bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical effectiveness and safety of erythropoietin‐stimulating agents for the treatment of low‐ and intermediate‐1−risk myelodysplastic syndrome: a systematic literature review
Authors: Park Sophie , Greenberg Peter , Yucel Aylin , Farmer Caroline , O'Neill Frank , De Oliveira Brandao Cisio , Fenaux Pierre
Published: December 2018

Many patients with lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) experience anaemia, which has negative consequences. Erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents (ESAs) and their biosimilars are used to treat anaemia in MDS and, currently, epoetin alfa and darbepoetin alfa are commonly used and recommended by clinical guidelines. To better understand the evidence available on the use of ESAs for anaemia in lower‐risk MDS, we conducted a systematic literature review to identify randomized and nonrandomized prospective studies reporting on clinical efficacy/effectiveness, patient‐reported quality of life (QoL), and safety. We extended our review to include retrospective studies for darbepoetin alfa specifically and to ascertain the feasibility of completing an indirect network meta‐analysis comparing epoetin and darbepoetin alfa. Overall, 53 articles reporting on 35 studies were included. The studies indicated a clinical benefit of ESAs, with benefits observed across key clinical outcomes. ESAs showed consistent improvement in erythroid response rates (ESA‐naïve, 45–73%; previous ESA exposure, 25–75%) and duration of response. Comparative studies demonstrated similar progression to acute myeloid leukaemia and several showed improved overall survival and QoL. Limited safety concerns were identified. This analysis confirmed ESA therapy should be the foremost first‐line treatment of anaemia in most patients with lower‐risk MDS who lack the 5q deletion.
Initial evaluation of PET/CT with 18F‐FSU‐880 targeting prostate‐specific membrane antigen in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Saga Tsuneo , Nakamoto Yuji , Ishimori Takayoshi , Inoue Takahiro , Shimizu Yoichi , Kimura Hiroyuki , Akamatsu Shusuke , Goto Takayuki , Watanabe Hiroyuki , Kitaguchi Kosuke , Watanabe Masao , Ono Masahiro , Saji Hideo , Ogawa Osamu , Togashi Kaori
Published: December 2018

This first‐in‐man study was carried out to evaluate the safety, whole‐body distribution, dose estimation, and lesion accumulation of 18F‐FSU‐880, a newly developed probe targeting prostate‐specific membrane antigen. Six prostate cancer patients with known metastatic lesions underwent serial whole‐body PET/computed tomography (CT) with 18F‐FSU‐880. Blood and urine were analyzed before and after PET/CT. Accumulation of 18F‐FSU‐880 in organs and metastatic lesions in serial PET images were evaluated by measuring the standardized uptake values. From the biodistribution data, the organ doses and whole‐body effective dose were calculated using OLINDA/EXM software was developed by Dr. Michael Stabin of Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee, USA. 18F‐FSU‐880 PET/CT could be carried out without significant adverse effects. High physiological uptake was observed in the salivary/lachrymal glands and kidneys. The effective dose was calculated to be 0.921 × 10−2 mSv/MBq. Known metastatic lesions were clearly visualized with high image contrast that increased with time, except in 1 patient, whose bone metastases were well‐controlled and inactive. The PET/CT with 18F‐FSU‐880 could be carried out safely and could clearly visualize active metastatic lesions. The present results warrant further clinical studies with a larger number of cases to verify the clinical utility of 18F‐FSU‐880 PET/CT in the management of prostate cancer patients.
Mammary carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cell: Fine needle aspiration and cytological diagnosis of a rare and misleading subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma
Authors: Bonsang Benjamin , Charles Françoise , Conan‐Charlet Virginie , Guilbert Sandrine , Marcorelles Pascale , Talagas Matthieu
Published: December 2018

Mammary carcinoma with osteoclast‐like giant cell is a very rare subtype of invasive ductal carcinoma and its clinical and radiological presentation is falsely reassuring. We highlight the cytological features to aid diagnosis and avoid misinterpretation.
Single slide assessment: A highly effective cytological rapid on‐site evaluation technique for endobronchial and endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration
Authors: Glinski Leonie , Shetty Dushyant , Iles Stephen , Diggins Benjamin , Garvican James
Published: December 2018

