bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NAV inflation and impact on performance in China
Authors: Shackleton Mark , Yan Jiali , Yao Yaqiong
Published: December 2018

Our study is among the first to examine the net asset value (NAV) inflation practices of fund managers in China, finding that equity funds bolster their portfolios at quarter‐end and especially year‐end. In support of the NAV inflation hypothesis in China, we further document the following: (1) NAV inflation is more profound for the worst‐performing fund managers; and (2) the stocks in which fund managers hold larger stakes exhibit a more marked pattern of price inflation around quarter‐ and year‐ends than do other stocks. We also find that closed‐end funds in China engage in NAV inflation at quarter‐ and year‐ends.
Evolution of the exclusively human pathogen Neisseria gonorrhoeae: Human‐specific engagement of immunoregulatory Siglecs
Authors: Landig Corinna S. , Hazel Ashley , Kellman Benjamin P. , Fong Jerry J. , Schwarz Flavio , Agarwal Sarika , Varki Nissi , Massari Paola , Lewis Nathan E. , Ram Sanjay , Varki Ajit
Published: December 2018

Neisseria gonorrhoeae causes the sexually transmitted disease gonorrhea exclusively in humans and uses multiple strategies to infect, including acquisition of host sialic acids that cap and mask lipooligosaccharide termini, while restricting complement activation. We hypothesized that gonococci selectively target human anti‐inflammatory sialic acid‐recognizing Siglec receptors on innate immune cells to blunt host responses and that pro‐inflammatory Siglecs and SIGLEC pseudogene polymorphisms represent host evolutionary adaptations to counteract this interaction. N. gonorrhoeae can indeed engage multiple human but not chimpanzee CD33rSiglecs expressed on innate immune cells and in the genitourinary tract––including Siglec‐11 (inhibitory) and Siglec‐16 (activating), which we detected for the first time on human cervical epithelium. Surprisingly, in addition to LOS sialic acid, we found that gonococcal porin (PorB) mediated binding to multiple Siglecs. PorB also bound preferentially to human Siglecs and not chimpanzee orthologs, modulating host immune reactions in a human‐specific manner. Lastly, we studied the distribution of null SIGLEC polymorphisms in a Namibian cohort with a high prevalence of gonorrhea and found that uninfected women preferentially harbor functional SIGLEC16 alleles encoding an activating immune receptor. These results contribute to the understanding of the human specificity of N. gonorrhoeae and how it evolved to evade the human immune defense.
Genome‐wide association study of an unusual dolphin mortality event reveals candidate genes for susceptibility and resistance to cetacean morbillivirus
Authors: Batley Kimberley C. , Sandoval‐Castillo Jonathan , Kemper Catherine M. , Attard Catherine R. M. , Zanardo Nikki , Tomo Ikuko , Beheregaray Luciano B. , Möller Luciana M.
Published: December 2018

Infectious diseases are significant demographic and evolutionary drivers of populations, but studies about the genetic basis of disease resistance and susceptibility are scarce in wildlife populations. Cetacean morbillivirus (CeMV) is a highly contagious disease that is increasing in both geographic distribution and incidence, causing unusual mortality events (UME) and killing tens of thousands of individuals across multiple cetacean species worldwide since the late 1980s. The largest CeMV outbreak in the Southern Hemisphere reported to date occurred in Australia in 2013, where it was a major factor in a UME, killing mainly young Indo‐Pacific bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops aduncus). Using cases (nonsurvivors) and controls (putative survivors) from the most affected population, we carried out a genome‐wide association study to identify candidate genes for resistance and susceptibility to CeMV. The genomic data set consisted of 278,147,988 sequence reads and 35,493 high‐quality SNPs genotyped across 38 individuals. Association analyses found highly significant differences in allele and genotype frequencies among cases and controls at 65 SNPs, and Random Forests conservatively identified eight as candidates. Annotation of these SNPs identified five candidate genes (MAPK8, FBXW11, INADL, ANK3 and ACOX3) with functions associated with stress, pain and immune responses. Our findings provide the first insights into the genetic basis of host defence to this highly contagious disease, enabling the development of an applied evolutionary framework to monitor CeMV resistance across cetacean species. Biomarkers could now be established to assess potential risk factors associated with these genes in other CeMV‐affected cetacean populations and species. These results could also possibly aid in the advancement of vaccines against morbilliviruses.
Antioxidant profiling of native and modified cereal brans
Authors: Ahmad Farah , Pasha Imran , Saeed Muhammad , Asgher Muhammad
Published: December 2018

