignettes are semi-experimental designs in which hypothetical situations are presented and certain factors can be manipulated between and within respondents. Factors that are measured within the vignettes are the type and seriousness of the offence, the relationship between offender and victim and which possibilities for reporting the offence are available.

It is shown that the type of offence is an important determinant for willingness to report the offence, which is highest for fraud, followed by hacking and malware. Likewise, willingness to report is higher for more serious offences than for less serious offences. These results are comparable to results on willingness to report traditional crimes.

With regard to psychological determinants, results are not in line with previous results on willingness to report traditional crimes. For the relationship between offender and victim, mixed results are found. If the offender is an acquaintance of the victim, willingness to report to the police increases, but willingness to report to another organization decreases, compared to the offender being unfamiliar to the victim. Another surprising result is that no correlation is found between attitudes towards the police and willingness to report offences. Also unexpectedly, it is found that respondents who have previously reported crime and were unsatisfied about this experience, were more willing to report offences than respondents who never reported crimes before.

Regarding motivations for willingness to report, it is found that, in general, motivations for reporting cybercrime are strongly comparable to motivations for reporting traditional crime, however, differences in motivations are found between the different types of cybercrime.
Activity-travel patterns of workers and students: a study from Calicut city, India
Authors: Babu Devika , Balan Sreelakshmi , Anjaneyulu M.V.L.R.
Published: July 2018

Travel behaviour studies in activity-based perspective treat travel as a result of individual’s desire to participate in different activities. This approach is more significant in the context of developing countries, as the transportation problems are more severe here. Since, commuters contribute to a major share in the travel, understanding their travel behaviour is essential. This paper aims to explore the travel behaviour of commuters in Calicut city, Kerala State, India and thereby model their activity-travel patterns. Household, personal and activity-travel information from 12920 working people and 9684 students formed the database for this study. The data collection was performed by means of home-interview survey by face-to-face interview technique. From preliminary analysis, several simple and complex tours were identified for the study area. Working people’s work participation and students’ education activity participation decision are modelled as mandatory activity participation choice in a binary logit modelling framework. Results of this mandatory activity participation model revealed that male workers are more likely to engage in work compared to females. Presence of elderly persons is found to negatively influence the work participation decisions of workers. This may be due to the fact that, work activity may be partially or completely replaced with the medical requirements of the elderly. The chances for work activity participation increase with increase in number of two-wheelers at home. In the case of students, as the education level increases, they are found to be less likely to participate in education activities. Students are observed to follow simple activity-travel pattern. Complex tours are found to be performed by males, compared to females. Activity-travel pattern of the study group are predicted using the developed models. The percentages correctly predicted indicate reasonably good predictability for the models. These kind of studies are expected to help the town planners to better understand city’s travel behaviour and thus to formulate well-organised travel demand management policies.
Sclerosing Cholangitis Related to IgG4: Not Always a Curable Entity
Authors: Martínez-Valle Fernando , Riveiro-Barciela Mar , Teresa-Salcedo María , Merino-Casabiel Xavier , Fernández-Codina Andreu , de Torres Inés , Esteban Rafael , Buti María
Published: July 2018

IgG4-related disease is a recently-described fibro-inflammatory condition with characteristic histopathological findings in the organs involved. The most commonly affected organs are pancreas, lymph nodes, and retroperitoneum. Liver disease usually involves bile structures and therefore IgG4-related disease is considered a cause of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. One out of three patients with IgG4 sclerosing cholangitis also presents autoimmune pancreatitis, although it can be associated with manifestations in other organs. One of the main features of IgG4-related disease is its good prognosis due to the great response to glucocorticoid therapy. However, relapse of the disease is not uncommon, especially when steroid therapy is decreased or stopped. Rituximab seems to be an effective treatment to achieve remission of the disease. We report the case of a 74 year-old man diagnosed with IgG4-related disease based on increase of serum IgG4 levels, imaging and histopathological findings, with systemic involvement including sclerosing cholangitis. Despite the absence of liver fibrosis at onset, the early use of glucocorticoids and rituximab therapy, the patient presented clinical and analytical deterioration, leading to secondary biliary cirrhosis. In conclusion, this clinical case highlights the importance
Thyroid Function and Risk of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Euthyroid Subjects
Authors: Liu Yiting , Wang Wei , Yu Xiaosong , Qi Xingshun
Published: July 2018

