Impact of asymptomatic infected individuals on epidemic transmission dynamics in multiplex networks with partial coupling

The theory of network science has attracted great interest of many researchers in the realm of biomathematics and public health,and numerous valuable epidemic models have been developed.In previous studies,it is common to set up a one-to-one correspondence between the nodes of a multi-layer network,ignoring the more complex situations in reality.In the present work,we explore this situation by setting up a partially coupled model of a two-layer network and investigating the impact of asymptomatic infected individuals on epidemics.We propose a self-discovery mechanism for asymptomatic infected individuals,taking into account situations such as nucleic acid testing in the community and individuals performing self-antigen testing during the epidemic.Considering these factors together,through the microscopic Markov chain approach(MMCA)and extensive Monte Carlo(MC)numerical simulations,we find that the greater the coupling between the networks,the more information dissemination is facilitated.In order to control the epidemics,more asymptomatic infected individuals should be made aware of their infection.Massive adoption of nucleic acid testing and individual adoption of antigenic self-testing can help to contain epidemic outbreaks.Meanwhile,the epidemic threshold of the proposed model is derived,and then miscellaneous factors affecting the epidemic threshold are also discussed.Current results are conducive to devising the prevention and control policies of pandemics.

Characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine constitution types among elderly individuals in China:A national multistage cluster random study Author links open overlay panel

Objective:To reveal the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution among elderly individuals in China.Methods: Elderly individuals from seven regions in China were selected as samples in this study using a multistage cluster random sampling method.The basic information questionnaire and Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(Elderly Edition)were used.Descriptive statistical analysis,chi-squared tests,and binary logistic regression analysis were used.Results: The single balanced constitution(BC)accounted for 23.9%.The results of the major TCM constitution types showed that BC(43.2%)accounted for the largest proportion and unbalanced constitutions ranged from 0.9%to 15.7%.East China region(odds ratio[OR]=2.097;95%confidence interval[CI],1.912 to 2.301),married status(OR=1.341;95%CI,1.235 to 1.457),and managers(OR=1.254;95%CI,1.044 to 1.505)were significantly associated with BC.Age>70 years was associated with qi-deficiency constitution and blood stasis constitution(BSC).Female sex was significantly associated with yang-deficiency constitution(OR=1.646;95%CI,1.52 to 1.782).Southwest region was significantly associated with phlegm-dampness constitution(OR=1.809;95%CI,1.569 to 2.086).North China region was significantly associated with inherited special constitution(OR=2.521;95%CI,1.569 to 4.05).South China region(OR=2.741;95%CI,1.997 to 1.3.763),Central China region(OR=8.889;95%CI,6.676 to 11.835),senior middle school education(OR=2.442;95%CI,1.932 to 3.088),and managers(OR=1.804;95%CI,1.21 to 2.69)were significantly associated with BSC.Conclusions: This study defined the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of TCM constitution in the elderly population.Adjusting and improving unbalanced constitutions,which are correlated with diseases,can help promote healthy aging through the scientific management of these demographic factors.

The Conflict between Individuals and Society in Seize the Day

This paper explores the existential problem in Seize the Day-the conflict between individuals and society in modern society.With a brief introduction of Saul Bellow and the novel,the paper emphasizes the analysis of the conflict and the sources of the conflict.Besides,Saul Bellow uses many rhetorical devices to intensify the conflict.The analysis of these rhetorical devices is beneficial for us to interpret and understand the true meaning of the novel.Through the study of Bellow’s vision and the novel’s metaphorical meaning,we may find an effective solution to the conflict that our human being is involved in,and realize the social values of this novel.

Research on Tissue Culture and Rapid Propagation Technology of Superior Individuals of Lonicera edulis Turcz

[Objective] This paper aimed to study the tissue culture and rapid propagation technology of superior individuals of Lonicera edulis Turcz. [Method] Several superior individuals of Lonicera edulis Turcz were used as materials for selecting the primary medium, subculture medium, rooting medium and acclimatization substrate during the tissue culture and rapid propagation. [Result] 6-BA was the optimal cytokinin for tissue culture of Lonicera edulis Turcz, compared with ZT; modified MS＋1.0 mg/L of 6-BA ＋ 0.2 mg/L of IBA was the optimal medium as primary and subculture medium, modified MS＋ 1.5 mg/L of IBA was the optimal medium for rooting of Lonicera edulis Turcz, the rooting rate had achieved 100% after cultured for 30 d. The optimal substrate for transplanting plantlets of Lonicera edulis Turcz was composed of humus and perlite （1∶ 1, V/V）, survival rate was as high as 95% after 30 d. [Conclusion] This study provided basis for the rapid propagation of superior seedlings of Lonicera edulis Turcz, as well as the establishment of industrialized breeding technical system and the implementation of scale production.

