bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnesium isotope geochemistry of the carbonate-silicate system in subduction zones
Authors: Wang Shui-Jiong , Li Shu-Guang
Published: February 2022

The lighter magnesium (Mg) isotopic signatures observed in intraplate basalts are commonly thought to result from deep carbonate recycling, provided that the sharp difference in Mg isotopic composition between surface carbonates and the normal mantle is preserved during plate subduction. However, deep subduction of carbonates and silicates could potentially fractionate Mg isotopes and change their chemical compositions. Subducting silicate rocks that experience metamorphic dehydration lose a small amount of Mg, and preserve the original Mg isotopic signature of their protoliths. When the dehydrated fluids dissolve carbonate minerals, they may evolve into lighter Mg isotopic compositions. The solubility of carbonate minerals in fluids decreases in the order of calcite, aragonite, dolomite, magnesite and siderite, leading to selective and partial dissolution of carbonate minerals along the subduction path. At the island arc depth (70–120 km), the metamorphic fluid dissolves mainly Mg-poor calcites, and thus the fluid has difficulty modifying the Mg isotopic system of the mantle wedge and associated arc basalts. At the greater depth of the back arc system or continental margin (>150 km), the supercritical fluid can dissolve Mg-rich carbonate minerals, and its interaction with the mantle wedge could significantly imprint the light Mg isotopic signature onto the mantle rocks and derivatives. Meanwhile, the carbonate and silicate remaining within the subducting slab could experience elemental and isotopic exchange, during which the silicate can obtain a light Mg isotopic signature and high CaO/Al2O3, whereas the carbonates, particularly the Ca-rich limestone, shift Mg isotopes and MgO contents towards higher values. If this isotopic and elemental exchange event occurs widely during crustal subduction, subducted Ca-rich carbonates can partially transform into being Mg-rich, and a portion of recycled silicates (e.g. carbonated eclogites) can have light Mg isotopic composition alongside carbonates. Both serve as the low-δ26Mg endmember recycled back into the deep mantle, but the latter is not related to deep carbonate recycling. Therefore, it is important to determine whether the light Mg isotopic signatures observed in intraplate basalts are linked to deep carbonate recycling, or alternatively, recycling of carbonated eclogites.
Understanding State-Level Variations in Implementing Academic Detailing for Prescribing Opioids: Findings from 11 States Within the United States
Authors: Underwood Natasha L , Cance Jessica Duncan , Kane Heather , Hennessy Caitlin , Christensen Aleta , Rooks-Peck Cherie
Published: February 2022

Objective

Academic detailing is a clinical education technique characterized by targeted, one-on-one, interactive conversations between trained staff and the clinician. This study describes variations in implementing academic detailing among jurisdictions receiving funding from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to prevent prescription drug overdoses.

Design

In 2015, CDC started the Prescription Drug Overdose Prevention for States (PfS) program.

Subjects

This study focuses on 11 of the 29 funded jurisdictions that implemented academic detailing as part of their PfS efforts.

Methods

Jurisdictions provided annual progress reports from 2016 to 2019. We conducted semistructured interviews in 2017 and 2018 with all funded jurisdictions and conducted follow-up interviews with three jurisdictions in 2020 to obtain additional context. We used an analytic matrix display to identify themes from annual progress report data, the coding report from the 2017/2018 interviews, and the three follow-up interviews from 2020.

Results

Two academic detailing models emerged: 1) one-on-one detailing, where centrally trained staff conducted all visits, and 2) a train-the-trainer model. Jurisdictions also described a hybrid model, which they referred to as academic detailing despite not meeting the definition of academic detailing. We identified variations in delivery strategies, staffing, and curriculum development within and between models. Despite these differences, common themes included the need to use data to focus academic detailing and the importance of partnerships.

Conclusions

Adoption of academic detailing as a strategy for improving opioid prescribing behaviors has increased. However, there is limited guidance and standardization to guide and evaluate implementation and outcomes.
Associations of stroke with all-cause and cause-specific mortality: A population-based matched cohort study
Authors: Kim Juyeong , Park Eun-Cheol
Published: February 2022

Background

This study aimed to assess the specific associations between stroke and all-cause and cause-specific mortality among Korean adults.

Methods

We used data extracted from the Korean National Health Insurance claims database from 2002 to 2013, including information on individuals with or without stroke aged 20 years and older. Patients with intracerebral hemorrhage, ischemic stroke or unspecified stroke were classified as stroke patients, while a reference population matched in terms of sex and age were also selected. The outcomes were all-cause mortality, natural causes of death (i.e. all natural causes, death by stroke and death by other diseases) and suicide. Survival analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Results

Of the 73 150 eligible participants—including 14 630 stroke patients and 58 520 age- and sex-matched controls—11 121 (15.2%) died during the study period. Of them, 10 513 participants (94.5%) died of natural causes, including 1653 (14.5%) who died due to stroke and 8860 (79.7%) who died due to other diseases. Two hundred and fifty patients (2.2%) died by suicide. Stroke patients showed higher adjusted hazard ratios (HR) for all-cause (HR = 6.48, 95% CI, 3.87–10.86), all-natural-cause (HR = 2.68, 95% CI, 2.53–2.84), stroke (HR = 21.16, 95% CI, 17.49–25.61), other disease (HR = 1.69, 95% CI, 1.58–1.81) and suicide mortality (HR = 3.34, 95% CI, 2.24–4.98) than those without stroke. The effect size of stroke for suicide mortality was greater than that for other causes of mortality (except stroke mortality).

