bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radiologic Image-Based Statistical Shape Analysis of Brain Tumours
Authors: Bharath Karthik , Kurtek Sebastian , Rao Arvind , Baladandayuthapani Veerabhadran
Published: March 2018

We propose a curve-based Riemannian geometric approach for general shape-based statistical analyses of tumours obtained from radiologic images. A key component of the framework is a suitable metric that enables comparisons of tumour shapes, provides tools for computing descriptive statistics and implementing principal component analysis on the space of tumour shapes and allows for a rich class of continuous deformations of a tumour shape. The utility of the framework is illustrated through specific statistical tasks on a data set of radiologic images of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a malignant brain tumour with poor prognosis. In particular, our analysis discovers two patient clusters with very different survival, subtype and genomic characteristics. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that adding tumour shape information to survival models containing clinical and genomic variables results in a significant increase in predictive power.
Pulpotomy management using laser diode in pediatric patient with severe hemophilia A under general anesthesia—A case report
Authors: Ngoc Vo Truong Nhu , Van Nga Trinh Do , Chu Dinh‐Toi , Anh Le Quynh
Published: March 2018

Hemophilia—a bleeding disorder due to the lack of clotting factors—is mostly induced by genetic factors. Its most common type is hemophilia A. Hemorrhage in hemophilia A may occur in several different sites of the body, including those inside the oral cavity, such as mucous membrane and gum. However, only a few studies and case reports on dental issues of hemophilia A patients have been conducted. In clinical dentistry, treatment procedures are invasive, possibly leading to more severe bleeding, especially in hemophilia A cases. This paper presents the case of a 4‐year‐old boy diagnosed with severe hemophilia A, who also had several dental problems that needed endodontic treatment. We used laser diode to manage pulpotomy under general anesthesia to treat his dental diseases. His treatment procedure was performed by a dental surgeon, a hematologist, and an anesthesiologist.
Are Larger Merger Synergies Bad News for Consumers? Endogenous Post‐Merger Internal Organization
Authors: Brito Duarte , Catalão‐Lopes Margarida
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we endogenize the post‐merger internal organization of firms, considering two alternative structures: multidivisional, in which separate divisions are kept, and traditional, with cost synergies. We analyze when each structure occurs in equilibrium and how it affects welfare. We show that higher synergies do not necessarily lead to higher consumer surplus: firms can opt for a merger type that does not increase consumer surplus as much as the one that would occur with lower synergies. This highlights the importance of antitrust authorities basing their decisions not just on the magnitude of eventual synergies but also on the post‐merger organizational form.
Product Differentiation, Competitive Toughness, and Intertemporal Substitution
Authors: Ivanova Vera , Ushchev Philip
Published: March 2018

Standard measures of competitive toughness fail to capture the fact that, as consumers optimize intertemporally, firms operating today compete with (as yet non‐existent) businesses, which will be started tomorrow. We develop a two‐tier constant elasticity of substitution (CES) model of dynamic monopolistic competition in which the impact of product differentiation on the market outcome depends crucially on the elasticity of intertemporal substitution (EIS). The degree of product differentiation per se fails to serve as a meaningful indicator of competitive toughness: what matters is its cross‐effect with EIS. We also extend the model to the case of non‐CES preferences in order to capture variable mark‐ups.
The Allocation of Scientific Talent*
Authors: Canidio Andrea
Published: March 2018

I consider a model in which firms produce new knowledge by building laboratories and hiring researchers in a competitive market. I show that, for a given distribution of laboratories, the allocation of researchers to firms can be efficient or inefficient, depending on how fast the firms’ marginal return on the knowledge produced decreases with the amount of knowledge produced. I then argue that the allocation of researchers to laboratories is likely to be inefficient if firms invest in research and development primarily to increase their absorptive capacity (i.e., their ability to use the stock of publicly available knowledge). When the distribution of laboratories is endogenous, a second source of inefficiency arises: firms’ underinvestment in laboratories. Policies subsidizing investment in laboratories are ineffective at restoring the first best, unless policies aimed at reallocating researchers to firms are also put in place.
Correlates of accelerometer‐assessed physical activity in pregnancy—The 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study
Authors: da Silva S. G. , Evenson K. R. , da Silva I. C. M. , Mendes M. A. , Domingues M. R. , da Silveira M. F. , Wehrmeister F. C. , Ekelund U. , Hallal P. C.
Published: March 2018

Objective methods to measure physical activity (PA) have become available and widely used given the high degree of precision to evaluate PA. However, few studies have used accelerometers to measure PA during pregnancy, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We assessed overall PA, moderate, vigorous, and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) objectively measured among pregnant women and their correlates in a population‐based study. PA was assessed for seven consecutive days using a raw triaxial wrist‐worn accelerometer in women interviewed around 16 and 24 weeks of gestation in the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study. The average acceleration, which expresses overall PA, was presented in milli‐g (1 mg = 0.001 g), and average time (min/day) spent in MVPA (>100 mg) was also analyzed in 5‐ and 10‐min bouts. Analyses were performed using linear regression. In total, 2317 women were included in the analyses. Overall PA was 27.6 mg. Pregnant women spent on average 14 min/day in MVPA and 0.4 min in vigorous PA. Time spent in MVPA and total PA were inversely associated with years in school and income, and were lower among women receiving advice to not exercise. MVPA was also inversely associated with age, lower among women living with a partner, and higher among non‐white women. The study indicated low levels of PA among pregnant women. The identified correlates may provide a framework to better understand factors influencing PA during pregnancy and thus inform future interventions.
Family meta‐emotion and the onset of major depressive disorder in adolescence: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Schwartz Orli S. , Rowell Vanessa J. , Whittle Sarah , Byrne Michelle L. , Simmons Julian G. , Sheeber Lisa , McKenzie Vicki , Allen Nicholas B.
Published: March 2018