Introduction and aims. The association between thyroid function and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remained controversial. A large cross-sectional study aimed to explore the relationship in euthyroid population. Material and methods. A total of 1773 euthyroid subjects who underwent health check-up during one-year period were enrolled. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound and fatty liver index (FLI). Fibrosis was estimated by BARD score. Thyroid function parameters, including thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4), were recorded. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the independent risk factors. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Results. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasound in 638 (35.98%) subjects and by FLI ≥ 60 in 694 (39.14%) subjects. Regardless of ultrasound or FLI, the overall analysis demonstrated that TSH and FT3 levels were significantly higher in subjects with NAFLD than subjects without NAFLD, but FT4 level was not significantly different between them. This association remained in middle-age subjects, but not elderly subjects. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, TSH (OR = 1.108, 95%CI = 1.056-1.398, P = 0.024) and FT3 (OR = 1.258, 95%CI = 1.123-1.409, P = 0.000) levels were independently associated with the risk of NAFLD diagnosed by ultrasound; and only FT3 level (OR = 1.252, 95%CI = 1.074 - 1.460, P = 0.004) was independently associated with the risk of NAFLD estimated by FLI ≥ 60. Additionally, FT3 level (OR = 1.178, 95%CI = 1.025 - 1.354, P = 0.021) was independently associated with the risk of fibrosis estimated by BARD score ≥ 2 in NAFLD subjects. Conclusion. Among the euthyroid population, FT3 and TSH levels were positively associated with the risk of NAFLD.
Importance of the review on floristic and phytosociological studies of the arboreal stratum of the seasonal deciduous forest of the Serra Geral slope, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to support proposals for sustainable management
Authors: Zerwes Cristian Mateus , Rempel Claudete , Schneider Janaína Kollet , Maranho Leila Teresinha
Published: July 2018

The Seasonal Deciduous Forest (FED) is a deciduous and human-caused impacted vegetation, occurring at the Upper Rio Uruguay basin and at the southern slope of Serra Geral plateau, Rio Grande do Sul state. The aim of this study is to compile results of tree layer floristics and phytosociological surveys on FED of Serra Geral escarpment with the intention of supporting future interventions for the recovery of degraded areas and sustainable management projects. To obtain the data, was held a narrative review from 62 selected works from the digital libraries of CAPES, Scielo and Google Scholar. For quantitative variables, was calculated the median, standard deviation and amplitude. The hodgepodge of methods used in the surveys conducts to difficulties in comparing data. The median species richness is 54 and the Shannon-Wiener diversity index median is 3.10 nats. The analyzed surveys show very important information to define methods and planning for conservation, degraded area recovery and sustainable use of forest resources.
Cura ou conservação: um dilema socioambiental na formação continuada de professores
Authors: Barbosa Lidiane Amaral , Raposo Elinete Oliveira , Freitas Nadia Magalhães da Silva
Published: July 2018

There are many contemporary socio-environmental challenges: socio-environmental quality and sustainability of cities, mitigation and coping with climate change, water and solid waste management, forest management, growing demand and energy alternatives, among others. In this context, the research was driven by the following question: in what terms teachers, in a process of continuous formation, base their decision-making on a socio-environmental dilemma involving the forest theme? The research was based on a qualitative approach and was carried out in the context of a process of continuous training of teachers. The analyzes refer to a case study (fictitious, but credible) entitled "Cure or conservation: human health and the ecosystem". The positions of the teachers brought together knowledge from two areas: natural sciences and social sciences, approaching them; considered aspects such as identity, culture and traditional knowledge, avoiding positions that exorcize the alterity and the sovereignty of scientific knowledge in relation to others. Despite of to their specific academic education, teachers integrated knowledge, in an authentic interdisciplinary attitude in the consideration of the socio-environmental dilemma proposed in the training. The teachers' discussions were legitimate, their positions pertinent and they were actual, considering the concerns that are manifested in the environmental field.
Identification of microbiological contamination and mutagenic potential of surface waters of the municipality of Dourados, MS
Authors: Rocha Monyque Palagano da , Vaini Jussara Oliveira , Crispim Bruno Do Amaral , Seno Leonardo De Oliveira , Olivera Kelly Mari Pires de , Grisolia Alexeia Barufatti
Published: July 2018

The aim of the study was to evaluate the water quality of the Água Boa stream and the lakes of the parks Arnulpho Fioravante and Antenor Martins (Dourados - MS), through physico-chemical parameters, microbiological analysis and mutagenicity test to monitor interference from Antropic activities and water depuration capacity. Initially the water samples were processed for coliform analysis using the Most Probable Number (MPN) technique. For the research of Salmonella spp., it was performed the pre-enrichment and enrichment of the water sample and streaking in Xylose Lysine Deoxicolate (XLD) agar. For the evaluation of the mutagenicity, smear peripheral blood of the specimens Astyanax lacustris were collected from the places studied. The Arnulpho Fioravante Park had higher mean values for Electrical Conductivity (353.5 uS cm-2), Total Dissolved Solids (179.3 mg L-1) and the highest values for total coliforms. Salmonella spp. it was identified in the water in both parks. The highest numbers of micronucleus were observed in Água Boa stream. Considering microbiological contamination and higher micronucleus number, it’s relevant to highlight the effects of anthropic interferences in local biota. Therefore, it’s of great importance to intensify the supervision of the municipal legislation, in order to conserve and preserve these ecosystems
Automatic classification of laparos call and playback tests at cuniculture nests
Authors: Souza Filho Nilson Evilásio , Souza Vinícius Mourão Alves de , Klinger Ana Carolina Kohlrausch , Toledo Geni Salete Pinto de
Published: July 2018