Conclusions

Stroke was associated with a higher risk of all-cause, natural cause and suicide mortality; stroke was more strongly associated with risk of suicide mortality than with any mortality for any other causes. From a policy standpoint, these results suggest the need for greater supportive care to prevent unnatural deaths among stroke patients.
Racial Disparities in Postoperative Outcomes Following Operative Management of Pediatric Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
Authors: Malyavko Alisa , Quan Theodore , Howard Peter G. , Recarey Melina , Manzi Joseph E. , Tabaie Sean
Published: February 2022

Background:

Developmental dysplasia of the hip in pediatric patients can be managed conservatively or operatively. Understanding patient risk factors is important to optimize outcomes following surgical treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip. Racial disparities in procedural outcomes have been studied, however, there is scarce literature on an association between race and complications following pediatric orthopaedic surgery. Our study aimed to determine the association between pediatric patients’ race and outcomes following operative management of hip dysplasia by investigating 30-day postoperative complications and length of hospital stay.

Methods:

The National Surgical Quality Improvement Program-Pediatric database was utilized from the years 2012 to 2019 to identify all pediatric patients undergoing surgical treatment for hip dysplasia. Patients were stratified into 2 groups: patients who were White and patients from underrepresented minority (URM) groups. URM groups included those who were Black or African American, Hispanic, Native American or Alaskan, and Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Differences in patient demographics, comorbidities, and postoperative outcomes were compared between the 2 cohorts using bivariate and multivariate analyses.

Results:

Of the 9159 pediatric patients who underwent surgical treatment for hip dysplasia between 2012 and 2019, 6057 patients (66.1%) were White and 3102 (33.9%) were from URM groups. In the bivariate analysis, compared with White patients, patients from URM groups were more likely to experience deep wound dehiscence, pneumonia, unplanned reintubation, cardiac arrest, and extended length of hospital stay. Following multivariate analysis, patients from URM groups had an increased risk of unplanned reintubation (odds ratio: 3.583; P=0.018).

Conclusions:

Understanding which patient factors impact surgical outcomes allows health care teams to be more aware of at-risk patient groups. Our study found that pediatric patients from URM groups who underwent surgery for correction of hip dysplasia had greater odds of unplanned reintubation when compared with patients who were White. Further research should investigate the relationship between multiple variables including race, low socioeconomic status, and language barriers on surgical outcomes following pediatric orthopaedic procedures.

Level of Evidence:

Level III—retrospective cohort analysis.
Guided Growth Procedures: Broken Tension Band Implants in Patients With Blount Disease
Authors: Chapman Paige , Dueber David M. , Stephenson Lindsay P. , Scott Allison C. , Lerman Joel A. , Powell Kenneth P. , Nossov Sarah B. , Franklin Corinna C. , Westberry David E. , Ackman Jeffery D. , Walker Janet L.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Tension band plate and screw implants (TBI) are frequently used for temporary hemiepiphyseodeses to manage angular deformity in growing children. The reported implant breakage rate, when TBI is used for deformities in patients with Blount disease, is much higher than when used in other diagnoses. Our hypothesis is that perioperative factors can identify risks for TBI breakage.

Methods:

A retrospective case-control study was performed of 246 TBI procedures in 113 patients with Blount disease at 8 tertiary pediatric orthopaedic centers from 2008 to 2018. Patient demographics, age at diagnosis, weight, body mass index (BMI), radiographic deformity severity measures, location, and types of implants were studied. The outcome of implant breakage was compared with these perioperative factors using univariate logistic regression with Bonferroni correction for multiplicity to significance tests.

Results:

There were 30 broken implants (12%), failing at mean 1.6 years following implantation. Most failures involved the metaphyseal screws. Increased BMI was associated with increased implant breakage. Increased varus deformity was directly associated with greater implant breakage and may be a more important factor in failure for those below 7 years compared with those 8 years or above at diagnosis. There was a 50% breakage rate for TBI with solid 3.5 mm screws in Blount disease with onset 8 years or above of age. No demographic or implant factors were found to be significant.

