bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information Theory and Maximum Product of Spacings Estimation
Authors: Lind Niels C.
Published: December 2018

A principle of least information is proposed for estimating continuous univariate distributions. Data are represented by quantiles; the principle yields a reference distribution that is identical with the maximum product of spacings estimate.
Nonparametric Conditional Inference for a Location Parameter
Authors: Severini Thomas A.
Published: December 2018

Let Y  1, ..., Yn denote independent observations of the form Yj = θ + σεj where ε  1, ..., εn are independent random variables each distributed according to a density p, and θ and σ are unknown parameters. This paper presents a method for conditional inference about the location parameter θ that does not require the specification of a parametric family of densities for p. This method uses the configuration statistic to select the density p and is based on the work of Fraser.
Boundary Estimation in Ring Recovery Models
Authors: Catchpole E. A. , Morgan B. J. T.
Published: December 2018

A simple model for avian survival often leads to boundary estimates when the model is fitted to data by maximum likelihood. Data may result from ring recovery experiments alone, or in combination with a radio tracking investigation. A study of profile likelihoods enables the conditions under which boundary estimates occur to be completely specified. Fitting an incorrect model is shown to result in inconsistent estimators of all parameters, and an asymptotic certainty of boundary estimates.
The Detection of Influential Subsets in Linear Regression by Using an Influence Matrix
Authors: Peña Daniel , Yohai Victor J.
Published: December 2018

This paper presents a new method to identify influential subsets in linear regression problems. The procedure uses the eigenstructure of an influence matrix which is defined as the matrix of uncentred covariances of the effect on the whole data set of deleting each observation, normalized to include the univariate Cook statistics on the diagonal. It is shown that the eigenstructure of the influence matrix is useful to identify influential subsets and a procedure for detecting influential sets is proposed. The method is illustrated with two examples.
Deletion Influence and Masking in Regression
Authors: Lawrance A. J.
Published: December 2018

The paper is concerned with masking of Cook's distance, the popular deletion measure of influence of individual data cases in linear regression. Masking is broadly concerned with the limitations imposed by the use of individual cases. Two specific views are drawn from quotations: the first is associated with the established idea of joint influence, i.e. the deletion of two or more cases simultaneously, and the second is conditional influence, i.e. the calculation of Cook's distance before and after the deletion of other cases. Attention is mainly focused on pairs of already identified cases. Intuitive understanding is obtained via explicit general forms for joint and conditional Cook's distance influence with pairs of cases; especially tractable results are obtained for replicate and opposite explanatory pairs, and for multiples of individual cases of opposite pairs. The noteworthy effects possible in joint influence are described as reducing, enhancing and swamping; in conditional influence, interesting effects are described as masking and boosting. Thus only in connection with one effect in conditional influence is the term masking used. The work is illustrated on one constructed and one reported data set.
A Method for Generating and Labelling All Regular Fractions or Blocks for QN – M-Designs
Authors: Laycock P. J. , Rowley P. J.
Published: December 2018

By exploiting the vector space structure of regular qn – m-designs we construct and demonstrate a method for generating all such designs, without repetition, along with their confounded interactions, resolution numbers, alias sets and a decodable design number.
Wavelet Shrinkage: Asymptopia?
Authors: Donoho David L. , Johnstone Iain M. , Kerkyacharian Gérard , Picard Dominique
Published: December 2018

Much recent effort has sought asymptotically minimax methods for recovering infinite dimensional objects—curves, densities, spectral densities, images—from noisy data. A now rich and complex body of work develops nearly or exactly minimax estimators for an array of interesting problems. Unfortunately, the results have rarely moved into practice, for a variety of reasons—among them being similarity to known methods, computational intractability and lack of spatial adaptivity. We discuss a method for curve estimation based on n noisy data: translate the empirical wavelet coefficients towards the origin by an amount √(2 log n)σ/√n. The proposal differs from those in current use, is computationally practical and is spatially adaptive; it thus avoids several of the previous objections. Further, the method is nearly minimax both for a wide variety of loss functions—pointwise error, global error measured in Lp-norms, pointwise and global error in estimation of derivatives—and for a wide range of smoothness classes, including standard Holder and Sobolev classes, and bounded variation. This is a much broader near optimality than anything previously proposed: we draw loose parallels with near optimality in robustness and also with the broad near eigenfunction properties of wavelets themselves. Finally, the theory underlying the method is interesting, as it exploits a correspondence between statistical questions and questions of optimal recovery and information-based complexity.
Data-Driven Bandwidth Selection in Local Polynomial Fitting: Variable Bandwidth and Spatial Adaptation
Authors: Fan Jianqing , Gijbels Irene
Published: December 2018

