bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Statistical Model of Motor Evoked Potentials for Simulation of Transcranial Magnetic and Electric Stimulation
Authors: Goetz Stefan M. , Alavi S. M. Madhi , Deng Zhi-De , Peterchev Angel V. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMotor evoked potentials (MEPs) are widely used for biomarkers and dose individualization in transcranial stimulation. The large variability of MEPs requires sophisticated methods of analysis to extract information fast and correctly. However, models of MEPs that represent their characteristic features are lacking. This work presents a statistical model that can simulate long sequences of individualized MEP amplitude data with properties matching experimental observations. The MEP model includes three sources of trial-to-trial variability to mimic excitability fluctuations, variability in the neural and muscular pathways, and physiological and measurement noise. It also generates virtual human subject data from statistics of population variability. All parameters are extracted as statistical distributions from experimental data from the literature. The model exhibits previously described features, such as stimulusintensity-dependent MEP amplitude distributions, including bimodal ones. The model can generate long sequences of test data for individual subjects with specified parameters or for subjects from a virtual population. The presented MEP model is the most detailed to date and can be used for the development and implementation of dosing and biomarker estimation algorithms for transcranial stimulation.
Diversity within the adenovirus fiber knob hypervariable loops influences primary receptor interactions
Authors: Baker Alexander T. , Greenshields-Watson Alexander , Coughlan Lynda , Davies James A. , Uusi-Kerttula Hanni , Cole David K. , Rizkallah Pierre J. , Parker Alan L. 
Published: September 2018

ABSTRACTAdenovirus based vectors are of increasing importance for wide ranging therapeutic applications. As vaccines, vectors derived from human adenovirus species D serotypes 26 and 48 (HAdV-D26/48) are demonstrating promising efficacy as protective platforms against infectious diseases. Significant clinical progress has been made, yet definitive studies underpinning mechanisms of entry, infection, and receptor usage are currently lacking. Here, we performed structural and biological analysis of the receptor binding fiber-knob protein of HAdV-D26/48, reporting crystal structures, and modelling putative interactions with two previously suggested attachment receptors, CD46 and Coxsackie and Adenovirus Receptor (CAR). We provide evidence of a low affinity interaction with CAR, with modelling suggesting affinity is attenuated through extended, semi-flexible loop structures, providing steric hindrance. Conversely,in silicoandin vitroexperiments are unable to provide evidence of interaction between HAdV-D26/48 fiber-knob with CD46, or with Desmoglein 2. Our findings provide new insight to the cell-virus interactions of HAdV-D26/48, with important implications for the design and engineering of optimised Ad-based therapeutics.
Quality assessment of tissue samples stored in a specialized human lung biobank
Authors: Lindner M. , Morresi-Hauf A. , Stowasser A. , Hapfelmeier A. , Hatz R. , Koch I. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHuman sample, from patients or healthy donors, are a valuable link between basic research and clinic. Especially in translational research, they play an essential role in understanding development and progression of diseases as well as in developing new diagnostic and therapeutic tools. Stored in biobanks, fast access to appropriate material becomes possible. However, biobanking in a clinical context faces several challenges. In practice, collecting samples during clinical routine does not allow to strictly adhere to protocols of sample collection in all aspects. This may influence sample quality to variable degrees. Time from sample draw to asservation is a variable factor, and influences of prolonged storage at ambient temperature of tissues are not well understood. We investigated whether delays between 5 minutes and 3 hours, and the use of RNAlater RNA-preserving reagent would lead to a relevant drop in sample quality, measured by quantitative mRNA expression analysis. Our findings suggest that even under ambient conditions, delays up to 3 hours do not have a major impact on sample quality as long as the tissue remains intact.
Changes in Microorganisms in the Rhizosphere of Mulberry Genotypes with Differing Resistance to Bacterial Wilt
Authors: Guo Yao , Yu Cui , Hu Xingming , Deng Wen , Li Yong , Zhu Zhixian , Mo Rongli , Dong Zhaoxia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA close relationship between soil-borne diseases, soil microbial community structure, and functional diversity has been described in the mulberry plant. In the present study, microbial abundance, community structure, and functional diversity in the soil rhizosphere were compared in resistant (Kangqing10) and susceptible (Guisang12) mulberry genotypes using the dilution plate method, micro-ecology technology, and polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE). The goal of this study was to develop better management methods for mulberry cultivation and preventing and controlling bacterial wilt. Rhizosphere soil microorganisms were more abundant in the resistant normal mulberry genotype than in the susceptible normal mulberry genotype. Carbon source utilization was better in the susceptible normal mulberry genotype. These properties were lower in the resistant sickly mulberry genotype than in the susceptible sickly mulberry genotype. PCR-DGGE indicated that the bacterial and fungal community structures of the resistant genotypes were more stable than those of the susceptible genotypes. Correlation regression analysis implicated mulberry bacterial wilt in the loss of soil nutrients, particularly organic matter and nitrogen, which can disrupt the balance of the soil microbial community. Loss of soil organic matter and nitrogen had a lower impact on resistant genotype plants than on susceptible genotype plants. Therefore, resistant genotype plants displayed some resistance to bacterial wilt. Further insights into the soil rhizosphere microbial diversities of resistant and susceptible genotypes will help in the control and prevention of mulberry bacterial wilt.
Internships in China: exploring contextual perspectives
Authors: Rose Philip 
Published: September 2018