Meta‐emotion philosophy refers to an organized set of thoughts, reactions, and feelings about one's emotions and the emotions of others (Gottman, Katz, & Hooven, 1997). This study investigated the prospective relationship between family meta‐emotion processes and adolescent‐onset major depressive disorder (MDD). Adolescents (N = 198, mean age 12.5 years) and one of their parents each completed the Meta‐Emotion Interview (Katz & Gottman, 1986), and adolescents were followed‐up at ages 15, 16.5, and 19 years to assess for MDD onset. In the Meta‐Emotion Interviews, parents and adolescents were asked about both their own, and the others', anger and sadness. Results showed that parent‐report of their own meta‐emotion philosophy of sadness prospectively predicted MDD onset in adolescence, as did adolescent‐report of low parental emotion coaching in relation to sadness, and adolescent self‐perceived emotional competence in relation to sadness. Adolescents' perceptions of family emotional environments characterized by high levels of parental anger expression and family conflict also prospectively predicted MDD onset. These findings highlight the continued importance of family emotional processes in adolescence, and provide insight into how parents' and adolescents' perceptions of emotional processes within the family, particularly in relation to sadness, may be prospectively associated with risk for adolescent onset MDD.
The BDNF gene val66met polymorphism and behavioral inhibition in early childhood
Authors: Vandermeer Matthew R. J. , Sheikh Haroon I. , Singh Shiva S. , Klein Daniel N. , Olino Thomas M. , Dyson Margaret W. , Bufferd Sara J. , Hayden Elizabeth P.
Published: March 2018

Stably elevated behavioral inhibition (BI) is an established risk factor for internalizing disorders. This stability may be related to genetic factors, including a valine‐to‐methionine substitution on codon 66 (val66met) of the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene. Past work on the BDNF met variant has inconsistently linked it to vulnerability to internalizing problems; some of this inconsistency may stem from the failure to consider gene‐trait interactions in shaping the course of early BI. Toward elucidating early pathways to anxiety vulnerability, we examined gene‐by‐trait interactions in predicting the course of BI over time in 476 children, assessed for BI using standardized laboratory methods. We found that children with the met allele showed lower stability of BI between ages 3 and 6 than those without this allele. While the mechanisms that underlie this effect are unclear, our findings are consistent with the notion that the met variant, in the context of early BI, influences the stability of this trait in early development.
Emotional competencies relate to co‐rumination: Implications for emotion socialization within adolescent friendships
Authors: Borowski Sarah K. , Zeman Janice
Published: March 2018

Despite the acknowledged importance of friendships in emotional development during adolescence, little research has empirically examined emotion socialization processes within friendships. Co‐rumination is one such process that may involve many emotion‐related skills due to its negative emotional focus and links to emotional distress. The current study examines whether adolescent friends’ emotional competencies (i.e., emotional awareness, emotion regulation) relate to co‐rumination. Adolescents (N = 192; 53% girls; Mage = 12.67; 76% European American, 17.7% African American) participated with a reciprocated same‐sex best friend. Adolescents reported on their own and their friends’ emotional competencies and participated in observed video‐taped problem discussion task that was coded for co‐rumination. Results indicated that indices of poor emotional competence related to greater co‐rumination for girls. For boys, stronger emotional competence related to greater co‐rumination. There were more significant links to co‐rumination from adolescents’ perceptions of their friends’ emotion regulation than self‐reports of their own emotion regulation. Results are discussed with a focus on implications for emotion socialization within the best friend context during early adolescence.
A kinetic model of sugar metabolism in peach fruit reveals a functional hypothesis of a markedly low fructose‐to‐glucose ratio phenotype
Authors: Desnoues Elsa , Génard Michel , Quilot‐Turion Bénédicte , Baldazzi Valentina
Published: March 2018

The concentrations of sugars in fruit vary with fruit development, environment and genotype. In general, there were weak correlations between the variations in sugar concentrations and the activities of enzymes directly related with the synthesis or degradation of sugars. This finding suggests that the relationships between enzyme activities and metabolites are often non‐linear and are difficult to assess. To simulate the concentrations of sucrose, glucose, fructose and sorbitol during the development of peach fruit, a kinetic model of sugar metabolism was developed by taking advantage of recent profiling data. Cell compartmentation (cytosol and vacuole) was described explicitly, and data‐driven enzyme activities were used to parameterize equations. The model correctly accounts for both annual and genotypic variations, which were observed in 10 genotypes derived from an interspecific cross. They provided important information on the mechanisms underlying the specification of phenotypic differences. In particular, the model supports the hypothesis that a difference in fructokinase affinity could be responsible for a low fructose‐to‐glucose ratio phenotype, which was observed in the studied population.
The Sla1 adaptor‐clathrin interaction regulates coat formation and progression of endocytosis
Authors: Tolsma Thomas O. , Cuevas Lena M. , Di Pietro Santiago M.
Published: March 2018

