bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apartment Design for Synergizing the Region to Create Shared Economic Identity and Expectations
Authors: Ismawati L , Faturahman F
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study is to increase the selling value of apartments, with the concept of social balance that is expected to be made to develop and grow in the environment around them with the power of synergy that will have an identity or characteristic. In this study, the authors used descriptive methods carried out in the literature and descriptive approaches to determine the success of the study, as well as references from previous studies. The results of this study are to make buildings that are not selfish and care for the community, especially those who live in apartments and generally the surrounding community. With the concept of social balance, the synergy between the two who become identities will be created while increasing the value of the apartment because of the value that other apartments do not have.
Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System using Three Parameters for Flood Disaster Forecasting in Bandung region
Authors: Sumitra I D , Supatmi S
Published: November 2019

This study aims to investigate the flood events forecast by applying the Mamdani fuzzy inference system and rule-based reasoning. For input and output linguistic variable of the model based on three parameters such as population density, altitude, as well the rainfall. Each variable has three to four membership functions. The data used come from the Statistic Bureau of Indonesia, National Disaster Management Authority, and Meteorology and Climatology Center of Indonesia for 2014 to present. A different model for each region was constructed depending on available data sets. We determine based our model on forty-eight fuzzy IF-THEN rules and fuzzy reasoning. The output variable which has three membership function takes from 220 to 402 as representative flooding level warning such as normal, alert, and danger. The results of the study have high agreements with recorded data in on site with increases the output values toward the real-time flood event. Therefore, if that area will be used for living, this will have risks that flood always is a threat to those areas.
Knowledge Management System Architecture Design
Authors: Pamuji G C , Hadiana A , Lubis R
Published: November 2019

This study proposes a model of Knowledge Management System (KMS) design as the solution to the problems that occur in a software company especially knowledge management project which is the core business of the company. The main problem why is documents and knowledge spread is the employee turnover rate is quite high among employees who transfer from one project to another or when the employee leave the company so that each individual’ knowledge had come to move or disappear. Based on these problems, it can be concluded that PT. XYZ requires knowledge management to improve the performance of the company. Research conducted are using 6 steps from the 10 Step method Knowledge Management Roadmap to manufacture a blueprint. Research supported by the Knowledge Management Assessment Kit (KMAK) tools that serve to facilitate the research stages. The result of the sixth step is a Knowledge Management System blueprint which fulfil the seven layers of infrastructure. With this result, the design of KMS model is adjusted to the company’s needs, designed as a centralized architecture to support KMS.
Service-Oriented Architecture for E-Marketplace Model Based on Multi-Platform Distributed System
Authors: Yaddarabullah  , Muttaqin M F , Rafiansyah M
Published: November 2019

E-Commerce has become a solution in online transactions. Based on data from the Central Bureau of Statistics of Indonesia, in 2016, there were 26.2 million users and continued to grow by 17% from 2006 to 2016. On the other hand, the development of e-marketplace has also grown significantly in Indonesia. There are 100 trillion transaction value in 2018. Currently, e-commerce actors are still unable to compete with existing e-marketplace. This is due to limited stock and types of products sold by e-commerce. One of the challenges faced by e-commerce managers is increasing the number of customers and transactions. The purpose of this study produced an architecture for data integration between e-commerce to the e-marketplace. The multi-platform e-marketplace model was developed that was integrated and could distribute products from several e-commerce. Service oriented architecture was used as a method in integrating and distributing products from e-commerce to e-marketplace. Based on the results of testing with 90 request can be concluded that the process of data distribution from e-commerce to e-marketplace can be done in a fast time with average loaded time of 0,72 seconds and the size of data accessed is relatively small with packed average size of 5,68 KB. The conclusion of this study remains the use of service-oriented architecture can be applied for e-marketplace that integrated with several e-commerce for supporting some feature like online payment and courier.
The Effect of Overlap Ratio and Silicon Carbide Wheel Grinder on Vibration Amplitude and Surface Roughness for Material OCR12VM.
Authors: Putra F C , Suhardjono  , Sampurno
Published: November 2019

