bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity Levels: Optimizing the Performance of Privacy Preserving DNA Alignment
Authors: Fernandes Maria , Decouchant Jérémie , Völp Marcus , Couto Francisco M , Esteves-Veríssimo Paulo
Published: March 2018

The advent of high throughput next-generation sequencing (NGS) machines made DNA sequencing cheaper, but also put pressure on the genomic life-cycle, which includes aligning millions of short DNA sequences, called reads, to a reference genome. On the performance side, efficient algorithms have been developed, and parallelized on public clouds. On the privacy side, since genomic data are utterly sensitive, several cryptographic mechanisms have been proposed to align reads securely, with a lower performance than the former, which in turn are not secure. This manuscript proposes a novel contribution to improving the privacy performance product in current genomic studies. Building on recent works that argue that genomics data needs to be × treated according to a threat-risk analysis, we introduce a multi-level sensitivity classification of genomic variations. Our classification prevents the amplification of possible privacy attacks, thanks to promoting and partitioning mechanisms among sensitivity levels. Thanks to this classification, reads can be aligned, stored, and later accessed, using different security levels. We then extend a recent filter, which detects the reads that carry sensitive information, to classify reads into sensitivity levels. Finally, based on a review of the existing alignment methods, we show that adapting alignment algorithms to reads sensitivity allows high performance gains, whilst enforcing high privacy levels. Our results indicate that using sensitivity levels is feasible to optimize the performance of privacy preserving alignment, if one combines the advantages of private and public clouds.
Nonlinear calcium ion waves along actin filaments control active hair–bundle motility
Authors: A.Tuszynski J. , Sataric M. V. , Sekulic D. L. , Sataric B. M. , Zdravkovic S.
Published: March 2018

Actin filaments are highly dynamic semiflexible cellular biopolymers with diverse functions, such as cell motility. They also play the role of conduits for propagation of calcium ion waves. In this paper, we propose a new biophysical model that describes how actin filaments with their polyelectrolyte properties serve as pathways for calcium ion flows in hair cells. We show this can be utilized for the tuning of force–generating myosin motors. In this model, we unify the calcium nonlinear dynamics involved in the control of the myosin adaptation motors with mechanical displacements of hair– bundles. The model shows that the characteristic time scales fit reasonably well with the available experimental data for spontaneous oscillations in the inner ear. This model offers promises to fill a gap in our understanding of the role of calcium ion nonlinear dynamics in the regulation of processes in the auditory cells of the inner ear.
A post-transcriptional regulatory code for mRNA stability during the zebrafish maternal-to-zygotic transition
Authors: Vejnar Charles E. , Messih Mario Abdel , Takacs Carter M. , Yartseva Valeria , Oikonomou Panos , Christiano Romain , Stoeckius Marlon , Lau Stephanie , Lee Miler T. , Beaudoin Jean-Denis , Darwich-Codore Hiba , Walther Tobias C. , Tavazoie Saeed , fuentes Daniel Ci- , Giraldez Antonio J.
Published: March 2018

Post-transcriptional regulation is crucial to shape gene expression. During the Maternal-to-Zygotic Transition (MZT), thousands of maternal transcripts are regulated upon fertilization and genome activation. Transcript stability can be influenced bycis-elements andtrans-factors, but how these inputs are integrated to determine the overall mRNA stability is unclear. Here, we show that most transcripts are under combinatorial regulation by multiple decay pathways during zebrafish MZT. To identifycis-regulatory elements, we performed a massively parallel reporter assay for stability-influencing sequences, which revealed that 3’-UTR poly-U motifs are associated with mRNA stability. In contrast, miR-430 target sequences, UAUUUAUU AU-rich elements (ARE), CCUC and CUGC elements emerged as the main destabilizing motifs in the embryo, with miR-430 and AREs causing mRNA deadenylation in a genome activation-dependent manner. To identify thetrans-factors interacting with thesecis-elements, we comprehensively profiled RNA-protein interactions and their associated regulatory activities across the transcriptome during the MZT. We find that poly-U binding proteins are preferentially associated with 3’-UTR sequences and stabilizing motifs, and that antagonistic sequence contexts for poly-C and poly-U binding proteins shape the binding landscape and magnitude of regulation across the transcriptome. Finally, we integrate these regulatory motifs into a machine learning model that accurately predicts the stability of mRNA reportersin vivo. Our findings reveal how mechanisms of post-transcriptional regulation are coordinated to direct changes in mRNA stability within the early zebrafish embryo.
Disclosure of pension asset allocation and expected rate of return management
Authors: Hwang Seokyoun , Sarath Bharat
Published: March 2018

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine whether the expected rate of return (ERR) management is related to disclosure of pension asset allocation. FAS 132R(1), which requires firms to disaggregate the detailed categories of pension asset allocation, provides a natural experiment setting for investigating the effect of enhanced transparency on firm behavior.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors focus on the variation of voluntary disclosure and its effect on ERR management under the two different reporting regimes. The authors measure the variation of voluntary disclosure of the pension asset allocations in the pre-period of FAS 132R(1), by using the self-constructed disclosure score.

Findings

First, firms create flexibility in their choice of ERR through opaque disclosure of pension asset allocation. Next, firms with poor disclosures are more likely to adjust ERR downward when accounting standards require greater transparency, implying that, for firms with poor disclosures, mandated transparency in pension asset allocation plays a vital role in reducing the ERR management.