When estimating a mean regression function and its derivatives, locally weighted least squares regression has proven to be a very attractive technique. The present paper focuses on the important issue of how to select the smoothing parameter or bandwidth. In the case of estimating curves with a complicated structure, a variable bandwidth is desirable. Furthermore, the bandwidth should be indicated by the data themselves. Recent developments in nonparametric smoothing techniques inspired us to propose such a data-driven bandwidth selection procedure, which can be used to select both constant and variable bandwidths. The idea is based on a residual squares criterion along with a good approximation of the bias and variance of the estimator. The procedure can be applied to select bandwidths not only for estimating the regression curve but also for estimating its derivatives. The resulting estimation procedure has the necessary flexibility for capturing complicated shapes of curves. This is illustrated via a large variety of testing examples, including examples with a large spatial variability. The results are also compared with wavelet thresholding techniques, and it seems that our results are at least comparable, i.e. local polynomial regression using our data-driven variable bandwidth has spatial adaptation properties that are similar to wavelets.
Properties of Invariant Distributions and Lyapunov Exponents for Chaotic Logistic Maps
Authors: Hall Peter , Wolff Rodney C. L.
Published: December 2018

Statistical scientists have recently focused sharp attention on properties of iterated chaotic maps, with a view to employing such processes to model naturally occurring phenomena. In the present paper we treat the logistic map, which has earlier been studied in the context of modelling biological systems. We derive theory describing properties of ‘invariant’ or ‘stationary’ distributions under logistic maps and apply those results in conjunction with numerical work to develop further properties of invariant distributions and Lyapunov exponents. We describe the role that poles play in determining properties of densities of iterated distributions and show how poles arise from iterated mappings of the centre of the interval to which the map is applied. Particular attention is paid to the shape of an invariant distribution in the tails or in the neighbourhood of a pole of its density. A new technique is developed for this application. It enables us to combine ‘parametric’ information, available from the structure of the map, with ‘nonparametric’ information obtainable from numerical experiments.
Multivariate Logistic Models
Authors: Glonek G. F. V. , McCullagh P.
Published: December 2018

When data composed of several categorical responses together with categorical or continuous predictors are observed, the multivariate logistic transform introduced by McCullagh and Nelder can be used to define a class of regression models that is, in many applications, particularly suitable for relating the joint distribution of the responses to predictors. In this paper we give a general definition of this class of models and study their properties. A computational scheme for performing maximum likelihood estimation for data sets of moderate size is described and a system of model formulae that succinctly define particular models is introduced. Applications of these models to longitudinal problems are illustrated by numerical examples.
Response Surface Bandits
Authors: Ginebra Josep , Clayton Murray K.
Published: December 2018

In this paper we define a response surface bandit as the sequential design problem that maximizes an expected bandit utility but where the outcomes yn are continuous and can be related through a response surface to a set of controllable variables xn = (x  1n, x  2n,···, xkn). We link this problem to other traditional optimization problems from industrial engineering and to the traditional bandit problem. We consider two approaches to the problem. The first is based on a myopic sequential design. The second approach uses the best design out of a family of designs related to upper bounds for the predicted surface; the family includes myopic and sequential versions of D-optimal designs. These approaches can be generalized to more broadly defined sequential problems.
Report of the Editors—1995
Authors: Atkinson A. C. , Young G. A.
Published: December 2018

We have two Joint Editors and a panel of around 16 Associate Editors, each of whom customarily serves for four years so, as usual, there have been several changes in the editorial arrangements over the last year. Anthony Atkinson retires as Joint Editor at the end of December 1995 and will be replaced by Chris Jones (The Open University). The new Associate Editors are Ray Chambers (University of Southampton), John Copas (University of Warwick), David Draper (University of Bath) and David Madigan (University of Washington). In addition Trevor Sweeting has agreed to continue beyond his original four-year term. The retiring Associate Editors are John Haslett, Tony Lawrance, Roger Sugden and Luke Tierney. We take this opportunity to thank them and all the Associate Editors for their hard work for the journal.
A Simple and Accurate Method for Approximate Conditional Inference Applied to Exponential Family Models
Authors: Waterman Richard P. , Lindsay Bruce G.
Published: December 2018

A simple method for approximate conditional inference is described. The methodology is applied to natural exponential family models where it is shown to provide accurate approximations to fully conditional estimates. The approximation technique can be applied much more generally than in this particular class of models. The technique depends only on the construction of certain 'projected scores' derived from higher order likelihood derivatives and their covariances and so can be used in many problems where it is relevant to control for the estimation of nuisance parameters.
Accounting for Covariates Observed Post Randomization for Discrete and Continuous Repeated Measures Data
Authors: Rochon James
Published: December 2018

Adjusting for covariates observed post randomization is a difficult issue in randomized clinical trials. One approach is to enter these covariates as time-dependent covariates in a general linear model. However, this approach fails to account for interactions between the primary end point and confounding variable as they evolve over time. In this paper, we adopt the view that, since the confounder is observed following randomization, it should be treated as an outcome and analysed accordingly. We consider the repeated measures design where both the primary end point and the confounding measure are observed repeatedly over patient follow-up. A generalized estimating equation model is applied to allow each set of repeated measures to be modelled in terms of important explanatory variables. Seemingly unrelated regression combines the two models into an overall framework for analysis. Inference is then performed by imposing restrictions on the confounder regression parameters to reflect the behaviour profile of interest. Estimation and identification procedures are described and the methodology is illustrated with an example.
Bayes Linear Sufficiency and Systems of Expert Posterior Assessments
Authors: Goldstein M. , O'Hagan A.
Published: December 2018

