bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developmental timecourse of aptitude for motor skill learning in mouse
Authors: Kim Taehyeon , Hooks Bryan M.
Published: July 2024

Learning motor skills requires plasticity in the primary motor cortex (M1). But the capacity for cortical circuit plasticity varies over developmental age in sensory cortex. This study assesses the normal developmental trajectory of motor learning to assess how aptitude might vary with age. We trained mice of both sexes to run on a custom accelerating rotarod at ages from postnatal day (P) 20 to P120, tracking paw position and quantifying time to fall and changes in gait pattern. While animals of all ages were able to perform better after five training sessions, performance improved most rapidly on the first training day for mice between ages P30-60, suggesting an age with heightened plasticity. Learning this task required M1, because pharmacological inactivation of M1 prevented improvement in task performance. Paw position and gait patterns changed with learning, though differently between age groups. Successful mice learned to shift their gait from hopping to walking. Notably, this shift in gait happened earlier in the trial for forelimbs in comparison to hindlimbs. Thus, motor plasticity might more readily occur in forelimbs. Changes in gait and other kinematic parameters are an additional learning metric beyond time to fall, offering insight into how mice improve performance. Overall, these results suggest mouse motor learning has a developmental trajectory.

Significance

Plasticity in sensory cortex is restricted to a limited developmental window. Learning motor skills requires motor cortex plasticity, but it is unknown whether learning aptitude changes over development. Here, we define the developmental trajectory of motor learning aptitude for the accelerating rotarod task in mice, demonstrating a sensitive period for motor learning. Learning peaks at P30-P60, with mice learning to shift from hopping to walking gait to stay on the rotarod longer. Learning this task depends on M1. Further, the gait shift in forelimbs precedes hindlimbs. Knowing the peak in motor plasticity identifies the time window at which we should seek to understand the circuit basis of motor learning plasticity in cortex.
Long range regulation of transcription scales with genomic distance in a gene specific manner
Authors: Jensen Christina L , Chen Liang-Fu , Swigut Tomek , Crocker Olivia J , Yao David , Bassik Mike C , Ferrell James E , Boettiger Alistair N , Wysocka Joanna
Published: July 2024

While critical for tuning the timing and level of transcription, enhancer communication with distal promoters is not well understood. Here we bypass the need for sequence-specific transcription factors and recruit activators directly using CARGO-VPR, an approach for targeting dCas9-VPR using a multiplexed array of RNA guides. We show that this approach achieves effective activator recruitment to arbitrary genomic sites, even those inaccessible by single dCas9. We utilize CARGO-VPR across thePrdm8-Fgf5locus in mESCs, where neither gene is expressed. We demonstrate that while activator recruitment to any tested region results in transcriptional induction of at least one gene, the expression level strongly depends on the genomic distance between the promoter and activator recruitment site. However, the expression-distance relationship for each gene scales distinctly in a manner not attributable to differences in 3D contact frequency, promoter DNA sequence or presence of the repressive chromatin marks at the locus.
CONDENSATES OF SYNAPTIC VESICLES AND SYNAPSIN ARE MOLECULAR BEACONS FOR ACTIN SEQUESTERING AND POLYMERIZATION
Authors: Akshita Chhabra , Christian Hoffmann , Aleksandr Korobeinikov A. , Jakob Rentsch , Linda Kokwaro , Luka Gnidovec , Cristina Román-Vendrell , Emma Johnson C. , Jaqulin Wallace N. , Branislava Rankovic , Eleonora Perego , Sarah Köster , Silvio Rizzoli O. , Helge Ewers , Jennifer Morgan R. , Dragomir Milovanovic
Published: July 2024

Neuronal communication relies on precisely maintained synaptic vesicle (SV) clusters, which assemble via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS). This process requires synapsins, the major synaptic phosphoproteins, which are known to bind actin. The reorganization of SVs, synapsins and actin is a hallmark of synaptic activity, but their interplay is still unclear. Here we combined the reconstitution approaches and super-resolution imaging to dissect the roles of synapsin-SV condensates in the organization of the presynaptic actin cytoskeleton. Our data indicate that LLPS of synapsin initiates actin polymerization, allowing for SV:synapsin:actin assemblies to facilitate the mesoscale organization of SV clusters along axons mimicking the native presynaptic organization in both lamprey and mammalian synapses. Understanding the relationship between the actin network and synapsin-SVs condensates is an essential building block on a roadmap to unravel how coordinated neurotransmission along the axon enables circuit function and behavior.
Lipotoxicity Induces Beta Cell Small Extracellular Vesicle-mediated β-cell Dysfunction
Authors: Roy Abhishek , Hoff Alexandra , Her Tracy K. , Ariyaratne Gallage , Rajagopalan Kamalnath Sankaran , Brown Matthew R. , Soto-González Alondra , Matveyenko Aleksey V. , Javeed Naureen
Published: July 2024