Conclusions:

Breakage of TBI was associated with increased BMI and varus deformity in patients with Blount disease. Larger studies are required to determine the relative contribution and limits of each parameter. Solid 3.5 mm screws should be used with caution in TBI for late-onset Blount disease.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
3D-printed Cutting Guides for Lower Limb Deformity Correction in the Young Population
Authors: Gigi Roy , Gortzak Yair , Barriga Moreno Juan , Golden Eran , Gabay Ronnie , Rumack Netta , Yaniv Moshe , Dadia Solomon , Segev Eitan
Published: February 2022

Background:

Three-dimensional (3D) virtual surgical planning technology has advanced applications in the correction of deformities of long bones by enabling the production of 3D stereolithographic models, patient-specific instruments and surgical-guiding templates. Herein, we describe the implementation of this technology in young patients who required a corrective osteotomy for a complex 3-plane (oblique plane) lower-limb deformity.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 17 patients (9 males, average age 14.7 y) participated in this retrospective study. As part of preoperative planning, the patients’ computerized tomographic images were imported into a post-processing software, and virtual 3D models were created by a segmentation process. Femoral and tibial models and cutting guides with locking points were designed according to the deformity correction plan. They were used for both planning and as intraoperative guides. Clinical parameters, such as blood loss and operative time were compared with a traditional surgical approach group.

Results:

All osteotomies in the 3D group were executed with the use intraoperative customized cutting guides which matched the preoperative planning simulation and allowed easy fixation with prechosen plates. Surgical time was 101±6.2 minutes for the 3D group and 126.4±16.1 minutes for the control group. The respective intraoperative hemoglobin blood loss was 2.1±0.2 and 2.5+0.3 g/dL.

Clinical and radiographic follow-up findings showed highly satisfactory alignment of the treated extremities in all 3D intervention cases, with an average time-to-bone union (excluding 2 neurofibromatosis 1 patients) of 10.3 weeks (range 6 to 20 wk).

Conclusion:

The use of 3D-printed models and patient-specific cutting guides with locking points improves the clinical outcomes of osteotomies in young patients with complex bone deformities of the lower limbs.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Characterizing Negative Online Reviews of Pediatric Orthopaedic Surgeons
Authors: Richman Evan H. , Ogbaudu Ewoma , Pollock Jordan R. , Brinkman Joseph C. , Moore Michael Lane , Arthur Jaymeson R. , Karlen Judson W.
Published: February 2022

Background:

The growing focus on subjective patient experiences has created an increase in popularity for physician rating websites. The purpose of this study was to characterize extremely negative reviews of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons.

Methods:

Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons were randomly selected using the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America comprehensive list of surgeons. A search was then performed on Healthgrades.com, Vitals.com, and Yelp.com for 1-star reviews. Reviews were classified into clinical and nonclinical categories. Statistical analyses were performed regarding the frequency of reviews and complaints for each respective category.

Results:

Of the 279 one-star reviews categorized, 248 reviews (88.9% of reviews) included nonclinical complaints, and 182 reviews (65.2% of reviews) included clinical complaints. Nonsurgical patients were associated with 255 reviews, and the remaining 24 were related to surgical patients. Of the 430 comments within reviews, 248 referenced nonclinical aspects of care, and 182 referenced clinical care. Clinical factors most frequently noted included clinical disagreement (37%), unclear treatment plan (25%), complication (17%), misdiagnosis (15%), uncontrolled pain (13%), and delay in care (8%). The most addressed nonclinical factors included physician bedside manner (68%), time spent with provider (21%), wait time (18%), unprofessional staff (17%), scheduling issues (9%), cost (8%), and billing (8%). Compared with surgical reviews, nonsurgical reviews were more likely to contain nonclinical complaints (rate ratio: 1.5; P<0.05) and less likely to contain clinical complaints (rate ratio: 0.7; P<0.05). The most common complaint by surgical patients was complications (91.7%).

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the factors associated with negative reviews of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons. The majority of reviews of pediatric orthopaedic surgeons were left by nonsurgical patients and were related to nonclinical aspects of care. We also found surgeon-dependent factors such as poor physician bedside manner, unclear treatment plan, or parents’ disagreement with treatment plan were the most common reasons for negative reviews.

Level of Evidence:

Level IV.
Higher efficacy of oral etoposide for mobilization of peripheral blood stem cells in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Qiang Wanting , Jiang Hua , Guo Pei , Lu Jing , Liu Jin , Li Lu , He Haiyan , Hu Xiaoxia , Fu Weijun , Du Juan
Published: February 2022

