bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mobile application of BTS tower search build upon location based service (LBS)
Authors: Siddieq Akbar , Nurhaida Ida
Published: December 2018

Purpose

Referring the phenomenon, the researchers create an application to deal with problems faced by the technician team and the vendor in searching the location of BTS tower.

Design/methodology/approach

This application uses the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) methodology which is the process of developing or changing a software system. One of the models owned by SDLC is the waterfall technique. It provides a sequential software flow approach starting from analysis, design, coding, testing and supporting stages.

Findings

There are some of the technician team and the vendor find difficulties in looking for the position of the BTS tower. As a solution, a facility which enables them to access the location in searching the BTS tower is needed.

Originality/value

The following is a display of the design results and the implementation of writing code in applications that have been made previously.
Clinical value of enzyme immunoassay that detects rubella‐specific immunoglobulin M immediately after disease onset
Authors: Kurata Takako , Uchino Kiyoko , Hotta Chiemi , Ogura Atsushi , Miyoshi Tatsuya , Ogawa Tomoko , Kanbayashi Daiki , Tanaka Tomoyuki , Yumisashi Takahiro , Komano Jun
Published: December 2018

A total of 300 patients with nucleic acid test‐confirmed rubella, mostly adults, were investigated to determine the clinical value of a rubella‐specific IgM test using an EIA kit. IgM titers increased after rash onset, the median IgM titer being significantly higher 3 days post‐onset than on previous days (P < 0.0001). Similarly, the IgM‐positive rate at 3 days post‐onset (61.5%) was significantly higher than on previous days (P < 0.0001). This IgM test against rubella at 3 days or more post‐disease onset provides the clinically relevant information.
The Effect of the Recent Inheritance Tax Reform on Bequest Behaviour in Japan
Authors: Niimi Yoko
Published: December 2018

This paper examines the behavioural response of households to wealth transfer taxation using household survey data from Japan, with particular attention being paid to the implications of different bequest motives that households may have. The data reveal that relatively few households plan to reallocate the newly taxable amount of wealth to their own consumption or inter vivos transfers in response to the recent lowering of the basic deduction of the inheritance tax. Our analysis shows that this partly reflects the fact that a relatively large share of households have no or a weak bequest motive in Japan. However, our estimation results also suggest that parents with an altruistic bequest motive are more likely to avoid an increase in their children's tax bill by reallocating the newly taxable amount of wealth to inter vivos transfers than those with no or a weak bequest motive. By contrast, parents with an exchange bequest motive are more likely to respond to the tax reform by reallocating the newly taxable amount of wealth to their own consumption, though they seem to exhibit a similar response to those with an altruistic bequest motive in some cases.
Genetic diversity analysis of French goat populations reveals selective sweeps involved in their differentiation
Authors: Oget C. , Servin B. , Palhière I.
Published: December 2018

After domestication 11 000 years ago in Asia Minor, the goat followed human migration to Europe and Asia. It was then introduced in Africa and is now raised all over the world. In this study, we exploited a dataset composed of 54 000 SNPs (Illumina goat DNA chip) to analyze the genetic diversity of 223 individuals belonging to eight French breeds (Alpine, Angora, Corse, Fossés, Poitevine, Provençale, Pyrénées and Saanen). Analyses carried out included individual‐based approaches (principal component analysis and population structure) and population‐based approaches (phylogenetic tree constructions). The results of the genetic diversity analyses revealed that French breeds are clearly differentiated, in particular, the Angora breed that originates from south west Asia. The Provençale breed shows a very original genetic pattern that could be the result of ancient admixture. Then, selection signatures were detected by identifying regions of outlying genetic differentiation between populations. Five genomic regions were detected under selection on chromosomes 5, 6, 11, 13 and 20, revealing mainly soft selective sweeps and a few hard selective sweeps and highlighting candidate genes that had been selected for during the evolutionary history of these breeds. Among them, two coat coloration genes (ADAMTS20 and ASIP) and one gene related to milk composition (CSN1S1) were involved.
FOREIGN AID, TERRORISM AND GROWTH: CONDITIONAL EVIDENCE FROM QUANTILE REGRESSION
Authors: ASONGU Simplice A. , NWACHUKWU Jacinta , BIEKPE Nicholas
Published: December 2018

In this study, we investigate the role of development assistance in reducing a hypothetically negative impact of terrorism on economic growth, using a panel of 78 developing nations with data for the period 1984–2008. The empirical evidence is based on interactive quantile regressions. Domestic, transnational, unclear and total terrorism dynamics are employed while development assistance measurements comprised bilateral and multilateral aid variables. With regard to the investigated hypothesis, we consistently confirm that: (i) In quantiles where terrorism is found to increase (decrease) economic growth, its interaction with foreign aid decreases (increases) economic growth. (ii) Comparing thresholds of the modifying aid variables for which the hypothesis is either rejected or accepted reveals that higher levels of multilateral (bilateral) aid are needed to reverse the negative effect of total (unclear) terrorism on growth, than the quantity needed to reverse the positive impact of transnational (domestic and total) terrorism(s) on growth. (iii) There is scant evidence of positive net effects. Overall the findings broadly indicate that foreign aid is a necessary but not a sufficient policy tool for completely dampening the effects of terrorism on economic growth.
The diabetic phenotype is preserved in myotubes established from type 2 diabetic subjects: a critical appraisal
Authors: Gaster Michael
Published: December 2018

