bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short‐term application of CO2 gas: Effects on physicochemical, microbial, and sensory qualities of “Charlotte” strawberry during storage
Authors: Chandra Dulal , Lee Jung‐Soo , Hong Yoon Pyo , Park Me‐Hea , Choi Ae Jin , Kim Ji Gang
Published: November 2018

The effects of different concentrations (30, 50, and 70 kPa) and time (1 or 3 hr) of short‐term CO2 gas treatment on the quality, safety, and shelf life of “Charlotte” strawberry were evaluated during storage at 4°C. Color attributes were better maintained in CO2 treated strawberries while firmness increased significantly and maintained throughout the storage in 70 kPa CO2 treatments compared to untreated control. Total soluble solid, pH, and titratable acidity did not show remarkable changes among the treatments. Total anthocyanins accumulation was significantly (p ≤ .05) lower in fruits exposed to 70 kPa CO2 for 1 hr than that of control but insignificantly lower with other CO2 treatments at the end of storage while total phenolic content was almost unaffected by CO2 treatment. Lower number of microbial population and better maintenance of sensory qualities were found in strawberries treated with 70 kPa CO2; therefore, marketability extended by about 4 and 2 days compared to control and other CO2 treatments, respectively.

Practical applications

These results suggest that the physicochemical, microbial, and sensory quality of strawberries were better maintained in fruits exposed to 70 kPa CO2 either for 1 or 3 hr before storage than sample stored directly. The results of this study could be useful for maintaining the quality and extending the shelf life of “Charlotte” strawberry during storage or export at low temperature condition.
Clinical validation of the “7 × 7” questionnaire for patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders
Authors: Ivashkin Vladimir , Sheptulin Arkady , Shifrin Oleg , Poluektova Elena , Pavlov Chavdar , Ivashkin Konstantin , Drozdova Alexandra , Lyashenko Olga , Korolev Alexandr
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

Physicians use different scales and questionnaires to assess the severity of clinical symptoms in patients with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The current study aimed to validate the “7 × 7” questionnaire for assessment of severity of the symptoms as a tool for the efficacy of treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders, using the Clinical Global Impressions scale as the reference standard.

Methods

Fifty inpatients aged from 18 to 64 with a confirmed diagnosis of irritable bowel syndrome (26 patients, 52%), functional dyspepsia (15 patients, 30%), or both (9 patients, 18%) were prospectively enrolled in the study. We used both the 7 × 7 questionnaire and the Clinical Global Impressions scale before and after 28 days of stable treatment.

Results

Our study revealed a significant correlation between the 7 × 7 questionnaire and the Clinical Global Impressions scale results in assessment of severity of the clinical symptoms and their dynamics during treatment. The 7 × 7 questionnaire showed sensitivity of 74.5% and specificity of 54.1% for evaluating patients with mild to severe disease and 66.6% and 76%, respectively, for evaluating patients with moderate to severe disease. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient was 0.719. The intraclass correlation coefficient among participants in whom the condition remained the same was 0.973 (12 participants [24.5%]).

Conclusions

The 7 × 7 questionnaire is a convenient, sensitive, and reliable tool for assessing the severity of symptoms and treatment efficacy in people with functional gastrointestinal disorders.
Impact of family history of colorectal cancer on age‐specific prevalence of colorectal neoplasia
Authors: Park Chan Hyuk , Kim Nam Hee , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Sohn Chong Il , Jung Yoon Suk
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

There are no established guidelines on screening strategies for persons with a family history of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Korea. We aimed to evaluate the age‐specific risk of colorectal neoplasia according to family history of CRC.

Methods

Participants who underwent screening colonoscopy were included. Age‐specific prevalence of non‐advanced adenoma (NAA) and advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN) was calculated according to family history of CRC.

Results

Among 35 997 participants, 1339 (3.7%) had a family history of CRC in first‐degree relatives. A family history of CRC was an independent risk factor for NAA (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.33, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.16–1.52). In the subgroup analysis by age, family history of CRC was a risk factor for NAA in the 50–59 and ≥ 60 years groups (AOR [95% CI]: 1.42 [1.04–1.91] and 2.33 [1.34–4.09], respectively), but not in the 30–39 and 40–49 years groups. In the curve of age‐specific prevalence of NAA, the gap of the prevalence between the family history and non‐family history groups began to widen after the mid‐50s. In cases of ACRN, a family history of CRC was not a risk factor in the entire age group (AOR 1.16, 95% CI 0.75–1.70). In the curve of age‐specific prevalence of ACRN, however, the gap of the prevalence between the family history and non‐family history groups began to widen after the early 60s.

Conclusion

Although a family history of CRC is a risk factor for NAA, it may affect NAA development from the mid‐50s and ACRN development from the early 60s.
Cost‐effectiveness of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy for hepatitis C virus genotype 2 infection in South Korea
Authors: Chung Wankyo , Kim Kyung‐Ah , Jang Eun Sun , Ki Moran , Choi Hwa Young , Jeong Sook‐Hyang
Published: November 2018

Background and Aim

For genotype 2 chronic hepatitis C (CHC), the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin therapy (SOF + RBV) was better than pegylated interferon plus ribavirin therapy (PR) at a greater drug cost. This study investigated the cost‐effectiveness of SOF + RBV compared with PR for treatment‐naïve genotype 2 CHC in South Korea.