Chronically elevated circulating excess free fatty acids (i.e.lipotoxicity) is a pathological process implicated in several metabolic disorders, including obesity-driven Type 2 diabetes (T2D). Lipotoxicity exerts detrimental effects on pancreatic islet β-cells by reducing glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), altering β-cell transcriptional identity, and promoting apoptosis. While β-cell-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEV) have been shown to contribute to β-cell failure in T2D, their specific role in lipotoxicity-mediated β-cell failure remains to be elucidated. In this work, we demonstrate that lipotoxicity enhances the release of sEVs from β-cells, which exhibit altered proteomic and lipidomic profiles. These lipotoxic sEV induce β-cell dysfunction in healthy mouse and human islets and trigger significant islet transcriptional changes, including the upregulation of genes associated with the TGFβ/Smad3 pathway, as noted by RNA sequencing. Importantly, pharmacological inhibition of the TGFβI/II receptor improved lipotoxic sEV-induced β-cell dysfunction, underscoring their involvement in activating the TGFβ/Smad3 pathway during this process. We have comprehensively characterized lipotoxic β-cell sEVs and implicated their role in inducing β-cell functional failure in T2D. These findings highlight potential avenues for therapeutic interventions targeting sEV-mediated pathways to preserve β-cell health in metabolic disorders.

Article Highlights

Diabetogenic lipotoxic conditions enhance β-cell sEV release and induce alterations in both protein and lipid content.

Global islet transcriptional changes and alterations in β-cell function were noted upon exposure to lipotoxic sEV.

Lipotoxic sEV were shown to activate the TGFβ/Smad3 pathway and blockade of this pathway improved β-cell function.
Biguanides Associate with Decreased Early Mortality and Risk of Acute Kidney Injury In Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients: a nationwide retrospective cohort study in Japan
Authors: Sugimoto Mari , Kikuchi Hiroaki , Sohara Eisei , Limbutara Kavee , Hirakawa Akihiro , Mori Takayasu , Susa Koichiro , Oya Shuichiro , Suzuki Takefumi , Iimori Soichiro , Fushimi Kiyohide , Uchida Shinichi
Published: July 2024

Background

Biguanide (BG) is the most-prescribed oral glucose-lowering medication worldwide and has potential for further therapeutic applications. The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a global public health emergency. Nevertheless, there are still no established low-cost treatments against COVID-19, of which the morbidity and mortality rates varing from country to country. Therefore, a nationwide study of the COVID-19 affected population is essential to explore therapeutic effect of BG against COVID-19.

Methods

From the inpatient databases in Japan, covering the period from September 2021 to March 2023, which encompasses the era following the development of COVID-19 vaccines, we extracted data of 168,370 COVID-19 patients aged 20 to under 80 years who were suffered from diabetes mellitus treated with oral antidiabetic agents. The primary outcome was 100-day in-hospital mortality, and secondary outcome was the incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) during hospitalization. We compared outcomes in patients who received BG with those in patients who did not, using a logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards under both propensity score-unmatched and matched cohorts.

Results

The incidence of in-hospital death was significantly lower in the BG group (1.18 %) compared to the non-BG group (2.41%) (p < 0.001). Similarly, the incidence of AKI during hospitalization was significantly lower in the BG group (0.66 %) compared to the non-BG group (1.12%) (p < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis from the propensity-score matched cohort showed a significantly better survival rate in the BG group (adjusted HR, 0.580; 95% CI 0.510-0.658; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

In COVID-19 patients, the use of oral biguanide use may be associated with a reduced in-hospital mortality and risk of AKI.
Oxygen Microenvironments inE. coliBiofilm Nutrient Transport Channels: Insights from Complementary Sensing Approaches
Authors: Bottura Beatrice , McConnell Gail , Florek Lindsey C. , Smiley Marina K. , Martin Ross , Eana Ash , Dayton Hannah T. , Eckartt Kelly N. , Price-Whelan Alexa , Hoskisson Paul A. , Dietrich Lars E.P. , Rooney Liam M.
Published: July 2024

Chemical gradients and the emergence of distinct microenvironments in biofilms are vital to the stratification, maturation and overall function of microbial communities. These gradients have been well characterised throughout the biofilm mass but the microenvironment of recently discovered nutrient transporting channels inEscherichia colibiofilms remains unexplored. This study employs three different oxygen sensing approaches to provide a robust quantitative overview of the oxygen gradients and microenvironments throughout the biofilm transport channel networks formed byE. colimacrocolony biofilms. Oxygen nanosensing combined with confocal laser scanning microscopy established that the oxygen concentration changes along the length of biofilm transport channels. Electrochemical sensing provided precise quantification of the oxygen profile in the transport channels, showing similar anoxic profiles compared with the adjacent cells. Anoxic biosensing corroborated these approaches, providing an overview of the oxygen utilisation throughout the biomass. The discovery that transport channels maintain oxygen gradients contradicts the previous literature that channels are completely open to the environment along the apical surface of the biofilm. We provide a potential mechanism for the sustenance of channel microenvironments via orthogonal visualisations of biofilm thin sections showing thin layers of actively growing cells. This complete overview of the oxygen environment in biofilm transport channels primes future studies aiming to exploit these emergent structures for new bioremediation approaches.
Pyramidal neurons proportionately alter the identity and survival of specific cortical interneuron subtypes
Authors: Wu Sherry Jingjing , Dai Min , Yang Shang-Po , McCann Cai , Qiu Yanjie , Marrero Giovanni J. , Stogsdill Jeffrey A. , Di Bella Daniela J. , Xu Qing , Farhi Samouil L. , Macosko Evan Z. , Chen Fei , Fishell Gord
Published: July 2024