Data arising in the form of expert assessments are received by a decision maker. The decision maker is required to estimate a set of unknown quantities, and receives expert assessments at varying levels of accuracy, on samples of the quantities of interest. We present a Bayes linear analysis of this problem. In the absence of other assessments, the decision maker will accept as his or her current estimate of any single quantity the most accurate received assessment of that quantity. This leads to a sufficiency property which allows a simple decomposition of the error structure of assessments. Bayes linear estimation is then used by the decision maker to estimate each quantity of interest given an arbitrary collection of received assessments. The analysis is motivated throughout by a practical context in which a large company needs to estimate costs for renovation of assets. The methodology is illustrated with a numerical example.
Monte Carlo Exact Conditional Tests for Log-Linear and Logistic Models
Authors: Forster Jonathan J. , McDonald John W. , Smith Peter W. F.
Published: December 2018

The form of the exact conditional distribution of a sufficient statistic for the interest parameters, given a sufficient statistic for the nuisance parameters, is derived for a generalized linear model with canonical link. General results for log-linear and logistic models are given. A Gibbs sampling approach for generating from the conditional distribution is proposed, which enables Monte Carlo exact conditional tests to be performed. Examples include tests for goodness of fit of the all-two-way interaction model for a 28-table and of a simple logistic model. Tests against non-saturated alternatives are also considered.
Wavelet Shrinkage Using Cross-Validation
Authors: Nason G. P.
Published: December 2018

Wavelets are orthonormal basis functions with special properties that show potential in many areas of mathematics and statistics. This paper concentrates on the estimation of functions and images from noisy data by using wavelet shrinkage. A modified form of twofold cross-validation is introduced to choose a threshold for wavelet shrinkage estimators operating on data sets of length a power of 2. The cross-validation algorithm is then extended to data sets of any length and to multidimensional data sets. The algorithms are compared with established threshold choosers by using simulation. An application to a real data set arising from anaesthesia is presented.
Regression with Doubly Censored Current Status Data
Authors: Rabinowitz Daniel , Jewell Nicholas P.
Published: December 2018

Data from settings in which an initiating event and a subsequent event occur in sequence are called doubly censored current status data if the time of neither event is observed directly, but instead it is determined at a random monitoring time whether either the initiating or subsequent event has yet occurred. This paper is concerned with using doubly censored current status data to estimate the regression coefficient in an accelerated failure time model for the length of time between the initiating event and the subsequent event. Motivated by a problem in the epidemiology of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, attention here is focused on a special case, the case in which the initiating event, given that it has occurred before the monitoring time, may be assumed to follow a uniform distribution. The main result is that the likelihood in the special case has the same structure as the likelihood in a simpler setting, the setting in which the time of the initiating event is known. The result allows methods developed for the simpler setting to be applied in the special case. The results of the application of the approach to real data are reported.
On Pseudodata Methods for Removing Boundary Effects in Kernel Density Estimation
Authors: Cowling Ann , Hall Peter
Published: December 2018

We suggest a method for boundary correcting kernel density estimators, based on generating pseudodata beyond the extremities of the density's support. The estimator produced in this way enjoys optimal orders of bias and variance right up to the ends of the support, and it may be used with kernels of arbitrary order. Our method is considerably more adaptive than the common data reflection approach, which is not really appropriate for kernels of order 2 or more since it does not adequately correct boundary bias. In a simulation study, for densities on [0,1] with positive slope at x = 0, our method was found to have lower mean-squared error at x = 0 than the boundary kernel method, especially for small sample sizes. Our technique may be used in conjunction with plug-in or least squares cross-validation methods of bandwidth selection and has an analogue in the context of estimating a point process intensity.
Measuring Discordancy between Prior and Data
Authors: Young K. D. S. , Pettit L. I.
Published: December 2018

In this paper we consider possible measures of the degree of discordancy between a proper prior and observed data. A consideration of the problem when we gain complete knowledge of the parameters suggests that measures based on tail areas are unsuitable. A wish for invariance under transformations leads to a Bayes factor comparing the marginal distribution of the data with the proper prior with that with a non-informative prior. to overcome problems with improper priors some suggestions are compared. A measure based on a fractional Bayes factor is preferred. The method is illustrated for normal samples, binomial samples and linear models.
Sexually dimorphic gene expression and transcriptome evolution provide mixed evidence for a fast‐Z effect in Heliconius
Authors: Pinharanda Ana , Rousselle Marjolaine , Martin Simon H. , Hanly Joe J. , Davey John W. , Kumar Sujai , Galtier Nicolas , Jiggins Chris D.
Published: December 2018

