bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent affective and linguistic prosody with the same emotional valence elicits a late positive ERP response
Authors: Zora Hatice , Rudner Mary , Montell Magnusson Anna K.
Published: December 2019

Change in linguistic prosody generates a mismatch negativity response (MMN), indicating neural representation of linguistic prosody, while change in affective prosody generates a positive response (P3a), reflecting its motivational salience. However, the neural response to concurrent affective and linguistic prosody is unknown. The present paper investigates the integration of these two prosodic features in the brain by examining the neural response to separate and concurrent processing by electroencephalography (EEG). A spoken pair of Swedish words—[ˈfɑ́ːsɛn] phase and [ˈfɑ̀ːsɛn] damn—that differed in emotional semantics due to linguistic prosody was presented to 16 subjects in an angry and neutral affective prosody using a passive auditory oddball paradigm. Acoustically matched pseudowords—[ˈvɑ́ːsɛm] and [ˈvɑ̀ːsɛm]—were used as controls. Following the constructionist concept of emotions, accentuating the conceptualization of emotions based on language, it was hypothesized that concurrent affective and linguistic prosody with the same valence—angry [ˈfɑ̀ːsɛn] damn—would elicit a unique late EEG signature, reflecting the temporal integration of affective voice with emotional semantics of prosodic origin. In accordance, linguistic prosody elicited an MMN at 300–350 ms, and affective prosody evoked a P3a at 350–400 ms, irrespective of semantics. Beyond these responses, concurrent affective and linguistic prosody evoked a late positive component (LPC) at 820–870 ms in frontal areas, indicating the conceptualization of affective prosody based on linguistic prosody. This study provides evidence that the brain does not only distinguish between these two functions of prosody but also integrates them based on language and experience.
Systematic Review: Acupuncture vs Standard Pharmacological Therapy for Migraine Prevention
Authors: Zhang Niushen , Houle Tim , Hindiyeh Nada , Aurora Sheena K.
Published: December 2019

Background

Standard pharmacological treatment of migraine has many shortcomings. Acupuncture is becoming a more widely used therapy for the prevention and treatment of migraine, but its effectiveness is still in question when compared to the pharmacological treatments even though very few of these have Class A and B evidence for migraine prevention. This is a systematic review of data from existing randomized trials that compare the effectiveness of acupuncture treatment with conventional migraine preventative medications.

Methods

Custom‐designed strategy was used for searching Pubmed (includes MEDLINE), Scopus (includes EMBASE). The inclusion criteria were English language and randomized trials. No date restriction was utilized. We included randomized trials and randomized controlled trials in adult patients that compared the clinical effects of acupuncture with a standard migraine preventive medication in patients with a diagnosis of chronic or episodic migraine with or without aura. We excluded letters and studies on acupuncture for headaches other than migraine. Two reviewers checked eligibility; extracted information on patients, interventions, methods, and results; and assessed the quality of the acupuncture intervention based on the American Academy of Neurology Classification of evidence matrix for therapeutic trials. The present review was not registered.

Results

Out of the 706 search results, 7 clinical trials, with a total of 1430 participants, met inclusion criteria for trials comparing the effectiveness of acupuncture to standard pharmacologic treatment. Several of the studies showed acupuncture to be more effective than standard pharmacological treatments for migraine prevention; however, methodological heterogeneity precluded aggregation of these data.

Conclusions

There is growing evidence that acupuncture is just as effective and has fewer side effects than many of the standard pharmaceutical agents that are currently used. However, the heterogeneity of the existing studies limits the effective comparison and analysis.
EFI region 8 Balkan external proficiency testing for HLA typing: Results of 15 years
Authors: Kekik Cinar Cigdem , Usta Akgul Sebahat , Temurhan Sonay , Senturk Ciftci Hayriye , Ogret Yeliz , Karahan Gonca Emel , Oguz Fatma Savran
Published: December 2019

Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Medical Biology, as the first EFI‐accredited HLA laboratory in Turkey since 1999 has been organizing both national and international quality control tests for HLA typing under the banner of the “Balkan external proficiency testing (BEPT)” encompassing countries from EFI regions 8. The first round of BEPT in 2004 was organized for low‐resolution HLA‐A,‐B typing by molecular methods and 12 centres participated in the exercise. In 2005, low‐resolution HLA‐DR typing was added, and in 2007, low‐resolution HLA‐C and DQ typing were added to the exercise and 28 centres participated. In 2015, high‐resolution (four digits or higher typing) HLA‐A,‐B,‐C,‐DR and –DQ typing added to the exercise and 40 centres participated. In the last 2 years, 2017 and 2018, the number of participating centres increased to 48 and 52, respectively. When the distribution of low‐resolution typing methods applied in the exercises were investigated, it was found that 82% of the centres in the first round of BEPT in 2004 used PCR‐SSP, whereas in the last round in 2018, 26% of the centres preferred SSP, while the rest used SSO (50%) or SSP and SSO (24%) methods. Methods for high‐resolution typing were SBT (41%), NGS (18%), SSO (18%), SSP (6%), SBT + NGS (6%) and SBT + SSP (11%). In 15th trial for BEPT, nomenclature mistake rate was 12%, and erroneous result rate was 6% for HLA samples. The most common mistakes in the exercises were nomenclature mistakes. The EFI Standards Version 7.0 is stated "HLA type can be reported using a hyphen if homozygosity is not proven by family studies." In order to provide standard results among HLA laboratories and since accurate HLA typing leads to significant increase of graft and patient survival, quality control exercises should be performed in all HLA‐based tests periodically.
Using a supervised machine learning algorithm for detecting faking good in a personality self‐report
Authors: Calanna Pierpaolo , Lauriola Marco , Saggino Aristide , Tommasi Marco , Furlan Sarah
Published: December 2019

