bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of cluster analysis procedures on variation explained and consumer orientation in internal and external preference maps
Authors: Yenket Renoo , Chambers Edgar 
Published: September 2017

AbstractCommon statistical package clustering (SPC) methods may result in consumer segments that still are heterogeneous in product acceptance. Creating new products based on attributes selected from preference maps that use those clusters may result in product failure because the products are developed for consumers with some dissimilar preferences. Methods for clustering that produce more homogeneous clusters of consumers have been reported, that is, SPC with additional “manual” clustering used for gathering consumers with congruent liking of products. In this study, internal and external preference maps were created using two supplemental “manual” clustering approaches and are compared with maps from hierarchical and partitional clustering (i.e., k‐means) results. We observe how clusters with higher homogeneity in product liking patterns change spaces of consumers, descriptors, and product co‐ordinates in internal and external preference maps. Improvement in the preference mapping was exhibited, but the homogenous consumer clusters still miscommunicate some information, as the maps usually do. This was especially true for external preference maps with low percentage variance explained in the descriptors. Thus, it is essential to compare mapping results to the original data and to findings from the original descriptive study to gain the most appropriate information.Practical applicationsCorrectness of sensory information is very important for further analysis. The methods using some additional clustering procedures yield more exactitude in consumer liking patterns than only statistical package clustering. Statistical package clustering with supplementary manual clustering ensures that consumers who share both the most liked product and the least liked products are placed in same in the cluster. However, that does not ensure that the “maps” generated allow for unqualified interpretation. It is essential that preference mapping procedure are joined with common sense reviewing of the original data, key descriptive findings, and key information on most and least liked products within various consumer groups.
Acute flaccid paralysis in South African children: Causes, respiratory complications and neurological outcome
Authors: van der Pijl Jolanda , Wilmshurst Jo M , van Dijk Monique , Argent Andrew , Booth Jane , Zampoli Marco 
Published: September 2017

AimTo describe the causes, clinical presentation and neurological outcome of acute flaccid paralysis in children.MethodsA retrospective study in a tertiary paediatric hospital in South Africa. Data on clinical presentation, respiratory complications and long‐term neurological outcomes of children presenting with acute flaccid paralysis were collected. Logistic regression analysis was applied to determine predictors for the need of mechanical ventilation.ResultsThe study included 119 patients, 99 of whom had Guillain‐Barré syndrome (GBS); 47 patients (39.5%) required mechanical ventilation. Backward logistic regression analysis revealed that bulbar dysfunction (P < 0.001), autonomic dysfunction (P = 0.003) and upper limb paralysis (P = 0.038) significantly predicted the need for mechanical ventilation. EuroQol‐5D scores of self‐care problems and usual activities after discharge significantly declined over time.ConclusionsIn this large series from Africa, GBS was the main cause of acute flaccid paralysis in children and was associated with significant morbidity. Other causes of acute flaccid paralysis mimicking GBS were not uncommon and should be excluded in this setting.
Nectar‐inhabiting microorganisms influence nectar volatile composition and attractiveness to a generalist pollinator
Authors: Rering Caitlin C. , Beck John J. , Hall Griffin W. , McCartney Mitchell M. , Vannette Rachel L. 
Published: September 2017

Summary

The plant microbiome can influence plant phenotype in diverse ways, yet microbial contribution to plant volatile phenotype remains poorly understood. We examine the presence of fungi and bacteria in the nectar of a coflowering plant community, characterize the volatiles produced by common nectar microbes and examine their influence on pollinator preference.

Nectar was sampled for the presence of nectar‐inhabiting microbes. We characterized the headspace of four common fungi and bacteria in a nectar analog. We examined electrophysiological and behavioral responses of honey bees to microbial volatiles. Floral headspace samples collected in the field were surveyed for the presence of microbial volatiles.

Microbes commonly inhabit floral nectar and the common species differ in volatile profiles. Honey bees detected most microbial volatiles tested and distinguished among solutions based on volatiles only. Floral headspace samples contained microbial‐associated volatiles, with 2‐ethyl‐1‐hexanol and 2‐nonanone – both detected by bees – more often detected when fungi were abundant.