Sex chromosomes have different evolutionary properties compared to autosomes due to their hemizygous nature. In particular, recessive mutations are more readily exposed to selection, which can lead to faster rates of molecular evolution. Here, we report patterns of gene expression and molecular evolution for a group of butterflies. First, we improve the completeness of the Heliconius melpomene reference annotation, a neotropical butterfly with a ZW sex determination system. Then, we analyse RNA from male and female whole abdomens and sequence female ovary and gut tissue to identify sex‐ and tissue‐specific gene expression profiles in H. melpomene. Using these expression profiles, we compare (a) sequence divergence and polymorphism; (b) the strength of positive and negative selection; and (c) rates of adaptive evolution, for Z and autosomal genes between two species of Heliconius butterflies, H. melpomene and H. erato. We show that the rate of adaptive substitutions is higher for Z than autosomal genes, but contrary to expectation, it is also higher for male‐biased than female‐biased genes. Additionally, we find no significant increase in the rate of adaptive evolution or purifying selection on genes expressed in ovary tissue, a heterogametic‐specific tissue. Our results contribute to a growing body of literature from other ZW systems that also provide mixed evidence for a fast‐Z effect where hemizygosity influences the rate of adaptive substitutions.
Cytogenetic Biomonitoring of Dental Technicians: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Tadin Antonija , Gavic Lidia , Jurkovic Ivana , Vidovic Neven , Jerkovic Daniel , Zeljezic Davor
Published: December 2018

Purpose

This is a cross‐sectional study to assess the incidence of micronuclei and other nuclear morphological changes in buccal epithelial cells of dental technicians.

Materials and Methods

The study was conducted on 45 dental technicians versus 2 control groups: 50 dentists and 50 dental assistants. DNA damage was analyzed in exfoliated buccal mucosa cells by micronucleus assay. The differences in the frequency of detected types of cytogenetic damage between experimental groups were analyzed by applying 2‐way ANOVA with Tukey's HSD post‐hoc test.

Results

Dentists and dental assistants have significantly lower incidence of micronucleated cells than technicians (mean ± SD: 0.68 ± 0.74, 0.58 ± 0.81, and 1.58 ± 2.07; p = 0.031 and p = 0.015, respectively), and this trend also holds for karyolitic cells (0.10 ± 0.30, 0.20 ± 0.49, and 1.42 ± 1.25; p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), condensed chromatin (0.16 ± 0.37, 0.14 ± 0.35, and 0.76 ± 0.98; p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively), and pyknotic cells (0.04 ± 0.20, 0.08 ± 0.27, and 0.96 ± 1.24; p < 0.001 and p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Cytogenetic biomarkers in dental technician buccal mucosa are increased compared with control groups. This increase may be associated with more extensive exposure to potentially harmful components of the materials used in everyday dental practice.
When “Scurry” vs. “Hurry” Makes the Difference: Vermin Metaphors, Disgust, and Anti‐Immigrant Attitudes
Authors: Marshall Shantal R. , Shapiro Jenessa R.
Published: December 2018

In three studies, we demonstrate that common metaphors used to describe immigrants in news media interact with national, but not political, identity to lead to feelings of disgust as well as anti‐immigrant attitudes. The first study demonstrates that the current discourse in the U.S. surrounding unauthorized immigrants includes metaphors that readily activate thoughts of vermin (e.g., rodents). The second study shows that when these metaphors are present in a news article about immigrants, the more participants identify as American the more disgust they experience reading the article. The final study further shows that after reading a news article in which the vermin metaphors are present, the more participants identify as American the more likely they are to support stringent immigration policies. This research shows the power of metaphor to shape intergroup attitudes and support for government policies.
Anaphylaxis management in Australian schools: Review of guidelines and adrenaline autoinjector use
Authors: Vale Sandra , Netting Merryn J , Ford Lara S , Tyquin Briony , McWilliam Vicki , Campbell Dianne E
Published: December 2018

Food allergy and anaphylaxis is increasing in Australian children, and anaphylaxis is relatively common in Australian schools. This review aims to provide an overview of current policies and practices for anaphylaxis management in Australian schools, including approaches to risk mitigation and anaphylaxis training. We reviewed literature related to anaphylaxis training in the school setting published between 2010 and 2018. Current anaphylaxis policies/guidelines were obtained from Australian education and health departments, and reports of suspected anaphylaxis and adrenaline autoinjector (AAI) use for 2016–2017 were obtained from education departments where available. Our review of policies/guidelines across Australian jurisdictions indicates inconsistent approaches to anaphylaxis management training. Almost half of Australian school anaphylaxis events required a general‐use AAI, administered to students not identified as at risk of anaphylaxis. Development of clear, evidence‐based, consistent guidelines related to anaphylaxis management and training in the school setting is imperative to minimise risk.
Narrative review of therapies for chronic enteropathies in dogs and cats
Authors: Makielski Kelly , Cullen Jonah , O'Connor Annette , Jergens Albert E.
Published: December 2018

Background

The optimal medical treatment for chronic enteropathy (CE) in dogs and cats is controversial. Sequential treatment using diet, antimicrobials, and immunosuppressive drugs is the most common strategy used by clinicians.