We developed a supervised machine learning classifier to identify faking good by analyzing item response patterns of a Big Five personality self‐report. We used a between‐subject design, dividing participants (N = 548) into two groups and manipulated their faking behavior via instructions given prior to administering the self‐report. We implemented a simple classifier based on the Lie scale's cutoff score and several machine learning models fitted either to the personality scale scores or to the items response patterns. Results shown that the best machine learning classifier—based on the XGBoost algorithm and fitted to the item responses—was better at detecting faked profiles than the Lie scale classifier.
The effects of hypertension and diabetes on new‐onset chronic kidney disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Miao , Li Junjuan , Li Yao , Yao Siyu , Zhao Maoxiang , Wang Chi , Wu Shouling , Xue Hao
Published: December 2019

The study aimed to determine the different status of hypertension and diabetes on the risk of new‐onset chronic kidney disease (CKD) events in Kailuan Study. A total of 21 905 individuals were enrolled in the study. The new‐onset incidents of CKD, hypertension, and diabetes were collected in the follow‐ups. All the individuals were divided into five groups according to baseline and follow‐up hypertension and diabetes status: baseline hypertension (BH), baseline hypertension and incidence of diabetes (BHID), baseline diabetes (BD), baseline diabetes and incidence of hypertension (BDIH), and baseline hypertension and diabetes (BHD). The risk of new‐onset CKD of the five groups was calculated using the Cox regression analysis. In the median follow‐up of 7.05 ± 2.59 years, the prevalence of new‐onset CKD in the group of BH, BHID, BD, BDIH, and BHD were 27.1, 43.79, 25.4, 36.6, and 45.1 per 1000 years, respectively. When adjusted possible confounders, the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of new‐onset CKD were 1.50 (95% CI: 1.38‐1.63), 1.25(95% CI: 1.07‐1.47), and 1.52 (95% CI: 1.35‐1.7) in the group of BHID, BDIH, and BHD, respectively, as referred to the BH group (P < .001). No obvious difference was observed in the group of BH and BD for the incidence of new‐onset CKD. Sensitivity analysis still showed the similar results among the five groups. The study showed that the effect of simple hypertension or simple diabetes on new‐onset CKD was not significantly different, but the incidence of new‐onset hypertension or diabetes increased the risk of new‐onset CKD. Hypertension and diabetes had a synergistic influence on the risk of new‐onset CKD.
Assessing costs of a hypertension management program: An application of the HEARTS costing tool in a program planning workshop in Thailand
Authors: Husain Muhammad Jami , Allaire Benjamin T. , Hutchinson Brian , Ketgudee Lalida , Srisuthisak Sasamon , Yueayai Khanuengnij , Pisitpayat Nichakul , Nugent Rachel , Datta Biplab Kumar , Joseph Kristy T. , Kostova Deliana
Published: December 2019

The HEARTS technical package, a part of the Global Hearts Initiative to improve cardiovascular health globally, is a strategic approach for cardiovascular disease prevention and control at the primary care level. To support the evaluation of costs associated with HEARTS program components, a costing tool was developed to evaluate the incremental cost of program implementation. This report documents an application of the HEARTS costing tool during a costing workshop prior to the initiation of a HEARTS pilot program in Thailand's Phothong District, 2019‐2020. During the workshop, a mock exercise was conducted to estimate the expected costs of the pilot study. The workshop application of the tool underscored its applicability to the HEARTS program planning process by identifying cost drivers associated with individual program elements. It further illustrated that by supporting disaggregation of costs into fixed and variable categories, the tool can inform the scalability of pilot projects to larger populations. Lessons learned during the initial development and application of the costing tool can inform future HEARTS evaluation efforts.
Phylogeographic and phenotypic outcomes of brown anole colonization across the Caribbean provide insight into the beginning stages of an adaptive radiation
Authors: Reynolds Robert Graham , Kolbe Jason J. , Glor Richard E. , López‐Darias Marta , Gómez Pourroy C. Verónica , Harrison Alexis S. , de Queiroz Kevin , Revell Liam J. , Losos Jonathan B.
Published: December 2019

Some of the most important insights into the ecological and evolutionary processes of diversification and speciation have come from studies of island adaptive radiations, yet relatively little research has examined how these radiations initiate. We suggest thatAnolis sagreiis a candidate for understanding the origins of the CaribbeanAnolisadaptive radiation and how a colonizing anole species begins to undergo allopatric diversification, phenotypic divergence and, potentially, speciation. We undertook a genomic and morphological analysis of representative populations across the entire native range ofA. sagrei, finding that the species originated in the early Pliocene, with the deepest divergence occurring between western and eastern Cuba. Lineages from these two regions subsequently colonized the northern Caribbean. We find that at the broadest scale, populations colonizing areas with fewer closely related competitors tend to evolve larger body size and more lamellae on their toepads. This trend follows expectations for post‐colonization divergence from progenitors and convergence in allopatry, whereby populations freed from competition with close relatives evolve towards common morphological and ecological optima. Taken together, our results show a complex history of ancient and recent Cuban diaspora with populations on competitor‐poor islands evolving away from their ancestral Cuban populations regardless of their phylogenetic relationships, thus providing insight into the original diversification of colonist anoles at the beginning of the radiation. Our research also supplies an evolutionary framework for the many studies of this increasingly important species in ecological and evolutionary research.
Evaluation of downward movements of Japanese eel Anguilla japonica inhabiting brackish water areas
Authors: Wakiya Ryoshiro , Kaifu Kenzo , Azechi Kazuhisa , Tsukamoto Katsumi , Mochioka Noritaka
Published: December 2019