PurposeGlobally internships have become an increasingly pervasive means by which to enhance university learning and graduate employability. Whilst this practice has crossed national borders, the transferability of internships across national contexts has been largely assumed rather than empirically substantiated. The purpose of this paper is to explore interns’ and the host organisations’ perspectives of internships within the Chinese context.Design/methodology/approachQualitative data were gathered though a series of semi-structured interviews with interns and host organisations in China, results were interpreted via thematic analysis.FindingsOverall the study revealed both the interns’ and host organisations’ perspectives were consistent with those within other national contexts. Particularly, the findings highlighted the key role of individual interns’ dispositions, and internship supervision, as well as the conceptualization of internships as a career entry point. The study also identified a contextually specific variable ofguanxi, as playing an influential role within the Chinese context.Research limitations/implicationsThe study was exploratory in nature, thus further research is required, to further substantiate the variables and relationships detected.Originality/valueThe study establishes the transferability of a number of theoretical premises to the Chinese internship context. The transportable nature of the internship experience suggests the appropriateness of a degree of standardisation of internship design across national contexts. Whilst, also suggesting cultural phenomenon such asguanxishould be considered when designing internships to achieve desired outcomes within a Chinese context.
Alan Maynard: A Sceptical Economist and His View of Health Care and Health Policy
Authors: Goddard Maria , Bloor Karen 
Published: September 2018

AbstractProfessor Alan Maynard applied both his wit and wisdom to the analysis of health care and health policy for over five decades. As a leading health economist, he made an immense contribution to the analysis and understanding of many of the key issues that are still at the heart of the current debates about the National Health Service. His academic interests were wide ranging, including health systems and reform, performance, workforce, regulation, public health and the pharmaceutical industry. Alan's natural ability to communicate with varied audiences established the relevance of health economics thinking and language to policy and practice, both nationally and internationally.
Clinical and Autopsy Characteristics of Fatal Methamphetamine Toxicity in Australia
Authors: Darke Shane , Duflou Johan , Lappin Julia , Kaye Sharlene 
Published: September 2018