Research limitations/implications

The authors directly illustrate the impact of FAS 132R(1) on ERR management. The authors find that the impact of mandated transparency is not uniform across firms. Next, this study highlights the importance of disclosure in restricting managers’ earnings management motivation.

Originality/value

The authors hand collect the asset allocations under pre-FAS 132R(1) period from the 10-K pension footnotes for all S&P 500 firms, which allows the authors to identify the disclosure variation amongst the firms. Based on the variation of disclosure, the authors construct the ordinal measure of disclosure scores on which the testing indicator variables are built.
Abusive supervision and job-oriented constructive deviance in the hotel industry
Authors: Pan Wen , Sun Liuyuan , Sun Li-yun , Li Chenwei , Leung Alicia S.M.
Published: March 2018

Purpose

Drawing on activation theory, this paper aims to examine the process through which abusive supervision influences job-oriented constructive deviance (JCD) in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Data are collected from 198 employees working with 34 supervisors, at three time points across four hotel groups in Macau. The instantaneous indirect effect and moderated curvilinear effect using established measures are tested.

Findings

First, abusive supervision was positively associated with hotel employees’ job dissatisfaction and their job dissatisfaction had an inverted curvilinear effect on JCD. Second, job dissatisfaction nonlinearly mediated the impact of abusive supervision on JCD. Third, high problem-focused coping decelerated the diminishing benefits of job dissatisfaction on JCD.

Practical implications

First, organizations should accept employees’ constructive deviance but suppress managers’ abusive supervision. Second, organizations need to improve employees’ problem-focused coping skills and channel job dissatisfaction into constructive and active behaviors.

Originality/value

Theoretically, the authors test a nonlinearly mediating and moderated curvilinear model and address the research concern on whether, why and how service employees decide to engage in positive deviant behaviors when encountering abusive supervision. Practically, the authors avoid concluding that moderate levels of abusive supervision can promote positive employee behaviors and refrain from justification of abusive supervision in the hospitality context.
Directional‐oriented wavefield imaging: a new wave‐based subsurface illumination imaging condition for reverse time migration
Authors: Kim Young Seo , Tsingas Constantine , Jeong Woodon
Published: March 2018

The key objective of an imaging algorithm is to produce accurate and high‐resolution images of the subsurface geology. However, significant wavefield distortions occur due to wave propagation through complex structures and irregular acquisition geometries causing uneven wavefield illumination at the target. Therefore, conventional imaging conditions are unable to correctly compensate for variable illumination effects. We propose a generalised wave‐based imaging condition, which incorporates a weighting function based on energy illumination at each subsurface reflection and azimuth angles. Our proposed imaging kernel, named as the directional‐oriented wavefield imaging, compensates for illumination effects produced by possible surface obstructions during acquisition, sparse geometries employed in the field, and complex velocity models. An integral part of the directional‐oriented wavefield imaging condition is a methodology for applying down‐going/up‐going wavefield decomposition to both source and receiver extrapolated wavefields. This type of wavefield decomposition eliminates low‐frequency artefacts and scattering noise caused by the two‐way wave equation and can facilitate the robust estimation for energy fluxes of wavefields required for the seismic illumination analysis. Then, based on the estimation of the respective wavefield propagation vectors and associated directions, we evaluate the illumination energy for each subsurface location as a function of image depth point and subsurface azimuth and reflection angles. Thus, the final directional‐oriented wavefield imaging kernel is a cross‐correlation of the decomposed source and receiver wavefields weighted by the illuminated energy estimated at each depth location. The application of the directional‐oriented wavefield imaging condition can be employed during the generation of both depth‐stacked images and azimuth–reflection angle‐domain common image gathers. Numerical examples using synthetic and real data demonstrate that the new imaging condition can properly image complex wave paths and produce high‐fidelity depth sections.
‘Look mommy, I'm eating the plate model!’ Biopedagogies and coping with obesity through objectification
Authors: Ersfjord Ellen Margrete Iveland
Published: March 2018

Childhood obesity is increasing in many parts of the world. For the child, obesity often involves major social challenges. Within the framework of social studies of children and childhood and employing the concept of biopedagogies, I explore how children with severe obesity who participate in a long‐term rehabilitation programme changed the perception of their bodies from ‘being fat’ to ‘suffering from obesity’ by embracing the biopedagogies involved. Due to this transformation, ‘obesity’ was made into an entity – ‘a thing’ that the children could work on –, which was used for coping and change. The article is based on an ethnographic field study of a Norwegian randomized medical intervention trial for children with obesity.

