bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Cadmium-Doped Zinc Oxide Nanocrystals with Composition and Size Dependent Band Gaps
Authors: Zhang Hai-xiao , Yang Yue-tao , Liu Xiao-jun
Published: May 2018

Cadmium-doped zinc oxide nanocrystals in the quantum confinement region have been firstly synthesized by a fast and facile sonochemical method. The alloyed structure of the nanocrystals is confirmed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and infrared analysis. With the increase of cadmium to zinc molar ratio from 0 to 2.0, the crystallite sizes of the samples decrease from 5.1 nm to 2.6 nm, and the band gaps of the samples show a red shift then a blue shift, and a red shift again. The variations of band gaps of the samples can be interpreted by the crystallite size and the composition. It is found that both the non-thermal equilibrium environment established in the sonochemical reaction and the coordination ability of triethylene glycol solvent play crucial roles in the current preparation.
Analysis of Solvent Effect on Mechanical Properties of Poly(ether ether ketone) Using Nano-indentation
Authors: Iqbal Tanveer , Yasin Saima , Shakeel Ahmad , Mahmood Hamayoun , Nazir Fahad , Luckham Paul F.
Published: May 2018

Poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) is a high-performance semi-crystalline thermoplastic polymer. Exposure of the polymeric surface to solvents can have a strong effect like softening/swelling of polymeric network or dissolution. In this study, nano-indentation analysis was performed to study the effect of acetone on the surface mechanical properties of PEEK using different exposure time. The experiments were performed with a constant loading rate (10 nm/s) to a maximum indentation displacement (1000 nm). A 30-second hold segment was included at the maximum load to account for any creep effects followed by an unloading segment to 80% unloading. The indentation hardness and the elastic modulus were computed as a continuous function of the penetration displacement in the continuous stiffness mode (CSM) indentation. The experimental data showed that the peak load decreased from ∼5.2 mN to ∼1.7 mN as exposure time in solvent environment increased from 0 to 18 days. The elastic modulus and the hardness of PEEK samples also displayed a decreasing trend as a function of exposure time in the solvent environment. Two empirical models were used to fit the experimental data of hardness as a function of exposure time which showed a good agreement with the experimental values.
Establishing Intellectually Impaired Victims’ Understanding about ‘Truth’ and ‘Lies’: Police Interview Guidance and Practice in Cases of Sexual Assault
Authors: Richardson Emma , Stokoe Elizabeth , Antaki Charles
Published: May 2018

Effective police interviews are central to the justice process for sexual assault victims, but little is known about either actual communication between police officers and witnesses or the alignment between guidance and real practice. This study investigated how police officers, in formal interviews, follow ‘best evidence’ guidance to obtain victims’ demonstrable understandings of ‘truth and lies’. We conducted qualitative conversation analysis of 20 evidentiary interviews between police officers and victims who were ‘vulnerable’ adults or children. Analysis revealed that interviewers initiated conversation about truth and lies inappropriately in three ways: (i) by eliciting confirmations rather than demonstrations of understanding; (ii) by eliciting multiple demonstrations and confirmations of understanding, or (iii) by re-introducing ‘truth and lies’ conversations at incorrect points in the interview. Both (ii) and (iii) imply prior or forthcoming dishonesty on the part of the victim. In the context of encouraging victims to report sexual assault and achieve justice, the article reveals potential communicative barriers in which victims—or their evidence—may be discredited right at the start of the process.
Exploring the functional impact of alternative splicing on human protein isoforms using available annotation sources
Authors: Sulakhe Dinanath , D’Souza Mark , Wang Sheng , Balasubramanian Sandhya , Athri Prashanth , Xie Bingqing , Canzar Stefan , Agam Gady , Gilliam T Conrad , Maltsev Natalia
Published: May 2018

In recent years, the emphasis of scientific inquiry has shifted from whole-genome analyses to an understanding of cellular responses specific to tissue, developmental stage or environmental conditions. One of the central mechanisms underlying the diversity and adaptability of the contextual responses is alternative splicing (AS). It enables a single gene to encode multiple isoforms with distinct biological functions. However, to date, the functions of the vast majority of differentially spliced protein isoforms are not known. Integration of genomic, proteomic, functional, phenotypic and contextual information is essential for supporting isoform-based modeling and analysis. Such integrative proteogenomics approaches promise to provide insights into the functions of the alternatively spliced protein isoforms and provide high-confidence hypotheses to be validated experimentally. This manuscript provides a survey of the public databases supporting isoform-based biology. It also presents an overview of the potential global impact of AS on the human canonical gene functions, molecular interactions and cellular pathways.
Connectome verification: inter-rater and connection reliability of tract-tracing-based intrinsic hypothalamic connectivity
Authors: Schmitt Oliver , Eipert Peter , Schwanke Sebastian , Lessmann Felix , Meinhardt Jennifer , Beier Julia , Kadir Kanar , Karnitzki Adrian , Sellner Linda , Klünker Ann-Christin , Ruß Frauke , Jenssen Jörg
Published: May 2018

