bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory maintenance does not alter ecological and physiological patterns among species: a Drosophila case study
Authors: Maclean H. J. , Kristensen T. N. , Sørensen J. G. , Overgaard J.
Published: February 2018

Large comparative studies in animal ecology, physiology and evolution often use animals reared in the laboratory for many generations; however, the relevance of these studies hinges on the assumption that laboratory populations are still representative for their wild living conspecifics. In this study, we investigate whether laboratory‐maintained and freshly collected animal populations are fundamentally different and whether data from laboratory‐maintained animals are valid to use in large comparative investigations of ecological and physiological patterns. Here, we obtained nine species of Drosophila with paired populations of laboratory‐maintained and freshly collected flies. These species, representing a range of ecotypes, were assayed for four stress‐tolerance, two body‐size traits and six life‐history traits. For all of these traits, we observed small differences in species‐specific comparisons between field and laboratory populations; however, these differences were unsystematic and laboratory maintenance did not eclipse fundamental species characteristics. To investigate whether laboratory maintenance influence the general patterns in comparative studies, we correlated stress tolerance and life‐history traits with environmental traits for the laboratory‐maintained and freshly collected populations. Based on this analysis, we found that the comparative physiological and ecological trait correlations are similar irrespective of provenience. This finding is important for comparative biology in general because it validates comparative meta‐analyses based on laboratory‐maintained populations.
The continuous treatment effect of an antipoverty program on children's educational attainment: Colombia's Familias en Accion
Authors: Villa Juan M.
Published: February 2018

Educational attainment is an important element in the formation of human capital. Although many developing countries have made strong efforts to expand the coverage of education services, children in poor households still struggle to attend school on a regular basis. Human development conditional cash transfers (known as CCTs) have emerged in response to this situation in developing countries. While the effects of the CCTs are well known and widely documented, their effects in relation to educational attainment and school participation are still unclear. This paper looks empirically into the continuous treatment effects of participation length in Familias en Accion, a CCT program in Colombia. The paper focuses on the continuous treatment effects on school registration and educational attainment of participants in the program. Although initial results show a fuzzy relationship between the program outcomes and the participation length, the empirical results confirm the fact that a longer exposure to the antipoverty program led to higher school registration rates, accumulation of years of education, and lower child labor participation levels.
Local Estimation of the Conditional Stable Tail Dependence Function
Authors: Escobar‐Bach Mikael , Goegebeur Yuri , Guillou Armelle
Published: February 2018

We consider the local estimation of the stable tail dependence function when a random covariate is observed together with the variables of main interest. Our estimator is a weighted version of the empirical estimator adapted to the covariate framework. We provide the main asymptotic properties of our estimator, when properly normalized, in particular the convergence of the empirical process towards a tight centred Gaussian process. The finite sample performance of our estimator is illustrated on a small simulation study and on a dataset of air pollution measurements.
The role of COBRA‐LIKE 2 function, as part of the complex network of interacting pathways regulating Arabidopsis seed mucilage polysaccharide matrix organization
Authors: Ben‐Tov Daniela , Idan‐Molakandov Anat , Hugger Anat , Ben‐Shlush Ilan , Günl Markus , Yang Bo , Usadel Björn , Harpaz‐Saad Smadar
Published: February 2018

The production of hydrophilic mucilage along the course of seed coat epidermal cell differentiation is a common adaptation in angiosperms. Previous studies have identified COBRA‐LIKE 2 (COBL2), a member of the COBRA‐LIKE gene family, as a novel component required for crystalline cellulose deposition in seed coat epidermal cells. In recent years, Arabidopsis seed coat epidermal cells (SCEs), also called mucilage secretory cells, have emerged as a powerful model system for the study of plant cell wall components biosynthesis, secretion, assembly and de muro modification. Despite accumulating data, the molecular mechanism of COBL function remains largely unknown. In the current research, we utilized genetic interactions to study the role of COBL2 as part of the protein network required for seed mucilage production. Using correlative phenotyping of structural and biochemical characteristics, unique features of the cobl2 extruded mucilage are revealed, including: ‘unraveled’ ray morphology, loss of primary cell wall ‘pyramidal’ organization, reduced Ruthenium red staining intensity of the adherent mucilage layer, and increased levels of the monosaccharides arabinose and galactose. Examination of the cobl2cesa5 double mutant provides insight into the interface between COBL function and cellulose deposition. Additionally, genetic interactions between cobl2 and fei1fei2 as well as between each of these mutants to mucilage‐modified 2 (mum2) suggest that COBL2 functions independently of the FEI‐SOS pathway. Altogether, the presented data place COBL2 within the complex protein network required for cell wall deposition in the context of seed mucilage and introduce new methodology expending the seed mucilage phenotyping toolbox.
Global debt dynamics: The elephant in the room
Authors: Antoniades Andreas , Griffith‐Jones Stephany
Published: February 2018