Methods

Using a decision analytic Markov model, a cost‐effectiveness analysis comparing SOF + RBV with PR or no treatment for treatment‐naïve genotype 2 CHC was performed with probabilistic and deterministic sensitivity analyses from the payer's perspective in 2017. Three cohorts of patients aged 40–49, 50–59, and 60–69 years were simulated to progress through the fibrosis stages F0–F4 to end‐stage liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, or death. Published and calculated data on the clinical efficacy of the regimen, health‐related quality of life, costs, and transition probabilities were used.

Results

While the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio for PR was dominant over no treatment, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios for SOF + RBV were $20 058 for the patients in their 40s, $19 662 for those in their 50s, and $22 278 for those in their 60s compared with PR. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis indicated an 89.0% probability for the SOF + RBV to be cost‐effective at a willingness to pay of $29 754.4 (per‐capita gross domestic product in 2017) for the patients in their 40s and 94.1% and 89.1% for the patients in their 50s and 60s, respectively.

Conclusions

The SOF + RBV is a cost‐effective option for genotype 2 treatment‐naïve CHC patients, especially for the patients with liver cirrhosis in Korea.
Functional Trajectories of Persons with Cardiovascular Disease in Late Life
Authors: Keeney Tamra , Fox Annie B. , Jette Diane U. , Jette Alan
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Physical function declines with aging and is accelerated for persons with cardiovascular disease (CVD). While CVD increases the risk of functional decline in late life, little is known about differences in trajectories of functional decline. To determine whether there is more than 1 trajectory of functional decline in Americans with cardiovascular disease (CVD) who are functionally independent.

Design

Secondary analysis of National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). Latent class growth modeling was used to estimate trajectories of function over 4 years of follow‐up.

Setting

Annual structured in‐home interviews.

Participants

Americans aged 65 and older with CVD who were functionally independent at baseline (N = 392).

Measurements

We compared trajectories of function in individuals with CVD with trajectories of those without and examined the association between risk factors (sex, age at baseline, education level, comorbidity) and trajectory group membership. Function was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery.

Results

Three functional trajectories emerged: rapid functional decline (23.8%), gradual functional decline (44.2%), and stable function (32.0%). Similar trajectories were seen for those without CVD, with a smaller proportion in the rapid functional decline group (16.2%). Women, older participants, and those with less education and greater comorbidity were less likely to be in the stable function group than the rapid functional decline group.

Conclusion

Although function declines in late life for independently functioning persons with CVD, some individuals remain stable, and others decline gradually or rapidly. Persons with CVD were more likely to experience rapid functional decline than those without, suggesting that CVD increases the risk of rapid functional decline. Risk factors predicted functional trajectory group membership, not just overall decline. J Am Geriatr Soc 67:37–42, 2019.
The impact of post‐traumatic stress disorder on dental and gingival status of children during syrian crisis: A preliminary study
Authors: Hamid Sulaf H. , Dashash Mayssoon A. D.
Published: November 2018

Aim

Most children in war zone countries often experience post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This turns the war into a health issue of great importance. The aim was to evaluate dental and gingival status of children suffering from PTSD.

Methods

A case control study, which included 60 children (30 diagnosed with PTSD and 30 healthy controls) between 9 and 14 years, was undertaken. Dental status was assessed using decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT) for permanent and decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft) for primary. Gingival status was examined using plaque (PI) and gingival (GI) indices. Child PTSD reaction index (CPTSD‐RI) was used to evaluate the severity of PTSD.

Results

There was no significant difference in DMFT and dmft indices between the PTSD children and the controls. However, PTSD children had more decay in permanent (DT) and primary teeth (dt), more primary missing teeth mt and less filled teeth in their permanent (FT) and primary (ft) dentition. Significant difference was found between PTSD children and controls regarding PI (P < 0.00001) and GI (P < 0.0001). CPTSD‐RI was positively correlated with DMFT (P = 0.002), PI (P = 0.038), and GI (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

PTSD children had poor dental and gingival status than matched controls and they were affected by PTSD severity.
The role of different mechanical circulatory support devices and their timing of implantation on myocardial damage and mid‐term recovery in acute myocardial infarction related cardiogenic shock
Authors: Pieri Marina , Sorrentino Tania , Oppizzi Michele , Melisurgo Giulio , Lembo Rosalba , Colombo Antonio , Zangrillo Alberto , Pappalardo Federico
Published: November 2018

Objectives

Aim of the study was to assess in‐hospital survival rate and the degree of myocardial recovery after MCS treatment (IABP or IMPELLA) at discharge and at 6 months in patients with AMI‐CS and planned early percutaneous revascularization.

Background

All studies on MCS for acute myocardial infarction related cardiogenic shock (AMI‐CS) focused on its impact on in‐hospital mortality; however, few data about its role on myocardial recovery are available.

Methods

Retrospective study on 64 patients: 36 patients (56%) received IABP and 28 (44%) Impella 2.5/CP.

