bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Value of Repeated Troponin Measurements to Improve the Safety of the HEART Score for Chest Pain Patients at the Emergency Department
Authors: Ras Marten , Reitsma Johannes B. , Hoes Arno W. , Six A. Jacob , Poldervaart Judith M.
Published: February 2020

Objective:

The HEART score is a clinical decision support tool for physicians to stratify the risk of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in patients presenting with chest pain at the emergency department. The score includes 5 elements, including troponin level. Our aim was to compare safety and efficiency of the HEART scores calculated by using the first representative troponin (ie, based on time since symptom onset) compared to the original HEART score, where calculation was based on the first available troponin measurement, irrespective of duration of symptoms.

Methods:

We performed a secondary analysis on patients from the HEART-impact trial (2013–2014, the Netherlands). Two HEART scores were calculated for all patients: a HEART score with a T (troponin) element score based on the first available troponin (HEART-first) and 1 with a T element score based on the first representative troponin (ie, at least 3 hours after symptom onset; HEART-representative). We compared all patients’ scores and risk categories between HEART-first and HEART-representative. Furthermore, we compared safety (proportion of patients with MACE receiving a low score) and efficiency (proportion of patients with a low score) between HEART-first and HEART-representative.

Results:

We included 1222 patients. In 882 (72%) patients, the first troponin was representative, resulting in the same HEART-first and HEART-representative score. In the remaining 340 patients the use of HEART-representative led to a different score than HEART-first in 43 patients (3.5%). Out of the 222 patients with MACE, 11 patients (5.0%) received a low score by using HEART-first compared with 10 patients (4.5%) when using HEART-representative (P = 0.83). The number of patients with a low score was similar (P = 0.93) when using the HEART-first (464/1222; 38%) or HEART-representative score (462/1222; 38%).

Conclusions:

Using a representative troponin measurement changed the value of the HEART score in only 3.5% of patients and had no impact on safety and efficiency of the HEART score. These results suggest there is no need to wait for a representative troponin measurement and should encourage physicians to adhere to the original HEART score guidelines.
Vecta Mobile Sensory Station and Pediatric Patients' Experience in a Same-Day Surgery Unit
Authors: Trump Elizabeth , Holcomb Denise , Mitchell Katharina , Davis Kristin , Kohler William , Ullery Bridget , Carr Michele
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Patient anxiety in the perioperative setting is a concern for healthcare professionals. This anxiety is especially pronounced in pediatric patients, as perioperative areas are especially traumatic for children. Studies have been performed showing that distraction techniques such as clowns or computer games are useful to help manage anxiety during the induction of anesthesia. No study has been performed using the Vecta sensory station as a method of decreasing perioperative anxiety in children.

Methods

In the preoperative and postoperative areas at our tertiary care hospitals from July to Sept 2017, caregivers were offered the Vecta sensory station for the pediatric patients to use. Perceptions were collected by a short survey.

Results

Forty-eight girls and 64 boys were included in the study. Furthermore, 71.4% of caregivers said that it helped to pass waiting time a lot, with over 98% of caregivers saying they would ask for it again the next time their child needed surgery. Among perioperative nurses, 98.2% felt that the Vecta did not interfere with care delivery, and 86.6% felt it was helpful in keeping patients calm.

Conclusion

The Vecta was considered successful by caregivers of pediatric patients as a useful technique to reduce perioperative anxiety in children.
Characteristics and Outcomes Among Patients With Autoimmune Rheumatic Diseases Requiring a Higher Level of Care
Authors: Parperis Konstantinos , Al-Charakh Mohammed , Nzuonkwelle Sumediah , McPherson Mark , Al-Marzooq Ali , Bhattarai Bikash
Published: February 2020

Objective

Patients with autoimmune rheumatic diseases (ARDs) have a higher risk of developing organ failure, and they may require admission to the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of our study is to determine the reasons for admission to the ICU, identify potential risk factors associated with mortality, and assess the outcomes of patients with ARD diseases admitted to the ICU.

Methods

We conducted a medical records review study of patients with ARD admitted to the ICU from 2012 to 2018. Patient data included demographic and clinical characteristics, ICU admission diagnoses, length of stay, complications, and immunosuppressive regimen. Short-term and long-term outcomes were assessed.

Results

A total of 80 ARD patients were identified with the mean age of 48.8, 67% were female, and 56% were Hispanic. The most common disease associated with ICU admission was systemic lupus erythematosus (42%), followed by rheumatoid arthritis (26%), and 12% of patients had systemic vasculitis. Sepsis was the leading cause of ICU admission, accounting for 31%, followed by respiratory failure due to pneumonia (10%) and congestive heart failure (10%). Twenty percent of patients died in the ICU, 5% died 30 days after ICU admission, and 7.5% died within 1 year after the ICU stay, resulting in overall mortality of 33% by the end of 1 year. Nonsurvivors were more likely to need mechanical ventilation (p = 0.001), vasopressor support (p < 0.001), had renal (p = 0.041) or cardiovascular (p < 0.001) involvement on admission, APACHE II score higher than 19 (p = 0.001), and 4 days or longer stay in the ICU (p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Our findings indicated that systemic lupus erythematosus is the most common ARD associated with ICU admission, and sepsis was the most frequent cause. Predictors associated with higher mortality were the requirement for mechanical ventilation, vasopressor support, increase length of ICU stay, and renal and cardiovascular involvement on admission.
Effect of smoking cessation on CT imaging in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A systematic review
Authors: Cheng Daryl , Agarwal Siddharth , Jacob Joseph , Hurst John R
Published: February 2020