Motivation

Structural connectomics supports understanding aspects of neuronal dynamics and brain functions. Conducting metastudies of tract-tracing publications is one option to generate connectome databases by collating neuronal connectivity data. Meanwhile, it is a common practice that the neuronal connections and their attributes of such retrospective data collations are extracted from tract-tracing publications manually by experts. As the description of tract-tracing results is often not clear-cut and the documentation of interregional connections is not standardized, the extraction of connectivity data from tract-tracing publications could be complex. This might entail that different experts interpret such non-standardized descriptions of neuronal connections from the same publication in variable ways. Hitherto, no investigation is available that determines the variability of extracted connectivity information from original tract-tracing publications. A relatively large variability of connectivity information could produce significant misconstructions of adjacency matrices with faults in network and graph analyzes. The objective of this study is to investigate the inter-rater and inter-observation variability of tract-tracing-based documentations of neuronal connections. To demonstrate the variability of neuronal connections, data of 16 publications which describe neuronal connections of subregions of the hypothalamus have been assessed by way of example.

Results

A workflow is proposed that allows detecting variability of connectivity at different steps of data processing in connectome metastudies. Variability between three blinded experts was found by comparing the connection information in a sample of 16 publications that describe tract-tracing-based neuronal connections in the hypothalamus. Furthermore, observation scores, matrix visualizations of discrepant connections and weight variations in adjacency matrices are analyzed.

Availability

The resulting data and software are available at http://neuroviisas.med.uni-rostock.de/neuroviisas.shtml
MASCOT: parameter and state inference under the marginal structured coalescent approximation
Authors: Müller Nicola F , Rasmussen David , Stadler Tanja
Published: May 2018

Motivation

The structured coalescent is widely applied to study demography within and migration between sub-populations from genetic sequence data. Current methods are either exact but too computationally inefficient to analyse large datasets with many sub-populations, or make strong approximations leading to severe biases in inference. We recently introduced an approximation based on weaker assumptions to the structured coalescent enabling the analysis of larger datasets with many different states. We showed that our approximation provides unbiased migration rate and population size estimates across a wide parameter range.

Results

We extend this approach by providing a new algorithm to calculate the probability of the state of internal nodes that includes the information from the full phylogenetic tree. We show that this algorithm is able to increase the probability attributed to the true sub-population of a node. Furthermore we use improved integration techniques, such that our method is now able to analyse larger datasets, including a H3N2 dataset with 433 sequences sampled from five different locations.

Availability and implementation

The presented methods are part of the BEAST2 package MASCOT, the Marginal Approximation of the Structured COalescenT. This package can be downloaded via the BEAUti package manager. The source code is available at https://github.com/nicfel/Mascot.git.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Nextstrain: real-time tracking of pathogen evolution
Authors: Hadfield James , Megill Colin , Bell Sidney M , Huddleston John , Potter Barney , Callender Charlton , Sagulenko Pavel , Bedford Trevor , Neher Richard A
Published: May 2018

Understanding the spread and evolution of pathogens is important for effective public health measures and surveillance. Nextstrain consists of a database of viral genomes, a bioinformatics pipeline for phylodynamics analysis, and an interactive visualization platform. Together these present a real-time view into the evolution and spread of a range of viral pathogens of high public health importance. The visualization integrates sequence data with other data types such as geographic information, serology, or host species. Nextstrain compiles our current understanding into a single accessible location, open to health professionals, epidemiologists, virologists and the public alike.

Availability and implementation

All code (predominantly JavaScript and Python) is freely available from github.com/nextstrain and the web-application is available at nextstrain.org.
Diagnostic Yield of Next-generation Sequencing in Very Early-onset Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Multicentre Study
Authors: Charbit-Henrion Fabienne , Parlato Marianna , Hanein Sylvain , Duclaux-Loras Rémi , Nowak Jan , Begue Bernadette , Rakotobe Sabine , Bruneau Julie , Fourrage Cécile , Alibeu Olivier , Rieux-Laucat Frédéric , Lévy Eva , Stolzenberg Marie-Claude , Mazerolles Fabienne , Latour Sylvain , Lenoir Christelle , Fischer Alain , Picard Capucine , Aloi Marina , Dias Jorge Amil , Hariz Mongi Ben , Bourrier Anne , Breuer Christian , Breton Anne , Bronsky Jiri , Buderus Stephan , Cananzi Mara , Coopman Stéphanie , Crémilleux Clara , Dabadie Alain , Dumant-Forest Clémentine , Gurkan Odul Egritas , Fabre Alexandre , Fischer Aude , Diaz Marta German , Gonzalez-Lama Yago , Goulet Olivier , Guariso Graziella , Gurcan Neslihan , Homan Matjaz , Hugot Jean-Pierre , Jeziorski Eric , Karanika Evi , Lachaux Alain , Lewindon Peter , Lima Rosa , Magro Fernando , Major Janos , Malamut Georgia , Mas Emmanuel , Mattyus Istvan , Mearin Luisa M , Melek Jan , Navas-Lopez Victor Manuel , Paerregaard Anders , Pelatan Cecile , Pigneur Bénédicte , Pais Isabel Pinto , Rebeuh Julie , Romano Claudio , Siala Nadia , Strisciuglio Caterina , Tempia-Caliera Michela , Tounian Patrick , Turner Dan , Urbonas Vaidotas , Willot Stéphanie , Ruemmele Frank M , Cerf-Bensussan Nadine
Published: May 2018

Background and Aims

An expanding number of monogenic defects have been identified as causative of severe forms of very early-onset inflammatory bowel diseases [VEO-IBD]. The present study aimed at defining how next-generation sequencing [NGS] methods can be used to improve identification of known molecular diagnosis and to adapt treatment.