Clathrin‐mediated endocytosis is a fundamental transport pathway that depends on numerous protein‐protein interactions. Testing the importance of the adaptor protein‐clathrin interaction for coat formation and progression of endocytosis in vivo has been difficult due to experimental constrains. Here, we addressed this question using the yeast clathrin adaptor Sla1, which is unique in showing a cargo endocytosis defect upon substitution of 3 amino acids in its clathrin‐binding motif (sla1AAA) that disrupt clathrin binding. Live‐cell imaging showed an impaired Sla1‐clathrin interaction causes reduced clathrin levels but increased Sla1 levels at endocytic sites. Moreover, the rate of Sla1 recruitment was reduced indicating proper dynamics of both clathrin and Sla1 depend on their interaction. sla1AAA cells showed a delay in progression through the various stages of endocytosis. The Arp2/3‐dependent actin polymerization machinery was present for significantly longer time before actin polymerization ensued, revealing a link between coat formation and activation of actin polymerization. Ultimately, in sla1AAA cells a larger than normal actin network was formed, dramatically higher levels of various machinery proteins other than clathrin were recruited, and the membrane profile of endocytic invaginations was longer. Thus, the Sla1‐clathrin interaction is important for coat formation, regulation of endocytic progression and membrane bending.
Addressing gaps in international blood availability and transfusion safety in low‐ and middle‐income countries: a NHLBI workshop
Authors: Custer Brian , Zou Shimian , Glynn Simone A. , Makani Julie , Tayou Tagny Claude , El Ekiaby Magdy , Sabino Ester C. , Choudhury Nabajyoti , Teo Diana , Nelson Kenrad , Peprah Emmanuel , Price LeShawndra , Engelgau Michael M.
Published: March 2018

In April 2017, a workshop sponsored by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Division of Blood Diseases and Resources, and the Center for Translation Research and Implementation Science was held to discuss blood availability and transfusion safety in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). The purpose of the workshop was to identify research opportunities for implementation science (IS) to improve the availability of safe blood and blood components and transfusion practices in LMICs. IS describes the late stages of the translational research spectrum and studies optimal and sustainable strategies to deliver proven‐effective interventions. Regional working groups were formed to focus on opportunities and challenges in East Africa, Central/West Africa, Middle East and North Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, Western Pacific Asia, Eastern Europe, and Central Asia. The need for an “adequate supply of safe blood” emerged as the major overriding theme. Among the regional working groups, common cross‐cutting themes were evident. The majority of research questions, priorities, and strategies fell into the categories of blood availability, blood transfusion safety, appropriate use of blood, quality systems, health economics and budgeting, and training and education in IS. The workshop also brought into focus inadequate country‐level data that can be used as the basis for IS initiatives. A mixed approach of needs assessment and targeted interventions with sufficient evidence base to move toward sustainment is an appropriate next step for blood availability and transfusion safety research in LMICs.
Towards recoupling? Assessing the global impact of a Chinese hard landing through trade and commodity price channels
Authors: Gauvin Ludovic , Rebillard Cyril C.
Published: March 2018

China's rapid growth over the past decade has been one of the main drivers of the rise in mineral commodity demand and prices. While concerns about the sustainability of China's growth model are rising, we assess to what extent rebalancing through a hard landing in China would impact other countries. After reviewing the main arguments pointing to a hard landing scenario—historical rebalancing precedents, overinvestment, unsustainable debt trends and real estate bubble—we use a globalVARmethodology adapted to conditional forecasting to simulate the impact of a Chinese hard landing. We model metal and oil markets separately to account for their different end‐use patterns and consumption intensity in China. According to our estimates, emerging economies would be hardest hit—with a 7.5% cumulated growth loss after 5 years—in particular in Emerging Asia and in commodity‐exporting regions such as Latin America. The “growth gap” between emerging and advanced economies would be considerably reduced, leading to partial recoupling. In the light of these results, both the “commodity supercycle” and sustained convergence observed in emerging economies over the past decade could be to a large extent attributed to the high and unbalanced growth pattern in China.
Fairness in the international allocation of development aid
Authors: McGillivray Mark , Clarke Matthew
Published: March 2018

This paper assesses the allocative performance of foreign aid donors. It does so by identifying the consistency of the share of donor aid allocated to each developing country with these their shares of global poverty. A given donor's allocative performance is maximised if the share of its aid to each developing country exactly equals its share of global poverty. This is equated with fairness in the international allocation of aid. The allocative performance of all donors, all bilateral donors, all multilateral agencies, all non‐DAC donor countries, the EU, France, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States for the years 2010–15 is assessed. The best performance is exhibited by all bilateral donors, while that for an individual donor is exhibited by the United Kingdom. Non‐DAC donors exhibit the worst performance. The paper also identifies which developing countries receive the most and least aid relative to their shares of global poverty.
Effect of resistance training and protein intake pattern on myofibrillar protein synthesis and proteome kinetics in older men in energy restriction
Authors: Murphy Caoileann H. , Shankaran Mahalakshmi , Churchward‐Venne Tyler A. , Mitchell Cameron J. , Kolar Nathan M. , Burke Louise M. , Hawley John A. , Kassis Amira , Karagounis Leonidas G. , Li Kelvin , King Chelsea , Hellerstein Marc , Phillips Stuart M.
Published: March 2018

Key points

Strategies to enhance the loss of fat while preserving muscle mass during energy restriction are of great importance to prevent sarcopenia in overweight older adults.