No standardised, comprehensive approach to rapid on‐site evaluation (ROSE) of cytology samples currently exists. Recent meta‐analysis indicates variation in the effectiveness of ROSE, however, reviews commonly omit the details of how ROSE is conducted. This review demonstrates the clinical effectiveness of single slide assessment (SSA) for ROSE of cytology samples, providing a highly effective, standardised methodology, maximising cell yield and the diagnostic potential of samples obtained via endobronchial or endoscopic ultrasound. Advances in molecular testing and immunotherapy now allow patients to access sophisticated, targeted cancer treatments and, consequently, obtaining diagnostic material alone is no longer sufficient. SSA uses specific criteria, based on the morphological presentation, to ensure sufficient material is obtained through one procedure, allowing for all the molecular profiling and tumour expression testing required to provide the patient and clinicians with the optimal treatment options. In total, 450 endobronchial or endoscopic ultrasound procedures were conducted with ROSE SSA performed by a biomedical scientist between 2010 and 2017. In 97% of cases, ROSE SSA matched the final report (inadequate vs adequate—benign material vs malignancy). ROSE SSA provided sufficient material for immunocytochemistry in 200/208 cases (96%) and for additional molecular testing/tumour profiling in 92% (85/92) of cases. The median number of needle passes was three. ROSE SSA streamlines diagnostic pathways; minimising risk of complications to patients, reducing cost and delays to treatment associated with repeat or more invasive procedures. Using SSA, sufficient material for a comprehensive diagnosis can be obtained in one procedure.
Communicative hand‐waving gestures facilitate object learning in preverbal infants
Authors: Hirai Masahiro , Kanakogi Yasuhiro
Published: December 2018

The theory of natural pedagogy has proposed that infants can use ostensive signals, including eye contact, infant‐directed speech, and contingency to learn from others. However, the role of bodily gestures, such as hand‐waving, in social learning has been largely ignored. To address this gap in the literature, this study sought to determine whether 4‐month‐old infants exhibited a preference for horizontal or vertical (control) hand‐waving gestures. We also examined whether horizontal hand‐waving gestures followed by pointing facilitated the process of object learning in 9‐month‐old infants. Results showed that 4‐month‐old infants preferred horizontal hand‐waving gestures to vertical hand‐waving gestures, even when featural and contextual information were removed. Furthermore, horizontal hand‐waving gestures induced identity encoding for cued objects, whereas vertical gestures did not. These findings highlight the role of communicative intent embedded in bodily movements and indicate that hand‐waving can serve as a new type of ostensive signal.
Neural coding of the sound envelope is changed in the inferior colliculus immediately following acoustic trauma
Authors: Heeringa Amarins N. , van Dijk Pim
Published: December 2018

Sensorineural hearing loss is often accompanied by difficulties with understanding speech in fluctuating backgrounds, suggesting that neural coding of complex sound features, such as the sound envelope, is impaired. Here, we studied how temporal and rate coding of the envelope is affected in the inferior colliculus immediately after acoustic trauma. Neural activity in response to amplitude‐modulated noise was recorded from the inferior colliculus of the guinea pig, before and immediately after a 1‐hr 11‐kHz acoustic trauma. Units with a characteristic frequency (CF) below the trauma frequency (<11 kHz) showed increased response gains, a measure for temporal coding of the sound envelope, especially at low modulation frequencies (≤128 Hz). Units with a CF > 11 kHz, which had large acoustic trauma‐induced threshold shifts, had decreased response gains to amplitude‐modulated noise. Shapes of temporal modulation transfer functions shifted toward a higher proportion of low‐pass shapes in low‐CF units, and to less band‐pass shapes in high‐CF units. Furthermore, driven firing rates decreased, especially at high modulation frequencies for high‐CF units. The observed changes occurred immediately following trauma and were thus a result of the immediate trauma‐induced damage to the auditory system. If also present in human subjects, reduced response gains in high‐frequency units could disrupt coding of consonants and consequently impair speech understanding in noisy environments. Moreover, the enhanced temporal coding by low‐CF units of the low modulation frequencies could overly amplify responses to low‐frequency noise, further deteriorating listening in noise.
Acid sensing ion channel 2: A new potential player in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis
Authors: Fazia Teresa , Pastorino Roberta , Notartomaso Serena , Busceti Carla , Imbriglio Tiziana , Cannella Milena , Gentilini Davide , Morani Gabriele , Ticca Anna , Bitti Pierpaolo , Berzuini Carlo , Dalmay Tamas , Battaglia Giuseppe , Bernardinelli Luisa
Published: December 2018

Acid‐sensing ion channels (ASICs) are proton‐gated channels involved in multiple biological functions such as: pain modulation, mechanosensation, neurotransmission, and neurodegeneration. Earlier, we described the genetic association, within the Nuoro population, between Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and rs28936, located in ASIC2 3′UTR. Here we investigated the potential involvement of ASIC2 in MS inflammatory process. We induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in wild‐type (WT), knockout Asic1−/− and Asic2−/− mice and observed a significant reduction of clinical score in Asic1−/− mice and a significant reduction in the clinical score in Asic2−/− mice in a limited time window (i.e., at days 20–23 after immunization). Immunohistochemistry confirmed the reduction in adaptive immune cell infiltrates in the spinal cord of EAE Asic1−/− mice. Analysis of mechanical allodynia, showed a significant higher pain threshold in Asic2−/− mice under physiological conditions, before immunization, as compared to WT mice and Asic1−/−. A significant reduction in pain threshold was observed in all three strains of mice after immunization. More importantly, analysis of human autoptic brain tissue in MS and control samples showed an increase of ASIC2 mRNA in MS samples. Subsequently, in vitro luciferase reporter gene assays, showed that ASIC2 expression is under possible miRNA regulation, in a rs28936 allele‐specific manner. Taken together, these findings suggest a potential role of ASIC2 in the pathophysiology of MS.
Barriers to Open Government Data (OGD) initiative in Tanzania: Stakeholders’ perspectives
Authors: Donald Shao Deo , Saxena Stuti
Published: December 2018