Cultured human myotubes offer a unique model to distinguish between primary and environmental factors in the aetiology of insulin resistance in human skeletal muscle. The objective of this review was to summarize our and other group studies on insulin resistance in human myotubes established from lean, obese and type 2 diabetes (T2D) subjects. Overall, studies of human myotubes established from lean, obese and T2D subjects clearly show that part of the diabetic phenotype observed in vivo is preserved in diabetic myotubes. Diabetic myotubes express a primary coordinated impairment of lipid oxidation, oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and insulin‐stimulated glucose metabolism. Currently, both the responsible molecular mechanisms as well as the extent to which these alterations depend on genetic and/or epigenetic alterations have yet to be identified. Based on the data, it is hypothesized that the impaired insulin‐mediated glucose metabolism, impaired OXPHOS and reduced lipid oxidation observed in diabetic myotubes are caused by the reduced peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator‐1α (PGC1α) expression.
Effective method of gallbladder retraction for single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy
Authors: Funamizu Naotake , Okamoto Tomoyoshi , Kumamoto Tomotaka , Kazama Takashi , Watanabe Atsushi , Fujioka Shuichi , Yanaga Katsuhiko
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Recently, single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy has been accepted as an alternative to conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the safety and feasibility of unique gallbladder retraction methods using an ENDOLOOP® (Ethicon, Tokyo, Japan) and Lapaherclosure™ (Hakko Medical, Tokyo, Japan).

Materials and Surgical Technique

From May 2013 to April 2015, 77 patients underwent single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy with this retraction technique. During the same period, conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy was performed in 85 patients; these patients were the control group. The patients' data, including the operative time, total blood loss, conversion rate to laparotomy, and perioperative complications, were compared. Alexis® Wound Retractor XS (Applied Medical, Tokyo, Japan) was inserted through a 25–30‐mm vertical transumbilical incision to prevent bile contamination. Next, a SILS Port (Covidien, Tokyo, Japan) was inserted. A flexible 5‐mm laparoscope was inserted through the port with a grasper (SILS Clinch, Covidien) and a normal 5‐mm scalpel. The fundus of the gallbladder was tied by the ENDOLOOP. The Lapaherclosure was then directly inserted through a right lower intercostal space to capture and pull the Lapaherclosure out. After the cystic artery and duct were cut, the resected gallbladder was directly extracted from the umbilical incision.

Discussion

Several methods and devices have been developed to perform single‐incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy, including the suturing method, the Mini Loop Retractor II (Covidien), and the EndoGrab (Virtual Ports, Caesarea, Israel). However, considering medical costs and safety, our retraction method seems to be feasible and comparable to existing methods.
Accounting Problems in Infrastructure Asset Valuation and Depreciation in New South Wales Local Government
Authors: Ivannikov Igor , Dollery Brian
Published: December 2018

The aim of this paper is twofold: (i) to investigate whether New South Wales (NSW) local government councils comply with Australian Accounting Standards in accounting for revaluation of their infrastructure assets and (ii) to assess any consequences for the reliability of financial reporting in NSW local government. Using road assets as an example, we analyse the results of revaluations of road assets undertaken by 89 NSW councils as reported in their financial statements during the period 2013 to 2016. In this analysis we focus on the effect of a change in accumulated depreciation and impairment loss component of fair value as a percentage of the gross replacement cost of the revalued assets. The analysis reveals that in most cases this effect is significant. However, the accounting and reporting of this effect is strikingly inconsistent between the councils. Based on a critical analysis of the accounting framework and disclosure of the revaluation effects, we conclude that the main reason for the change in the fair value of assets is altered estimates of remaining useful life. Furthermore, we argue that councils did not comply with the requirements of AASB 116 in determining the useful life of the assets.
Synergistic effects of prenatal nicotine exposure and post‐weaning high‐fat diet on hypercholesterolaemia in rat offspring of different sexes
Authors: Zhu Chunyan , Guo Yu , Luo Hanwen , Wu Yimeng , Magdalou Jacques , Chen Liaobin , Wang Hui
Published: December 2018

Hypercholesterolaemia is considered a disease with intrauterine origin. Recently, we reported that prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) induced an abnormal level of total cholesterol in rat offspring before and after birth. However, there were little data about sex differences in serum cholesterol level in PNE offspring. In addition, many previous studies reported that blood cholesterol is associated with daily diet. This study was designed to analyse the interaction among PNE, high‐fat diet (HFD) and sex on cholesterol metabolism in the rat. Pregnant Wistar rats were administered 2 mg/kg nicotine subcutaneously from gestational day (GD) 11 until parturition. After weaning, pups were fed with normal diet or HFD till 24 weeks, and then, serum cholesterol phenotypes and hepatic cholesterol metabolism‐related genes were tested. Results showed that PNE manifested a distinct programming effect on cholesterol phenotype and cholesterol metabolism‐related genes. HFD aggregated PNE‐induced hypercholesterolaemia in adult offspring and exacerbated liver cholesterol metabolism dysfunction in PNE offspring. There was no sex difference in serum cholesterol level, but there were interactions among PNE, HFD and sex on cholesterol metabolic genes in adult offspring, which indicates that cholesterol metabolism in female offspring is more likely to be affected by PNE and HFD. In conclusion, HFD exacerbated PNE‐induced hypercholesterolaemia, and sex differences existed in liver cholesterol metabolic genes in PNE‐ or HFD‐treated offspring.
Functional and molecular characterisation of the bilateral pelvic nerve crush injury rat model for neurogenic detrusor underactivity
Authors: Dewulf Karel , Weyne Emmanuel , Gevaert Thomas , Deruyver Yves , Voets Thomas , Ridder Dirk De , Everaerts Wouter , Albersen Maarten
Published: December 2018