This study evaluated the size and age distributions and otolith microchemistry of the Japanese eel Anguilla japonica in freshwater and brackish water areas in the Aki and Tsuchikawa rivers for 1 year, and in brackish water areas in the Asahi River for 3 years to understand the movements of Japanese eels between continental habitats of different salinity after recruitment (n = 759). For all three rivers, the total length (LT) and age distributions were consistent; yellow eels captured in the upper brackish water (Aki River: 353.5 ± 77.4 mm and 3.0 ± 0.8 years; Tsuchikawa River: 287.7 ± 87.3 mm and 3.7 ± 1.3 years; Asahi River: 418.2 ± 112.1 mm and 4.2 ± 1.7 years) were smaller and younger than not only those in the fresh water of the two rivers but also those in the lowest brackish water sampling areas (Aki River: 436.0 ± 71.6 mm and 3.8 ± 1.1 years; Tsuchikawa River: 370.9 ± 121.7 mm and 4.9 ± 2.3 years; Asahi River: 558.5 ± 85.9 mm and 5.7 ± 1.7 years). In the Asahi River, these tendencies were found throughout the 3 years. Otolith analysis indicated that the majority of the eels captured in the lowest brackish water areas had moved down from upstream. These results suggest that Japanese eels inhabiting saline water generally move from the upper estuary as they grow. The upper estuary can be an important area for the management of this species because these eels spend their early continental growth life there.
Cerebral atrophy in 21 hypotonic infants with severe vitamin B12 deficiency
Authors: Acıpayam Can , Güneş Hatice , Güngör Olcay , İpek Sevcan , Sarışık Nafiz , Demir Nurcan Ş
Published: December 2019

Aim

Nutritional B12 deficiency is a treatable cause of neurodevelopmental delay in infants. We report 21 infants with developmental regression and brain atrophy as revealed using cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), secondary to severe vitamin B12 deficiency.

Methods

Twenty‐one infants aged 4–24 months with B12 deficiencies who were admitted to our clinic between May 2013 and May 2018 were included in the study. MRI, bone marrow aspiration and the Denver‐II Developmental Screening Test were performed in all infants.

Results

The mean age of the infants was 12.3 months, and the mean B12 level was 70.15 ± 32.15 ng/L. Hypotonia and neurodevelopmental retardation, and anaemia were present in all patients. Their bone marrow examinations were compatible with megaloblastic anaemia. Twelve patients had microcephaly, seven had tremor and one patient died of severe sepsis. Almost all patients were fed with breast milk and their mothers were also malnourished. Nine (42.9%) of the patients were Turkish and 12 (57.1%) were Syrian. All patients had abnormal Denver‐II Developmental Screening Test scores. Most patients had severe cortical atrophy, cerebral effusion, thinning of the corpus callosum and delayed myelinisation in cranial MRI. Treatment with B12 resulted in dramatic improvement in general activity and appetite within 72 h. Tremors resolved in all cases.

Conclusion

Neurological findings and developmental delay related to nutritional B12 deficiency can be prevented without sequelae if diagnosed early. Screening and treating of mothers for this deficiency will contribute to the health of both the mother and their feeding infant.
Molecular structure and function of the carboxy‐terminus of the alpha‐toxin from Clostridium perfringens type A
Authors: Xu Chongli , She Yuhan , Lin Yimin , Xu Chongbo
Published: December 2019

In order to interpret the molecular structure and biological characteristics of Clostridium perfringens alpha‐toxin (CPA), the CPA251‐370 gene was cloned and the 120 amino acid carboxy terminal of CPA (CPA251‐370) was obtained. The secondary and three‐dimensional (3D) structures of CPA251‐370 were predicted. The secondary structure of CPA251‐370 consisted primarily of 35.48% β‐sheets and 44.35% random coils. Compared with the CPA toxin consisting of 10 α‐helices and eight β‐sheets, the 3D structure of CPA251‐370 only contained eight β‐sheets. The circular dichroism (CD) spectrum detection showed that the CD spectrum of CPA251‐370 changed slightly compared with the CD spectrum of CPA. Biological activity assays showed that CPA251‐370 had lost the phospholipase C (PLC) activity and haemolytic activity of CPA. More importantly, the mice immunized with CPA251‐370 were protected against a challenge with 1 MLD C. perfringens type A strain C57‐1. This study laid a solid foundation for explaining the relationship between molecular structure and biological characteristics of CPA in the future. Our research also provides CPA251‐370 as a candidate strains for genetic engineering subunit vaccines of C. perfringens type A.
Campaigns and the Selection of Policy‐Seeking Representatives
Authors: Bowler Shaun , McElroy Gail , Müller Stefan
Published: December 2019