Open Government Data (OGD) initiatives are picking up across the globe with their emphasis upon the tenets of transparency, collaboration, and participation. While much of the research has remained confined at unraveling the theoretical and conceptual dimensions of OGD, empirical investigations are visibly lacking, especially in the African context. Using a qualitative research methodology, we analyze the responses received from relevant stakeholders—representatives from public and private sector—regarding their views about the OGD initiative in Tanzania. Our findings show that the OGD initiative in Tanzania is in an emerging stage and there are barriers (organizational, social, legal, and technical) toward instituting a robust OGD initiative in the country. Further, we find that there is inertia among the government departments in terms of publishing data sets. Our findings provide a sounding board for further research on the sustainability of OGD initiatives in Tanzania and the other African countries, by and large.
Presence of varices in patients after hepatitis C virus eradication predicts deterioration in the FIB‐4 index
Authors: Seko Yuya , Moriguchi Michihisa , Hara Tasuku , Kataoka Seita , Okuda Keiichiroh , Furuta Mitsuhiro , Takemura Masashi , Taketani Hiroyoshi , Umemura Atsushi , Nishikawa Taichiro , Yamaguchi Kanji , Yasui Kohichiroh , Minami Masahito , Itoh Yoshito
Published: December 2018

Aims

The liver function of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection who obtained sustained virologic response (SVR) has been known to improve after HCV eradication. However, a predictor of liver function after SVR has not been definitively identified. The aim of this retrospective study was to identify a predictor of deteriorated liver function and Fibrosis‐4 (FIB‐4) index after SVR was achieved by direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) treatment.

Methods

This study retrospectively enrolled 248 patients who obtained SVR by DAA treatment. None of the patients developed hepatocellular carcinoma during this study. Liver function was assessed at the end of treatment (EOT) and at 24, 48, 72, and 96 weeks after EOT.

Results

At 96 weeks after EOT, the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels were significantly decreased from those at EOT. The platelet count was significantly increased from 14.9 × 104/μL at EOT to 17.1 × 104/μL at 96 weeks after EOT. Ten patients showed an increased FIB‐4 (>1.00) index. Multivariate analysis with 171 patients who underwent endoscopic assessment revealed that the presence of varices was an independent predictor of deterioration in the FIB‐4 index (odds ratio, 5.56; P = 0.041).

Conclusion

Most of the study patients who obtained SVR showed improved liver function after EOT. Patients without increasing platelet counts after SVR due to DAA therapy should be evaluated for complications induced by portal hypertension.
A highly resistant structure between the cuticle and the cortex of human hair. II. CARB, a penetration barrier
Authors: Takahashi Toshie
Published: December 2018

Objective

We previously reported that a chemically resistant structure is present at the interface between the cuticle and the cortex of human hair. The goal of this study was to identify the position of that structure and to clarify its barrier ability.

Methods

Untreated, partially and completely decuticled hair fibres were characterized. The correlation between the number of cuticle layers and the penetration depth of a dye into the cortex was microscopically investigated. In addition, similar measurements were performed using hair with a denatured cell membrane complex.

Results

The penetration depth of the dye into the cortex showed no statistically significant correlation with the number of cuticle layers in the case of partially decuticled hair fibres (the number of cuticle layers ranged from one to four). Penetration of the dye proceeded drastically just when the last cuticle layer was lost, but denaturation of the cell membrane complex did not affect the depth of penetration. That suggested that the penetration barrier at the interface between the cuticle and the cortex is not the cell membrane complex, but rather is the resistant structure previously reported. It was observed that a thin layer structure is located beneath the endocuticle of the innermost cuticle cell layer, only in the range where the cuticle borders the cortex. It is thought that this is the structure in question.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that a highly resistant structure located at the interface between the cuticle and the cortex of human hair acts as a penetration barrier. We propose that structure be named CARB, cuticle anchored resistant base.
Root dentinal microcracks: a post‐extraction experimental phenomenon?
Authors: De‐Deus G. , Cavalcante D. M. , Belladonna F. G. , Carvalhal J. , Souza E. M. , Lopes R. T. , Versiani M. A. , Silva E. J. N. L. , Dummer P. M. H.
Published: December 2018

Aim

To investigate the prevalence, location and pattern of pre‐existing microcracks in non‐endodontically treated teeth from fresh cadavers. Micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) technology was used as the analytical tool enabling full screening of the root dentine with the teeth retained in their original alveolar socket.