Background

Smoking cessation is the only intervention known to affect disease progression in patients with COPD as measured by the rate of change in forced expiratory volume/1s (FEV1) over time. The need for new drugs to modify the progression of COPD is well recognised. We hypothesised that changes on CT in relation to smoking cessation may relate to changes in response to disease-modifying drugs, and therefore as a novel quantitative biomarker of drug efficacy. CT biomarkers of emphysema and airway wall thickness are increasingly used in research, but there has not been a systematic appraisal of the evidence to assess how these biomarkers evolve with a change in smoking exposure in COPD patients.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library (Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)), and Web of Science to 10th September 2019. We included longitudinal studies of smoking COPD patients who had CT scans before and after smoking cessation. Two review authors (DC, SA) independently screened studies, extracted outcome data and assessed the risk of bias, with a third reviewer (JRH) arbitrating conflicts.

Results

Four studies were included in the final analysis. Three studies measured CT markers of lung density, which all, perhaps counter-intuitively, showed a significant decrease with smoking cessation. One study measured CT markers of airway wall thickness, which also significantly decreased with smoking cessation.

Authors’ conclusions

Smoking cessation in COPD patients causes a fall in lung density, but the magnitude of the effect has not been rigorously assessed. One study has reported a decrease in airway wall thickness with smoking cessation. The number of studies is small, with some risk of bias. This question remains important for COPD researchers and requires further studies, in particular to assess whether changes with smoking cessation may model changes in response to novel pharmaceutical agents, and how to handle change in smoking status in relation to longitudinal observational imaging studies in COPD.
Increases in ambient temperature progressively disassembleArabidopsisphytochrome B from individual photobodies with distinct thermostabilities
Authors: Hahm Joseph , Kim Keunhwa , Qiu Yongjian , Chen Meng
Published: February 2020

Warm temperature is postulated to induce plant thermomorphogenesis through a signaling mechanism similar to shade, as both destabilize the active form of the photoreceptor and thermosensor phytochrome B (phyB). At the cellular level, shade antagonizes phyB signaling by triggering phyB disassembly from photobodies. Here we report temperature-dependent photobody localization of fluorescent protein-tagged phyB (phyB-FP) in the epidermal cells ofArabidopsishypocotyl and cotyledon. Our results demonstrate that warm temperature operates through different photobody dynamics from shade. Increases in temperature from 12°C to 27°C incrementally reduce photobody number by stimulating phyB-FP disassembly from selective thermo-unstable photobodies. The thermostability of photobodies relies on phyB’s photosensory module. Surprisingly, elevated temperatures inflict opposite effects on phyB’s functions in the hypocotyl and cotyledon despite inducing similar photobody dynamics, indicative of tissue/organ-specific temperature signaling circuitry downstream of photobody dynamics. Our results thus provide direct cell biology evidence supporting an early temperature signaling mechanism via dynamic assembly/disassembly of individual photobodies possessing distinct thermostabilities.
ADAR1 can drive Multiple Myeloma progression by acting both as an RNA editor of specific transcripts and as a DNA mutator of their cognate genes
Authors: Tasakis Rafail Nikolaos , Laganà Alessandro , Stamkopoulou Dimitra , Melnekoff David T. , Nedumaran Pavithra , Leshchenko Violetta , Pecori Riccardo , Parekh Samir , Papavasiliou F. Nina
Published: February 2020

RNA editing is an epitranscriptomic modification of emerging relevance to disease development and manifestations. ADAR1, which resides on human chromosome 1q21, is an RNA editor whose over-expression, either by interferon (IFN) induction or through gene amplification, is associated with increased editing and poor outcomes in Multiple Myeloma (MM). Here we explored the role of ADAR1 in the context of MM progression, by focusing on a group of 23 patients in the MMRF CoMMpass Study for which RNAseq and WES datasets exist for matched pre-and post-relapse samples. Our analysis reveals an acquisition of new DNA mutations on disease progression at specific loci surrounding the sites of ADAR associated (A-to-I) RNA editing. These analyses suggest that the RNA editing enzyme ADAR1 can function as a DNA mutator during Multiple Myeloma (MM) progression, and further imply that guide-targeted RNA editing has the capacity to generate specific mutational signatures at predetermined locations. This dual role of RNA editor and DNA mutator might be shared by other deaminases, such as APOBECs, so that DNA mutation might be the result of collateral damage on the genome by an editing enzyme whose primary job is to re-code the cognate transcript toward specific functional outcomes.
Visual and semantic representations predict subsequent memory in perceptual and conceptual memory tests
Authors: Davis Simon W. , Geib Benjamin R. , Wing Erik A. , Wang Wei-Chun , Hovhannisyan Mariam , Monge Zachary A. , Cabeza Roberto
Published: February 2020