Objectives

To create a rat model for neurogenic detrusor underactivity (DU) by bilateral pelvic nerve crush injury (BPNI) and to study temporal changes in detrusor contractility and morphology.

Materials and Methods

Male Sprague‐Dawley rats were subjected to BPNI or sham surgery and evaluated at 1, 3 and 9 weeks after surgery. Bladder function was determined in vivo by awake cystometry, micturition pattern analysis, and 24‐h urine collection. Bladders were harvested for in vitro pharmacological investigation by isometric tension recording. Bladders and major pelvic ganglia were investigated by quantitative reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction and histochemistry.

Results

Overflow incontinence was observed at 1 week after BPNI. At 3 and 9 weeks after BPNI, rats showed a bladder phenotype characteristic for DU with increased post‐void residual urine volumes, reduced voiding efficiencies, and lower maximum pressures. In isolated bladder strips, contractile responses to KCl, carbachol, and α,β‐methylene adenosine 5′‐triphosphate (α,β‐mATP) were preserved. On the other hand, neural‐induced contractility was reduced after BPNI, in line with reduced expression of protein gene product 9.5 and choline acetyltransferase in the major pelvic ganglion at 1 week after BPNI. The bladder‐to‐body weight ratio and detrusor thickness increased after BPNI, indicating detrusor hypertrophy to compensate for the reduced neural input.

Conclusions

BPNI induces a rat model for neurogenic DU. In this model, the detrusor maintains its contractility but denervation of the detrusor was observed.
Climate change impact and adaptation for wheat protein
Authors: Asseng Senthold , Martre Pierre , Maiorano Andrea , Rötter Reimund P. , O’Leary Garry J. , Fitzgerald Glenn J. , Girousse Christine , Motzo Rosella , Giunta Francesco , Babar M. Ali , Reynolds Matthew P. , Kheir Ahmed M. S. , Thorburn Peter J. , Waha Katharina , Ruane Alex C. , Aggarwal Pramod K. , Ahmed Mukhtar , Balkovič Juraj , Basso Bruno , Biernath Christian , Bindi Marco , Cammarano Davide , Challinor Andrew J. , De Sanctis Giacomo , Dumont Benjamin , Eyshi Rezaei Ehsan , Fereres Elias , Ferrise Roberto , Garcia‐Vila Margarita , Gayler Sebastian , Gao Yujing , Horan Heidi , Hoogenboom Gerrit , Izaurralde R. César , Jabloun Mohamed , Jones Curtis D. , Kassie Belay T. , Kersebaum Kurt-Christian , Klein Christian , Koehler Ann‐Kristin , Liu Bing , Minoli Sara , Montesino San Martin Manuel , Müller Christoph , Naresh Kumar Soora , Nendel Claas , Olesen Jørgen Eivind , Palosuo Taru , Porter John R. , Priesack Eckart , Ripoche Dominique , Semenov Mikhail A. , Stöckle Claudio , Stratonovitch Pierre , Streck Thilo , Supit Iwan , Tao Fulu , Van der Velde Marijn , Wallach Daniel , Wang Enli , Webber Heidi , Wolf Joost , Xiao Liujun , Zhang Zhao , Zhao Zhigan , Zhu Yan , Ewert Frank
Published: December 2018

Wheat grain protein concentration is an important determinant of wheat quality for human nutrition that is often overlooked in efforts to improve crop production. We tested and applied a 32‐multi‐model ensemble to simulate global wheat yield and quality in a changing climate. Potential benefits of elevated atmospheric CO2 concentration by 2050 on global wheat grain and protein yield are likely to be negated by impacts from rising temperature and changes in rainfall, but with considerable disparities between regions. Grain and protein yields are expected to be lower and more variable in most low‐rainfall regions, with nitrogen availability limiting growth stimulus from elevated CO2. Introducing genotypes adapted to warmer temperatures (and also considering changes in CO2 and rainfall) could boost global wheat yield by 7% and protein yield by 2%, but grain protein concentration would be reduced by −1.1 percentage points, representing a relative change of −8.6%. Climate change adaptations that benefit grain yield are not always positive for grain quality, putting additional pressure on global wheat production.
Opportunities and challenges of Higher Education institutions in Europe: An analysis from a business model perspective
Authors: Posselt Thorsten , Abdelkafi Nizar , Fischer Luise , Tangour Cyrine
Published: December 2018