Methods

A total of 207 children were recruited in 45 paediatric centres through an international collaborative network [ESPGHAN GENIUS working group] with a clinical presentation of severe VEO-IBD [n = 185] or an anamnesis suggestive of a monogenic disorder [n = 22]. Patients were divided at inclusion into three phenotypic subsets: predominantly small bowel inflammation, colitis with perianal lesions, and colitis only. Methods to obtain molecular diagnosis included functional tests followed by specific Sanger sequencing, custom-made targeted NGS, and in selected cases whole exome sequencing [WES] of parents-child trios. Genetic findings were validated clinically and/or functionally.

Results

Molecular diagnosis was achieved in 66/207 children [32%]: 61% with small bowel inflammation, 39% with colitis and perianal lesions, and 18% with colitis only. Targeted NGS pinpointed gene mutations causative of atypical presentations, and identified large exonic copy number variations previously missed by WES.

Conclusions

Our results lead us to propose an optimised diagnostic strategy to identify known monogenic causes of severe IBD.
Deformations of Pre-symplectic Structures and the Koszul L∞-algebra
Authors: Schätz Florian , Zambon Marco
Published: May 2018

We study the deformation theory of pre-symplectic structures, that is, closed 2-forms of fixed rank. The main result is a parametrization of nearby deformations of a given pre-symplectic structure in terms of an $L_{\infty }$-algebra, which we call the Koszul $L_{\infty }$-algebra. This $L_{\infty }$-algebra is a cousin of the Koszul dg Lie algebra associated to a Poisson manifold. In addition, we show that a quotient of the Koszul $L_{\infty }$-algebra is isomorphic to the $L_{\infty }$-algebra that controls the deformations of the underlying characteristic foliation. Finally, we show that the infinitesimal deformations of pre-symplectic structures and of foliations are both obstructed.
‘I Stand on My Own Two Feet but Need Someone Who Really Cares’: Social Networks and Social Capital among Unaccompanied Minors for Becoming Established in Swedish Society
Authors: Eriksson Malin , Wimelius Malin E , Ghazinour Mehdi
Published: May 2018

Settling in a new host country as an unaccompanied minor holds a lot of challenges such as adaptation of new social norms, learning a new language and understanding a new culture. Social networks may foster good conditions for settlement in the host community but little is known about the availability, quality and significance of social networks for unaccompanied minors (UM) in Sweden. The aim of this qualitative grounded-theory situational study was to explore experiences of social networks among UM and the significance of those networks for becoming established in Sweden, based on data from in-depth interviews with 11 young persons. Unaccompanied young persons were broadly found to be involved in three different kinds of networks: professional carers, like-ethnic friends and ‘Swedes’ in general. Networks with professionals (i.e. linking social capital) were perceived as both a secure base and a source of rejection, and could either facilitate or obstruct the establishment. Supporting networks with like-ethnic friends (bonding social capital) proved to be the most available and important resource for becoming established, while access to networks with Swedes (bridging social capital) was in general low but still perceived as important for becoming established, not least for reducing language and cultural barriers.
APOL1 risk genotype in European steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome and/or focal segmental glomerulosclerosis patients of different African ancestries
Authors: Gribouval Olivier , Boyer Olivia , Knebelmann Bertrand , Karras Alexandre , Dantal Jacques , Fourrage Cécile , Alibeu Olivier , Hogan Julien , Dossier Claire , Tête Marie Josèphe , Antignac Corinne , Servais Aude
Published: May 2018

Background

Apolipoprotein L1 (APOL1) risk variants are strongly associated with sporadic focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in populations with African ancestry. We determined the frequency of G1/G2 variants in steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS)/FSGS patients with African or French West Indies ancestry in France and its relationships with other SRNS genes.

Methods

In a cohort of 152 patients (139 families), the APOL1 risk variants were genotyped by direct Sanger sequencing and pathogenic mutations were screened by next-generation sequencing with a panel including 35 SRNS genes.

Results

The two risk allele [high-risk (HR)] genotypes were found in 43.1% (66/152) of subjects compared with 18.9% (106/562) in a control population (P < 0.0001): 33 patients homozygous for APOL1 G1 alleles, 4 homozygous for G2 and 29 compound heterozygous for G1 and G2. Compared with patients in the low-risk (LR) group, patients in the HR group were more likely to originate from the French West Indies than from Africa [45/66 (68.2%) versus 30/86 (34.9%); P < 0.0001]. There were more familial cases in the HR group [27 (41.5%) versus 8 (11.4%); P < 0.0001]. However, causative mutations in monogenic SRNS genes were found in only 1 patient in the HR group compared with 16 patients (14 families) in the LR group (P = 0.0006). At diagnosis, patients in the HR group without other mutations were more often adults [35 (53.8%) versus 19 (27.1%); P = 0.003] and had a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (78.9 versus 98.8 mL/min/1.73 m2; P = 0.02).

