bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survival prediction with Bayesian Networks in more than 6000 non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Dekker A.L.A.J. , Hope A. , Lambin P. , Lindsay P.
Published: September 2021

A model that predicts survival in lung cancer as a function of treatment choices would be valuable for decision support. In this study we built data flow tasks and a data warehouse to collect from clinical databases a large non-small cell lung cancer dataset from MAASTRO (N=1781) and from Princess Margaret Hospital (PMH, N=4591). We learned Bayesian Network (BN) models for survival prediction from the MAASTRO data and evaluated the models in the PMH dataset. The BN model based on stage and radiotherapy dose had a high predictive accuracy (AUC 0.917). The model correctly showed that radical radiotherapy (>60Gy) is beneficial for non-small cell lung cancer patients and that this benefit is disease stage dependent.
An integrated in silico-in vitro approach for identification of therapeutic drug targets for osteoarthritis
Authors: Lesage Raphaëlle , Ferrao Blanco Mauricio N. , Narcisi Roberto , Welting Tim , van Osch Gerjo J.V.M. , Geris Liesbet
Published: September 2021

Without the availability of disease-modifying drugs, there is an unmet therapeutic need for osteoarthritic patients. During osteoarthritis, the homeostasis of articular chondrocytes is dysregulated and a phenotypical transition called hypertrophy occurs, leading to cartilage degeneration. Targeting this phenotypic transition has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy. Chondrocyte phenotype maintenance and switch are controlled by an intricate network of intracellular factors, each influenced by a myriad of feedback mechanisms, making it challenging to intuitively predict treatment outcomes. In this study, we developed a regulatory network model using knowledge-based and data-driven modelling technologies. The in silico high-throughput screening of (pairwise) perturbations operated with that network model highlighted conditions impacting the hypertrophic switch. Several combinations were tested in a murine cell line and primary chondrocytes to validate the predicted conditions’ potential. Our in silico-in vitro strategy opens a new route for developing osteoarthritis targeting therapies by refining the early stages of drug discovery.
Neural oscillation coupling selectively predicts speech reception in young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Wang Xiaoyue , Delgado Jaime , Marchesotti Silvia , Kojovic Nada , Sperdin Holger Franz , Rihs Tonia A. , Schaer Marie , Giraud Anne-Lise
Published: September 2021

Communication difficulties in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involve a speech reception deficit, whose biological causes are not yet identified. This deficit could denote atypical neuronal ensemble activity, as reflected by neural oscillations. Atypicalcross-frequency oscillation couplingin particular could disrupt the possibility to jointly track and predict dynamic acoustic stimuli, a dual process that is essential for speech comprehension. Whether such oscillation anomalies can already be found in very young children with ASD, and with what specificity they relate to individual language reception capacity is unknown. In this study, neural activity was collected using EEG in 64 very young children with and without ASD (mean age 3) while they were exposed to naturalistic-continuous speech via an age-appropriate cartoon. EEG power typically associated with phrase-level chunking (delta, 1-3Hz), phonemic encoding (low-gamma, 25-35Hz) and top-down control (beta, 12-20Hz) was markedly reduced in ASD relative to typically developing (TD) children. Speech neural-tracking by delta and theta oscillations was also weaker in ASD than TD children. Critically, children with ASD exhibited slightly atypical theta/gamma coupling (PAC) involving a higher-than-normal gamma frequency, and markedly atypical beta/gamma PAC. Even though many oscillation features were atypical in our sample of 31 very young children with ASD, the beta/gamma coupling anomaly was the single best predictor of individual speech reception difficulties. These findings suggest that early interventions targeting the normalization of low-gamma and low-beta activity, might help young children with ASD to engage more in oral interactions.

Highlights

Very young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder already present marked alterations of neural oscillatory activity in response to natural speech.

The hierarchical processing of phonemic- and syllabic-range information (theta/gamma coupling) is atypical in young ASD children.

