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The goal of the present study is to examine differences in cognitive, psychomotor, and social-emotional development scores between only children and children with siblings aged 6–30 months in rural China using data of 1802 children across 351 villages in 174 townships, disaggregating according to child gender. The results indicate that having a sibling is negatively associated with cognitive, psychomotor, and socioemotional development for girls, but not for boys. Despite this, girls appear to be developmentally advantaged compared to boys, even when they have a sibling. Our results, however, are not conclusive regarding why only-girls are affected while boys are not affected by the existence of siblings. Parenting behaviours (such as playing with children, reading to children, reading to children with books, and singing to children), appear to be unrelated to the developmental differences between only-girls and girls with siblings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We aimed to evaluate the validity of the Ages and Stages Questionnaires Edition 3 (ASQ‐3) and the MacArthur communicative development inventory (CDI) as a screening measure for children at risk of language development delay in western rural China, by comparing them to the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (BSID‐III). We administered the BSID‐III on 1,079 children (aged 8–24 months) and administered the ASQ‐3 and the CDI to their caregivers. We found a significant, low‐to‐moderate correlation between the three scales. Further, correlation strength increased with age of the child and was stronger when the mother was the primary caregiver. We also found that the sensitivity and specificity of the ASQ‐3 ranged widely. The overall findings suggest that the ASQ‐3 and the CDI may not be very accurate screening tools for identifying language development delays in children, especially those under 17 months or whose primary caregiver is not their mother. Highlights: We evaluated the accuracy of language sections of three scales (CDI, ASQ‐3 and BSID‐III) for rural children in western China.Multiple methods were utilized and showed a significant, low‐to‐moderate correlation between the three scales.Our findings revealed that both ASQ‐3 and CDI are not accurate screening tools for identifying language development delays in children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly one-quarter of all children under age 2 in China are left behind in the countryside as parents migrate to urban areas for work. We use a four-wave longitudinal survey following young children from 6 to 30 months of age to provide first evidence on the effects of parental migration on development, health, and nutritional outcomes in the critical first stages of life. We find that maternal migration has a negative effect on cognitive development: migration before children reach 12 months of age reduces cognitive development by 0.3 standard deviations at age 2. Possible mechanisms include reduced dietary diversity and engagement in stimulating activities, both known to be causally associated with skill development in early life. We find no effects on other dimensions of physical and social-emotional health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Choosing a valid and feasible method to measure child developmental outcomes is key to addressing developmental delays, which have been shown to be associated with high levels of unemployment, participation in crime, and teen pregnancies. However, measuring early childhood development (ECD) with multi-dimensional diagnostic tests such as the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development III (Bayley-III) can be time-consuming and expensive; therefore, parental screening tools such as the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) are frequently an alternative measure of early childhood development in large-scale research. The ASQ is also becoming more frequently used as the first step to identify children at risk for developmental delays before conducting a diagnostic test to confirm. However, the effectiveness of the ASQ-3 is uncertain. In this study, we evaluate the accuracy of the ASQ-3 as a screening measure for children at risk of developmental delay in rural China by age group. To do so, we administered the Bayley-III, widely considered to be the “gold standard” of ECD diagnostic tests, to a sample of 1,831 five to twenty-four month-old children and also administered the ASQ-3 to their caregivers. We then compared the outcomes of the ASQ-3 test to those of the Bayley-III. We find that the ASQ-3 was significantly though weakly correlated with the Bayley-III and that the strength of this correlation increased with child age and was stronger when the mother was the primary caregiver (as compared to the grandmother). We also find that the sensitivity and specificity of ASQ-3 ranged widely. The overall findings suggest that the ASQ-3 may not be a very accurate screening tool for identifying developmentally delayed children, especially for children under 13 months of age or children whose primary caregiver is not the mother. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores the problem of cognitive delays among toddlers in rural China and the role of their caregivers in producing low levels of cognition (i.e., low IQ). According to the results of a well-tested international scale of child development, the Bayley Scales of Infant Development (BSID), cognitive delays are alarmingly common, and nearly half the toddlers in our sample score an IQ of less than 84 on the BSID test (more than one standard deviation below the mean). In analyzing the source of this, we find that poor parenting—for example, not reading to, singing with, or engaging in stimulating play with one’s children—is closely associated with these delays. Even though mothers (as opposed to grandmother caregivers), and especially more educated mothers, are more likely to follow good parenting practices, quality parenting is rare overall. We seek to find out why so many young children appear to be neglected when it comes to modern parenting practices. We empirically rule out the hypotheses that caregivers discriminate according to their child’s gender; that the number of children in a given household is associated with the quality of parenting; or that caregivers living in relative poverty parent differently than their wealthier counterparts. According to the qualitative component of our study, we also find that inadequate parenting does not stem from parental indifference. Parents and grandparents obviously love their children and want them to succeed in life. Instead, the barriers appear to be primarily a lack of time and an absence of knowledge about the importance of good parenting practices. As a result, when they grow up, these children may not possess the levels of cognition needed to thrive in China’s increasingly high-skill-based economy. Overall, our findings suggest that China may be facing a national crisis due to inadequate rural early childhood development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Development during the first two years of life is critical and has a lasting impact on a child’s health. Poor infant and child nutrition can lead to deficiencies in essential micronutrients, which may cause a weakened immune system and lasting effects on children's growth and development. Recent studies in rural Shaanxi Province found an anemia prevalence of 54.3% among rural children aged six to twelve months. While new large-scale, quantitative research has begun to catalogue the extent of child malnutrition and anemia, no effort has yet been made to look more closely at the potential reasons for rural children’s nutritional deficiencies through qualitative analysis. This study aims to elucidate some of the fundamental causes of poor complementary feeding practices that may lead to anemia among children in rural Shaanxi Province, China. Methodology: We interviewed sixty caregivers participating in a large survey on child health and nutrition. We conducted three waves of interviews with children’s primary caregivers in seventeen rural villages within four nationally-designated poverty counties in the southern part of Shaanxi Province. Results: The qualitative analysis reveals that poor complementary feeding practices are common across our sample. Information gathered from our interviews suggests that complementary feeding practices are impeded by two constraints: absence of understanding topics related to infant health and nutrition under caregivers, as well as inadequate sources of information on these topics. Poverty does not appear to constrain child feeding practices. Conclusion: Our results uncover lack of proper knowledge on infant and child nutrition among rural caregivers in China. This situation causes them to fail incorporating micronutrient rich foods in their children's diet. Age-appropriate complementary feeding can stimulate children’s physical and cognitive development, but in its absence it leads to iron-deficiency anemia. We suggest that steps be taken to educate caregivers to improve complementary feeding of their infants and children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new planar InGaAs/InP avalanche photodiode (APD) is proposed and fabricated, which incorporates a high reflective AlGaInAs/InP distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) to improve its responsivity. The fabricated APD exhibits a low dark current of less than 3 nA at M = 10 and high responsivity of 0.92A/W at M = 1. The gain bandwidth product of the device is above 80 GHz. The APD receiver exhibits a sensitivity of over -26 dBm at BER = 10-12, which is sufficient for 10 Gb/s communication systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigate the association between family environment and early childhood development among children aged 6–24 months in rural counties in China. To do this, we used cross-sectional data from a large scale survey, including 1809 child-caregiver dyads across 22 nationally designated poverty counties. We found that 53.95% of children were at the risk of cognitive development delay, 60.26%, 36.27%, 40.69% of children were at the risk of language, motor, and social-emotional development delay respectively. Moreover, the good quality of family environment was significantly associated with the child's development. Rural family environments are providing insufficient stimulation for children, especially a low variety of developmental enriching materials and lacking play activities. Our study confirms the need for programmatic interventions that provide reliable ways to learn how to play with their children and build a stimulating environment to improve early childhood development in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims to investigate the developmental status of rural Chinese children, the extent of interactive parenting they receive, and the relation between the two. A sample of 448 six to eighteen-month-old children and their caregivers were randomly selected from two rural counties in Hebei and Yunnan provinces. According the third edition of the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, 48.7% of sample children exhibited cognitive delays, 40.6% language delays, and 35% social-emotional delays. According to responses from caregivers, parenting in rural China is largely passive, lacking in interactive practices like storytelling, singing, and playing. Children-with-siblings, left-behind children, and children with less-educated mothers were even less likely to receive interactive practices. Children of caregivers who did engage in best parenting practices showed better cognitive, language, and social-emotional development; however, the public health system provides no platform for learning about optimal