A virtual abstract of this paper can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_979cmCmR9rLrKuD7z0ycA
Pelvic Artery Calcification Score Is a Marker of Vascular Calcification in Male Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Matsuura Tomohiko , Abe Takaya , Onoda Mitsutaka , Ikarashi Daiki , Sugimura Jun , Komaki Toshiaki , Sasaki Nariyuki , Takasawa Yumiko , Kato Tetsuo , Yoshioka Kunihiro , Ehara Shigeru , Obara Wataru
Published: March 2018

Patients who undergo hemodialysis often suffer from cardiovascular disease (CVD), and evaluation of coronary artery calcification is extremely important. These evaluations are typically conducted using a noninvasive method including electron beam computed tomography (CT) or multi‐detector CT, and the Agatston method to calculate the coronary artery calcification score (CACS). However, it is difficult to use for patients undergoing dialysis. Because patients undergoing dialysis is too strong in coronary artery calcification, and results become incorrect. Therefore, we were looking for a calcified evaluation place peculiar to a patients undergoing dialysis. We obtained pelvic artery calcification scores (PACS) using a 64‐row multi‐slice CT to assess the presence of calcification within a triangular space bordered by bordered by osseous structure. We used the Agatston method to calculate PACS. We compared male patients undergoing dialysis with male patients with normal renal function. Patients undergoing hemodialysis had a significantly higher incidence of pelvic artery calcification than normal controls (79.7% vs. 5.5%). In the dialysis group, CACS was 1660.2 (0–9056.1), and PACS was 48.8 (0–2943.1). We found a correlation between PACS and CACS and between PACS and dialysis period. We found penile artery calcification in male patients undergoing hemodialysis was more than normal controls, and it was possible to quantify PACS using the Agatston method. This study suggested the possibility that PACS became the vascular calcification evaluation method of the hemodialysis patient.
Fibrosis‐4 index predicts cirrhosis risk and liver‐related mortality in 2075 patients with chronic HBV infection
Authors: Tseng T.‐C. , Liu C.‐J. , Su T.‐H. , Yang W.‐T. , Chen C.‐L. , Yang H.‐C. , Kuo S. F.‐T. , Liu C.‐H. , Chen P.‐J. , Chen D.‐S. , Kao J.‐H.
Published: March 2018

Background

Fibrosis‐4 index (FIB‐4) is a surrogate marker for hepatic fibrosis in hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers.

Aim

To investigate whether FIB‐4 index stratifies the risks of adverse liver events.

Methods

A total of 2075 treatment‐naïve, noncirrhotic the patients with chronic HBV infection were included. Most of them (82.1%) were HBeAg‐negative patients and their baseline FIB‐4 levels were explored to stratify the risks of cirrhosis, cirrhosis‐related complications and liver‐related mortality.

Results

During a mean follow‐up period of 15.47 years, we found a higher baseline FIB‐4 index was associated with increased incidence rates of cirrhosis in addition to the common host and viral factors. Patients with FIB‐4 >1.29, compared to those with FIB‐4 <1.29, were associated with increased risks of cirrhosis, cirrhosis‐related complications and liver‐related mortality with the hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 6.19 (4.76‐8.05), 6.88, (3.68‐12.86) and 7.79, (4.54‐13.37) respectively. Within the first 3 years of follow‐up, FIB‐4 remained stable and its kinetics were consistently associated with the develoopment of adverse liver events. Furthermore, FIB‐4 index of 1.29 was able to stratify all the risks of adverse liver events even in HBeAg‐negative patients with a low risk of disease progression (HBV DNA <2000 IU/mL, HBsAg <1000 IU/mL and ALT <40 U/L). Only 1 patient with FIB‐4 index <1.29 developed cirrhosis but not other events within 15 years of follow‐up.

Conclusions

In noncirrhotic patients with chronic HBV infection, a higher FIB‐4 index was associated with increased risks of adverse liver events. FIB‐4 index <1.29 is useful for the prediction of the lowest risks of disease progression.
Mortality in rabbits transported for slaughter
Authors: Voslarova Eva , Vecerek Vladimir , Bedanova Iveta , Vecerkova Lenka
Published: March 2018

During transport rabbits may be exposed to various stressors which can compromise both their welfare and meat quality. Mortality related to the commercial transport of rabbits for slaughter was analyzed in the Czech Republic in the period from 2009 to 2016. The overall transport‐related mortality of rabbits was 0.19%. Transport distance was found to have an impact on rabbit mortality; significantly (p < .001) greater losses were found in rabbits transported over longer distances. Mortality rates ranged from 0.02% in rabbits transported over distances of less than 50 km to 0.29% in rabbits transported over distances exceeding 400 km. A significantly (p < .001) increased risk was also associated with shipments in which 500 and more rabbits were delivered per batch. No effect of season was found. Our results show that rabbits can be transported within a wide range of temperatures (from −5 to 19.9°C) with no negative impact on mortality in transit. However, journeys carried out at temperatures below −5°C and above 20°C were associated with increased death losses (0.17% and 0.15%, respectively).
Connection‐based and object‐based grouping in multiple‐object tracking: A developmental study
Authors: Van der Hallen Ruth , Reusens Julie , Evers Kris , de‐Wit Lee , Wagemans Johan
Published: March 2018

Developmental research on Gestalt laws has previously revealed that, even as young as infancy, we are bound to group visual elements into unitary structures in accordance with a variety of organizational principles. Here, we focus on the developmental trajectory of both connection‐based and object‐based grouping, and investigate their impact on object formation in participants, aged 9–21 years old (N = 113), using a multiple‐object tracking paradigm. Results reveal a main effect of both age and grouping type, indicating that 9‐ to 21‐year‐olds are sensitive to both connection‐based and object‐based grouping interference, and tracking ability increases with age. In addition to its importance for typical development, these results provide an informative baseline to understand clinical aberrations in this regard.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

The origin of the Gestalt principles is still an ongoing debate: Are they innate, learned over time, or both?