Conclusions

The HR genotype is frequent in FSGS patients with African ancestry in our cohort, especially in those originating from the West Indies, and confer a poor renal prognosis. It is usually not associated with other causative mutations in monogenic SRNS genes.
Real-time Utilization of Metagenomic Sequencing in the Diagnosis and Treatment Monitoring of an Invasive Adenovirus B55 Infection and Subsequent Herpes Simplex Virus Encephalitis in an Immunocompetent Young Adult
Authors: Fang Xueling , Xu Mi , Fang Qiang , Tan Haiqin , Zhou Jiale , Li Ziqin , Li Fan , Yang Shangxin
Published: May 2018

Background

Metagenomic sequencing has shown tremendous promise in solving difficult infectious diseases cases. In this study, we utilized this technology to help guide the care of a critically ill patient with severe pneumonia, fever of unknown origin, and subsequent encephalitis in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

Shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on the patient’s blood, bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), and cerebral spinal fluid by using an Illumina MiniSeq sequencer.

Results. 

A high load of human adenovirus B55 (HAdV-B55), a highly pathogenic adenovirus associated with numerous recently reported outbreaks and deaths in China, was detected in both blood and BAL, which explained the severity of the condition. The patient was treated with intravenous ribavirin, which cleared the virus after 26 days. Metagenomic sequencing also helped diagnose an unexpected herpes simplex virus–1 encephalitis during hospitalization, which led to timely treatment.

Conclusions. 

This was the first successful case utilizing metagenomic sequencing to guide diagnosis and treatment in the ICU setting in China. We have proven the concept that metagenomic sequencing can play an important role in determining clinical approaches and ultimately in improving patient outcomes. We also hope to share our successful treatment protocol for the severe pneumonia and viremia caused by HAdV-B55.
Disruption of Chloroplast Function Through Downregulation of Phytoene Desaturase Enhances the Systemic Accumulation of an Aphid-Borne, Phloem-Restricted Virus
Authors: DeBlasio Stacy L. , Rebelo Ana Rita , Parks Katherine , Gray Stewart M. , Heck Michelle C.
Published: May 2018

Chloroplasts play a central role in pathogen defense in plants. However, most studies explaining the relationship between pathogens and chloroplasts have focused on pathogens that infect mesophyll cells. In contrast, the family Luteoviridae includes RNA viruses that replicate and traffic exclusively in the phloem. Recently, our lab has shown that Potato leafroll virus (PLRV), the type species in the genus Polerovirus, forms an extensive interaction network with chloroplast-localized proteins that is partially dependent on the PLRV capsid readthrough domain (RTD). In this study, we used virus-induced gene silencing to disrupt chloroplast function and assess the effects on PLRV accumulation in two host species. Silencing of phytoene desaturase (PDS), a key enzyme in carotenoid, chlorophyll, and gibberellic acid (GA) biosynthesis, resulted in a substantial increase in the systemic accumulation of PLRV. This increased accumulation was attenuated when plants were infected with a viral mutant that does not express the RTD. Application of GA partially suppressed the increase in virus accumulation in PDS-silenced plants, suggesting that GA signaling also plays a role in limiting PLRV infection. In addition, the fecundity of the aphid vector of PLRV was increased when fed on PDS-silenced plants relative to PLRV-infected plants.
Combined Recirculatory-compartmental Population Pharmacokinetic Modeling of Arterial and Venous Plasma S(+) and R(–) Ketamine Concentrations
Authors: Henthorn Thomas K. , Avram Michael J. , Dahan Albert , Gustafsson Lars L. , Persson Jan , Krejcie Tom C. , Olofsen Erik
Published: May 2018

What We Already Know about This Topic

What This Article Tells Us That Is New

Background

The pharmacokinetics of infused drugs have been modeled without regard for recirculatory or mixing kinetics. We used a unique ketamine dataset with simultaneous arterial and venous blood sampling, during and after separate S(+) and R(–) ketamine infusions, to develop a simplified recirculatory model of arterial and venous plasma drug concentrations.

Methods

S(+) or R(–) ketamine was infused over 30 min on two occasions to 10 healthy male volunteers. Frequent, simultaneous arterial and forearm venous blood samples were obtained for up to 11 h. A multicompartmental pharmacokinetic model with front-end arterial mixing and venous blood components was developed using nonlinear mixed effects analyses.

Results

A three-compartment base pharmacokinetic model with additional arterial mixing and arm venous compartments and with shared S(+)/R(–) distribution kinetics proved superior to standard compartmental modeling approaches. Total pharmacokinetic flow was estimated to be 7.59 ± 0.36 l/min (mean ± standard error of the estimate), and S(+) and R(–) elimination clearances were 1.23 ± 0.04 and 1.06 ± 0.03 l/min, respectively. The arm-tissue link rate constant was 0.18 ± 0.01 min–1, and the fraction of arm blood flow estimated to exchange with arm tissue was 0.04 ± 0.01.