阐释《建设学习型城市北京宣言》的第一承诺——“Empowering Individuals and Promoting Social Cohesion”的意涵和践履

2013年10月"首届国际学习型城市大会"在北京隆重召开。102个国家的500多名代表一致通过了《建设学习型城市北京宣言》。其中有十二项承诺,而第一承诺便是"Empowering Individuals and Promoting Social Cohesion"(促进个体赋权增能和增强社会凝聚)。何谓"赋权增能"和"社会凝聚"不能从简单的汉译来理解,需从词源来准确辨析,更需要从政治学、社会学、法学、心理学等角度领略其深刻的内涵。"赋权增能"与"社会凝聚"有密切的内在联系,其指向目标、目的、效能等核心价值构成完整体系。学习型城市建设与"赋权增能"和"社会凝聚"有着高度的重要关联。在改革开放的今天,践履"第一承诺"已经成为我国唯一选择。怎样践履这一庄严承诺,《北京宣言》指出了基本路向,在表达教育机会、基本能力、社会参与、性别平等、贫富差距、社区建设等兑现承诺的特定语境中,充分揭示了《北京宣言》将"赋权增能"、"社会凝聚"作为第一承诺的理由和重要意义。这应是对《北京宣言》第一承诺的完整理解。

Screening for pancreatic cancer in familial high-risk individuals: A systematic review

AIM:To analyze the benefits and harms of pancreatic cancer screening in familial high-risk individuals(HRIs).METHODS:Studies were identified by searching PubMed,EBSCO,ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane database from database inception to June 2014.We also obtained papers from the reference lists of pertinent studies and systematic reviews.Englishlanguage trials and observational studies were searched.The key words used as search terms were "screening" and "surveillance".Cost-effectiveness,diagnostic rate,survival rate,mortality and adverse events were the outcomes of interest.Age,sex,lifestyle and other confounding factors were also considered.However,anticipating only a few of these studies,we also included observational studies with or without control groups.We also included studies concerning the anxiety associated with pancreatic cancer risk and other psychological changes in familial HRIs.We extracted details on study design,objectives,population characteristics,inclusion criteria,year of enrollment,method of screening,adjusted and unadjusted mortality,cost-effectiveness and adverse events from the included studies.Studies were assessed using the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology(STROBE) checklist.RESULTS:Sixteen studies on pancreatic cancer screening were included.Five studies included control groups,nine were observational studies without control groups,and the other two studies investigated the worry associated with pancreatic cancer risk.We found that pancreatic cancer screening resulted in a high curative resection rate(60%vs 25%,P = 0.011),longer median survival time(14.5 mo vs 4 mo,P < 0.001),and higher 3-year survival rate(20%vs 15.0%,P =0.624).We also found that familial HRIs had a higher diagnostic rate of pancreatic tumors than controls(34%vs 7.2%,P< 0.001).In patients who underwent regular physical examinations,more stage I pancreatic cancers were observed(19%vs 2.6%,P= 0.001).In addition,endoscopic ultrasonography,which was the main means of detection,diagnosed 64.3%of pancreatic cancers.In comparison,endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the pancreas,magnetic resonance imaging,and computed tomography diagnosed 28.6%,42.9%,and21.4%,respectively.For mass lesions,instant surgery was recommended because of the beneficial effects of post-operative chemotherapy.However,in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms,we did not find a significant difference in outcome between surgery and follow-up without treatment.Moreover,pancreatic cancer screening in familial HRIs had a greater perceived risk of pancreatic cancer(P< 0.0001),higher levels of anxiety regarding pancreatic cancer(P< 0.0001),and increased economic burden.CONCLUSION:Pancreatic cancer screening in familial HRIs is associated with a higher detection rate and longer survival,although screening may influence psychological function and increase the economic burden.