AbstractCharacteristics of death attributed solely to methamphetamine toxicity (MT, n = 93) by forensic pathologists were examined and compared to cases of multiple drug toxicity (MDT, n = 634). The mean age of MT cases was 36.7 years, and 86.0% were male. Strenuous activity was reported in 12.9%. The most common witness observations were: collapse (60.3%), difficulty in breathing (36.2%), and hyperthermia (27.6%). MT cases had higher blood methamphetamine (0.54 vs. 0.11 mg/L) and amphetamine (0.04 vs. 0.02 mg/L) concentrations and lower likelihoods for opioids (12.5% vs. 80.9%), hypnosedatives (27.3 vs. 60.7%), antidepressants (14.8 vs. 29.8%), and antipsychotics (9.1 vs. 19.7%). MT cases had significantly heavier hearts than MDT cases (423.4 vs. 385.8 g) and were more likely to have cardiomegaly (37.1 vs. 20.4%) and replacement fibrosis (25.7 vs. 14.5%). The clinical picture was of a sudden cardiac event in a middle‐aged man with a high methamphetamine concentration. Cardiovascular signs of heavy methamphetamine use are frequently seen.
Management of post‐partum haemorrhage in the Timor Leste National Ambulance Service
Authors: Moores Jonathan , de Jesus Gustodio A 
Published: September 2018

AbstractObjectiveTimor Leste has one of the highest maternal death rates in the world at 215 per 100 000 live births.1 Post‐partum haemorrhage (PPH) accounts for 27% of maternal deaths globally. Annually the Timor Leste National Ambulance Service (TLNAS) attends over 20 000 cases, of which 2% are diagnosed with PPH. The objective of this study was to evaluate prehospital care of PPH patients transported by the TLNAS.MethodsA retrospective audit of PPH patients transported between May 2015 and May 2017. The inclusion criteria were patients diagnosed with PPH and transported during the study period.ResultsData from the patient care records of 214 TLNAS PPH patients were abstracted using the PPH care evaluation tool. Paramedics diagnosed 211 (97%) PPH patients, took observations on 181 (85%) and obtained a patient history from 193 (90%) patients. TLNAS paramedics did not regularly provide other treatment including oxygen 36 (17%), intravenous isotonic crystalloid fluid 117 (55%), uterine massage 0 (0%), external aortic compression 0 (0%) and non‐pneumatic anti‐shock garments 9 (4%).ConclusionsThis research has shown that paramedics are not consistently using available clinical interventions.
Doing well by doing good: agricultural biotechnology in the fight against hunger
Authors: Giannakas Konstantinos , Yiannaka Amalia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA recent FAO report estimates that more than 800 million people around the world have been facing malnutrition and hunger. This article develops a simple, empirically relevant multimarket framework of heterogeneous consumers and an imperfectly competitive innovating firm to analyze the profit‐maximizing strategies of innovating firms in hunger‐stricken areas of the world. The analysis shows that, when the association of the GM technology with malnutrition and hunger reduction in food insecure areas of the world decreases consumer aversion to the GM technology in the rest of the world, the innovating firm can find it economically optimal to reduce its price and increase consumer access to nutritious food in these hunger‐stricken areas. When the impact of hunger reduction on consumer attitudes toward the GM technology is relatively strong, the firm will find it optimal to offer its GM technology in the hunger‐stricken areas for free as its losses in these areas are more than compensated by its gains in the rest of the world. This result is in contrast with the standard assumption of innovators’ desire to exercise the market power conferred by their intellectual property rights and provides some analytical support to the strategic corporate social responsibility (CSR) hypothesis.
Assessment of candidate folate sensitive‐differentially methylated regions in a randomised controlled trial of continued folic acid supplementation during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Authors: Harrison Alan , Pentieva Kristina , Ozaki Mari , McNulty Helene , Parle‐McDermott Anne 
Published: September 2018

AbstractScopeThe aim of this study was to identify if specific regions of the human genome were sensitive to folate status by displaying changes in their DNA methylation patterns in response to continued folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.Methods and ResultsSamples (n = 119) from a previous randomised controlled trial in pregnancy were used to compare the DNA methylation profiles of the same woman pre‐ versus post‐folic acid intervention. Candidate genes were identified from the literature and a pilot genome wide screen of six women (three from each of the folic acid and placebo arms of the trial). We did not observe consistent DNA methylation changes in response to folic acid intervention at any of our candidate genes (RASA4, DHFR, DHFR2, RASSF1A, EIF2C3, ATPF1). We did identify a 40% decrease in DNA methylation at the RASA4 promoter correlating with a 3.5‐fold increase in its mRNA abundance in an in vitro cell culture model.ConclusionContinued folic acid intervention over a 22‐week period did not appear to significantly influence the DNA methylation status of six candidate genes in blood samples of women compared to placebo. However, DNA methylation may play a role in the gene expression control of the RASA4 gene.
Update of spectrum c.35delG and c.‐23+1G>A mutations on the GJB2 gene in individuals with autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss
Authors: Azadegan‐Dehkordi Fatemeh , Ahmadi Reza , Koohiyan Mahbobeh , Hashemzadeh‐Chaleshtori Morteza 
Published: September 2018