The mammalian cerebral cortex comprises a complex neuronal network that maintains a delicate balance between excitatory neurons and inhibitory interneurons. Previous studies, including our own research, have shown that specific interneuron subtypes are closely associated with particular pyramidal neuron types, forming stereotyped local inhibitory microcircuits. However, the developmental processes that establish these precise networks are not well understood. Here we show that pyramidal neuron types are instrumental in driving the terminal differentiation and maintaining the survival of specific associated interneuron subtypes. In a wild-type cortex, the relative abundance of different interneuron subtypes aligns precisely with the pyramidal neuron types to which they synaptically target. InFezf2mutant cortex, characterized by the absence of layer 5 pyramidal tract neurons and an expansion of layer 6 intratelencephalic neurons, we observed a corresponding decrease in associated layer 5b interneurons and an increase in layer 6 subtypes. Interestingly, these shifts in composition are achieved through mechanisms specific to different interneuron types. While SST interneurons adjust their abundance to the change in pyramidal neuron prevalence through the regulation of programmed cell death, parvalbumin interneurons alter their identity. These findings illustrate two key strategies by which the dynamic interplay between pyramidal neurons and interneurons allows local microcircuits to be sculpted precisely. These insights underscore the precise roles of extrinsic signals from pyramidal cells in the establishment of interneuron diversity and their subsequent integration into local cortical microcircuits.
Mathematical modeling using box-behnken response surface design for optimal DNA yield with variable parameters of time, temperature, and proteinase K concentration
Authors: Afzal Farwa , Zia Saeeda , Saif Rashid
Published: July 2024

The current research aims to explore an enzyme-assisted inorganic DNA extraction protocol to obtain maximum yield from whole blood. We considered various operating conditions such as incubation temperature and time along with proteinase K enzyme concentration. To model and simulate the extraction process, Box-Behnken Design (BBD) was employed with three factors and its five levels, coupled with the desired functional response surface methodology (RSM). RSM entails fitting a mathematical model for experimental data to optimize a response variable with Box-Behnken Design. The best simulation settings yielded the maximum DNA at an incubation temperature of 56°C for 10 hours and proteinase K enzyme concentration of 10µL. Utilizing these parameters, a yield of 300µL was obtained. Furthermore, other DNA extraction parameters may also be added for a more robust design for obtaining the maximum DNA yield.
A multivalent RSV vaccine based on the Modified Vaccinia Ankara vector shows moderate protection against disease caused by RSV in older adults in a Phase 3 clinical study
Authors: Jordan Elke , Jenkins Victoria , Silbernagl Günter , Velasco Chávez Maria Paulina , Schmidt Darja , Schnorfeil Frauke , Schultz Stephanie , Chen Liddy , Salgado Fernanda , Jacquet Jeanne-Marie , Welte Tobias , De Moerlooze Laurence
Published: July 2024

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes a significant disease burden in older adults. The live recombinant vaccine based on a nonreplicating modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA-BN) poxvirus, MVA-BN-RSV, encoding for multiple proteins of RSV subtypes A and B, was assessed for efficacy against respiratory disease caused by RSV.

Adults aged ≥ 60 years, with or without underlying chronic conditions, were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive a single dose of vaccine or placebo and were followed for disease caused by RSV infection during the 2022-2023 season. The 2 primary endpoints were RSV-associated lower respiratory tract disease (LRTD) with ≥ 3 and ≥ 2 symptoms; acute respiratory disease (ARD) was a key secondary endpoint. The humoral RSV-specific immune response was assessed at baseline and 14 days post-vaccination. Safety was evaluated by collection of solicited adverse events (AEs) and unsolicited AEs for 7 and 28 days post- vaccination respectively, and SAEs for the entire study period.

In total, 18348 participants were included in the final efficacy and safety analyses. Vaccine efficacy was 42.9% (95% CI: -16.1; 71.9) against RSV-associated LRTD with ≥ 3 symptoms, 59.0% (95% CI: 34.7; 74.3) against LRTD with ≥ 2 symptoms, and 48.8% (95% CI: 25.8; 64.7) against ARD. The primary objective was not met for LRTD with ≥ 3 symptoms since the lower bound of the 95% CI was below 20%, the prespecified success criterion. The vaccine-elicited immune response showed mean fold-increases of 1.7 for RSV A and B neutralizing antibodies and 2.9 and 4.3 for RSV-specific IgG and IgA, respectively. The vaccine displayed mild to moderate reactogenicity, and no safety concerns were identified.