Objectives

To review the evidence for the effectiveness of dietary, drug, and alternative health interventions for inducing clinical remission in dogs and cats with CE.

Animals

Retrospective study of dogs and cats with a diagnosis of chronic enteropathy.

Methods

MEDLINE and Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) databases (1950 to March 2017) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational studies, and case series. The primary outcome was induction of clinical remission. All studies were evaluated using the quality of evidence grading guidelines (I‐IV), which assign a score defining the strength and quality of the evidence.

Results

Twenty‐two studies (11 RCTs in dogs and 2 in cats and 9 cohort studies or case series) met the inclusion criteria for inducing remission of gastrointestinal (GI) signs. Of the 13 RCTs achieving grade I scores, 10 studies (totaling 218 dogs and 65 cats) compared single treatment: diet (n = 3), immunosuppressives (n = 3), antimicrobials (n = 2), anti‐inflammatory drugs (n = 1), and probiotics (n = 1). Three case series (grade III) reported clinical remission using an elimination diet fed to 55 cats and use of enrofloxacin to induce remission in dogs with granulomatous colitis (2 studies totaling 16 dogs).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The current evidence for treatment of CE is much greater in dogs than in cats. There is sufficient strong evidence to recommend the use of therapeutic GI diets, glucocorticoids, enrofloxacin, or some combination of these in dogs with CE. Therapeutic GI diets and glucocorticoids are most useful in cats with CE.
Rhodotorula infection in haematological patient: Risk factors and outcome
Authors: Potenza Leonardo , Chitasombat Maria N. , Klimko Nikolay , Bettelli Francesca , Dragonetti Giulia , Del Principe Maria Ilaria , Nucci Marcio , Busca Alessandro , Fracchiolla Nicola , Sciumè Mariarita , Spolzino Angelica , Delia Mario , Mancini Valentina , Nadali Gian Paolo , Dargenio Michela , Shadrivova Olga , Banchelli Federico , Aversa Franco , Sanguinetti Maurizio , Luppi Mario , Kontoyiannis Dimitrios P. , Pagano Livio
Published: December 2018

Background

Rhodotorula spp are uncommon yeasts able to cause infections with high mortality rates. Rhodotorula infections have been associated with the presence of central venous catheter (CVC), immunosuppression, exposure to antifungals and the presence of either solid or haematologic malignancies. However, in this latter setting, only a few cases have so far been reported.

Objectives

We have conducted a survey for Rhodotorula infections in haematologic patients.

Methods

Patients’ clinical and microbiological data were collected and correlated to the outcome.

Results

A total of 27 cases were detected from 13 tertiary care hospitals. About 78% and 89% of patients had acute leukaemia and CVC. About 70% of patients were exposed to prophylaxis with azoles, mainly posaconazole (37%), 59% were severely neutropenic and 37% underwent allogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT). The most frequent treatments were liposomal amphotericin B (L‐AmB) and CVC removal in 17 and 16 patients, respectively. One month post‐diagnosis, mortality was 26% and was associated with the presence of mucositis (P = 0.034).

Conclusions

Our study shows that Rhodotorula spp should be considered as aetiologic agents of breakthrough infections in acute leukaemia patients with a CVC, mucositis, who receive prophylaxis with azoles, including posaconazole, and/or undergo alloSCT. Prompt measures, such as L‐AmB administration and CVC removal, should be carried out to avoid the high mortality risk of Rhodotorula infections.
Impact of a nurse‐led sleep programme on the sleep quality and depressive symptomatology among older adults in nursing homes: A non‐randomised controlled study
Authors: Dolu Ilknur , Nahcivan Nursen O.
Published: December 2018

Background

Sleep problems are much more prevalent in nursing home residents than in their community‐dwelling counterparts. Cognitive behavioural therapy is likely to improve sleep quality in older adults. However, these interventions have a narrow scope to generalise to nursing home practice, and there are minimal data on the effectiveness of the integration of cognitive behavioural therapy and motivational interviewing in nursing home settings.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of a nurse‐led sleep programme on the sleep quality and depressive symptomatology in cognitively intact nursing home residents.

Methods

A non‐randomised controlled study design was applied to 52 older adults living in three different nursing homes in the same locality. Then, we categorised our study cohort into the following two groups: intervention group in which the older adults received the nurse‐led sleep programme and control group in which the older adults received regular nursing home services. One nursing home was assigned to the intervention, and two were assigned to control. The intervention group participated in four weekly 1‐hr sessions performed by the first author.

Results

Follow‐up assessments conducted at 8 and 12 weeks after the intervention ended revealed that participants in the intervention group experienced a significant improvement in some objective sleep parameters, including awakenings, total wake time, wake after sleep onset and sleep efficiency, as well as a significant decrease in depressive symptomatology.