This introduction analyses the nature and characteristics of global debt dynamics in the post global financial crisis period. First, we attempt to map the ways in which debt has been moving from sector to sector and from one group of countries to another within the global economy. By capturing this intersectorial, international, inter‐regional movements of global debt, we aspire to contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of global debt and its mode of operation. Second, we attempt to analyse what is wrong with global debt dynamics, that is, we examine the broken link between what global debt was supposed to do and what it does. Here, we point to three interrelated dynamics: the accumulation of unproductive debt, growing inequalities of income and wealth and the increase in privately created, interest‐bearing money. We conclude by discussing how each paper in this special issue contributes to the current state of the art on the analysis of global debt dynamics in emerging and developing economies.
Stereotypic and complex phrase types provide structural evidence for a multi-message display in humpback whales (Megaptera novaeangliae)
Authors: Murray Anita , Dunlop Rebecca A. , Noad Michael J. , Goldizen Anne W.
Published: February 2018

Male humpback whales produce a mating display called “song.” Behavioral studies indicate song has inter- and/or intra-sexual functionality, suggesting song may be a multi-message display. Multi-message displays often include stereotypic components that convey group membership for mate attraction and/or male-male interactions, and complex components that convey individual quality for courtship. Humpback whale song contains sounds (“units”) arranged into sequences (“phrases”). Repetitions of a specific phrase create a “theme.” Within a theme, imperfect phrase repetitions (“phrase variants”) create variability among phrases of the same type (“phrase type”). The hypothesis that song contains stereotypic and complex phrase types, structural characteristics consistent with a multi-message display, is investigated using recordings of 17 east Australian males (8:2004, 9:2011). Phrase types are categorized as stereotypic or complex using number of unit types, number of phrase variants, and the proportion of phrases that is unique to an individual versus shared amongst males. Unit types are determined using self-organizing maps. Phrase variants are determined by Levenshtein distances between phrases. Stereotypic phrase types have smaller numbers of unit types and shared phrase variants. Complex phrase types have larger numbers of unit types and unique phrase variants. This study supports the hypothesis that song could be a multi-message display.
A method for testing the wide-sense stationary uncorrelated scattering assumption fulfillment for an underwater acoustic channel
Authors: Kochańska Iwona , Nissen Ivor , Marszal Jacek
Published: February 2018

Wide-sense stationary and uncorrelated scattering (WSSUS) assumptions are often applied for the statistical description of wireless communication channels. However, in the case of underwater acoustic channels the WSSUS model is of limited value. The degree of similarity of in-phase and quadrature components of the channel impulse response, measured with the use of bandpass modulated signals, can be used as an indicator of WSSUS assumption fulfillment. The paper describes an experimental method that uses quadrature Pseudo-Random Binary Sequence to evaluate the validity of the WSSUS assumption. The technique was developed by analyzing the shallow water experiment in the Bornholm Basin of the Baltic Sea.
Trophic signatures of seabirds suggest shifts in oceanic ecosystems
Authors: Gagne Tyler O. , Hyrenbach K. David , Hagemann Molly E. , Van Houtan Kyle S.
Published: February 2018

A 125-year record of seabird trophic status shows declines reflecting squid boom and improves on prior index deficiencies.
CRISPR-Cas12a target binding unleashes indiscriminate single-stranded DNase activity
Authors: Chen Janice S. , Ma Enbo , Harrington Lucas B. , Da Costa Maria , Tian Xinran , Palefsky Joel M. , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: February 2018

Taking CRISPR technology further

CRISPR techniques are allowing the development of technologies for nucleic acid detection (see the Perspective by Chertow). Taking advantages of the distinctive enzymatic properties of CRISPR enzymes, Gootenberg
et al.
developed an improved nucleic acid detection technology for multiplexed quantitative and highly sensitive detection, combined with lateral flow for visual readout. Myhrvold
et al.
added a sample preparation protocol to create a field-deployable viral diagnostic platform for rapid detection of specific strains of pathogens in clinical samples. Cas12a (also known as Cpf1), a type V CRISPR protein, cleaves double-stranded DNA and has been adapted for genome editing. Chen
et al.
discovered that Cas12a also processes single-stranded DNA threading activity. A technology platform based on this activity detected human papillomavirus in patient samples with high sensitivity.