Developmental research has revealed how each Gestalt principle has its own trajectory and unique relationship to visual experience.

Both connectedness and object‐based grouping play an important role in object formation during childhood.

What does this study add?

The study identifies how sensitivity to connectedness and object‐based grouping evolves in individuals, aged 9–21 years old.

Using multiple‐object tracking, results reveal that the ability to track multiple objects increases with age.

These results provide an informative baseline to understand clinical aberrations in different types of grouping.
Indicators of transitions in biological systems
Authors: Clements Christopher F. , Ozgul Arpat
Published: March 2018

In the face of global biodiversity declines, predicting the fate of biological systems is a key goal in ecology. One popular approach is the search for early warning signals (EWSs) based on alternative stable states theory. In this review, we cover the theory behind nonlinearity in dynamic systems and techniques to detect the loss of resilience that can indicate state transitions. We describe the research done on generic abundance‐based signals of instability that are derived from the phenomenon of critical slowing down, which represent the genesis of EWSs research. We highlight some of the issues facing the detection of such signals in biological systems – which are inherently complex and show low signal‐to‐noise ratios. We then document research on alternative signals of instability, including measuring shifts in spatial autocorrelation and trait dynamics, and discuss potential future directions for EWSs research based on detailed demographic and phenotypic data. We set EWSs research in the greater field of predictive ecology and weigh up the costs and benefits of simplicity vs. complexity in predictive models, and how the available data should steer the development of future methods. Finally, we identify some key unanswered questions that, if solved, could improve the applicability of these methods.
Strategies to support pressure injury best practices by the inter‐professional team: A systematic review
Authors: Suva Grace , Sharma Tanvi , Campbell Karen E. , Sibbald Ronald Gary , An Diana , Woo Kevin
Published: March 2018

Optimal pressure injury (ulcer) management by the inter‐professional team requires appropriate health care system and organisational resources, infrastructure, and policies. A systematic review was conducted on pressure injury care‐related education and health care system‐/organisation‐level strategies. A search for relevant articles published between January 2006 and October 2014 was applied to 8 databases. Ultimately, 22 articles pertaining to education and training and 12 articles pertaining to health care system and organisation supports for pressure injury care were included in the systematic review. A lack of pressure injury assessment and management knowledge by health care professionals was an overriding theme in the education literature. Some of the methods preferred for pressure injury education among nurses and physicians included information technology (eg, e‐learning) with technology support and the use of high‐quality wound pictures. Although the evidence is scarce, the literature did highlight specific system‐ and organisation‐level barriers and enablers that influence practice change, including inter‐professional communication and human resource investments. In conclusion, (1) the current evidence on the education and system‐level enablers, barriers, and strategies to optimise pressure injury best practices requires further investigation, and (2) multi‐faceted, up‐stream, evidence‐based approaches for pressure injury care are essential to improve health care and patient‐related outcomes.
An unusual presentation of a common condition: Allergic contact dermatitis
Authors: Price Annie , Stone Natalie M , Harding Keith G
Published: March 2018

Allergic contact dermatitis commonly affects patients with chronic venous leg ulcers and can contribute to impaired wound healing. Many allergens have been identified, and despite the use of advanced dressings, the incidence of allergy has remained high. We discuss an unusual presentation of allergic contact dermatitis in a patient with a chronic wound. The patient's history was consistent with a recurrent venous leg ulcer, but on this occasion, the wound continued to deteriorate despite optimal treatment. This prompted further investigation, which included patch testing. Although the clinical features were not suggestive of allergy, the patch test was positive for several allergens, including Atrauman® dressings, which the patient was using at the time. This case highlights the importance of regular reassessment and accurate diagnosis for the management of chronic wounds. It also demonstrates that allergic contact dermatitis can contribute to delayed wound healing without causing the classical clinical features of inflammation of the surrounding skin, and even hypoallergenic, non‐adherent dressings can be sensitising.
Octreotide for congenital and acquired chylothorax in newborns: A systematic review
Authors: Bellini Carlo , Cabano Rita , De Angelis Laura C , Bellini Tommaso , Calevo Maria G , Gandullia Paolo , Ramenghi Luca A
Published: March 2018

Aim

Chylothorax is a rare but life‐threatening condition in newborns. Octreotide, a somatostatin analogue, is widely used as a therapeutic option in neonates with congenital and acquired chylothorax, but its therapeutic role has not been clarified yet.

Methods

We performed a systematic review to assess the efficacy and safety of octreotide in the treatment of congenital and acquired chylothorax in newborns. Comprehensive research, updated till 31 October 2017, was performed by searching in PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) databases using the MeSH terms ‘octreotide’ and ‘chylothorax’. Both term and preterm newborns with congenital or acquired chylothorax treated with octreotide within the 30th day of life were included. Octreotide treatment was considered effective if a progressive reduction/ceasing in drained chylous effusion occurred.

Results

A total of 39 articles were included. Octreotide was effective in 47% of patients, with a slight but not significant difference between congenital (30/57; 53.3%) and acquired (9/27; 33.3%) chylothorax (P = 0.10). Marked variation in octreotide regimen was observed. The most common therapeutic scheme was intravenous infusion at a starting dose of 1 μg/kg/h, gradually increasing to 10 μg/kg/h according to the therapeutic response. Side effects were reported in 12 of 84 patients (14.3%). Only case reports were included in this review due to the lack of randomised controlled trials.