Conclusions

Arterial drug concentrations measured during drug infusion have two kinetically distinct components: partially or lung-mixed drug and fully mixed-recirculated drug. Front-end kinetics suggest the partially mixed concentration is proportional to the ratio of infusion rate and total pharmacokinetic flow. This simplified modeling approach could lead to more generalizable models for target-controlled infusions and improved methods for analyzing pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic data.
Evaluation of Compliance with a Weight-based Nurse-driven Heparin Nomogram in a Tertiary Academic Medical Center
Authors: Schurr James W. , Stevens Craig A. , Bane Anne , Culbreth Sarah E. , Miller Amy Leigh , Connors Jean M. , Sylvester Katelyn W.
Published: May 2018

Background:

Recently, our institution adopted a weight-based nurse-driven heparin titration protocol that relies on nurses ordering laboratories, adjusting doses, and initiating boluses. Numerous institutions have implemented similar protocols with reported success.

Methods:

A single-center retrospective analysis was conducted at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts that included all patients who were initiated on the weight-based nurse-driven heparin nomogram during a 30-day period. Nomogram compliance was defined as the rate of correct titrations per nomogram encounter and further separated into laboratory, titration, or dosing compliance. Spearman’s coefficient was utilized to determine the correlation between noncompliance and percentage of activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) values in range.

Results:

Overall, 211 patients were evaluated for inclusion, of which 95 patients were determined to meet criteria for evaluation. The total nomogram compliance rate was 84.6% ± 10.5%. Laboratory, titration, and dosing compliances were 77.6% ± 19.2%, 87.2% ± 14.5%, and 91.8% ± 10.6%, respectively. The percent of aPTT values in therapeutic range was 39.6% ± 24.6%. A moderate negative correlation between the percentage of aPTT values in range and the nomogram error rate was observed (r= −0.452,P< 0.001). This relationship was found to be driven by the rate of dosing error, which showed the strongest correlation with percentage of aPTT values out of range (r= −0.465,P= 0.001).

Conclusions:

Implementation of a nurse-driven heparin titration nomogram relies on compliance with the prescribed protocol. Dosing compliance had the lowest error rate, whereas dosing noncompliance had the strongest impact on percentage of aPTT values in range.
The Incidence of Myocardial Injury after Loading Doses of Clopidogrel versus Prasugrel in the Candidates for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rahmani Reza , Jiriaee Laya , Jiriaee Zahra , Shafiee Akbar , Zand Parsa Amir Farhang
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

Prevention of myocardial injury is an essential issue in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We compared the incidence of myocardial injury after loading doses of clopidogrel versus prasugrel in the candidates for PCI.

Methods:

In this randomized-controlled clinical trial, we enrolled 88 stable angina patients, candidate for PCI. Patients received either prasugrel (60 mg orally) (n = 42) or clopidogrel (600 mg orally) (n = 46). Serum levels of creatine phosphokinase muscle-brain type, cardiac troponin I, and high sensitive C-reactive protein were measured at baseline and 6 and 12 hours postprocedural. Primary endpoint was periprocedural myocardial infarction (MI), defined as elevation of cTn values (>5 times) in patients with normal baseline values or a rise of cTn values >20% if the baseline values are elevated.

Results:

Based on the levels of cTnI 6 hours after PCI, 1 patient (2.4%) had MI in the prasugrel group, whereas 4 patients (8.7%) had MI in the clopidogrel group. After 12 hours, 4 patients (9.5%) had MI in the prasugrel group versus 5 patients (10.9%) in the clopidogrel arm. There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the changes in cardiac specific enzyme levels. However, serum levels of cTnI were significantly lower in patients with myocardial injury in the prasugrel arm (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

Prasugrel is an effective antiplatelet drug in preventing periprocedural MI.
Recognizing, diagnosing, and preventing child maltreatment: an update for pediatric clinicians
Authors: Danaher Fiona , Vandeven Andrea , Blanchard Aine , Newton Alice W.
Published: May 2018

Purpose of review

Despite an increasing understanding of the impact of emotional trauma and physical abuse on children, clinicians and hospitals still sometimes miss the diagnosis of abuse. The literature in 2017 focused on creating standardized approaches to recognition and diagnosis of physical abuse and occult injury, including using the electronic medical record to provide triggers for consultation of the hospital Child Protection Program. The American College of Radiology updated their standardized approach to the evaluation of physical abuse in the child, and other authors gave us screening tools for commercial exploitation, as well as guidance about how to recognize risks for emotional abuse in families. The opioid epidemic and legalization of marijuana are both impacting children, and providers are searching for ways to provide support for parents with substance use disorders whilst considering the safety of children.

This article reviews relevant publications during the past year about issues of child maltreatment. It is intended to guide those providers in primary care or other medical disciplines who care for children and families.