Speech reception deficit in children with ASD is indexed by abnormal bottom-up (low-gamma) and top-down (low-beta) coordination.
From trend to threat? Assessing the sustainability of wild edible plant foraging by linking local perception to ecological inference
Authors: Giraud Nicolas J. , Kool Anneleen , Karlsen Pål , Annes Alexis , Teixidor-Toneu Irene
Published: September 2021

Wild edible plants as culturally-appropriate sources of nutrition and for food security are now well-recognised. In Europe, the use of wild edible plants is shifting from a subsistence activity to an emerging trend in high-end gastronomy. The environmental impacts of this shift are poorly known. Foraging is increasingly popular for personal consumption and commercially, not least in the Nordic countries where popularity is fuelled by the New Nordic Food movement. Here, we evaluate if this trend entails biodiversity conservation risks in Norway. In collaboration with the Norwegian Association for Mycology and Foraging, we conducted 18 face-to-face interviews with key stakeholders and we published an online questionnaire filled by 219 recreational and professional foragers. We enquired on what species are harvested, by whom and how, where do foragers learn and what are their perspectives on the sustainability of foraging. We combined these data with an assessment of foraging impact based on foraging pressure, ecological traits and conservation assessments. Our results show that 272 different wild edible plants are foraged and that this is mostly sustainable.

However, some risks arise from the harvest of threatened plants, the potential spread of invasive species, and the overharvesting of extremely popular or ‘fashionable’ species. Foraging fosters a strong connection with the natural environment and the majority of foragers report to forage as part of a sustainable lifestyle. We suggest that careful encouragement to forage and the participatory development of local guidelines for sustainable foraging in Norway can enhance people-nature relationships while safeguarding foraged plant populations.
Widespread density dependence of bacterial growth under acid stress
Authors: Fiegna Francesca , Pande Samay , Peitz Hansrainer , Velicer Gregory J.
Published: September 2021

Benefits of cooperation intrinsically depend on density because biological interaction requires organismal proximity. Microbial cooperative traits are common, yet systematic tests for a shared cooperative phenotype across diverse species are rare, as are direct tests for the Allee effect - positive density dependence of fitness. Here we test for positive density dependence of growth under acid stress in five phylogenetically widespread bacterial species - three Gram-negative and two Gram-positive - and find the Allee effect in all five. However, social protection from acid stress appears to have evolved by different mechanisms across species. In Myxococcus xanthus, the acid-stress Allee effect is found to be mediated by pH-regulated secretion of a diffusible molecule present in supernatant from high-density cultures. In contrast, growth from low density under acid stress by the other species was not enhanced by high-density supernatant. Additionally, density dependence of Myxococcus fruiting-body formation during starvation is found to increase with acid stress, suggesting that abiotic stresses other than starvation shape the evolution of aggregative development. Our findings suggest that high cell density may protect against acid stress in most bacterial species and in Myxococcus may promote predation on microbes that acidify their local environment by secretion of metabolic byproducts.
IMCellXMBD: A statistical approach for robust cell identification and quantification from imaging mass cytometry images
Authors: Xiao Xu , Su Naifei , Kong Yan , Zhang Lei , Ding Xin , Yang Wenxian , Yu Rongshan
Published: September 2021

Imaging Mass Cytometry (IMC) has become a useful tool in biomedical research due to its capability to measure over 100 markers simultaneously. Unfortunately, some protein channels in IMC images can be very noisy, which may significantly affect the phenotyping results without proper data processing. We developed IMCellXMBD1, a highly effective and generalizable cell identification and quantification method for IMC images. IMCell performs denoising by subtracting an estimated background noise value from pixel values for each individual protein channel, identifies positive cells from negative cells by comparing the distribution between segmented cells and decoy cells, and normalize the protein expression levels of the identified positive cells for downstream data analysis. Experimental results demonstrate that our method significantly improves the reliability of cell phenotyping which is essential for using IMC in biomedical studies.
Lomitapide, a cholesterol-lowering drug, is an anticancer agent that induces autophagic cell death via inhibiting mTOR
Authors: Lee Boah , Park Seung Ju , Lee Seulgi , Lee Jinwook , Lee Eunbeol , Yoo Eun-Seon , Chung Won-Suk , Sohn Jong-Woo , Oh Byung-Chul , Kim Seyun
Published: September 2021