Conclusion

Octreotide is a relatively effective and safe treatment option in neonates with chylothorax, especially for the congenital forms.
Neonatal oesophageal perforation: The role for non‐operative management
Authors: Hodgson Kate , Togo Andrea , Moore Aideen M , Moody Amanda , King Sebastian K , Zani Augusto
Published: March 2018

Aim

Isolated oesophageal perforation in neonates is a rare but potentially life‐threatening condition. Although management has historically been operative, conservative management (antibiotics, bowel rest, parenteral nutrition) is now more routinely used. The aim of this study was to evaluate the management of this condition in two large neonatal surgical centres.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted for neonates admitted to The Hospital for Sick Children (Toronto, Canada) or The Royal Children's Hospital (Melbourne, Australia) with a diagnosis of oesophageal perforation, from 2006 to 2016. Patients with oesophageal atresia or tracheo‐oesophageal fistula were excluded. Data were collected from chart review regarding demographics, clinical course, management and outcomes.

Results

Eleven neonates with oesophageal perforation were identified over a 10‐year period at the two centres. Median gestational age at birth was 25.3 weeks (interquartile range 24.2–28.8) and the majority (7/11, 64%) of neonates were extremely low birthweight. Diagnosis was made on day 1 of life for 9 of 11 (81%) neonates and was secondary to nasogastric tube insertion in 10 of 11 (91%) neonates. Only four (36%) neonates had symptomatic complications. All neonates were managed with bowel rest and intravenous antibiotics for a median of 7 days (interquartile range 7–10); two patients required operative intervention. Three neonates (27%) developed chronic lung disease and two (19%) died prior to discharge.

Conclusions

Oesophageal perforation is severe complication secondary to instrumentation of the upper gastrointestinal tract in neonates. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial. Non‐operative management is effective for the majority, though morbidity is common.
Curcumin nanoparticles potentiate therapeutic effectiveness of acitrein in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients and control serum cholesterol levels
Authors: Bilia Anna Rita , Bergonzi Maria Camilla , Isacchi Benedetta , Antiga Emiliano , Caproni Marzia
Published: March 2018

Objectives

In this study, nanoparticles of curcumin were developed and orally administered to moderate-to-severe psoriasis (Psoriasis Area Severity Index values, PASI > 10) patients, in a placebo controlled, double blind, randomised clinical trial to evaluate the effectiveness.

Methods

Diverse binary systems of curcumin and hydrophilic polymers were investigated to optimise solubility and stability in terms of curcumin residual content and size of the crystals. Nanocrystals of curcumin stabilised with PVP (1 : 0.5, w/w), were characterised using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, TEM analyses and stability studies. The formulation was evaluated with a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay to predict the passive intestinal absorption. The first group of patients was treated orally with acitretin (0.4 mg/kg per day) plus nanocurcumin (3 g/day), the second group with acitretin, for 12 weeks.

Key findings

Curcumin nanoparticles were homogeneous and stable systems. Curcumin permeability was significantly enhanced when compared with aqueous saturated solution of curcumin. The reduction in PASI was significantly higher in patients treated with curcumin (P < 0.0001) and cholesterol serum levels remained unchanged in patients treated with acitretin plus nanocurcumin.

Conclusions

Curcumin nanoparticles represent an effective adjuvant therapy in moderate-to-severe psoriasis patients treated with oral acitretin, improving their lipid serum profile.
Maternal encouragement of modest behavior, temperamental shyness, and anxious withdrawal linkages to Chinese American children's social adjustment: A moderated mediation analysis
Authors: Balkaya Merve , Cheah Charissa S. L. , Yu Jing , Hart Craig H. , Sun Shuyan
Published: March 2018

Past studies have revealed potential differences in the functional meaning and social evaluation of children's temperamental shyness between Chinese interdependence‐oriented and North American independence‐oriented cultural contexts. However, very little is known about shy Chinese American children's adjustment in Western school contexts and potential pathways underlying their adjustment. To address this gap in the literature, we examined the associations between Chinese American children's temperamental shyness and their social adjustment outcomes, including peer exclusion, prosocial behavior, and assertiveness/leadership skills. In addition, the mediating role of children's display of anxious‐withdrawn behavior and the moderating role of first‐generation Chinese immigrant mothers’ encouragement of modesty in their parenting practices as applied to associations between temperamental shyness and social adjustment outcomes were explored. Path analyses indicated that the impact of Chinese American children's temperamental shyness on their socioemotional adjustment was mediated by their display of anxious‐withdrawn behavior in school. However, when Chinese immigrant mothers encouraged their children to be more modest, children's temperamental shyness was less strongly related to negative social adjustment outcomes through diminished anxious‐withdrawn behavior. These results highlighted the importance of culturally emphasized parenting practices in fostering Chinese American children's adjustment in the United States.
Molecular phylogenetics reveals novel relationships within Empidoidea (Diptera)
Authors: Wahlberg Emma , Johanson Kjell Arne
Published: March 2018