Nectar‐inhabiting microorganisms produce volatile compounds, which can differentially affect honey bee preference. The yeast Metschnikowia reukaufii produced distinctive compounds and was the most attractive of all microbes compared. The variable presence of microbes may provide volatile cues that influence plant–pollinator interactions.
Birth weight and prepubertal body size predict menarcheal age in India, Peru, and Vietnam
Authors: Aurino Elisabetta , Schott Whitney , Penny Mary E. , Behrman Jere R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractEvidence on the associations of birth weight and prepubertal nutritional status with menarcheal age for low‐ and middle‐income countries is limited. We investigated these relationships using the Young Lives younger cohort for 2001 Indian, Peruvian, and Vietnamese girls born in 2001–2002. Girls were followed at approximately ages 1, 5, 8, and 12 years. Weibull survival models estimated hazards of earlier menarche on the basis of birth weight Z‐scores (BWZ), and age‐8 BMI‐for‐age Z‐scores (BMIZ) and height‐for‐age Z‐scores (HAZ). Estimates controlled for potential individual‐, mother‐, and household‐level confounders and for changes in anthropometry between 1 and 8 years. In adjusted models, BWZ predicted later age at menarche (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.90, 95% CI: 0.83–0.97). Conversely, HAZ (HR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.5–1.83) and BMIZ at 8 years (HR = 1.28, 95% CI: 1.18–1.38) predicted earlier menarche. Changes in HAZ and BMIZ between 1 and 8 years were not associated with earlier menarche. Associations were consistent across countries, though with variation in estimated magnitudes. Maternal height and age were associated with later menarche. This evidence points to consistently robust and opposite associations of birth weight versus prepubertal attained height and body mass index with menarcheal age in three diverse settings with regard to nutrition, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.
Interspecies dynamics among bacteria associated with canine periodontal disease
Authors: Sanguansermsri P. , Nobbs A.H. , Jenkinson H.F. , Surarit R. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryThe etiology and pathogenic mechanisms associated with canine periodontal disease are less well understood than the disease in humans. In this study we have reconstructed defined consortia biofilms in vitro of microorganisms identified as prevalent in a same‐breed cohort of dogs with or without periodontal disease. Frederiksenia canicola and Neisseria canis were selected as potential early colonizers of salivary pellicle, and Fusobacterium nucleatum and Porphyromonas gulae were included as high incidence canine oral bacteria. N. canis formed a biofilm substratum under aerobic conditions, but was unable to tolerate anaerobic conditions. Fr. canicola exhibited synergistic biofilm growth with Po. gulae under anaerobic conditions, but displayed an antagonistic relationship with Fu. nucleatum. However, strong co‐adhesion between Fu. nucleatum and Po. gulae was able to overcome the inhibitory effects of Fr. canicola to facilitate three‐species biofilm formation. Parvimonas micra, an anaerobic, asaccharolytic Gram‐positive coccus found only under disease conditions in vivo, was able to form biofilms in conjunction with Fr. canicola and Po. gulae. Furthermore, the specific proteolytic activities of biofilms containing Fr. canicola and Po. gulae or Fu. nucleatum and Po. gulae were increased several‐fold upon the addition of Pa. micra. This suggests that anaerobic cocci such as Pa. micra might provide a catalyst for progressive tissue destruction, inflammation and alveolar bone loss in canine periodontal disease, in keeping with the keystone‐pathogen hypothesis.