Bran is detached from cereals during roller‐milling operations and considered as a byproduct of milling. Bran carries phenolics and antioxidants in appreciable quantities which can be heightened by modification. In the present project, four cereals were under study that is, wheat, barley, millet and sorghum. Bran was separated from cereal grains and was subjected to size reduction that is, fine (1 mm) and coarse (2 mm) and enzymatic modification by using xylanase and cellulase. Total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoids content (TFC) and phytic acid were determined spectrophotometrically and phenolic acids through HPLC. TPC and TFC were recorded highest in xylanase‐treated millet bran (0.304 mg GAE g−1 and 211.42 μg g−1 QE respectively). In vitro antioxidant activity assessed by DPPH and FRAP was found to be highest in coarse millet bran (89.51% inhibition) and native sorghum bran (722.52 μMFeSO4 g−1) respectively. Phytic acid was observed highest in xylanase‐treated barley bran (5.80 g per 100 g).
Orientation dependence of electric field induced phase transitions in lead‐free (Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3‐based single crystals
Authors: Chen Chao , Wang Yaojin , Jiang Xiangping , Tu Na , Chen Yunjing , Zhou Shulan , Xia Xiang , Shen Zongyang , Luo Haosu
Published: December 2018

The orientation dependence of the electric field induced strain and phase transitions in 0.92(Na0.5Bi0.5)TiO3–0.06BaTiO3–0.02(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (NBT–6BT–2KNN) single crystals has been investigated. The evolution of Raman spectra with electric field reveals that a tetragonal ferroelectric phase is initially induced at E = 14 kV/cm and completed above E = 25 kV/cm for [001] oriented single crystals. When the electric field is applied along [111] direction, a partial phase transition from pseudocubic to rhombohedral structure is triggered at E = 19 kV/cm, which is higher than that for inducing tetragonal ferroelectric phase along [001] direction. Both field‐induced phase structures and stability of NBT–6BT–2KNN single crystal are strongly associated with the crystallographic orientations. These results provide a better understanding to the field‐induced macroscopic strain in lead‐free NBT‐based ferroelectrics.
3D printing of dense structural ceramic microcomponents with low cost: Tailoring the sintering kinetics and the microstructure evolution
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Haidong , Tian Zhuo , Li Yanhui , Zhao Zhe , Huang Meipeng , Deng Xin , Xie Zhipeng , Wu Shanghua
Published: December 2018

In this study, we have successfully developed a unique 3D printing approach based on mask‐image‐projection stereolithography (MIP‐SL) to fabricate structural ceramics microcomponents with low cost and high efficiency. Ultra‐dense submicron crystalline ceramics without fierce grain growth could be obtained via tailoring the sintering kinetics. The ZrO2 ceramic microcomponents reached the highest relative density (RD) of 99.7% with the average grain size of 0.52 μm upon sintering at 1550°C while the Al2O3 ceramic microcomponents reached its highest RD of 98.31% with the average grain size of 2.6 μm upon sintering at 1600°C. Oxide ceramics microcomponents of fully flexible design can be produced easily without visible defects via the method developed in this study, which demonstrates significant potential in the applications of microelectromechanical systems, micro‐optical electronics systems and micro‐opto‐electro‐mechanical systems. The method developed in this study has addressed the problem successfully by healing the interlayer interface defects in densification process via the sintering kinetic window and microstructure evolution. The current work provides a promising opportunity to fabricate structural ceramic microcomponents with complex shape, high precision, and high surface smoothness.
The uptake of Bayesian methods in biomedical meta‐analyses: A scoping review (2005–2016)
Authors: Grant Robert L
Published: December 2018

Aim

Bayesian statistical methods can allow for more complete and accurate incorporation of evidence in meta‐analyses. However, these methods remain under‐utilized.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted to examine the proportion of biomedical meta‐analyses that used Bayesian methods in the period 2005–2016. The review also examined the reproducibility of the work, the cited sources, the reasons for it, its success or failure, the type of model and prior distributions, and whether a mixture of Bayesian and frequentist methods were employed.

Results

We found that 1% of meta‐analyses are Bayesian and that the reporting and conduct of these were often poor. Data were published in 41% of analyses, and programs to run the analysis in 18%. Network meta‐analysis was the most common reason and became increasingly popular in recent years. In the majority of papers, models and distributions were either not reported or explained in such brief and ambiguous terms as to be uninformative.

Conclusions

More use needs to be made of Bayesian meta‐analysis, and reporting needs to be improved. Greater awareness of these methods and access to training in them is essential.
Quality analysis of randomized controlled trials reporting in the field of pediatrics by Indonesian researchers
Authors: Hendarto Aryono , Yosia Mikhael , Sastroasmoro Sudigdo
Published: December 2018

Objective

To determine the quality of reports of the randomized controlled trial (RCT) in the field of pediatrics conducted by Indonesian investigators.

Methods

All pediatric RCTs conducted by Indonesian researchers were sourced from international and national (local) publications. The assessment was done using both the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trial (CONSORT) 2010 statement and Jadad Scale. Overall scores from each assessment are reported with a comparison of overall scores between studies in international and local publications.