This research aims to find out how big the effect of the overlap ratio and grit size silicon carbide wheel grinder to the vibration amplitude and surface roughness when grinding process and the corelation between the vibration amplitude and surface roughness. This research used the material hardened tool steel OCR12VM. This research using the surface grinding machine KGS818AH model and this research using a variation of process parameters namely 5 variations on the overlap ratio, 4 variations on grit size silicon carbide wheel grinder, 2 variations in the depth of the cut and this research using constant parameters namely constant spindle speed and constant longitudinal feed. The selection the type of abrasive and the selection process parameters (overlap ratio and grit size silicon carbide wheel grinder) can give a great impact on the increased vibration amplitude and surface roughness on material OCR12VM. The conclusion of this study is with increasing overlap ratio, the vibration amplitude and surface roughness will decrease and the finer the grit size silicon carbide wheel grinder, the vibration amplitude and surface roughness will be lower.
Analysis of Intrusion Detection System Performance for the Port Scan Attack Detector, Portsentry, and Suricata
Authors: Ernawati T , Fachrozi M F , Syaputri D D
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study is to analyze the performance of IDS (PSAD, Portsentry and Suricata). The research methodology used was the Network Development Life Cycle (NDLC). The system has designed through several stages (system requirements analysis, system/software installation, configuration and testing software attacks). The system detects and monitors the number of suspicious activities that occur on the server (using a cloud service) or computer network. In the event of a threat, the system will issue a warning and keep records for analysis. The IDS performance tests are differentiated based on three types of attack (port scanning, DDoS SYN flood and brute force attack), the parameters tested include a speed of detection, detection accuracy and resources usage. Test results showed Suricata and PSAD are superior in detection accuracy (100%). Suricata showed better performance in resources usage (average 1.64% CPU, 8.42% disk), portsentry is only superior to RAM usage (26.89%). PSAD was better in the speed of detection (average 4.21s.). The result concluded Suricata and PSAD better performance to be used as network IDS.
The Comparison of Machine Learning Model to Predict Bankruptcy: Indonesian Stock Exchange Data
Authors: Rainarli E
Published: November 2019

This study aims to determine the Machine Learning Model used to predict bankruptcy. The data was conducted from the financial statements of two public companies reported by the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2015. This research method uses an analysis feature in which the accounting ratios are used in statistical analysis of financial statements that handle missing values, choose the correlation feature related to class, and dealing with unbalanced datasets. This problem was resolved at the beginning of the pre-processing phase. The training process uses pre-processing results to fit the data with the prediction model. Accuracy is used to measure the performance of the model in predicting bankruptcy. The result is Sequential Minimal Optimization (SMO) with linear kernel function that works best to predict 1 year before bankruptcy with an accuracy of 91.57% and SMO with Radial Basis Function (RBF) works well to predict 2 years before bankruptcy; the accuracy is 93.8%. This study shows the effect of feature selection and normalization process in making correct predictions using the SMO method.
Synthesis and Characterization of ZnO Nanoparticles by using gelatin as co-template
Authors: Mega Maria Ulfa , Yuni Irwanti S.K , Teguh Endah S
Published: November 2019

The purpose of the structure of these nanoparticles is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, nitrogen adsorption techniques and scanning electron microscopy. The method of this research is to analyze the elements on the surface monitored by EDAX showing that pure particles are produced by steps first produced by self-assembly routes. The results of this process are influenced by the infiltration of block copolymers into zinc precursors that make bulk formation of Zn. In another approach, the use of gelatin as a template has a large effect on morphology and structure on nanoparticles. The structure of nanoparticles synthesized by gelatin involves showing significantly improved texture morphology than zinc oxide without gelatin. The application is expected to prepare the future of nanoparticles using gelatin as a co template to become a new candidate for green material in the future. The results show that gelatin can be a new biotemplate for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles.
Assessing the Profitability of Islamic Banks: The Role of Bank Age and Bank Performance
Authors: Haryati N , Burhany D I , Suhartanto D
Published: November 2019

This study examines the effect of bank age and bank performance on the profitability of Islamic banks. The dependent variable in this study is profitability, while the independent variables are bank age, and bank performance. In addition, profit distribution is treated as an intervening variable. The sampling method used was purposive sampling where samples were taken with the provisions of 12 Public Islamic banks that publish annual reports from 2015 to 2017. The results of the data analysis show that bank age does not have a significant effect on profit ability, but NPF (Non-Performing Financing) significant effect on profit sharing. Further, although FDR (Financing to Deposit), and CI (Cost to Income) have no significant effect on profit sharing. Finally, this study also reveals that profit sharing has a significant effect on banks profitability. The implication of theoretical and managerial practices is discussed. Building a competitive advantage to face industry 4.0, one of them with adopting technology is very important for Islamic banking to improve the performance of Islamic banks, improve efficiency and productivity, which will certainly support the performance of profitability.
Computer Science and Philosophy: In Search of a Nexus
Authors: Ishaaq U M
Published: November 2019

This research aims to map and analyse the nexus between philosophy and computer science: ontological and epistemological, as well as axiological aspects. It is arguably known traditionally that philosophy is regarded as the mother of all rational sciences; However, there has been little hitherto discussion about the connections between the two. On the other side, philosophy is systematic inquiry into human mind and behaviour as well in order to give the meaning in every object of study. For computer scientists, understanding the nexus between philosophy and computer science will advance the ability to think through the consequences of novel ideas and widen the perspective. This study used preliminary bibliographic study using literature research methods, which carried out by investigating various interdisciplinary studies, especially computer science and information technology in terms of philosophy and its branches. The results reveal that there are strong connection between these two disciplines, mainly in ontological, epistemological and axiological aspects. On axiological and ethical aspect, the link is very important, and philosophy has potential role in ethical problem solving that arise from within the academic discipline of computer science.
Integrated capacitive sensor devices aerosol jet printed on 3D objects
Authors: Vella Sarah , Smithson Chad , Halfyard Kurt , Shen Ethan , Chrétien Michelle
Published: November 2019