We show for the first time that the integrated rate of synthesis of numerous individual contractile, cytosolic and mitochondrial skeletal muscle proteins was increased by resistance training (RT) and unaffected by dietary protein intake pattern during energy restriction in free‐living, obese older men.

We observed a correlation between the synthetic rates of skeletal muscle‐derived proteins obtained in serum (creatine kinase M‐type, carbonic anhydrase 3) and the synthetic rates of proteins obtained via muscle sampling; and that the synthesis rates of these proteins in serum revealed the stimulatory effects of RT.

These results have ramifications for understanding the influence of RT on skeletal muscle and are consistent with the role of RT in maintaining muscle protein synthesis and potentially supporting muscle mass preservation during weight loss.

We determined how the pattern of protein intake and resistance training (RT) influenced longer‐term (2 weeks) integrated myofibrillar protein synthesis (MyoPS) during energy restriction (ER). MyoPS and proteome kinetics were measured during 2 weeks of ER alone and 2 weeks of ER plus RT (ER + RT) in overweight/obese older men. Participants were randomized to consume dietary protein in a balanced (BAL: 25% daily protein per meal × 4 meals) or skewed (SKEW: 7:17:72:4% daily protein per meal) pattern (n = 10 per group). Participants ingested deuterated water during the consecutive 2‐week periods, and skeletal muscle biopsies and serum were obtained at the beginning and conclusion of ER and ER + RT. Bulk MyoPS (i.e. synthesis of the myofibrillar protein sub‐fraction) and the synthetic rates of numerous individual skeletal muscle proteins were quantified. Bulk MyoPS was not affected by protein distribution during ER or ER + RT (ER: BAL = 1.24 ± 0.31%/day, SKEW = 1.26 ± 0.37%/day; ER + RT: BAL = 1.64 ± 0.48%/day, SKEW = 1.52 ± 0.66%/day) but was ∼26% higher during ER + RT than during ER (P = 0.023). The synthetic rates of 175 of 190 contractile, cytosolic and mitochondrial skeletal muscle proteins, as well as synthesis of muscle‐derived proteins measured in serum, creatine kinase M‐type (CK‐M) and carbonic anhydrase 3 (CA‐3), were higher during ER + RT than during ER (P < 0.05). In addition, the synthetic rates of CK‐M and CA‐3 measured in serum correlated with the synthetic rates of proteins obtained via muscle sampling (P < 0.05). This study provides novel data on the skeletal muscle adaptations to RT and dietary protein distribution.
Parturition and the perinatal period: can mode of delivery impact on the future health of the neonate?
Authors: Tribe R. M. , Taylor P. D. , Kelly N. M. , Rees D. , Sandall J. , Kennedy H. P.
Published: March 2018

Caesarean section and instrumental delivery rates are increasing in many parts of the world for a range of cultural and medical reasons, with limited consideration as to how ‘mode of delivery’ may impact on childhood and long‐term health. However, babies born particularly by pre‐labour caesarean section appear to have a subtly different physiology from those born by normal vaginal delivery, with both acute and chronic complications such as respiratory and cardio‐metabolic morbidities being apparent. It has been hypothesized that inherent mechanisms within the process of labour and vaginal delivery, far from being a passive mechanical process by which the fetus and placenta are expelled from the birth canal, may trigger certain protective developmental processes permissive for normal immunological and physiological development of the fetus postnatally. Traditionally the primary candidate mechanism has been the hormonal surges or stress response associated with labour and vaginal delivery, but there is increasing awareness that transfer of the maternal microbiome to the infant during parturition. Transgenerational transmission of disease traits through epigenetics are also likely to be important. Interventions such as probiotics, neonatal gut seeding and different approaches to clinical care have potential to influence parturition physiology and improve outcomes for infants.

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Growth of II-VI/III-V heterovalent quantum structures
Authors: Lassise Maxwell B. , Wang Peng , Tracy Brian D. , Chen Guopeng , Smith David J. , Zhang Yong-Hang
Published: March 2018

Lattice-matched heterovalent II-VI/III-V semiconductor structures, such as quantum wells and double heterostructures consisting of ZnSe/GaAs and ZnTe/GaSb, are grown using single and dual-chamber molecular beam epitaxy systems by utilizing migration-enhanced epitaxy and a substrate temperature ramp method. Specific elemental overpressures are utilized after each epilayer growth to control the surface termination and to prevent defective III-VI compounds from forming at the heterovalent interfaces. Characterization using x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy confirms sharp interfaces and coherent bonding between the heterovalent materials. Photoluminescence measurements show optical transitions from the heterovalent double heterostructures and quantum wells, as well as evidence for midgap defect states in the III-V layers. The III-V layers have a very low density of structural defects, but some stacking faults are observed in the II-VI layers.
Positional Comparisons in the Impact of Fatigue on Movement Patterns in Hockey
Authors: Morencos Esther , Romero-Moraleda Blanca , Castagna Carlo , Casamichana David
Published: March 2018