Results

Patients treated with Impella were sicker compared to those treated with IABP as shown by a higher need of catecholamines (93% Impella vs 57% IABP, P = 0.002) and higher inotropic score before procedure: 8 (5‐15) versus 4.5 (0‐9), P = 0.02. In‐hospital survival and MCS‐related complications were comparable; hemolysis was more frequent in the Impella group (32% vs 0%, P < 0.0001). Myocardial damage was lower in those patients who were implanted with IMPELLA before PCI: lower troponin peak [3831 ng/dL (1441‐8436) vs 16 581 (7802‐23 675), P = 0.004] and lower CPK peak [893 UI/L (584‐4082) vs 5797 (2483‐9292) P = 0.04]. Impella patients had higher LVEF at 6 months [45 (38‐52) vs 40 (33‐45)%, P = 0.04]. LVEF increase at 6 months was statistically significant in both groups (P < 0.0001), with higher myocardial recovery in patients supported with Impella (absolute delta‐LVEF increase 20% vs 10% P = 0.005).

Conclusions

Cardiac unloading with IMPELLA in ACS‐CS, especially if implanted before PCI, might provide lower myocardial damage and improved myocardial recovery which translates into significantly higher LVEF at 6 months.
Health consequences of androgenic anabolic steroid use
Authors: Horwitz H. , Andersen J. T. , Dalhoff K. P.
Published: November 2018

Background

The lifetime prevalence of androgenic anabolic steroid abuse is estimated to be around 6% for men, but there is limited knowledge about the side effects of these drugs.

Objective

To investigate mortality and morbidity amongst users of androgenic anabolic steroids (AAS).

Methods

In this retrospective matched cohort study, 545 male subjects tested positive for AAS in Danish fitness centres during the period 3 January 2006 to 1 March 2018. Subjects were matched with 5450 male controls. In addition, 644 men who were sanctioned because they refused to submit to a doping test and 6440 controls were included as a replication cohort.

Results

Mortality was three times higher amongst users of AAS than amongst nonuser controls (hazard ratio 3.0, 95% CI 1.3–7.0). The median annual number of hospital contacts was 0.81 in the cohort of AAS users and 0.36 in the control cohort (P < 0.0001). Acne, gynaecomastia and erectile dysfunction affected more than 10% of the androgenic anabolic steroid users, and the prevalence of these disorders was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.0001). The results could be replicated in a similar cohort.

Conclusion

Androgenic anabolic steroid users have an increased risk of dying and significantly more hospital admissions than their nonuser peers. Side effects of AAS and their metabolites were highly prevalent. Given the high rate of androgenic anabolic steroid abuse, these side effects are of public health concern.
Leader–member exchange social comparisons and follower outcomes: The roles of felt obligation and psychological entitlement
Authors: Lee Allan , Gerbasi Alexandra , Schwarz Gary , Newman Alexander
Published: November 2018

In the current study, we aimed to extend the understanding of how and when leader–member exchange social comparison (LMXSC) influences followers’ work behaviour. Based on social exchange theory, we argue that felt obligation to one's leader is a mediator of the relationship between LMXSC and follower outcomes. Further, we posit that the relationship between LMXSC and felt obligation will occur over and above overall LMX quality. We also investigate whether the effect of LMXSC is not consistent across employees but influenced by their level of psychological entitlement (PE). We found evidence that LMXSC was associated with followers’ organizational commitment in Study 1 (using data collected in two phases from 188 employees) and both organizational commitment and job performance in Study 2 (based on data collected in two phases from 300 employees and their 34 supervisors) via felt obligation towards the leader. In both studies, we found this relationship was significant while controlling for LMX quality, suggesting that perceptions of relative LMX standing are more influential than overall LMX quality. Moreover, high levels of PE reduced employees’ feelings of obligation to reciprocate positive treatment and the extent to which they exhibit higher levels of organizational commitment and job performance. Our findings show that individual differences play a significant role in determining the outcomes of exchange relationships.

Practitioner points

Followers do not evaluate their Leader–member exchange (LMX) relationship in isolation from their co‐workers, and social comparisons in this context have powerful effects on followers. If leaders want to motivate their followers, treating each follower in the same way and avoiding differentiation may be ineffective. Followers appear to be more willing to reciprocate when they perceive a better LMX relationship with the leader than their co‐workers’ LMX relationship with the leader.

Managers should be cognizant that followers with varying levels of psychological entitlement may respond differently to LMX relationships. As such, managers could decide to invest more heavily in building strong relationships with followers low in psychological entitlement, as these followers are likely to respond more positively to favourable treatment by the leader.

Managers should be aware that the norm of reciprocity might not apply to the same extent when employees are high in psychological entitlement; and thus, other influence tactics may be required to get the most out of these employees.