MVA-BN-RSV induced suboptimal protection against RSV-associated LRTD, likely due to suboptimal neutralizing antibody response. The vaccine had an acceptable safety profile and confirmed immunogenicity, overall showing promise for MVA-BN-vectored constructs targeting other diseases.
Spatio-Temporal Dynamics and Climate Change Scenarios Forecast of Dengue Incidence in Brazil
Authors: Bermudi Patricia Marques Moralejo , Chiaravalloti-Neto Francisco , Blangiardo Marta , Palasio Raquel Gardini Sanches , de Oliveira Anderson , Pirani Monica
Published: July 2024

Dengue is a neglected tropical vector-borne disease that is spreading rapidly and increasing worldwide. Climate change has been considered one of the primary factors contributing to this escalation. In Brazil, a vast and heterogeneous country, each epidemic has set new records, with the disease currently spreading widely across the country. In this study, we used predictive modeling techniques, grounded on a Bayesian hierarchical framework, to forecast the spatio-temporal dynamics of dengue in Brazil under future climate scenarios. We used monthly historical data on dengue incidence from 2000 to 2021, collected over 557 Brazilian microregions, to learn about its association with population, environmental, climatic, and socioeconomic conditions. By integrating projections of precipitation, minimum temperature and population based on different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway scenarios, we obtained spatially resolved projections of dengue incidence for 2021-2040 and 2041-2060. The model's predictive performance was ensured via robust cross-validation. We observed an increase in dengue incidence with rising precipitation, urban infrastructure, and Normalized Difference Water Index, and a decrease with increasing elevation and deprivation index. Minimum temperature exhibited a nonlinear and positive association behavior. Our forecasts show great regional variability. In the south region, some traditionally non-endemic microregions are expected to see a clear increase in dengue incidence rate. Conversely, other regions show geographic variability of patterns, suggesting that in some cases elevated temperatures may exceed the viable threshold for dengue transmission. Investing in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and implementing measures to address the rising incidence of dengue due to climate change is crucial.
Determinants of Timely Malaria Treatment among Under-Five Children Attending Public Health Facilities in Kisumu East Sub-County, Kenya: A Health Facility-Based Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ochieng Geofrey , Sampa Mutale , Maritim Patricia , Silumbwe Adam , Zulu Joseph M , Kato Joseph , Jacobs Choolwe
Published: July 2024

Evidence shows that most child malaria deaths occur at home shortly after symptom onset, highlighting the need for timely treatment. This study aimed to assess the determinants of timely malaria treatment among under-five children who receive care at public health facilities in Kisumu East sub-county, Kenya.

A health facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in Kisumu East sub-county, Kenya, between 5thApril and 26thMay 2023. The study employed a two-stage stratified-cluster sampling method, first selecting hospitals and then using systematic sampling to select caregivers. Data collection was done electronically using structured questionnaires. Associations at bivariable level were assessed using either the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test based on assumptions. Multiple logistic regression with robust standard errors was applied at a 5% significance level to establish determinants of timely malaria treatment among under-five children. STATA version 16 (College Station, Texas 77845 USA) was used for all analyses.

The sample included a total of 434 caregivers of under-five children. The study revealed that caregivers’ ability to recognize malaria symptoms was associated with higher odds of seeking timely malaria treatment for their children (AOR=2.92; 95% CI=1.36-6.25; p=0.006). Additionally, having health insurance cover was associated with higher odds of timely treatment (AOR=2.12; 95% CI=1.25-3.59; p=0.005). Those who visited herbalists before seeking care were less likely to seek timely treatment (AOR=0.13; 95% CI=0.05-0.34; p<0.0001). Fear of drugs’ side effects reduced the odds of timely treatment (AOR=0.50; 95% CI=0.29-0.87; p=0.013).

Timely malaria treatment was linked to the ability to tell symptoms and having health insurance, while delayed malaria treatment was related to herbalist visits and fear of malaria, among others. There is need for relevant stakeholders to implement strategies that address misconceptions about drug side effects, offer affordable insurance, integrate the informal health sector, and educate caregivers about under-five malaria symptoms in order to promote timely malaria treatment.
Kibble-Zurek mechanism and errors of gapped quantum phases
Authors: Jamadagni Amit , Kazemi Javad , Bhattacharyya Arpan
Published: July 2024

Kibble-Zurek mechanism relates the domain of nonequilibrium dynamics with the critical properties at equilibrium. It establishes a power law connection between nonequilibrium defects quenched through a continuous phase transition and the quench rate via the scaling exponent. We present a novel numerical scheme to estimate the scaling exponent wherein the notion of defects is mapped to errors, previously introduced to quantify a variety of gapped quantum phases. To demonstrate the versatility of our method we conduct numerical experiments across a broad spectrum of spin-half models hosting local and symmetry protected topological order. Furthermore, an implementation of the quench dynamics featuring a topological phase transition on a digital quantum computer is proposed to quantify the associated criticality.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The effect of leader-team (in-)congruence in future orientation on leader’s participative leadership: the moderating role of leader workload
Authors: Xu Qin , Huang Hao , Zhao Shuming
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Prior studies have consistently treated participative leadership as a given leadership style. Conversely, this study aims to prove that participative leadership can be predicted by leaders and teams collectively, depending on leaders' work characteristics (i.e. workload).