It is generally assumed that the encoding of a single event generates multiple memory representations, which contribute differently to subsequent episodic memory. We used fMRI and representational similarity analysis (RSA) to examine how visual and semantic representations predicted subsequent memory for single item encoding (e.g., seeing an orange). Three levels of visual representations corresponding to early, middle, and late visual processing stages were based on a deep neural network. Three levels of semantic representations were based on normative Observed (“is round”), Taxonomic (“is a fruit”), and Encyclopedic features (“is sweet”). We identified brain regions where each representation type predicted later Perceptual Memory, Conceptual Memory, or both (General Memory). Participants encoded objects during fMRI, and then completed both a word-based conceptual and picture-based perceptual memory test. Visual representations predicted subsequent Perceptual Memory in visual cortices, but also facilitated Conceptual and General Memory in more anterior regions. Semantic representations, in turn, predicted Perceptual Memory in visual cortex, Conceptual Memory in the perirhinal and inferior prefrontal cortex, and General Memory in the angular gyrus. These results suggest that the contribution of visual and semantic representations to subsequent memory effects depends on a complex interaction between representation, test type, and storage location.
Adapting CRISPR/Cas9 System for Targeting Mitochondrial Genome
Authors: Hussain Syed-Rehan A. , Yalvac Mehmet E. , Khoo Bendict , Eckardt Sigrid , McLaughlin K. John
Published: February 2020

Gene editing of the mitochondrial genome using CRISPR-Cas9 system is highly challenging mainly due to sub-efficient delivery of guide RNA and Cas9 enzyme complexes into mitochondria. In this study, we were able to perform gene editing in the mitochondrial DNA by appending NADH-ubiquinone oxidoreductase chain 4 (ND4) targeting guide RNA to a RNA transport derived stem loop element (RP-loop) and expressing the Cas9 enzyme with preceding mitochondrial localization sequence. Our results showed mitochondrial co-localization of RP-loop gRNA and a marked reduction of ND4 expression in the cells carrying a A11204G variant in their ND4 sequence coincidently decreasing the mtDNA levels. This proof-of-concept study suggests that stem loop element added sgRNA can be transported to the mitochondria and functionally interact with Cas9 to mediate sequence specific mtDNA cleavage. Using this novel approach to target the mtDNA, our results provide further evidence that CRISPR-Cas9 mediated gene editing might potentially be used to treat mtDNA related diseases.
MS-DIAL 4: accelerating lipidomics using an MS/MS, CCS, and retention time atlas
Authors: Tsugawa Hiroshi , Ikeda Kazutaka , Takahashi Mikiko , Satoh Aya , Mori Yoshifumi , Uchino Haruki , Okahashi Nobuyuki , Yamada Yutaka , Tada Ipputa , Bonini Paolo , Higashi Yasuhiro , Okazaki Yozo , Zhou Zhiwei , Zhu Zheng-Jiang , Koelmel Jeremy , Cajka Tomas , Fiehn Oliver , Saito Kazuki , Arita Masanori , Arita Makoto
Published: February 2020

To the Editor

We formulated mass spectral fragmentations of lipids across 117 lipid subclasses and included ion mobility tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) to provide a comprehensive lipidome atlas with retention time, collision cross section, and MS/MS information. The all-in-one solution from import of raw MS data to export of a common output format (mztab-M) was packaged in MS-DIAL 4 (http://prime.psc.riken.jp/) providing an enhanced standardized untargeted lipidomics procedure following lipidomics standards initiative (LSI) semi-quantitative definitions and shorthand notation system of lipid structures with a 1–2% estimated false discovery rate, which will contribute to harmonizing lipidomics data across laboratories to accelerate lipids research.
Epidemic size of novel coronavirus-infected pneumonia in the Epicenter Wuhan: using data of five-countries’ evacuation action
Authors: Zhao Hongxin , Man Sailimai , Wang Bo , Ning Yi
Published: February 2020

Background

Since late December 2019, novel coronavirus–infected pneumonia (NCP) emerged in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. Meanwhile, NCP rapidly spread from China to other countries, and several countries’ government rush to evacuate their citizens from Wuhan. We analyzed the infection rate of the evacuees and extrapolated the results in Wuhan’s NCP incidence estimation.

Methods

We collected the total number and confirmed cases of 2019-nCov infection in the evacuation of Korea, Japan, Germany, Singapore, and France and estimated the infection rate of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCov) among people who were evacuated from Wuhan with a meta-analysis. NCP incidence of Wuhan was indirectly estimated based on data of evacuation.

Results

From Jan 29 to Feb 2, 2020, 1916 people have been evacuated from Wuhan, among them 17 have been confirmed 2019-nCov infected. The infection rate is estimated to be 1.1% (95% CI 0.4%-3.1%) using one group meta-analysis method with random effect model. We then estimated that almost 110,000 (95% CI: 40,000-310,000) people were infected with 2019-nCov in Wuhan around Feb 2, 2020, assuming the infection risk of evacuees is close to Chinese citizens in Wuhan.