Managers should set clear guidelines and expectations on followers early in the employment relationship. When entitled employees are made fully aware of the relationship expectations, they may be more prepared to meet them.
A rodent cage change insomnia model disrupts memory consolidation
Authors: McKenna James T. , Gamble Mackenzie C. , Anderson‐Chernishof Marissa B. , Shah Sunny R. , McCoy John G. , Strecker Robert E.
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Insomnia involves disruption of sleep initiation, maintenance and/or overall quality, and may interfere with cognition. Here, we evaluated memory impairment produced by rodent mild (acute) insomnia models. Insomnia models consisted of either single or repeated exposure to cages previously occupied (dirtied) by an unfamiliar rat for 5–7 days. Rats were trained in the Morris water maze to remember the platform location (acquisition), and were then exposed to: (a) 6 hr of undisturbed baseline; (b) dirty cage change‐induced insomnia (animal placed into a cage dirtied by another rat for 6 hr); or (c) double‐dirty cage change‐induced insomnia (animal placed into a cage dirtied by another rat for 3 hr, and then another dirty cage 3 hr later). The animal's memory for the platform location was then evaluated in a probe trial. Double‐dirty cage change‐induced insomnia significantly disrupted sleep, although the effects of dirty cage change‐induced insomnia were overall not significant. In the fourth hour of double‐dirty cage change‐induced insomnia (following the second cage change), sleep episode number and duration alterations indicated sleep fragmentation. Furthermore, power spectral analysis revealed diminished wake and, to a lesser extent, rapid eye movement theta power (indicated by trend difference) in the last 3 hr of exposure. Significant deficits were noted for measures of water maze performance following double‐dirty cage change‐induced insomnia, indicating impaired memory. In summary, one variant of the rodent insomnia model, double‐dirty cage change‐induced insomnia, disrupted sleep and attenuated memory consolidation, indicating this paradigm may be useful to evaluate the effects of hypnotics on memory consolidation.
Tolerance of lumpfish, Cyclopterus lumpus, to freshwater bath treatment for amoebic gill disease, Neoparamoeba perurans, infection and efficacy of different treatment regimens
Authors: Treasurer Jim , Turnbull Tom
Published: November 2018

The tolerance of lumpfish to freshwater treatment and efficacy over a range of salinities and treatment durations is examined. No structural and cellular changes were noted in organs, including gills and gut, sampled 48 hr posttreatment because of freshwater baths for periods of up to 5 hr exposure at 0 ppt or continuous treatment in 15 ppt water for 10 days. Behavioral indicators such as activity and ventilation frequency were also not significantly different between treatments, with the exception of the first trial where lumpfish were inactive during treatment in 0 ppt water compared with active fish in 32 ppt seawater. Amoeba numbers declined from an initial 21.5/gill arch to 0.33 after 3 hr in freshwater and to zero after 5 hr, and to five amoebas/gill arch after 3 hr in brackish water treatment (15 ppt). When fish were treated continuously for 15 days in 15 ppt water, amoeba numbers declined from 231 to 3.7/gill arch after 3 days and a mean of 1.75 amoebae after 10 days. In the last trial, no amoebas were present per gill arch after 3 hr treatment in 0 and 3 ppt bath.
Allele frequency‐free inference of close familial relationships from genotypes or low‐depth sequencing data
Authors: Waples Ryan K. , Albrechtsen Anders , Moltke Ida
Published: November 2018

Knowledge of how individuals are related is important in many areas of research, and numerous methods for inferring pairwise relatedness from genetic data have been developed. However, the majority of these methods were not developed for situations where data are limited. Specifically, most methods rely on the availability of population allele frequencies, the relative genomic position of variants and accurate genotype data. But in studies of non‐model organisms or ancient samples, such data are not always available. Motivated by this, we present a new method for pairwise relatedness inference, which requires neither allele frequency information nor information on genomic position. Furthermore, it can be applied not only to accurate genotype data but also to low‐depth sequencing data from which genotypes cannot be accurately called. We evaluate it using data from a range of human populations and show that it can be used to infer close familial relationships with a similar accuracy as a widely used method that relies on population allele frequencies. Additionally, we show that our method is robust to SNP ascertainment and applicable to low‐depth sequencing data generated using different strategies, including resequencing and RADseq, which is important for application to a diverse range of populations and species.
Municipal socialism
Authors: Glanville Philip , O'Brien Hettie
Published: November 2018

Hackney Council is drawing on the UK's rich history of municipal socialism to reinvigorate local democracy
Reimagining the NHS for people and planet
Authors: Jennings Antonia
Published: November 2018

Leveraging NHS assets – from spare land to transport fleets – can put the public sector at the forefront of fighting climate change, making people healthier in the process
Multi‐professional simulation and risk perception of health care workers caring for Ebola‐infected patients
Authors: Carvalho Eva , Castro Pedro , León Esther , Del Río Ana , Crespo Félix , Trigo Laura , Fernández Sara , Trilla Antoni , Varela Pilar , Nicolás Jose Maria
Published: November 2018

Introduction

Treatment of infections that require high‐level isolation can cause anxiety and fear among health care workers. Adequate and complete multi‐professional simulation‐based training could reduce those feelings and improve patient care.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of multi‐professional simulation‐based training on the risk perception and preparedness of health care workers (registered nurses, doctors and ancillary staff) who care for patients assessed to be at risk or confirmed to have Ebola, level 3–4 biohazard.