Results

A total of 91 pediatric randomized control trials by Indonesian authors were gathered. National publications yielded a total of 44 studies (48.4%) whilst international publications yielded 47 studies (51.6%). Using the CONSORT statement the percentage of good reports was 38.3% in international journals and 33.3% in national journals. Using Jadad scale the percentage of good reports was 43.6% (international journals) and 37.0% (national journals). Both were not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Even though Indonesian investigators still need to be familiarized with good RCT reporting, the overall quality of the reports is fairly satisfactory. There is no significant difference in quality between studies published in international or national journals.
Welfare Cost of Fluctuations When Labor Market Search Interacts with Financial Frictions
Authors: ILIOPULOS ELENI , LANGOT FRANÇOIS , SOPRASEUTH THEPTHIDA
Published: December 2018

We study the welfare costs of business cycles in a search and matching model with financial frictions. The model replicates the volatility on labor and financial markets. Business cycle costs are sizable. Indeed, the interactions between labor market and financial frictions magnify the impact of shocks via (i) a credit multiplier effect and (ii) an endogenous wage rigidity inherent to financial frictions. In addition, in a nonlinear framework, large welfare costs of fluctuations are explained by the high average unemployment and the low job finding rates with respect to their deterministic steady‐state values.
Temperature and Growth: A Panel Analysis of the United States
Authors: COLACITO RICCARDO , HOFFMANN BRIDGET , PHAN TOAN
Published: December 2018

We document that seasonal temperatures have significant and systematic effects on the U.S. economy, both at the aggregate level and across a wide cross section of economic sectors. This effect is particularly strong for the summer: a F increase in the average summer temperature is associated with a reduction in the annual growth rate of state‐level output of 0.15 to 0.25 percentage points. We combine our estimates with projected increases in seasonal temperatures and find that rising temperatures could reduce U.S. economic growth by up to one‐third over the next century.
Acute urinary retention in two adolescent girls with imperforate hymen
Authors: Goto Kenji
Published: December 2018

Acute urinary retention is rare symptom in young adolescent girls. Imperforate hymen can be a cause of acute urinary retention possibly due to the pressure effect of the distended vagina (hematocolpos) on the lower urinary tract. However, the mechanism of progression to urinary retention is unknown. We report on two cases of adolescent girls with imperforate hymen who presented with acute urinary retention. A series of volume tolerance tests of the urinary bladder and urodynamic studies before operation revealed highly elevated urethral resistance, which was induced by interaction of large amount of urinary volume in the bladder and the large size of hematocolpos. After operation, urinary retention could not be observed and the urethral pressure returned to normal.
Creativity under task conflict: The role of proactively increasing job resources
Authors: Petrou Paraskevas , Bakker Arnold B. , Bezemer Katinka
Published: December 2018

The present daily diary study among employees from various occupational sectors used conflict and creativity theories to hypothesize that task conflict has an inverted U‐shaped relationship with employee creativity (i.e., creativity is higher at moderate than low or high levels of conflict). In addition, we argue that this curvilinear effect is likely to occur when employees proactively increase their job resources. A total of 92 employees filled out a diary survey at the end of five consecutive days. Results of multilevel analyses revealed that, as predicted, task conflict had an inverted U‐shaped link with creativity when employees increased their structural job resources. However, when employees increased their social job resources, the link was linear and positive. Our findings also showed that increasing job resources related positively to employee creativity – this effect was found for both increasing structural and social job resources. We discuss the theoretical contributions of these findings and conclude that moderate task conflict has the potential to benefit organizations.

Practitioner points

Task conflict should not be eliminated because when employees deal with it in a constructive way, it can be a creative force of change.

Allow employees to increase their job resources so as to become more creative.

Especially encourage increasing job resources when employees encounter task conflict.
Effects of long‐term microalgae supplementation on muscle microstructure, meat quality and fatty acid composition in growing pigs
Authors: Kalbe Claudia , Priepke Antje , Nürnberg Gerd , Dannenberger Dirk
Published: December 2018

We investigated the effects of long‐term microalgae supplementation (7% in a piglet diet and 5% in a fattening diet) on muscle microstructure and meat quality, including fatty acid composition in female Landrace pigs (n = 31). The major effects were muscle‐specific increases in n‐3 and n‐6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentrations, resulting in increased accumulation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Carcass traits and meat quality of longissimus thoracis muscle were not affected by the microalgae diet with the exception of reduced drip loss (p = 0.01) and increased protein proportion (p = 0.04). In addition, the microalgae diet resulted in a shift to a more oxidative myofibre type composition in semitendinosus but not longissimus thoracis muscle. In conclusion, microalgae supplementation offers a unique opportunity to enhance essential n‐3 PUFA contents in pig meat. The results support small but coordinated changes in skeletal muscle phenotypic appearance and functionality.
Comparison of the performance of the IDEXX SediVue Dx® with manual microscopy for the detection of cells and 2 crystal types in canine and feline urine
Authors: Hernandez Annalisa M. , Bilbrough Graham E. A. , DeNicola Dennis B. , Myrick Celine , Edwards Suzanne , Hammond Jeremy M. , Myers Alex N. , Heseltine Johanna C. , Russell Karen , Giraldi Marco , Nabity Mary B.
Published: December 2018

Background

Microscopic evaluation of urine is inconsistently performed in veterinary clinics. The IDEXX SediVue Dx® Urine Sediment Analyzer (SediVue) recently was introduced for automated analysis of canine and feline urine and may facilitate performance of urinalyses in practice.

Objective

Compare the performance of the SediVue with manual microscopy for detecting clinically relevant numbers of cells and 2 crystal types.