During the last decades, there has been increasing interest in the role of the university as a key stakeholder and agent in innovation and regional development. In the face of new technologies, especially growing digitalisation and new societal and economic challenges, this paper proposes to reconsider the role of the university in the innovation system. More particularly, we introduce the idea of a business model for the entrepreneurial university of the future and develop nine conceptual theses. The theses are based on four elements of a business model concept: value proposition, creation, delivery and capture. With the help of the nine theses, we aim to trigger new discussions regarding policy implications for the future university in Europe.
Histopathologic correlation of high‐risk MelaFindTM lesions: a 3‐year experience from a high‐risk pigmented lesion clinic
Authors: Shrivastava Vikas , Bailin Phillip , Elliott Jennifer , Bacnik Elizabeth , Gastman Brian , Bergfeld Wilma , Billings Steven D. , Piliang Melissa , Fernandez Anthony , Kovalyshyn Ivanka , Ko Jennifer S.
Published: December 2018

Background

A significant number of pigmented lesions are biopsied to rule out melanoma, but most will be benign. MelaFindTM is a highly sensitive, noninvasive computer‐assisted system to aid in clinical diagnosis of melanoma.

Methods

A total of 140 high‐risk patients were followed by one expert dermatologist. Biopsies were blindly and independently evaluated by two dermatopathologists and given histologic severity scores (HSS, 0–12) based on the histologic features of melanoma/dysplastic nevi and compared to pathologic diagnoses and MelaFindTM scores.

Results

MelaFindTM reduced the biopsy number of clinically ambiguous lesions (923 scanned to 253 biopsied, 73% reduction). Biopsied cases were usually benign (135/253, 53.4%, HSS = 2.8–3.2). Dysplastic nevi with varying degrees of atypia were observed next most commonly (80/253, 31.6%, HSS = 4.7–5.2 for mild dysplasia and 7–7.6 for moderate to severe dysplasia). Melanomas comprised 11/253 (4.3%) of biopsies (HSS = 9.3–10.7). Twenty‐four cases were given miscellaneous diagnoses not within the dysplastic nevus–melanoma spectrum (9.5%, HSS = 1.3). Dermal fibrosis was the most commonly identified worrisome histologic feature (177/253, 70%), closely followed by other known atypical features. Nonthreatening histologic features in benign lesions with high MelaFindTM disorganization scores were common. The HSS differed significantly depending on pathologic diagnosis severity, while the MelaFindTM score did not (benign = 2.2; mildly atypical = 4.8; moderately to severely atypical = 2.3; in‐situ or invasive melanoma = 3.1).

Conclusions

MelaFindTM unequivocally reduced the number of biopsies, but banal lesions had histologic attributes resulting in high‐risk MelaFindTM scores, and MelaFindTM does not correlate with degree of cytologic atypia. Knowledge of these limitations should increase bidirectional confidence when making clinicopathologic correlations in high‐risk patients.
A multi‐scale characterisation of the durum wheat pasta cooking process
Authors: Littardi P. , Diantom A. , Carini E. , Curti E. , Boukid F. , Vodovotz Y. , Vittadini E.
Published: December 2018

A multi‐level investigation was carried out to characterise uncooked to overcooked pasta. Macroscopic, mesoscopic and molecular properties were measured and their changes were clearly related to the process of cooking: hardness and viscoelastic decreased, moisture content and gelatinisation degree increased and 1H molecular mobility changed. Principal component analysis (PCA) explained 82% (PC1: 47.7% and PC2: 34.3%), enabling the differentiation by cluster of different cooking phases: uncooked, undercooked (described by degree of gelatinisation and rigid protons’ populations [FID and T2]); medium‐cooked (described by higher mobility protons [T2E1, T2E2 and %PopE2]), cooked at suggested cooking time (described by viscoelastic properties) and over‐cooked pasta by molecular mobility parameters (T2D, T2E and %PopF). Nuclear magnetic resonance relaxometry was a valuable tool to describe the entire cooking process, whereas viscoelastic properties effectively characterised suggested cooking time.
Patients' narratives of their patient participation in the myocardial infarction pathway
Authors: Bårdsgjerde Elise Kvalsund , Kvangarsnes Marit , Landstad Bodil , Nylenna Magne , Hole Torstein
Published: December 2018

Aim

To explore how patients in areas without local percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) facilities experience patient participation in different phases of the myocardial infarction pathway.

Background

Acute treatment of myocardial infarction often involves PCI. In Norway, this treatment is centralized at certain hospitals; thus, patients often require long‐distance transportation and experience frequent hospital transfers. Short hospital stays, transfers between hospitals and the patient's emotional state pose challenges to promoting patient participation.

Design

A qualitative design with a narrative approach.

Methods

Participants were recruited through purposive sampling. Eight men and two women were interviewed in 2016.

Findings

Four themes related to the patients' experiences at the beginning, middle and end of the pathway were identified: (a) Lack of verbal communication in the acute phase; (b) trust in healthcare professionals and treatment; (c) lack of participation and coordination at discharge; and (d) shared decision‐making in rehabilitation. The findings showed how the patients moved from a low level of patient participation in the acute phase to a high level of patient participation in the rehabilitation phase.

Conclusion

This is the first study to explore patient participation in different phases of the myocardial infarction pathway. We argue that individual plans for information and patient participation are important to improve patient involvement in an earlier stage of the pathway. Further research from a healthcare professional perspective can be valuable to understand this topic.