A functional capacitive sensing device with five touch points was fabricated on the curved surfaces of polyvinyl chloride, polycarbonate and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene piping. The capacitive touch sensor points and conductive traces were printed with an Optomec™ Aerosol Jet printer using silver nanoparticle ink. We present a solution to a common problem with hybrid printed electronics of transitioning from the printed electronic components on a three-dimensional object to traditional rigid circuit board electronics. We highlight the need for CAD/CAM technology as an essential tool for printing on three-dimensional surfaces. The capacitive touch sensor library of an Arduino Uno Bard Rev 3 microcontroller enabled the detection of contact at the printed touch points. Corresponding LEDs attached to the surface of the pipe light up to indicate contact at the touch points. This hybrid printed electronic device presents a fully integrated and functioning electronic device printed on a three-dimensional surface and highlights the requirement of multidisciplinary knowledge for the field of hybrid printed electronics.
Cusp excursions for the earthquake flow on the once-punctured torus
Authors: Fu Ser-Wei
Published: November 2019

In this paper we study the typical speed of a generic earthquake trajectory leaving compact sets in the moduli space of the once-punctured torus. Mirzakhani showed that the earthquake flow is measurably equivalent to the horocyclic flow, which has been studied extensively. Our main result shows that the earthquake flow and the horocyclic flow behave very differently in cusp excursions. In particular, we prove a relation between the systole function and continued fractions and discuss the cusp excursions of earthquake trajectories.
Angle sums of random simplices in dimensions 3 and 4
Authors: Kabluchko Zakhar
Published: November 2019

Consider a random

d
d

-dimensional simplex whose vertices are

d
+
1

d+1

random points sampled independently and uniformly from the unit sphere in

R

d

\mathbb {R}^d

. We show that the expected sum of solid angles at the vertices of this random simplex equals

1
8

\frac {1}{8}

if

d
=
3

d=3

and

539

288

π
2

−

1
6

\frac {539}{288\pi ^2}-\frac {1}{6}

if

d
=
4

d=4

. The angles are measured as proportions of the full solid angle which is normalized to be

1
1

. Similar formulae are obtained if the vertices of the simplex are uniformly distributed in the unit ball. These results are special cases of general formulae for the expected angle sums of random beta simplices in dimensions

3
3

and

4
4

.
Citation Skew in Plastic Surgery Journals: Does the Journal Impact Factor Predict Individual Article Citation Rate?
Authors: Asaad Malke , Kallarackal Austin Paul , Meaike Jesse , Rajesh Aashish , de Azevedo Rafael U , Tran Nho V
Published: November 2019

Background

Citation skew refers to the unequal distribution of citations to articles published in a particular journal.

Objectives

We aimed to assess whether citation skew exists within plastic surgery journals and to determine whether the journal impact factor (JIF) is an accurate indicator of the citation rates of individual articles.

Methods

We used Journal Citation Reports to identify all journals within the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery. The number of citations in 2018 for all individual articles published in 2016 and 2017 was abstracted.

Results

Thirty-three plastic surgery journals were identified, publishing 9823 articles. The citation distribution showed right skew, with the majority of articles having either 0 or 1 citation (40% and 25%, respectively). A total of 3374 (34%) articles achieved citation rates similar to or higher than their journal’s IF, whereas 66% of articles failed to achieve a citation rate equal to the JIF. Review articles achieved higher citation rates (median, 2) than original articles (median, 1) (P < 0.0001). Overall, 50% of articles contributed to 93.7% of citations and 12.6% of articles contributed to 50% of citations. A weak positive correlation was found between the number of citations and the JIF (r = 0.327, P < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Citation skew exists within plastic surgery journals as in other fields of biomedical science. Most articles did not achieve citation rates equal to the JIF with a small percentage of articles having a disproportionate influence on citations and the JIF. Therefore, the JIF should not be used to assess the quality and impact of individual scientific work.
Reduced cooperative behavior as a cost of high testosterone in a lekking passerine bird
Authors: Vernasco Ben J , Horton Brent M , Moore Ignacio T , Ryder T Brandt
Published: November 2019

Many studies have identified the reproductive benefits of cooperative behaviors, yet few have identified the mechanisms that underlie these behaviors. Mechanistic studies can inform our understanding of why some individuals are more or less cooperative, as well as identify the physiological constraints imposed upon the evolution of reproductive traits. Male wire-tailed manakins (Pipra filicauda) exhibit cooperative courtship behaviors and more cooperative territory holders have been shown to exhibit higher reproductive success. To begin to understand the proximate basis of cooperative display behaviors, we conducted both an observational study and an experimental study. Because coordinated courtship displays underlie this form of cooperation, our study also examined both the hormonal and social drivers of individual variation in courtship behavior more broadly (e.g., courtship display rates). Our observational study revealed that males with higher testosterone levels performed fewer cooperative display bouts. In addition, our experimental study demonstrated that the proportion of a male’s courtship displays that were cooperative decreased after being administered a testosterone-filled hormone implant. We found no relationship between an individual’s courtship display effort (i.e., display rate and time spent performing courtship displays) and circulating testosterone in either study. However, more cooperative males spent a greater proportion of time performing courtship displays than did less cooperative males, suggesting that testosterone may indirectly mediate courtship display behaviors by influencing a territory holder’s cooperative behavior. Overall, both our observational and experimental results suggest that reduced cooperative behavior is a cost of maintaining high levels of testosterone for territory-holding males.
Evaluating a pattern of ecological character displacement: charr jaw morphology and diet diverge in sympatry versus allopatry across catchments in Hokkaido, Japan
Authors: Nakano Shigeru , Fausch Kurt D , Koizumi Itsuro , Kanno Yoichiro , Taniguchi Yoshinori , Kitano Satoshi , Miyake Yo
Published: November 2019