The power of frontal midline theta and post‐error slowing to predict performance recovery: Evidence for compensatory mechanisms
Authors: Valadez Emilio A. , Simons Robert F. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractPast studies utilizing cognitive control tasks have noted that trials following errors are characterized by slowed reaction time. Despite the assumption long held by researchers that this slowing is compensatory (in the service of post‐error performance recovery), studies consistently show that post‐error trials are no more accurate than post‐correct trials. As a result, it has recently been proposed that post‐error slowing (PES) is merely part of an orienting response that serves no task‐relevant cognitive control purpose. Frontal midline theta (FMθ) oscillations represent another potential compensatory mechanism serving cognitive control processes, yet past studies relying on ERPs have failed to find an association between FMθ and post‐error accuracy. The present study investigated the potentially adaptive role of PES and FMθ oscillations during a flanker task using trial‐by‐trial comparisons. Results indicated that error‐related FMθ oscillations signal the need for enhanced top‐down cognitive control and that PES supports cognitive control by providing the added time needed to achieve greater confidence in judgment. Overall, findings provide convergent evidence that both error‐related FMθ and PES predict performance recovery following errors.
A Classic Revisited: In Praise of Red Tape
Authors: Holzer Marc 
Published: September 2017

Related Content: Balfour (PAR November/December 2017)Related Content: Nickels (PAR November/December 2017)Related Content: Zeemering (PAR November/December 2017)Related Content: Hamilton (PAR November/December 2017)Related Content: Ali (PAR November/December 2017)Related Content: Schachter (PAR November/December 2017)
Changes in the breath sound spectrum during methacholine inhalation in children with asthma
Authors: Tabata Hideyuki , Enseki Mayumi , Nukaga Mariko , Hirai Kota , Matsuda Shinichi , Furuya Hiroyuki , Kato Masahiko , Mochizuki Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveAn effort‐independent breath sound analysis is expected to be a safe and simple method for clinical assessment of changes in airway function. The effects of bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation on novel breath sound parameters in asthmatic children were investigated.MethodsThe study population included 49 children with atopic asthma (male = 33; mean age: 10.2 years). We evaluated breath sound parameters of the highest frequency of the power spectrum (HFp), frequency limiting 50% and 99% of the power spectrum (F50 and F99) and roll‐off from 600 Hz to the HFp (Slope). We also assessed new parameters obtained using the ratios of sound spectrum parameters (spectrum curve indices), such as the ratio of the third and fourth power area to the total power area (P3/PT and P4/PT), the ratio of the third and fourth areas to the total area under the curve (A3/AT and B4/AT) and the ratio of power and frequency at 75% of HFp and 50% of HFp (RPF75 and RPF50). This was measured before and after methacholine inhalation challenge and after β2 agonist inhalation.ResultsThe parameters, F50 and F99, showed no changes after methacholine inhalation. Conversely, the A3/AT (12.5–10.0%, P < 0.001), B4/AT (7.6–5.5%, P < 0.001), RPF75 (6.7–4.0 dBm/Hz, P < 0.001) and RPF50 (5.8–4.3 dBm/Hz, P < 0.001) were significantly decreased. These values returned to the original level after β2 agonist inhalation.ConclusionSpectrum curve indices indicate bronchoconstriction and bronchodilation. These parameters may play a role in the assessment of airway narrowing in asthmatic children.
Thymic Atrophy: Experimental Studies and Therapeutic Interventions
Authors: Majumdar S. , Nandi D. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe thymus is essential for T cell development and maturation. It is extremely sensitive to atrophy, wherein loss in cellularity of the thymus and/or disruption of the thymic architecture occur. This may lead to lower naïve T cell output and limited TCR diversity. Thymic atrophy is often associated with ageing. What is less appreciated is that proper functioning of the thymus is critical for reduction in morbidity and mortality associated with various clinical conditions including infections and transplantation. Therefore, therapeutic interventions which possess thymopoietic potential and lower thymic atrophy are required. These treatments enhance thymic output, which is a vital factor in generating favourable outcomes in clinical conditions. In this review, experimental studies on thymic atrophy in rodents and clinical cases where the thymus atrophies are discussed. In addition, mechanisms leading to thymic atrophy during ageing as well as during various stress conditions are reviewed. Therapies such as zinc supplementation, IL7 administration, leptin treatment, keratinocyte growth factor administration and sex steroid ablation during thymic atrophy involving experiments in animals and various clinical scenarios are reviewed. Interventions that have been used across different scenarios to reduce the extent of thymic atrophy and enhance its output are discussed. This review aims to speculate on the roles of combination therapies, which by acting additively or synergistically may further alleviate thymic atrophy and boost its function, thereby strengthening cellular T cell responses.