Design/methodology/approach

A two-source survey was designed to collect data from a sample of 89 leader-team dyads in a trading company in a southeastern Chinese city. Polynomial regression and response surface analysis were used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The leader showed more participative leadership when leader-team future orientation was congruent rather than incongruent; in the congruent situation, there was an inverted U-shaped relationship between leader-team future orientation congruence and participative leadership; in the incongruent situation, when the team's future orientation gradually exceeded the leader's, participative leadership first increased and then decreased; and leader workload positively moderated the relationship between leader-team future orientation congruence and participative leadership.

Originality/value

These findings theoretically respond to the call for investigating the influence of leader-team future orientation congruence on leaders’ behaviors, and in practice enlighten managers on how to encourage supervisors to involve employees in decision-making processes.
Expanding the footprint of a CapeTown-based non-profit to the Wild Coast
Authors: Miller Taryn , Modack Goolam
Published: July 2024

Learning outcomes

The case study’s primary learning objectives are to develop a number of professional competencies, such as personal ethics and citizenship, decision-making acumen and business acumen. Students deal with a novel situation, underpinned by four Sustainable Development Goals (reduced poverty, quality education, decent work and economic growth, and reduced inequalities) and are required to consider a broad range of historical and cultural nuances in a resource-constrained environment, to address the dilemma at hand.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study tracks the efforts of a non-profit company called Just Grace, which was established in 2012 in Cape Town. Just Grace’s mission is to uplift the Langa community, an underprivileged urban suburb in Cape Town, via educational, career development and social programmes. Just Grace’s programmes have achieved success in Langa. The dilemma now facing Just Grace is whether their existing model is transferable to a rural community in the Eastern Cape in South Africa.

Complexity academic level

The case study is aimed at both local and international postgraduate students studying an honours or master’s degree in a business-related field such as accounting or an MBA.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and finance.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.
Mapping the open access publications of Indian non-profit organizations over the last 20 years based on OpenAlex insights
Authors: Hazarika Rima , Roy Abhijit , Sudhier K.G.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of open-access publications by Indian non-profit organizations over the past two decades. The study explores the growth, licensing patterns, citations, authorship patterns and other parameters to understand the scholarly output.

Design/methodology/approach

The study involves data collection from OpenAlex scholarly catalog. Data analysis uses OpenRefine, a data carpentry tool, to examine and extract various aspects of scholarly output. A total of 89,149 scholarly outputs from 2004 to 2023 were analyzed using statistical and bibliometric methods.

Findings

The findings revealed a positive publication growth trend, with 57.74% open access. Gold OA dominates, with 69.61% of papers in 2023. Licensing patterns reveal that 63.75% of OA papers have licenses. Most papers have multiple authors, with 24.83% of over ten authors receiving 60.12% of citations. “Medknow” is the leading publisher, and “The Indian Journal of Ophthalmology” tops journals. Contributions from repositories like SSRN and PubMed are significant. The study also examines citation patterns across different OA types and identifies the top 30 research areas, emphasizing “Medicine” as the most prevalent.

Practical implications

The identified trends and patterns offer valuable insights for policymakers, researchers and organizations to enhance accessibility and impact. This study stresses sustained efforts for transparency and democratization of knowledge in the non-profit sector.

Originality/value

This study filled a gap in existing research by focusing on Indian non-profits, highlighting their roles and impacts often overlooked in scholarly literature. This study provides insights into the growth of open-access publications and their implications in the non-profit sector.
Does innovative behaviour intervene between budgetary participation and performance in the public sector?
Authors: Koomson Samuel , Azadda William Newlove , Opoku Mensah Abigail , Gbadago Frank Yao
Published: July 2024

Purpose

For a public servant (PS) to be innovative, he or she needs to gather and process enough vital information from budget setting processes. However, research addressing how budgetary participation (BP) can trigger innovative behaviour (IB) in PSs and eventually foster task performance (TP) is rare, which is why the authors conduct this research. The purpose of this study is to understand how BP shapes TP through the IB of PSs.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors develop and test a mediation model with 860 responses from public sector workers across 25 government agencies using the PLS-SEM technique of Smart PLS 4. Possible control factors were addressed for both the mediator and target-independent construct. In particular, the authors use sex, age and tenure as control factors for IB. Also, the authors use job satisfaction, job engagement and perceived fairness in the budgetary system as control factors for TP.

Findings

The authors find a favourable and significant relationship between BP and TP; BP and IB; and IB and TP. The authors also find that IB partially mediates the relationship between BP and TP, such that BP fosters TP through the innovativeness of PSs. This finding suggests that PSs who participate in budget preparation are able to innovate, which, in turn enable them to perform tasks effectively.

Research limitations/implications

The authors call on forthcoming researchers to test the mediation model in other public sector settings worldwide. They may also consider other variables that can possibly mediate the positive impacts of BP on TP.

Practical implications

Lessons are discussed for governments, human resources directors and managers, management accountants, budget officers, procurement officers and other public sector workers and consultants.