Similar species that overlap in sympatry may diverge in characters related to resource use as a result of evolution or phenotypic plasticity. Dolly Varden charr (Salvelinus malma) and whitespotted charr (S. leucomaenis) overlap along streams in Hokkaido, Japan, and compete by interference for invertebrate drift-foraging positions. Previous research has shown that as drift declines during summer, Dolly Varden shift foraging modes to capture benthic prey, a behaviour facilitated by their subterminal jaw morphology. We compare body and jaw morphology of Dolly Varden in sympatry vs. allopatry in two locations to test for character displacement. Statistical analysis showed significant divergence in characters related to foraging, which was correlated with variation in individual charr diets. Dolly Varden in sympatry had shorter heads and lower jaws than in allopatry, and even within sites charr with these characteristics fed less on drifting terrestrial invertebrates but more on benthic aquatic invertebrates. Those in allopatry had longer heads and lower jaws, and fed more on terrestrial invertebrates. The close proximity of sites in one stream suggests that Dolly Varden may display phenotypic plasticity similar to other charr, allowing rapid responses in morphology to the presence of competitors. These morphological shifts probably help them maintain positive fitness when competing with whitespotted charr in Hokkaido streams.
The Development of Algorithmically Based Decision-Making Systems in Children’s Protective Services: Is Administrative Data Good Enough?
Authors: Gillingham Philip
Published: November 2019

Big data techniques are being used in children’s protective services to develop algorithmically based decision support systems (DSSs) to identify the most vulnerable children and introduce early and preventive services. These techniques use administrative data from multiple public agencies but are most reliant on data from children’s protective services. Using key principles from representation theory, and drawing from the author’s research, data from children’s protective services are considered in terms of the extent to which they represent and can be interpreted to provide a faithful representation of the phenomenon of child maltreatment. The aim is to address the question of whether children’s protective services data are good enough to develop accurate and practically useful DSS.
Fine-scale spatial genetic structure, neighbourhood size and gene dispersal in clonal plants: exploring the best possible estimates
Authors: Loh Roberta , Scarano Fabio Rubio , Alves-Ferreira Marcio , Salgueiro Fabiano
Published: November 2019

Gene movement in plants is determined by seed and pollen flow and its limitation results in spatial structuring of genetic variation, affecting potential levels of inbreeding within populations. In clonal plants, clonal propagation may also play an important role in spatial genetic structure (SGS). Characterization of SGS usually is done by analysing several spatial scales with large sample sizes to ensure a reliable measure. Several sampling strategies are available, but most are not suitable for clonal plants. Here, two sampling strategies were used to characterize within-population SGS structure and gene dispersal in a natural population of the clonal species Aechmea nudicaulis (Bromeliaceae) and the results between them were compared. The first was based on exhaustive sampling in a rectangular closed area, and the second was a stratified design along a linear transect. Different intensities and patterns of SGS were detected for each design and the linear design revealed stronger SGS over a wider range. The significant SGS revealed a restricted dispersal and comparisons of sexual versus vegetative components of gene dispersal suggest that clonal spread can be at least as important as sexual reproduction. Thus, the results suggest that for clonal plants the best strategy is the combination of both sampling schemes since each one unveils important aspects of spatial structure of the population.
KRT17 as a prognostic biomarker for stage II colorectal cancer
Authors: Ujiie Daisuke , Okayama Hirokazu , Saito Katsuharu , Ashizawa Mai , Thar Min Aung Kyi , Endo Eisei , Kase Koji , Yamada Leo , Kikuchi Tomohiro , Hanayama Hiroyuki , Fujita Shotaro , Sakamoto Wataru , Endo Hisahito , Saito Motonobu , Mimura Kosaku , Saze Zenichiro , Momma Tomoyuki , Ohki Shinji , Kono Koji
Published: November 2019