Web-based self-management support for people with type 2 diabetes (HeLP-Diabetes): randomised controlled trial in English primary care
Authors: Murray Elizabeth , Sweeting Michael , Dack Charlotte , Pal Kingshuk , Modrow Kerstin , Hudda Mohammed , Li Jinshuo , Ross Jamie , Alkhaldi Ghadah , Barnard Maria , Farmer Andrew , Michie Susan , Yardley Lucy , May Carl , Parrott Steve , Stevenson Fiona , Knox Malcolm , Patterson David 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo determine the effectiveness of a web-based self-management programme for people with type 2 diabetes in improving glycaemic control and reducing diabetes-related distress.Methods and designIndividually randomised two-arm controlled trial.Setting21 general practices in England.ParticipantsAdults aged 18 or over with a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes registered with participating general practices.Intervention and comparatorUsual care plus either Healthy Living for People with Diabetes (HeLP-Diabetes), an interactive, theoretically informed, web-based self-management programme or a simple, text-based website containing basic information only.Outcomes and data collectionJoint primary outcomes were glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and diabetes-related distress, measured by the Problem Areas in Diabetes (PAID) scale, collected at 3 and 12 months after randomisation, with 12 months the primary outcome point. Research nurses, blind to allocation collected clinical data; participants completed self-report questionnaires online.AnalysisThe analysis compared groups as randomised (intention to treat) using a linear mixed effects model, adjusted for baseline data with multiple imputation of missing values.ResultsOf the 374 participants randomised between September 2013 and December 2014, 185 were allocated to the intervention and 189 to the control. Final (12 month) follow-up data for HbA1c were available for 318 (85%) and for PAID 337 (90%) of participants. Of these, 291 (78%) and 321 (86%) responses were recorded within the predefined window of 10–14 months. Participants in the intervention group had lower HbA1c than those in the control (mean difference −0.24%; 95% CI −0.44 to −0.049; p=0.014). There was no significant overall difference between groups in the mean PAID score (p=0.21), but prespecified subgroup analysis of participants who had been more recently diagnosed with diabetes showed a beneficial impact of the intervention in this group (p = 0.004). There were no reported harms.ConclusionsAccess to HeLP-Diabetes improved glycaemic control over 12 months.Trial registration numberISRCTN02123133.
01 Investigating the population characteristics, processes and outcomes of pre-hospital psychiatric and self-harm emergencies in scotland: a national record linkage study
Authors: Best Catherine , Dougall Nadine , Skar Silje , Fitzpatrick David , Evans Josie , Corfield Andrew , Goldie Isabella , Maxwell Margaret , Snooks Helen , Stark Cameron , White Chris , Wojcik Wojtek 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundEffective management of people who present to ambulance services with a psychiatric or self-harm emergency is essential to ensure positive outcomes. However very little is known about this vulnerable patient population. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate their demographic characteristics, care pathways, and clinical and service outcomes. This information will be valuable for service planning and intervention development.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients attended by the Scottish Ambulance Service in 2011 with ambulance clinician attendance codes relating to ‘psychiatric emergency’ or ‘self-harm’. Patients resident in Scotland and>=16 years on first contact were included. We used NHS Scotland’s Unscheduled Care Data Mart to link data from:–the ambulance service; emergency departments (ED); general and psychiatric inpatient hospital admissions episodes; and death records.ResultsThere were 9014 calls from 6802 people. Slightly more males (n=4708, 52%) than females (n=4306, 48%) were attended. Most were discharged from ED with no known follow-up (n=4566; 51%). Some were left at home (n=1003 attendances, 11%). Almost half of the people (n=3238, 48%) made at least one repeat call. People who self-discharge from ED were more likely to have another ambulance attendance for psychiatric emergency/self-harm within the same year (Pearson chi square=5.24, p=0.02). Two hundred and seventy-nine (4%) people died within the study period, 97 (35%) were recorded as suicide. Ethical approval (NRES 15/EM/0260) and other data approvals were received.ConclusionWhile linked data analysis may not identify all relevant cases, it provides important information to guide the development and evaluation of evidence-based interventions. Ambulance service and ED are missing opportunities to improve outcomes for people who experience a psychiatric emergency or who self-harm. New interventions could lead to decreases in the number of suicides, episodes of self-harm and levels of patient distress; and ambulance and ED service use.