Methods

A prospective before–after study was designed. Health care workers who participated in a multi‐professional simulation training course to improve the care of patients potentially infected with Level 3 and 4 biohazards were evaluated about their risk perception. The training was based on clinical scenarios. The evaluation was conducted using questionnaire based on Likert scale. After the training, a satisfaction survey about the most important aspects of the course was also conducted.

Results

Fifty‐eight health care workers participated in the training course, 22 of whom were registered nurses. Participants presented positive changes after the training, increasing their sense of security, predisposition and confidence (p < 0.000001 for all).

Conclusion

Multi‐professional simulation‐based training significantly improves the perception of safety and preparedness of health care workers regarding the care of patients potentially infected with Ebola virus and other Level 3–4 biohazards.

Relevance to clinical practice

The implementation of educational training strategies – such as simulations – is beneficial in improving the capacity of response and coping, as well as in reducing feelings of fear and insecurity.
How different helmet fixing options could affect patients' pain experience during helmet‐continuous positive airway pressure
Authors: Lucchini Alberto , Elli Stefano , Bambi Stefano , De Felippis Christian , Vimercati Simona , Minotti Dario , Pasquali Sara , Cannizzo Luigi , Fumagalli Roberto , Foti Giuseppe
Published: November 2018

Background

Prolonged application time of helmet continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) leads to better outcomes, but its timing can be influenced by the patient's tolerance.

Aims and objectives

To investigate patients' pain and tolerance experience related to different options of helmet fixing system: ‘armpits strap’ versus ‘counterweights system’.

Design

This was a non–randomized crossover study performed in a 10‐bed intensive care unit and referral extra corporeal membrane oxigenation (ECMO) centre of an Italian university hospital.

Results

Twenty patients were enrolled. For helmet‐CPAP cycles performed with the armpit straps option, the mean pain numerical rate on a 0–10 scale was: 0·5 ± 1·4 at T0 (baseline), 1·5 ± 2·0 at T1 (after 1 h) and 2·6 ± 2·5 at T2 (end of cycle) (p = 0·023). The same analysis was performed for the counterweights fixing option. The mean score was 0·3 ± 0·6 at T0, 0·3 ± 0·2 at T1 and 0·5 ± 0·7 at T2 (p = 0·069). The mean duration for CPAP cycles performed with armpits strap and counterweights system was 3·0 ± 1·0 and 3·9 ± 2·3 h, respectively (p < 0·001). The mean section of the Basilic vein that was investigated before wearing the helmet was equal to 0·23 ± 0·20 cm2. After 1 h of therapy with the counterweight option and armpit straps, the mean increase of the vein's section was 0·27 ± 0·21(p = 0·099) and 0·30 ± 0·25, respectively (p = 0·080).

Conclusions

The fixing system options in use to anchor the helmet during CPAP could worsen the pain experience level and cause device‐related pressure ulcers. When compared with the armpit straps option, the counterweights system appears to be a suitable approach to minimize the risks of pressure sores and pain during the treatment.

Relevance to practice

The helmet CPAP is a reliable therapy to manage acute respiratory failure. Major improvements regarding pulmonary alveolar recruitment and oxygen levels are strictly related to a prolonged time of helmet CPAP cycles. Using a counterweight fixing system, where the armpits straps are not necessary, could be helpful in reducing patients' pain experience.
Cultivar‐specific plant odour preferences of a generalist aphid parasitoid Aphidius colemani and a possible mechanism for maternal priming of resistance to toxic plant chemistry
Authors: van Emden Helmut F. , Vamvatsikos Panagiotis , Hardie Jim
Published: November 2018

Aphidius colemani Viereck, emerging from Myzus persicae (Sulzer) mummies on the Brussels sprout cultivar ‘Bedford Winter Harvest’ (BWH), responds positively in the olfactometer to the odour of that cultivar in comparison with air. Responses to the odours of other sprout cultivars, cabbage and broad bean could be explained by the humidity from plant leaves. In a choice between BWH and other sprout cultivars, the BWH odour is preferred, or that of cv. ‘Red Delicious’ (RD) if the parasitoids are reared on RD. This confirms previous work showing that the secondary chemistry of a cultivar is learnt from the mummy cuticle during emergence. Adults emerging from pupae excised from the mummy show a similar but less pronounced preference. Parasitoids developing in aphids on an artificial diet do not discriminate between the odours of BWH and RD, unless allowed contact with a mummy from the same cultivar that the mother develops on. This suggests a cultivar‐specific maternal cue. This cue is speculated to consist of a small amount of the secondary chemistry (probably glucosinolates in the present study) that are left in or on the egg at oviposition, which subsequently induces enzymes that detoxify plant‐derived toxins in the aphid host. Indeed, when parasitoids emerging from diet‐reared aphids are released on aphid‐infested sprout plants, fewer mummies are produced than by parasitoids emerging from mummies of plant‐reared aphids or from excised pupae. Only parasitoids that emerge from mummies of plant‐reared aphids prefer the cultivar of origin as shown by the number of mummified hosts.
An additive–multiplicative mean model for panel count data with dependent observation and dropout processes
Authors: Yu Guanglei , Li Yang , Zhu Liang , Zhao Hui , Sun Jianguo , Robison Leslie L.
Published: November 2018