This study compares the efficacy, toxicity, hematopoietic recovery, and cost of stem-cell mobilization using intermediate-dose cyclophosphamide (IDCy) plus granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) compared with etoposide (VP-16) plus pegylated granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (PEG-rhG-CSF) in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Two hundred forty-four consecutive patients undergoing mobilization with IDCy (3-3.5 g/m
2
) plus G-CSF (n = 155) were compared with patients receiving VP-16 plus PEG-rhG-CSF (n = 89), including oral etoposide (n = 65) and intravenous etoposide (n = 24). Compared with IDCy, VP-16 use was associated with significantly higher median peak peripheral blood CD34 + cell count (8.20 [range: 1.84-84] × 106/kg vs 4.58 [range: 0.1-27.9] × 106/kg, P 
= .000), and ideal CD34 + cell yield of more than 6 × 106/kg (56.8% vs 35.1%, P 
= .001), notably with a higher efficacy in oral VP-16 use compared with IDCy use (CD 34 + cell counts: median peak peripheral blood 5.87 vs 4.58 × 106/kg and ≥6 × 106/kg [48.4% vs 35.1%]). The median number of apheresis courses was reduced from two in the IDCy group to one in the VP-16 group (P = .000). IDCy use was associated with significantly more frequent episodes of neutropenia (70.2% vs 35.2%; P 
= .000), intravenous antibiotic use (13.2% vs 11.4%; P 
= .672), and hospitalization (P = .000). The recoveries of neutrophils and platelets after autologous stem-cell transplantation were significantly faster in the VP-16 group compared with the IDCy group (P = .000). Our data indicate robust stem-cell mobilization in MM patients with VP-16 delivered either orally or intravenously. When compared with intravenous VP-16, oral VP-16 mobilization was associated with significantly more convenient, lower average total costs, and especially decreased the risk of hospital visits and exposure.
Small RNA sequencing reveals placenta-derived exosomal microRNAs associated with preeclampsia
Authors: Lu Jing , Sun Yifan , Cao Yuming , Zhang Yuanzhen
Published: February 2022

Objective:

Preeclampsia is one of the most important complications during pregnancy and the leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality; however, the pathogenesis of preeclampsia remains partially misunderstood. The aim of this study was to identify placenta-derived exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) involved in the preeclampsia process.

Methods:

Peripheral blood was collected from normal and preeclampsia pregnant women, and placenta-derived exosomes were extracted. Small RNA sequencing was performed to identify the exosomal miRNAs involved in preeclampsia. The function of a differentially expressed exosomal miRNA was verified.

Results:

The extracted exosomes presented round or ovallike structures with diameters of approximately 80 nm and could be recognized by antibodies against CD9, CD81, and placental alkaline phosphatase. A total of 1013 exosomal miRNAs were identified by small RNA sequencing, of which 946 were known miRNAs and 67 were novel miRNAs. Twenty-six miRNAs were identified as differentially expressed when comparing the data of the preeclampsia and normal groups. One of the differentially expressed miRNAs, hsa-miR-370–3p, which was upregulated in the preeclampsia group, was shown to bind to the 3’ untranslated region of C-X-C motif chemokine 12, a chemokine that plays important role during preeclampsia process. Moreover, functional analysis revealed that hsamiR-370–3p could inhibit proliferation, migration, and invasion while promoting apoptosis of HTR-8/SVneo cells.

Conclusion:

A total of 1013 placenta-derived exosomal miRNAs were identified by small RNA sequencing, of which 26 were differentially expressed. The function of one differentially expressed miRNA (hsa-miR-370–3p) was verified. Our results provide new perspectives on the pathogenesis of preeclampsia and potential biomarkers for preeclampsia diagnosis.
A Pilot Randomized Control Trial to Assess the Impact of Lavender on Anxiety and Comfort After Cesarean Birth and the Barriers Encountered
Authors: Burgess Adriane , Harris Amy , Wheeling Julia
Published: February 2022

Purpose:

This study aimed to assess the effect of lavender aromatherapy on anxiety and comfort after cesarean birth.

Study Design:

Randomized control trial.

Methods:

Forty-eight patients who had a cesarean birth were asked to complete the six-item State and Trait Anxiety (STAI-6) score to assess their level of anxiety pre- and postapplication of either lavender aromatherapy or placebo during their inpatient postpartum stay. Their comfort and pain levels pre- and postadministration were assessed, and differences between groups were analyzed. Results: There was no difference in postintervention STAI-6 scores between the aromatherapy and placebo groups (p = .56). Women who received the lavender aromatab® had significantly (p = .037) higher self-reported levels of comfort (M 2.6 SD .82) when compared with those who received placebo (M 2.0 SD 1.0).

Clinical Implications:

Many women use aromatherapy at home to promote comfort and relaxation. Women feel lavender aromatherapy improves their comfort in the hospital setting after cesarean birth. Clinicians should consider ways to safely use aromatherapy as one option to promote postoperative cesarean birth care.
Noise reduction in the ICU: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Souza Regina Claudia da Silva , Calache Ana Lucia Siqueira Costa , Oliveira Ester Goes , Nascimento Jonl Carlos do , Silva Natalia Dalforno da , Poveda Vanessa de Brito
Published: February 2022

Introduction:

Sleep deprivation is a relevant problem among patients hospitalized in ICUs. Further, noise is the most critical disruptive factor according to patients.

Objective:

To implement scientific evidence-based best practices for noise control in an adult ICU.

Methods:

This was an evidence-based implementation project of best practices in noise control, conducted in a high-complexity hospital's adult ICU. The intervention consisted of three steps: baseline audit and identification of barriers, implementation of best practices, and a follow-up audit.

Results:

No compliance with best practices was detected in the baseline audit. After the implementation phase, the unit reached compliance levels of 78–88% for most of these criteria only one criterion related to noise level did not match the expected compliance.