Conclusions

At the beginning of the outbreak, incidence of NCP may be vastly underestimated. Our result emphasizes that 2019-nCov has proposed a huge public health threats in Wuhan. We need to respond more rapidly, take large-scale public health interventions and draconian measures to limiting population mobility and control the epidemic.
ACE2 Expression in Kidney and Testis May Cause Kidney and Testis Damage After 2019-nCoV Infection
Authors: Fan Caibin , Li Kai , Ding Yanhong , Lu Wei , Wang Jianqing
Published: February 2020

In December 2019 and January 2020, novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) - infected pneumonia (NCIP) occurred in Wuhan, and has already posed a serious threat to public health. ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2) has been shown to be one of the major receptors that mediate the entry of 2019-nCoV into human cells, which also happens in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS). Several researches have indicated that some patients have abnormal renal function or even kidney damage in addition to injury in respiratory system, and the related mechanism is unknown. This arouses our interest in whether coronavirus infection will affect the urinary and male reproductive systems. Here in this study, we used the online datasets to analyze ACE2 expression in different human organs. The results indicate that ACE2 highly expresses in renal tubular cells, Leydig cells and cells in seminiferous ducts in testis. Therefore, virus might directly bind to such ACE2 positive cells and damage the kidney and testicular tissue of patients. Our results indicate that renal function evaluation and special care should be performed in 2019-nCoV patients during clinical work, because of the kidney damage caused by virus and antiviral drugs with certain renal toxicity. In addition, due to the potential pathogenicity of the virus to testicular tissues, clinicians should pay attention to the risk of testicular lesions in patients during hospitalization and later clinical follow-up, especially the assessment and appropriate intervention in young patients’ fertility.
Host-induced gene silencing involves Arabidopsis ESCRT-III pathway for the transfer of dsRNA-derived siRNA
Authors: Timo Schlemmer , Lisa Weipert , Patrick Barth , Timo Werner Bernhard , Christian Preußer , Martin Hardt , Anna Möbus , Dagmar Biedenkopf , Martina Claar , Lukas Jelonek , Alexander Goesmann , Vannuruswamy Garikapati , Bernhard Spengler , Tobias Busche , Jörn Kalinowski , Aline Koch
Published: February 2020

Small (s)RNAs and their double-stranded (ds)RNA precursors have been adopted to control diseases in crop plants through expression in transgenic plants and targeted gene silencing (host-induced gene silencing, HIGS). While HIGS strategies proved to be effective, the mechanism of RNA transfer at the plant - pathogen interface is widely unknown. Here we show that extracellular vesicles (EVs) purified fromArabidopsis thalianaplants expressing CYP3RNA, a dsRNA originally designed to target the threeCYP51genes of the fungal pathogenFusarium graminearum, contain CYP3RNA-derived small interfering (si)RNAs as shown by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis. These transgene specific siRNAs had a length of 21 and 22 nucleotides with a bias towards 5’-uracil (U) and 5’-adenine (A). Notably, stringent protease and RNase treated EV fractions contained >70% less CYP3RNA-derived siRNAs, suggesting the presence of co-purified extravesicular nucleoprotein complexes stabilizing siRNAs outside of EVs. In addition, mutants of the ESCRT-III complex showed a loss of HIGS-mediated disease resistance and EVs isolated from these mutants were free of CYP3RNA-derived siRNAs. Together, these findings support the view that endosomal vesicle trafficking is required for HIGS mediating the transfer of transgene-derived siRNAs between donor host cells and recipient fungal cells probably in an EV-independent manner.
Adaptive laboratory evolution and reverse engineering of single-vitamin prototrophies inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Perli Thomas , Moonen Dewi P.I. , van den Broek Marcel , Pronk Jack T. , Daran Jean-Marc
Published: February 2020

Quantitative physiological studies onSaccharomyces cerevisiaecommonly use synthetic media (SM) that contain a set of water-soluble growth factors that, based on their roles in human nutrition, are referred to as B-vitamins. Previous work demonstrated that, inS. cerevisiaeCEN.PK113-7D, requirements for biotin could be eliminated by laboratory evolution. In the present study, this laboratory strain was shown to exhibit suboptimal specific growth rates when either inositol, nicotinic acid, pyridoxine, pantothenic acid,para-aminobenzoic acid (pABA) or thiamine were omitted from SM. Subsequently, this strain was evolved in parallel serial-transfer experiments for fast aerobic growth on glucose in the absence of individual B-vitamins. In all evolution lines, specific growth rates reached at least 90 % of the growth rate observed in SM supplemented with a complete B-vitamin mixture. Fast growth was already observed after a few transfers on SM withoutmyo-inositol, nicotinic acid orpABA. Reaching similar results in SM lacking thiamine, pyridoxine or pantothenate required over 300 generations of selective growth. The genomes of evolved single-colony isolates were re-sequenced and, for each B-vitamin, a subset of non-synonymous mutations associated with fast vitamin-independent growth were selected. These mutations were introduced in a non-evolved reference strain using CRISPR/Cas9-based genome editing. For each B-vitamin, introduction of a small number of mutations sufficed to achieve substantially a increased specific growth rate in non-supplemented SM that represented at least 87% of the specific growth rate observed in fully supplemented complete SM.