This paper discusses regression analysis of panel count data with dependent observation and dropout processes. For the problem, a general mean model is presented that can allow both additive and multiplicative effects of covariates on the underlying point process. In addition, the proportional rates model and the accelerated failure time model are employed to describe possible covariate effects on the observation process and the dropout or follow‐up process, respectively. For estimation of regression parameters, some estimating equation‐based procedures are developed and the asymptotic properties of the proposed estimators are established. In addition, a resampling approach is proposed for estimating a covariance matrix of the proposed estimator and a model checking procedure is also provided. Results from an extensive simulation study indicate that the proposed methodology works well for practical situations, and it is applied to a motivating set of real data.
Developing a data model for understanding geographical analysis models with consideration of their evolution and application processes
Authors: Chen Min , Yang Chen , Hou Tao , Lü Guonian , Wen Yongning , Yue Songshan
Published: November 2018

Geographical analysis models are widely employed to mirror real phenomena and processes on Earth. The current geographical analysis models can provide prediction and decision support‐oriented information in various domains through analysis and simulation results. However, the complexity of models is increasing due to their continuous development and related research, and the relationships between models are becoming increasingly complicated, which severely hinders the ability to select and use suitable models. To bridge the requirements of model understanding with related abundant information, a data model for geographical analysis models is designed with consideration of their evolution and application processes. In addition to basic metadata (e.g., name, classification, and modeling approach), evolution and application information, which is often neglected in traditional model expression methods, can provide clues about model development histories and usage relationships. Thus, this information will provide scientists with a comprehensive understanding and will form an overall picture of geographic models that can be used for future research. Based on the analysis of the elements related to the evolution and application information, the data model is designed and an information abstraction strategy is proposed. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is employed as a case study to show the capacity of the designed data model to contribute to both sharing of geographical analysis model knowledge and further model analysis.
Narrative review of methods and findings of recent studies on the carriage of meningococci and other Neisseria species in the African Meningitis Belt
Authors: Greenwood Brian M. , Aseffa Abraham , Caugant Dominique A. , Diallo Kanny , Kristiansen Paul A. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Stuart James M. , Trotter Caroline L.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To review the findings of studies of pharyngeal carriage of Neisseria meningitidis and related species conducted in the African meningitis belt since a previous review published in 2007.

Methods

PubMed and Web of Science were searched in July 2018 using the terms ‘meningococcal OR Neisseria meningitidis OR lactamica AND carriage AND Africa’, with the search limited to papers published on or after 1st January 2007. We conducted a narrative review of these publications.

Results

One hundred and thirteen papers were identified using the search terms described above, 20 of which reported new data from surveys conducted in an African meningitis belt country. These papers described 40 surveys conducted before the introduction of the group A meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MenAfriVacR) during which 66 707 pharyngeal swabs were obtained. Carriage prevalence of N. meningitidis varied substantially by time and place, ranging from <1% to 24%. The mean pharyngeal carriage prevalence of N. meningitidis across all surveys was 4.5% [95% CI: 3.4%, 6.8%] and that of capsulated N. meningitidis was 2.8% [95% CI: 1.9%; 5.2%]. A study of households provided strong evidence for meningococcal transmission within and outside households. The introduction of MenAfriVac® led to marked reductions in carriage of the serogroup A meningococcus in Burkina Faso and Chad.

Conclusions

Recent studies employing standardised methods confirm the findings of older studies that carriage of N. meningitidis in the African meningitis belt is highly variable over time and place, but generally occurs with a lower prevalence and shorter duration than reported from industrialised countries.
Emerging infectious diseases and blood donation
Authors: Kjerulff Bertram , Erikstrup Christian
Published: November 2018

Emerging infectious diseases (EIDs) require vigilance from blood banks everywhere. As EIDs spread to new areas and populations, blood banks are forced to re‐evaluate safety measures continually. Screening, pathogen inactivation and deferral policies must be balanced against supply, safety and cost‐effectiveness. One size does not fit all, and blood banks must adjust to local needs and conditions when considering initiation or halting of screening, pathogen inactivation or deferral procedures to balance between demand/supply, safety and economy.
Lleida Bat Lyssavirus isolation in Miniopterus schreibersii in France
Authors: Picard‐Meyer Evelyne , Beven Veronique , Hirchaud Edouard , Guillaume Cédric , Larcher Gérald , Robardet Emmanuelle , Servat Alexandre , Blanchard Yannick , Cliquet Florence
Published: November 2018

Bat rabies cases are attributed in Europe to five different Lyssavirus species of 16 recognized Lyssavirus species causing rabies. One of the most genetically divergent Lyssavirus spp. has been detected in a dead Miniopterus schreibersii bat in France. Brain samples were found positive for the presence of antigen, infectious virus and viral RNA by classical virological methods and molecular methods respectively. The complete genome sequence was determined by next‐generation sequencing. The analysis of the complete genome sequence confirmed the presence of Lleida bat lyssavirus (LLEBV) in bats in France with 99.7% of nucleotide identity with the Spanish LLEBV strain (KY006983).
THE AMBIVALENCE OF SCIENTIFIC NATURALISM: A RESPONSE TO MARK HARRIS
Authors: Brooke John Hedley
Published: November 2018