Samples

Five‐hundred thirty urine samples (82% canine, 18% feline).

Methods

For SediVue analysis (software versions [SW] 1.0.0.0 and 1.0.1.3), uncentrifuged urine was pipetted into a cartridge. Images were captured and processed using a convolutional neural network algorithm. For manual microscopy, urine was centrifuged to obtain sediment. To determine sensitivity and specificity of the SediVue compared with manual microscopy, thresholds were set at ≥5/high power field (hpf) for red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC) and ≥1/hpf for squamous epithelial cells (sqEPI), non‐squamous epithelial cells (nsEPI), struvite crystals (STR), and calcium oxalate dihydrate crystals (CaOx Di).

Results

The sensitivity of the SediVue (SW1.0.1.3) was 85%‐90% for the detection of RBC, WBC, and STR; 75% for CaOx Di; 71% for nsEPI; and 33% for sqEPI. Specificity was 99% for sqEPI and CaOx Di; 87%‐90% for RBC, WBC, and nsEPI; and 84% for STR. Compared to SW1.0.0.0, SW1.0.1.3 had increased sensitivity but decreased specificity. Performance was similar for canine versus feline and fresh versus stored urine samples.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

The SediVue exhibits good agreement with manual microscopy for the detection of most formed elements evaluated, but improvement is needed for epithelial cells.
High p‐mTOR expression is associated with recurrence and shorter disease‐free survival in atypical meningiomas
Authors: Barresi Valeria , Lionti Simona , La Rocca Lilli , Caliri Samuel , Caffo Maria
Published: December 2018

Due to their widely variable clinical behavior, the post‐surgical treatment of atypical meningiomas is controversial. Therefore, prognostic factors able to identify high‐risk cases, which may benefit from adjuvant treatments, are warranted. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) belongs to the PI3K‐AKT pathway. Its phosphorylated form (p‐mTOR Ser2448) is involved in cell growth, differentiation and tumorigenesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate p‐mTOR Ser2448 expression and its eventual correlation with clinicopathological features, recurrence, or disease‐free survival (DFS), in atypical meningiomas. p‐mTOR immunohistochemical expression was analyzed in 48 atypical meningiomas and correlated with clinicopathological parameters and with DFS. Eighty‐one percent of atypical meningiomas expressed p‐mTOR Ser2448. High immuno‐expression was significantly associated with recurrences (P = 0.01) and lower DFS (P = 0.01). The presence of brain invasion, high mitotic index plus sheeting, and Simpson grade were significant and independent prognostic variables at multivariate analysis. p‐mTOR Ser2448 is expressed in atypical meningiomas. High expression predicts development of recurrences and shorter DFS in patients affected by these tumors. Since p‐mTOR Ser2448 is a target of anti‐neoplastic drugs, evaluation of its expression may be used, not only to identify atypical meningiomas at higher risk of recurrence, but also to select those to submit to adjuvant targeted chemotherapy.
An autopsy case of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy after rituximab therapy for malignant lymphoma
Authors: Muto Reiji , Sugita Yasuo , Momosaki Seiya , Ito Yuriko , Wakugawa Yoshiyuki , Ohshima Koichi
Published: December 2018

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare fatal demyelinating disease of the central nervous system caused by reactivation of the JC virus (JCV), which is named after the initials of the patient from whom the virus was first isolated. JCV is highly prevalent worldwide, infects humans in early childhood, and the infection persists throughout the course of life in latent form. The present paper deals with the second autopsy case report of rituximab‐associated PML in Japan. A 63‐year‐old woman who had undergone chemotherapy for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma developed progressive dysarthria and cerebellar ataxia. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed small, scattered, hyperintense areas in the midbrain, pons and thalamus, and the patient was first diagnosed as having cerebral infarction. Follow‐up MRI showed tendency toward cerebellar atrophy and multiple system atrophy cerebellar type was suggested, which we concluded must have coincidentally occurred. It was challenging to perform biopsy due to the location of the foci and the patient's condition. Twelve months later she died of aspiration pneumonia caused by the bulbar lesion. At autopsy, the histological examination suggested the presence of demyelinating foci with numerous foamy macrophages. In the foci, oligodendrocytes with enlarged ground‐glass like nuclei were found in a scattered manner and astrocytes with bizarre nuclei were also detected. These findings verified the case as PML. The first diagnosis of cerebral infarction was later withdrawn, although appropriate disorders were not recalled even after testing with various antibodies. The rate of PML development tends to increase after treatment with molecular‐targeted therapies, which directly or indirectly attenuate the cellular‐mediated immune system. Various novel molecular‐targeted and immunosuppressive drugs have been released on the market; the cases of PML have consequently increased. Accordingly, pathologists should keep this disease in mind in the differential diagnosis when neural symptoms newly emerge in patients who are treated with these drugs.
Oreocharis ovata (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Guangdong, China
Authors: Yang Li‐Hua , Zhou Lian‐Xuan , Kang Ming
Published: December 2018