Can voters learn meaningful information about candidates from their electoral campaigns? As with job market hiring, voters, like employers, cannot know the productivity of candidates, especially challengers, when they elect them. The real productivity of representatives only reveals itself after the election. We explore if the information revealed during the “hiring process” is a good signal of the legislative effort of elected representatives. In the incomplete information environment of election campaigns, candidates should turn to credible signals to indicate their “type” to voters. Campaigns—and campaigning—are means by which candidates can, in principle, signal their motivations to voters. Is a candidate’s behavior on the campaign trail informative about his or her behavior and effort as a legislator? Does it, for example, reveal whether a candidate will be more hard working and legislatively active? Using evidence from the European Parliament, we show that campaign activity prior to the election is not related to policy‐seeking behavior in the legislature post‐election. The finding also holds in two national‐level settings and across a variety of measures of legislative effort. Those who campaign harder do seem more likely to win the election, but campaign effort seems to provide a poor guide to what the winner does once elected.
Circumventing Legislative Committees: The US Senate
Authors: Howard Nicholas O. , Owens Mark E.
Published: December 2019

Committees have been established to improve legislation and make expert recommendations. However, many bills do not appear in committees, and how they reach the Senate floor varies in style and strategy. We develop and test expectations for when, as well as how, bills bypass Senate committee proceedings. The procedures legislators use to circumvent committees and what makes committee bypassing more probable are explored. The findings clearly demonstrate that bills introduced by ideologically extreme minority‐party members are more likely to bypass committees. We also show a clear shift in the procedural choices senators make as the Senate becomes increasingly polarized. This article highlights the procedural choices members make, how these choices produce differing outcomes, and suggests evidence of positive agenda power for individual minority‐party senators.
Time use and sexual maturity−related indicators differentially predict youth body mass indices, Peruvian girls versus boys
Authors: Schott Whitney , Aurino Elisabetta , Penny Mary E. , Behrman Jere R.
Published: December 2019

Rapid development in Latin America has been accompanied by lifestyle shifts, including changes in time use and social environments. Overweight/obesity has also emerged as a public health challenge. We examined whether lifestyle changes and sexual maturity−related indicators (early pubertal development and having a child) predict increases in adiposity among Peruvian youth. Using longitudinal data from Young Lives, we examined changes in adiposity between ages 8 and 15 years old for the younger cohort and ages 15 and 22 years old for the older cohort. Boys and girls in both cohorts demonstrated substantial increases in age‐adjusted adiposity measures, but predictors were different for boys versus girls. For boys, increases in time spent in work and domestic chores predicted increases in adiposity body mass index and BMI‐for‐age Z‐score and increases in time spent sleeping were associated with decreases in adiposity (waist circumference and waist‐to‐height ratio). For girls, sexual maturity−related indicators (early menarche and childbearing) predicted increases in adiposity, regardless of time use. Potential mechanisms for these results may include diet, physical activity, wealth, and urban−rural residence. Time use among youth was associated with diet quality and physical activity, but in different ways for boys versus girls. Strategies for dealing with rising overweight and obesity should incorporate sex‐based specificities.
From pup to predator: generalized hidden Markov models reveal rapid development of movement strategies in a naïve long‐lived vertebrate
Authors: Carter Matt I. D. , McClintock Brett T. , Embling Clare B. , Bennett Kimberley A. , Thompson Dave , Russell Debbie J. F.
Published: December 2019

Rapid development of a successful foraging strategy is critical for juvenile survival, especially for naïve animals that receive no parental guidance. However, this process is poorly understood for many species. Although observation of early‐life movements is increasingly possible with miniaturisation of animal‐borne telemetry devices, analytical limitations remain. Here, we tracked 29 recently‐weaned grey seal Halichoerus grypus pups from colonies in two geographically distinct regions of the United Kingdom. We analysed at‐sea movements of pups throughout their initial months of nutritional independence to investigate the ontogeny of behaviour‐specific (foraging and travelling) movement patterns. Using generalized hidden Markov models (HMMs), we extended the conventional HMM framework to account for temporal changes in putative foraging and travelling movement characteristics, and investigate the effects of intrinsic (sex) and extrinsic (environment) factors on this process. Putative foraging behaviour became more tortuous with time, and travelling became faster and more directed, suggesting a reduction in search scale and an increase in travel efficiency as pups shifted from exploration to an adult‐like repeatable foraging strategy. Sex differences in movement characteristics were evident from colony departure, but sex‐specific activity budgets were only detected in one region. We show that sex‐specific behavioural strategies emerge before sexual size dimorphism in grey seals, and suggest that this phenomenon may occur in other long‐lived species. Our results also indicate that environmental variation may affect the emergence of sex‐specific foraging behaviour, highlighting the need to consider interacting intrinsic and extrinsic factors in shaping movement strategies of long‐lived vertebrates. Moreover, comparing the behavioural state estimations to those of a conventional HMM (no variation in state‐specific movement parameters) revealed differences in the amount and location of foraging activity, with implications for spatial conservation management. Overlooking intrinsic and extrinsic variation in movement processes could distort our understanding of foraging ecology, population dynamics and conservation requirements.
Accuracy of component‐resolved diagnostics in peanut allergy: Systematic literature review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Nilsson Caroline , Berthold Malin , Mascialino Barbara , Orme Michelle E , Sjölander Sigrid , Hamilton Robert G
Published: December 2019

Background

Peanut allergy diagnosis relies on clinical reactivity to peanut supported by detection of specific IgE (sIgE) antibodies. Extract‐based sIgE tests have low specificity, so component‐resolved diagnostics may complement whole‐extract testing.