Empidoidea represent a large and diverse superfamily of true flies, and to date no stable hypothesis on the phylogeny exists. Previous classifications have been based on morphological data and the relationships among several groups are still unknown. Using the mitochondrial genes cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) and cytochrome β (Cytβ) and the nuclear genes carbomoylphosphate synthase domain of rudimentary (CAD), elongation factor‐1α (EF‐1α) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) in a Bayesian analysis, we tested the support of higher taxonomic groups within this large superfamily of flies. We re‐evaluated previous hypotheses of evolution within the group and present a highly supported phylogenetic hypothesis. Atelestidae, Dolichopodidae, Empididae and Hybotidae were supported as monophyletic families, with Atelestidae as sister group to the remaining Empidoidea. Within the family Hybotidae, Bicellariinae stat.n. formed the sister group to the other subfamilies. The family Ragadidae stat.n. is established to include the subfamily Ragadinae and the new subfamily Iteaphilinae subfam.n.; Ragadidae was sister group to the Empididae. Dolichopodidae was found to form a sister group to Ragadidae plus Empididae. Within Empididae, Hemerodromiinae was found to be a nonmonophyletic group. The tribes Hilarini and Hemerodromiini stat. rev. were recovered as sister groups, as were Empidini and Chelipodini stat. rev. The former family Brachystomatidae was found to be nested within Empididae. A revised classification and diagnoses of nondolichopodid families, subfamilies and tribes are provided.
The cyclin‐dependent kinase G group defines a thermo‐sensitive alternative splicing circuit modulating the expression of ArabidopsisATU2AF65A
Authors: Cavallari Nicola , Nibau Candida , Fuchs Armin , Dadarou Despoina , Barta Andrea , Doonan John H.
Published: March 2018

The ability to adapt growth and development to temperature variations is crucial to generate plant varieties resilient to predicted temperature changes. However, the mechanisms underlying plant response to progressive increases in temperature have just started to be elucidated. Here, we report that the cyclin‐dependent kinase G1 (CDKG1) is a central element in a thermo‐sensitivemRNAsplicing cascade that transduces changes in ambient temperature into differential expression of the fundamental spliceosome component,ATU2AF65A.CDKG1is alternatively spliced in a temperature‐dependent manner. We found that this process is partly dependent on both the cyclin‐dependent kinase G2 (CDKG2) and the interacting co‐factorCYCLINL1 (CYCL1), resulting in two distinct messengerRNAs. The relative abundance of bothCDKG1transcripts correlates with ambient temperature and possibly with different expression levels of the associated protein isoforms. BothCDKG1 alternative transcripts are necessary to fully complement the expression ofATU2AF65Aacross the temperature range. Our data support a previously unidentified temperature‐dependent mechanism based on the alternative splicing (AS) ofCDKG1and regulated byCDKG2 and CYCL1. We propose that changes in ambient temperature affect the relative abundance ofCDKG1transcripts, and this in turn translates into differentialCDKG1 protein expression coordinating theASofATU2AF65A.
A Synthetic Jet Issuing From a Bio-Inspired Actuator With an Oscillating Nozzle Lip
Authors: Trávníček Zdeněk , Broučková Zuzana
Published: March 2018

A novel variant of a synthetic jet actuator (SJA) has been designed, manufactured, and tested. The novelty consists in a bio-inspired nozzle whose oscillating lip is formed by a flexible diaphragm rim. The working fluid is air, and the operating frequency is 65 Hz. The proposed SJA was tested by three experimental methods: phase-locked visualization of the nozzle lips, hot-wire anemometry, and momentum flux measurement using a precision scale. The results demonstrate advantages of the proposed SJA, namely, an increase in the momentum flux by 18% compared with that of a conventional SJA.
Self-assembly of (111)-oriented tensile-strained quantum dots by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Schuck Christopher F. , McCown Robin A. , Hush Ashlie , Mello Austin , Roy Simon , Spinuzzi Joseph W. , Liang Baolai , Huffaker Diana L. , Simmonds Paul J.
Published: March 2018

The authors report on a comprehensive study of the growth of coherently strained GaAs quantum dots (QDs) on (111) surfaces via the Stranski–Krastanov (SK) self-assembly mechanism. Recent reports indicate that the long-standing challenges, whereby the SK growth mechanism could not be used to synthesize QDs on (111) surfaces, or QDs under tensile strain, have been overcome. However, a systematic study of the SK growth of (111)-oriented, tensile-strained QDs (TSQDs) as a function of molecular beam epitaxy growth parameters is still needed. Here, the authors explore the effects of deposition amount, substrate temperature, growth rate, and V/III flux ratio on the SK-driven self-assembly of GaAs(111)A TSQDs. The authors highlight aspects of TSQD SK self-assembly on (111) surfaces that appear to differ from the SK growth of traditional compressively strained QDs on (100) surfaces. The unique properties of (111) QDs and tensile-strained QDs mean that they are of interest for various research areas. The results discussed here offer a practical guide for tailoring the size, shape, density, uniformity, and photon emission wavelength and intensity of (111) TSQDs for future applications.
Meteorite divide points to solar system chaos
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: March 2018

"Warren gap" validates models that suggest early wanderings for the giant planets.
Erythrocytic ferroportin reduces intracellular iron accumulation, hemolysis, and malaria risk
Authors: Zhang De-Liang , Wu Jian , Shah Binal N. , Greutélaers Katja C. , Ghosh Manik C. , Ollivierre Hayden , Su Xin-zhuan , Thuma Philip E. , Bedu-Addo George , Mockenhaupt Frank P. , Gordeuk Victor R. , Rouault Tracey A.
Published: March 2018