Methodology

As a pilot study and to validate the present method, a series of 4 high‐resolution scans were performed on one bone‐block specimen with teeth collected post‐mortem: (i) entire bone‐block including the teeth, (ii) second molar tooth extracted atraumatically from the bone‐block, (iii) extracted tooth dehydrated to induce dentinal defects and (iv) entire bone‐block following reinsertion of the extracted tooth into its matching alveolar socket. In the main study, forty‐two dentoalveolar maxillary and mandibular bone‐blocks each containing 3–5 adjacent teeth (a total of 178 teeth) were collected post‐mortem and scanned in a micro‐CT device. All cross‐section images of the 178 teeth (n = 65 530) were screened from the cementoenamel junction to the apex to identify the presence of dentinal defects.

Results

In the pilot study, the microcracks observable when the dehydrated tooth was outside the bone‐block remained detectable when the entire bone‐block plus reinserted tooth was scanned. This means that the screening process revealed the presence of the same microcracks in both experimental situations (the tooth outside and inside the maxillary bone‐block). From a total of 178 teeth in the bone‐blocks removed from cadavers, 65 530 cross‐sectional images were analysed and no dentinal microcracks were detected.

Conclusions

This in situ cadaveric model revealed the lack of pre‐existing dentinal microcracks in non‐endodontically treated teeth. Thus, the finding of dentinal microcracks observed in previous cross‐sectional images of stored extracted teeth is unsound and not valid. It should be assumed that microcracks observed in stored extracted teeth subjected to root canal procedures are a result of the extraction process and/or the post‐extraction storage conditions. Therefore, as a consequence, the presence of such dentinal microcracks in stored extracted teeth – observable in cross‐sectional images of the roots – should be referred to as experimental dentinal microcracks.
PROTECT – Trial: A cluster RCT to study the effectiveness of a repositioning aid and tailored repositioning to increase repositioning compliance
Authors: De Meyer Dorien , Van Hecke Ann , Verhaeghe Sofie , Beeckman Dimitri
Published: December 2018

Aim

To study the effectiveness of tailored repositioning and a turning and repositioning system on: (a) nurses’ compliance to repositioning frequencies; (b) body posture of patients after repositioning; (c) incidence of pressure ulcers and incontinence‐associated dermatitis; (d) nurses’ and patients’ preferences, comfort and acceptability; and (e) budget impact.

Background

Patient‐tailored systematic repositioning is key in pressure ulcer prevention. To date, a clinical decision‐making tool is lacking and compliance to pressure ulcer prevention guidelines is low. Research concerning commercially available turning and repositioning systems is lacking.

Design

Multicentre, cluster, three‐arm, randomized, controlled pragmatic trial.

Methods

Two hundred and twenty‐seven patients at risk of pressure ulcer development were recruited at 29 wards in 16 hospitals between February 2016 and December 2017. Wards were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and one control group.

Results

Nurses’ compliance to repositioning frequencies increased significantly in the experimental groups when patients were cared for in bed (94.6% vs. 69% and 84.9% vs. 71.4%). Applying the turning and repositioning system was associated with significantly more correctly positioned patients (30–45° tilted side‐lying position) (69.6% vs. 34.6%). Few pressure ulcers and incontinence‐associated dermatitis incidents occurred. Both patients and nurses were positive about the intervention. Higher labour costs related to repositioning in bed were found in the control group.

Conclusion

This was the first study investigating the effect of tailored repositioning and the use of a repositioning aid to increase nurses’ compliance to repositioning. The results were in favour of the interventions yet demonstrating the importance of follow‐up and education.

Trial registration

This study is registered at https://clinicaltrials.gov/NCT02690753;NCT02690753.
The ventilation mechanism of the Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stoutii
Authors: Eom Junho , Wood Chris M.
Published: December 2018

We made anatomical and physiological observations of the breathing mechanisms in Pacific hagfish Eptatretus stoutii, with measurements of nostril flow and pressure, mouth and pharyngo‐cutaneous duct (PCD) pressure and velum and heart impedance and observations of dye flow patterns. Resting animals frequently exhibit spontaneous apnea. During normal breathing, water flow is continuous at a high rate (~125 ml kg−1 min−1 at 12°C) powered by a two‐phase unidirectional pumping system with a fast suction pump (the velum, ~22 min−1) for inhalation through the single nostril and a much slower force pump (gill pouches and PCD ~4.4 min−1) for exhalation. The mouth joins the pharynx posterior to the velum and plays no role in ventilation at rest or during swimming. Increases in flow up to >400 ml kg−1 min−1 can be achieved by increases in both velum frequency and stroke volume and the ventilatory index (product of frequency x nostril pressure amplitude) provides a useful proxy for ventilatory flow rate. Two types of coughing (flow reversals) are described. During spontaneous swimming, ventilatory pressure and flow pulsatility becomes synchronised with rhythmic body undulations.
Wet or dry? The difficulty of identifying the presence of water during crustal melting
Authors: Schwindinger Martin , Weinberg Roberto F. , Clos Frediano
Published: December 2018