Purpose: To examine the influence of the match period on the movement patterns of hockey players according to their playing positions under the introduction of quarters (QTRs). Methods: Sixteen subelite-level Spanish National League male hockey players participated in the study (age: 25.5 [2.9] y; body mass: 74.6 [5.5] kg). Global positioning system devices were used to monitor players’ running performance during 17 competitive matches (113 match-play profiles). Only players who played for at least 85% of the game were analyzed. Players were placed into 3 position categories: backs, midfielders, and forwards. Results: Moderate to large differences in relative total distance were found between midfielders and both backs and forwards in all QTRs (effect size [ES]: 0.4–1.2). ES for total distance was moderate for midfielders when compared with backs during the first QTR (moderate ES: 0.7). Midfielders and forwards covered more distance (m and m·min−1) in high-velocity zones than backs (ES: 0.6). Acceleration activities (n·min−1) at moderate and high intensities decreased in all groups across QTRs with moderate to very large ES (ES: 0.4–1.4). Relative sprinting distance decreased in backs (ES: 0.8). Backs had fewer repeated-sprint bouts (n and n·min−1) as the game progressed (ES: 1.0). Conclusions: During competitive match play, a degree of positional variation can be observed across QTRs. The relative distance and the number of accelerations and decelerations at moderate and high intensity decreased across QTRs. No between-QTRs differences in high-speed activity were reported.
Multidimensional Monitoring of Recovery Status and Implications for Performance
Authors: Heidari Jahan , Beckmann Jürgen , Bertollo Maurizio , Brink Michel , Kallus K. Wolfgang , Robazza Claudio , Kellmann Michael
Published: March 2018

Monitoring recovery in the context of athletic performance has gained significant importance during recent years. As a systematic process of data collection and evaluation, the monitoring of recovery can be implemented for various purposes. It may help prevent negative outcomes of training or competition, such as underrecovery, overtraining, or injuries. Furthermore, it aims to establish routines and strategies necessary to guarantee athletes’ readiness for performance by restoring their depleted resources. Comprehensive monitoring of recovery ideally encompasses a multidimensional approach, thereby considering biological, psychological, and social monitoring methods. From a biological perspective, physiological (eg, cardiac parameters), biochemical (eg, creatine kinase), hormonal (eg, salivary cortisol), and immunological (eg, immunoglobulin A) markers can be taken into account to operationalize training loads and recovery needs. Psychological approaches suggest the application of validated and reliable psychometric questionnaires (eg, Recovery–Stress Questionnaire for Athletes) to measure a subjective perception of recovery, as well as the subjective degree of training- or competition-induced fatigue. Social aspects also play a role in performance monitoring and may hence provide essential performance-related information. The implementation of a monitoring routine in athletic environments represents a continuous process that functions as an effective addition to training and depends on a range of conditions (eg, organizational regulations, commitment of athletes). Current research in the field of monitoring aims to establish individualized monitoring regimens that refer to intraindividual reference values with the help of innovative technological devices.
Effect of a Suspension-Trainer-Based Movement Program on Measures of Fitness and Functional Movement in Children: A Pilot Study
Authors: St. Laurent Christine W. , Masteller Brittany , Sirard John
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to assess the efficacy of a suspension-training movement program to improve muscular- and skill-related fitness and functional movement in children, compared with controls. Methods: In total, 28 children [male: 46%; age: 9.3 (1.5) y; body mass index percentile: 68.6 (27.5)] were randomly assigned to intervention (n = 17) or control (n = 11) groups. The intervention group participated in a 6-week suspension-training movement program for two 1-hour sessions per week. Muscular- and skill-related fitness and functional movement assessments were measured at baseline and following the intervention. Analyses of covariance models were used to assess the effects of time and intervention. Results: The intervention participants achieved greater improvements in Modified Pull-Up performance (P = .01, Cohen’s d = 0.54) and Functional Movement Screen score (P < .001, Cohen’s d = 1.89), relative to controls. Conclusion: The suspension-training intervention delivered twice a week was beneficial for upper body pulling muscular endurance and the Functional Movement Screen score. Future interventions using this modality in youth would benefit from larger, more diverse samples (through schools or community fitness centers) and a longer intervention length.
Physical Activity, BMI, and Blood Pressure in US Youth: NHANES 2003–2006
Authors: Betz Heather Hayes , Eisenmann Joey C. , Laurson Kelly R. , DuBose Katrina D. , Reeves Mathew J. , Carlson Joseph J. , Pfeiffer Karin A.
Published: March 2018

Purpose: The objective of this study was to examine the independent and combined association of physical activity and body mass index (BMI) with blood pressure in youth. Methods: Youth aged 8–18 years from the 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with BMI, blood pressure, and physical activity (accelerometer) were included in the analyses. A total of 2585 subjects (1303 males; 47% of all 8- to 18-year-olds) met these criteria. Results: Obese youth had a systolic blood pressure that was 8 mm Hg higher than normal weight youth. A significant interaction between BMI and physical activity on blood pressure was found (P < .001), and group differences among the BMI/activity groups showed that the 3 obese groups and the overweight/least active group had significantly higher systolic blood pressure than the normal weight/active group across all analyses. The overweight/least active and normal weight/least active groups had significantly higher diastolic blood pressure than the normal weight/active group as well. Conclusions: This study showed a significant independent and combined association of BMI and physical activity with blood pressure in youth. Interventions need to focus on the reduction of fatness/BMI as a way to reduce the cardiovascular risk in youth.
Complex behavior arose at dawn of humans
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: March 2018