Autophagy is a biological process that maintains cellular homeostasis and regulates the internal cellular environment. Hyperactivating autophagy to trigger cell death has been a suggested therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial protein kinase that regulates autophagy; therefore, using a structure-based virtual screen analysis, we identified lomitapide, a cholesterol-lowering drug, as a potential mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) inhibitor. Our results showed that lomitapide directly inhibits mTORC1 in vitro and induces autophagy-dependent cancer cell death by decreasing mTOR signaling, thereby inhibiting the downstream events associated with increased LC3 conversion in various cancer cells (e.g., HCT116 colorectal cancer cells) and tumor xenografts. Lomitapide also significantly suppresses the growth and viability along with elevated autophagy in patient-derived colorectal cancer organoids. Furthermore, a combination of lomitapide and immune checkpoint blocking antibodies synergistically inhibits tumor growth in murine MC-38 or B16-F10 pre-clinical syngeneic tumor models. These results elucidates the direct, tumor-relevant immune-potentiating benefits of mTORC1 inhibition by lomitapide, which complement the current immune checkpoint blockade. This study highlights the potential repurposing of lomitapide as a new therapeutic option for cancer treatment.
Structural insights on the effects of mutation of a charged binding pocket residue on phosphopeptide binding to 14-3-3 ζ Protein
Authors: Sreevidya T S , Dalvi Somavally , Venkataraman Prasanna , Vemparala Satyavani
Published: September 2021

Mutation of an invariant aspartate residue in the binding pocket of 14-3-3ζ isoform to alanine dramatically reduced phosphopeptide binding and induced opening of the binding pocket. Here we use extensive molecular dynamics simulations to understand the role of D124 residue in ligand binding. The simulations show that in the absence of phosphopeptide, the D124A mutation leads to binding pocket reorganization including widening up of the binding pocket at the major groove and repositioning of N173, a key residue that interacts with the main chain of phosphopeptide. These structural changes would interfere with the efficient binding of the peptide, corroborating the experimental observations. Both gain and loss of electrostatic interactions in the form of salt bridges strongly indicate a rearrangement of the network of interactions within the binding pocket. Limited proteolysis coupled mass spectrometry (lip-MS) of the apo and holo forms of WT and mutant protein shows a peptide binding helix otherwise buried in the WT protein was particularly accessible to trypsin in the apo form of the mutant protein and the region was mapped to 158-186 amino acid residues of 14-3-3ζ). These results further confirm the dynamic nature of D124A mutant. Unlike other basic residues, the invariant D124 facilitates peptide binding by maintaining the geometry of interacting residues and by enforcing the structural integrity of amphipathic pocket.
The interplay of supercoiling and thymine dimers in DNA
Authors: Lim Wilber , Randisi Ferdinando , Doye Jonathan P. K. , Louis Ard A.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Thymine dimers are a major mutagenic photoproduct induced by UV radiation. While they have been the subject of extensive theoretical and experimental investigations, questions of how DNA supercoiling affects local defect properties, or, conversely, how the presence of such defects changes global supercoiled structure, are largely unexplored. Here we introduce a model of thymine dimers in the oxDNA forcefield, parametrised by comparison to melting experiments and structural measurements of the thymine dimer induced bend angle. We performed extensive molecular dynamics simulations of double-stranded DNA as a function of external twist and force. Compared to undamaged DNA, the presence of a thymine dimer lowers the supercoiling densities at which plectonemes and bubbles occur. For biologically relevant supercoiling densities and forces, thymine dimers can preferentially segregate to the tips of the plectonemes, where they enhance the probability of a localized tip-bubble. This mechanism increases the probability of highly bent and denatured states at the thymine dimer site, which may facilitate repair enzyme binding. Thymine dimer-induced tip-bubbles also pin plectonemes, which may help repair enzymes to locate damage. We hypothesize that the interplay of supercoiling and local defects plays an important role for a wider set of DNA damage repair systems.
Molecular insights into the inhibition of plasmepsins by HIV-1 protease inhibitors: Implications for antimalarial drug discovery
Authors: Mishra Vandana , Rathore Ishan , Deshmukh Anuradha , Patankar Swati , Gustchina Alla , Wlodawer Alexander , Yada Rickey Y. , Bhaumik Prasenjit
Published: September 2021

1.