The vocal behavior of rabbit pups was monitored during their first 15 days of life. It was possible to estimate the average of vocalizations issued in the nest by correlation calculations applied to spectrographic images. We performed experimental tests of playback and observed the behavior between the offspring and the doe during the period of lactation. The vocalizations can be important in pup recognition and consequently, stimulate the doe to nurse their offspring, decreasing the rate of mortality in the breeding phase.
Study of solar radiation in the equinoxes and solstices in the City of Havana, Cuba
Authors: Prieto Raidel Báez , Oliveira Francisco Henrique de
Published: July 2018

Solar radiation is of utmost importance for life on earth and for carrying out different human and natural activities, such as the studies carried out for agriculture. The objective of this work is to calculate, from formulations, the incidence of solar radiation. Solar energy will be calculated in Havana City, Cuba, during the equinoxes and solstices, as well as the variation that exists during the different seasons of the year. A study was carried out every 3 hours: 6am, 9am, 12m, 3pm and 6pm, (average solar time) creating a table with real values of this energy, obtaining maps of light and shadow planes.
O desenvolvimento da compreensão do tempo e do tempo histórica nas crianças: um estudo de caso com alunos portugueses de primária (1.º CEB)
Authors: Solé Glória
Published: July 2018

La investigación en educación histórica
ha demostrado que la comprensión del
tiempo es crucial para la comprensión
histórica y el tiempo histórico. Sin embargo,
el enfoque sobre el desarrollo de la
comprensión histórica y temporal por los
niños ha sido en las últimas décadas un
área de investigación bastante controvertida.
Este artículo presenta, en una primera
parte, una revisión de literatura extensa y
actualizada, relacionada con la enseñanza
de la historia que tiende a evidenciar
la relevancia de la importancia de la comprensión
temporal y de conceptos de tiempo
para el desarrollo del pensamiento histórico
en los niños.En una segunda parte,

presenta los resultados de un estudio de
caso, longitudinal e interpretativo, sobre
la comprensión del tiempo histórico por
los niños de la enseñanza primaria. La investigación
involucró dos grupos (1.º año-
24 alumnos, con edad de 6-7 años y del
3º año-25 alumnos, con edad de 8-9 años)
de la enseñanza primaria, acompañadas
durante dos años lectivos, en una escuela
primaria urbana, en el norte de Portugal.
En tres momentos durante el estudio, al
inicio y al final de los años lectivos, los
alumnos realizaron una tarea de ordenación
de 6/7 imágenes relacionadas con
familias de varias épocas.Para la recogida
de datos se aplicó una entrevista semiestructurada
para identificar cambios en
las explicaciones dadas y en la comprensión
del tiempo histórico antes y después
de un año de intervención. Los resultados
evidencian un desarrollo de competencias
temporales, a nivel cronológico y una
complejidad del raciocinio temporal, así
como cambios en sus concepciones sobre
cambio.
Colaboración y redes socioeducativas para la inclusión de la infancia vulnerable
Authors: Martínez Domínguez Begoña , Alonso Sáez Israel , Martínez Domínguez Isabel , Alonso Olea María José
Published: July 2018

Existe un reconocimiento social y profe-
sional sobre la necesidad de que todos los
agentes y entidades sociales y educativas
que intervienen con la infancia vulnera-
ble en riesgo trabajen en colaboración
para mejorar su protección e inclusión.
La colaboración entre los ámbitos social
y educativo, puede articularse a través de
un trabajo en red –formal e informal- y a
nivel macro, meso y micro, de formas muy
diferentes en función de cada territorio,
aunque de cada experiencia es posible in-
ferir pautas para avanzar en otros.
El artículo forma parte de una investi-
gación en progreso realizada en el País
Vasco dentro del marco de un proyecto
coordinado más amplio sobre redes de
innovación para la inclusión social y edu-
cativa. Analiza el proceso de construcción
y desarrollo de una red socioeducativa
para la infancia vulnerable surgida en un

contexto singular. Los resultados ponen
de manifiesto la relevancia de esta forma
alternativa de acción socioeducativa, así
como las dificultades y retos que plan-
tea. Aunque en la literatura científica no
queda bien identificada la relación mutua
entre las redes formales e informales, esta
contribución ofrece argumentos funda-
mentados para la integración de ambas.
Por consiguiente, es necesario integrar la
dimensión profesional, comunitaria y po-
lítica en cualquier proyecto que busque la
cohesión social.
Análisis del discurso de los estudiantes de magisterio sobre la contribución del practicum al desarrollo de su identidad profesional docente
Authors: Pérez Ferra Miguel , Quijano López Rocío
Published: July 2018