LOCAL GOVERNMENT,ENTERPRISES AND INDIVIDUALS:ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA—A Case Study in Beijiao Township,Shunde City

The Pearl River(Zhujiang)Delta(PRD)has been a focal point in reform era ac ademic circles not only for its dramatic industrial growth but a lso the simultaneous agricultural development.Unlike most of existing research on the PRDeconomic development and transformation fromthe whole region level,this paper explored this question f romthe perspec-tive of a township using Beijiao in Shunde City as a case study.Unlike the c onclusions of existing studies whic h attribute the regional economic transition to the macro factors,particularly the influence of external investment,t his research re-veals that at the level of township,t he local government,the town-villa ge owned enterprises and the individ uals have been playing remarkable roles in local economic transformation.In the early stage since the economic reform,Beijiao township government,replacing the central a nd provincial governments before,b egan to manipulate the development o f town-village owned enterprises and lead the local economic transformation from agricultural to industrial dominated.As the town-village owned enterprises grew during the later years,they gra dually acted as the main dominant pla yer leading the local agricultural and industrial growth.At the same time the individuals in Beijiao were playing more in dependent role to gain their most profits.While the local government changed to be t he real manager of local economies.S o the local economic transition was not entirely externally driven.In another word,the“driven from outsidemodel can not totally explain the economic fact in this specific region.

Fatty acid analysis in the seeds of 50 Paeonia ostii individuals from the same population

Tree peony seeds are rich in α-linolenic acid(ALA), and the peony seed oil is now being produced in China. Paeonia ostii is the most widely used tree peony species for oil extraction, which is commercially called Fengdan and treated as a single cultivar. Here, 50 P. ostii individuals from the same population in northern China were randomly selected for fatty acids(FAs) analysis. Thirteen FAs were isolated, and the most abundant five were palmitic acid(5.31–6.99%), stearic acid(1.22–2.76%), oleic acid(18.78–28.15%), linoleic acid(11.86–26.10%), and ALA(41.11–57.51%). There were significant individual differences of plants in FA quality and quantity and the linoleic acid content in Plant No. 48 even exceeded the scope of 1–99%. Further statistical analysis indicated that most of the individual FAs, saturated FAs, unsaturated FAs, and total FAs levels showed significant positive correlations to each other, whereas the seed yield per plant was independent and not correlated to the factors mentioned above. Ward’s hierarchical clustering results grouped the 50 plants into four clusters based on FA contents and seed yield, and the seven plants in Cluster IV were identified as good candidates for oil production. Our results confirmed that the individual differences did occur in P. ostii and Fengdan cannot be simply treated as one uniform cultivar. Also, these results may help simplify the selection of plants for oil peony breeding and accelerate the development of the oil peony industry.

Methods and outcomes of screening for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in high-risk individuals

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) is a lethal neoplasia, for which secondary prevention(i.e., screening) is advisable for high-risk individuals with "familiar pancreatic cancer" and with other specific genetic syndromes(Peutz-Jeghers, p16, BRCA2, PALB and mismatch repair gene mutation carriers). There is limited evidence regarding the accuracy of screening tests, their acceptability, costs and availability, and agreement on whom to treat. Successful target of screening are small resectable PDAC, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms with high-grade dysplasia and advanced pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Both magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) are employed for screening, and the overall yield for pre-malignant or malignant pancreatic lesions is of about 20% with EUS and 14% with MRI/magnetic resonance colangiopancreatography. EUS performs better for solid and MRI for cystic lesions. However, only 2% of these detected lesions can be considered a successful target, and there are insufficient data demonstrating that resection of benign or low grade lesions improves survival. Many patients in the published studies therefore seemed to have received an overtreatment by undergoing surgery. It is crucial to better stratify the risk of malignancy individually, and to better define optimal screening intervals and methods either with computerized tools or molecular biomarkers, possibly in large multicentre studies. At the moment, screening should be carefully performed within research protocols at experienced centres, offering involved individuals medical and psychological advice.