Originality/value

The authors show how BP fosters TP through the innovativeness of PSs, since there is much more to know in this regard. The authors also help to resolve the paradox of inconsistency in the BP–TP literature by using IB as a mediator.
Innovation investment and performance: the moderating role of university collaborations
Authors: Plata Carlos
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Considering the historical evolution of innovation dynamics, and its paradoxical state, and answering Nelson (2008) and Winter (2014), this paper aims to analyze the dynamics of innovation within the context of the Evolutionary Economic Theory. Specifically, this study looks to unravel the moderating influence of university cooperation on the relationship between innovation expenditure and innovation results. This study aims to provide valuable insights and evidence that can inform strategic decision-making for policymakers and businesses striving to foster innovation-driven economic growth in an ever-evolving global landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

The quantitative methodology adopted in this study involved harvesting data from the Latin American Innovation Survey (LAIS) database and cleaning it up using Python to ensure data integrity. Subsequently, SPSS, coupled with the PROCESS macro, was employed to conduct moderation analysis. This methodological approach enabled the examination of the intricate interplay between innovation expenditure, university cooperation and innovation outcomes within a large sample of firms, thereby easing a robust exploration of the hypothesis.

Findings

The research highlights the moderating role of university cooperation, showing that collaborative partnerships amplify the impact of innovation spending on innovation results, advancing the understanding of the impact of university-business collaborations. Additionally, the results revealed a positive relationship between innovation expenditure and innovation results, underscoring the significance of R&D investments.

Practical implications

This study highlights the role of university-industry collaborations in enhancing innovation investment outcomes in Latin America. It suggests that managers should proactively engage with universities to access advanced research and foster a culture of innovation. These partnerships can significantly boost a firm's competitive edge and innovation success, marking them as crucial in the rapidly evolving economic environment.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper relies on bridging theoretical concepts from the Evolutionary Economic Theory framework with empirical insights of the moderating role of university cooperation. It addresses a theoretical gap, with a new methodology and offers insights into the complex relationship between universities, businesses and innovation in a constantly changing economic environment, making it clearer how these connections can help boost innovation in practical ways.
Police personnel allocation and homicide clearance
Authors: Hsu Ko-Hsin , Emerick Brooks K. , Sytsma Victoria A.
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper applies novel techniques from the field of operations management to examine the allocation of patrol and investigative personnel to identify which is most effective in improving police performance around homicide clearance.

Design/methodology/approach

A panel sample of homicide clearance rates from the 100 largest US cities between 2000 and 2013 were analyzed in two steps: first, a random-effects regression model was performed to locate influential factors; second, optimum analysis was applied to locate the optimal values that yield maximal homicide clearance.

Findings

Both patrol and investigative personnel levels have a significant impact on homicide clearance. Maximal clearance can be achieved by allocating departmental personnel to investigative roles.

Research limitations/implications

Given recent trends around “defunding” police and public sector austerity measures, future research should continue to explore the utility of optimum analysis for efficient allocation of policing personnel.

Originality/value

This study provides proof of concept for the use of optimum analysis in policing research.
Understanding the role of physical trial for good shopping decisions
Authors: Loupiac Philippine , Le Nagard Emmanuelle
Published: July 2024

Purpose

In the context of omnichannel distribution development, this study aims to understand how and why trying products out helps people make good purchase decisions (i.e. decisions that they do not regret later).

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses mixed methods consisting of an experiment (n = 162), a series of interviews with consumers (n = 16) and in-store observations (n = 202).

Findings

Results show that trying products out allows us to evaluate how they will fit, which increases purchase intention. They also indicate that trying leads to better decision-making.

Research limitations/implications

This paper enriches product trial literature and sheds new light on how sales channels combine in omnichannel distribution.

Practical implications

The conclusions of this research will be useful to retailers who want to help consumers make better purchasing decisions.

Social implications

Helping consumers make better decisions minimizes the societal impact of consumption by reducing the frequency of re-purchases and product returns.

Originality/value

The originality of this research lies in using mixed methods, providing a complete understanding of why consumers try products out and how they do so.
Innovation through co-creation: a case study on the creation of new sustainable healthcare PPE clothing designs, integrating 3D digital technologies
Authors: Lee Jennifer
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to address a gap in the current literature by examining the integration of 3D digital prototyping technology in the co-creation process of new sustainable and multi-functional healthcare PPE clothing design in collaboration with real users.

Design/methodology/approach

Within the user-centered design framework, 35 participants from major hospitals, along with fashion college students in New York City, actively engaged in the co-creation innovation process for this research. Data collection and analysis were conducted through interview-based qualitative analysis, using the content analysis method.

Findings

The results highlight the effectiveness of integrating 3D digital prototyping technologies in the co-creation innovation process in achieving all research objectives, including fulfilling users’ health care PPE clothing needs.

Originality/value

This case study presents an example of co-creation innovation in collaboration with actual industry users, exploring the effectiveness of 3D digital prototyping for the co-creation process. The findings of this study can be used to formulate future research studies.
Review of linear flux-switching machines for variable speed applications
Authors: Ullah Basharat , Khan Faisal
Published: July 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present an overview of permanent magnet linear flux-switching machines (PMLFSM), field excited LFSM and hybrid excited LFSM (HELFSM) topologies as presented in literature for transportation systems such as high-speed trains and maglev systems.