El estudio responde al análisis del discurso
de los estudiantes de Magisterio sobre la
incidencia del practicum en la construc-
ción de su identidad profesional docente.
Se partió de setenta y seis estudiantes, que
han cursado el practicum de cuarto curso
en 2016-17, Educación Primaria, perte-
necientes a la Universidad de Jaén, selec-
cionando veintiuna narrativas, en función
de la calidad de los relatos. Se han utili-
zado dos metodologías complementarias:
el Análisis crítico del discurso y la Teoría
fundamentada. Las narrativas de los estu-
diantes evidencian un discurso en torno a
cuatro grandes categorías: “profesionali-
zación docente”, “uso de metodologías”,
“sentido ético” y “vocación”, ámbitos que
se manifiestan en un discurso diferencia-
do; bien en torno a un sentido racional de

concebir la enseñanza; bien desde una
percepción meramente humanística. En la
propuesta de cambio se alude a la necesi-
dad que tiene la Universidad de gestionar
lo nuevo desde la tradición.
La Interculturalidad en Extremadura: tareas pendientes para una escuela inclusiva del s. XXI
Authors: Borrero López Raquel , Blázquez Entonado Florentino
Published: July 2018

La Comunidad Autónoma de Extremadura
es una de las últimas regiones del mun-
do occidental que ha incorporado a sus
escuelas un notable número de alumnos
de origen extranjero o de minorías étnicas
y culturales. Esta investigación pretende
comprobar el modelo pedagógico desde
el que se entiende y trabaja la educación
intercultural por parte del profesorado, de-
tectar sus necesidades formativas y sugerir
las claves que posibiliten el desarrollo del
enfoque crítico intercultural en los centros
educativos de Infantil, Primaria y Secun-
daria de la región.
Para responder a tales objetivos se ha reali-
zado un diseño mixto de investigación uti-
lizando cuestionario, entrevistas, grupos
focales de discusión y análisis documen-
tal, cuyo conjunto pretende fortalecer la
validez de la investigación. Las numerosas
conclusiones requieren muchos matices,

pero se aprecia una escasa repercusión
en la práctica de la percepción que tiene
el profesorado sobre la multiculturalidad,
especialmente en el trabajo cotidiano en
el aula y los modelos de comunicación
y disciplinares que en ella se emplean.
Ahora bien, aun cuando el profesorado se
encuentra todavía lejos de haber interio-
rizado un modelo educativo intercultural
crítico, se aprecian preocupación e interés
por los grupos minoritarios, lo que cons-
tituye un firme punto de partida para el
trabajo formativo.
Constraints on Opera Surtitling: Hindrance or Help?
Authors: Rędzioch-Korkuz Anna
Published: July 2018

The article addresses the problem of constraints typical of opera surtitling, an audiovisual translation modality that seems rather neglected as far as the academic discourse is concerned. Although the termconstraintmay appear to have mainly negative connotations, it seems that the idea of a constraint may often prove helpful, since it may facilitate the process of translation by restricting the scope of possibilities and hence justify the chosen techniques. The article is meant to propose a classification of potential constraints on the surtitling process, including the constraint of a live performance, music, audience design or relevance, and the resulting implications for the whole process. It is argued that the awareness of the constraints operating in the process of drafting surtitles helps to understand the rationale behind this particular translation activity and consequently helps to draft good quality surtitles which serve their original purpose.
A survey on approaches to the protection of personal data gathered by IoT devices
Authors: Tranter Henry
Published: July 2018

Security is always at the forefront of developing technologies. One can seldom go a week without hearing of a new data breach or hacking attempt from various groups around the world, often taking advantage of a simple flaw in a system’s architecture. The Internet of Things (IoT) is one of these developing technologies which may be at risk of such attacks. IoT devices are becoming more and more prevalent in everyday life. From keeping track of an individual’s health, to suggesting meals from items available in an individual’s fridge, these technologies are taking a much larger role in the personal lives of their users. With this in mind, how is security being considered in the development of these technologies? Are these devices that monitor individual’s personal lives just additional vectors for potential data theft? Throughout this survey, various approaches to the development of security systems concerning IoT devices in the home will be discussed, compared, and contrasted in the hope of providing an ideal solution to the problems this technology may produce.
A subcortical circuit linking the cerebellum to the basal ganglia engaged in vocal learning
Authors: Pidoux Ludivine , Le Blanc Pascale , Levenes Carole , Leblois Arthur
Published: July 2018

Speech is a complex sensorimotor skill, and vocal learning involves both the basal ganglia and the cerebellum. These subcortical structures interact indirectly through their respective loops with thalamo-cortical and brainstem networks, and directly via subcortical pathways, but the role of their interaction during sensorimotor learning remains undetermined. While songbirds and their song-dedicated basal ganglia-thalamo-cortical circuitry offer a unique opportunity to study subcortical circuits involved in vocal learning, the cerebellar contribution to avian song learning remains unknown. We demonstrate that the cerebellum provides a strong input to the song-related basal ganglia nucleus in zebra finches. Cerebellar signals are transmitted to the basal ganglia via a disynaptic connection through the thalamus and then conveyed to their cortical target and to the premotor nucleus controlling song production. Finally, cerebellar lesions impair juvenile song learning, opening new opportunities to investigate how subcortical interactions between the cerebellum and basal ganglia contribute to sensorimotor learning.
Quantification of anti-parasite and anti-disease immunity to malaria as a function of age and exposure
Authors: Rodriguez-Barraquer Isabel , Arinaitwe Emmanuel , Jagannathan Prasanna , Kamya Moses R , Rosenthal Phillip J , Rek John , Dorsey Grant , Nankabirwa Joaniter , Staedke Sarah G , Kilama Maxwell , Drakeley Chris , Ssewanyana Isaac , Smith David L , Greenhouse Bryan
Published: July 2018