Advanced stone tools, pigment, and extensive networks emerged as environment changed.
Master planner
Authors: Hvistendahl Mara
Published: March 2018

China's revered rocket scientist, Qian Xuesen, set in motion a system for engineers to control Chinese society.
Phenotype risk scores identify patients with unrecognized Mendelian disease patterns
Authors: Bastarache Lisa , Hughey Jacob J. , Hebbring Scott , Marlo Joy , Zhao Wanke , Ho Wanting T. , Van Driest Sara L. , McGregor Tracy L. , Mosley Jonathan D. , Wells Quinn S. , Temple Michael , Ramirez Andrea H. , Carroll Robert , Osterman Travis , Edwards Todd , Ruderfer Douglas , Velez Edwards Digna R. , Hamid Rizwan , Cogan Joy , Glazer Andrew , Wei Wei-Qi , Feng QiPing , Brilliant Murray , Zhao Zhizhuang J. , Cox Nancy J. , Roden Dan M. , Denny Joshua C.
Published: March 2018

Hidden effects of Mendelian inheritance

Identifying the determinate factors of genetic disease has been quite successful for Mendelian inheritance of large-effect pathogenic variants. In these cases, two non- or low-functioning genes contribute to disease. However, Mendelian effects of lesser strength have generally been ignored when looking at genomic consequences in human health. Bastarache
et al.
used electronic records to identify the phenotypic effects of previously unidentified Mendelian variations. Their analysis suggests that individuals with undiagnosed Mendelian diseases may be more prevalent in the general population than assumed. Because of this, genetic analysis may be able to assist clinicians in arriving at a diagnosis.

Science
, this issue p.
1233
Real-time imaging of adatom-promoted graphene growth on nickel
Authors: Patera Laerte L. , Bianchini Federico , Africh Cristina , Dri Carlo , Soldano German , Mariscal Marcelo M. , Peressi Maria , Comelli Giovanni
Published: March 2018

Watching graphene grow

The growth of graphene on metal surfaces can be catalyzed by mobile surface metal atoms. Patera
et al.
used a high-speed scanning tunneling microscope to image the growth of graphene islands on a nickel surface. High temperatures caused carbon to diffuse to the surface, where mobile nickel atoms catalyzed graphene growth on the edges of islands. Molecular dynamics and density functional theory calculations provide mechanistic insights into the reaction steps.

Science
, this issue p.
1243
Random heteropolymers preserve protein function in foreign environments
Authors: Panganiban Brian , Qiao Baofu , Jiang Tao , DelRe Christopher , Obadia Mona M. , Nguyen Trung Dac , Smith Anton A. A. , Hall Aaron , Sit Izaac , Crosby Marquise G. , Dennis Patrick B. , Drockenmuller Eric , Olvera de la Cruz Monica , Xu Ting
Published: March 2018

Mimicking the designs found in proteins

Natural proteins combine a range of useful features, including chemical diversity, the ability to rapidly switch between preprogrammed shapes, and a hierarchy of structures. Panganiban
et al.
designed random copolymers with polar and nonpolar groups, using many of the features found in proteins (see the Perspective by Alexander-Katz and Van Lehn). Their structures could serve as “broad spectrum” surfactants, able to promote the solubilization of proteins in organic solvents and help preserve the functionality of proteins in aqueous environments.

Science
, this issue p.
1239
; see also p.
1216
Precursors of logical reasoning in preverbal human infants
Authors: Cesana-Arlotti Nicoló , Martín Ana , Téglás Ernő , Vorobyova Liza , Cetnarski Ryszard , Bonatti Luca L.
Published: March 2018

The infant as philosopher

Visual behaviors, such as a shift in one's gaze or a prolonged stare, can be diagnostic of internal thoughts. Cesana-Arlotti
et al.
used these measures to demonstrate that preverbal infants can formulate a logical structure called a disjunctive syllogism (see the Perspective by Halberda). That is, if A or B is true, and A is false, then B must be true. Presenting infants with scenes where the outcome revealed B to be false evoked looks of surprise.

Science
, this issue p.
1263
; see also p.
1214
Organometallic and radical intermediates reveal mechanism of diphthamide biosynthesis
Authors: Dong Min , Kathiresan Venkatesan , Fenwick Michael K. , Torelli Andrew T. , Zhang Yang , Caranto Jonathan D. , Dzikovski Boris , Sharma Ajay , Lancaster Kyle M. , Freed Jack H. , Ealick Steven E. , Hoffman Brian M. , Lin Hening
Published: March 2018

A quick freeze shows an enzyme's secrets

Organic radicals are chemically useful in enzymatic reactions but are often hard to observe, owing to their short lifetimes. Dong
et al.
used rapid freeze-quench methods to trap two intermediates formed by a noncanonical radical S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) enzyme: a fragmented SAM molecule bound to the iron-sulfur cluster through an iron-carbon bond and a product-like radical. The structure of the SAM-bound enzyme reveals a noncolinear arrangement of carbon, sulfur, and iron atoms. The arrangement of bonds suggests that the organometallic intermediate may be created through a two-electron nucleophilic mechanism. A subsequent radical intermediate is formed on the protein substrate and resolves by oxidation to form the amino acid product diphthamide.