Adjuvant chemotherapy is considered for patients with stage II colorectal cancer (CRC) characterized by poor prognostic clinicopathological features; however, current stratification algorithms remain inadequate for identifying high-risk patients. To develop prognostic assays, we conducted a step-wise screening and validation strategy using nine cohorts of stage II patients based on multiple platforms, including microarray, RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues. Four microarray datasets (total n = 458) were used as the discovery set to screen for single genes associated with postoperative recurrence. Prognostic values of candidate genes were evaluated in three independent microarray/RNA-seq validation cohorts (n = 89, n = 93 and n = 183, respectively), and then IHC for KRT17 was conducted in two independent FFPE series (n = 110 and n = 44, respectively). We found that high levels of KRT17 transcript expression were significantly associated with poor relapse-free survival (RFS) not only in the discovery set, but also in three validation cohorts, and its prognostic impact was independent of conventional factors by multivariate analyses. Positive staining of KRT17 protein was significantly associated with poor RFS in two independent FFPE cohorts. KRT17 protein expression had independent prognostic impact on RFS in a multivariate model adjusted for conventional variables, including high-risk clinicopathological features. In conclusion, using nine independent cohorts consisting of 997 stage II patients, we identified and validated the expression of KRT17 transcript and KRT17 protein as a robust prognostic biomarker that can discriminate postoperative stage II patients who are at high probability of disease recurrence, providing additional prognostic stratification beyond the currently available high-risk factors.
Application of TLC to Evaluate the Lipophilicity of Newly Synthesized Betulin Derivatives
Authors: Bębenek Ewa , Bober-Majnusz Katarzyna , Siudak Szymon , Chrobak Elwira , Kadela-Tomanek Monika , Wietrzyk Joanna , Boryczka Stanisław
Published: November 2019

Designing a new drug has recently become a very important topic that many researches are concerned with. This work relates to a newly synthesized betulin and betulone derivatives which have anticancer activity. Thin-layer chromatography was applied to evaluate the lipophilicity of these triterpenes in order to find the correlation between theoretically and experimentally calculated values of lipophilicity and the structure of compounds investigated. Moreover, the relationships between lipophilicity and pharmacokinetic parameters or anticancer activity were carried out. The similarity analysis was also done for the purpose to divide the compounds investigated into groups pointing which of these can meet the criteria for medicine substances. The cluster analysis showed the differences in the compounds grouping in relation which the values of lipophilicity are considered, i.e., calculated by computer software or obtained experimentally by use of TLC. Analysis clearly shows that those theoretically calculated values of lipophilicity are strongly connected to the structure of the compounds.
Liver Stiffness at the Time of Sustained Virological Response Predicts the Clinical Outcome in People Living With Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus With Advanced Fibrosis Treated With Direct-acting Antivirals
Authors: Corma-Gómez A , Macías J , Téllez F , Freyre-Carrillo C , Morano L , Rivero-Juárez A , Ríos M J , Alados J C , Vera-Méndez F J , Merchante N , Palacios R , Granados R , Merino D , De Los Santos I , Pineda J A
Published: November 2019

Background

Some people living with hepatitis C virus (HCV) with sustained virological response (SVR) develop hepatic complications. Liver stiffness (LS) predicts clinical outcome in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with active HCV coinfection, but information after SVR is lacking. We aimed to analyze the predictive ability of LS at SVR for liver complications in people living with HIV/HCV with advanced fibrosis treated with direct-acting antivirals (DAA).

Methods

In sum, 640 people living with HIV/HCV fulfilling the following criteria were included: (i) Achieved SVR with DAA-including regimen; (ii) LS ≥ 9.5 kPa before therapy; and (iii) LS measurement available at SVR. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of a liver complication—hepatic decompensation or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)—or requiring liver transplant after SVR.

Results

During a median (Q1–Q3) follow-up of 31.6 (22.7–36.6) months, 19 (3%) patients reached the primary endpoint. In the multivariate analysis, variables (subhazard ratio [SHR] [95% confidence interval]) associated with developing clinical outcomes were: prior hepatic decompensations (3.42 [1.28–9.12]), pretreatment CPT class B or C (62.5 [3.08–1246.42]) and MELD scores (1.37 [1.03–1.82]), CPT class B or C at SVR (10.71 [1.32–87.01]), CD4 cell counts <200/µL at SVR time-point (4.42 [1.49–13.15]), FIB-4 index at SVR (1.39 [1.13–1.70]), and LS at SVR (1.05 [1.02–1.08] for 1 kPa increase). None of the 374 patients with LS <14kPa at SVR time-point developed a liver complication or required hepatic transplant.

Conclusions

LS at the time of SVR after DAA therapy predicts the clinical outcome of people living with HIV/HCV with advanced fibrosis. These results suggest that LS measurement may be helpful to select candidates to be withdrawn from surveillance programs.
Life events as predictors for depression in men and women: A Finnish twin study
Authors: Piirtola M , Kaprio J , Kiviruusu O , Viertiö S , Suvisaari J , Marttunen M , Korhonen T
Published: November 2019

Background

Depression is more common in women than in men, but reasons for the sex/gender difference are not fully known. We analyzed sex/gender differences in the association of past life events (LE) with depression, and if the associations are independent of genetic liability.