Based on morphological observations and comparisons, a new species, Oreocharis ovata L.H. Yang, L.X. Zhou & M. Kang, is described and illustrated. Morphological relationships and differences between this new species and related congeners are discussed. Comments on ecology, distribution, conservation status and phenology of the new species are provided. Additionally, illustrations and images of the new species are presented.
Dynamics of coral reef models in the presence of parrotfish
Authors: Fattahpour Haniyeh , Zangeneh Hamid R.Z. , Wang Hao
Published: December 2018

The decline of coral reefs characterized by macroalgae increase has been a global threat. We consider a slightly modified version of an ordinary differential equation (ODE) model proposed in Blackwood, Hastings, and Mumby [Theor. Ecol. 5 (2012), pp. 105–114] that explicitly considers the role of parrotfish grazing on coral reef dynamics. We perform complete stability, bifurcation, and persistence analysis for this model. If the fishing effort (f) is in between two critical values and , then the system has a unique interior equilibrium, which is stable if and unstable if . If is less (more) than these critical values, then the system has up to two (zero) interior equilibria. Also, we develop a more realistic delay differential equation (DDE) model to incorporate the time delay and treating it as the bifurcation parameter, and we prove that Hopf bifurcation about the interior equilibria could occur at critical time delays, which illustrate the potential importance of the inherent time delay in a coral reef ecosystem.

Recommendations for Resource Managers

One serious threat to coral reefs is overfishing of grazing species, including high level of algal abundance. Fishing alters the entire dynamics of a reef (Hughes, Baird, & Bellwood, 2003), for which the coral cover was predicted to decline rapidly (Mumby, 2006). One major issue is to reverse and develop appropriate management to increase or maintain coral resilience.

We have provided a detailed local and global analysis of model (Blackwood, Hastings, & Mumby, 2012) and obtained an ecologically meaningful attracting region, for which there is a chance of stable coexistence of coral–algal–fish state.

The healthy reefs switch to unhealthy state, and the macroalgae–parrotfish state becomes stable as the fishing effort increases through some critical values. Also, for some critical time delays, a switch between healthy and unhealthy reef states occurs through a Hopf bifurcation, which can only appear in the delay differential equation (DDE) model. Eventually, for large enough time delay, oscillations appear and an unhealthy state occurs.
Compensation in response to energy deficits induced by exercise or diet
Authors: Doucet É. , McInis K. , Mahmoodianfard S.
Published: December 2018

Obesity is an extremely resilient condition. Weight loss is most challenging, and weight recidivism is rampant. There is accumulating evidence highlighting that energy deficits meant to produce increased mobilization of energy stores trigger a number of somewhat persistent adaptations that together increase the drive to eat and decrease energy output. These adaptations ostensibly enable a context where the likelihood of energy compensation is heightened. In fact, energy compensation is present for both diet and exercise induced energy deficits although at different magnitudes. For the most part, the energy compensation in response to exercise induced energy deficits seems to be larger. Interestingly, energy compensation appears to be greater for longer interventions, an effect independent of whether the energy deficit is induced through diet or exercise. The latter suggests that the increased drive to eat and the reduced energy expenditure that accompany weight loss might be successfully fought off initially. However, with time there seems to be increasing erosion of the behaviours that initially opposed adaptations to weight loss and increased energy compensation progressively sets in. Under such conditions, it would seem prudent to propose weight loss targets that align with a level of behaviour modifications that can be sustained indefinitely.
Comparative evaluation of CMAC and Truview picture capture device for endotracheal intubation in neonates and infants undergoing elective surgeries: A prospective randomized control trial
Authors: Gupta Anju , Kamal Geeta , Gupta Aikta , Sehgal Nidhi , Bhatla Sapna , Kumar Rajeev
Published: December 2018

Background

Videolaryngoscopy has an established role in difficult airway management in adults. However, there is limited literature to support their efficacy in children. The Truview Picture Capture Device has shown promising results for endotracheal intubation in infants in the past. The CMAC videolaryngoscope has launched its novel infant Miller blade, but its performance has not been assessed clinically for routine intubation in infants and neonates. We hypothesized that the CMAC videolaryngoscope would reduce the total time to intubation as compared to the Truview Picture Capture Device in neonates and infants.

Methods

After parental informed consent, 80 prospective infants posted for surgical procedures under general anesthesia were randomized to undergo intubation with either of the two. The two videolaryngoscopes were also compared in terms of time required for glottis view and intubation (primary outcome), modified Cormack and Lehane grade, first attempt and overall success rate, ease of intubation, number of attempts, and any complications.

Results

The CMAC significantly reduced the time required for glottic view [8 s (5.25‐9) vs 9 s (6.5‐12); P = 0.02] and intubation [22 s (18‐26) vs 26 s (21.5‐32); P = 0.003]. The median difference (95% CI) for time to tracheal intubation and time to glottic view was 4 s (1‐7) and 1 (0‐4). It also improved the ease of intubation, the Cormack‐Lehane grades, and first attempt success rate. Intubation with the CMAC was possible in 100% cases, whereas only 92.5% of patients could be intubated with the Truview. The failed intubations with the Truview could be successfully intubated with the CMAC.