Responding to Mark Harris, I reflect on his tantalizing question whether the provision of naturalistic explanations for biblical miracles renders the narratives more, or less, credible. I address his “reversal,” in which professional scientists now feature among defenders of a literalistic reading, while professional biblical scholars are often skeptical. I suggest this underlines the ambivalence of scientific naturalism from the standpoint of Christian theology. Historical examples are adduced to show that, until the mid‐nineteenth century, naturalistic and theistic explanations were commonly regarded as complementary. Accordingly, the primacy often accorded to scientific progress in accounts of secularization is questionable. Two concluding questions are raised. If a methodological naturalism inheres in biblical scholarship, as in the sciences, how do biblical scholars decide whether the historical trajectories they construct for the composition of biblical texts are destructive or affirmative of faith? Second, when the miracle is the Resurrection of the dead Christ, does not the scientific impossibility of this foundational event remain sacrosanct?
ON “THE NATURAL NATURE OF NATURALISM”: ANSWERS TO JOHN HEDLEY BROOKE'S QUESTIONS
Authors: Harris Mark
Published: November 2018

In John Hedley Brooke's response to my 2018 Boyle Lecture he provided some helpful prompts to sharpen my position on naturalism, and posed two further questions to me. This article takes up his prompts, and offers some answers to his questions, especially concerning the Resurrection of Jesus.
THE “CONFLICT THESIS” AND POSITIVIST HISTORY OF SCIENCE: A VIEW FROM THE PERIPHERY
Authors: de Asúa Miguel
Published: November 2018

The historiographic tradition of the history of science that originated with Auguste Comte bears all the marks of narratives with roots in the Enlightenment, such as a view of religion as an underdeveloped stage in the ascending road in humanity's quest for a more mature understanding. This article explores the development of the peripheral branch of a tradition that developed in Argentina by the mid‐twentieth century with authors such as the Italians Aldo Mieli, José Babini, and the Hungarian Desiderius Papp. It is argued that, contrary to the historiographic program of the conflict thesis developed in English‐speaking countries, those scholars who cultivated the kind of “positivist” history of science that thrived in continental Europe were inclined to see science as a social and epistemological replacement of a fossilized religious outlook. In the final section, I suggest a way to relate the more or less strong versions of the conflict thesis to different patterns of secularization.
REMEMBRANCE AND RESILIENCE: HOW THE BODYSELF RESPONDS TO TRAUMA
Authors: Pederson Ann , Nuetzman Erin , Gubbels Jennifer , Hummel Leonard
Published: November 2018

How do the experiences of people who undergo extreme suffering and trauma in one generation get passed on to the next generation? And how do these experiences affect religious–spiritual beliefs and practices? Can we help to create resilience in these later generations through these religious–spiritual beliefs? In order to answer these questions, one must remember and understand not only how trauma is embodied and inherited, but also the role that religious beliefs and practices play in facing and overcoming the trauma. People who have experienced trauma can pass on the effects to subsequent generations biologically through epigenetic changes to their DNA, but also through their religious and spiritual beliefs and practices. The ways people remember and recover from trauma involve complex biological, psychosocial, and spiritual processes. We use the sciences of embodied cognition and epigenetics to analyze the heritability of trauma and its spiritual–religious manifestations in the next generations. Having done so, our hope is that we can understand how spiritual and religious practices can be developed to help people who undergo trauma so that they can become resilient and thrive.
Treatment of Synthetic Produced Water using Hybrid Membrane Processes
Authors: Chin N. , Lai S. O. , Chong K. C. , Lee S. S. , Koo C. H. , Thiam H. S.
Published: November 2018

The study was concerned with the treatment of tank dewatering produced water using hybrid microfiltration (MF) and ultrafiltration (UF) processes. The pre-treatment MF membrane was fabricated with polyethersulfone (PES), n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). The UF membranes meanwhile contained additional component, i.e., titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in the range of zero to 1.0 wt.%. The membrane performances were analysed with respect to permeate flux, oil removal and flux recovery ratio. An increase in TiO2 nanoparticles enhanced the pore formation, porosity and pure water permeability due to improved hydrophilicity. The permeate flux of UF membranes increased with the increase of TiO2 nanoparticles and pressure. The oil removal rate by MF process was only 52.35%, whereas the oil rejection efficiency was between 82.34% and 95.71% for UF process. It should be highlighted that the overall oil removal rate could achieve as high as 97.96%. Based on the results, the PES membrane incorporated with 1.0 wt.% TiO2 was proved to be the most promising membrane at a transmembrane pressure of 3 bar. Although 1.0 M NaOH solution could be used as cleaning agent to recover membrane water flux, it is not capable of achieving good results as only 52.18% recovery rate was obtained.
The Cyberpsychology Factors of Internet Addiction among School Teenagers
Authors: Mohd Yusof Siti Hajar , Othman Siti Hajar
Published: November 2018