Fundamental gaps remain in our understanding of how immunity to malaria develops. We used detailed clinical and entomological data from parallel cohort studies conducted across the malaria transmission spectrum in Uganda to quantify the development of immunity against symptomatic P. falciparum as a function of age and transmission intensity. We focus on: anti-parasite immunity (i.e. ability to control parasite densities) and anti-disease immunity (i.e. ability to tolerate higher parasite densities without fever). Our findings suggest a strong effect of age on both types of immunity, not explained by cumulative-exposure. They also show an independent effect of exposure, where children living in moderate/high transmission settings develop immunity faster as transmission increases. Surprisingly, children in the lowest transmission setting appear to develop immunity more efficiently than those living in moderate transmission settings. Anti-parasite and anti-disease immunity develop in parallel, reducing the probability of experiencing symptomatic malaria upon each subsequent P. falciparum infection.
Structural basis for potent and broad inhibition of HIV-1 RT by thiophene[3,2-d]pyrimidine non-nucleoside inhibitors
Authors: Yang Yang , Kang Dongwei , Nguyen Laura A , Smithline Zachary B , Pannecouque Christophe , Zhan Peng , Liu Xinyong , Steitz Thomas A
Published: July 2018

Rapid generation of drug-resistant mutations in HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT), a prime target for anti-HIV therapy, poses a major impediment to effective anti-HIV treatment. Our previous efforts have led to the development of two novel non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) with piperidine-substituted thiophene[3,2-d]pyrimidine scaffolds, compounds K-5a2 and 25a, which demonstrate highly potent anti-HIV-1 activities and improved resistance profiles compared with etravirine and rilpivirine, respectively. Here, we have determined the crystal structures of HIV-1 wild-type (WT) RT and seven RT variants bearing prevalent drug-resistant mutations in complex with K-5a2 or 25a at ~2 Å resolution. These high-resolution structures illustrate the molecular details of the extensive hydrophobic interactions and the network of main chain hydrogen bonds formed between the NNRTIs and the RT inhibitor-binding pocket, and provide valuable insights into the favorable structural features that can be employed for designing NNRTIs that are broadly active against drug-resistant HIV-1 variants.
Measuring NDC80 binding reveals the molecular basis of tension-dependent kinetochore-microtubule attachments
Authors: Yoo Tae Yeon , Choi Jeong-Mo , Conway William , Yu Che-Hang , Pappu Rohit V , Needleman Daniel J
Published: July 2018

Proper kinetochore-microtubule attachments, mediated by the NDC80 complex, are required for error-free chromosome segregation. Erroneous attachments are corrected by the tension dependence of kinetochore-microtubule interactions. Here, we present a method, based on fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and Förster resonance energy transfer, to quantitatively measure the fraction of NDC80 complexes bound to microtubules at individual kinetochores in living human cells. We found that NDC80 binding is modulated in a chromosome autonomous fashion over prometaphase and metaphase, and is predominantly regulated by centromere tension. We show that this tension dependency requires phosphorylation of the N-terminal tail of Hec1, a component of the NDC80 complex, and the proper localization of Aurora B kinase, which modulates NDC80 binding. Our results lead to a mathematical model of the molecular basis of tension-dependent NDC80 binding to kinetochore microtubules in vivo.
Antioxidant activity and mechanism of commercial Rama Forte persimmon fruits (Diospyros kaki)
Authors: Dalvi Luana T. , Moreira Daniel C. , Alonso Antonio , de Avellar Isa G.J. , Hermes-Lima Marcelo
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to characterize the antioxidant properties of Rama Forte persimmon, a tannin-rich fruit variety produced in Brazil. Extracts prepared with lyophilized pulps from fruits obtained in local markets were analyzed individually to evaluate the extent of antioxidant protection and investigate the antioxidant mechanism. Iron-mediated hydroxylation of 5,5-dimethyl-1-pirrolidine-N-oxide, determined by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and oxidative degradation of 2-deoxyribose (2-DR) were inhibited by fruit extracts in a dose-dependent manner. There was a considerable individual variability in inhibition of 2-DR degradation by individual fruits. Higher protection of 2-DR degradation (by the extracts) was observed in Fe(III)-citrate/ascorbate in comparison with Fe(III)-EDTA/ascorbate system; however, antioxidant effectiveness of fruit extracts was not diminished by increasing EDTA concentration by 10-fold. Other competition experiments using the 2-DR assay (varying pre-incubation time and 2-DR concentration) indicated that protection comes mainly from free radical scavenging, rather that metal chelation antioxidant activity. Persimmon extracts prevented iron-mediated lipid peroxidation in rat liver homogenates, which correlated significantly with the inhibition of 2-DR oxidation. Finally, sugar content of individual fruits correlated inversely with inhibition of 2-DR degradation, which could indicate that maturation decreases soluble antioxidant concentration or efficiency. In conclusion, lipid peroxidation, 2-DR and EPR experiments indicated that extracts from commercial fruits showed mainly radical-scavenger activity and relevant antioxidant activity.
Longevity and survival ofLeptocybe invasa(Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), an invasive gall inducer onEucalyptus, with different diets and temperatures
Authors: De Souza Amanda Rodrigues , Barbosa Leonardo Rodrigues , Passos José Raimundo de Souza , Castro Bárbara Monteiro de Castro e , Zanuncio José Cola , Wilcken Carlos Frederico
Published: July 2018