Short Form of Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale(NSS-SF): Reliability, Validity and Gender Invariance among Chinese Individuals

Objective Independent from noise exposure, noise sensitivity plays a pivotal role in people＇s noise annoyance perception and concomitant health deteriorations. The present study empirically investigated the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale-Short Form （CNSS-SF）, the widely used inventory measuring individual differences in noise perception.Methods In total, 373 Chinese participants （age = 21.41 ± 3.36） completed the online, anonymous questionnaire package. Examination of the CNSS-SF＇s reliability （internal consistency）, factorial validity through validation and cross-validation, nomological validity and measurement invariance across gender groups were undertaken.Results The Cronbach alpha coefficients and composite reliabilities indicated sufficient reliability of the CNSS-SF. Two confirmatory factor analyses （CFA）, in two randomly partitioned groups of participants, substantiated the factorial validity of the scale. The nomological validity of the scale was also corroborated by the significant positive association of its score with the trait anxiety score. Measurement invariance of the CNSS-SF was also found across genders via multi-group CFA.Conclusion Though not without limitations, findings from the present research provide promising evidence for the utility of the scale in measuring noise sensitivity among the Chinese population. The availability of the CNSS-SF can promote research related to environmental noise and health in China, as well as facilitate cross-cultural comparisons.

Effect of music on blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of asymptomatic individuals: A randomized controlled trial

A slight reduction of blood pressure and heart rate can reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Maintenance of the respiratory rate within the normal range has also being identified as crucial for a healthy heart. Use of Indian and western music have been considered among many preventive programmes for long time in order to risk reduction associated with cardio vascular diseases. Therefore the aim of this study is to describe the effect of Indian classical music on systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate in asymptomatic individuals aged 45 to 65 years. Methodology: A community based randomized intervention study was conducted in 252 asymptomatic individuals. The study group (n = 127) listened to a music based on Indian classical system (entire track of 22 minutes). The control group (n = 125) was kept silent for a similar time period. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of each study participant were monitored before and after the intervention. Results: Statistically significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (8.53 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (5.8 mmHg), pulse rate (5.16 breaths per minute) and respiratory rate (2.55 per minute) were observed in the study group after listening to the music (p < 0.01). In the control group, changes observed during the period of intervention were not significant (p > 0.05). The reduction was independent of gender, age, education level, practicing a mind relaxation technique and preferred type of music of the participant. Conclusions: Listening to Indian classical music for about 22 minutes significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate and respiratory rate of asymptomatic individuals. Hence, music may have a potential benefit in cardio vascular disease preventive programmes.

Shifting perspectives-interplay between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance in lean individuals

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become a significant public health burden affecting not only obese individuals but also people with normal weight.As opposed to previous beliefs,this particular subset of patients has an increased risk of all-cause mortality and worse outcomes than their obese counterparts.The development of NAFLD in lean subjects seems to be interconnected with metabolic phenotype,precisely visceral fat tissue,sarcopenia,and insulin resistance.Here,we summarize available data focusing on the co-dependent relationship between metabolic phenotype,insulin resistance,and development of NAFLD in lean individuals,suggesting more appropriate tools for measuring body fat distribution for the screening of patients at risk.

Modelling the Effect of Self-Immunity and the Impacts of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Individuals on COVID-19 Outbreak

COVID-19 is one of themost highly infectious diseases ever emerged and caused by newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).It has already led the entire world to health and economic crisis.It has invaded the whole universe all most every way.The present study demonstrates with a nine mutually exclusive compartmental model on transmission dynamics of this pandemic disease(COVID-19),with special focus on the transmissibility of symptomatic and asymptomatic infection from susceptible individuals.Herein,the compartmental model has been investigated with mathematical analysis and computer simulations in order to understand the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission.Initially,mathematical analysis of the model has been carried out in broadly by illustrating some well-known methods including exactness,equilibrium and stability analysis in terms of basic reproduction number.We investigate the sensitivity of the model with respect to the variation of the parameters’values.Furthermore,computer simulations are performed to illustrate the results.Our analysis reveals that the death rate from coronavirus disease increases as the infection rate increases,whereas infection rate extensively decreases with the increase of quarantined individuals.The quarantined individuals also lead to increase the concentration of recovered individuals.However,the infection rate of COVID-19 increases more surprisingly as the rate of asymptomatic individuals increases than that of the symptomatic individuals.Moreover,the infection rate decreases significantly due to increase of self-immunity rate.