Science
, this issue p.
439
, p.
444
, p.
436
; see also p.
381
Impact of Oral Fidaxomicin Administration on the Intestinal Microbiota and Susceptibility to Clostridium difficile Colonization in Mice
Authors: Ajami N. J. , Cope J. L. , Wong M. C. , Petrosino J. F. , Chesnel L.
Published: February 2018

Clostridium difficileinfection (CDI), a common cause of hospital-acquired infections, typically occurs after disruption of the normal gut microbiome by broad-spectrum antibiotics. Fidaxomicin is a narrow-spectrum antibiotic that demonstrates a reduced impact on the normal gut microbiota and is approved for the treatment of CDI. To further explore the benefits of this property, we used a murine model to examine the effects of fidaxomicin versus vancomycin on gut microbiota and susceptibility toC. difficilecolonization while tracking microbiota recovery over time. Mice were exposed to fidaxomicin or vancomycin by oral gavage for 3 days and subsequently challenged withC. difficilespores at predetermined time points up to 21 days postexposure to antibiotics. Fecal samples were subsequently collected for analysis. Twenty-four hours postchallenge, mice were euthanized and the colon contents harvested. The microbiota was characterized using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. All fidaxomicin-exposed mice (except for one at day 8) were resistant toC. difficilecolonization. However, 9 of 15 vancomycin-exposed mice were susceptible toC. difficilecolonization until day 12. All vancomycin-exposed mice recovered colonization resistance by day 16. Bacterial diversity was similar prior to antibiotic exposure in both arms and decreased substantially after exposure. A shift in taxonomic structure and composition occurred after both exposures; however, the shift was greater in vancomycin-exposed than in fidaxomicin-exposed mice. In summary, compared with vancomycin, fidaxomicin exposure had less impact on microbiota composition, promoted faster microbial recovery, and had less impact on the loss ofC. difficilecolonization resistance.
Comparing video consultation with inperson assessment for Swedish patients with hard-to-heal ulcers: registry-based studies of healing time and of waiting time
Authors: Wickström Hanna L , Öien Rut Frank , Fagerström Cecilia , Anderberg Peter , Jakobsson Ulf , Midlöv Patrik J
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To investigate differences in ulcer healing time and waiting time between video consultation and inperson assessment for patients with hard-to-heal ulcers.

Setting

Patients treated at Blekinge Wound Healing Centre, a primary care centre covering the whole of Blekinge county (150 000 inhabitants), were compared with patients registered and treated according to the Registry of Ulcer Treatment, a Swedish national web-based quality registry.

Participants

In the study for analysing ulcer healing time, the study group consisted of 100 patients diagnosed through video consultation between October 2014 and September 2016. The control group for analysing healing time consisted of 1888 patients diagnosed through inperson assessment during the same period. In the study for analysing waiting time, the same study group (n=100) was compared with 100 patients diagnosed through inperson assessment.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Differences in ulcer healing time were analysed using the log-rank test. Differences in waiting time were analysed using the Mann-Whitney U test.

Results

Median healing time was 59 days (95% CI 40 to 78) in the study group and 82 days (95% CI 75 to 89) in the control group (P<0.001). Median waiting time was 25 days (range: 1–83 days) in the study group and 32 days (range: 3–294 days) for patients diagnosed through inperson assessment (P=0.017). There were no significant differences between the study group and the control group regarding age, gender or ulcer size.

Conclusions

Healing time and waiting time were significantly shorter for patients diagnosed through video consultation compared with those diagnosed through inperson assessment.
Linkage of Maternity Hospital Episode Statistics data to birth registration and notification records for births in England 2005-2014: methods. A population-based birth cohort study
Authors: Dattani Nirupa , Macfarlane Alison
Published: February 2018

Introduction

Maternity Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data for 2005–2014 were linked to birth registration and birth notification data (previously known as NHS Numbers for Babies or NN4B) to bring together some key demographic and clinical data items not otherwise available at a national level. The linkage algorithm that was previously used to link 2005–2007 data was revised to improve the linkage rate and reduce the number of duplicate HES records.

Methods

Birth registration and notification linked records from the Office for National Statistics (‘ONS birth records’) were further linked to Maternity HES delivery and birth records using the NHS Number and other direct identifiers if the NHS Number was missing.

Results

For the period 2005–2014, over 94% of birth registration and notification records were correctly linked to HES delivery records. Two per cent of the ONS birth records were incorrectly linked to the HES delivery record and 5% of ONS birth records were linked to more than one HES delivery record. Therefore, a considerable amount of time was spent in quality assuring these files.

Conclusion

The linkage rate for birth registration and notification records to HES delivery records steadily improved from 2005 to 2014 due to improvement in the quality and completeness of patient identifiers in both HES and birth notification data.
Adapting and enhancing PAX Good Behavior Game for First Nations communities: a mixed-methods study protocol developed with Swampy Cree Tribal Council communities in Manitoba
Authors: Fortier Janique , Chartier Mariette , Turner Sarah , Murdock Nora , Turner Frank , Sareen Jitender , Afifi Tracie O , Katz Laurence Y , Brownell Marni , Bolton James , Elias Brenda , Isaak Corinne , Woodgate Roberta , Jiang Depeng
Published: February 2018

Introduction

High rates of mental health problems, such as suicidal behaviours, among First Nations youth in Canada are a major public health concern. The Good Behavior Game (GBG) is a school-based intervention that provides a nurturing environment for children and has been shown to promote positive outcomes. PAX Good Behavior Game (PAX GBG) is an adaptation and enhancement of the GBG. While PAX GBG has been implemented in Indigenous communities, little research exists examining the cultural and contextual appropriateness and effectiveness of the intervention in First Nations communities.