Iron's grip on malaria

Malaria parasites have coevolved with their human and mammalian hosts. These
Plasmodium
species invade the iron-rich environment of red blood cells. Zhang
et al.
found that the iron transporter ferroportin persists on the surface of mature mammalian red blood cells. Red blood cells are at risk of oxidative damage if their hemoglobin releases its iron; ferroportin is thus important to expel this iron. The authors also found that the transporter can deprive malaria parasites of the iron they need for proliferation. The Q248H mutation in the human ferroportin gene enhances ferroportin expression during development and seems to provide protection against malaria. This effect may explain the enrichment of the Q248H mutation among African populations.

Science
, this issue p.
1520
Nanofluidic rocking Brownian motors
Authors: Skaug Michael J. , Schwemmer Christian , Fringes Stefan , Rawlings Colin D. , Knoll Armin W.
Published: March 2018

Shaking the small from the even smaller

Gently oscillate a can of mixed nuts, and eventually the larger Brazil nuts will rise to the top. Skaug
et al.
created three-dimensional patterned surfaces to which they applied electric fields. Combined with gentle shaking to induce a rocking Brownian motion, they were able to guide particles smaller than 100 nm along complicated paths. They could also quickly separate particles with different sizes and shapes.

Science
, this issue p.
1505
Carbothermal shock synthesis of high-entropy-alloy nanoparticles
Authors: Yao Yonggang , Huang Zhennan , Xie Pengfei , Lacey Steven D. , Jacob Rohit Jiji , Xie Hua , Chen Fengjuan , Nie Anmin , Pu Tiancheng , Rehwoldt Miles , Yu Daiwei , Zachariah Michael R. , Wang Chao , Shahbazian-Yassar Reza , Li Ju , Hu Liangbing
Published: March 2018

Nanoparticle synthesis gets a shock

Nanoparticles are useful in a wide range of applications such as catalysis, imaging, and energy storage. Yaoet al.developed a method for making nanoparticles with up to eight different elements (see the Perspective by Skrabalak). The method relies on shocking metal salt-covered carbon nanofibers, followed by rapid quenching. The “carbothermal shock synthesis” can be tuned to select for nanoparticle size as well. The authors successfully created PtPdRhRuCe nanoparticles to catalyze ammonia oxidation.

Science, this issue p.1489; see also p.1467
Shifts in disease dynamics in a tropical amphibian assemblage are not due to pathogen attenuation
Authors: Voyles Jamie , Woodhams Douglas C. , Saenz Veronica , Byrne Allison Q. , Perez Rachel , Rios-Sotelo Gabriela , Ryan Mason J. , Bletz Molly C. , Sobell Florence Ann , McLetchie Shawna , Reinert Laura , Rosenblum Erica Bree , Rollins-Smith Louise A. , Ibáñez Roberto , Ray Julie M. , Griffith Edgardo J. , Ross Heidi , Richards-Zawacki Corinne L.
Published: March 2018

Resistance is not futile

The fungal disease chytridiomycosis has wreaked havoc on amphibians worldwide. The disease is caused by the organism
Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis
and was first identified in the late 1990s. Voyles
et al.
revisited protected areas in Panama where catastrophic amphibian losses were recorded a decade ago (see the Perspective by Collins). Although disease theory predicts that epidemics should result in reduced pathogenicity, they found no evidence for such a reduction. Despite this, the amphibian community is displaying signs of recovery—including some species presumed extinct after the outbreak. Increased host resistance may be responsible for this recovery.

Science
, this issue p.
1517
; see also p.
1458
Molecular mechanism of extreme mechanostability in a pathogen adhesin
Authors: Milles Lukas F. , Schulten Klaus , Gaub Hermann E. , Bernardi Rafael C.
Published: March 2018

How a pathogen holds on to its host

Staphylococcus epidermidis
and
Staphylococcus aureus
are pathogens that can form biofilms on implants and medical devices. Central to biofilm formation is a very tight interaction between microbial surface proteins called adhesins and components of the extracellular matrix of the host. Milles
et al.
used atomic force microscopy-based single-molecule force spectroscopy combined with steered molecular dynamics to explore how the bond between staphylococcal adhesin SdrG and its target fibrinogen peptide can withstand forces greater than 2 nanonewtons (see the Perspective by Herman-Bausier and Dufrêne). The peptide is confined in a coiled geometry in a deep and rigid pocket through hydrogen bonds between SdrG and the peptide backbone. If pulled, the load is distributed over all hydrogen bonds so that all bonds must be broken at once to break the interaction.

Science
, this issue p.
1527
; see also p.
1464
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: variation by socioeconomic deprivation
Authors: Prasad Vibhore , West Joe , Kendrick Denise , Sayal Kapil
Published: March 2018

Background

In England, there is a discrepancy between the prevalence of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) ascertained from medical records and community surveys. There is also a lack of data on variation in recorded prevalence by deprivation and geographical region; information that is important for service development and commissioning.

Methods

Cohort study using data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink comprising 5196 children and young people aged 3–17 years with ADHD and 490 016 without, in 2012.

