Design and characterization of "flow-cell" integrated-flow active cooling for high-average-power ceramic optics.

We used COMSOL Multiphysics to design a prototype actively cooled "flow-cell" substrate targeted at high-average-power applications, fabricated the prototype from cordierite ceramic, and tested the substrate under load in our thermal loading test stand. Sub-aperture testing revealed average-power handling up to 3.88-W/cm2 absorbed power density, in excellent agreement with model predictions. Gratings fabricated on 2-in.-diam cordierite coupons were subjected to laser-damage testing and showed a damage threshold of 250 mJ/cm2.

The language of cooperation: reputation and honest signalling.

Large-scale non-kin cooperation is a unique ingredient of human success. This type of cooperation is challenging to explain in a world of self-interested individuals. There is overwhelming empirical evidence from different disciplines that reputation and gossip promote cooperation in humans in different contexts. Despite decades of research, important details of reputation systems are still unclear. Our goal with this theme issue is to promote an interdisciplinary approach that allows us to explore and understand the evolution and maintenance of reputation systems with a special emphasis on gossip and honest signalling. The theme issue is organized around four main questions: What are the necessary conditions for reputation-based systems? What is the content and context of reputation systems? How can reputations promote cooperation? And, what is the role of gossip in maintaining reputation systems and thus cooperation? This article is part of the theme issue 'The language of cooperation: reputation and honest signalling'.

Period of Purple Crying Program for the Prevention of Abusive Head Trauma/Shaken Baby Syndrome.

The Period of PURPLE Crying Program is an educational program delivered to parents of newborn children that aims to reduce the incidence of abusive head trauma/shaken baby syndrome1. The program was developed by a research-based, non-profit organisation and has already been implemented in many countries around the world. It educates parents on what to expect during the first few months of their newborn infant's life, allowing parents to become more informed and better prepared to care for their child. The recent surge in the number of cases of abusive head trauma in children during the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for greater resources being made available to parents. The Period of PURPLE Crying Program is one such resource that could be implemented in Ireland.

Youth mental health in the time of COVID-19.

Youth mental health is a rapidly developing field with a focus on prevention, early identification, treatment innovation and service development. In this perspective piece, we discuss the effects of COVID-19 on young people's mental health. The psychosocial effects of COVID-19 disproportionately affect young people. Both immediate and longer-term factors through which young people are affected include social isolation, changes to the delivery of therapeutic services and almost complete loss of all structured occupations (school, work and training) within this population group. Longer-term mechanisms include the effects of the predicted recession on young people's mental health. Opportunities within this crisis exist for service providers to scale up telehealth and digital services that may benefit service provision for young people's mental health in the future.

Colonic microbiota is associated with inflammation and host epigenomic alterations in inflammatory bowel disease.

Studies of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have been inconclusive in relating microbiota with distribution of inflammation. We report microbiota, host transcriptomics, epigenomics and genetics from matched inflamed and non-inflamed colonic mucosa [50 Crohn's disease (CD); 80 ulcerative colitis (UC); 31 controls]. Changes in community-wide and within-patient microbiota are linked with inflammation, but we find no evidence for a distinct microbial diagnostic signature, probably due to heterogeneous host-microbe interactions, and show only marginal microbiota associations with habitual diet. Epithelial DNA methylation improves disease classification and is associated with both inflammation and microbiota composition. Microbiota sub-groups are driven by dominant Enterbacteriaceae and Bacteroides species, representative strains of which are pro-inflammatory in vitro, are also associated with immune-related epigenetic markers. In conclusion, inflamed and non-inflamed colonic segments in both CD and UC differ in microbiota composition and epigenetic profiles.