Conclusion:

Adherence to best practices regarding noise control was satisfactory, achieving more than 70% compliance in the six audit criteria. Only the noise level did not reach the threshold recommended by the WHO - a difficulty reported in other studies.

Relevance to clinical practice:

Best practices related to noise control are essential for managing sleep deprivation in ICUs and include changes in the behaviour of involved professionals.
Molnupiravir (MK-4482) is efficacious against Omicron and other SARS-CoV-2 variants in the Syrian hamster COVID-19 model
Authors: Rosenke Kyle , Okumura Atsushi , Lewis Matthew C. , Feldmann Friederike , Meade-White Kimberly , Bohler W. Forrest , Griffin Amanda , Rosenke Rebecca , Shaia Carl , Jarvis Michael A. , Feldmann Heinz
Published: February 2022

The recent emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant of concern (VOC) containing a heavily mutated spike protein capable of escaping preexisting immunity, identifies a continued need for interventional measures. Molnupiravir (MK-4482), an orally administered nucleoside analog, has demonstrated efficacy against earlier SARS-CoV-2 lineages and was recently approved for SARS-CoV-2 infections in high-risk adults. Here we assessed the efficacy of MK-4482 against the earlier Alpha, Beta and Delta VOCs and Omicron in the Syrian hamster COVID-19 model. Omicron replication and associated lung disease in vehicle treated hamsters was reduced compared to the earlier VOCs. MK-4482 treatment inhibited virus replication in the lungs of Alpha, Beta and Delta VOC infected hamsters. Importantly, MK-4482 profoundly inhibited virus replication in the upper and lower respiratory tract of hamsters infected with the Omicron VOC. Consistent with its mutagenic mechanism, MK-4482 treatment had a more pronounced inhibitory effect on infectious virus titers compared to viral RNA genome load. Histopathologic analysis showed that MK-4482 treatment caused a concomitant reduction in the level of lung disease and viral antigen load in infected hamsters across all VOCs examined. Together, our data indicate the potential of MK-4482 as an effective antiviral against known SARS-CoV-2 VOCs, especially Omicron, and likely future SARS-CoV-2 variants.

One Sentence Summary

MK-4482 inhibits replication of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern, including Omicron, in the Syrian hamster COVID-19 model
GANscan: continuous scanning microscopy using deep learning deblurring
Authors: Fanous Michael John , Popescu Gabriel
Published: February 2022

Most whole slide imaging (WSI) systems today rely on the “stop-and-stare” approach, where, at each field of view, the scanning stage is brought to a complete stop before the camera snaps a picture. This procedure ensures that each image is free of motion blur, which comes at the expense of long acquisition times. In order to speed up the acquisition process, especially for large scanning areas, such as pathology slides, we developed an acquisition method in which the data is acquired continuously while the stage is moving at high speeds. Using generative adversarial networks (GANs), we demonstrate this ultra-fast imaging approach, referred to as GANscan, which restores sharp images from motion blurred videos. GANscan allows us to complete image acquisitions at 30x the throughput of stop-and-stare systems. This method is implemented on a Zeiss Axio Observer Z1 microscope in brightfield mode, requires no specialized hardware, and accomplishes successful reconstructions at stage speeds of up to 5,000 μm/s. We validate the proposed method by imaging H&E stained tissue sections. Our method not only retrieves crisp images from fast, continuous scans, but also corrects any defocusing that occurs during scanning. Using a consumer GPU, the inference runs at <20ms/ image.
A light-gated transcriptional recorder for detecting cell-cell contacts
Authors: Cho Kelvin F. , Gillespie Shawn M. , Kalogriopoulos Nicholas A. , Quezada Michael A. , Jacko Martin , Monje Michelle , Ting Alice Y.
Published: February 2022

Technologies for detecting cell-cell contacts are powerful tools for studying a wide range of biological processes, from neuronal signaling to cancer-immune interactions within the tumor microenvironment. Here we report TRACC, a GPCR-based transcriptional recorder of cellular contacts, which converts contact events into stable transgene expression. TRACC is derived from our previous protein-protein interaction recorders, SPARK (Kim et al., 2017) and SPARK2 (Kim et al., 2019). TRACC incorporates light gating via the LOV domain, which provides user-defined temporal control of tool activation and reduces background. We show that TRACC detects cell-cell contacts with high specificity and sensitivity in mammalian cell culture and that it can be used to interrogate interactions between neurons and glioma, a form of brain cancer.
Genome-wide Association Study Reveals that PvGUX1_1 is Associated with Pod Stringlessness in Snap Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
Authors: Liu Zhiyuan , Gao Shuo , Zhang Helong , Xu Zhaosheng , Qian Wei
Published: February 2022