Importance

Many strains ofSaccharomyces cerevisiae, a popular platform organism in industrial biotechnology, carry the genetic information required for synthesis of biotin, thiamine, pyridoxine,para-aminobenzoic acid, pantothenic acid, nicotinic acid and inositol. However, omission of these B-vitamins typically leads to suboptimal growth. This study demonstrates that, for each individual B-vitamin, it is possible to achieve fast vitamin-independent growth by adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). Identification of mutations responsible for these fast-growing phenotype by whole-genome sequencing and reverse engineering showed that, for each compound, a small number of mutations sufficed to achieve fast growth in its absence. These results form an important first step towards development ofS. cerevisiaestrains that exhibit fast growth on cheap, fully mineral media that only require complementation with a carbon source, thereby reducing costs, complexity and contamination risks in industrial yeast fermentation processes.
Therapeutic Communication Skills Training: An Effective Tool to Improve the Caring Behaviors of ICU Nurses
Authors: Zare Farzane , Farokhzadian Jamileh , Nematollahi Monirsadat , Miri Sakineh , Foroughameri Golnaz
Published: February 2020

Background

Caring behaviors are crucial in intensive care units (ICU) because patients in these wards require high levels of care. Effective communication with patients is one of the most important factors in caring behaviors of nurses working in ICUs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of therapeutic communication skills training on the caring behaviors of ICU nurese.

Materials and Methods

This experimental pre-test/post-test study was carried out on 105 nurses working in ICUs of hospitals affiliated to Yazd University of Medical Sciences in Iran in 2019. Nurses were randomly assigned into control (52 nurses) and intervention (53 nurses) groups. A two-day therapeutic communication training workshop was conducted for the participants. Data were collected using demographic information questionnaire and caring behaviors questionnaire before and one month after the intervention.

Results

The findings showed no significant difference between the control and intervention groups regarding the nurses’ caring behaviors in the pretest (P = 0.148). However, after implementation of the training program, a significant difference was observed in the mean scores of caring behaviors between the two groups. In the control group, the mean scores of caring behaviors decreased significantly after the intervention (P = 0.001); whereas, the mean scores of intervention group increased significantly after the intervention (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

According to the results, ICU nurses’ training in therapeutic communication skills had a positive effect on their caring behaviors. Therefore, we suggest the authorities prepare and implement educational packages of therapeutic communication skills as a coherent program for other nurses. As a result, the caring behaviors and the quality of cares can be improved for patients.
Genetic conditionality of strength by the ACE gene in women horse riders
Authors: Majchrowicz Lena , Matłosz Piotr , Majchrowicz Rena
Published: February 2020

The sport performance relies on hard work, intensity, duration of workout and undoubtedly on genetic background. These components fold on multicausal character of sport achievements. One of the best known genes associated with sport performance is angiotensin converting enzyme gene (ACE). In this study, we showed ACE distribution in women horse riders and the correlation between physiological and genetic background, that should be taken into account when deciding to train sports discipline. Data from 40 healthy female adults were collected. Participants trained horse-riding for at least 3 years and participated in sport competition at least at national level and control group consist of out of training persons. We analysed BMI, %FAT, cardiorespiratory efficiency (VO2max), Complex Reaction Time, body balance, force and Lower Limbs Explosive Force between both calculated groups. Physiological data was calculated by non-parametric Mann-Whitney test with Dunnett’s post hoc test. The DNA amplification from saliva was performed by PCR method to analyze the ACE genotype distribution. In our study, for the first time we showed that the women training dressage have higher force and complex reaction time than the control group. It was correlated with possession of the D allele in genotype that is associated with muscle strength, efficiency and muscle power. There is no research relating to ACE polymorphism among horse riders. This paper showed angiotensin converting enzyme gene distribution polymorphism in female Polish professional horse riders. This article confirms correlation between genotype, sports results and physiological parameters.
Fgf4is critical for maintainingHes7levels and Notch oscillations in the somite segmentation clock
Authors: Anderson Matthew J. , Magidson Valentin , Kageyama Ryoichiro , Lewandoski Mark
Published: February 2020

During vertebrate development, the presomitic mesoderm (PSM) is periodically segmented into somites, which will form the segmented vertebral column and associated muscle, connective tissue, and dermis. The periodicity of somitogenesis is regulated by a segmentation clock of oscillating Notch activity. Here, we examined mouse mutants lacking onlyFgf4orFgf8, which we previously demonstrated act redundantly to prevent PSM differentiation.Fgf8is not required for somitogenesis, butFgf4mutants display a range of vertebral defects. We analyzedFgf4mutants by quantifying mRNAs fluorescently labeled by hybridization chain reaction within Imaris-based volumetric tissue subsets. These data indicate that FGF4 controls Notch pathway oscillations through the transcriptional repressor, HES7. This hypothesis is supported by demonstrating a genetic synergy betweenHes7andFgf4, but not withFgf8. Thus,Fgf4is an essential Notch oscillation regulator and potentially important in a spectrum of human Segmentation Defects of the Vertebrae caused by defective Notch oscillations.
Mitochondria regulateDrosophilaintestinal stem cell differentiation through FOXO
Authors: Zhang Fan , Pirooznia Mehdi , Xu Hong
Published: February 2020