Partial melting of continental crust and evolution of granitic magmas are inseparably linked to the availability of H2O. In the absence of a free aqueous fluid, melting takes place at relatively high temperatures by dehydration of hydrous minerals, whereas in its presence, melting temperatures are lowered, and melting need not involve hydrous minerals. With the exception of anatexis in water‐saturated environments where anhydrous peritectic minerals are absent, there is no reliable indicator that clearly identifies the presence of a free aqueous fluid during anatexis. Production of Ab‐rich magmas or changes in LILE ratios, such as an increase in Sr and decrease in Rb indicating increased involvement of plagioclase, are rough guidelines to the presence of aqueous fluids. Nevertheless, all indicators have caveats and cannot be unequivocally applied, allowing for the persistence of a bias in the literature towards dehydration melting. Investigation of mineral equilibria modelling of three metasedimentary protoliths of the Kangaroo Island migmatites in South Australia, shows that the main indicator for the presence of small volumes of excess water under upper amphibolite to lower granulite facies conditions (660–750°C) is the melt volume produced. Melt composition, modal content or chemical composition of peritectic minerals such as cordierite, sillimanite or garnet are relatively insensitive to the presence of free water. However, the mobility of melt during open system behaviour makes it difficult to determine the melt volume produced. We therefore argue that the presence of small volumes of excess water might be much more common than so far inferred, with large impact on the buffering of crustal temperatures and fertility, and therefore rheology of the continental crust.
The role of specialist nurses for organ donation: A solution for maximising organ donation rates?
Authors: Tocher Jennifer , Neades Barbara , Smith Graeme D. , Kelly Daniel
Published: December 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore the role that Donor Transplant Co‐ordinators have played and the future potential of Specialist Nurses for Organ Donation (SN‐ODs), within organ donation strategies in the UK and other countries.

Background

Organ donation and transplantation rates vary extensively around the world. However, there is a universal shortage of deceased donors, prompting different approaches to increase transplantation rates. Within the UK, the Clinical Lead for Organ Donation and Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation undertake a key role in the implementation of the Organ Donation Strategy. The Human Transplantation (Wales) Act 2015 is a recent development which facilities a deemed (presumed) consent approach to organ donation, the Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation undertakes a major role identifying the potential donor in this situation by confirming the deemed consent status of the donor and supporting bereaved relatives. UK governments in England and Scotland are currently seeking legislative changes to an opt‐out system of organ donation, in line with the Wales change.

Design

This discursive paper explores the role from Donor Transplant Co‐ordinator to Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation (SN‐OD) within organ donation policy in different settings, but with a specific focus on the UK. The paper clarifies the current and future potential of nurses working with bereaved families when requesting authorisation for donation.

Implications for nursing

The current scope and future potential of Donor Transplant Co‐ordinator and Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation roles need better recognition. Little empirical data exist about the key role that these nurses play in the organ donation process, especially in relation to gaining authorisation to proceed to donation.

Conclusion

There is a need to clarify the role of the Specialist Nurse in Organ Donation and their impact on improving rates of organ donation.
Tokenism or true partnership: Parental involvement in a child’s acute pain care
Authors: Vasey Jackie , Smith Joanna , Kirshbaum Marilynne N. , Chirema Kathleen
Published: December 2018

Aims and objectives

To explore parental involvement in the child's acute pain care and establish ways in which parental preferences for involvement in their child's care can be identified, facilitated and enhanced by nurses.

Background

Despite growing evidence supporting effective acute pain management in children and the availability of national and international practice guidelines, children still experience acute pain. Involving parents in their child's pain care has been identified as being a central tenet of pain management in children.

Design and methods

A qualitative study using an ethnographical approach with nonparticipant observation and follow‐up semi‐structured interviews was undertaken. Nurses (n = 14), parents (n = 41), grandparents (n = 2), other relative (n = 1) and children (n = 30) participated. The framework approach underpinned data analysis. Consolidated criteria for reporting qualitative research (COREQ) enabled comprehensive reporting of the study.

Results

Three concepts emerged from the data: “parents as advocates for their child,” “nurses promoting involvement and partnership” and “nurses unintentionally preventing involvement and partnership.” Variations in the way parents were involved in their child's pain care were identified. Despite family‐centred care being the dominant model of involving families in their child's care, evidence of this being implemented was limited. Parents attempted to advocate effective pain care for their child, whether or not they were supported by nurses.

Conclusions

Parental involvement in their child's acute pain care can improve the child's pain experience, reduce parental anxiety and increase parents’ satisfaction in care. Nurses aspired to involve parents in pain care, but did not always enact this in practice.