Impact

This study gives new insight that can be valuable for healthcare professionals in implementing patient participation throughout the pathway.
Bayesian latent class analysis of ELISA and RT‐rPCR diagnostic accuracy for subclinical Renibacterium salmoninarum infection in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) broodstock
Authors: Laurin Emilie , Morrison Diane , Gardner Ian A. , Siah Ahmed , Powell James F. F. , Kamaitis Mykolas
Published: December 2018

Renibacterium salmoninarum infection causes bacterial kidney disease (BKD) in salmonid freshwater and saltwater life stages, with potentially severe financial loss for the aquaculture industry. Preventing vertical transmission, from infected broodstock to eggs, is key to disease management. As there is no perfect reference standard for detecting R. salmoninarum, we used Bayesian latent class analyses to compare real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT‐rPCR, mRNA target) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA; p57 antigen target) diagnostic accuracy for detection in Atlantic salmon broodstock from British Columbia, Canada, and assessed ELISA repeatability. In 2016, 4,544 Atlantic salmon broodstock (no clinical signs of BKD or gross lesions) were sampled for ELISA testing of kidney tissue. Two groups of ELISA positives (n = 132) and two groups of a random sample of ELISA negatives (n = 137) were then tested with RT‐rPCR, and ELISA testing was repeated. ELISA testing of broodstock provided the best diagnostic sensitivity (DSe; less chance of false‐negative results). The use of joint RT‐rPCR and ELISA testing improved DSe over that from each test alone, if a sample was considered positive when either test result was positive. Using these testing schemes in combination with management practices can decrease the likelihood of vertical transmission from subclinically infected broodstock.
Growth potential of Listeria monocytogenes in ready‐to‐eat Feta cheese‐based sauce stored at 4°C
Authors: Andritsos Nikolaos D. , Kallitsis Theodoros , Roukas Dimokritos
Published: December 2018

Listeria monocytogenes is now a well‐known foodborne pathogen of particular importance in ready‐to‐eat (RTE) refrigerated foods given the psychrotrophic character and ubiquitous nature of the bacterium. The objective of the current research was to assess the growth potential of L. monocytogenes in RTE cheese‐based (Feta) sauce. For this to occur, samples of Feta cheese‐based sauce (ca. 1% NaCl, pH = 4.6, 900 ppm sorbic acid) were artificially contaminated with a mixture of two L. monocytogenes strains and were stored aerobically at 4°C for 30 days. Growth potential (δ) of L. monocytogenes in Feta cheese‐based sauce was calculated at −1.2 log CFU/g for the 30‐day shelf‐life (i.e., δ < 0.5 log CFU/g). Findings of this study indicate that Feta cheese‐based sauce containing 900 ppm of sorbic acid as preservative is unable to support the growth of L. monocytogenes, thus the food safety criterion for pathogen enumeration not exceeding the limit of 100 CFU/g should apply during the shelf‐life of the product, as stated by Commission Regulation (EC) No. 2073/2005.

Practical applications

Contamination of acidic cheese‐based spreadable products, with pH ≤ 4.6 and/or water activity (i.e., Aw) > 0.94, with different bacterial species during the manufacturing process, could limit considerably the shelf‐life of these RTE products. Moreover, among other possible contaminants, the ubiquitous psychrotrophic pathogen L. monocytogenes may pose a serious threat for the microbiological safety of such products, like a Feta cheese‐based sauce with the aforementioned characteristics. Challenge testing for assessing the risk from L. monocytogenes presence during shelf‐life of this product is, therefore, deemed necessary and can provide us with useful information regarding possible pathogen containment due to product's composition and characteristics. Conclusively, even if the Feta cheese‐based sauce described in this study is contaminated with low numbers of L. monocytogenes at levels below the limit of detection (i.e., absence in 25 g), then the organism will not exceed 100 CFU/g by the end of product's shelf‐life.
Inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in milk by different processing sequences of ultrasound and heat
Authors: Li Jiao , Wang Jun , Zhao Xihong , Wang Wenjun , Liu Donghong , Chen Shiguo , Ye Xingqian , Ding Tian
Published: December 2018

Different processing sequences of ultrasound and heat were applied for the inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli in milk. The changes in whey protein content, particle size, zeta potential, pH, viscosity, and color values were studied to evaluate the effects on the quality of milk. Results indicated ultrasound treatment (600 W, 5 min) with postheating (63 °C 5 min) reduced S. aureus and E. coli by 1.58 and 2.02 log cfu/ml, respectively, but yielded 0.26 and 0.19 log cfu/ml sublethal S. aureus and E. coli. Milk preheated to 63 °C (5 min) followed by ultrasound (600 W, 5 min) showed 1.17 and 1.68 log reductions for S. aureus and E. coli, respectively, and the sublethal S. aureus and E. coli were reduced to 0.16 and 0.09 log cfu/ml. The increased cavitation effects make the simultaneous treatment (600 W, 63 °C, 5 min) the most effective approach in killing S. aureus and E. coli, causing 1.67 and 2.16 log reductions, respectively, and producing negligible sublethal bacteria. The simultaneous treatment was also able to improve some physical–chemical properties of milk; smaller particle size and whiter color were achieved. However, whey protein and stability indices of milk were slightly deteriorated by this approach.