The suture strings is a particularly important pod trait that determines the quality and texture of snap bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). The St locus on chromosome 2 has been described as a major locus associated with suture strings. However, the gene and genetic basis underlying this locus remain unknown. Here, we investigated the suture strings of 138 snap bean accessions across two years. A total of 3.66 million single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were obtained by deep resequencing. Based on these SNPs, we identified a strong association signal on Chr02 and a promising candidate gene, PvGUX1_1. Further analysis revealed that the 2-bp deletion in exon of PvGUX1_1 was significantly associated with stringlessness. Comparative mapping indicated that PvGUX1_1 was a domesticated locus and diverged from PvGUX1_2 during an early stage. Our study provides important insights into the genetic mechanism of suture string formation and useful information for snap bean improvement.
Tracking influenza a virus infection in the lung from hematological data with machine learning
Authors: Jhutty Suneet Singh , Boehme Julia D. , Jeron Andreas , Volckmar Julia , Schultz Kristin , Schreiber Jens , Schughart Klaus , Zhou Kai , Steinheimer Jan , Stöcker Horst , Stegemann-Koniszewski Sabine , Bruder Dunja , Hernandez-Vargas Esteban A.
Published: February 2022

The tracking of pathogen burden and host responses with minimal-invasive methods during respiratory infections is central for monitoring disease development and guiding treatment decisions. Utilizing a standardized murine model of respiratory Influenza A virus (IAV) infection, we developed and tested different supervised machine learning models to predict viral burden and immune response markers,i.e. cytokines and leukocytes in the lung, from hematological data. We performed independentlyin vivoinfection experiments to acquire extensive data for training and testing purposes of the models. We show here that lung viral load, neutrophil counts, cytokines like IFN-γ and IL-6, and other lung infection markers can be predicted from hematological data. Furthermore, feature analysis of the models shows that blood granulocytes and platelets play a crucial role in prediction and are highly involved in the immune response against IAV. The proposedin silicotools pave the path towards improved tracking and monitoring of influenza infections and possibly other respiratory infections based on minimal-invasively obtained hematological parameters.
SEQUIN: rapid and reproducible analysis of RNA-seq data in R/Shiny
Authors: Weber Claire , Hirst Marissa B. , Ernest Ben , Baskir Hannah , Tristan Carlos A. , Chu Pei-Hsuan , Singeç Ilyas
Published: February 2022

SEQUIN is a new web application (app) that allows fast and intuitive RNA-sequencing data analysis for organisms, tissues, and single cells. Integrated app functions enable uploading datasets, quality control, gene set enrichment, data visualization, and differential gene expression analysis. We also present the iPSC Profiler, a practical tool that helps to measure pluripotency and cell differentiation. Freely available to the public, SEQUIN empowers scientists to investigate transcriptome data firsthand with cutting edge statistical methods.
Social capital as the main driver of organizationally valuable innovation
Authors: Meyer John P.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Through a juxtaposition of social capital with two other forms of intellectual capital – human capital and organizational capital – the author proposes and tests a framework that sets social capital apart as the main driver of innovations that contribute subsequent technical value to the innovating organization.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data collected from the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) for measurement of the key variables. Specifically, the analysis includes all 117 innovations patented under the thermal inkjet printing subclass that were issued in the twenty years following the establishment of that specific subclass in 1980. The author also collected additional data on the individuals and organizations listed on each patent.

Findings

The results of the analysis show that all intellectual capital is not the same and that social capital resulting from collaborative relationships among inventors has significantly more positive influence on the retained technical value of an innovation than organizational or human capital.

Practical implications

Rather than tout the primacy of individual intelligence to the generation of valuable innovation, this research suggests that it is preferable to bring together a group of inventors with narrow individual scientific expertise who instead rely on broad collaboration networks as a flexible source of diverse knowledge.

Originality/value

This research addresses an area of innovation research that has not been adequately explored – how do different forms of intellectual capital affect the value the resulting innovation has to the innovating organization?
Determining behavioural differences of Y and Z generational cohorts in online shopping
Authors: Agrawal Durgesh Kumar
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The present study aims at examining the behavioural differences of the Y and Z generational cohorts in online shopping for physical products.

Design/methodology/approach

Logistic regressions (LRs) were conducted to identify positively significant, negatively significant and insignificant variables/items of shopping motives to determine online shopping behavioural differences of both cohorts.

Findings

While shopping online, the Gen Y cohort focuses on rational decisions, and Gen Z derives enjoyment, learning, exploration and has a deal-hunting behaviour. Gen Y incorporates actual shopping experiences shared on social media, is relatively less individualistic and more social, unlike Gen Z youths who significantly value reviews and ratings. Both cohorts carry a high-product risk and sacrifice many hedonic motives. Y and Z cohorts perceive financial risk and a product's performance-related risks, respectively. The Z cohort has an intrinsic passion for digital technology whereas Gen Y uses it purposely. Thus, both have distinctive online shopping behaviours apart from some similarities.

Practical implications

Online retailers can use the findings of this study to develop more effective marketing strategies to serve both the cohorts better who have largely mutually exclusive online shopping behaviours.

Originality/value

The study measured actual behaviours on contemporary and comprehensive variables/items of utilitarian and hedonic motives, and associated perceived risks in online shopping exclusively. Therefore, the results offer significant, realistic and useful theoretical contributions in the present context to the existing literature on the subject matter along with valuable inputs to the practitioners.
Spatial disparity in gender pay gap and female workforce participation: a sub-national level study in Indian manufacturing sector
Authors: Das Simontini , Mondal Rhyme
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The paper intends to identify the factors that determine the variations in the gender pay gap and female workforce participation at low-skill manufacturing job across Indian states over the time period 2006–2014.