Conclusion

The CMAC Miller blade reduced the total time taken for tracheal intubation and intubation difficulty as compared to the Truview Picture Capture Device and may be a better tool for intubation in infants.
Proximity Matters: Inter‐Regional Knowledge Spillovers and Regional Industrial Diversification in China
Authors: He Canfei , Zhu Shengjun , Hu Xuqian , Li Yunxiong
Published: December 2018

The effects of knowledge spillovers from neighbouring regions on regional industrial diversification should not be overlooked. Here we are referring to not only intra‐industry knowledge spillovers from neighbouring regions, but also the spread of knowledge from related industries in neighbouring regions. This paper also develops an analytical framework that pays more attention to the role of institutional proximity between regions and how it is associated with geographical and cognitive proximity, and acknowledges that institutional proximity may generate asymmetric effects in the process of inter‐regional knowledge spillovers. Using the Chinese custom database during 2002–11, we confirm that knowledge spillovers from neighbouring regions play a key role in regional industrial diversification. More importantly, inter‐regional knowledge spillovers are likely to occur more efficiently if two regions have similar institutional contexts. It is also shown that institutional proximity could generate asymmetric effects in inter‐regional knowledge spillovers.
Research on the Pricing of Shared Ownership Housing
Authors: Li Dai Yuan , Xie Cong Wei , Chen Shu Hao , Zou Xiu Xiang
Published: December 2018

To a great extent, the abnormal phenomena of profit making in speculation houses will disappear and the rigid housing demand of ordinary families will be resolved by shared ownership housing. Starting from the consumption structure of the target group of the shared ownership housing, this paper makes an in-depth analysis of the pilot cities that have implemented the shared ownership housing through literature review and data survey, empirically analyses the deviation degree of house rent and the unbalanced situation of residents' housing affordability, and studies the rent of the shared ownership housing and the unbalanced situation of residents' housing affordability through panel data model. Through the comprehensive index of housing affordability to find out the best proportion of the rent of shared ownership housing in the monthly income of young workers aged 20-35, and then get the monthly rent, give relevant feasible suggestions. The research shows that government departments should implement the common property right housing from the aspects of reducing land transferring fees and taxes, strengthening the qualification examination mechanism and so on.
Toward Establishing Entrepreneurship Education and Training Programmes in a Multinational Arab University
Authors: Abdelkarim Abbas
Published: December 2018

This paper rests on a survey among students of Arab Open University (AOU) that covered 6,369 students from all branches (in eight countries) and across all four colleges. It endeavours to raise a case for introducing entrepreneurship education in AOU. The Survey results show a surprisingly high level of entrepreneurial intention among the students, and the overwhelming majority of them are demanding introduction of entrepreneurship education. The Paper uses results of the Survey to present how the students of AOU desire their entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurship training programmes to be organised, and to identify the target groups of each of the two programmes. Based on these results and on selected literature review of the concepts of entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship education and entrepreneurship training, an outline of entrepreneurship curricula and of teaching and training methods are suggested. Both curricula and methods advanced could be of relevance beyond the specific case of AOU.
Samarium thin films molecular plated from N,N-dimethylformamide characterized by XPS
Authors: Myhre Kristian G. , Delashmitt Jordan C. , Sims Nathan J. , Van Cleve Shelley M. , Boll Rose A.
Published: December 2018

Characterization of samarium thin films molecular plated from N,N-dimethylformamide solutions onto stainless steel substrates, with either mirrorlike or brushed finishes, was carried out using a Thermo Scientific K-Alpha x-ray photoelectron spectrometer. Survey scans of the two specimens showed the presence of samarium, carbon, and oxygen with minor amounts of sodium. High-resolution spectra were then taken of the Sm 3d, O 1s, and C 1s regions. The chemical compositions of the two samples were found to be very similar, with the key difference being the relative amounts of two carbon species. Spectra from the survey and narrow high-resolution scans of the Sm 3d, O 1s, and C 1s regions are reported herein.
Acoustical modeling and Bayesian inference for rigid porous media in the low-mid frequency regime
Authors: Roncen R. , Fellah Z. E. A. , Lafarge D. , Piot E. , Simon F. , Ogam E. , Fellah M. , Depollier C.
Published: December 2018

In this article, a modeling extension for the description of wave propagation in porous media at low-mid frequencies is introduced. To better characterize the viscous and inertial interactions between the fluid and the structure in this regime, two additional terms described by two parameters α1 and α2 are taken into account in the representation of the dynamic tortuosity in a Laurent-series on frequency. The model limitations are discussed. A sensitivity analysis is performed, showing that the influence of α1 and α2 on the acoustic response of porous media is significant. A general Bayesian inference is then conducted to infer, simultaneously, the posterior probability densities of the model parameters. The proposed method is based on the measurement of waves transmitted by a slab of rigid porous material, using a temporal model for the direct and inverse transmission problem. Bayesian inference results obtained on three different porous materials are presented, which suggests that the two additional parameters are accessible and help reduce systematic errors in the identification of other parameters: porosity, static viscous permeability, static viscous tortuosity, static thermal permeability, and static thermal tortuosity.
How Healthy is a Desire to be Fit and Strong? Drives for Thinness, Leanness, and Muscularity in Women in Weight Training
Authors: Hartmann Andrea S. , Steenbergen Florian , Vocks Silja , Büsch Dirk , Waldorf Manuel
Published: December 2018