Malaria is a deadly disease, and the worldwide emergence of drug resistance in the Plasmodium parasites demands the development of novel and potent antimalarials. HIV-1 protease inhibitors (HIV-1 PIs) alleviate the Plasmodium pathogenesis during malaria/HIV-1 co-infection plausibly by inhibiting vacuolar plasmepsins (PMs), the hemoglobin degrading proteases from P. falciparum. All five FDA-approved HIV-1 PIs tested against PMII exhibit the Ki values in the low micromolar range of which RTV and LPV display the highest inhibition activity. Both inhibitors impede in vitro growth of P. falciparum at low micromolar IC50 values. We report the first crystal structures of PMII complexed with RTV and LPV that reveal the binding mode and interactions of the inhibitors in the active site as well as elucidate the mechanism underlying their differential potency. The conformational flexibility of the P4 group in RTV allows it to explore multiple regions of the S4 pocket. The present study establishes vacuolar PMs as potential drug targets of HIV-1 PIs. The molecular details explaining the inhibitory mechanism of HIV-1 PIs might be crucial in designing novel and potent antimalarial analogs. This work strengthens the prospect of drug repurposing as an alternative strategy towards antimalarial treatments and provides an opportunity to tackle malaria and HIV-1 co-infection.
Cell and circuit origins of fast network oscillations in the mammalian main olfactory bulb
Authors: Burton Shawn D. , Urban Nathaniel N.
Published: September 2021

Neural synchrony generates fast network oscillations throughout the brain, including the main olfactory bulb (MOB), the first processing station of the olfactory system. Identifying the mechanisms synchronizing neurons in the MOB will be key to understanding how network oscillations support the coding of a high-dimensional sensory space. Here, using paired recordings and optogenetic activation of glomerular sensory inputs in MOB slices, we uncovered profound differences in principal mitral cell (MC) vs. tufted cell (TC) spike-time synchrony: TCs robustly synchronized across fast- and slow-gamma frequencies, while MC synchrony was weaker and concentrated in slow-gamma frequencies. Synchrony among both cell types was enhanced by shared glomerular input but was independent of intraglomerular lateral excitation. Cell-type differences in synchrony could also not be traced to any difference in the synchronization of synaptic inhibition. Instead, greater TC than MC synchrony paralleled the more periodic firing among resonant TCs than MCs and emerged in patterns consistent with densely synchronous network oscillations. Collectively, our results thus reveal a mechanism for parallel processing of sensory information in the MOB via differential TC vs. MC synchrony, and further contrast mechanisms driving fast network oscillations in the MOB from those driving the sparse synchronization of irregularly-firing principal cells throughout cortex.
Crystal and molecular structures of some phosphane-substituted cymantrenes [(C5H4
X)Mn(CO)LL′] (X = H or Cl, L = CO, L′ = PPh3 or PCy3, and LL' = Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)
Authors: Sünkel Karlheinz , Klein-Hessling Christian
Published: September 2021

UV irradiation of tetrahydrofuran solutions of [CpMn(CO)3] (Cp = π-C5H5 or π-C5H4Cl) in the presence of the phosphanes PPh3 or PCy3 (Cy = cyclohexyl) and Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2 yields the substitution products [CpMn(CO)2PR
3] (R = Ph or Cy) and [CpMn(CO)(Ph2PCH2CH2PPh2)], namely, dicarbonyl(η5-cyclopentadienyl)(triphenylphosphane-κP)manganese(I), [Mn(C5H5)(C18H15P)(CO)2], 1a, dicarbonyl(η5-1-chlorocyclopentadienyl)(triphenylphosphane-κP)manganese(I), [Mn(C5H4Cl)(C18H15P)(CO)2], 1b, dicarbonyl(η5-cyclopentadienyl)(tricyclohexylphosphane-κP)manganese(I), [Mn(C5H5)(C18H33P)(CO)2], 2a, dicarbonyl(η5-1-chlorocyclopentadienyl)(tricyclohexylphosphane-κP)manganese(I), [Mn(C5H4Cl)(C18H33P)(CO)2], 2b, carbonyl(η5-cyclopentadienyl)[1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane-κ2
P,P′]manganese(I), [Mn(C5H5)(C26H24P2)(CO)], 3a, and carbonyl(η5-1-chlorocyclopentadienyl)[1,2-bis(diphenylphosphanyl)ethane-κ2
P,P′]manganese(I), [Mn(C5H4Cl)(C26H24P2)(CO)], 3b, The crystal structure determinations show a very small influence of the chlorine substitution and a moderate influence of the phosphane substitution on the bond lengths. The PR
3 groups avoid being eclipsed with the C—Cl bonds. All the compounds employ weak C—H...O interactions for intermolecular association, which are enhanced by C—H...Cl contacts in the chlorinated products.
The shock of lockdown on the spending on wine in the Iberian market: the effects of procurement and consumption patterns
Authors: Compés Raúl , Faria Samuel , Gonçalves Tânia , Rebelo João , Pinilla Vicente , Simon Elorz Katrin
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to provide a better understanding of the behaviour of wine consumers in a completely new and unexpected setting, that is, a forced lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It seeks to explain consumer decisions and the probability of changes occurring in wine expenditure compared to a normal situation.