Methods and analysis

The present paper describes a protocol of the mixed-methods approach guided by an Indigenous ethical engagement model adopted to implement, adapt and evaluate PAX GBG in First Nations communities in Manitoba, Canada. First, implementation outcomes (eg, acceptability, adoption) of PAX GBG will be evaluated using qualitative interviews with teachers, principals and community members from Swampy Cree Tribal Council (SCTC) communities. Second, by linking administrative databases to programme data from schools in 38 First Nations communities, we will compare PAX GBG and control groups to evaluate whether PAX GBG is associated with improved mental health and academic outcomes. Third, the qualitative results will help inform a cultural and contextual adaptation of PAX GBG called First Nations PAX (FN PAX). Fourth, FN PAX will be implemented in a few SCTC communities and evaluated using surveys and qualitative interviews followed by the remaining communities the subsequent year.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the University of Manitoba Health Research Ethics Board and will be obtained from the Health Information Privacy Committee and respective data providers for the administrative database linkages. Dissemination and knowledge translation will include community and stakeholder engagement throughout the research process, reports and presentations for policymakers and community members, presentations at scientific conferences and journal publications.
Management of type 2 diabetes mellitus in people with severe mental illness: an online cross-sectional survey of healthcare professionals
Authors: McBain Hayley , Lamontagne-Godwin Frederique , Haddad Mark , Simpson Alan , Chapman Jacqui , Jones Julia , Flood Chris , Mulligan Kathleen
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To establish healthcare professionals’ (HCPs) views about clinical roles, and the barriers and enablers to delivery of diabetes care for people with severe mental illness (SMI).

Design

Cross-sectional, postal and online survey.

Setting

Trusts within the National Health Service, mental health and diabetes charities, and professional bodies.

Participants

HCPs who care for people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and/or SMI in the UK.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The barriers, enablers and experiences of delivering T2DM care for people with SMI, informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework.

Results

Respondents were 273 HCPs, primarily mental health nurses (33.7%) and psychiatrists (32.2%). Only 25% of respondents had received training in managing T2DM in people with SMI. Univariate analysis found that mental health professionals felt responsible for significantly fewer recommended diabetes care standards than physical health professionals (P<0.001). For those seeing diabetes care as part of their role, the significant barriers to its delivery in the multiple regression analyses were a lack of knowledge (P=0.003); a need for training in communication and negotiation skills (P=0.04); a lack of optimism about the health of their clients (P=0.04) and their ability to manage T2DM in people with SMI (P=0.003); the threat of being disciplined (P=0.02); fear of working with people with a mental health condition (P=0.01); a lack of service user engagement (P=0.006); and a need for incentives (P=0.04). The significant enablers were an understanding of the need to tailor treatments (P=0.04) and goals (P=0.02) for people with SMI.

Conclusions

This survey indicates that despite current guidelines, diabetes care in mental health settings remains peripheral. Even when diabetes care is perceived as part of an HCP’s role, various individual and organisational barriers to delivering recommended T2DM care standards to people with SMI are experienced.
TEXT messages to improve MEDication adherence and Secondary prevention (TEXTMEDS) after acute coronary syndrome: a randomised clinical trial protocol
Authors: Chow Clara K , Thiagalingam Aravinda , Santo Karla , Kok Cindy , Thakkar Jay , Stepien Sandrine , Billot Laurent , Jan Stephen , Joshi Rohina , Hillis Graham S , Brieger David , Chew Derek P , Rådholm Karin , Atherton John J , Bhindi Ravinay , Collins Nicholas , Coverdale Steven , Hamilton-Craig Christian , Kangaharan Nadarajah , Maiorana Andrew , McGrady Michelle , Shetty Pratap , Thompson Peter , Rogers Anthony , Redfern Julie
Published: February 2018

Background

Identifying simple, low-cost and scalable means of supporting lifestyle change and medication adherence for patients following a cardiovascular (CV) event is important.

Objective

The TEXTMEDS (TEXT messages to improve MEDication adherence and Secondary prevention) study aims to investigate whether a cardiac education and support programme sent via mobile phone text message improves medication adherence and risk factor levels in patients following an acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Study design

A single-blind, multicentre, randomised clinical trial of 1400 patients after an ACS with 12 months follow-up. The intervention group will receive multiple weekly text messages that provide information, motivation, support to adhere to medications, quit smoking (if relevant) and recommendations for healthy diet and exercise. The primary endpoint is the percentage of patients who are adherent to cardioprotective medications and the key secondary outcomes are mean systolic blood pressure (BP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol. Secondary outcomes will also include total cholesterol, mean diastolic BP, the percentage of participants who are adherent to each cardioprotective medication class, the percentage of participants who achieve target levels of CV risk factors, major vascular events, hospital readmissions and all-cause mortality. The study will be augmented by formal economic and process evaluations to assess acceptability, utility and cost-effectiveness.