Practical applications

In food processing fields, thermosonication can serve as an alternative processing technique to thermal pasteurization. Especially, the simultaneous treatment of ultrasound and heat showed best inactivation effect for viable and sublethal cells, while maintaining the overall milk quality in the meantime. The results of this research may be useful for the treatment of various bacterial contamination and give the guidance for milk processing.
Incidence and clinical impact of perianal disease in patients with ulcerative colitis: A nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Song Eun Mi , Lee Ho‐Su , Kim Ye‐Jee , Oh Eun Hye , Ham Nam Seok , Kim Jeongseok , Hwang Sung Wook , Park Sang Hyoung , Yang Dong‐Hoon , Ye Byong Duk , Byeon Jeong‐Sik , Myung Seung‐Jae , Yang Suk‐Kyun
Published: December 2018

Background and Aim

The risk and clinical impact of perianal disease (PAD) in ulcerative colitis (UC) patients have not been fully evaluated. We investigated the incidence of PAD in UC patients and compared clinical characteristics and outcomes of UC according to the presence of PAD.

Methods

We performed a nationwide population‐based cohort study and a hospital‐based cohort study. Using the 2010–2014 data from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database, we calculated incidence rates and standardized incidence ratios of PAD in UC patients compared with the general population. We evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of UC patients with PAD in both population‐based and hospital‐based cohorts. To reduce clinically meaningful confounding factors, we also conducted matched analyses.

Results

In the population‐based cohort, the incidence rate and standardized incidence ratio of PAD in UC patients were 3.74/1000 person‐years (95% confidence interval, 3.25–4.31) and 2.88 (95% confidence interval, 2.50–3.32), respectively. In the hospital‐based cohort, the cumulative probabilities of PAD at 1, 5, 10, and 20 years after diagnosis were 1.0%, 2.3%, 4.0%, and 6.3%, respectively. In both population‐based and hospital‐based cohorts, UC patients with PAD showed higher proportions of corticosteroid use and extensive colitis at diagnosis. The requirements for anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents and colectomy were significantly higher in UC patients with PAD before and after matched analysis.

Conclusions

The risk of PAD is higher in UC patients than in the general population. UC patients with PAD have distinct clinical features and poor outcomes, as indicated by the greater need for UC‐related medications and colectomy.
Validation of CollaboRATE and SURE – two short questionnaires to measure shared decision making during CPAP initiation
Authors: Broström Anders , Pakpour Amir H. , Nilsen Per , Hedberg Berith , Ulander Martin
Published: December 2018

Adherence to continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment tends to be low. Brief validated instruments focusing on shared decision making have not been used in a CPAP context. The aim was to investigate factorial structure, categorical functioning of the response scale and differential item functioning across sub‐populations of the CollaboRATE and Sure questionnaires among patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) before CPAP treatment is initiated. A prospective design, including 193 objectively diagnosed (polygraphy) OSA patients (68% men, 59.7 years, SD 11.5) from two CPAP clinics was used. Data were collected with the following questionnaires; Sure, CollaboRATE, Attitudes to CPAP Inventory, Epworth sleepiness scale, minimal insomnia symptoms scale, and hospital anxiety and depression scale. Objective CPAP use was collected after 6 months; 49% demonstrated decisional conflict on SURE and 51% scored low levels of shared decision making on CollaboRATE. Unidimensionality was found for both CollaboRATE (one factor explaining 57.4%) and SURE (one factor explaining 53.7%), as well as local independence. Differential item functioning showed both to be invariant across both male and female patients. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha 0.83) and composite reliability (0.89) were good. Latent class analyses showed that patients with low decisional conflict and high shared decision making were more adherent to CPAP treatment. CollaboRATE and SURE provided good validity and reliability scores to measure shared decision making and decisional conflict in relation to CPAP treatment. The questionnaires can be used by healthcare personnel as a tool to simplify the assessment of shared decision making.
Cognitive performance in patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators: Associations with objective sleep duration, age and anxiety
Authors: Curtis Ashley F. , Roth Alicia J. , Sears Samuel F. , Conti Jamie B. , Berry Richard B. , Dzierzewski Joseph M. , Rathinakumar Himangshu , McCrae Christina S.
Published: December 2018

Sleep disturbance and anxiety are highly prevalent in patients with implantable cardiac defibrillators (ICDs). There is limited research, however, on the associations between cognitive performance and sleep parameters, age and anxiety. Forty‐one patients with ICDs and self‐reported sleep disturbance completed 14 days of actigraphy (Mage = 60.3, SD = 12.3) measuring total sleep time (TST), and a computerized cognitive test battery measuring processing speed and attention (i.e. simple reaction time and symbol digit modality task [SDMT]) and executive function (i.e. flanker task, letter series task and N‐back task). Multiple regressions determined whether independent effects of TST, age and anxiety, as well as interactive effects of TST and age, predicted cognitive performance. TST predicted performance on two tasks of executive function (i.e. letter series and N‐back task), as well as an attentional vigilance and processing speed task (i.e. SDMT), and this did not depend on patient age. On letter series, N‐back and SDMT, longer TST predicted better performance. Increasing age was a predictor of worse performance on SDMT and flanker tasks. No other predictors were associated with task performance. Results show that sleep duration, not anxiety, may be an important predictor of higher‐order cognitive functioning and lower‐order tasks measuring processing speed and attention in ICD patients, with longer sleep duration showing greater benefit for performance.
Tolerability and effectiveness of generic direct‐acting antiviral drugs in eradication of hepatitis C genotype 4 among Egyptian patients
Authors: Lashen Sameh A. , Shamseya Mohammed M. , Madkour Marwa A. , Aboufarrag Galal A.
Published: December 2018

Background

We investigated tolerability and effectiveness of generic, less expensive direct antiviral drugs in the treatment of hepatitis C virus genotype 4 (HCV GT‐4) in an Egyptian cohort.