Methods

In the 2011 survey of the Finnish Twin Cohort (participation 72%, n = 8410, 45% men, mean age 60 yrs), depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression (CES-D) scale (cut off value ≥20) showing depression in 13% (11% in men, 15% in women). LE were assessed as negative, positive, and serious (traffic accident, other accident, fire and natural catastrophe, physical abuse, sexual abuse, violent crime, and parental divorce) ones in childhood and/or in adulthood. Pearson’s chi-squared test and age- and sex-adjusted logistic regressions were used to model the strength of associations. The effect of familial factors was tested using conditional logistic regression in 176 genetically identical (MZ) twin pairs (38% male) discordant for depression.

Results

Women experienced more both negative LE (50%/42%, p < 0.001) and positive LE (60%/40%, p < 0.001) than men. Accidents, physical abuse and violent crime were reported more by men, but women reported more sexual abuse (14%/1%, p < 0.01). All LEs were associated with depression (adjusted Odds Ratios [OR] from 1.24, 95% Confidence Intervals [CI] 1.09 - 1.42 to OR 6.91, 95% CI 3.88 - 12.30). Women with physical abuse or violent crime in childhood or in adulthood were more vulnerable for depression than men. High magnitude of negative LEs in both sexes, low rates of positive LE in women, and physical abuse in women remained significantly associated with depression within MZ pairs suggesting independence from familial factors and genetic liability.

Conclusions

We found sex difference in LE prevalence and in vulnerability for depression. These do not appear to be accounted for by familial effects.

Key messages

We found differences between women and men in life event prevalence and in vulnerability for depression. Differences in life experiences and exposures between women and men should be considered in prevention and treatment of depression.
A practical composite risk score for the development of HUS from STEC infection
Authors: Hamilton D , Cullinan J
Published: November 2019

Background

Haemolytic Uraemic Syndrome (HUS) is a serious complication of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) infection and the key reason why intensive health protection against STEC is required. However, although many potential risk factors have been identified, accurate estimation of risk of HUS from STEC remains challenging. Therefore, we aimed to develop a practical composite score to promptly estimate the risk of developing HUS from STEC.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study where data for all confirmed STEC infections in Ireland during 2013-15 were subjected to statistical analysis with respect to predicting HUS. Multivariable logistic regression was used to develop a composite risk score, segregating risk of HUS into very low risk (0-0.4%), low risk (0.5-0.9%), medium risk (1.0-4.4%), high risk (4.5-9.9%) and very high risk (10.0% and over).

Results

There were 1,397 STEC notifications with complete information regarding HUS, of whom 5.1% developed HUS. Young age, vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, Shiga toxin 2, infection during April to November, and infection in Eastern and North-Eastern regions of Ireland, were all statistically significant independent predictors of HUS. Demonstration of a risk gradient provided internal validity to the risk score: 0.2% in the cohort with very low risk (1/430), 1.1% with low risk (2/182), 2.3% with medium risk (8/345), 3.1% with high risk (3/98) and 22.2% with very high risk (43/194) scores, respectively, developed HUS.

Conclusions

We have developed a composite risk score which may be of practical value, once externally validated, in prompt estimation of risk of HUS from STEC infection.

Key messages

We have identified vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, age <10 years, Shiga toxin 2, STEC infection during April-November and in the East/North-East of Ireland as independent predictors of HUS. Using these variables we have developed a practical composite risk score that could be used by clinicians and public health teams to promptly assess the risk of HUS from STEC infection.
Home-Based Physical Activity Programs for People With Dementia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: de Almeida Sara Isabel Lebre , Gomes da Silva Madalena , Marques Alda Sofia Pires de Dias
Published: November 2019

Background and Objectives

Physical activity has the potential to improve health outcomes in people with dementia, namely when living at home. However, the knowledge about home-based physical activity for this population is scarce. Thus, we aim to identify and synthesize the effects of home-based physical activity for people with dementia.

Research Design and Methods

A systematic review was conducted. Quality of studies was assessed using the Delphi List. Effect sizes (ES) were calculated with MetaXL 2.0. A meta-analysis was conducted for the Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI), Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease Cooperative Study Group Activities of Daily Living Scale (ADCS-ADL), Functional Reach test, Timed Up and Go (TUG) test, Short Physical Performance Battery, Dementia Quality of Life, NPI Caregivers subscale and Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI).

Results

Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included. Most were of high quality and published after 2015. A large heterogeneity of interventions was found. Meta-analysis showed significant results in MMSE (ES = 0.71, 95% CI 0.43, 0.99), NPI (ES = −0.37, 95% CI −0.57, −0.17), ADCS-ADL (ES = 0.80, 95% CI 0.53, 1.07), Functional Reach test (ES = 2.24, 95% CI 1.80, 2.68), TUG test (ES = −2.40, 95% CI −2.84, −1.96), NPI Caregivers subscale (ES = −0.63, 95% CI −0.94, −0.32), and ZBI (ES = −0.45, 95% CI −0.77, −0.13). Few minor adverse events and high adherence to intervention were found.