parenting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Staphylococcus aureus infections pose a potential threat to livestock production and public health. A novel strategy is needed to control S. aureus infections due to its adaptive evolution to antibiotics. Autophagy plays a key role in degrading bacteria for innate immune cells. In order to promote S. aureus clearance via Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced autophagy pathway, the domain fusion TLR2-4 with the extracellular domain of TLR2, specific recognizing S. aureus, and transmembrane and intracellular domains of TLR4 is assembled, then the goat expressing TLR2-4 is generated. TLR2-4 substantially augments the removal of S. aureus within macrophages by elevating autophagy level. Phosphorylated JNK and ERK1/2 promote LC3-puncta in TLR2-4 macrophages during S. aureus-induced autophagy via MyD88 mediated the TAK1 signaling cascade. Meantime, the TRIF-dependent TBK1-TFEB-OPTN signaling is involved in TLR2-4-triggered autophagy after S. aureus challenge. Moreover, the transcript of ATG5 and ATG12 is significantly increased via cAMP-PKA-NF-B signaling, which facilitates S. aureus-induced autophagy in TLR2-4 macrophages. Overall, the novel receptor TLR2-4 enhances the autophagy-dependent clearance of S. aureus in macrophages via TAK1/TBK1-JNK/ERK, TBK1-TFEB-OPTN, and cAMP-PKA-NF-B-ATGs signaling pathways, which provide an alternative approach for resistant against S. aureus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of X-ray sources in place of the 137Cs sources used in traditional lithology density logging methods has become a new trend in the development of nuclear logging techniques. How to eliminate the effects of drilling fluids or mudcake in the measurement process is a key question that determines the accuracy of measurement. In order to reduce the effects of mudcake and improve the accuracy of measurement of formation parameters, this paper presents an inversion method that can accurately calculate formation and borehole parameters and is suitable for X-ray lithology density logging. The general process of this inversion method is described below. First, a response model for broad-beam attenuation during X-ray lithology density logging is derived. Subsequently, the responses of four detectors under various formation and borehole conditions are studied by means of Monte Carlo simulation, and the energy spectra measured by each detector are divided into four energy windows (ranges) depending on the correlation with formation parameters. Finally, accurate values of formation and borehole parameters are obtained through iterative inversion using the Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) algorithm. The results of this study show that compared with previously established analysis methods, the inversion method based on forward modeling can effectively improve the accuracy of measurement of formation density and lithology index during X-ray lithology density logging, reduce the influence of the borehole environment, and overcome the deficiencies of data processing techniques based on the spine and ribs plot. • A method for measuring the parameters of formation-mudcake dual-medium systems is established. • The four-detector model can provide more detailed stratigraphic information and accurately reflect the response process. • Four energy window division can reflect the physical property parameters of the formation and mud cake comprehensively. • LM algorithm improves the measurement accuracy of X-ray lithology density logging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Two novel Cu(І) complexes were synthesized from in situ reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I). • Both complexes have potential antioxidant capacity and exhibit efficiently self-activated DNA cleavage activity. • The complexes exhibited higher selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells than normal cells. • The complexes could induce cell apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway. • The complexes could obviously inhibit the migration and invasion of the tumor cells. Two new Cu(І) complexes, [Cu 2 (L1) 2 (μ-Br) 2 ] (1) and [Cu 2 (L1) 2 (μ-Cl) 2 ] (2) were synthesized from Cu(II) halogen salts and the reduced Schiff base ligand. Stable Cu(І) complexes were obtained via in situ reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I) and the C N was oxidize to C = N in the ligand. The structures of two complexes were characterized by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis as well as IR and UV–Vis spectra. The two complexes have potential antioxidant capacity and exhibit efficiently self-activated DNA cleavage activity and hydroxyl radical ROS cleavage mechanism. MTT was used to assay cytotoxicity of the complexes toward a series of tumor cell and HUVEC cell lines. Both complexes exhibited higher selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells than normal cells, which is significantly superior to the positive control. The complexes could induce cell apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway by increase of ROS levels and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψ m). Furthermore, the complexes can obviously inhibit the migration and invasion of the quiz tumor cells, as well as inhibit the angiogenesis of HUVEC cells. Novel Cu(І) complexes were synthesized from in situ reduction of Cu(II) to Cu(I), showing good broad-spectrum anticancer activity and less toxic to normal cells. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand the role of microRNA-141 (miR-141) in hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R)-induced PC12 cell injury via modulation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. PC12 cells were divided into Control, H/R, H/R + miR-141 mimics, H/R + NC, H/R + miR-141 inhibitor, H/R + siKeap1 and H/R + miR-141 inhibitors+siKeap1 groups. The expression of miR-141 and Keap1/Nrf2 pathway was measured by qRT-PCR and western blotting, cell viability evaluated by MTT assay while cell apoptosis tested by flow cytometry. Besides, MDA (malondialdehyde), SOD (Super Oxide Dismutase) and LDH (lactate dehydrogenase) levels were determined. DCFH-DA and JC-1 staining were used to measure ROS and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) respectively. Compared with Controls, PC12 cells induced by H/R exhibited decreased cell viability and increased cell apoptosis rate, with elevated MDA, LDH and ROS and reduced SOD levels; and meanwhile, MMP and miR-141 expression were declined, whereas cytoplasmic Nrf2 levels were enhanced with the downregulated nuclear Nrf2 level (all P < 0.05). However, these cells treated with miR-141 mimics and siKeap1 showed obvious improvement in H/R-induced cell injury, while miR-141 inhibitors presented significantly aggravated cell injury (both P < 0.05). Besides, siKeap1 can reverse the effect of miRNA-141 inhibitors on aggravating H/R-induced PC12 cell injury. miR-141-mediated Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway to promote cell viability, inhibit cell apoptosis and reduce oxidative stress of PC12 cells, thereby alleviating H/R-induced cell injury. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of daily text messages as a means to improve caregivers’ adherence to infant micronutrient powder (MNP) in rural Shaanxi Province of China. Methodology: 638 infants aged 6–11 months in 234 villages were involved in a cluster-randomized controlled trial (RCT). All caregivers were given free infant MNP packets at baseline in April 2013 and the follow-up survey was in July 2013. We randomly assigned 318 infants in 117 villages to treatment group (receiving daily text message) and 320 infants in the other 117 villages as control group. Results: On average, daily text messages increased the number of MNP packets fed (marginal effect = 4.63; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.16, 9.10). The text message is more likely to increase the consumption of MNP packets if the primary caregiver was the mother (marginal effect = 12.19; 95% CI = 0.69, 23.68). Receiving the text message appears to significantly increase the likelihood of full adherence when the primary caregiver can either check (odds ratio = 2.93; 95% CI = 1.34, 6.40) or knows how to send (odds ratio = 3.26; 95% CI = 1.53, 6.97) text messages. Conclusion: Daily text messages improved the consumption of infant MNP packets. However, the impact was not large enough to increase the probability of caregivers being fully adherent to the feeding instruction, which is to feed 5–7 packets per week as recommended. In addition, when the mother is the caregiver and when the caregiver can check or knows how to send text messages there is greater adherence by the primary caregivers. Trial registration: [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anemia early in life has been associated with delayed cognitive and motor development. The WHO recommends home fortification using multiple micronutrient powders (MNPs) containing iron as a strategy to address anemia in children under two. We evaluated the effects of a program freely distributing MNP sachets to caregivers of infants in rural China.Methods: We conducted a cluster-randomized controlled trial in Shaanxi province, enrolling all children aged 6-11 months in target villages. Following a baseline survey, investigators randomly assigned each village/cluster to a control or treatment group. In the treatment group, caregivers were instructed to give MNPs daily. Follow-up was after 6, 12, and 18 months of intervention. Primary outcomes were hemoglobin concentrations and scores on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development.Results: One thousand, eight hundred and-two eligible children and their caregivers were enrolled. At baseline 48% (870) of children were anemic and 29% (529) were developmentally delayed. Six hundred and-ten children (117 villages) were assigned to the control group and 1192 children (234 villages) were assigned to the treatment group. Assignment to the treatment group was associated with an improvement in hemoglobin levels (marginal effect 1.77 g/L, 95% CI 0.017-3.520, p-value = 0.048) and cognitive development (marginal effect 2.23 points, 95% CI 0.061-4.399, p-value = 0.044) after 6 months but not thereafter. There were no significant effects on motor development. Zero effects after the first 6 months were not due to low compliance, low statistical power, or changes in feeding behavior. Hemoglobin concentrations improved in both the treatment and control groups over the course of the study; however, 22% (325) of children remained anemic at endline, and 48% (721) were cognitively delayed.Conclusions: Providing caregivers with MNP sachets modestly hastened improvement in hemoglobin levels that was occurring absent intervention; however, this improvement did not translate into improved developmental outcomes at endline.Trial Registration: ISRCTN44149146 ; prospectively registered on 15th April 2013. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Many educational systems have struggled with the question about how best to give out financial aid. In particular, if students do not know the amount of financial aid that they can receive before they make a decision about where to go to college and what major to study, it may distort their decision. This study utilizes an experiment (implemented by the authors as a Randomized Control Trial) to analyze whether or not an alternative way of providing financial aid—by providing an early commitment on financial aid during the student''s senior year of high school instead of after entering college—affects the college decision making of poor students in rural China. We find that if early commitments are made early enough; and they are large enough, students will make less distorting college decisions. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]