Design/methodology/approach

The empirical analysis, conducted on a representative sample of Iberian consumers and based on the random utility theory, consists in the application of a multinomial logit model, setting the “usual” pattern of expenditure as a baseline category.

Findings

The results show that the coronavirus pandemic could have changed alcohol drinking habits. Consumers generally spent less on wine during the lockdown, maybe due to the uncertainty regarding their future income and professional situation. Those people more likely to spend more on wine were those who increased their wine consumption during the lockdown, those who drank for romantic purposes, those who purchased less wine in supermarkets but more online, those who used a wine app and those living in urban areas. The increased consumption of other alcoholic beverages also increases the probability of spending less than usual on wine. Additionally, the absence of certain reasons for drinking wine other than social purposes, such as wine and food pairing, its taste and relaxing effects, together with the previous consumption pattern leads to a decrease in the probability of spending less per bottle.

Originality/value

This paper makes a significant contribution to the understanding of the determinants of wine consumption in a very abnormal setting, an imposed lockdown and provides important policy implications. The findings show that managers and policymakers should pay attention to the different influence of variables related to behaviour and consumption patterns that may contribute to an increase in the demand for less expensive wines. Specifically, they should focus on new consumption patterns that may arise, adapting the supply chain and defining appropriate marketing strategies to fill new market segments.
Competency framework to integrate lean construction and integrated project delivery on construction megaprojects: towards a future of work global initiatives in multinational engineering organisations
Authors: Evans Martin , Farrell Peter , Elbeltagi Emad , Dion Helen
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Built environment organisations face global challenges between business units, especially since the coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19) has profoundly disrupted the construction industry worldwide, including the management of construction megaprojects (CMPs). This research aims to develop a competency framework, for global integrated delivery (GID) transformative initiatives and future of work (FOW) global initiatives, to manage integration between lean construction (LC) practices and integrated project delivery (IPD) on CMPs in contemporary multinational engineering organisations.

Design/methodology/approach

“Mixed research methods” involves a two-stage quantitative and qualitative research approach. In the context of CMPs, stage one consisted of a qualitative research methodology comprising a literature review to examine competencies, COVID-19 impacts, responses and key drivers (KDs) to integrate LeanIPD&GID; stage one outcomes propose a conceptualisation of LeanIPD&GID, a competency framework and future of work (FOW) global initiatives. Stage two involved an empirical questionnaire survey for a set of 30 KDs arranged into five-factor clusters (FCs), 226 respondents from 23 countries with an extensive cosmopolitan experience; analysis adopted structural equation modelling (SEM), descriptive and inferential statistics, percentage scoring analysis, principal component analysis (PCA) and eigenvalues.

Findings

In the context of CMPs, stage one outcomes delivered a conceptualisation of LeanIPD&GID, a proposed competency framework and FOW global initiatives. Stage two concluded that the most significant KDs are “collaboration in design, construction works and engineering management,” “coordination and planning of construction work,” “senior organisational management support,” “boosting implementation of LC, and integrating project delivery” and “earlier and precise 3D visualisation of designs”. building information modelling (BIM) adoption in the MENA region is higher than LC; the second is still taking its first steps, while IPD has little implementation. LeanBIM is slightly integrated, while LeanIPD integration is almost not present.