PP11 Do paediatric early warning score relate to emergency department outcomes for children aged 0–2 years brought in by ambulance?
Authors: Broughton William 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundCurrent ambulance service policy requires paramedics in certain parts of the UK to transport children aged 0–2 years to hospital, regardless of their presenting complaint. A number of Paediatric Early Warning Scores (PEWS) exist to detect deterioration in the hospitalised child. This study aims to evaluate and understand the potential utility of PEWS in an ambulance service setting.MethodThis study is a retrospective analysis of patient reports over a 12 month period (June 2013–June 2014). PEWS are calculated using ambulance vital signs and compared against the following ED discharge outcomes: admission to hospital, GP referral and discharge home. Data analysis consisted of the variables of sensitivity; specificity; positive and negative predictive values; positive and negative likelihood ratios; and ROC curve for the PEWS values against the three main outcomes.ResultsFrom a randomised sample of 300 patient records, 131 were excluded based on the exclusion criteria listed above, leaving 169 complete data sets that were included for analysis. Of the 169 record analysed, 100 (59.2%) were discharged to home, 30 (17.8%) referred to their GP, and 18 (10.7%) were admitted following assessment in the ED.PEWS for admissionshowed low sensitivity (6.8%–10.12%).PEWS for GP referralalso demonstrated low sensitivity (15.53%–18.12%).PEWS for discharge to homeshowed higher sensitivity and specificity than other outcomes.DiscussionOverall, PEWS has some degree of high specificity in all outcome measures, but often with wide confidence intervals. PEWS is weakly sensitive across all outcomes, and this is demonstrated in the AUCs for each outcome measure. As a potential diagnostic test to predict ED outcome, in this study PEWS is shown to perform poorly. Further work is therefore required to determine the utility of PEWS, or other early warning scores, for use in an out-of-hospital setting.
PP13 New signs to encourage the use of automated external defibrillators by the lay public
Authors: Smith Christopher M , Colquhoun Michael C , Samuels Marc , Hodson Mark , O’Sullivan Judy , Mitchell Sarah 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundPublic Access Defibrillation – the use of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) by lay bystanders before the arrival of Emergency Medical Services – is an important strategy in delivering prompt defibrillation to victims of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest and can greatly improve survival rates. Such public-access AEDs are used rarely: one barrier might be poor understanding and content of current signage to indicate their presence. The aim of this project was to develop a sign, with public consultation, that better indicated the function of an AED and an associated poster to encourage its use.MethodsTwo public surveys were undertaken, in July and December 2015, to investigate perceptions of the current AED location sign recommended for use in the UK and to produce an improved location sign and associated information poster.Results1895 and 2115 respondents to the surveys. Fewer than half (47.9%, 895/1870) understood what the current location sign indicated. One of four design options for a location sign best explained the indication for (preferred by 56.0%, 1023/1828) and best encouraged the use of a public AED (51.8%, 946/1828). 83.5% (1766/2115) preferred an illustration of a stylised heart trace to the lightning bolt used at present. From five wording options, ‘Defibrillator – Heart Restarter’ was the most popular (29.4%, 622/2115). An associated poster was developed using design features from the new location sign, findings from the surveys and expert group input regarding its content.ConclusionsThis is the first time that public consultation has been used to design a public AED location sign. Effective signage has the potential to help break down the barriers to more widespread use of AEDs in public places.