Stem cells often rely on glycolysis for energy production, and switching to oxidative phosphorylation is believed to be essential for their differentiation. To explore the link between mitochondrial respiration and stem cell differentiation, we genetically disrupted electron transport chain (ETC) complexes in the intestinal stem cells (ISCs) ofDrosophila. We found that ISCs carrying impaired ETC proliferated much more slowly than normal, produced very few intestinal progenitors, or enteroblasts, and failed to differentiate into enterocytes or enteroendocrine cells. One of the main impediments to ISCs’ differentiation appeared to be abnormally elevated forkhead box O (FOXO) signaling in the ETC-deficient ISCs, as genetically suppressing the signaling pathway partially rescued the differentiation defect. Contrary to common belief, neither reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation nor adenosine triphosphate (ATP) reduction appeared to mediate the ETC mutant phenotype. Our results demonstrate that ETC is essential forDrosophilaISC proliferation and differentiationin vivo, and acts at least partially by repressing endogenous FOXO signaling. They also raise the possibility that ETC complexes have a role in stem cell differentiation beyond electron transfer and ATP production.
Salamander-like tail regeneration in the West African lungfish
Authors: Verissimo Kellen Matos , Perez Louise Neiva , Dragalzew Aline Cutrim , Senevirathne Gayani , Darnet Sylvain , Mendes Wainna Renata Barroso , dos Santos Neves Ciro Ariel , dos Santos Erika Monteiro , de Sousa Moraes Cassia Nazare , Elewa Ahmed , Shubin Neil , Froebisch Nadia Belinda , de Freitas Sousa Josane , Schneider Igor
Published: February 2020

Salamanders, frog tadpoles, and diverse lizards have the remarkable ability to regenerate tails. Paleontological data suggests that this capacity is plesiomorphic, yet when the developmental and genetic architecture of tail regeneration arose is poorly understood. Here we show morphological and molecular hallmarks of tetrapod tail regeneration in the West African lungfishProtopterus annectens, a living representative of the sister group of tetrapods. As in salamanders, lungfish tail regeneration occursviaformation of a proliferative blastema and restores original structures, including muscle, skeleton and spinal cord. In contrast to lizards and similar to salamanders and frogs, lungfish regenerate spinal cord neurons and reconstitute dorsoventral patterning of the tail. Similar to salamander and frog tadpoles,Shhis required for lungfish tail regeneration. Through RNA-seq analysis of uninjured and regenerating tail blastema, we show that the genetic program deployed during lungfish tail regeneration maintains extensive overlap with that of tetrapods, with the upregulation of genes and signaling pathways previously implicated in amphibian and lizard tail regeneration. Furthermore, the lungfish tail blastema showed marked upregulation of genes encoding post-transcriptional RNA processing components and transposon-derived genes. Our results show that developmental processes and genetic program of tetrapod tail regeneration were present at least near the base of the sarcopterygian clade and establish the lungfish as a valuable research system for regenerative biology.
A novel temporal identity window generates alternating cardinal motor neuron subtypes in a single progenitor lineage
Authors: Seroka Austin , Yazejian Rita M , Lai Sen-Lin , Doe Chris Q
Published: February 2020

Spatial patterning specifies neural progenitor identity, with further diversity generated by temporal patterning within individual progenitor lineages. These mechanisms generate cardinal classes of motor neurons (sharing a transcription factor identity and common muscle group targets). InDrosophila, two cardinal classes are Even-skipped (Eve)+ motor neurons projecting to dorsal muscles and Nkx6+ motor neurons projecting to ventral muscles. TheDrosophilaneuroblast 7-1 (NB7-1) lineage generates distinct Eve+ motor neurons via the temporal transcription factor (TTF) cascade Hunchback (Hb)-Krüppel (Kr)-Pdm-Castor (Cas). Here we show that a newly discovered Kr/Pdm temporal identity window gives rise to an Nkx6+ Eve-motor neuron projecting to ventral oblique muscles, resulting in alternation of cardinal motor neuron subtypes from a single progenitor (Eve>Nkx6>Eve). We show that co-overexpression of Kr/Pdm generates ectopic VO motor neurons within the NB7-1 lineage and that Kr/Pdm act via Nkx6, which itself is necessary and sufficient for VO motor neuron identity. Lastly, Nkx6 is required for ventral oblique muscle targeting, thereby linking temporal patterning to motor neuron morphology and synaptic target selection. In conclusion, we show that one neuroblast lineage generates interleaved cardinal motor neurons fates; that the Kr/Pdm TTFs form a novel temporal identity window that promotes expression of Nkx6; and that the Kr/Pdm>Nkx6 pathway is necessary and sufficient to specify VO motor neuron identity and morphology.
A new hydrate of magnesium carbonate, MgCO3·6H2O
Authors: Rincke Christine , Schmidt Horst , Voigt Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