Recent findings

Child maltreatment cases are still not always diagnosed, either because of provider bias (leading to under evaluation), or because clinicians lack experience or understanding of proper evaluation approaches. There are many new tools to assist in recognition of abuse, including screening instruments and flags that can be used in the electronic medical record to trigger a consult with the Child Protection Program. The evaluation and diagnosis of sexual abuse continues to evolve, with the literature providing advice about what is or is not normal on physical exam, as well as advice for providers who work with adolescent sexual assault victims. The debate about the validity of abusive head trauma (AHT) diagnoses continues, with sweden being the most recent center of controversy. With the opioid epidemic having such a significant effect on families and children, clinicians are struggling to support parents with substance use disorder while protecting children from the impact of their parents’ disease.

The past year in child abuse literature has yielded increased clarity in screening and diagnostic recommendations across the fields of physical abuse, AHT, sexual abuse, and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). The body of literature surrounding emotional abuse and neglect continues to grow, especially in light of the burgeoning opioid epidemic. Critically, the year's research reflects an evolving understanding of effective prevention and intervention initiatives to address child maltreatment.
Opportunistic fungal infection in children and management
Authors: Lam Joseph M.
Published: May 2018

Purpose of review

An opportunistic mycosis is a fungal agent of low pathogenicity that specifically infects immunocompromised hosts. Advances in transplantation, preterm care, immunosuppressive therapies and intensive care, have lead to the emergence of pediatric patients with serious immunodeficiency who are vulnerable to nonpathogenic fungi.

Recent findings

The advent of the use of biologic agents in pediatric disease as well as the advances in care of preterm and immunosuppressed patients opens up a new cohort of patients at risk of opportunistic mycotic infections. Recent cases of cutaneous histioplasmosis as the presenting sign of hyper-IgM syndrome and the case of cutaneous blastomycosis in a patient treated with infliximab underscore the need to have a high clinical suspicion for deep fungal infections in immunosuppressed patients.

The current review will focus on the cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous infections by Aspergillus, Blastomyces, histoplasmosis, and mucormycosis. Greater understanding of these diseases and high-quality research in identification and treatment can enhance care of patients in the coming future.
Caffeine Sodium Benzoate for Electroconvulsive Therapy Augmentation
Authors: Bozymski Kevin M. , Potter Teresa G. , Venkatachalam Vasu , Pandurangi Ananda K. , Crouse Ericka L.
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Because of an ongoing manufacturer shortage of injectable caffeine sodium benzoate (CSB), patients at our health system were given CSB compounded in-house to increase seizure response during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). Therefore, we aimed to evaluate its effectiveness and safety as an ECT augmentation agent.

Methods

Medical records of patients who received compounded CSB at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System were reviewed to identify adults receiving it as part of an index ECT treatment course between June 2012 and December 2016. The primary outcome was change in electroencephalogram seizure duration from pre–caffeine session to initial caffeine session. Data were also collected on demographics, motor seizure duration, maximum heart rate, mean arterial pressure, and concurrent medication use for these sessions and the last caffeine session.

Results

Seven-one patients were included in the study, predominantly white females with a mean age of 58.6 years. The most common indication for ECT was major depressive disorder resistant to pharmacotherapy (71.8%), followed by catatonia associated with another mental disorder (19.7%). Electroencephalogram seizure duration increased by 24.1 seconds on average with first CSB use (P < 0.0001), allowing 24 more patients overall to achieve goal of at least 30 seconds (P < 0.0001). No clinically significant changes in maximum heart rate or mean arterial pressure were observed, nor did any patients require an abortive agent for prolonged seizure. Five patients (7%) discontinued CSB prematurely: 4 related to adverse effects and 1 secondary to ineffectiveness.

Conclusions

We confirm results of prior studies of the utility of CSB and add that compounded CSB is effective for ECT augmentation, maintaining effectiveness throughout the index course with minimal safety concerns.
Does the winner–loser effect determine male mating success?
Authors: Harrison Lauren M. , Jennions Michael D. , Head Megan L.
Published: May 2018

Winning or losing a fight can have lasting effects on competitors. Controlling for inherent fighting ability and other factors, a history of winning often makes individuals more likely to win future contests, while the opposite is true for losers (the ‘winner–loser effect’). But does the winner–loser effect also influence a male's mating success? We experimentally staged contests between male mosquitofish (
Gambusia holbrooki
) such that focal males either won or lost three successive encounters with stimulus males. We then placed a size-matched (to control for inherent fighting ability) winner and loser with a female and monitored their behaviour (
n
= 63 trios). Winners spent significantly more time associating with the female. Winners did not make more copulation attempts, nor have a greater number of successful attempts. There was, however, a significant effect of male size on the number of successful copulation attempts: success decreased with male size for losers, but size had no effect on the success rate of winners.
Individuals fail to reap the collective benefits of diversity because of over-reliance on personal information
Authors: Novaes Tump Alan , Wolf Max , Krause Jens , Kurvers Ralf H. J. M.
Published: May 2018