Methods

We systematically collected peanut allergen component data in seven databases and studied the diagnostic accuracy of peanut storage proteins (Arah1, 2, 3) and cross‐reactive peanut proteins (Arah8 PR‐10 and Arah9 lipid transfer protein) through meta‐analyses. The systematic literature review included studies employing peanut components and oral food challenge (OFC) as reference standard in patients suspected of peanut allergy. Data for component sIgE at pre‐defined detection thresholds were extracted and combined in random‐effects bivariate meta‐analyses. Risk of bias was assessed as recommended by Cochrane, with two additional quality items of importance for this review.

Results

Nineteen eligible studies presented data suitable for meta‐analysis. In cross‐sectional pediatric studies, the pooled sensitivity of Arah2‐sIgE at 0.35 kUA/L cutoff was 83.3% [95% CI 75.6, 88.9] and specificity in diagnosing objective peanut allergy was 83.6% [95% CI 77.4, 88.4]. Compared with 0.1 and 1.0 kUA/L, this threshold provided the best diagnostic accuracy. At 0.35 kUA/L, Arah1 and Arah3 had comparable specificity (86.0% and 88.0%, respectively) but significantly lower sensitivity compared with Arah2 (37.0% and 39.1%, respectively; P < .05).

Conclusion

sIgE to Arah2 can enhance the certainty of diagnosis and reduce the number of OFC necessary to rule out clinical peanut allergy in unclear cases.
Hyperspectral outcrop models for palaeoseismic studies
Authors: Kirsch Moritz , Lorenz Sandra , Zimmermann Robert , Andreani Louis , Tusa Laura , Pospiech Solveig , Jackisch Robert , Khodadadzadeh Mahdi , Ghamisi Pedram , Unger Gabriel , Hödl Philip , Gloaguen Richard , Middleton Maarit , Sutinen Raimo , Ojala Antti , Mattila Jussi , Nordbäck Nicklas , Palmu Jukka‐Pekka , Tiljander Mia , Ruskeeniemi Timo
Published: December 2019

The traditional study of palaeoseismic trenches, involving logging, stratigraphic and structural interpretation, can be time consuming and affected by biases and inaccuracies. To overcome these limitations, a new workflow is presented that integrates infrared hyperspectral and photogrammetric data to support field‐based palaeoseismic observations. As a case study, this method is applied on two palaeoseismic trenches excavated across a post‐glacial fault scarp in northern Finnish Lapland. The hyperspectral imagery (HSI) is geometrically and radiometrically corrected, processed using established image processing algorithms and machine learning approaches, and co‐registered to a structure‐from‐motion point cloud. HSI‐enhanced virtual outcrop models are a useful complement to palaeoseismic field studies as they not only provide an intuitive visualisation of the outcrop and a versatile data archive, but also enable an unbiased assessment of the mineralogical composition of lithologic units and a semi‐automatic delineation of contacts and deformational structures in a 3D virtual environment.
Virulence variability across the Alternaria spp. population determines incidence and severity of alternaria leaf spot on rapeseed
Authors: Al‐lami Hebba F. D. , You Ming P. , Mohammed Akeel E. , Barbetti Martin J.
Published: December 2019

Alternaria leaf spot of Brassicaceae can be a devastating disease caused by several species of Alternaria. Differences in virulence (disease incidence and severity) and consequent defoliation were evaluated for 101 isolates across 10 Alternaria spp. (Alternaria alternata, A. brassicae, A. conjuncta, A. ethzedia, A. eureka, A. hordeicola, A. infectoria, A. japonica, A. metachromatica, and A. tenuissima) on seedlings of Brassica napus ‘Thunder TT’. In terms of disease incidence, severity, and defoliation, all isolates tested were virulent, but levels of isolate virulence varied within and between Alternaria spp. tested. Virulence also varied in relation to the disease assessment parameter used. A. japonica showed the highest virulence and overall mean values of percentage leaf disease incidence (%LDI 97.5), percentage leaf area diseased (%LAD 90.0) and percentage leaf senescence index (%LSI 70.0), followed by A. brassicae with 65.0, 55.0, and 35.0, A. ethzedia with 50.9, 41.8, and 15.9, and A. alternata with 48.4, 41.1, and 14.8, for %LDI, %LAD, and %LSI, respectively. The remaining Alternaria spp. also expressed varying levels of virulence in relation to the particular disease parameter used. These findings highlight the variation in relative levels of virulence, in terms of disease incidence, severity, and defoliation, within and between Alternaria spp. associated with leaf spot on rapeseed and reflect the relative importance of different pathogen populations of Alternaria spp. In particular, the potential of A. japonica and A. ethzedia to be significant pathogens of rapeseed in Australia, along with A. brassicae and A. alternata, is highlighted.
Out‐of‐home care placements of children and adolescents born preterm: A register‐based cohort study
Authors: Alenius Suvi , Kajantie Eero , Sund Reijo , Nurhonen Markku , Näsänen‐Gilmore Pieta , Vääräsmäki Marja , Gissler Mika , Hovi Petteri
Published: December 2019

Background

Preterm birth predisposes to child protection action in the form out‐of‐home care. The impact of the degree of preterm birth on the likelihood for OHC placement(s) and their timing is unknown.

Methods

This population‐based register‐linkage study assessed the likelihood of OHC placement in different gestational age groups using multivariable Cox regression models. All 193 033 traceable singleton (8324 preterm, 4.3%) liveborn in Finland (January 1987‐September 1990), as the first index child of each mother within the cohort period, were followed up until their 18th birthday.