Tribes and tribulations: interdisciplinary eHealth in providing services for people with a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

BACKGROUND: eHealth has potential for supporting interdisciplinary care in contemporary traumatic brain injury (TBI) rehabilitation practice, yet little is known about whether this potential is being realised, or what needs to be done to further support its implementation. The purpose of this study was to explore health professionals' experiences of, and attitudes towards eHealth technologies to support interdisciplinary practice within rehabilitation for people after TBI. METHODS: A qualitative study using narrative analysis was conducted. One individual interview and three focus groups were conducted with health professionals (n = 17) working in TBI rehabilitation in public and private healthcare settings across regional and metropolitan New South Wales, Australia. RESULTS: Narrative analysis revealed that participants held largely favourable views about eHealth and its potential to support interdisciplinary practice in TBI rehabilitation. However, participants encountered various issues related to (a) the design of, and access to electronic medical records, (b) technology, (c) eHealth implementation, and (d) information and communication technology processes that disconnected them from the work they needed to accomplish. In response, health professionals attempted to make the most of unsatisfactory eHealth systems and processes, but were still mostly unsuccessful in optimising the quality, efficiency, and client-centredness of their work. CONCLUSIONS: Attention to sources of disconnection experienced by health professionals, specifically design of, and access to electronic health records, eHealth resourcing, and policies and procedures related to eHealth and interdisciplinary practice are required if the potential of eHealth for supporting interdisciplinary practice is to be realised.

Drying kinetics of syrup of Parinari curatellifolia fruit and cereal based product, zvambwa.

Drying properties of syrup prepared from Parinari curatellifolia fruit and cereal based product, zvambwa prepared from the syrup and finger millet (Eleusine coracana) meal were studied using a convective tray drier at temperatures ranging from 30 to 80 °C and air velocity of 0.72 m/s. Nine mathematical models namely Henderson and Pabis, Lewis, Midilli et al., Modified Page, Page, Two Term, Weibull, Modified Page Equation (II) and Wang and Singh were fitted to data for thin layer drying of the products using non-linear regression analysis. Thin layer drying processes for the syrup and zvambwa were best described by the Modified Page model. Effective moisture diffusivities for drying of syrup were higher than those for drying of zvambwa. The activation energies for drying of syrup and zvambwa were 21.0 ± 2.0 kJ/mol and19.0 ± 2.0 kJ/mol respectively.

Change in public awareness of symptoms and perceived barriers to seeing a doctor following Be Clear on Cancer campaigns in England.

BACKGROUND: English Be Clear on Cancer (BCOC) campaigns aim to promote early presentation of potential cancer symptoms by (i) giving information on symptoms to look out for, and (ii) emphasising the approachability of the general practitioner (GP). This study examined public awareness of the targeted symptoms and perceived approachability of the GP before and after the national bowel and lung campaigns. METHODS: The Cancer Research UK Cancer Awareness Measure (CAM) was included in the Opinions and Lifestyle survey (known then as the 'Opinions Survey') run by the Office for National Statistics in October and November 2010 and 2012. Change in awareness of symptoms and barriers to help-seeking related to those targeted in the campaigns between the 2010 and 2012 surveys, was compared with change in awareness of symptoms and barriers not targeted by the campaigns. RESULTS: Recall of 'persistent cough' or 'hoarseness' as a sign of cancer increased from 18% in 2010 to 26% in 2012 (P<0.001), and 'change in bowel/bladder habits' increased from 21% to 43% (P<0.01). Recognition of these symptoms (from a list of symptoms) also increased significantly (both P-values <0.01). Awareness of non-targeted symptoms did not increase (all P-values >0.02). Barriers to visiting the GP targeted in the campaign (the doctor would be difficult to talk to and being worried about wasting the doctor's time) did not change, although several non-targeted barriers reduced. CONCLUSIONS: BCOC campaigns run in England in 2012 were associated with increased public awareness of some key symptoms of lung and bowel cancer. Barriers to visiting the GP that were targeted in the campaign were not reduced, indicating that a different approach may be needed to shift public attitudes towards GPs.

The association between economic inactivity and mental health among young people: a longitudinal study of young adults who are not in employment, education or training.