Originality/value

The research findings, conceptualised LeanIPD&GID principles, a proposed competency framework and FOW global initiatives, provided future research streams and directions; the study has provided a competency framework and FOW global initiatives for effective practical strategies for enhancing integration of LeanIPD&GID transformative initiatives on CMPs and will allow project key stakeholders to place emphasis on boosting LeanIPD&GID KDs.
High-pass NGD characterization of resistive-inductive network based low-frequency circuit
Authors: Guerin Mathieu , Wan Fayu , Gorshkov Konstantin , Huang Xiaoyu , Tishchuk Bogdana , Sahoa Frank Elliot , Chan George , Baccar Sahbi , Rahajandraibe Wenceslas , Ravelo Blaise
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide the high-pass (HP) negative group delay (NGD) circuit based (RL) network. Synthesis and experimental investigation of HP-NGD circuit are developed.

Design/methodology/approach

The research work methodology is organized in three phases. The definition of the HP-NGD ideal specifications is introduced. The synthesis method allowing to determine the RL elements is developed. The validation results are discussed with comparison between the calculated model, simulation and measurement.

Findings

This paper shows a validation of the HP-NGD theory with responses confirming NGD optimal frequency, value and attenuation of about (9 kHz, −1.12 µs, −1.64 dB) and (21 kHz, −0.92 µs, −4.81 dB) are measured. The tested circuits have experimented NGD cut-off frequencies around 5 and 11.7 kHz.

Research limitations/implications

The validity of the HP-NGD topology depends on the coil self-inductance resonance. The HP-NGD effect is susceptible to be penalized by the parasitic elements of the self.

Practical implications

The NGD circuit is usefully exploited in the electronic and communication system to reduce the undesired delay effect context. The NGD can be used to compensate the delay in any electronic devices and system.

Social implications

Applications based on the NGD technology will be helpful in the communication, transportation and security research fields by reducing the delay inherent to any electronic circuit.

Originality/value

The originality of the paper concerns the synthesis formulations of the RL elements in function of the expected HP-NGD optimal frequency, value and attenuation. In addition, an original measurement technique of HP-NGD is also introduced.
When disaster management agencies create disaster risk: a case study of the US's Federal Emergency Management Agency
Authors: Clark-Ginsberg Aaron , Easton-Calabria Lena C. , Patel Sonny S. , Balagna Jay , Payne Leslie A.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Disaster management agencies are mandated to reduce risk for the populations that they serve. Yet, inequities in how they function may result in their activities creating disaster risk, particularly for already vulnerable and marginalized populations. In this article, how disaster management agencies create disaster risk for vulnerable and marginalized groups is examined, seeking to show the ways existing policies affect communities, and provide recommendations on policy and future research.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors undertook a systematic review of the US disaster management agency, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), examining its programs through a lens of equity to understand how they shape disaster risk.

Findings

Despite a growing commitment to equity within FEMA, procedural, distributive, and contextual inequities result in interventions that perpetuate and amplify disaster risk for vulnerable and marginalized populations. Some of these inequities could be remediated by shifting toward a more bottom-up approach to disaster management, such as community-based disaster risk reduction approaches.

Practical implications

Disaster management agencies and other organizations can use the results of this study to better understand how to devise interventions in ways that limit risk creation for vulnerable populations, including through community-based approaches.

Originality/value

This study is the first to examine disaster risk creation from an organizational perspective, and the first to focus explicitly on how disaster management agencies can shape risk creation. This helps understand the linkages between disaster risk creation, equity and organizations.
Learning opportunities and diversity of engineering students’ background in interdisciplinary group projects
Authors: Oti Akponanabofa Henry , Farrell Peter , Berrais Abbes , McMahon Paul , Boulbibane Mostapha , Paschalis Spyridon , Osman Yassin , AL-Faraj Furat , Duncan Malcolm
Published: September 2021

Purpose

In line with business goals of customer satisfaction, higher education institutions of learning consider excellent student experience a priority. Teaching and learning are important aspects of satisfaction that are monitored annually by universities using tools such as the National Student Survey (NSS). The NSS results are useful for educational planning and informing consumer choices. This research measured undergraduate student experiences on an interdisciplinary project using the NSS framework. Hinged on diversity, the purpose was to investigate whether full-time (FT), part-time (PT) and degree apprenticeship students with varied work experience enhance their learning studying together on an interdisciplinary project.