Screening for Melanocortin 4 Receptor Mutations in Chinese Extremely Obese Individuals

Accumulating evidence indicates that overweight and obesity are the major international public health concern. Obesity is a major independent risk factor for chronic diseases, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain cancer. Disease burden due to obesity has been dramatically increasing in many countries including China in the past years. According to the Nationwide Health and Nutrition Survey （CHNS）, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among men and women in China increased by 27.6% and 8.8%, respectively, from 1993 to 2009.

Lewin Behavior Model-Based Study on Influence Factors of Individuals to Mobile Service Demand

How to fmd main influence factors of individuals to mobile service demand is investiga- ted. The empirical research is conducted in the sample of high-value customers in China mobile market. Based on Lewin behavior model, this pa- per establishes factors-matrix from personal and environmental dimensions. Relationships among multiple factors are tested in the structural equa- tion model and their impacts on customers＇ de- mands are elaborated. Findings indicate that opera- tional convenience and business brand image have significant effects on sample users＇ demands. Fur- thermore, annual income, gender, occupation, the needs of access to information and the needs of enriching and improving social relationships are al- so important factors for high-value users. The re- suits may provide further insights into mobile service demand and the model can be popularized to other behavior researches.

Wordsworth's View of the Relationship between Individuals and Nature

Wordsworth's poetry is famous for its natural description.In this paper the relationship between individual and nature is discussed.Wordsworth considers nature as an inspiration,a healer and a teacher.

Incidence of Interpersonal Violence among Individuals with Drug Addiction Receiving Compulsory Treatment: A Survey at Two Drug Detention Centers in Hunan, China

Drug dependence is a serious global health problem.To assist individuals with drug addiction,China alone has established 678 Compulsory Detoxification Detention Centers （CDDCs） that treat over300,000i ndividuals who are required by national law to receive compulsory treatment;because community-based outpatient treatment failed.

Digital Barcode Development for Single Nuclotide Polymorphism (SNP) Identification of Suzhong Swine Individuals

Suzhong swine is a hybrid breed derived from Taihu sows and Landraee boars. To identify Suzhong swine individuals and trace the source of pork products, single nucleotide polymorphisms （SNPs） identification of Suzhong swine individuals was studied. A total of 29 pairs of primers were designed and sev- en pairs of primers were used for identification of Suzhong swine individuals. The products amplified by seven pairs of primers could be directly sequenced, with clean sequencing map background and no ambiguity in sequence read. Totally 52 SNPs loci were amplified by seven pairs of primers, and 41 SNPs loci were reserved for identification of Suzhong swine individuals through correlation analysis and heterezygosity filtration （ H ≥0.1 ）. Meantime, the digital barcodes for SNP identification of 96 individuals of Suzhong swine derived from seven boars and 12 sows were developed, which well distinguished 96 individuals of Suzhong swine. Theoretically, 41SNPs amplified by seven pairs of primers could be used for identification of 5.0 × 10^6 pig individuals. Therefore, digital barcode devel- opment method for SNP identification of Suzbong swine individuals can be used for individual identification of Suzhong swine in scale pig farm and meat product traceability.

Characterization of Atypical Individuals of Lannea in Burkina Faso

Background and Objectives: The species to the Lannea genus are trees, shrubs with compound leaves. Thus, individuals called atypical Lannea with single leaves and of socio-economic interests have been identified in the central plateau region (Burkina Faso). This study aimed to contribute to the identification of atypical species. Material and Methods: The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method using specific primers was performed and consisted of extracting DNA from young leaves of Lannea individuals, amplifying and then sequencing portions of discriminating DNA (matK, rbcL and rps16). Results: It was shown that individuals belong to the Lannea genus, but are subdivided into three subgroups: a first subgroup containing Lannea microcarpa and two subgroups with no previously identified Lannea species. Conclusion: These atypical individuals are ecotypes or mutants of Lannea microcarpa.

Quantitative Structural Models to Assess Credit Risk on Individuals

Default Probabilities quantitatively measures the credit risk that a borrower will be unable or unwilling to repay its debt. An accurate model to estimate, as a function of time, these default probabilities is of crucial importance in the credit derivatives market. In this work, we adapt Merton’s [1] original works on credit risk, consumption and portfolio rules to model an individual wealth scenario, and apply it to compute this individual default probabilities. Using our model, we also compute the time depending individual default intensities, recovery rates, hazard rate and risk premiums. Hence, as a straight-forward application, our model can be used as novel way to measure the credit risk of individuals.