Science
, this issue p.
1247
Self-organization and progenitor targeting generate stable patterns in planarian regeneration
Authors: Atabay Kutay Deniz , LoCascio Samuel A. , de Hoog Thom , Reddien Peter W.
Published: March 2018

A recipe for regeneration

Unlike humans, planarian flatworms can regenerate certain tissues. During regeneration, existing tissues remodel, and undifferentiated and progenitor cells convert into specialized cell types at specified locations. Atabay
et al.
examined planarian eye regeneration (see the Perspective by Tanaka). Surgical and transplantation experiments revealed three properties governing regenerative progenitor behavior: cell self-organization, an extrinsic migratory target for progenitors, and a broad progenitor-specification zone. Predictions from this model enabled generation of animals with multiple stable eyes.

Science
, this issue p.
404
; see also p.
374
Pleistocene North African genomes link Near Eastern and sub-Saharan African human populations
Authors: van de Loosdrecht Marieke , Bouzouggar Abdeljalil , Humphrey Louise , Posth Cosimo , Barton Nick , Aximu-Petri Ayinuer , Nickel Birgit , Nagel Sarah , Talbi El Hassan , El Hajraoui Mohammed Abdeljalil , Amzazi Saaïd , Hublin Jean-Jacques , Pääbo Svante , Schiffels Stephan , Meyer Matthias , Haak Wolfgang , Jeong Choongwon , Krause Johannes
Published: March 2018

Relationships among North Africans

The general view is that Eurasians mostly descend from a single group of humans that dispersed outside of sub-Saharan Africa around 50,000 to 100,000 years ago. Present-day North Africans share a majority of their ancestry with present-day Near Easterners, but not with sub-Saharan Africans. To investigate this conundrum, Van de Loosdrecht
et al.
sequenced high-quality DNA obtained from bone samples of seven individuals from Taforalt in eastern Morocco dating from the Later Stone Age, about 15,000 years ago. The Taforalt individuals were found to be most closely related to populations from the Near East (Natufians), with a third of their ancestry from sub-Saharan Africa. No evidence was found for introgression with western Europeans, despite attribution to the Iberomaurusian culture. None of the present-day or ancient Holocene African groups are a good proxy for the sub-Saharan genetic component.

Science
, this issue p.
548
Response to Comment on “Synthesis and characterization of the pentazolate anion
cyclo
-N
5
–
in (N
5
)
6
(H
3
O)
3
(NH
4
)
4
Cl”
Authors: Jiang Chao , Zhang Lei , Sun Chengguo , Zhang Chong , Yang Chen , Chen Jun , Hu Bingcheng
Published: March 2018

Huang and Xu argue that the
cyclo
-N
5
–
ion in (N
5
)
6
(H
3
O)
3
(NH
4
)
4
Cl we described in our report is theoretically unfavorable and is instead protonated. Their conclusion is invalid, as they use an improper method to assess the proton transfer in a solid crystal structure. We present an in-depth experimental and theoretical analysis of (N
5
)
6
(H
3
O)
3
(NH
4
)
4
Cl that supports the results in the original paper.
Candida auris, what do paediatricians need to know?
Authors: Warris Adilia
Published: March 2018

The newly recognised and emerging fungal species,Candida auris, has caused worldwide invasive infections and has been implicated in difficult to control hospital outbreaks. Challenges are encountered in the correct identification of this fungus as commonly used phenotypic and biochemical methods fail to differentiateC. aurisfrom otherCandidaspecies. Its resistance profile, over 90% of isolates are fluconazole resistant and 35% are resistant to amphotericin, confronts clinicians with the restricted arsenal of antifungals and concerns about optimal treatment. The very firstC. aurisisolate was recovered from a paediatric patient in retrospect. Although infections with the more antifungal-resistantCandidaspecies are less frequently observed in paediatric patients, this seems to be different forC. aurisinfections.
Prevalence and causes of vision loss in high-income countries and in Eastern and Central Europe in 2015: magnitude, temporal trends and projections
Authors: Bourne Rupert R A , Jonas Jost B , Bron Alain M , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Das Aditi , Flaxman Seth R , Friedman David S , Keeffe Jill E , Kempen John H , Leasher Janet , Limburg Hans , Naidoo Kovin , Pesudovs Konrad , Peto Tunde , Saadine Jinan , Silvester Alexander J , Tahhan Nina , Taylor Hugh R , Varma Rohit , Wong Tien Y , Resnikoff Serge
Published: March 2018

Background

Within a surveillance of the prevalence and causes of vision impairment in high-income regions and Central/Eastern Europe, we update figures through 2015 and forecast expected values in 2020.

Methods

Based on a systematic review of medical literature, prevalence of blindness, moderate and severe vision impairment (MSVI), mild vision impairment and presbyopia was estimated for 1990, 2010, 2015, and 2020.