OBJECTIVES: Increasing rates of young people not in education, employment or training (NEETs) are a cause of concern both in Ireland and internationally, but little longitudinal research has examined the link between psychiatric disorder in young people and NEET status. METHODS: The Challenging Times (CT) Study is a longitudinal, population-based study of psychopathology among 212 young Irish people. Clinical interviews were performed at two time points: 12-15 years and 19-24 years. RESULTS: NEET status in young adulthood was associated with a sevenfold increased risk of current suicidal ideation. This result was independent of prior adolescent mental disorder. NEET young people had a fourfold increased odds of being diagnosed with a mental disorder in childhood or early adolescence compared with their economically active peers. NEET young people were at an almost threefold increased risk of any mental health disorder a twofold increased risk of anxiety disorder and threefold increased odds of suicide attempts over their lifetime compared with economically active peers. CONCLUSIONS: NEET young people are at increased risk for mental disorder and suicidal ideation. The association is bidirectional, as prior mental disorder in adolescence appeared to account for much of the association between NEET status and current mental health problems. However, economic inactivity conveys an increased risk for suicidal ideation over and above that due to prior disorder. Our findings provide a compelling economic and societal argument for early intervention and treatment of mental disorder and the importance of vocational interventions for reducing suicide risk in young adults.

A survey study of women's responses to information about overdiagnosis in breast cancer screening in Britain.

BACKGROUND: There is concern about public understanding of overdiagnosis in breast cancer screening, and uncertainty about the likely impact on screening participation. METHODS: In a population-based survey of 2272 women, we assessed understanding of overdiagnosis and screening intentions before and after exposure to an explanation of overdiagnosis, and one of the three information formats providing an estimate of the rate of overdiagnosis based on the findings of the UK Independent Review. RESULTS: Subjective and objective comprehension of overdiagnosis was moderate across information formats (64% and 57%, respectively). Following overdiagnosis information, 7% of women showed a decrease in screening intention, with a stronger effect among women below screening age (<47 years), and receiving the estimate of the rate of overdiagnosis in a simple ratio format (one life saved to three overdiagnoses). CONCLUSIONS: Brief written information on overdiagnosis was incompletely understood, but reduced breast screening intentions in a proportion of women, regardless of comprehension. Subjective comprehension was lower among women who had not yet reached screening age but the deterrent effect was higher.

Caffeine in floral nectar enhances a pollinator's memory of reward.

Plant defense compounds occur in floral nectar, but their ecological role is not well understood. We provide evidence that plant compounds pharmacologically alter pollinator behavior by enhancing their memory of reward. Honeybees rewarded with caffeine, which occurs naturally in nectar of Coffea and Citrus species, were three times as likely to remember a learned floral scent as were honeybees rewarded with sucrose alone. Caffeine potentiated responses of mushroom body neurons involved in olfactory learning and memory by acting as an adenosine receptor antagonist. Caffeine concentrations in nectar did not exceed the bees' bitter taste threshold, implying that pollinators impose selection for nectar that is pharmacologically active but not repellent. By using a drug to enhance memories of reward, plants secure pollinator fidelity and improve reproductive success.

Changing profile of the bovine rotavirus G6 population in the south of Ireland from 2002 to 2009.

Bovine group A rotavirus is one of the main causes of neonatal diarrhoea in calves. This study examined the different G and P genotypes circulating in the bovine population, from 2002-2009, in the south of Ireland. Rotavirus positive bovine faecal samples (n=332) were collected from the Cork Regional Veterinary Laboratory, between 2002 and 2009 and subjected to RNA extraction, PAGE analysis, and G and P genotyping. Genotyping analysis identified G6, G10, P[5], and P[11] to be the predominant G and P genotypes in the present study, with G6 rotavirus responsible for 70-80% of rotavirus infections. The highest combination of G and P types found was G6 P[5], followed by G6 P[5+11] mixed infection. The prevalence of G6 and G10 has shifted over the years, with an increase in the amount of G10 P[11] being detected. Novel combinations (G6+G10P[11], G6+G10P[5+11] and G10P[5+11]) were also detected for the first time. In addition to this, sequence analysis of the VP7 RT-PCR amplicons has revealed that Irish G6 strains are falling within three different lineages, III-V. During this study, two samples, initially genotyped as G8P[11] were identified through sequence analysis as being true G6, lineage III with a high nucleotide identity to Hun4, a G6 human sample from Hungary. The increase in novel G and P type combinations, as well as changes seen in G6 samples could have an impact on rotavirus vaccination programmes, as the current vaccine available may not offer protection against all of these circulating types.