Relevance for practice

Children deserve optimum pain care, which includes parental involvement. Parental involvement underpinned by the principles of family‐centred care was poorly implemented. Parents attempted to be involved and advocate for their child's pain care whether or not they were supported by nurses. An alternative approach for supporting parents to advocate in their child's acute pain care is offered, the “Partnership in Pain Care Model.”
Which Service? How Industry Conditions Shape Firms’ Service‐Type Choices
Authors: Visnjic Ivanka , Ringov Dimo , Arts Sam
Published: December 2018

This article studies the role of industry conditions as determinants of manufacturing and software firms’ decisions to offer services. It draws on the competence perspective on industry evolution and servitization to theorize and provide empirical evidence on how industry conditions affect firms’ choice to offer two distinct types of services—product‐oriented services and customer‐oriented services. It is argued that firms are likely to offer product‐oriented services in Schumpeterian industry environments to address high technological uncertainty by leveraging and reinforcing capabilities in the existing technology. In contrast, firms are likely to offer customer‐oriented services in non‐Schumpeterian industry environments to address value generation uncertainty by building competences in new technological or market areas. Based on longitudinal data on 410 public firms from manufacturing industries and the software industry, empirical evidence suggests that firms are indeed more likely to offer product‐oriented services in Schumpeterian industry environments, such as in the early stage of the industry life cycle and under conditions of high R&D intensity and competition, whereas they are more likely to offer customer‐oriented services in non‐Schumpeterian environments, such as in the later stages of the industry life cycle and in highly cyclical industries.
Inferring sleep stage from local field potentials recorded in the subthalamic nucleus of Parkinson's patients
Authors: Christensen Elijah , Abosch Aviva , Thompson John A. , Zylberberg Joel
Published: December 2018

Parkinson's disease (PD) is highly comorbid with sleep dysfunction. In contrast to motor symptoms, few therapeutic interventions exist to address sleep symptoms in PD. Subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) treats advanced PD motor symptoms and may improve sleep architecture. As a proof of concept toward demonstrating that STN‐DBS could be used to identify sleep stages commensurate with clinician‐scored polysomnography (PSG), we developed a novel artificial neural network (ANN) that could trigger targeted stimulation in response to inferred sleep state from STN local field potentials (LFPs) recorded from implanted DBS electrodes. STN LFP recordings were collected from nine PD patients via a percutaneous cable attached to the DBS lead, during a full night's sleep (6–8 hr) with concurrent polysomnography (PSG). We trained a feedforward neural network to prospectively identify sleep stage with PSG‐level accuracy from 30‐s epochs of LFP recordings. Our model's sleep‐stage predictions match clinician‐identified sleep stage with a mean accuracy of 91% on held‐out epochs. Furthermore, leave‐one‐group‐out analysis also demonstrates 91% mean classification accuracy for novel subjects. These results, which classify sleep stage across a typical heterogenous sample of PD patients, may indicate spectral biomarkers for automatically scoring sleep stage in PD patients with implanted DBS devices. Further development of this model may also focus on adapting stimulation during specific sleep stages to treat targeted sleep deficits.
Multiple psychological factors predict abdominal pain severity in children with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Hollier John M. , van Tilburg Miranda A. L. , Liu Yan , Czyzewski Danita I. , Self Mariella M. , Weidler Erica M. , Heitkemper Margaret , Shulman Robert J.
Published: December 2018

Background

Anxiety and depression are implicated as contributors to abdominal pain in pediatric irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) but is unclear if this pain is associated with other psychological factors. The study objective was to test if the impact of anxiety or depression on IBS symptom severity is mediated by somatization and/or pain catastrophizing.

Methods

We utilized baseline data from local pediatric IBS clinical studies. Through mediation analysis, we assessed whether somatization or pain catastrophizing mediated (either independently or combined) the separate relationships of anxiety or depression with IBS abdominal pain severity.

Key Results

We analyzed 261 participants. All psychological factors were positively correlated with one another and IBS abdominal pain severity. The association of anxiety with IBS abdominal pain was mediated by both somatization and pain catastrophizing in individual analyses (each mediated standardized coefficient [β] 0.11, CI 0.05‐0.18) and in multiple analysis (mediated standardized β 0.18, CI 0.09‐0.27). The association of depression with IBS abdominal pain was also mediated by somatization (mediated standardized β 0.08, CI0.02‐0.14) and pain catastrophizing (mediated standardized β 0.06, CI 0.01‐0.11) in individual analyses and in multiple analysis (mediated standardized β 0.19, CI 0.04‐0.19).

Conclusions and Inferences

Somatization and pain catastrophizing mediate the relationships between anxiety/depression and IBS abdominal pain severity. These findings suggest that somatization and pain catastrophizing may be better treatment targets than anxiety and depression. Clinicians should assess these psychological factors in pediatric IBS patients and refer for intervention to improve outcomes.
Identifying notions of environment in obesity research using a mixed‐methods approach
Authors: Elgaard Jensen Torben , Kleberg Hansen Anne K. , Ulijaszek Stanley , Munk Anders K. , Madsen Anders K. , Hillersdal Line , Jespersen Astrid P.
Published: December 2018