Design/methodology/approach

This research has measured, using the NSS criteria, student experiences on an interdisciplinary project on a civil engineering programme. It benchmarks the quality of learning and student understanding and perceptions of learning. The method is based upon a literature review and questionnaire survey of students.

Findings

Results indicate good amounts of peer influence on learning in a simulated interdisciplinary team setting supported by a mix of diverse work experience in students’ background.

Originality/value

Sections of the NSS are extended with additional questions to capture the impact that FT, PT and degree apprenticeship study modes, closely associated with students’ background of job experience, have on teaching and learning.
Social work expertise, best interests and the court of protection
Authors: Lindsey Jaime , O’Reardon Mary
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to consider the role of social work professional evidence in mental capacity law, specifically Court of Protection proceedings. The authors analyse how social workers perform as evidence givers in this domain and how social work as a profession is perceived alongside other professions within the context of adult social care decision-making in mental capacity law.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper draws on textual evidence from judgments and existing empirical data published elsewhere. The authors consider the contribution of social work professional expertise to best interests decision-making in formal legal proceedings which, in turn, reflects on how social work expertise is relevant in everyday practice.

Findings

The findings of this paper include that social workers are well placed to be experts on best interests decision-making in mental capacity law. However, the authors show that the Court of Protection has not always endorsed this form of social work expertise in its judgments, meaning that social workers can struggle to articulate an expert knowledge base.

Originality/value

Overall, the authors conclude that social work evidence is incredibly valuable as expertise about the person’s best interests, particularly in the domain of welfare cases and care planning.
Real options analysis of revenue risk sharing in post-disaster housing reconstruction
Authors: Vahdatmanesh Mohammad , Firouzi Afshin , Rotimi James Olabode Bamidele
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Post-disaster housing reconstruction (PDHR) demands a considerable percentage of global property investment, yet the post-disaster environment presents intricate challenges to reconstruction financing for governments and at the same time, revenue uncertainty for private investors. The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology for tackling land shortage and the financial challenges of PDHR in the aftermath of a disaster.

Design/methodology/approach

This study developed a methodology based on a combined minimum revenue guarantee and maximum revenue cap model using a well-established real options analysis (ROA) for revenue risk sharing in PDHR projects and land readjustment (LR) for finance. The applicability of the purported model is demonstrated through an illustrative example.

Findings

The results show that flexibility in the options could increase the PDHR contractor’s risk profile by increasing the expected value of the contractor investment and reducing the probability of investment loss. On the other side, a cap on the contractor revenue stream would allow the government to benefit from any excess in revenue and would counterbalance the value of the option.

Practical implications

The framework proposed in this study could serve as a practical risk-revenue sharing in PDHR projects. Governments and policymakers could use the findings to enable the successful delivery of PDHR projects and consequently bring the quality of life of affected people to pre-disaster conditions.

Originality/value

This study can be considered as a first attempt toward the use of the Australian barrier style options structure, and the trinomial lattice valuation model in PDHR projects, which incorporates LR, public-private partnerships, governmental guarantees and PDHR concepts in one ROA-based framework.
Towards 3D printing of a monocoque transtibial prosthesis using a bio-inspired design workflow
Authors: De Vivo Nicoloso Luca Gabriele , Pelz Joshua , Barrack Herb , Kuester Falko
Published: September 2021

Purpose

There are over 40 million amputees globally with more than 185,000 Americans losing their limbs every year. For most of the world, prosthetic devices remain too expensive and uncomfortable. This paper aims to outline advancements made by a multidisciplinary research group, interested in advancing the restoration of human motion through accessible lower limb prostheses.

Design/methodology/approach

Customization, comfort and functionality are the most important metrics reported by prosthetists and patients. The work of this paper presents the design and manufacturing of a custom made, cost-effective and functional three-dimensional (3D) printed transtibial prosthesis monocoque design. The design of the prosthesis integrates 3D imaging, modelling and optimization techniques coupled with additive manufacturing.