Results

In 2012, the recorded prevalence of ADHD was 1.06% (95% CI 1.03 to 1.09). Prevalence in the most deprived areas was double that of the least deprived areas (prevalence rate ratio 2.58 (95% CI 2.36 to 2.83)), with a linear trend from least to most deprived areas across all regions in England.

Conclusions

The low prevalence of ADHD in medical records may indicate considerable underdiagnosis. Higher rates in more disadvantaged areas indicate greater need for services in those areas.
Diabetes risk score in the United Arab Emirates: a screening tool for the early detection of type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Sulaiman Nabil , Mahmoud Ibrahim , Hussein Amal , Elbadawi Salah , Abusnana Salah , Zimmet Paul , Shaw Jonathan
Published: March 2018

Objective

The objective of this study was to develop a simple non-invasive risk score, specific to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) citizens, to identify individuals at increased risk of having undiagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Research design and methods

A retrospective analysis of the UAE National Diabetes and Lifestyle data was conducted. The data included demographic and anthropometric measurements, and fasting blood glucose. Univariate analyses were used to identify the risk factors for diabetes. The risk score was developed for UAE citizens using a stepwise forward regression model.

Results

A total of 872 UAE citizens were studied. The overall prevalence of diabetes in the UAE adult citizens in the Northern Emirates was 25.1%. The significant risk factors identified for diabetes were age (≥35 years), a family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, body mass index ≥30.0 and waist-to-hip ratio ≥0.90 for males and ≥0.85 for females. The performance of the model was moderate in terms of sensitivity (75.4%, 95% CI 68.3 to 81.7) and specificity (70%, 95% CI 65.8 to 73.9). The area under the receiver-operator characteristic curve was 0.82 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.86).

Conclusions

A simple, non-invasive risk score model was developed to help to identify those at high risk of having diabetes among UAE citizens. This score could contribute to the efficient and less expensive earlier detection of diabetes in this high-risk population.
Use of neuropsychological tests for the diagnosis of dementia: a survey of Italian memory clinics
Authors: Di Pucchio Alessandra , Vanacore Nicola , Marzolini Fabrizio , Lacorte Eleonora , Di Fiandra Teresa , Gasparini Marina
Published: March 2018

Aim

Providing an overview of the neuropsychological tests used in Italian memory clinics (defined as Centers for Cognitive Disorders and Dementias—CCDD in Italy) for the diagnosis of cognitive disorders and dementias.

Methods

A total of 501 CCDD, out of all 536 active CCDD, were surveyed between February 2014 and August 2015 to verify the characteristics of the centres who performed a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment (NPA), defined as the administration of at least one test for verbal and visual episodic memory, attention, constructional praxis, verbal fluency and executive functions (minimum core tests—MCTs), as part of the diagnostic process.

Results

A total of 45.7% of Italian CCDD performed a comprehensive MCT as part of the diagnostic process. The logistic regression model showed that the probability of including at least one psychologist in the team was higher in the CCDD that reported using a comprehensive NPA (OR 4.55; 95% CI 2.92 to 7.1), that CCDD in Southern Italy had a lower probability of using an MCT (OR 0.56; 95% CI 0.35 to 0.89) and that the use of an MCT was higher in university/Institute for Scientific Research and Healthcare CCDD (OR 10.97; 95% CI 3.85 to 31.25).

Conclusion

Almost half of the CCDD administered a set of MCTs; while the remaining centres only performed few tests or screening procedures. The neuropsychological tests used in Italian CCDD were comparable with those used in other European countries. Performing a comprehensive NPA remains the best way to assess and monitor cognitive deficits over time, thus further debate on the current status of NPAs in clinical practice is needed.
Online stroke forum as source of data for qualitative research: insights from a comparison with patients’ interviews
Authors: Jamison James , Sutton Stephen , Mant Jonathan , De Simoni Anna
Published: March 2018

Objective

To determine the appropriateness of an online forum compared with face-to-face interviews as a source of data for qualitative research on adherence to secondary prevention medications after stroke.

Design

A comparison of attributes of two data sources, interviews and a forum, using realistic evaluation; a comparison of themes around adherence according to the Perceptions and Practicalities Approach (PAPA) framework.

Setting

Interviews were conducted in UK GP practices in 2013 and 2014; online posts were written by UK stroke survivors and family members taking part in the online forum of the Stroke Association between 2004 and 2011.

Participants

42 interview participants: 28 stroke survivors (age range 61–92 years) and 14 caregivers (85% spouses). 84 online forum participants: 49 stroke survivors (age range 32–72 years) and 33 caregivers (60% sons/daughters).

Results

10 attributes were identified within the two data sources and categorised under three domains (context, mechanisms and outcomes). Participants’ characteristics of forum users were often missing. Most forum participants had experienced a stroke within the previous 12 months, while interviewees had done so 1–5 years previously.

All interview themes could be matched with corresponding themes from the forum. The forum yielded three additional themes: influence of bad press on taking statins, criticisms of clinicians’ prescribing practices and caregiver burden in assisting with medications and being advocates for survivors with healthcare professionals.

Conclusions

An online forum is an appropriate source of data for qualitative research on patients’ and caregivers’ issues with adherence to secondary prevention stroke medications and may offer additional insights compared with interviews, which can be attributed to differences in the approach to data collection.