The recent rise of computation‐based methods in social science has opened new opportunities for exploring qualitative questions through analysis of large amounts of text. This article uses a mixed‐methods design that incorporates machine reading, network analysis, semantic analysis, and qualitative analysis of 414 highly cited publications on obesogenic environments between 2001 and 2015. The method produces an elaborate network map exhibiting five distinct notions of environment, all of which are currently active in the field of obesity research. The five notions are institutional, built, food, family, and bodily environments. The network map is proposed as a navigational tool both for policy actors who wish to coordinate efforts between a variety of stakeholders and for researchers who wish to understand their own research and research plans in light of different positions in the field. The final part of the article explores how the network map may also initiate a broader set of reflections on the configuration, differentiation, and coherence of the field of obesity research.
Numerical Modeling of Breaking Wave Kinematics and Wave Impact Pressures on a Vertical Slender Cylinder
Authors: Chella Mayilvahanan Alagan , Bihs Hans , Myrhaug Dag , Arntsen Øivind Asgeir
Published: December 2018

Wave loads from breaking waves on offshore wind turbine (OWT) substructures in shallow waters still remain uncertain. The interaction of breaking waves with structures is characterized by complex free surface deformations, instantaneous impact of the water mass against the structure, and consequently large wave forces on the structures. The main objective of the paper is to investigate wave impact pressures and kinematics during the interaction of breaking waves with a vertical cylinder using the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model REEF3D. The model is based on the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations coupled with the level set method and k–ω turbulence model. Three wave impact conditions are considered in this study. The numerically simulated free surface deformations around the cylinder during the breaking wave interaction are also presented for different wave impact conditions. For three wave impact conditions, the wave impact pressure and the horizontal and vertical components of the particle velocity are computed in front of the cylinder and analyzed. The pressure and velocity profile at their maximum values are also examined and discussed. In addition, the total force is calculated for three breaking conditions and they are correlated with the pressure and kinematics during the interaction.
Nonlinear Responses of a Slender Wing With a Store
Authors: Xu Yuqian , Cao Dengqing , Shao Chonghui , Lin Huagang
Published: December 2018

The aeroelastic characteristics of the slender wing with store have been studied for several years. However, the nonlinear aeroelastic behaviors of the wing-store system have not been understood thoroughly. In this paper, the nonlinear aeroelastic model of a slender wing with a store is constructed. In the model, the geometric structural nonlinearity of the wing, and the kinematic nonlinearities of the wing and the store are considered. Two unsteady aerodynamic models are both employed to determine the aerodynamic loads. One is the linear unsteady aerodynamic model based on Wagner function, and the other is the nonlinear ONERA aerodynamic model. Simulation results are given to show that for the cases of employing the linear unsteady aerodynamic model based on Wagner function, the bifurcation diagrams are very complex and change with the variations of store position. For the cases of using the nonlinear ONERA model, the bifurcation diagrams are very simple and insensitive to the variations of the store position. Additionally, with the decrease of store spanwise coordinate, the system bending oscillation equilibrium position is reduced to zero, and the maximum absolute value of the bending response peak is also decreased. With the increase of the horizontal distance between the wing elastic center and the store mass center, the system response peak is decreased. Moreover, it is found that for the systems with the linear unsteady aerodynamic model based on Wagner function, the obtained response peak is larger and the nonlinear critical velocity is smaller than those with the ONERA model.
Exploring the Effects of a Single Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy Workshop in Elite Blind Soccer Players
Authors: Wood Andrew G. , Barker Jamie B. , Turner Martin , Thomson Peter
Published: December 2018

Research examining the effects of rational emotive behavior therapy (REBT) on athletic performance is emerging. There is, however, a paucity of research exploring psychological interventions in specialized sport populations. The present study investigated the effects of a single REBT workshop, including intellectual and practical insight into the ABC(DE) framework, on psychological, physiological, and performance markers in an elite blind soccer team. From use of a within-participant pretest–posttest crossover design in an ecologically valid setting, data indicated small and immediate reductions in irrational beliefs, perceived helpfulness of preperformance anxiety, and physiological markers (i.e., systolic blood pressure) prior to a penalty-kick simulation. However, no substantial changes were shown in penalty-kick performance. In sum, although the findings elucidate some benefits of a single REBT workshop, the educational insight into the ABC(DE) framework was deemed insufficient for meaningful changes in outcome measures. Practical implications and recommendations for future researchers are discussed.
A femtomolar-range suicide germination stimulant for the parasitic plant
Striga hermonthica
Authors: Uraguchi Daisuke , Kuwata Keiko , Hijikata Yuh , Yamaguchi Rie , Imaizumi Hanae , AM Sathiyanarayanan , Rakers Christin , Mori Narumi , Akiyama Kohki , Irle Stephan , McCourt Peter , Kinoshita Toshinori , Ooi Takashi , Tsuchiya Yuichiro
Published: December 2018

A step toward control of a noxious weed

The parasitic plant
Striga hermonthica
causes extensive crop losses, particularly in Africa. Strigolactone hormones can be used to initiate germination of
Striga
seeds when no host crop is present, which causes the nascent
Striga
plants to die. Unfortunately, strigolactones are also used by crop plants to establish beneficial mutualisms. Uraguchi
et al.
developed a hybrid molecule that can initiate
Striga
germination without interfering with strigolactone-dependent events in the host (see the Perspective by Bouwmeester). The compound has the potential to diversify routes toward protecting fields from
Striga
infestation.