Results

A total of 6562 children (3.4%) experienced OHC. In comparison with full‐term children (39‐41 weeks), those born at 23‐33 completed weeks were predisposed to OHC (hazard ratio [HR] 2.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.74, 2.56). For those born late preterm (34‐36 weeks) and early term (37‐38 weeks), the HR were 1.54 (95% CI 1.37, 1.73) and 1.19 (95% CI 1.12, 1.26), respectively. Adjustment for parental and child characteristics attenuated the HRs: 23‐33 weeks: 1.31 (95% CI 1.07, 1.59), 34‐36 weeks: 1.17 (95% CI 1.04, 1.31), and 37‐38 weeks: 1.08 (95% CI 1.02, 1.16). However, the adjusted HRs for first OHC entries at 0‐5 years of age were higher: 23‐33 weeks 2.29 (95% CI 1.72, 3.05), 34‐36 weeks 1.76 (95% CI 1.46, 2.13), and 37‐38 weeks 1.40 (95% CI 1.25, 1.56). Among those born preterm or early term, in comparison with their term born peers, no excess risk for OHC was seen after 5 years.

Conclusions

A dose‐response relationship exists between the level of preterm birth and OHC placement risk. OHC placements are more common among early and late preterm, and early term children, compared with those born full term, and occur at younger age. Perinatal and postnatal adverse circumstances appear to explain the phenomenon only partly.
Outbreak‐BasedGiardiaDose–Response Model Using Bayesian Hierarchical Markov Chain Monte Carlo Analysis
Authors: Burch Tucker R.
Published: December 2019

Giardiais a zoonotic gastrointestinal parasite responsible for a substantial global public health burden, and quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA) is often used to forecast and manage this burden. QMRA requires dose–response models to extrapolate available dose–response data, but the existing model forGiardiaignores valuable dose–response information, particularly data from several well‐documented waterborne outbreaks of giardiasis. The current study updatesGiardiadose–response modeling by synthesizing all available data from outbreaks and experimental studies using a Bayesian random effects dose–response model. For outbreaks, mean doses (D) and the degree of spatial and temporal aggregation among cysts were estimated using exposure assessment implemented via two‐dimensional Monte Carlo simulation, while potential overreporting of outbreak cases was handled using published overreporting factors and censored binomial regression. Parameter estimation was by Markov chain Monte Carlo simulation and indicated that a typical exponential dose–response parameter forGiardiaisr= 1.6 × 10−2[3.7 × 10−3, 6.2 × 10−2] (posterior median [95% credible interval]), while a typical morbidity ratio ism= 3.8 × 10−1[2.3 × 10−1, 5.5 × 10−1]. Corresponding (logistic‐scale) variance components wereσr= 5.2 × 10−1[1.1 × 10−1, 9.6 × 10−1] andσm= 9.3 × 10−1[7.0 × 10−2, 2.8 × 100], indicating substantial variation in theGiardiadose–response relationship. Compared to the existingGiardiadose–response model, the current study provides more representative estimation of uncertainty inrand novel quantification of its natural variability. Several options for incorporating variability inr(andm) into QMRA predictions are discussed, including incorporation via Monte Carlo simulation as well as evaluation of the current study's model using the approximate beta‐Poisson.
Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) provision with a pediatric helmet for treatment of hypoxemic acute respiratory failure in dogs
Authors: Ceccherini Gianila , Lippi Ilaria , Citi Simonetta , Perondi Francesca , Pamapanini Michela , Guidi Grazia , Briganti Angela
Published: December 2019

Objective

To evaluate arterial blood gas parameters and pulmonary radiography, before and after provision of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) via a pediatric helmet in dogs with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure.

Design

Single‐center, observational study conducted from 2016 to 2017.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Seventeen dogs presenting with clinical signs compatible with respiratory failure, confirmed by arterial blood gas analyses.

Interventions

For each animal arterial blood samples and thoracic radiographs were performed at arrival (T0). Hypoxemic dogs (PaO2 <80 mm Hg), without evidence of pneumothorax or pleural effusion, received CPAP ventilation via a pediatric Helmet for at least 1 hour. At the end of CPAP ventilation, a second arterial blood gas analysis was performed at room air (T1). The F‐shunt was also calculated.

Measurement and Main Results

Respiratory rate, heart rate and rhythm, mean blood pressure, mucosal membrane color, and rectal temperature were recorded. Tolerance to the helmet was evaluated using a predetermined scoring system. Two dogs were excluded from the study for low tolerance to the helmet. In 15 of 17 dogs, a significant difference between T0 and T1 was noted for PaO2 (60.84 ± 3 mm Hg vs 80.2 ± 5.5 mm Hg), P(A‐a)O2 (52.4 ± 4.4 mm Hg vs 35.2 ± 6 mm Hg), PaO2/FiO2 (289.7 ± 14.3 vs 371 ± 21), and %SO2 (91.3 vs 98.8). In 15 of 17 dogs, the helmet was well tolerated. F‐shunt significantly decreased following provision of CPAP (37%; range, 8.4–68% vs 6%; range, −5.6–64.3%).