The study will provide multicentre randomised trial evidence of the effects of a text message-based programme on cardioprotective medication adherence and levels of CV risk factors.

Ethics and dissemination

Primary ethics approval was received from Western Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC2012/12/4.1 (3648) AU RED HREC/13/WMEAD/15). Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and presentations at international conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12613000793718; Pre-results.
GP and parent dissonance about the assessment and treatment of childhood eczema in primary care: a qualitative study
Authors: Powell Kingsley , Le Roux Emma , Banks Jonathan , Ridd Matthew J
Published: February 2018

Objectives

To compare parents’ and clinicians’ perspectives on the assessment and treatment of children with eczema in primary care.

Design

Qualitative interview study with purposive and snowball sampling and thematic analysis.

Setting

14 general practices in the UK.

Participants

11 parents of children with eczema and 15 general practitioners (GPs) took part in semistructured individual interviews.

Results

We identified several areas of dissonance between parents and GPs. First, parents sought a ‘cause’ of eczema, such as an underlying allergy, whereas GPs looked to manage the symptoms of an incurable condition. Second, parents often judged eczema severity in terms of psychosocial impact, while GPs tended to focus on the appearance of the child’s skin. Third, parents sought ‘more natural’ over-the-counter treatments or complementary medicine, which GPs felt unable to endorse because of their unknown effectiveness and potential harm. Fourth, GPs linked poor outcomes to unrealistic expectations of treatment and low adherence to topical therapy, whereas parents reported persisting with treatment and despondency with its ineffectiveness. Consultations were commonly described by parents as being dominated by the GP, with a lack of involvement in treatment decisions. GPs’ management of divergent views varied, but avoidance strategies were often employed.

Conclusions

Divergent views between parents and clinicians regarding the cause and treatment of childhood eczema can probably only be bridged by clinicians actively seeking out opinions and sharing rationale for their approach to treatment. Together with assessing the psychosocial as well as the physical impact of eczema, asking about current or intended use of complementary therapy and involving parents in treatment decisions, the management of eczema and patient outcomes could be improved.
Delivering safe and effective test-result communication, management and follow-up: a mixed-methods study protocol
Authors: Dahm Maria R , Georgiou Andrew , Westbrook Johanna I , Greenfield David , Horvath Andrea R , Wakefield Denis , Li Ling , Hillman Ken , Bolton Patrick , Brown Anthony , Jones Graham , Herkes Robert , Lindeman Robert , Legg Michael , Makeham Meredith , Moses Daniel , Badmus Dauda , Campbell Craig , Hardie Rae-Anne , Li Julie , McCaughey Euan , Sezgin Gorkem , Thomas Judith , Wabe Nasir
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The failure to follow-up pathology and medical imaging test results poses patient-safety risks which threaten the effectiveness, quality and safety of patient care. The objective of this project is to: (1) improve the effectiveness and safety of test-result management through the establishment of clear governance processes of communication, responsibility and accountability; (2) harness health information technology (IT) to inform and monitor test-result management; (3) enhance the contribution of consumers to the establishment of safe and effective test-result management systems.

Methods and analysis

This convergent mixed-methods project triangulates three multistage studies at seven adult hospitals and one paediatric hospital in Australia.

Study 1 adopts qualitative research approaches including semistructured interviews, focus groups and ethnographic observations to gain a better understanding of test-result communication and management practices in hospitals, and to identify patient-safety risks which require quality-improvement interventions.

Study 2 analyses linked sets of routinely collected healthcare data to examine critical test-result thresholds and test-result notification processes. A controlled before-and-after study across three emergency departments will measure the impact of interventions (including the use of IT) developed to improve the safety and quality of test-result communication and management processes.

Study 3 adopts a consumer-driven approach, including semistructured interviews, and the convening of consumer-reference groups and community forums. The qualitative data will identify mechanisms to enhance the role of consumers in test-management governance processes, and inform the direction of the research and the interpretation of findings.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the South Eastern Sydney Local Health District Human Research Ethics Committee and Macquarie University. Findings will be disseminated in academic, industry and consumer journals, newsletters and conferences.
Clinical validation of a public health policy-making platform for hearing loss (EVOTION): protocol for a big data study
Authors: Dritsakis Giorgos , Kikidis Dimitris , Koloutsou Nina , Murdin Louisa , Bibas Athanasios , Ploumidou Katherine , Laplante-Lévesque Ariane , Pontoppidan Niels Henrik , Bamiou Doris-Eva
Published: February 2018

Introduction

The holistic management of hearing loss (HL) requires an understanding of factors that predict hearing aid (HA) use and benefit beyond the acoustics of listening environments. Although several predictors have been identified, no study has explored the role of audiological, cognitive, behavioural and physiological data nor has any study collected real-time HA data. This study will collect ‘big data’, including retrospective HA logging data, prospective clinical data and real-time data via smart HAs, a mobile application and biosensors. The main objective is to enable the validation of the EVOTION platform as a public health policy-making tool for HL.