Patients and Methods

Retrospectively, we analysed data from 648 patients with HCV GT4 attending Alexandria Main University Hospital from January 2016 to May 2017 [488 treatment naïve/160 treatment‐experienced/288 with chronic hepatitis/360 with cirrhosis]. Patients received generic sofosbuvir/ledipasvir (n = 168, treatment naïve = 136, treatment‐experienced = 32) or sofosbuvir/daclatasvir (n = 480, treatment naïve = 352, treatment‐experienced = 128) ± ribavirin. We assessed sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment, non‐response, relapse, treatment discontinuation and drug adverse reactions.

Results

An overall sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment was achieved in 97.8%, non‐response in 0.6%, relapse in 0.3% and discontinuation of treatment in 1.3% of patients. Sofosbuvir/ledipasvir ± ribavirin regimen attained an overall sustained virologic response 12 weeks after treatment in 96.4% of patients (100% of treatment‐experienced vs 95.6% of treatment naïve, P = 0.28), vs 98.3% for sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin regimen (100% of treatment‐experienced vs 97.7% of treatment naïve, P = 0.08). No severe drug adverse events or deaths were reported except anaemia due to ribavirin.

Conclusion

Generic direct antiviral drugs used in treating Egyptian patients with HCV GT‐4 demonstrated equal potency, safety and tolerability compared to original brands, with low cost which would help to provide treatment to a larger scale of patients.
Thermoalgesic stimuli induce prepulse inhibition of the blink reflex and affect conscious perception in healthy humans
Authors: Correa Lilia I. , Cardenas Karem , Casanova‐Mollá Jordi , Valls‐Solé Josep
Published: December 2018

All sensory stimuli produce transient excitability changes in various central nervous system circuits. One example is prepulse inhibition (PPI), which is the inhibition generated by a preceding weak stimulus (prepulse) over the reflex response to a subsequent suprathreshold stimulus. The PPI is a ubiquitous phenomenon, common to many different sensory modalities. However, it has not yet been studied with thermoalgesic stimuli. These stimuli take a relatively long time to reach their peak, which implies some uncertainty in the exact timing of prepulse effects with respect to stimulus onset. In 20 healthy volunteers, we determined when thermoalgesic stimuli cause PPI of the blink reflex and measured conscious awareness (AW) of thermoalgesic stimulus perception using the Libet's clock. In this way, we determined the temporal relationship between AW and PPI. In a second experiment, we investigated whether prepulse effects on blink reflex also involved a change in conscious perception of the supraorbital nerve stimulus. Our results show that thermoalgesic stimuli generate PPI of the blink reflex long before subjects were consciously aware of the stimulus, confirming the already‐known principle that conscious perception is not required for PPI to take place, and that prepulse stimuli induce a change in the time of conscious perception of prepulse and pulse stimuli, in such a way that AW of both stimuli tended to become closer to each other.
Considering hepatitis C virus infection as a systemic disease
Authors: Cacoub Patrice , Comarmond Cloé
Published: December 2018

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been demonstrated to result in several adverse hepatic outcomes and has been associated with a number of important extrahepatic manifestations. The scope of extrahepatic clinical possibilities includes systemic diseases such as vasculitis and lymphoproliferative disorders, cardiovascular disease, myalgia, arthritis, and sicca syndrome. These end‐organ effects of HCV may dominate the clinical course beyond the hepatic complications and significantly worsen the long‐term prognosis of infected patients. Until several years ago, the standard of care for the treatment of HCV infection had been interferon‐alpha‐based regimens, which not only had limited effectiveness in achieving a cure but were often poorly tolerated, especially in patients with kidney disease. In those HCV‐infected patients with significant systemic manifestations, the interferon‐based regimens were problematic given their association with a wide variety of toxicities. The development of highly effective direct‐acting antiviral agents to treat HCV infection presented an opportunity to improve the HCV care cascade with the eradication of HCV in most infected patients and by reducing the burden of both hepatic and extrahepatic complications.
Blood donors and their changing engagement in other prosocial behaviors
Authors: Studte Sinika , Clement Michel , Soliman Meikel , Boenigk Silke
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Increasing competition by nonprofit organizations provides blood donors with many options to engage themselves prosocially (e.g., by donating money or time). While most previous studies focused only on one form of donation, only a few studies analyzed two or more forms. This research gap is remarkable, as prior research has shown that a substantial portion of donors engage in more than one form of donation. In addition, studies have shown that donors' main reason for lapsing is switching to another donation form.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This study relies on longitudinal data from the German Socio‐Economic Panel. In total, 5640 (non)blood donors are analyzed over a period of 5 years, alongside their engagement in four forms of prosocial behavior: money donations, taking care of persons in need, volunteer work, and citizens' initiatives. We control for sociodemographic, psychographic, and health‐related factors and rely on propensity score matching to reduce selection effects often observed in the blood donation context.