Perceived barriers to flexible sigmoidoscopy screening for colorectal cancer among UK ethnic minority groups: a qualitative study.

OBJECTIVES: Evidence from existing UK screening programmes indicates disparities in uptake rates between UK ethnic minorities and the white majority population. The aim of this study was to explore barriers to the uptake of flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS) screening among UK ethnic minority populations. Specifically, beliefs about bowel cancer, perceived barriers to the test and ideas about ways to increase uptake were investigated. METHODS: Nine focus groups were conducted with a total of 53 participants from African-Caribbean, Gujarati Indian, Pakistani and white British communities. The topic guide was based on the Health Belief Model. Discussions were subject to framework analysis. RESULTS: Most participants expressed limited awareness of bowel cancer and cited this as a barrier to screening attendance. Anxiety regarding the invasiveness of the test, the bowel preparation and fear of a cancer diagnosis were common barriers across all ethnic groups. Language difficulties, failure to meet religious sensitivities and the expression of culturally influenced health beliefs were all discussed as specific barriers to uptake. Ethnically tailored health promotion and general practitioner involvement were recommended as ways of overcoming such barriers. CONCLUSIONS: The study was the first attempt to qualitatively explore barriers to FS bowel cancer screening in UK ethnic minorities. Most barriers were shared by all ethnic groups but health educators should supplement approaches designed for the majority to incorporate the specific needs of individual minority groups to ensure equitable access.

Intense self-compressed, self-phase-stabilized few-cycle pulses at 2 microm from an optical filament.

We report the compression of intense, carrier-envelope phase stable mid-IR pulses down to few-cycle duration using an optical filament. A filament in xenon gas is formed by using self-phase stabilized 330 microJ 55 fs pulses at 2 microm produced via difference-frequency generation in a Ti:sapphire-pumped optical parametric amplifier. The ultrabroadband 2 microm carrier-wavelength output is self-compressed below 3 optical cycles and has a 270 microJ pulse energy. The self-locked phase offset of the 2 microm difference-frequency field is preserved after filamentation. This is to our knowledge the first experimental realization of pulse compression in optical filaments at mid-IR wavelengths (lambda>0.8 microm).

Molecular characterisation and analysis of bovine rotavirus strains circulating in Ireland 2002-2004.

One hundred and two faecal samples were collected from calves diagnosed with rotavirus infection, in the southern region of Ireland, from 2002 to 2004. Ninety one percent (n=93) were confirmed positive for rotavirus, using latex agglutination and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. Determination of the G- and P-types was carried out using nested reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (nRT-PCR). G6 was the most prevalent genotype, accounting for 80.6% (75/93), G10 accounted for 6.5% (6/93) and G6G10 mixed types accounted for 9.7% (9/93) of the collection. Rotavirus in three of the samples (3.2%) could not be characterised with any of the five G-specific primers used in this study. A subset of the positive samples (n=54) was examined for their P-type specificities, P[5] and P[11] accounted for 77.8% (42/54), and 9.3% (5/54), respectively. One P[1] genotype (1.9%) was found in the collection. P[5] and P[11] mixed genotypes accounted for 11% (6/54) of the study. The genotypes corresponded to the UK-like strain (G6P[5]) 57.4%, KN4-like strain (G6[P11]) 7.4%, B223-like strain (G10P[11]) and NCDV-like strain (G6P[1]) 1.9% each. The unusual combination of G10P[5] accounted for 7.4%, with mixed infections G6+G10P[5] and G6P[5]+P[11] representing 13% and 11%, respectively. This is the first time that the G- and P-types of bovine rotaviruses (BRVs) have been determined in Ireland, and this study contributes to a better understanding of the epidemiology of such viruses circulating in Ireland.