Methods and analysis

This will be a big data international multicentre study consisting of retrospective and prospective data collection. Existing data from approximately 35 000 HA users will be extracted from clinical repositories in the UK and Denmark. For the prospective data collection, 1260 HA candidates will be recruited across four clinics in the UK and Greece. Participants will complete a battery of audiological and other assessments (measures of patient-reported HA benefit, mood, cognition, quality of life). Patients will be offered smart HAs and a mobile phone application and a subset will also be given wearable biosensors, to enable the collection of dynamic real-life HA usage data. Big data analytics will be used to detect correlations between contextualised HA usage and effectiveness, and different factors and comorbidities affecting HL, with a view to informing public health decision-making.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was received from the London South East Research Ethics Committee (17/LO/0789), the Hippokrateion Hospital Ethics Committee (1847) and the Athens Medical Center’s Ethics Committee (KM140670). Results will be disseminated through national and international events in Greece and the UK, scientific journals, newsletters, magazines and social media. Target audiences include HA users, clinicians, policy-makers and the general public.

Trial registration number

NCT03316287; Pre-results.
Integrating palliative care into neurology services: what do the professionals say?
Authors: Hepgul Nilay , Gao Wei , Evans Catherine J , Jackson Diana , van Vliet Liesbeth M , Byrne Anthony , Crosby Vincent , Groves Karen E , Lindsay Fiona , Higginson Irene J
Published: February 2018

Objectives

Evaluations of new services for palliative care in non-cancer conditions are few. OPTCARE Neuro is a multicentre trial evaluating the effectiveness of short-term integrated palliative care (SIPC) for progressive long-term neurological conditions. Here, we present survey results describing the current levels of collaboration between neurology and palliative care services and exploring the views of professionals towards the new SIPC service.

Methods

Neurology and palliative care teams from six UK trial sites (London, Nottingham, Liverpool, Cardiff, Brighton and Chertsey) were approached via email to complete an online survey. The survey was launched in July 2015 and consisted of multiple choice or open comment questions with responses collected using online forms.

Results

33 neurology and 26 palliative care professionals responded. Collaborations between the two specialties were reported as being ‘good/excellent’ by 36% of neurology and by 58% of palliative care professionals. However, nearly half (45%) of neurology compared with only 12% of palliative care professionals rated current levels as being ‘poor/none’. Both professional groups felt that the new SIPC service would influence future collaborations for the better. However, they identified a number of barriers for the new SIPC service such as resources and clinician awareness.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate the opportunity to increase collaboration between neurology and palliative care services for people with progressive neurological conditions, and the acceptability of SIPC as a model to support this.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN18337380; Pre-results.
Persistent inequalities in Hospice at Home provision
Authors: Buck Jackie , Webb Liz , Moth Lorraine , Morgan Lynn , Barclay Stephen
Published: February 2018

Objective

To describe the nature and scope of a new Hospice at Home (H@H) service and to identify its equality of provision.

Methods

Case note review of patients supported by a H@H service for 1 year from September 2012 to August 2013 (n=321). Descriptive analysis to report frequencies and proportions of quantitative data extracted from service logs, referral forms and care records; thematic analysis of qualitative data from care record free text.

Results

Demand outstripped supply. Twice as many night care episodes were requested (n=1237) as were provided (n=613). Inequalities in access to the service related to underlying diagnosis and socioeconomic status. 75% of patients using the service had cancer (221/293 with documented diagnosis). Of those who died at home in the areas surrounding the hospice, 53% (163/311) of people with cancer and 11% (49/431) of those without cancer received H@H support. People who received H@H care were often more affluent than the population average for the area within which they lived. Roles of the service identified included: care planning/implementation, specialist end-of-life care assessment and advice, ‘holding’ complex patients until hospice beds become available and clinical nursing care.