Discussion and Implications

Home-based physical activity seems safe and effective in delaying cognitive function decline and improving changes in behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, activities of daily living, health-related physical fitness, and carer’s burden in people with dementia living at home.
Reactive extraction of propionic acid using trioctylamine in 1–decanol by response surface methodology optimization technique
Authors: Inyang Victoria M , Lokhat David
Published: November 2019

Reactive extraction, a novel technique, was experimentally investigated for the removal of propionic acid, which is usually present in low concentrations in aqueous solutions. The experiments were conducted according to statistical design to develop an appropriate regression model. This was aimed at analyzing and optimizing the process variables and extraction efficiency for propionic acid reactive extraction from dilute aqueous streams using trioctylamine as extractant and 1-decanol as organic diluent. Response surface methodology in combination with Box–Behnken design involving 17 experimental runs was utilized for the propionic acid reactive extraction in this study. Three independent process variables were chosen as temperature (T), initial propionic acid concentration (CPAO) in the aqueous phase and trioctylamine composition (CTOA) in the organic phase. The statistical design analysis demonstrated that the propionic acid concentration and TOA composition had a significant effect while temperature had an insignificant effect on the response value as well as an interactive and quadratic effect on the response. The optimum conditions for propionic acid extraction were established as T  =  300.752 K, CTOA  =  18.252 %v/v, CPAO  =  0.408 kmol/m3. Under these optimum conditions, the propionic acid experimental extraction yield was 89.788 %, which was in close conformity with the predicted yield value of 91.939 %.
Ablation of IL-17A leads to severe colitis in IL-10-deficient mice: implications of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and NO production
Authors: Tachibana Masashi , Watanabe Nobumasa , Koda Yuzo , Oya Yukako , Kaminuma Osamu , Katayama Kazufumi , Fan Zifei , Sakurai Fuminori , Kawabata Kenji , Hiroi Takachika , Mizuguchi Hiroyuki
Published: November 2019

IL-10 is an immune regulatory cytokine and its genetic defect leads to gastrointestinal inflammation in humans and mice. Moreover, the IL-23/Th17 axis is known to be involved in these inflammatory disorders. IL-17A, a representative cytokine produced by Th17 cells, has an important role for the pathological process of inflammatory diseases. However, the precise function of IL-17A in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains controversial. In this study, we evaluated the effect of IL-17A on colitis in IL-10-deficient (Il10−/−) mice. Mice lacking both IL-10 and IL-17A (Il10−/−Il17a−/−) suffered from fatal wasting and manifested more severe colitis compared with Il10−/−Il17a+/− mice. Moreover, we found that CD11b+Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) accumulated in the bone marrow, spleen and peripheral blood of Il10−/−Il17a−/− mice. These MDSCs highly expressed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) (Nos2) and suppressed the T-cell response in vitro in a NOS-dependent manner. In correlation with these effects, the concentration of nitric oxide was elevated in the serum of Il10−/−Il17a−/− mice. Surprisingly, the severe colitis observed in Il10−/−Il17a−/− mice was ameliorated in Il10−/−Il17a−/−Nos2−/− mice. Our findings suggest that IL-17A plays suppressive roles against spontaneous colitis in Il10−/− mice in an iNOS-dependent manner and inhibits MDSC differentiation and/or proliferation.
Pregnancy-Related Beliefs and Concerns of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Patients Modified After Accessing e-Health Portal
Authors: Sutton Reed T , Wierstra Kelsey , Bal Jasmin , Ismond Kathleen P , Dieleman Levinus A , Halloran Brendan P , Kroeker Karen I , Fedorak Richard N , Berga Keri-Ann , Huang Vivian W
Published: November 2019

Objective

Poor inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)-specific reproductive knowledge is associated with concerns and medication noncompliance. Having shown an educational portal can improve knowledge, we evaluated its effectiveness for addressing IBD patients’ reproductive and medication concerns.

Methods

Adult IBD participants (aged 18 to 45 years) were invited to access an e-health portal providing information on heritability, fertility, surgery, pregnancy outcomes, delivery, postpartum, and breastfeeding in the context of IBD and IBD medications. At pre-, post-, and 6+-month postintervention, participants completed a questionnaire on IBD-specific pregnancy concerns, medication concerns from the Beliefs About Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ), and medication adherence via the Medication Adherence Rating Scale (MARS). The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to compare median differences between scores (95% confidence).

Results

Demographics for 78 (70.3%) participants completing postintervention questionnaires: median age 29.3 (interquartile range: 25.6 to 32.9) years; 54 (69.2%) Crohn’s disease; 21 (26.9%) ulcerative colitis; 63 (80.3%) females, 5 (7.9%) pregnant; and 19 (30.2%) previously pregnant. Postintervention, the median number of reproductive concerns decreased from 3 to 1, and remained stable 6+ months later (P < 0.001*). The median BMQ score decreased from 28 to 25, and remained stable 6+ months later (P = 0.032*). Participants adherent to medications increased from 82.4% to 87.8% postintervention (P = 0.099).