Design/methodology/approach

Gender pay gap is measured in two ways: one is scale insensitive and second one is scale sensitive. To construct scale-sensitive gender pay gap measure wage discrimination index is used. For main analysis, a panel framework is used. Fixed effect model and random effect model are estimated along with all relevant diagnostic tests.

Findings

Empirical analysis elucidates that male literacy rate, female literacy rate and gender parity index are important factors in explaining the variation in gender pay gap and women workforce participation at sub-national level in India. Female literacy rate significantly reduces the crude pay gap; however, it has insignificant effect on scale-sensitive gender pay gap in low-skill manufacturing sector. Educational enrolment widens up the crude wage gap but narrows down the other one. In case of workforce participation educational attainment and school enrolment both reduce women workforce participation in low-skill manufacturing job.

Research limitations/implications

The present research suffers from two major limitations. Due to lack of information, the paper is unable to study the impacts of female representation in trade unions, availability of supporting infrastructure like day-care facilities for working mothers, etc. in explaining the variation in gender pay gap and women workforce participation. The second limitation is that the research fails to address the issue related to selection into employment. The present paper uses the macro-level state-specific statistics instead of micro-level data; hence the imputed wage for unemployed but potential workers cannot be calculated.

Originality/value

The paper is unique in the sense that it highlights gender pay gap and female workforce participation issue in low-skill manufacturing sector at Indian sub-national level. There are no such papers that highlight these issues in the context of Indian manufacturing sector. Another contribution is that the present paper considers the scale-sensitive gender pay gap, whose determinants are different than crude gender pay gap.
The effect of social media on travel planning process by Chinese tourists: the way forward to tourism futures
Authors: Yuan Yuke , Chan Chung-Shing , Eichelberger Sarah , Ma Hang , Pikkemaat Birgit
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This paper investigates the usage and trust of Chinese social media in the travel planning process (pre-trip, during-trip and post-trip) of Chinese tourists.

Design/methodology/approach

Through a combination of structured online survey (n = 406) and follow-up interviews, the research identifies the diversification of the demand-and-supply patterns of social media users in China, as well as the allocation of functions of social media as tools before, during and after travel.

Findings

Social media users are diverse in terms of their adoption of social media, use behaviour and scope; the levels of trust and influence; and their ultimate travel decisions and actions. Correlations between the level of trust, influence of social media and the intended changes in travel decisions are observed. Destination marketers and tourism industries should observe and adapt to the needs of social media users and potential tourist markets by understanding more about user segmentation between platforms or apps and conducting marketing campaigns on social media platforms to attract a higher number of visitors.

Research limitations/implications

This paper demonstrated the case of social media usage in mainland China, which has been regarded as one of the fastest growing and influential tourist-generating markets and social media expansions in the world. This study further addressed the knowledge gap by correlating social media usage and travel planning process of Chinese tourists. The research findings suggested diversification of the demand-and-supply pattern of social media users in China, as well as the use of social media as tools before, during and after travel. Users were diversified in terms of their adoption of social media, use behaviour, scope, the levels of trust, influence and the ultimate travel decisions.

Practical implications

Destination marketing organizations should note that some overseas social media platforms that are not accessible in China like TripAdvisor, Yelp, Facebook and Instagram are still valued by some Chinese tourists, especially during-trip period in journeys to Western countries. Some tactics for specific user segments should be carefully observed. When promoting specific tourism products to Chinese tourists, it is necessary to understand the user segmentation between platforms or apps.

Originality/value

Social media is a powerful tool for tourism development and sustainability in creating smart tourists and destinations worldwide. In China, the use of social media has stimulated the development of both information and communication technology and tourism.
Unpacking the lived experiences of corporate bribery: a phenomenological analysis of the common sense in the Indonesian business world
Authors: Salama Nadiatus , Chikudate Nobuyuki
Published: February 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the meaning and lived experiences of Indonesian businesspeople who are engaged in corporate bribery.

Design/methodology/approach

This study takes a phenomenological approach to gain a deeper and more intense understanding of the real-life experiences of top executives, middle managers and lower-level employees in private companies in a broad range of medium-to-large enterprises in Indonesia.

Findings

The analysis resulted in three themes regarding corporate bribery: reasons, rationalization and effects. The results provide a deep and intricate understanding of bribery in the organizational context in general and among Indonesian businesspeople in particular.