Conclusion

There is significant unmet need and potentially large latent demand for the H@H service. People without cancer or of lower socioeconomic status are less likely to access the service. Action is needed to ensure greater and more equitable service provision in this and similar services nationally and internationally.
Ethical dilemmas encountered by small animal veterinarians: characterisation, responses, consequences and beliefs regarding euthanasia
Authors: Kipperman Barry , Morris Patricia , Rollin Bernard
Published: February 2018

Small animal veterinarians’ opinions were investigated regarding the frequency and nature of ethical dilemmas encountered, beliefs regarding euthanasia and balancing client and animal interests, prevalence and value of ethics training and proposals to mitigate the stressful effects of ethical dilemmas. The majority (52 per cent) of 484 respondents in the USA indicated via an online survey experiencing an ethical dilemma regarding the interests of clients and those of their patients at least weekly. Scenarios involving client financial concerns were commonly reported causes of ethical conflicts. While only 20 per cent of respondents indicated that other practitioners prioritise patient interests, 50 per cent of respondents characterised their own behaviour as prioritising patients. Most respondents (52 per cent) reported that ethical dilemmas are the leading cause, or are one of many equal causes, of work‐related stress. Less experienced practitioners, general practitioners and associate veterinarians were more likely to encounter situations they defined as ethical dilemmas, and female respondents were more likely to find ethical dilemmas stressful. Most small animal veterinarians experience ethical dilemmas regularly, which contribute to moral stress. Results suggested that most small animal practitioners believe that greater awareness of moral stress and providing training in ethical theories and tools for coping with ethical dilemmas can ameliorate moral stress.
Is there anything vets can do about the recruitment crisis?
Authors: Pearson Caroline
Published: February 2018

Caroline Pearson argues that to tackle the recruitment and retention crisis, veterinary leadership needs to improve.
Reporting time period matters: quantifying catch rates and exploring recall bias from fisher interviews in Thailand
Authors: Aylesworth Lindsay , Kuo Ting-Chun
Published: February 2018

Catch rates reported by fishers are commonly used to understand the status of a fishery, but the reliability of fisher-reported data is affected by how they recall such information. Recalling catch may be influenced by the choice of reporting time period. Using interview data from fishers in Thailand, we investigated (1) how the time period for which fishers report their catch rates (e.g., per day or month) correlates with annual catch estimates and (2) the potential of recall bias when fishers reported multiple catch rates. We found that the annual catch estimates of fishers who reported on a shorter time period (haul, day) were significantly higher than those reported on a longer time period (month, year). This trend held true when individual fishers reported over multiple time periods, suggesting recall bias. By comparing fisher reports with external data sets, we identified that the mean across all reports was most similar to other data sources, rather than any time period. Our research has strong implications in using fishers’ knowledge for fisheries management.
Energy gaps, valence and conduction charge densities and optical properties of GaAs1−xPx
Authors: Al-Hagan O. A. , Algarni H. , Bouarissa N. , Alhuwaymel T. F. , Ajmal Khan M.
Published: February 2018

The electronic structure and its derived valence and conduction charge distributions along with the optical properties of zinc-blende GaAs[Formula: see text]P[Formula: see text] ternary alloys have been studied. The calculations are performed using a pseudopotential approach under the virtual crystal approximation (VCA) which takes into account the compositional disorder effect. Our findings are found to be generally in good accord with experiment. The composition dependence of direct and indirect bandgaps showed a clear bandgap bowing. The nature of the gap is found to depend on phosphorous content. The bonding and ionicity of the material of interest have been examined in terms of the anti-symmetric gap and charge densities. The variation in the optical constants versus phosphorous concentration has been discussed. The present investigation may give a useful applications in infrared and visible spectrum light emitters.
Micro-Strip Line 90∘ Phase Shifter with Double Ground Slots for D-Band Applications
Authors: Luo Jiang , He Jin , Chen Pengwei , Wang Hao , Chang Sheng , Huang Qijun , Mao Xurui , Zhang Yueping
Published: February 2018

This paper proposes a novel double-ground-slot (DGS) structure for designing the micro-strip lines 90[Formula: see text] phase shifter operating in D-band. The DGS phase shifter is implemented in a 0.13-[Formula: see text]m SiGe BiCMOS and has a small core area of 180[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m [Formula: see text] 130[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]m including all testing pads. It exhibits measured insertion loss of 1.9[Formula: see text]dB, return loss of 26[Formula: see text]dB, and phase error of 4.2[Formula: see text] at 155[Formula: see text]GHz. The proposed DGS 90[Formula: see text] phase shifter demonstrates superior performances and therefore has potential to be used in highly-integrated D-band wireless applications.
DEPENDENCE OF HOMO–LUMO GAP OF DNA BASE PAIR STEPS ON TWIST ANGLE: A DENSITY FUNCTIONAL APPROACH
Authors: SAMANTA SUDIPTA , RAGHUNATHAN DEVANATHAN , MUKHERJEE SANCHITA , SANYAL BIPLAB
Published: February 2018