Conclusion

Using an e-health portal may potentially reduce IBD-specific reproductive and medications concerns. An e-health portal is feasible as one component of managing IBD patient’s reproductive and medication concerns during preconception and pregnancy.
The drifting subpulses of PSR B0031−07 and its synchronously modulated radio polarization
Authors: Ilie C D , Weltevrede P , Johnston S , Chen T
Published: November 2019

We establish that for PSR B0031−07 the orthogonal polarization modes switch at a single pulse level synchronously with the periodic drifting subpulses seen in total intensity. There are only four other pulsars known for which this phenomenon is observed. PSR B0031−07 is unique as it is the only source in this group which has multiple stable drift modes. For both drift modes visible at our observing frequency centered at 1369 MHz, the modulation of polarization modes is synchronous with the drifting subpulses. In one of the drift modes, a discontinuity in the modulation pattern of polarization properties occurs halfway through the pulse, coinciding with a slight change in the slope of the intensity drift band. In contrast to what has been suggested for this pulsar in the past, this, plus other differences in the polarization of the modulated emission observed for the two drift modes, suggests that a drift mode change is more than a change in the underlying carousel radius and that magnetospheric propagation effects play an important role. The ellipticity evolves asymmetrically in time during the modulation cycle, which in the framework of a carousel model implies that the polarized sub-beams are asymmetric with respect to the sense of circulation, something which is not observed for other pulsars. Birefringence in the magnetosphere, resulting in the orthogonal polarization modes to spatially separate, is not enough to explain these results. It is argued that more complex magnetospheric processes, which possibly allow conversion between orthogonal polarization modes, play a role.
Effectiveness and safety over 3 years after the 2-year U-Act-Early trial of the strategies initiating tocilizumab and/or methotrexate
Authors: Verhoeven Maxime M A , Tekstra Janneke , Welsing Paco M J , Pethö-Schramm Attila , Borm Michelle E A , Bruyn George A W , Bos Reinhard , Griep Ed N , Klaasen Ruth , van Laar Jacob M , Lafeber Floris P J G , Bijlsma Johannes W J , de Hair Marjolein J H , Jacobs Johannes W G
Published: November 2019

Objectives

U-Act-Early was a 2-year, randomized placebo controlled, double-blind trial, in which DMARD-naïve early RA patients were treated to the target of sustained remission (SR). Two strategies initiating tocilizumab (TCZ), with and without methotrexate (MTX), were more effective than a strategy initiating MTX. The aim of the current study was to determine longer-term effectiveness in daily clinical practice.

Methods

At the end of U-Act-Early, patients were included in a 3-year post-trial follow-up (PTFU), in which treatment was according to standard care and data were collected every 3 months during the first year and every 6 months thereafter. Primary end point was disease activity score assessing 28 joints (DAS28) over time. Mixed effects models were used to compare effectiveness between initial strategy groups, correcting for relevant confounders. Between the groups as randomized, proportions of patients were tested for DMARD use, SR and radiographic progression of joint damage.

Results

Of patients starting U-Act-Early, 226/317 (71%) participated in the PTFU. Over the total 5 years, mean DAS28 was similar between groups (P > 0.20). During U-Act-Early, biologic DMARD use decreased in both TCZ initiation groups and increased in the MTX initiation group, but during follow-up this trend did not continue. SR was achieved at least once in 99% of patients. Of the 226 patients, only 30% had any radiographic progression over 5 years, without significant differences between the groups.

Conclusion

Although in the short-term the strategies initiating TCZ yielded the most clinical benefit, in the longer-term differences in important clinical outcomes between the strategies disappeared, probably due to continuation of the treat-to-target principle.
Chemogenetic modulation of the parafacial respiratory group influences the recruitment of abdominal activity during REM sleep
Authors: Pisanski Annette , Ding Xiuqing , Koch Nils A , Pagliardini Silvia
Published: November 2019

Current theories on respiratory control postulate that the respiratory rhythm is generated by oscillatory networks in the medulla: preBötzinger complex (preBötC) is the master oscillator responsible for generating inspiration, while parafacial respiratory group (pFRG) drives active expiration through recruitment of expiratory abdominal (ABD) muscle activity. Research addressing the role of pFRG in ventilation and rhythm generation across sleep states is limited. We recently reported the occurrence of ABD recruitment occurring despite the induction of muscle paralysis during REM sleep. This ABD recruitment was associated with increased tidal volume and regularization of the respiratory period in rats. As pFRG generates active expiration through the engagement of ABD muscles, we hypothesized that the expiratory oscillator is also responsible for the ABD recruitment observed during REM sleep. To test this hypothesis, we inhibited and activated pFRG using chemogenetics (i.e. designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) while recording EEG and respiratory muscle EMG activities across sleep–wake cycles in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Our results suggest that inhibition of pFRG reduced the number of REM events expressing ABD recruitment, in addition to the intensity and prevalence of these events. Conversely, activation of pFRG resulted in an increase in the number of REM events in which ABD recruitment was observed, as well as the intensity and prevalence of ABD recruitment. Interestingly, modulation of pFRG activity did not affect ABD recruitment during NREM sleep or wakefulness. These results suggest that the occurrence of ABD recruitment during sleep is dependent on pFRG activity and is state dependent.