Science
, this issue p.
1301
; see also p.
1248
Structure of the posttranslational Sec protein-translocation channel complex from yeast
Authors: Itskanov Samuel , Park Eunyong
Published: December 2018

Posttranslational translocon architecture

About a third of proteins are transported into endoplasmic reticulum by the universally conserved Sec61 protein-conducting channel. Itskanov and Park determined a cryo–electron microscopy structure of the Sec complex from yeast, which mediates posttranslational translocation of many secretory proteins across the endoplasmic reticulum membrane. The study reveals how Sec63 activates the Sec61 channel for substrate polypeptide insertion. The structure also explains the mutually exclusive binding of Sec63 and the ribosome to the channel.

Science
, this issue p.
84
Towards Quantitative Microbiome Community Profiling Using Internal Standards
Authors: Lin Yajuan , Gifford Scott , Ducklow Hugh , Schofield Oscar , Cassar Nicolas
Published: December 2018

High-throughput-sequencing-based marine microbiome profiling is rapidly expanding and changing how we study the oceans. Although powerful, the technique is not fully quantitative; it provides taxon counts only in relative abundances. In order to address this issue, we present a method to quantitatively estimate microbial abundances per unit volume of seawater filtered by spiking known amounts of internal DNA standards into each sample. We validated this method by comparing the calculated abundances to other independent estimates, including chemical markers (pigments) and total bacterial cell counts by flow cytometry. The internal standard approach allows us to quantitatively estimate and compare marine microbial community profiles, with important implications for linking environmental microbiomes to quantitative processes such as metabolic and biogeochemical rates.
Evaluation of stakeholder views on peer review of NIHR applications for funding: a qualitative study
Authors: Turner Sheila , Bull Abby , Chinnery Fay , Hinks Jeremy , Mcardle Nicola , Moran Rebecca , Payne Helen , Woodford Guegan Eleanor , Worswick Louise , Wyatt Jeremy C
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Innovations resulting from research have both national and global impact, so selecting the most promising research studies to fund is crucial. Peer review of research funding applications is part of the selection process, and requires considerable resources. This study aimed to elicit stakeholder opinions about which factors contribute to and influence effective peer review of funding applications to the UK National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), and to identify possible minor improvements to current processes and any major changes or potential innovations to achieve a more efficient peer review process.

Design

Qualitative interviews with 30 stakeholders involved in the peer review process.

Participants

Participants were drawn from three NIHR coordinating centres and represented four types of stakeholders: board members with responsibility for making funding decisions, applicants, external peer reviewers and NIHR staff.

Methods

All interviews were conducted by telephone apart from three that were face to face with NIHR staff. Data were analysed using a thematic template method.

Results

The responses from NIHR staff, board members and reviewers differed from those received from applicants. The first three groups focused on how well the process of peer review did or did not function. The applicants mentioned these points but in addition often reflected on how their personal application was assessed. Process improvements suggested included: developing a more proportionate review process; providing greater guidance, feedback, training, acknowledgement or incentives for peer reviewers; reducing the time commitment and amount of paperwork; and asking reviewers to comment on the importance, strengths and weaknesses of applications and flaws which are potentially ‘fixable’.

Conclusions

Overall, participants were supportive of the need for peer review in evaluating applications for research funding. This study revealed which parts of the process are working well and are valued, and barriers, difficulties and potential areas for improvement and development.
Cost of oropharyngeal dysphagia after stroke: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Marin Sergio , Serra-Prat Mateu , Ortega Omar , Clavé Pere
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Oropharyngeal dysphagia (OD) is a major disorder following stroke. OD can produce alterations in both the efficacy and safety of deglutition and may result in malnutrition, dehydration, frailty, respiratory infections and pneumonia. These complications can be avoided by early detection and treatment of OD in poststroke patients, and hospital stays, medication and mortality rates can be reduced. In addition to acute in-hospital costs from OD complications, there are other costs related to poststroke OD such as direct non-healthcare costs or indirect costs. The objective of this systematic review is to assess and summarise literature on the costs related to OD in poststroke patients.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review of studies on the cost of OD and its complications (aspiration, malnutrition, dehydration, aspiration pneumonia and death) in patients who had a stroke will be performed from the perspectives of the hospital, the healthcare system and/or the society. The main outcomes of interest are the costs related to poststroke OD. We will search MEDLINE, Embase and the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database. Studies will be included if they are partial economic evaluation studies, studies that provide information on costs in adult (>17 years) poststroke patients with OD and/or its complications (malnutrition, dehydration, frailty, respiratory infections and pneumonia) or economic evaluation studies in which the cost of this condition has been estimated. Studies will be excluded if they refer to oesophageal dysphagia or OD caused by causes other than stroke. Main study information will be presented and summarised in tables, separately for studies that provide incremental costs attributable to OD or its complications and studies that report the effect of OD or its complications on total costs of stroke, and according to the perspective from which costs were measured.

Ethics and dissemination

The results of this systematic review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018099977.