Electronic structure calculations of all 10 unique base pair (bp) steps have been calculated to study the interaction energies of the bp steps, density of states (DOS), projected density of states (pDOS) using the density functional theory (DFT). Plane wave basis with ultrasoft pseudo-potential method has been used within the local density approximation (LDA) for the exchange correlation functional. Electron densities of the bp steps corresponding to HOMO and LUMO level have been calculated to understand the difference in stacking energies of the bp steps. The variation of HOMO–LUMO gap (g) of all possible bp steps on twist angle has been studied. We have observed that out of the 10 bp steps, 4 purine–purine bp steps (d(AA), d(GG), d(AG) and d(GA)), show significant variation of [Formula: see text] on twist angle. The observed variation on twist angle of d(AA) bp step has been explained by the calculated DOS and electron densities.
Polymer matrices for porphyrin nanorods incorporation. Artificial light harvesting applications
Authors: Mongwaketsi Nametso , Mayedwa Noluthando , Matinise Nolubabalo , Kaviyarasu Kasinathan , Sparrow Raymond , Maaza Malik
Published: February 2018

This contribution is focused on the supramolecular approach in exploration of aggregates formation by two different porphyrins wherein self-assembly plays an important role. Spectroscopic and microscopic studies usually provide information on investigations regarding the effects of various parameters on the fabrication of porphyrin aggregates by ionic self- assembly. Various properties of ionic self-assembled porphyrin nanorods have been investigated, including nonlinear optical (NLO) properties, and these studies were influenced by the fact that porphyrins have great thermal stability and extended [Formula: see text]conjugated macro cyclic rings which give them large nonlinear optical effects. The major reasons limiting porphyrin nanorods photonic applications include the difficulty of handling them in liquid solutions and their degradation with long exposure to light. This necessitates the use of appropriate solid matrices to host the nanorods. Inspired by the precise organization and orientation of the chromophores in natural systems, attention has been on the design of nanometer sized chromophoric assemblies, which may find applications in the field of molecular photonics. However, it is challenging to design multicomponent systems with controlled structural arrangement at the molecular level. A lack of precise arrangement may have a negative impact on the construction of an efficient artificial light harvesting system. This review is focused on exploring the possibility of incorporating nanorods into polymer matrices to overcome the limiting factors of applications of these materials in photonic devices.
BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION AND SMEs PERFORMANCE — DOES COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE MEDIATE?
Authors: ANWAR MUHAMMAD
Published: February 2018

In the era of globalisation and dynamic market, firms look for competitive advantage and survival using different sources and resources. Prior studies have indicated that Business Model Innovation (BMI) is a core driver for firm’s survival and superior performance especially in growing industries. However, the role of BMI has been discussed theoretically and exploratory while empirical studies are still lacking. Hence, this study examines the importance of BMI in SME performance and the mediating role of competitive advantage. Data were collected through structured questionnaires using a sample size of 303 manufacturing SMEs operating in the emerging market of Pakistan. Hypotheses were tested through Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) using AMOS.21. The results indicate that BMI has a significant positive impact on competitive advantage and SME performance. Competitive advantage partially mediates the relationship between BMI and SME performance. Firms are required to create an effective business model to acquire competitive advantage and superior financial performance. Implications for practice have been discussed.
THREE PERSPECTIVES ON MANAGING FRONT END INNOVATION: PROCESS, KNOWLEDGE AND TRANSLATION
Authors: VAGN JENSEN ANNA ROSE , CLAUSEN CHRISTIAN , GISH LIV
Published: February 2018

This paper presents three complementary perspectives on the management of front end innovation: A process model perspective, a knowledge perspective and a translational perspective. While the first two perspectives are well established in literature, we offer the translation perspective as a complementary perspective. The paper combines a literature review with an empirical examination of the application of these multiple perspectives across three cases of front end of innovation (FEI) management in mature product developing companies. While the process models represent the dominant, albeit rather simplistic perspective, they primarily serve as a reference point and communication device. Here, the knowledge perspective offers a supplementary perspective by filling the gaps left by the formal processes with informal cross boarder knowledge exchange. In comparison, the translation perspective is found to represent an emergent approach in managing FEI where process models, knowledge strategies and objects become integrated elements in more advanced navigational strategies for key players.
Viscoelastic Modeling of Responses in the Whole Compaction Process for Woven Fiber Reinforcements
Authors: Wei Kai , Wang Yanke , Yang Xujing
Published: February 2018

Compaction and the corresponding viscoelastic behaviors of woven fiber reinforcements are essential to determine the mechanical properties of composite components. Current reported works separately studied the viscoelastic behaviors in partial stage of the compaction process. In contrast, here, we propose a uniform viscoelastic model that can describe the viscoelastic responses in all stages. Systematical experiments of carbon and glass woven fiber reinforcements demonstrate the effectiveness of this viscoelastic model. Moreover, the significances of the model parameters and their underlying relations are clearly revealed. The time constants are not equal in different stages due to different roles of fiber friction played. The relationship among time constants in different stages is found and is experimentally demonstrated. Stress constants strongly depend on the initial stress and types of fiber reinforcements. The relationships between stress constants in all stages are also obtained. The proposed theoretical model here provides a potential and promising approach to understand the viscoelastic responses of woven fiber reinforcements in compaction process.