During investigations of the formation of hydrated magnesium carbonates, a sample of the previously unknown magnesium carbonate hexahydrate (MgCO3·6H2O) was synthesized in an aqueous solution at 273.15 K. The crystal structure consists of edge-linked isolated pairs of Mg(CO3)(H2O)4 octahedra and noncoordinating water molecules, and exhibits similarities to NiCO3·5.5H2O (hellyerite). The recorded X-ray diffraction pattern and the Raman spectra confirmed the formation of a new phase and its transformation to magnesium carbonate trihydrate (MgCO3·3H2O) at room temperature.
Thermoelectric transport properties in magnetically ordered crystals. Further corrigenda and addenda
Authors: Grimmer Hans
Published: February 2020

Further corrigenda and addenda for the article by Grimmer [Acta Cryst. (2017), A73, 333–345] are reported. New figures in the supporting information show how the restrictions on the forms of galvanomagnetic and thermomagnetic tensors are related to those on corresponding thermoelectromagnetic tensors.
Optimal energy management of microgrid using advanced multi-objective particle swarm optimization
Authors: Anh Ho Pham Huy , Kien Cao Van
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to propose an optimal energy management (OEM) method using intelligent optimization techniques applied to implement an optimally hybrid heat and power isolated microgrid. The microgrid investigated combines renewable and conventional power generation.

Design/methodology/approach

Five bio-inspired optimization methods include an advanced proposed multi-objective particle swarm optimization (MOPSO) approach which is comparatively applied for OEM of the implemented microgrid with other bio-inspired optimization approaches via their comparative simulation results.

Findings

Optimal multi-objective solutions through Pareto front demonstrate that the advanced proposed MOPSO method performs quite better in comparison with other meta-heuristic optimization methods. Moreover, the proposed MOPSO is successfully applied to perform 24-h OEM microgrid. The simulation results also display the merits of the real time optimization along with the arbitrary of users’ selection as to satisfy their power requirement.

Originality/value

This paper focuses on the OEM of a designed microgrid using a newly proposed modified MOPSO algorithm. Optimal multi-objective solutions through Pareto front demonstrate that the advanced proposed MOPSO method performs quite better in comparison with other meta-heuristic optimization approaches.
Seismic structural responses reduction of double-layered containment nuclear power plant via BIS-TMD
Authors: Hou Gangling , Liu Yu , Li Meng , Sun Menghan , Sun Feng , Zhu Xiuyun , Pan Rong , Zhang Dongyu
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In recent years, a new type of double-layered containment structure of nuclear power plant has been built in China, named ACP1000 NNP. This paper aims to propose a new method to mitigate the seismic responses of this type of the structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The new base isolation structure (BIS)- tuned mass damper (TMD) structure was proposed and implemented only by modifying the connection between various components of NPPs, and the application of this concept design in ACP1000 was skillfully realized.

Findings

The new structure adopts the combination of structural form and function, adopts appropriate amplification of the seismic response of the secondary component, possesses advantages in explicit damping mechanism, good damping effect, robustness of seismic structures, simple implementation process, etc., and meets the special seismic safety requirements of the NPPs.

Originality/value

This seismic and hazard mitigation and BIS-TMD structure can avoid the risk of ACP1000 accidents caused by horizontal earthquakes.
The development of entrepreneurial alertness in undergraduate students
Authors: Bueckmann-Diegoli Rafaela , García de los Salmones Sánchez María del Mar , San Martín Gutiérrez Héctor
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The main goal of this work is to argue the theoretical validity of two competitive models that integrate entrepreneurial alertness in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), and also to propose an explanation for the conceptual approach with a higher explicative ability.

Design/Methodology/Approach

A total of 281 undergraduate students participated in the survey, and the data were analyzed using structural equation modeling and competitive models.

Findings

The research shows it is possible to defend and test two competing TPB models with entrepreneurial alertness (EA), which alerts other field researchers to consider more than one possibility. The model showing the impact EA has on attitude toward the behavior (ATB) and perceived behavioral control (PBC), as well as the model showing the impact of ATB and PBC on EA are both valid. The shared characteristic of the sample may explain a higher predictive power in the first model.

Research limitations/implications

The sample was limited to undergraduate students of one university.

Practical implications

For educators and policymakers, these results highlight the need to include content related to EA in entrepreneurship education programs since it could trigger the entrepreneurial process.

Originality/value

The paper is the first of its kind to demonstrate competing arguments for the role of EA in TPB.
A new improved generalized decomposition method (improved-GDM) for hydromagnetic boundary layer flow
Authors: Gherieb Sihem , Kezzar Mohamed , Nehal Abdelaziz , Sari Mohamed Rafik
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the magneto-hydrodynamics boundary layer Falkner–Skan flow over a flat plate numerically by using the Runge–Kutta method featuring shooting technique and analytically via a new modified analytical technique called improved generalized Adomian decomposition method (improved-GDM).