The blue gum chalcid,Leptocybe invasaFisher & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae), causes galls onEucalyptusspp. leaf midribs, petioles and stems.Biological aspects need to be studied to assist in developing management strategies and to maintain this insect in the laboratory to rear the parasitoidSelitrichodes neseriKelly & La Salle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) that depends on having a supply ofEucalyptusseedlings infested byL. invasa.We evaluated the longevity and survival ofL. invasaindividual non reproductive females fed with six different diets (pure honey, 50% honey solution, pure honey plus eucalyptus leaves, eucalyptus leaves, distilled water, or no food) and seven different temperatures (10, 14, 18, 22, 26, 30 and 34 °C).Leptocybe invasafed with 50% honey solution and reared at 14 or 18 °C showed the greatest longevity and survival.
Effects of age on the identification of emotions in facial expressions: a meta-analysis
Authors: Gonçalves Ana R. , Fernandes Carina , Pasion Rita , Ferreira-Santos Fernando , Barbosa Fernando , Marques-Teixeira João
Published: July 2018

Background

Emotion identification is a fundamental component of social cognition. Although it is well established that a general cognitive decline occurs with advancing age, the effects of age on emotion identification is still unclear. A meta-analysis by Ruffman and colleagues (2008) explored this issue, but much research has been published since then, reporting inconsistent findings.

Methods

To examine age differences in the identification of facial expressions of emotion, we conducted a meta-analysis of 24 empirical studies (N = 1,033 older adults, N = 1,135 younger adults) published after 2008. Additionally, a meta-regression analysis was conducted to identify potential moderators.

Results

Results show that older adults less accurately identify facial expressions of anger, sadness, fear, surprise, and happiness compared to younger adults, strengthening the results obtained by Ruffman et al. (2008). However, meta-regression analyses indicate that effect sizes are moderated by sample characteristics and stimulus features. Importantly, the estimated effect size for the identification of fear and disgust increased for larger differences in the number of years of formal education between the two groups.

Discussion

We discuss several factors that might explain the age-related differences in emotion identification and suggest how brain changes may account for the observed pattern. Furthermore, moderator effects are interpreted and discussed.
Integrative machine learning analysis of multiple gene expression profiles in cervical cancer
Authors: Tan Mei Sze , Chang Siow-Wee , Cheah Phaik Leng , Yap Hwa Jen
Published: July 2018

Although most of the cervical cancer cases are reported to be closely related to the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection, there is a need to study genes that stand up differentially in the final actualization of cervical cancers following HPV infection. In this study, we proposed an integrative machine learning approach to analyse multiple gene expression profiles in cervical cancer in order to identify a set of genetic markers that are associated with and may eventually aid in the diagnosis or prognosis of cervical cancers. The proposed integrative analysis is composed of three steps: namely, (i) gene expression analysis of individual dataset; (ii) meta-analysis of multiple datasets; and (iii) feature selection and machine learning analysis. As a result, 21 gene expressions were identified through the integrative machine learning analysis which including seven supervised and one unsupervised methods. A functional analysis with GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) was performed on the selected 21-gene expression set and showed significant enrichment in a nine-potential gene expression signature, namely PEG3, SPON1, BTD and RPLP2 (upregulated genes) and PRDX3, COPB2, LSM3, SLC5A3 and AS1B (downregulated genes).
The effect of heavy metals on the viability of Tetraselmis marina AC16-MESO and an evaluation of the potential use of this microalga in bioremediation
Authors: Cameron Henry , Mata Maria Teresa , Riquelme Carlos
Published: July 2018