Fitness training to attain the lean body ideal is becoming increasingly popular among women. However, it remains unclear how the drive for leanness (DL), as compared to the drives for thinness (DT) and muscularity (DM), relates to body image pathology and substance use in female weight-trainers. Participants (N = 168) completed a survey assessing DL, DT, DM, eating and body dysmorphic disorder pathology, and substance use. DT and DM were related to eating disorder and body dysmorphic disorder symptoms (allr ≥ .29; allps < .01), while DL only to the former (r = .19,p < .05). Supplement use was associated with DL and DM (r = .17 and .55; bothp < .01) and pharmaceutical use with DT and DM (r ≥ .21; bothp < .01). Female weight-trainers should not be neglected in body image disorder prevention, with a particular focus on DT and DM.
Spatiotemporal Differences in Presentation of CD8 T Cell Epitopes during Hepatitis B Virus Infection
Authors: Khakpoor Atefeh , Ni Yi , Chen Antony , Ho Zi Zong , Oei Vincent , Yang Ninghan , Giri Reshmi , Chow Jia Xin , Tan Anthony T. , Kennedy Patrick T. , Maini Mala , Urban Stephan , Bertoletti Antonio
Published: December 2018

The inability of patients with chronic HBV infection to clear HBV is associated with defective HBV-specific CD8+T cells. Hence, the majority of immunotherapy developments focus on HBV-specific T cell function restoration. However, knowledge of whether distinct HBV-specific T cells can equally target all the HBV-infected hepatocytes of a chronically infected liver is lacking. In this work, analysis of CHB patient liver parenchyma andin vitroHBV infection models shows a nonuniform distribution of HBV CD8+T cell epitopes that is influenced by the presence of IFN-γ and availability of newly translated viral antigens. These results suggest that CD8+T cells recognizing different HBV epitopes can be necessary for efficient immune therapeutic control of chronic HBV infection.
Hemagglutinin Stalk-Reactive Antibodies Interfere with Influenza Virus Neuraminidase Activity by Steric Hindrance
Authors: Chen Yao-Qing , Lan Linda Yu-Ling , Huang Min , Henry Carole , Wilson Patrick C.
Published: December 2018

This study reports a new mechanism of protection mediated by influenza hemagglutinin stalk-reactive antibodies, i.e., inhibition of neuraminidase activity by steric hindrance, blocking access of neuraminidase to sialic acids when it abuts hemagglutinin on whole virions.
Directed Nucleosome Sliding during the Formation of the Simian Virus 40 Particle Exposes DNA Sequences Required for Early Transcription
Authors: Kumar Meera Ajeet , Kasti Karine , Balakrishnan Lata , Milavetz Barry
Published: December 2018

For a virus to complete infection, it must produce a new virus particle in which the genome is able to support a new infection. This is particularly important for viruses like simian virus 40 (SV40), which exist as chromatin throughout their life cycles, since chromatin structure plays a major role in the regulation of the life cycle. In order to determine the role of SV40 chromatin structure late in infection, we mapped the locations of nucleosomes and their histone tail modifications in SV40 minichromosomes and in the SV40 chromatin found in virions using chromatin immunoprecipitation-DNA sequencing (ChIP-Seq). We have identified a novel viral transcriptional control mechanism in which a nucleosome found in the regulatory region of the SV40 minichromosome is directed to slide during the formation of the virus particle, exposing transcription factor binding sites required for early transcription that were previously blocked by the presence of the nucleosome.
A Longitudinal Epidemiology Study of Meningococcal Carriage in Students 13 to 25 Years Old in Quebec
Authors: Gilca Rodica , De Wals Philippe , Nolan Sheila M. , Kitchin Nicholas , Eiden Joseph J. , Jiang Qin , Jones C. Hal , Jansen Kathrin U. , Anderson Annaliesa S. , Pedneault Louise
Published: December 2018

Disease caused by
Neisseria meningitidis
is associated with serious complications and a high fatality rate. Asymptomatic individuals can harbor the bacterium in the throat, a state known as “carriage,” which can lead to person-to-person spread of the pathogen. This study examined
N. meningitidis
carriage from 2010 to 2013 among 2 groups in the Quebec City region: ninth-grade students (aged 13 to 15 years), who were also followed in their last year of high school (eleventh grade/college entry; 16 to 18 years), and university students (18 to 25 years); both groups have been shown in some other geographic regions to have high rates of carriage. This study demonstrated that
N. meningitidis
carriage rates were higher among university students in dormitories than ninth-grade and eleventh-grade/college entry students. Understanding carriage rates in these age groups leads to better strategies to control
N. meningitidis
by targeting vaccination to those responsible for transmission within the population.
Macular vessel reduction as predictor for recurrence of macular oedema requiring repeat intravitreal ranibizumab injection in eyes with branch retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Hasegawa Taiji , Takahashi Yohei , Maruko Ichiro , Kogure Akiko , Iida Tomohiro
Published: December 2018

Aim

To determine whether there are factors that can predict the frequency of recurrences of macular oedema associated with branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO).