Conclusion

The use of a pediatric helmet appears to be a suitable device for delivery of CPAP in dogs with hypoxemic acute respiratory failure. The device appears to be reasonably tolerated and improved oxygenation in most dogs.
Acemoglu Joins Mankiw: Effect of Institutions in Growth Through Human Capital
Authors: Gama Fabio , Bastos Suzana Quinet de Andrade , Cardoso Guilherme
Published: December 2019

Starting from the Augmented Solow Model developed by Mankiw, Romer, & Weil (1992), the present paper considered new perspectives in which institutions are considered “fundamental determinants” to explain economic growth. Through the data panel methodology, and with information for the years 2000, 2005 and 2010 from 87 countries, we used the interactive variables mechanism to verify whether the relationship between human capital and GDP per capita is encouraged by the institutions. The results indicate a positive relationship between economic and political institutions with the effect of education on per capita growth of countries, with greater influence of the former.
Prevalence of Motorcycle Helmet Use in Kathmandu, Nepal: An Observational Study
Authors: Thygerson Steven M. , House Marion J. , Chaney Robbie , Sanjel Seshananda
Published: December 2019

This study investigated the rate of helmet use among motorcycle drivers and passengers in Kathmandu, Nepal during the Fall of 2016, and compared helmet use rates based on highways, main roads and secondary roads in the city. The study design involved cross-sectional observations along roadways in Kathmandu, Nepal. The following variables were studied: helmet use, gender, age category (youth, adult, elder), and type of road (highway, main road, secondary road). Statistical analysis included general behavioral prevalence, relationship comparison via Fisher’s Exact Test, and odds ratios. A total of 1878 observations were made at 14 locations in Kathmandu; n=1321 observations of motorcycle drivers and n=557 observations of motorcycle passengers. Nearly all drivers used helmets (0.994 [1313/1321]; 95% CI: [0.988, 0.997]), whereas the vast majority of passengers did not wear helmets (0.014 [8/557]; 95% CI: [0.004, 0.021]). Helmet use was significantly different between drivers and passengers (
Portfolio Managers on the Colombian Open-End Mutual Fund Industry: Performance, downside risk and persistence
Authors: Pulga Vivas Fredy Alexander , Macías Joven María Teresa
Published: December 2019

This study explores whether Colombian mutual funds deliver abnormal risk-adjusted returns and delves on their persistence. Through traditional and downside risk measures based on Modern Portfolio Theory and Lower Partial Moments, this article evaluates the performance of 146 mutual funds categorized by investment type and fund manager. This assessment suggests that mutual funds underperform the market and deliver real returns. Similarly, bond funds underperform equity funds, and investment trusts underperform brokerage firms as managers. Furthermore, bond funds and funds managed by investment trusts exhibit short-term performance persistence. These results suggest that investors may pursue passive investment strategies, and that they must analyze past performance to invest in the short-term.
Satisfacción laboral y salud: Un análisis de efectos directos e indirectos en gerentes argentinos
Authors: Pujol-Cols Lucas , Foutel Marina
Published: December 2019

Este estudio examina la prevalencia de un conjunto de síntomas relacionados con la salud física y mental en una muestra de 124 gerentes argentinos. Subsecuentemente, analiza los efectos directos e indirectos de la satisfacción laboral sobre la salud. Los análisis de prevalencia revelan que más del 75% de los directivos suelen sentirse estresados, cansados, tensos, nerviosos, desanimados y/o agotados mentalmente. Además, entre el 10% y el 35% suelen experimentar dolores de espalda, problemas de sueño, dolores de cabeza, indigestión ácida, tensión ocular, fatiga, trastornos estomacales, erupciones cutáneas y/o diarrea. El análisis de ecuaciones estructurales muestra que la satisfacción laboral ejerce un efecto indirecto sobre la salud física a través de la salud mental.
Promoción de la salud escolar y medio ambiente: revisión de la literatura
Authors: Sarmiento González Paola , Chinchilla Salcedo Tania Catalina , Niño Hernández Cesar Augusto , Mayorga Álvarez Jorge Humberto , Sánchez Herrera Beatriz
Published: December 2019

Se ha demostrado que el medio ambiente es definitivo en el desarrollo de los niños y niñas en edad escolar, y que este debe ser considerado para promover su salud. El presente estudio analizó la literatura mundial sobre promoción de la salud escolar en relación con el medio ambiente, mediante una búsqueda integradora que incluyó artículos indexados bajo los descriptores salud escolar, promoción de la salud y medio ambiente, entre 2014 y 2017, sin límites idiomáticos ni geográficos. De las 106 referencias reportadas, 40 que cumplieron criterios de selección se reportan con un análisis bibliométrico, la clasificación de ambiente, el nivel de evidencia y las categorías según su contenido. Aunque la evidencia reportada es débil, se ratifica que la promoción de la salud escolar se relaciona estrechamente con el medio ambiente en niveles que van desde el personal hasta el cultural y social. Los contenidos de esta literatura se agrupan en seis categorías: interacciones y comportamiento ciudadano, ambiente e hidratación, ambiente y actividad física, manejar condiciones especiales de salud, ambiente y nutrición, y políticas que promueven la salud en la escuela.
El valor económico de la vacuna contra dengue: un estudio de valoración contingente
Authors: Chung-Delgado Kocfa , Navarro Huaman Laura
Published: December 2019