AbstractHearing loss (HL) is the most common birth defect and the most prevalent sensorineural condition worldwide. It is associated with more than 1,000 mutations in at least 90 genes. Mutations of the gap junction beta‐2 protein (GJB2) gene located in the nonsyndromic hearing loss and deafness (DFNB1) locus (chromosome 13q11‐12) are the main causes of autosomal recessive nonsyndromic hearing loss worldwide, but important differences exist between various populations. In the present article, two common mutations of the GJB2 gene are compared for ethnic‐specific allele frequency, their function, and their contribution to genetic HL in different populations. The results indicated that mutations of the GJB2 gene could have arisen during human migration. Updates on the spectrum of mutations clearly show that frequent mutations in the GJB2 gene are consistent with the founder mutation hypothesis.
Reported adherence to current antenatal corticosteroid guidelines in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Tuohy Jeremy F. , Harding Jane E. , Crowther Caroline A. , Bloomfield Frank H. 
Published: September 2018

BackgroundAntenatal corticosteroids (ANC) reduce mortality and morbidity in preterm babies, but prescription practices vary.AimsTo assess obstetricians’ compliance with the recommendations of the Australian and New Zealand clinical practice guidelines on use of ANC.Materials and MethodsAn anonymous online questionnaire was distributed to Fellows of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.ResultsAll respondents reported prescribing an initial course of ANC according to the guidelines if preterm birth at 28 weeks’ gestation was expected within 24 or 72 h. However, 22% reported prescribing ANC even if birth was not expected within seven days. This was reported more often by practitioners not using adjunct tests to predict preterm birth (14% vs 69%; P < 0.001). An initial course of ANC at ≥35 weeks was prescribed by 52% of respondents. However, 93% reported prescribing ANC at ≥35 weeks prior to elective caesarean section. Repeat courses of ANC were prescribed by 76% of respondents. Of these, 89% reported prescribing repeat courses beyond the guideline recommendations at ≥33 weeks and 29% exceeded the recommendations on number of repeat courses.ConclusionsFor infants born at <35 weeks, current ANC prescribing patterns in Australia and New Zealand are consistent with the guideline recommendations and result in high rates of administration in this group. However, administration of ANC to groups where benefits have not been demonstrated is commonly reported. Adherence to the guideline recommendations would decrease ANC exposure to babies for whom there is no strong evidence of benefit.
Cross‐border surrogacy: Experiences of heterosexual and gay parents in Sweden
Authors: Sydsjö Gunilla , Skoog Svanberg Agneta , Lampic Claudia 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIntroductionSurrogacy is a controversial method of assisted reproduction that is not permitted in many countries. While there is some evidence that families following surrogacy seem to fare well, there is limited knowledge about the experiences of parents who turn to cross‐border surrogacy. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate the experiences of heterosexual parents and gay fathers who chose cross‐border surrogacy to have a child.Material and methodsThis cross‐sectional survey describes the experiences of 30 families (18 heterosexual parent and 12 gay father families). Participants were recruited through a website for a Swedish surrogacy interest group. The participants were requested individually to complete a postal questionnaire including study‐specific questions on their experiences of disclosure and the Swedish Parenting Stress Questionnaire.ResultsAll couples but one were still living together and had a child (3 months to 5 years). Parenting stress levels were generally low and were not related to sexual orientation. While almost all parents were open about the child’s mode of conception in contacts with health care, gay fathers were significantly more open about using surrogacy in contacts with preschool (P = 0.004) and child recreational activities (P = 0.005) compared with heterosexual parents. A majority described being treated positively or “as any other parent” in these contexts.ConclusionsHeterosexual and gay parents reported low levels of parenting stress and generally experienced positive or neutral reactions to their parenthood in contacts with healthcare providers, in preschool, and in the child’s recreational activities.
Rational Higher‐Order Belief Revision in Young Children
Authors: Kimura Katherine , Gopnik Alison 
Published: September 2018