Collective intelligence refers to the ability of groups to outperform individuals in solving cognitive tasks. Although numerous studies have demonstrated this effect, the mechanisms underlying collective intelligence remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate diversity in cue beliefs as a mechanism potentially promoting collective intelligence. In our experimental study, human groups observed a sequence of cartoon characters, and classified each character as a cooperator or defector based on informative and uninformative cues. Participants first made an individual decision. They then received social information consisting of their group members' decisions before making a second decision. Additionally, individuals reported their beliefs about the cues. Our results showed that individuals made better decisions after observing the decisions of others. Interestingly, individuals developed different cue beliefs, including many wrong ones, despite receiving identical information. Diversity in cue beliefs, however, did not predict collective improvement. Using simulations, we found that diverse collectives did provide better social information, but that individuals failed to reap those benefits because they relied too much on personal information. Our results highlight the potential of belief diversity for promoting collective intelligence, but suggest that this potential often remains unexploited because of over-reliance on personal information.
Sora (Porzana carolina) autumn migration habitat use
Authors: Fournier Auriel M. V. , Mengel Doreen C. , Krementz David G.
Published: May 2018

Palustrine wetland management across the USA is often conducted under a moist soil management framework aimed at providing energetic resources for non-breeding waterfowl. Moist soil management techniques typically include seasonal water-level manipulations and mechanical soil disturbance to create conditions conducive to germination and growth of early successional, seed-producing wetland plants. The assumption is that providing stopover and wintering habitat for non-breeding waterfowl will also accommodate life-history needs of a broader suite of migratory waterbirds including shorebirds, wading birds and marsh birds. Although studies of wetlands provide some evidence to support this assumption for shorebirds and wading birds, there is less information on how other marshbirds respond. Sora (Porzana carolina) are a species of migratory rail that depend on wetlands year round as they migrate across North America. It is a species for which the consequences of wetland management decisions directed towards non-breeding waterfowl are unknown. We conducted nocturnal surveys on 10 public properties in Missouri, USA during autumn migration during 2012–2016 to examine sora habitat use in wetland impoundments managed to enhance the production of moist soil vegetation. We found a positive relationship with sora presence and mean water depth and annual moist soil vegetation; sora used, on average, deeper water than was available across surveyed impoundments and used locations with a higher percentage of annual moist soil vegetation than was available. We found a negative relationship with sora use and upland vegetation, woody vegetation and open water. We found sora using deeper water than have previously been reported for autumn migration, and that moist soil management techniques used on Missouri's intensively managed public wetland areas may be compatible with sora autumn migration stopover habitat requirements.
The influence of leg-to-body ratio, arm-to-body ratio and intra-limb ratio on male human attractiveness
Authors: Versluys Thomas M. M. , Foley Robert A. , Skylark William J.
Published: May 2018

Human mate choice is influenced by limb proportions. Previous work has focused on leg-to-body ratio (LBR) as a determinant of male attractiveness and found a preference for limbs that are close to, or slightly above, the average. We investigated the influence of two other key aspects of limb morphology: arm-to-body ratio (ABR) and intra-limb ratio (IR). In three studies of heterosexual women from the USA, we tested the attractiveness of male physiques that varied in LBR, ABR and IR, using figures that ranged from −3 to +3 standard deviations from the population mean. We replicated previous work by finding that the optimally attractive LBR is approximately 0.5 standard deviations above the baseline. We also found a weak effect of IR, with evidence of a weak preference for the baseline proportions. In contrast, there was no effect of ABR on attractiveness, and no interactions between the effects of LBR, ABR and IR. Our results indicate that ABR is not an important determinant of human mate choice for this population, and that IR may exert some influence but that this is much smaller than the effects of LBR. We discuss possible reasons for these results, including the limited variability in upper limb proportions and the potentially weak fitness-signal provided by this aspect of morphology.
Interaction between polymorphisms in cell-cycle genes and environmental factors in regulating cholinesterase activity in people with exposure to omethoate
Authors: Duan Xiaoran , Yang Yongli , Wang Sihua , Feng Xiaolei , Wang Tuanwei , Wang Pengpeng , Yao Wu , Cui Liuxin , Wang Wei
Published: May 2018

Cholinesterase activity (ChA), the effective biomarker for organophosphate pesticide exposure, is possibly affected by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in cell-cycle-related genes. One hundred and eighty workers with long-term exposure to omethoate and 115 healthy controls were recruited to explore the gene–gene and gene–environment interactions. The acetylthiocholine and dithio-bis-(nitrobenzoic acid) method was used to detect the cholinesterase activities in whole blood, erythrocytes and plasma. Genetic polymorphisms were determined by the PCR-RFLP and direct PCR electrophoresis methods. Statistical results showed that the cholinesterase activities of whole blood, erythrocytes and plasma in the exposure group were significantly lower than those in the control group (
p 
< 0.001), and erythrocyte cholinesterase activities were associated with gender, smoking and drinking in the exposure group (
p 
< 0.05). Single-locus analyses showed that there is a statistically significant difference in the ChA among the genotypes CC, CA and AA of the
p21
rs1801270 locus in the control group (
p 
= 0.033), but not in the exposure group. A significant interaction between genes and environmental factors (i.e.
p53
,
p21
,
mdm2,
gender, smoking and drinking) affecting ChA was found through a generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis. These obtained markers will be useful in further marker-assisted selection in workers with exposure to omethoate.
A mathematical model for fitting and predicting relaxation modulus and simulating viscoelastic responses
Authors: Xu Qinwu , Engquist Björn
Published: May 2018