Design/methodology/approach

The structural designs of different configurations are thoroughly investigated, and their respective advantages and disadvantages are examined. Based on the geometry and excitation sources, a detailed survey is carried out. Specific design and space issues, such as solid and modular structures, structure strength, excitation sources placement, utilization of PM materials, and flux leakage are investigated.

Findings

PMLFSM provide higher power density and efficiency than induction and DC machines because of the superior excitation capability of PMs. The cost of rare-earth PMs has risen sharply in the past few decades because of their frequent use, so the manufacturing cost of PMLFSM is increasing. Owing to the influence of high-energy PMs and magnetic flux concentration, the efficiency and power density are higher in such machines. PM is the only excitation source in PMLFSM and has constant remanence, limiting its applications in a wide speed operation range. Therefore, the field winding is added in the PMLFSM to flexibly regulate the magnetic field, making it a hybrid excited one. The HELFSM possess better flux linkage, high thrust force density and better flux controlling ability, leading to a wide speed range. However, the HELFSM have problems with the crowded mover, as PM, field excited and armature excitation are housed on a short mover. So, for better performance, the area of each excitation component has to compete with each other.

Originality/value

Transportation of goods and people by vehicles is becoming increasingly prevalent. As railways play a significant role in the transportation system and are an integral part of intercity transportation. So, this paper presents an overview of various linear machines that are presented in literature for rail transit systems to promote sustainable urban planning practices.
Identification of children with a nondiagnostic ultrasound at a low appendicitis risk using a pediatric Appendicitis Risk Calculator
Authors: Bravo Michael , Palnizky‐Soffer Gili , Man Carina , Moineddin Rahim , Singer‐Harel Dana , Zani Augusto , Doria Andrea S. , Schuh Suzanne
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Up to 50% of ultrasounds (USs) for suspected pediatric appendicitis are nondiagnostic. While the validated low‐risk clinical pediatric Appendicitis Risk Calculator (pARC) score < 15% and the low‐risk US with nonvisualized appendix and no periappendiceal inflammation carry relatively low appendicitis risks, the contribution of the combination of both characteristics to this risk has never been assessed. The primary objective was to determine the proportion of children with the low‐risk US–low‐risk pARC combination with appendicitis. We hypothesized that this proportion would be 2.5% (upper 95% CI ≤ 5%).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of 448 previously healthy children 4–17 years old at a pediatric ED with suspected appendicitis, nondiagnostic US, and persistent clinical concern about appendicitis. Two investigators abstracted demographic, clinical, and imaging data. Based on published criteria, USs were classified as low‐risk or high‐risk. The pARC includes seven demographic, clinical, and laboratory variables and is quantified according to the published formula. The primary outcome was appendicitis, based on the histological evidence. All nonoperated patients underwent a 1‐month‐follow‐up to exclude delayed appendicitis diagnoses.

Results

Sixty of the 448 (13.4%) patients had appendicitis; 269 (60%) had low‐risk US, 262 (58.4%) had low‐risk pARC, and 163 (36.4%) had both characteristics. The appendicitis rates with low‐risk pARC alone and low‐risk US alone were 14/262 (5.4%) and 21/269 (7.8%), respectively. A total of 2/163 children (1.2%) with low‐risk pARC and low‐risk US had appendicitis (95% CI 0%–4.4%). Higher‐risk US increased the appendicitis odds 5 (95% CI 1.54–20.55) to 11 times (95% CI 2.41–51.10) across pARC levels.

The low‐risk combination had sensitivity of 96.7% (95% CI 88.5%–99.6%), specificity of 41.5%, positive predictive value of 20.4%, and negative predictive value of 98.8% (95% CI 95.6%–99.9%).

Conclusions

The children with low‐risk pARC and low‐risk US combination are unlikely to have appendicitis and can be discharged home. The presence of higher‐risk US–pARC score combinations substantially increases the appendicitis risk and warrants reassessment or interval imaging.
Effect of Mediterranean diet or mindfulness‐based stress reduction during pregnancy on placental volume and perfusion: A subanalysis of the IMPACT BCN randomized clinical trial
Authors: Nakaki Ayako , Denaro Eugenio , Crimella Maddalena , Castellani Roberta , Vellvé Kilian , Izquierdo Nora , Basso Annachiara , Paules Cristina , Casas Rosa , Benitez Leticia , Casas Irene , Larroya Marta , Genero Mariona , Castro‐Barquero Sara , Gomez‐Gomez Alex , Pozo Óscar J. , Vieta Eduard , Estruch Ramon , Nadal Alfons , Gratacós Eduard , Crovetto Francesca , Crispi Fàtima , Youssef Lina
Published: July 2024

Introduction

The IMPACT BCN trial—a parallel‐group randomized clinical trial where 1221 pregnant women at high risk for small‐for‐gestational age (SGA) newborns were randomly allocated at 19‐ to 23‐week gestation into three groups: Mediterranean diet, Mindfulness‐based Stress reduction or non‐intervention—has demonstrated a positive effect of Mediterranean diet and Stress reduction in the prevention of SGA. However, the mechanism of action of these interventions remains still unclear. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Mediterranean diet and Stress reduction on placental volume and perfusion.