RESULTS

There are significant differences between blood donors and nondonors in their engagement in prosocial behaviors. Blood donors (vs. nondonors) are more likely to engage in other prosocial behavior forms, namely, donating money, volunteering, and participating in citizens' initiatives. If people start donating blood, they also are more likely to act in other prosocial ways, namely, donating money and volunteering. If people stop donating blood, they also are more likely to stop other forms of prosocial behavior, namely, volunteering and participating in citizens' initiatives.

CONCLUSION

This study provides new insights into blood donors' prosocial behavior. While most previous studies neglected blood donors' engagement in other prosocial behaviors, this study highlights the fact that blood banks need to be aware of blood donor switching behavior between all prosocial behavior forms. As most blood banks also are providing other types of donations forms, they can use this knowledge and cross‐recruit blood donors to engage in other forms of prosocial behavior.
Interest Rate Term Structure Decomposition: An Axiomatic Structural Approach
Authors: Barnard Brian
Published: December 2018

The paper examines an axiomatic structural approach to term structure decomposition. From this perspective, term structure decomposition is modelled as an non-parsimonious optimization problem, with the structure delineated by constraints related to the likely attributes thereof, rather than by a linear combination of splines or functions. The motivation for the model lies in its perceived flexibility or power. Also, the model is seen as a likely candidate to implement issue-level term structure decomposition. Consequently, issue-level term structure decomposition is also briefly introduced. The power of the model is tested on a simulated and market sample. Even though it may go against notions of structure smoothness, the relationship or correlation between structure smoothness, goodness of fit, and systematic/ unsystematic risk is also touched on.
A Coupled Multibody Finite Element Model for Investigating Effects of Surface Defects on Rolling Contact Fatigue
Authors: Golmohammadi Zamzam , Sadeghi Farshid
Published: December 2018

A coupled multibody elastic–plastic finite element (FE) model was developed to investigate the effects of surface defects, such as dents on rolling contact fatigue (RCF). The coupled Voronoi FE model was used to determine the contact pressure acting over the surface defect, internal stresses, damage, etc. In order to determine the shape of a dent and material pile up during the over rolling process, a rigid indenter was pressed against an elastic plastic semi-infinite domain. Continuum damage mechanics (CDM) was used to account for material degradation during RCF. Using CDM, spall initiation and propagation in a line contact was modeled and investigated. A parametric study using the model was performed to examine the effects of dent sharpness, pile up ratio, and applied load on the spall formation and fatigue life. The spall patterns were found to be consistent with experimental observations from the open literature. Moreover, the results demonstrated that the dent shape and sharpness had a significant effect on pressure and thus fatigue life. Higher dent sharpness ratios significantly reduced the fatigue life.
Uncertainty analysis for infrasound waveform inversion: Application to explosion yield estimation
Authors: Kim Keehoon , Rodgers Arthur , Wright Melissa
Published: December 2018

While the acoustic waveform inversion method is increasingly used in geophysical acoustics to constrain source parameters, the inversion results are often provided without any uncertainty analysis. This study presents a probabilistic representation for acoustic waveform inversion and method to evaluate the inversion uncertainty using ground-truth data. A posteriori probability distribution of source estimate is described by a priori waveform misfit covariance and the variance of acoustic source model. The probabilistic framework is applied to local explosion infrasound to estimate the yields of explosions and uncertainty. Estimated yields showed overall good agreement with the true yields (less than 25% errors). The uncertainty of the estimated yield is represented by the sum of the waveform inversion uncertainty and source model uncertainty. It is shown that the yield uncertainty attributed to local infrasound inversion (within 10 km) is as small as the uncertainty caused by 10% prediction errors in the acoustic source model. These results indicate that the acoustic source model uncertainty should also be considered for accurate yield estimation and that local infrasound can be a valuable tool to understand the magnitude of the source uncertainty.
U.N. HIV/AIDS agency assailed for culture of harassment
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: December 2018

Independent panel calls for replacing executive director.
Space laser to map trees in 3D
Authors: Popkin Gabriel
Published: December 2018

GEDI data will yield maps of forest carbon and biodiversity.
Conferences score well on child care
Authors: Langin Katie
Published: December 2018

Male-dominated disciplines lead the pack.
Bacillus velezensis
Wall Teichoic Acids Are Required for Biofilm Formation and Root Colonization
Authors: Xu Zhihui , Zhang Huihui , Sun Xinli , Liu Yan , Yan Wuxia , Xun Weibing , Shen Qirong , Zhang Ruifu
Published: December 2018

Bacillus velezensis
is a Gram-positive plant-beneficial bacterium which is widely used in agriculture. Additionally,
Bacillus
spp. are some of the model organisms used in the study of biofilms, and as such, the molecular networks and regulation systems of biofilm formation are well characterized. However, the molecular processes involved in root colonization by plant-beneficial
Bacillus
strains remain largely unknown. Here, we showed that WTAs play important roles in the plant root colonization process. The loss of the
gtaB
gene affects the ability of
B. velezensis
SQR9 to sense plant polysaccharides, which are important environmental cues that trigger biofilm formation and colonization in the rhizosphere. This knowledge provides new insights into the
Bacillus
root colonization process and can help improve our understanding of plant-rhizobacterium interactions.