We propose a mathematical model for relaxation modulus and its numerical solution. The model formula is extended from sigmoidal function considering nonlinear strain hardening. Its physical meaning can be interpreted by a macroscale elastic network-viscous medium model with only five model parameters in a simpler format than the molecular-chain-based polymer models to represent general solid materials. We also developed a finite-element (FE) framework and robust numerical algorithm to implement this model for simulating responses under both static and dynamic loadings. We validated the model through both experimental data and numerical simulations on a variety of materials including asphalt concrete, polymer, spider silk, hydrogel, agar and bone. By satisfying the second law of thermodynamics in the form of Calusius–Duhem inequality, the model is able to simulate creep and sinusoidal deformation as well as energy dissipation. Compared to the Prony series, the widely used model with a large number of model parameters, the proposed model has improved accuracy in fitting experimental data and prediction stability outside of the experimental range with competitive numerical stability and computation speed. We also present simulation results of nonlinear stress–strain relationships of spider silk and hydrogels, and dynamic responses of a multilayer structure.
Multi-vortex crystal lattices in Bose–Einstein condensates with a rotating trap
Authors: Xie Shuangquan , Kevrekidis Panayotis G. , Kolokolnikov Theodore
Published: May 2018

We consider vortex dynamics in the context of Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs) with a rotating trap, with or without anisotropy. Starting with the Gross–Pitaevskii (GP) partial differential equation (PDE), we derive a novel reduced system of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) that describes stable configurations of multiple co-rotating vortices (vortex crystals). This description is found to be quite accurate
quantitatively
especially in the case of multiple vortices. In the limit of many vortices, BECs are known to form vortex crystal structures, whereby vortices tend to arrange themselves in a hexagonal-like spatial configuration. Using our asymptotic reduction, we derive the effective vortex crystal density and its radius. We also obtain an asymptotic estimate for the maximum number of vortices as a function of rotation rate. We extend considerations to the anisotropic trap case, confirming that a pair of vortices lying on the long (short) axis is linearly stable (unstable), corroborating the ODE reduction results with full PDE simulations. We then further investigate the many-vortex limit in the case of strong anisotropic potential. In this limit, the vortices tend to align themselves along the long axis, and we compute the effective one-dimensional vortex density, as well as the maximum admissible number of vortices. Detailed numerical simulations of the GP equation are used to confirm our analytical predictions.
Static bistability of spherical caps
Authors: Taffetani Matteo , Jiang Xin , Holmes Douglas P. , Vella Dominic
Published: May 2018

Depending on its geometry, a spherical shell may exist in one of two stable states without the application of any external force: there are two ‘self-equilibrated’ states, one natural and the other inside out (or ‘everted’). Though this is familiar from everyday life—an umbrella is remarkably stable, yet a contact lens can be easily turned inside out—the precise shell geometries for which bistability is possible are not known. Here, we use experiments and finite-element simulations to determine the threshold between bistability and monostability for shells of different solid angle. We compare these results with the prediction from shallow shell theory, showing that, when appropriately modified, this offers a very good account of bistability even for relatively deep shells. We then investigate the robustness of this bistability against pointwise indentation. We find that indentation provides a continuous route for transition between the two states for shells whose geometry makes them close to the threshold. However, for thinner shells, indentation leads to asymmetrical buckling before snap-through, while also making these shells more ‘robust’ to snap-through. Our work sheds new light on the robustness of the ‘mirror buckling’ symmetry of spherical shell caps.
Multiple large inversions and breakpoint rewiring of gene expression in the evolution of the fire ant social supergene
Authors: Huang Yu-Ching , Dang Viet Dai , Chang Ni-Chen , Wang John
Published: May 2018

Supergenes consist of co-adapted loci that segregate together and are associated with adaptive traits. In the fire antSolenopsis invicta, two ‘social’ supergene variants regulate differences in colony queen number and other traits. Suppressed recombination in this system is maintained, in part, by a greater than 9 Mb inversion, but the supergene is larger. Has the supergene inS. invictaundergone multiple large inversions? The initial gene content of the inverted allele of a supergene would be the same as that of the wild-type allele. So, how did the inversion increase in frequency? To address these questions, we cloned one extreme breakpoint in the fire ant supergene. In doing so, we found a second large (greater than 800 Kb) rearrangement. Furthermore, we determined the temporal order of the two big inversions based on the translocation pattern of a third small fragment. Because theS. invictasupergene lacks evolutionary strata, our finding of multiple inversions may support an introgression model of the supergene. Finally, we showed that one of the inversions swapped the promoter of a breakpoint-adjacent gene, which might have conferred a selective advantage relative to the non-inverted allele. Our findings provide a rare example of gene alterations arising directly from an inversion event.