School period for teenagers can be considered as a challenging and critical stage for them. This is because, at this stage, many teenagers facing a challenge of identity crisis and intend to explore and addicted to the internet easily. Overuse the internet may lead to an individual psychology include mental and emotional. The field of cyberpsychology is the fastest growing technology and closely related to the study of cyber behavior. The goal of the study to examine the relevant cyberpsychology factors which is Impulsivity, Passions, Social Provision that leads into Internet Addiction behavior among school teenagers. Study and understanding the cyberpsychology factors associated with Internet Addiction is important to predict and diagnose the condition of an individual.
The Influence of Web Based Cooperative Information System to Improve the Quality of Member Service in Universitas Muhammadiyah Sukabumi
Authors: Alamsyah Sakti , Darsawati Eris , Suwiryo Darmo H
Published: November 2018

The role of cooperative is still very important in Indonesia and technology development compels cooperative to change in management especially in presenting data that is more accurate, complete, fast, and transparent. University Cooperative keeps on innovating in giving service to members. This paper tries to present university cooperative information system that aims at increasing service quality by providing university cooperative information system website. Therefore, cooperative member is able to observe cooperative development online. Research method applies qualitative descriptive analysis. Population is member cooperative finance report. Sample is taken by purposive sampling. Research instrument applies questioner to management to know how the influence of cooperative information system toward management achievement and to cooperative member to know member response toward cooperative information system program. Data collection is done by interview to cooperative management and finance data processing is done by using university cooperative information system application. The result of service quality toward member is fast in providing more accurate data with the availability of cooperative information system so that data which is wanted can be obtained faster, accurate, and can decrease mistake in writing data process and decrease mistake in presenting finance report.
Simulation of P2X‐mediated calcium signalling in microglia
Authors: Chun Byeong Jae , Stewart Bradley D. , Vaughan Darin D. , Bachstetter Adam D. , Kekenes‐Huskey Peter M.
Published: November 2018

Key points

A computational model of P2X channel activation in microglia was developed that includes downfield Ca2+‐dependent signalling pathways.

This model provides quantitative insights into how diverse signalling pathways in microglia converge to control microglial function.

Microglia function is orchestrated through highly coupled signalling pathways that depend on calcium (Ca2+). In response to extracellular ATP, transient increases in intracellular Ca2+ driven through the activation of purinergic receptors, P2X and P2Y, are sufficient to promote cytokine synthesis. Although the steps comprising the pathways bridging purinergic receptor activation with transcriptional responses have been probed in great detail, a quantitative model for how these steps collectively control cytokine production has not been established. Here we developed a minimal computational model that quantitatively links extracellular stimulation of two prominent ionotropic purinergic receptors, P2X4 and P2X7, with the graded production of a gene product, namely the tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) cytokine. In addition to Ca2+ handling mechanisms common to eukaryotic cells, our model includes microglia‐specific processes including ATP‐dependent P2X4 and P2X7 activation, activation of nuclear factor of activated T‐cells (NFAT) transcription factors, and TNFα production. Parameters for this model were optimized to reproduce published data for these processes, where available. With this model, we determined the propensity for TNFα production in microglia, subject to a wide range of ATP exposure amplitudes, frequencies and durations that the cells could encounter in vivo. Furthermore, we have investigated the extent to which modulation of the signal transduction pathways influence TNFα production. Our results suggest that pulsatile stimulation of P2X4 via micromolar ATP may be sufficient to promote TNFα production, whereas high‐amplitude ATP exposure is necessary for production via P2X7. Furthermore, under conditions that increase P2X4 expression, for instance, following activation by pathogen‐associated molecular factors, P2X4‐associated TNFα production is greatly enhanced. Given that Ca2+ homeostasis in microglia is profoundly important to its function, this computational model provides a quantitative framework to explore hypotheses pertaining to microglial physiology.
On the trends and application of pattern density dependent isofocal dose of positive resists for 100 keV electron beam lithography
Authors: Lopez Gerald G. , de Villafranca Glen , Azadi Mohsen , Metzler Meredith G. , Lister Kevin , Labella Michael , Eichfeld Chad , Belic Nikola , Hofmann Ulrich
Published: November 2018

This work examines the isofocality of four commercially available positive resists for electron beam lithography (EBL) at 100 keV: AR-P 6200 (commercially known as CSAR 62) by AllResist GmbH, ZEP520A by Zeon Corp., polymethylmethacrylate 950 A4 (950k molecular weight in anisole) by MicroChem Corp., and mr-PosEBR 0.3 by Micro Resist Technology GmbH. Isofocality is the operating point in a given process where a specific dose (namely, the isofocal dose) results in the same feature size (isofocal feature) independent of the effective blur (blureff). The blureff is a lumped parameter that includes the effects of resist processing, spot size, beam focus, forward scattering, etc., which contributes to the final resist image. The isofocal feature is typically larger than the drawn target critical dimension (CD). The difference between the isofocal feature size and the CD target defines the isofocal bias. By analyzing the exposure latitudes across 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% pattern densities (ρ) with feature sizes ranging from 100 to 400 nm, the approximate pattern density dependent isofocal doses (IFDρ) and isofocal biases (IFΔρ) are identified for a silicon substrate across all four resists given their fixed processes at 100 keV. Examining the trends in isofocality in these positive resist processes, the proximity effect correction is adjusted to provide the empirically found IFDρ for 100 keV EBL on a silicon substrate.