Practical implications

This study has significant implications for practice because the results revealed how corporate bribery has been conducted and justified in the real practice of the Indonesian business world. Especially for managers who work in multinational corporations, they should consider the results of this study to avoid bribery practices in Indonesia.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this study is the first to investigate the reasoning and mindset of focal people who committed wrongdoings in the Indonesian business world. The findings provide evidence that businesspeople are imbued with the calculating rationality of a profit-focused mindset.
Contemporary occupational priorities at the end of life mapped against Model of Human Occupation constructs: A scoping review
Authors: Morgan Deidre D. , Taylor Renée R. , Ivy Mack , George Stacey , Farrow Caroline , Lee Vincci
Published: February 2022

Introduction

People with end‐of‐life care needs are seen in an increasingly diverse range of health and community settings. Opportunity for continued occupational participation is highly valued by people at the end of life. This scoping review sought to identify the priorities and preferences for participation at the end of life and to map findings using the model of human occupation.

Methods

A search strategy informed by the research question was developed in collaboration with a research librarian. Data sources used were Ovid Medline(R), CINAHL, Ovid Emcare, Scopus, Web of Science and PsychInfo. Studies that focused on clinician perspectives, clinical care, grief and loss, did not clearly identify end‐stage diseases, <18 years and written in languages other than English were excluded.

Findings

Forty‐four studies were included with a total of 1,070 study participants. Inductively developed themes were mapped against the model of human occupation constructs of volition (personal causation, values, interests), habituation (habits of occupational performance and routine), performance capacity and the lived body within the physical, social and occupational environment. The majority of findings sat within the construct of volition, particularly around sense of personal capacity, self‐efficacy and values. At the end of life, people prioritise ongoing engagement in valued occupations even if participation is effortful. As disease progresses, opportunity to exert influence and control over this participation and engagement increases in importance. Personal causation plays an important role in the experience of occupational participation at this time.

Conclusion

This review provides important insights into the occupational priorities of people at the end of life and the importance of supporting agency and volition at this time. The model of human occupation and its client‐centred focus offer a framework for a more robust examination of ways to enhance volitional capacity and enable occupational participation for people at the end of life.
How Does Firm‐Specific Investor Sentiment Affect the Value of Corporate Cash Holdings?
Authors: Guo Haifeng , Yin Chao , Zeng Yeqin
Published: February 2022

We document a positive relation between firm‐specific investor sentiment (FSIS) and the value of cash. We also show that FSIS has a stronger positive effect on the value of cash than the value of other types of assets, suggesting that our finding is not a simple reflection of firm‐level overvaluation. Our finding is robust to alternative measures of change in cash, different cash regimes, FSIS measured by order imbalance, news sentiment and the tone of earnings conference call transcripts and controlling for market‐wide sentiment, institutional monitoring, corporate governance and endogeneity. Cross‐sectional analyses suggest that the positive relation between FSIS and the value of cash is stronger for firms with better future growth opportunities, larger investment, more innovation activities, higher information asymmetry and more liquid stocks. Overall, our paper sheds light on the important role of FSIS in corporate outcomes.
Research progress in the screening and evaluation of umami peptides
Authors: Qi Lulu , Gao Xinchang , Pan Daodong , Sun Yangying , Cai Zhendong , Xiong Yongzhao , Dang Yali
Published: February 2022

Umami is an important element affecting food taste, and the development of umami peptides is a topic of interest in food‐flavoring research. The existing technology used for traditional screening of umami peptides is time‐consuming and labor‐intensive, making it difficult to meet the requirements of high‐throughput screening, which limits the rapid development of umami peptides. The difficulty in performing a standard measurement of umami intensity is another problem that restricts the development of umami peptides. The existing methods are not sensitive and specific, making it difficult to achieve a standard evaluation of umami taste. This review summarizes the umami receptors and umami peptides, focusing on the problems restricting the development of umami peptides, high‐throughput screening, and establishment of evaluation standards. The rapid screening of umami peptides was realized based on molecular docking technology and a machine learning method, and the standard evaluation of umami could be realized with a bionic taste sensor. The progress of rapid screening and evaluation methods significantly promotes the study of umami peptides and increases its application in the seasoning industry.
Analysis of sleep in individual Drosophila melanogaster reveals a self‐regulatory role for cuticular hydrocarbons pheromones
Authors: Wu Xiaoyu , Wang Su , Zhao Xianguo , Wen Jing , Li Yahong , Zhao Zhangwu , Du Juan
Published: February 2022

It is well established that pheromones are used by insects to transmit information between individuals. However, research has revealed that individual insects can be both the sender and the receiver of some pheromonal signals. It is therefore interesting to consider whether the pheromonal state of an individual insect can exert an effect on itself. In this study, we monitored the sleep activity of single flies exhibiting a mutation that leads to pheromonal deficiency and found that cuticular hydrocarbons (CHs) exerted self‐regulatory effects on the amount of sleep experienced by these flies. To identify the physiological significance of this mechanism, we compared the amounts of sleep in individual young flies and individual old flies (flies are known to sleep less as they get older) and compared this data with young and old flies exhibiting mutations that lead to CH reception defects. The differences in the amount of sleep experienced by young and old mutant flies were significantly lower than those of the control flies. Our data show that hydrocarbon signals produced by the cuticle in Drosophila can be self‐perceived and regulate the amount of sleep acquired in a maturation‐dependent manner.