El dengue ha presentado rápido crecimiento a nivel mundial. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar la disponibilidad a pagar (DAP) para valorar económicamente el acceso a una vacuna contra dengue y sus factores asociados. Se ejecutó un estudio de valoración contingente de tipo trasversal, que evaluó la DAP y factores asociados en la población de Piura, Perú. Se empleó un cuestionario heteroaplicado de formato binario-dicotómico doble de elección discreta, en modalidad de entrevista personal. Se incluyeron 371 individuos en el análisis. La mediana de DAP máxima fue S/. 210 (Nuevo Sol Peruano, PEN). Las variables asociadas a una compra de la vacuna fueron ser profesional de salud, educación superior y antecedente personal y familiar de dengue. La definición del precio es un elemento clave para el desarrollo y parametrización de este nuevo mercado. Autoridades sanitarias deben tomar en consideración la evidencia económica disponible para diseñar intervenciones sostenibles para esta nueva tecnología.
Simulation of Cavity Extension Formation in the Early Ignition Stage Based on a Coal Block Gasification Experiment
Authors: Xin Lin , Li Jian , Xie Jun , Li Chao , Han Limin , An Mingyu , Xu Min , Wang Zhigang
Published: December 2019

Underground coal gasification (UCG) is a highly efficient new type of coal mining technology with broad future prospects. In order to study the cavity extension formation in the early ignition stage of UCG, a block coal scale UCG simulation experiment was carried out. The results show that after the ignition, the temperature above ignition point rose fastest, and the coal combustion interface and high temperature area moved toward to the above of ignition point, while the temperature of the left and right sides of ignition point rose a little slowly. According to the results of dissected block coal, it is indicated that the extension scale in the vertical direction was significantly larger than other directions; the combustion cavity form was an irregular rectangle like a pear. The results of this experiment revealed the cavity extension process from ignition of UCG channels to the formation of cavity, which provided a foundation for the study of extension characteristics of UCG channel in the entire UCG process.
Field-effect control of metallic superconducting systems
Authors: Paolucci Federico , De Simoni Giorgio , Solinas Paolo , Strambini Elia , Puglia Claudio , Ligato Nadia , Giazotto Francesco
Published: December 2019

Static electric fields have a negligible influence on the electric and transport properties of a metal because of the screening effect. This belief was extended to conventional metallic superconductors. However, recent experiments have shown that the superconductor properties can be controlled and manipulated by the application of strong electrostatic fields. Here, the authors review the experimental results obtained in the realization of field-effect metallic superconducting devices exploiting this phenomenon. The authors start by presenting the pioneering results on superconducting Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer wires and nanoconstriction Josephson junctions (Dayem bridges) made of different materials, such as titanium, aluminum, and vanadium. Then, the authors show the mastering of the Josephson supercurrent in superconductor-normal metal-superconductor proximity transistors, suggesting that the presence of induced superconducting correlations is enough to see this unconventional field-effect. Later, the authors present the control of the interference pattern in a superconducting quantum interference device, indicating the coupling of the electric field with the superconducting phase. The authors conclude this review by discussing some devices that may represent a breakthrough in superconducting quantum and classical computation.
The pulsar search collaboratory: Current status and future prospects
Authors: Blumer Harsha , McLaughlin Maura A. , Stewart John , Williamson Kathryn , Lorimer Duncan R. , Heatherly Sue Ann , Swiggum Joseph K. , Lynch Ryan S. , Zabriskie Cabot , Lewandowska Natalia , Roy Aubrey , Au Shirley
Published: December 2019

The Pulsar Search Collaboratory (PSC) is a collaboration between the Green Bank Observatory and West Virginia University, funded by the National Science Foundation. The PSC program is currently expanding nationwide and engages high school students, teachers, and undergraduate mentors in real-world research by searching for pulsars in data collected with the 100-m Green Bank Telescope. In the process, students learn about observational radio astronomy, radio frequency interference, pulsar timing, and data analysis procedures. The primary goals of the PSC are to stimulate student interest in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers, to prepare teachers in implementing authentic research with students by training them within a professional scientific community, and to promote student use of information technologies through online activities and workshops. In this paper, we provide an overview of pulsar science and the data analysis students undertake, as well as a general overview of the program. We then discuss evaluation data collected from participants through a series of survey questions to determine if the program's initial goals were met. The program had a positive impact on the students according to multiple measures, in particular, on their understanding of the nature of scientific inquiry and motivation to pursue STEM career paths.
Relationship between heat capacities derived by different but connected approaches
Authors: Liu Ying , Liu Yue , Drew Michael G. B.
Published: December 2019

Deriving the same result with different approaches is not only an interesting experience but is also useful in teaching. Several connected derivations of the relationship between heat capacities, including a novel method, demonstrate this. It is proved that CP−CV≥0, in all cases, even for water in the temperature range of 0−4 °C. Throughout this paper, it is argued that teaching content and concepts is not enough to provide a good education. It is more important to provide students with the experience of how methods solve problems in order to provide them with the ability to develop new concepts and to solve problems in their own research.
Nitric Oxide Improves the Tolerance of Pleurotus ostreatus to Heat Stress by Inhibiting Mitochondrial Aconitase
Authors: Hou Ludan , Zhao Mengran , Huang Chenyang , Wu Xiangli , Zhang Jinxia
Published: December 2019

Heat stress is one of the abiotic stresses that affect the growth and development of edible fungi. Our previous study found that exogenous NO had a protective effect on mycelia under heat stress. However, its regulatory mechanism had not been elucidated. In this study, we found that NO altered the respiratory pathway of mycelia under heat stress by regulating
aco
. The results have enhanced our understanding of NO signaling pathways in
P. ostreatus
.