Results

Age-standardised prevalence of blindness and MSVI for all ages decreased from 1990 to 2015 from 0.26% (0.10–0.46) to 0.15% (0.06–0.26) and from 1.74% (0.76–2.94) to 1.27% (0.55–2.17), respectively. In 2015, the number of individuals affected by blindness, MSVI and mild vision impairment ranged from 70 000, 630 000 and 610 000, respectively, in Australasia to 980 000, 7.46 million and 7.25 million, respectively, in North America and 1.16 million, 9.61 million and 9.47 million, respectively, in Western Europe. In 2015, cataract was the most common cause for blindness, followed by age-related macular degeneration (AMD), glaucoma, uncorrected refractive error, diabetic retinopathy and cornea-related disorders, with declining burden from cataract and AMD over time. Uncorrected refractive error was the leading cause of MSVI.

Conclusions

While continuing to advance control of cataract and AMD as the leading causes of blindness remains a high priority, overcoming barriers to uptake of refractive error services would address approximately half of the MSVI burden. New data on burden of presbyopia identify this entity as an important public health problem in this population. Additional research on better treatments, better implementation with existing tools and ongoing surveillance of the problem is needed.
Leap forward in the treatment of Pythium insidiosum keratitis
Authors: Bagga Bhupesh , Sharma Savitri , Madhuri Guda Sai Jeevan , Nagpal Ritu , Joseph Joveeta , Manjulatha Kodiganti , Mohamed Ashik , Garg Prashant
Published: March 2018

Background

Pythium insidiosum is a parafungus that causes keratitis resembling fungal keratitis. This study compares outcome in a large cohort of patients with P insidiosum keratitis treated with antifungal drugs, to a pilot group treated with antibacterial antibiotics.

Methods

Between January 2014 and December 2016, 114 patients with culture positive P insidiosum keratitis were included in the study. A subset of culture isolates was tested in vitro for response to nine antibacterial antibiotics by disc diffusion and E test. Patients were treated with topical natamycin in 2014, 2015 and up until mid 2016. Thereafter, the patients received a combination of topical linezolid and topical and oral azithromycin. Therapeutic penetrating keratoplasty (TPK) was done for patients not responding to medical therapy.

Results

In vitro disc diffusion assay showed linezolid to be most effective. The rate of TPK was significantly higher in 2015 compared with 2016 (43/45, 95.6% vs 22/32, 68.8%; p=0.002). Eighteen patients were treated with antibacterial and 14 were treated with antifungal antibiotic in 2016. One patient was lost to follow-up in each group. The rate of TPK was higher and proportion of healed ulcers was lower (p=0.21, Fisher’s exact test) in the group on antifungal therapy (TPK—11/13, 84.6%; Healed—2/13, 15.3%) compared with the group on antibacterial therapy (TPK—11/17, 64.7%; Healed—6/17, 35.2%).

Conclusions

We report favourable but not statistically significant response of P insidiosum keratitis to antibacterial agents in a pilot series of patients. Further evaluation of this strategy in larger number of patients is recommended.
Correlation between reduction in macular vessel density and frequency of intravitreal ranibizumab for macular oedema in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Hasegawa Taiji , Murakawa Sakura , Maruko Ichiro , Kogure-Katakura Akiko , Iida Tomohiro
Published: March 2018

Aim

To determine whether there is a significant correlation between the reduction in macular vessel density and the recurrence of macular oedema in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 27 eyes with macular oedema associated with BRVO. All eyes had received pro re nata intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injection. A reinjection of ranibizumab was performed when the central foveal thickness was ≥300 µm. At 12 months, patients without additional IVR for the last 4 months were placed in the resolved group, otherwise they were placed in the recurrence group. The macular vessel density in 3×3 mm area centred on the fovea was determined by optical coherence tomography angiography.

Results

At 12 months, 11 of the 27 (40.7%) eyes were placed in the resolved group and the other 16 (59.3%) eyes were placed in the recurrence group. The mean macular vessel density reduction in the resolved group was 17.60%±7.88% and that in the recurrence group was 8.12%±7.48% (P=0.0042). The mean number of IVR injections in the resolved group was 2.1±1.1 and that in the recurrence group was 5.1±1.2 (P<0.0001). In all eyes, multivariate analysis showed that the reduction in macular vessel density was significantly and negatively correlated with the number of IVR injections (β=−0.6746, P=0.0028).

Conclusions

A reduction in the macular vessel density was significantly correlated with the number of recurrences of macular oedema associated with BRVO.
Is physical activity a cause of longevity? It is not as straightforward as some would believe. A critical analysis
Authors: Kujala Urho M
Published: March 2018

There are discrepant findings between (A) observational follow-ups and (B) interventional studies that investigate possible causal association between high physical activity and low mortality. Participation in vigorous physical activity at a specific time-point is an indicator of good fitness and health, and is associated with a reduced risk of death. However, neither randomised controlled trials nor experimental animal studies have provided conclusive evidence to show that physical activity started during adulthood extends lifespan. Consequently, the undisputed health-related benefits of exercise have yet to translate into any proven causal relationship with longevity. Physical activity improves fitness and physical function, and confers other health-related effects. These outcomes have a greater basis in evidence-based data than any claims of a reduced risk of death, especially when recommending physical activity for previously physically inactive middle-aged and elderly adults.