Design/methodology/approach

It is well established that the generalized decomposition method (GDM) (Yong-Chang et al., 2008), which uses a new kind of decomposition strategy for the nonlinear function, has proved its efficiency and superiority when compared to the standard ADM method. In this investigation, based on the idea of improved-ADM method developed by Lina and Song (Song and Wang, 2013), the authors proposed a new analytical algorithm of computation named improved-GDM. Thereafter, the proposed algorithm is tested by solving the nonlinear problem of the hydro-magnetic boundary layer flow over a flat plate.

Findings

The proposed improved generalized decomposition method (I-GDM) introduces a convergence-control parameter “ω’’ into the GDM, which accelerates the convergence of solution and reduces considerably the computation time. In fact, the key of this method is mainly based on the best selection of the convergence-control parameter ω.

Originality/value

The paper presents a new efficient algorithm of computation that can be considered as an alternative for solving the nonlinear initial boundary layer value problems. Obtained results show clearly the accuracy of the proposed method.
Virtuous leadership: a source of employee well-being and trust
Authors: Hendriks Martijn , Burger Martijn , Rijsenbilt Antoinette , Pleeging Emma , Commandeur Harry
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how a supervisor’s virtuous leadership as perceived by subordinates influences subordinates’ work-related well-being and to examine the mediating role of trust in the leader and the moderating roles of individual leader virtues and various characteristics of subordinates and organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted through Prolific among a self-selected sample of 1,237 employees who worked with an immediate supervisor across various industries in primarily the UK and the USA. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The empirical results indicate that an immediate supervisor’s virtuous leadership as evaluated by the subordinate positively influences all three considered dimensions of work-related well-being – job satisfaction, work-related affect and work engagement – for a wide variety of employees in different industries and countries. A subordinate’s greater trust in the supervisor fully mediates this positive influence for job satisfaction and work engagement and partially for work-related affect. All five individual core leader virtues – prudence, temperance, justice, courage and humanity – positively influence work-related well-being.

Practical implications

The findings underscore that promoting virtuous leadership is a promising pathway for improved employee well-being, which may ultimately benefit individual and organizational performance.

Originality/value

Despite an age-old interest in leader virtues, the lack of consensus on the defining elements of virtuous leadership has limited the understanding of its consequences. Building on recent advances in the conceptualization and measurement of virtuous leadership and leader character, this paper addresses this void by exploring how virtuous leadership relates to employees’ well-being and trust.
A comparison of methods for health policy evaluation with controlled pre‐post designs
Authors: O'Neill Stephen , Kreif Noemi , Sutton Matt , Grieve Richard
Published: February 2020

Objective

To compare interactive fixed effects (IFE) and generalized synthetic control (GSC) methods to methods prevalent in health policy evaluation and re‐evaluate the impact of the hip fracture best practice tariffs introduced for hospitals in England in 2010.

Data Sources

Simulations and Hospital Episode Statistics.

Study Design

Best practice tariffs aimed to incentivize providers to deliver care in line with guidelines. Under the scheme, 62 providers received an additional payment for each hip fracture admission, while 49 providers did not. We estimate the impact using difference‐in‐differences (DiD), synthetic control (SC), IFE, and GSC methods. We contrast the estimation methods' performance in a Monte Carlo simulation study.

Principal Findings

Unlike DiD, SC, and IFE methods, the GSC method provided reliable estimates across a range of simulation scenarios and was preferred for this case study. The introduction of best practice tariffs led to a 5.9 (confidence interval: 2.0 to 9.9) percentage point increase in the proportion of patients having surgery within 48 hours and a statistically insignificant 0.6 (confidence interval: −1.4 to 0.4) percentage point reduction in 30‐day mortality.

Conclusions

The GSC approach is an attractive method for health policy evaluation. We cannot be confident that best practice tariffs were effective.
Freeze‐drying of black chokeberry pomace extract–loaded double emulsions to obtain dispersible powders
Authors: Eisinaitė Viktorija , Leskauskaitė Daiva , Pukalskienė Milda , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas
Published: February 2020

Black chokeberry pomace extract is rich in polyphenolic antioxidants, including anthocyanins. Added to foods, bioactive compounds of the extract can undergo undesirable changes both during food handling and digestion. In this study, we examined the possibility of encapsulating a considerable amount of black chokeberry pomace extract in the inner water phase of double emulsion (water‐in‐oil‐in‐water), for intended use in food applications. Furthermore, this study investigated the feasibility of double emulsions loaded with the extract for freeze‐drying to obtain dispersible powders. A substantial amount (2.1%) of black chokeberry pomace extract was efficiently encapsulated in the inner water phase of double emulsion and remained entrapped during 60 days of storage (<97%) as well as during the freeze‐drying of emulsions. Reconstituted emulsions obtained after the rehydration process were found to show monomodal droplet size distribution, decent creaming stability (approximately 97%), and good encapsulation efficiency (95.36%). Such characteristics of powdered double emulsions loaded by black chokeberry pomace extract make them suitable for food application as retainer and preservative of bioactive polyphenolic–rich extracts.

Practical Application

Powders of double emulsions loaded by black chokeberry pomace extract could be used as a source of bioactive polyphenolic compounds.