Conclusion

To summarise, the results of this study showed that the nurse‐led sleep programme improved the sleep quality and reduced depressive symptomatology in cognitively intact nursing home residents. In this context, we can assert that interventions for sleep problems should be individualised by addressing sleep experience and sleep management strategies of older adults living in nursing homes and should be integrated with motivational interviewing techniques.
Mouse neutrophils release extracellular traps in response to Naegleria fowleri
Authors: Carrasco‐Yepez Maria Maricela , Contis‐Montes de Oca Arturo , Campos‐Rodriguez Rafael , Falcon‐Acosta Diana , Pacheco‐Yepez Judith , Rodriguez‐Mera Itzel Berenice , Bonilla‐Lemus Patricia , Rosales‐Cruz Erika , Lopez‐Reyes Israel , Rojas‐Hernandez Saul
Published: December 2018

Naegleria fowleri is a free‐living amoeba, which is able to infect humans through the nasal mucosa causing a disease in the central nervous system known as primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM). Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) play a critical role in the early phase of N fowleri infection. Recently, a new biological defence mechanism called neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) has been attracting attention. These structures represent an important strategy to immobilize and kill invading microorganisms. In this work, we evaluate the capacity of N fowleri to induce the NETs release by PMNs cells in mice in vitro and in vivo. In vitro: Neutrophils from bone marrow were cocultured with N fowleri trophozoites. In vivo: we employed a mouse model of PAM. We evaluated DNA, histone and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and the formation of NETs by confocal microscopy. Our results showed N fowleri induce both NETs and MPO release by PMNs cells in mice after trophozoite exposure, which increased through time, in vitro and in vivo. These results demonstrate that NETs are somehow associated with the amoebas. We suggest PMNs release their traps trying to avoid N fowleri attachment at the apical side of the nasal epithelium.
The Historical Presidency: The Rendition of Fugitive Slaves and the Development of the Law‐and‐Order President, 1790–1860
Authors: Miller Joshua
Published: December 2018

Presidents obtained the power to maintain law and order when they used key executive branch institutions—such as the Department of War, U.S. Attorney General’s Office, and the State Department—to recover fugitive slaves. To date, there has been little discussion in political science about the development of the president’s power to maintain law and order. As a result of this gap, political scientists have missed how race has contributed to the institutional development of the presidency, how nineteenth‐century presidents institutionalized the president’s authority over federal law enforcement, and how the president’s power to maintain law and order expands his authority over U.S. citizens via the Department of Justice. This article addresses this gap by examining the development of the law‐and‐order president from 1790 to 1860 and in the process debunks the myth that presidents were relatively weak in the nineteenth century.
Resilience to the Global Economic and Turkish (GEO)Political Crisis Compared
Authors: Terhorst Pieter , Erkuş‐Öztürk Hilal
Published: December 2018

Over the last ten years Turkey has gone through two different types of crises, namely the global economic crisis of 2008–2009 and the (geo)political crisis after 2015. This paper analyses the resilience of the economy of the tourism city of Antalya to both crises by focusing on the development of GDP of its inbound tourism countries and the births and deaths of both tourism and non‐tourism firms. The impact of the global economic crisis was moderate. The (geo)political crisis of 2016, by contrast, had a strong impact on Antalya’s economy. The city’s tourism arrivals strongly decreased, new firm formation stagnated, although the death rate of firms did not increase, and the sectoral diversification of new firms declined. Antalya conforms more to the engineering type of resilience to both crises than to the adaptive one which requires ability/willingness to shift into new sectors.
Evaluating the effect of the introduction of the euro on tourist flows: A synthetic control approach
Authors: Addessi William , Biagi Bianca , Brandano Maria Giovanna
Published: December 2018

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effect of the introduction of the euro on bilateral outflows of tourism among European Monetary Union (EMU) countries in the period 2002–13. Descriptive statistics indicate heterogeneous paths in tourism flows, arising from several potential drivers. In order to analyse this observed heterogeneity, we use the synthetic control method, which does not require a large set of independent variables and allows for the development of separate analyses for each country. Results indicate that the introduction of the euro favoured tourism flows within EMU countries compared to flows between EMU and non‐EMU countries in three (Belgium, Italy, and Spain) out of the 10 considered countries. These findings underline the presence of significant heterogeneity and emphasise the importance of non‐parametric methods in understanding the effect of EMU.
For China, a CRISPR first goes too far
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: December 2018

Scientists and ethicists call for strengthened oversight in wake of He Jankui's announcement.
Demotion dismays researchers at storied Danish museum
Authors: Vogel Gretchen
Published: December 2018

Merger with biology department could undermine research.
A general reinforcement learning algorithm that masters chess, shogi, and Go through self-play
Authors: Silver David , Hubert Thomas , Schrittwieser Julian , Antonoglou Ioannis , Lai Matthew , Guez Arthur , Lanctot Marc , Sifre Laurent , Kumaran Dharshan , Graepel Thore , Lillicrap Timothy , Simonyan Karen , Hassabis Demis
Published: December 2018

One program to rule them all

Computers can beat humans at increasingly complex games, including chess and Go. However, these programs are typically constructed for a particular game, exploiting its properties, such as the symmetries of the board on which it is played. Silver
et al.
developed a program called AlphaZero, which taught itself to play Go, chess, and shogi (a Japanese version of chess) (see the Editorial, and the Perspective by Campbell). AlphaZero managed to beat state-of-the-art programs specializing in these three games. The ability of AlphaZero to adapt to various game rules is a notable step toward achieving a general game-playing system.