The use of microalgae in biotechnological processes has received much attention worldwide. This is primarily due to the fact that they are inexpensive to grow, requiring only sunlight and CO2, whilst lending themselves to a range of uses, such as to reduce CO2 levels, as fish feed, in biofuel production, for the generation of secondary metabolites of interest, and in bioremediation. These features mean that microalgae are excellent candidates for the implementation of a range of eco-friendly technologies. Here, we investigated the behavior and feasibility of the use of the microalgal strain Tetraselmis marina AC16-MESO against heavy metal contamination focused on potential use in bioremediation. The following key parameters were recorded: (i) the sedimentation efficiency, which reached 95.6% after five hours of decantation; (ii) the ion tolerance (Ca2+, Co2+, Cu2+, Fe3+, Mn2+ and Ni2+) at concentrations of 0.1, 1.0, 5.0, 10.0 and 20.0 mg*L−1 and (iii) ion removal efficiency (Cu2+, Fe3+ and Mn2+). Our results indicated a higher tolerance for iron and calcium (20 ± 1.10 mg*L−1; 100 ± 8.10 mg*L−1), partial to nickel, manganese and copper (4.4 ± 0.10 mg*L−1; 4.4 ± 0.15 mg*L−1; 5 ± 1.25 mg*L−1) and less for cobalt (0.1 ± 0.20 mg*L−1). Moreover, removal efficiency of 40–90% for Cu2+, 100% for Fe3+, and 20–50% for Mn2+ over a 72 hours period, for ion concentrations of 1.0 and 5.0 mg*L−1.
Perceived user preferences and usability evaluation of mainstream wearable devices for health monitoring
Authors: Jia Yuxi , Wang Wei , Wen Dong , Liang Lizhong , Gao Li , Lei Jianbo
Published: July 2018

Background

There are many problems with fitness trackers, such as device usability, which limit their large-scale application, and relevant studies are limited in terms of their sample size and evaluation methods. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the perceived usability of various mainstream fitness trackers on the market, and to learn about user feedback on feature preferences for each device.

Methods

Trial use of seven mainstream fitness trackers (two smart watches and five smart wristbands) followed by a survey study were applied. The questionnaire was specifically developed for this study, which included two parts (user preferences and device usability in five dimensions). We recruited users to test the devices for at least 30 days and asked experienced users to provide feedback in order to evaluate each device, including the rating and user preference of each device.

Results

We received 388 valid questionnaires, in which users rated their responses on a five-point Likert scale. (1) User preference: the average user satisfaction was 3.50–3.86 (points), and the rating for willingness to buy averaged between 3.36 and 3.59. More users were willing to wear (58.3–81.3%) and purchase (56.8–83.0%) the devices than were not. The top three general feature preferences were daily activity tracking, heart health monitoring, and professional fitness tracking. The top three health-related feature preferences were heart rate monitoring, daily pedometer, and professional fitness tracking. (2) Usability evaluation: product design was rated from 3.57 to 4.00; durability, 3.63–4.26; ease of use, 3.70–3.90; added features, 3.30–3.83; and user-rated accuracy, 3.44–3.78. A significant difference was observed in the rating of product design and durability among the different devices (p < 0.05) score.

Conclusions

Users generally had positive subjective intent regarding fitness trackers but were less satisfied with their cost effectiveness. The users preferred health related features such as heart health monitoring, and professional fitness tracking. The rating of most of the current mainstream fitness trackers was fair with some significant differences among the devices. Thus, further improvement is needed.
Anti‐retinal Autoantibodies in Hydroxychloroquine Eye Toxicity
Authors: Good Samuel D. , Adamus Grazyna , Gorin Michael B. , Jacquez Jordan , Grossman Jennifer , Matsuura Isao , Hasan Ashira , Skaggs Brian , McMahon Maureen
Published: November 2024

Objective

Autoimmune retinopathy and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ)‐related retinal toxicity share many similarities, raising the possibility autoimmunity plays a role in HCQ retinopathy. The objective of this study is to determine whether patients diagnosed with HCQ retinal toxicity are more likely to have circulating antiretinal autoantibodies (AAbs) compared to controls.

Methods

We tested plasma samples for the presence of anti‐retinal AAbs by immunoblotting in 270 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving HCQ. We then evaluated for the presence of HCQ retinal toxicity and other baseline risk factors for HCQ toxicity through chart review. Frequency of specific anti‐retinal AAbs in patients with HCQ retinal toxicity was compared to those with no retinal toxicity via multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Patients with HCQ retinal toxicity had a higher likelihood of testing positive for anti‐arrestin AAbs (60.7% vs 30.6%, P = 0.001) and anti–pyruvate kinase M2 AAbs (46.4% vs 28.1%, P = 0.05). Patients with HCQ eye toxicity also had a higher number of total anti‐retinal AAbs (mean 3.0 ± 2.40 vs 2.04 ± 1.7, P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis accounting for risk factors associated for HCQ eye toxicity, the presence of anti‐arrestin antibodies was associated with a 3.2‐fold increase in the odds of developing HCQ eye toxicity.