Material and Methods

Participants in the Mediterranean diet group received monthly individual and group educational sessions, and free provision of extra‐virgin olive oil and walnuts. Women in the Stress reduction group underwent an 8‐week Stress reduction program adapted for pregnancy, consisting of weekly 2.5‐h and one full‐day sessions. Non‐intervention group was based on usual care. Placental volume and perfusion were assessed in a subgroup of randomly selected women (n = 165) using magnetic resonance (MR) at 36‐week gestation. Small placental volume was defined as MR estimated volume <10th centile. Perfusion was assessed by intravoxel incoherent motion.

Results

While mean MR placental volume was similar among the study groups, both interventions were associated with a lower prevalence of small placental volume (3.9% Mediterranean diet and 5% stress reduction vs. 17% non‐intervention; p = 0.03 and p = 0.04, respectively). Logistic regression showed that small placental volume was significantly associated with higher risk of SGA in both study groups (OR 7.48 [1.99–28.09] in Mediterranean diet and 20.44 [5.13–81.4] in Stress reduction). Mediation analysis showed that the effect of Mediterranean diet on SGA can be decomposed by a direct effect and an indirect effect (56.6%) mediated by a small placental volume. Similarly, the effect of Stress reduction on SGA is partially mediated (45.3%) by a small placental volume. Results on placental intravoxel incoherent motion perfusion fraction and diffusion coefficient were similar among the study groups.

Conclusions

Structured interventions during pregnancy based on Mediterranean diet or Stress reduction are associated with a lower proportion of small placentas, which is consistent with the previously observed beneficial effects of these interventions on fetal growth.
Comorbidity of bipolar disorder and borderline personality disorder: Phenomenology, course, and treatment considerations
Authors: Temes Christina M. , Boccagno Chelsea , Gold Alexandra K. , Kobaissi Hadi , Hsu Ingrid , Montinola Sofia , Sylvia Louisa G.
Published: July 2024

Aim

Bipolar disorder (BD) and borderline personality disorder (BPD) are both serious psychiatric conditions that elevate the risk for harmful outcomes. Although these conditions represent distinct diagnostic entities, existing research suggests that approximately 20% of individuals with BD meet the criteria for comorbid BPD. Individuals with comorbid BD/BPD appear to have a markedly more severe and phenomenologically distinct clinical course when compared with those with BD alone. However, treatments have generally not been tested in this specific population, and currently, no formal treatment guidelines exist for this subgroup of patients.

Method

In the current paper, we review the epidemiological and descriptive research characterizing those with comorbid BD/BPD and discuss the impact of this comorbidity on psychosocial treatment. We also review current findings on evidence‐based treatments for BD and BPD that show promise in treating those with comorbid BD/BPD.

Results

In our review of the literature, we highlight the importance of recognizing this comorbidity and discuss avenues for developing and integrating evidence‐based treatment approaches for this understudied clinical population.

Conclusions

Although formal trials of interventions targeted to comorbid BD/BPD are limited, there is promising evidence regarding the possibility of using or integrating existing evidence‐based approaches for this population. There are also several areas of clinical practice improvement and future research directions that stem from this literature.
Pharmacokinetic drug–drug interactions of JBPOS0101 mediated by cytochrome P450 3A4 and UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases
Authors: Hwang Sejung , Choi Yong Moon , Kim Myoung‐Seok , Lee SeungHwan
Published: July 2024

JBPOS0101 is a new antiepileptic drug and is a substrate of UDP‐glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs) in in vitro test. In vitro experiments showed different results regarding whether JBPOS0101 induces (EC50 136 μM) or inhibits (IC50 95.4–386.5 μM) cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4. As co‐medication of JBPOS0101 and carbamazepine (CBZ) is expected in clinical settings, drug–drug interactions (DDIs) between them should be determined. This study aimed to investigate pharmacokinetic (PK) interactions of JBPOS0101 influenced by CYP3A4 and UGTs using midazolam (MDZ) and CBZ. A two‐cohort, open‐label, fixed‐sequence study was conducted in healthy Koreans. In cohort A, subjects received MDZ IV alone, and then JBPOS0101 were co‐administered with MDZ after oral doses of JBPOS0101 for 7 days. In cohort B, multiple doses of JBPOS0101 and CBZ were administered respectively, and subjects received both together for 7 days. Serial blood samples were collected for PK analysis. When MDZ and JBPOS0101 were co‐administered, the systemic exposure of MDZ decreased by 30%. Meanwhile, JBPOS0101 did not significantly changed the PK of CBZ. CBZ decreased the systemic exposure of JBPOS0101 at steady state by 40%, respectively. With IV administration of MDZ, JBPOS0101 acted as a weak inducer of hepatic CYP3A4 and decreased systemic exposure of MDZ. The ability of JBPOS0101 to similarly modulate gut CYP3A4 activity will require further evaluation. Co‐administration of multiple doses of JBPOS0101 and CBZ did not significantly alter CBZ pharmacokinetics, but the clinical impact of decreased systemic exposure of JBPOS0101 by CBZ should be further considered.