Science
, this issue p.
1140
; see also pp.
1087
and
1118
A mechanistic classification of clinical phenotypes in neuroblastoma
Authors: Ackermann Sandra , Cartolano Maria , Hero Barbara , Welte Anne , Kahlert Yvonne , Roderwieser Andrea , Bartenhagen Christoph , Walter Esther , Gecht Judith , Kerschke Laura , Volland Ruth , Menon Roopika , Heuckmann Johannes M. , Gartlgruber Moritz , Hartlieb Sabine , Henrich Kai-Oliver , Okonechnikov Konstantin , Altmüller Janine , Nürnberg Peter , Lefever Steve , de Wilde Bram , Sand Frederik , Ikram Fakhera , Rosswog Carolina , Fischer Janina , Theissen Jessica , Hertwig Falk , Singhi Aatur D. , Simon Thorsten , Vogel Wenzel , Perner Sven , Krug Barbara , Schmidt Matthias , Rahmann Sven , Achter Viktor , Lang Ulrich , Vokuhl Christian , Ortmann Monika , Büttner Reinhard , Eggert Angelika , Speleman Frank , O’Sullivan Roderick J. , Thomas Roman K. , Berthold Frank , Vandesompele Jo , Schramm Alexander , Westermann Frank , Schulte Johannes H. , Peifer Martin , Fischer Matthias
Published: December 2018

A systematic look at a childhood tumor

Neuroblastomas—the most common tumor type in infants—develop from fetal nerve cells, and their clinical course is highly variable. Some neuroblastomas are fatal despite treatment, whereas others respond well to treatment and some undergo spontaneous regression without treatment. Ackermann
et al.
sequenced more than 400 pretreatment neuroblastomas and identified molecular features that characterize the three distinct clinical outcomes. Low-risk tumors lack telomere maintenance mechanisms, intermediate-risk tumors harbor telomere maintenance mechanisms, and high-risk tumors harbor telomere maintenance mechanisms in combination with RAS and/or p53 pathway mutations.

Science
, this issue p.
1165
Mastering board games
Authors: Campbell Murray
Published: December 2018

A single algorithm can learn to play three hard board games
Flawed analyses of U.S. auto fuel economy standards
Authors: Bento Antonio M. , Gillingham Kenneth , Jacobsen Mark R. , Knittel Christopher R. , Leard Benjamin , Linn Joshua , McConnell Virginia , Rapson David , Sallee James M. , van Benthem Arthur A. , Whitefoot Kate S.
Published: December 2018

A 2018 analysis discarded at least $112 billion in benefits
Toward a chemical vaccine for malaria
Authors: Phillips Margaret A. , Goldberg Daniel E.
Published: December 2018

A high-throughput screen puts us on the road to protecting populations against malaria
Chess, a
Drosophila
of reasoning
Authors: Kasparov Garry
Published: December 2018

The recent world chess championship saw Magnus Carlsen defend his title against Fabiano Caruana. But it was not a contest between the two strongest chess players on the planet, only the strongest humans. Soon after I lost my rematch against IBM's Deep Blue in 1997, the short window of human-machine chess competition slammed shut forever. Unlike humans, machines keep getting faster, and today a smartphone chess app can be stronger than Deep Blue. But as we see with the AlphaZero system (see pages 1118 and 1140), machine dominance has not ended the historical role of chess as a laboratory of cognition.
Verdinexor (KPT-335), a Selective Inhibitor of Nuclear Export, Reduces Respiratory Syncytial Virus Replication
In Vitro
Authors: Jorquera Patricia A. , Mathew Cynthia , Pickens Jennifer , Williams Colin , Luczo Jasmina M. , Tamir Sharon , Ghildyal Reena , Tripp Ralph A.
Published: December 2018

RSV is an important cause of LRTI in infants and young children for which there are no suitable antiviral drugs offered. We evaluated the efficacy of KPT-335 as an anti-RSV drug and show that KPT-335 inhibits XPO1-mediated nuclear export, leading to nuclear accumulation of RSV M protein and reduction in RSV levels. KPT-335 treatment also resulted in inhibition of proinflammatory pathways, which has important implications for its effectiveness
in vivo
.
The Triticum Mosaic Virus Internal Ribosome Entry Site Relies on a Picornavirus-Like YX-AUG Motif To Designate the Preferred Translation Initiation Site and To Likely Target the 18S rRNA
Authors: Jaramillo-Mesa Helena , Gannon Megan , Holshbach Elijah , Zhang Jincan , Roberts Robyn , Buettner Matthew , Rakotondrafara Aurélie M.
Published: December 2018