Conclusion

Anti‐retinal AAbs were more common in patients with SLE with HCQ retinal toxicity. When controlling for risk factors associated with HCQ toxicity, anti‐arrestin AAbs were associated with increased odds for the development of eye toxicity, suggesting a potential role for anti‐retinal AAbs as a biomarker of HCQ eye toxicity.
Peer Support Specialists: SAMHSA's designation raises confusion
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2024

If you are in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD), a peer would be another person in recovery from a SUD. At least, that's the purist way of thinking, before the word “peer” came into common usage. For years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has endeavored in various ways to promote the blending of SUDs and mental illnesses, mainly in terms of the recovery workforce. Most recently, SAMHSA's publication, Peer Support Specialists: A Growing Mental Health and Addictions Workforce, adds further confusion to the issue. We asked experts in the field to comment.
NIAAA celebrates one year anniversary of diversity initiatives
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2024

A year ago, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) formalized its office advancing the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) both internally and in its scientific programs.
ECM Proteins Nidogen‐1 and Decorin Restore Functionality of Human Islets of Langerhans upon Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Jeyagaran Abiramy , Urbanczyk Max , Carvajal‐Berrio Daniel , Baldissera Teresa , Kaiser Philipp D. , Kuhlburger Laurence , Czemmel Stefan , Nahnsen Sven , Duffy Garry P. , Brucker Sara Y. , Layland Shannon L. , Schenke‐Layland Katja
Published: November 2024

Transplantation of donor islets of Langerhans is a potential therapeutic approach for patients with diabetes mellitus; however, its success is limited by islet death and dysfunction during the initial hypoxic conditions at the transplantation site. This highlights the need to support the donor islets in the days post‐transplantation until the site is vascularized. It was previously demonstrated that the extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins nidogen‐1 (NID1) and decorin (DCN) improve the functionality and survival of the β‐cell line, EndoC‐βH3, and the viability of human islets post‐isolation. To advance the use of these ECM proteins toward a clinical application and elucidate the mechanisms of action in primary islets, the study assesses the effects of ECM proteins NID1 and DCN on isolated human donor islets cultured in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. NID1‐ and DCN‐treatment restore β‐cell functionality of human donor islets in a hypoxic environment through upregulation of genes involved in glycolytic pathways and reducing DNA fragmentation in hypoxic conditions comparable to normoxic control islets. The results demonstrate that the utilization of NID1 or DCN with islets of Langerhans may have the potential to overcome the hypoxia‐induced cell death observed post‐transplantation and improve transplant outcomes.
In Situ Forming Supramolecular Nanofiber Hydrogel as a Biodegradable Liquid Embolic Agent for Postembolization Tissue Remodeling
Authors: Nishiguchi Akihiro , Ohta Miho , Palai Debabrata , Ito Shima , Mori Kensaku , Akagi Ryotaro , Bajan Christophe , Lambard Guillaume , Sodeyama Keitaro , Taguchi Tetsushi
Published: November 2024

Embolic agents have been widely used to treat blood vessel abnormalities in interventional radiology as a minimally invasive procedure. However, only a few biodegradable liquid embolic agents exhibit high embolization performance, biodegradability, and operability. Herein, the design of in situ‐forming supramolecular nanofiber (SNF) hydrogels is reported as biodegradable liquid embolic agents with the assistance of Bayesian optimization through an active learning pipeline. Chemically modified gelatin with hydrogen‐bonding moieties produces fibrin‐inspired nanofiber‐based hydrogels with a high blood coagulation capacity. The low viscosity of the SNF hydrogels makes them injectable using a microcatheter, and the hydrogel shows sufficient tissue adhesion to the blood vessel walls and very weak adhesion to the catheter tubes. Moreover, the SNF hydrogels exhibit high blood compatibility, cytocompatibility, cell‐adhesive properties, and biodegradability (in vitro and in vivo). Intravascularly delivered SNF hydrogels induce embolization of rat femoral arteries. This biodegradable liquid embolic agent could be a powerful tool for interventional radiology in the treatment of various diseases, including aortic aneurysm stent grafting, gynecological diseases, and liver cancer.
Anisotropic Ferroelectricity in Polar Vortices
Authors: Behera Piush , Ross Aiden M. , Shanker Nirmaan , Meisenheimer Peter , Manna Mahir , Lin Ching‐Che , Hsu Shang‐Lin , Harris Isaac , Kavle Pravin , Husain Sajid , Ojha Shashank K. , Das Sujit , Raja Archana , Martin Lane W. , Susarla Sandhya , Salahuddin Sayeef , Chen Long‐Qing , Ramesh Ramamoorthy
Published: November 2024

The exotic polarization configurations of topologically protected dipolar textures have opened new avenues for realizing novel phenomena absent in traditional ferroelectric systems. While multiple recent studies have revealed a diverse array of emergent properties in such polar topologies, the details of their atomic and mesoscale structures remain incomplete. Through atomic‐ and meso‐scale imaging techniques, the emergence of a macroscopic ferroelectric polarization along both principal axes of the vortex lattice while performing phase‐field modeling to probe the atomic scale origins of these distinct polarization components is demonstrated. Additionally, due to the anisotropic epitaxial strain, the polarization switching behavior perpendicular and parallel to the vortices is highly anisotropic, with switching along the vortex axes occurring over numerous decades in field‐pulse width. This slow switching process allows for the deterministic control of the polarization state, enabling a non‐volatile, multi‐state memory with excellent distinguishability and long retention times.