Belief revision can occur at multiple levels of abstraction, including lower‐level and higher‐order beliefs. It remains unclear, however, how conflicting evidence interacts with prior beliefs to encourage higher‐order belief revision. This study explores how 4‐ and 5‐year‐olds (N = 96) respond to evidence that directly conflicts with their causal higher‐order beliefs. When shown a single event that directly violated a strongly supported prior belief, preschoolers largely maintained their initial higher‐order belief. However, when the prior belief was more weakly supported and the counterevidence was stronger, children changed their minds. These findings indicate that young children can revise their higher‐order beliefs and, furthermore, do so depending on the strength of both the evidence and their prior beliefs.
Gender differences in egalitarian behavior and attitudes in early childhood
Authors: Benenson Joyce F. , Durosky Ariel , Nguyen Jennifer , Crawford Alexandra , Gauthier Evelyne , Dubé Éloise 
Published: September 2018

AbstractIt is axiomatic that human females are more egalitarian than males. However, surprisingly little empirical research exists that empirically assesses this stereotype. We created two studies designed to objectively examine egalitarian behavior in 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children. In Study 1 we compared the egalitarian behavior and attitudes of American girls versus boys by tabulating the extent to which each gender awarded the same number of stickers to, and liked to the same degree, two puppets. One puppet followed the child's instructions or actions while the other did not during a drawing task in which the child played the roles of leader and peer. In the peer role, girls exhibited more egalitarian behavior than boys. In Study 2, French‐Canadian children were shown two drawings by unknown peers—one messily and one neatly colored—, then asked to distribute stickers to each peer's drawing. Again, girls exhibited more egalitarian behavior than boys. Results suggest the origins of gender differences in egalitarian behavior occur early in life and merit further investigation.
The preferences of young adults with Type 1 diabetes at clinics using a discrete choice experiment approach: the D1 Now Study
Authors: Mc Morrow L. , O’ Hara M. C. , Hynes L. , Cunningham Á. , Caulfield A. , Duffy C. , Keighron C. , Mullins M. , Long M. , Walsh D. , Byrne M. , Kennelly B. , Gillespie P. , Dinneen S. F. , Doherty E. ,   with the D1 Now Study Group
Published: September 2018

AbstractAimAttending routine outpatient clinic appointments is a central self‐management behaviour of individuals living with Type 1 diabetes. A large number of young adults with Type 1 diabetes disengage from diabetes services, which may contribute to poor psychosocial and diabetes outcomes. The aim of this study is to elicit preferences from young adults with Type 1 diabetes regarding clinic‐related services to inform service delivery.MethodsA discrete choice experiment was developed to understand the preferences of young adults with Type 1 diabetes for clinic‐related services.ResultsYoung adults recruited from young adult Type 1 diabetes clinics in 2016 completed the experiment (n = 105). Young adults with Type 1 diabetes showed a preference for shorter waiting times, seeing a nurse and a consultant, relative to a nurse alone, and a flexible booking system compared with fixed appointment times. Results suggest no preference for a nurse and a doctor, relative to a nurse alone, or other optional services (e.g. seeing dietitians or psychologists), type of HbA1c test and digital blood glucose diaries over paper‐based diaries.ConclusionThis study highlights aspects of routine clinic appointments that are valued by young adults living with Type 1 diabetes, namely shorter waiting times at clinic, the option to see both a nurse and consultant at each visit and a flexible clinic appointment booking system. These findings suggest young adults with Type 1 diabetes value convenience and should help services to restructure their clinics to be more responsive to the needs of young adults.