Uncapped viral RNAs often rely on their 5′ leader sequences to initiate translation, and the Triticum mosaic virus (TriMV) devotes an astonishing 7% of its genome to directing ribosomes to the correct AUG. Here we uncover a novel mechanism by which a TriMV
cis
-regulatory element controls cap-independent translation. The upstream region of the functional AUG contains a 16-nt polypyrimidine tract located 11 nt from the initiation site. Based on functional redundancy with similar motifs derived from human picornaviruses, the motif is likely to operate by directing ribosome targeting through base pairing with 18S rRNA. Our results provide the first report of a broad-spectrum mechanism regulating translation initiation for both plant- and animal-hosted picornaviruses.
Constraints of Viral RNA Synthesis on Codon Usage of Negative-Strand RNA Virus
Authors: Gumpper Ryan H. , Li Weike , Luo Ming
Published: December 2018

Negative-strand RNA viruses (NSVs) include the most pathogenic viruses known. New methods to monitor their evolutionary trends are urgently needed for the development of antivirals and vaccines. The protein translation machinery of the host cell is currently recognized as a main genomic regulator of RNA virus evolution, which works especially well for positive-strand RNA viruses. However, this approach fails for NSVs because it does not consider the unique mechanism of their viral RNA synthesis. For NSVs, the viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (vRdRp) must gain access to the genome sequestered in the nucleocapsid. Our work suggests a paradigm shift that the interactions between the RNA genome and the nucleocapsid protein regulate the activity of vRdRp, which selects codon usage.
Metabolomics for predicting fetal growth restriction: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Leite Debora Farias Batista , Morillon Aude-Claire , Melo Júnior Elias F , Souza Renato T , Khashan Ali S , Baker Philip N , Kenny Louise C , Cecatti José Guilherme
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a relevant research and clinical concern since it is related to higher risks of adverse outcomes at any period of life. Current predictive tools in pregnancy (clinical factors, ultrasound scan, placenta-related biomarkers) fail to identify the true growth-restricted fetus. However, technologies based on metabolomics have generated interesting findings and seem promising. In this systematic review, we will address diagnostic accuracy of metabolomics analyses in predicting FGR.

Methods and analysis

Our primary outcome is small for gestational age infant, as a surrogate for FGR, defined as birth weight below the 10th centile by customised or population-based curves for gestational age. A detailed systematic literature search will be carried in electronic databases and conference abstracts, using the keywords ‘fetal growth retardation’, ‘metabolomics’, ‘pregnancy’ and ‘screening’ (and their variations). We will include original peer-reviewed articles published from 1998 to 2018, involving pregnancies of fetuses without congenital malformations; sample collection must have been performed before clinical recognition of growth impairment. If additional information is required, authors will be contacted. Reviews, case reports, cross-sectional studies, non-human research and commentaries papers will be excluded. Sample characteristics and the diagnostic accuracy data will be retrieved and analysed. If data allows, we will perform a meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

As this is a systematic review, no ethical approval is necessary. This protocol will be publicised in our institutional websites and results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018089985.
Determining correct tracheal tube insertion depth by measuring distance between endotracheal tube cuff and vocal cords by ultrasound in Chinese adults: a prospective case-control study
Authors: Chen Xuanling , Zhai Wenwen , Yu Zhuoying , Geng Jiao , Li Min
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Unrecognised malposition of the endotracheal tube can lead to severe complications in patients under general anaesthesia. The purpose of this study was to verify the feasibility of using ultrasound to measure the distance between the upper edge of saline-inflated cuff and the vocal cords.

Design

Prospective case-control study.

Setting

A tertiary hospital in Beijing, China.

Methods

In this prospective study, 105 adult patients who required general anaesthesia were enrolled. Prior to induction, ultrasound was used to identify the position of the vocal cords. After intubation, the endotracheal tube (ETT) was fixed at a depth of 23 cm at the upper incisors in men and 21 cm in women. The depth of intubation was verified by video-assisted laryngoscopy. The distance between the upper edge of the saline-inflated cuff and the vocal cords was measured by ultrasound; the ideal distance was considered to be 1.9–4.1 cm.

Results

Among the 105 cases, two cuffs were too close to the vocal cords and one too far away from the vocal cords. These diagnoses were made by ultrasound and were in agreement with results from direct laryngoscopy. The overall accuracy of ultrasound in identifying malposition of the cuff was 100.0% (95% CI: 96.6% to 100%). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of ultrasound were, respectively, 100% (95% CI: 96.5% to 100%), 100% (95% CI: 29.2% to 100%), 100% (95% CI: 96.5% to 100%) and 100% (95% CI: 29.2% to 100%).

Conclusion

Identification of the upper edge of the saline-inflated cuff and the vocal cords by ultrasound to assess the location of the ETT is a reliable method. It can be used to avoid malposition of the ETT cuff and reduce the incidence of vocal cords injury after intubation.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR-DDD-17011048.