Methods

We reviewed the medical records of 31 eyes with treatment-naïve macular oedema associated with BRVO. All eyes received an intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) injection and were followed with a pro re nata protocol for at least 12 months. A reinjection of ranibizmab was performed when the central foveal thickness was ≥300 µm. At 1 month after IVR injection, the macular vessel reduction was calculated by comparing the vessel density in the optical coherence tomography angiography in the BRVO involved half to that in the non-involved half.

Results

The mean visual acuity improved from 0.35±0.27 logarithm of the minimal angle of resolution (logMAR) units (20/45; Snellen) at initial visit to 0.06±0.15 logMAR units (20/23) at 12 months (p<0.0001). During 12 months, the mean number of IVR injections was 3.8±1.8. Multivariate regression analysis showed that a greater macular vessel reduction at 1 month after initial IVR injection was significantly a negative predictor of frequency of IVR injections (β=−0.5065, p=0.0082). The visual acuity and the central foveal thickness at the initial visit or at 1 month after initial IVR injection were not predictive factors for frequency of IVR injections.

Conclusions

Patients with BRVO with a large macular vessel reduction at 1 month after an initial IVR injection have fewer recurrences and thus lower frequency of IVR injections during 12 months.
Recognition of, and attitudes towards, people with depression and psychosis with/without alcohol and other drug problems: results from a national survey of Australian paramedics
Authors: McCann Terence V , Savic Michael , Ferguson Nyssa , Cheetham Alison , Witt Katrina , Emond Kate , Bosley Emma , Smith Karen , Roberts Louise , Lubman Dan I
Published: December 2018

Objective

Continuing stigma towards mental health problems means that many individuals—especially men—will first present in crisis, with emergency services often the first point of call. Given this situation, the aims of this paper were to assess paramedics’ ability to recognise, and their attitudes towards, males with clinically defined depression and psychosis with and without comorbid alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems.

Methods

A cross-sectional national online survey of 1230 paramedics throughout Australia. The survey was based on four vignettes: depression with suicidal thoughts, depression with suicidal thoughts and comorbid alcohol problems, and psychosis with and without comorbid AOD problems.

Results

Just under half of respondents recognised depression, but this decreased markedly to one-fifth when comorbid AOD problems were added to the vignette. In contrast, almost 90% recognised psychosis, but this decreased to just under 60% when comorbid AOD problems were added. Respondents were more likely to hold stigmatising attitudes towards people in the vignettes with depression and psychosis when comorbid AOD problems were present. Respondents endorsed questionnaire items assessing perceived social stigma more strongly than personal stigma. Desire for social distance was greater in vignettes focusing on psychosis with and without comorbid AOD problems than depression with and without comorbid AOD problems.

Conclusions

Paramedics need a well-crafted multicomponent response which involves cultural change within their organisations and more education to improve their recognition of, and attitudes towards, clients with mental health and AOD problems. Education should focus on the recognition and care of people with specific mental disorders rather than on mental disorders in general. It is essential that education also focuses on understanding and caring for people with AOD problems. Educational interventions should focus on aligning beliefs about public perceptions with personal beliefs about people with mental disorders and AOD problems.
Adolescent’s descriptions of fatigue, fluctuation and payback in chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME): interviews with adolescents and parents
Authors: Parslow Roxanne M , Anderson Nina , Byrne Danielle , Shaw Alison , Haywood Kirstie L , Crawley Esther
Published: December 2018

Objective

As part of a larger qualitative study to explore outcomes important in paediatric chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalopathy (CFS/ME) and what improvements in fatigue and disability are key, interviews were undertaken with adolescents and their parents. This paper focuses on their descriptions of fatigue, fluctuation of symptoms and payback.

Design and setting

Semistructured qualitative interviews were undertaken between December 2014 and February 2015. Adolescents and parents were interviewed separately. Participants were recruited from a single specialist paediatric chronic fatigue service. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.

Participants

We interviewed 21 adolescents and their parents (20 mothers and 2 fathers). The adolescents were aged between 12 and 17 years of age (mean age 14.4 years), mild to moderately affected by CFS/ME (not housebound) and the majority were female (16/21).

Results

All adolescents with CFS/ME reported fatigue, a natural fluctuation of the condition, with good days and bad days as well as an increase in symptoms after activity (payback). However, adolescent’s descriptions of fatigue, symptoms and the associated impact on their daily lives differed. The variations included: fatigue versus a collection of symptoms, constant versus variable symptoms and variable symptom severity. There were differences between participants in the amount of activity taken to cause payback. The impact of fatigue and symptoms on function ranged from: limiting the duration and amount of leisure activities, struggling with daily activities (eg, self-care) to no activity (sedentary).

Conclusions

Fatigue, fluctuation of the condition and payback after activity are described by all adolescents with CFS/ME in this study. However, the individual experience in terms of how they describe it and the degree and impact varies.