Findings

The successful fabrication of a functional monocoque prosthesis through 3D printing indicates the workflow may be a solution to the worldwide accessibility crisis. The digital workflow developed in this work offers great potential for providing prosthetic devices to rural communities, which lack access to skilled prosthetic physicians. The authors found that using the workflow together with 3D printing, this study can create custom monocoque prostheses (Figure 16). These prostheses are comfortable, functional and properly aligned. In comparison with traditional prosthetic devices, the authors slowered the average cost, weight and time of production by 95%, 55% and 95%, respectively.

Social implications

This novel digital design and manufacturing workflow has the potential to democratize and globally proliferate access to prosthetic devices, which restore the patient’s mobility, quality of life and health. LIMBER’s toolbox can reach places where proper prosthetic and orthotic care is not available. The digital workflow reduces the cost of making custom devices by an order of magnitude, enabling broader reach, faster access and improved comfort. This is particularly important for children who grow quickly and need new devices every few months or years, timely access is both physically and psychologically important.

Originality/value

In this manuscript, the authors show the application of digital design techniques for fabricating prosthetic devices. The proposed workflow implements several advantageous changes and, most importantly, digitally blends the three components of a transtibial prosthesis into a single, 3D printable monocoque device. The development of a novel unibody transtibial device that is properly aligned and adjusted digitally, greatly reduces the number of visits an amputee must make to a clinic to have a certified prosthetist adjust and modify their prosthesis. The authors believe this novel workflow has the potential to ease the worldwide accessibility crisis for prostheses.
Commentary on “a logic model for the implementation of a regional workforce strategy in positive behavioural support”
Authors: Tomlinson Serena Rose Louisa
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide a commentary on “A logic model for the implementation of a regional workforce strategy in Positive Behavioural Support”.

Design/methodology/approach

This commentary provides a discussion of the importance of evaluating positive behaviour support (PBS) training and key issues relating to this. This provides a springboard from which researchers/practitioners may consider these issues when designing and evaluating PBS training courses.

Findings

Three main issues are explored: the necessary diversity and breadth of PBS training approaches, the outcome domains to be evaluated and wider systemic issues that may influence PBS training and evaluation of its effectiveness.

Originality/value

Effective PBS implementation requires robust training. To achieve this, it will be important for the field to overcome issues relating to the evaluation of training approaches.
FrogCap: A modular sequence capture probe‐set for phylogenomics and population genetics for all frogs, assessed across multiple phylogenetic scales
Authors: Hutter Carl R. , Cobb Kerry A. , Portik Daniel M. , Travers Scott L. , Wood Perry L. , Brown Rafe M.
Published: September 2021

Despite the prevalence of high‐throughput sequencing in phylogenetics, many relationships remain difficult to resolve because of conflicting signal among genomic regions. Selection of different types of molecular markers from different genomic regions is required to overcome these challenges. For evolutionary studies in frogs, we introduce the publicly available FrogCap suite of genomic resources, which is a large collection of ~15,000 markers that unifies previous genetic sequencing efforts. FrogCap is designed to be modular, such that subsets of markers and SNPs can be selected based on the desired phylogenetic scale. FrogCap uses a variety of marker types that include exons and introns, ultraconserved elements, and previously sequenced Sanger markers, which span up to 10,000 bp in alignment lengths; in addition, we demonstrate potential for SNP‐based analyses. We tested FrogCap using 121 samples distributed across five phylogenetic scales, comparing probes designed using a consensus‐ or exemplar genome‐based approach. Using the consensus design is more resilient to issues with sensitivity, specificity, and missing data than picking an exemplar genome sequence. We also tested the impact of different bait kit sizes (20,020 vs. 40,040) on depth of coverage and found triple the depth for the 20,020 bait  kit. We observed sequence capture success (i.e., missing data, sequenced markers/bases, marker length, and informative sites) across phylogenetic scales. The incorporation of different marker types is effective for deep phylogenetic relationships and shallow population genetics studies. Having demonstrated FrogCap's utility and modularity, we conclude that these new resources are efficacious for high‐throughput sequencing projects across variable timescales.
Group B streptococcal infection of the genitourinary tract in pregnant and non‐pregnant patients with diabetes mellitus: An immunocompromised host or something more?
Authors: Nguyen Lynsa M. , Omage Joel I. , Noble Kristen , McNew Kelsey L. , Moore Daniel J. , Aronoff David M. , Doster Ryan S.
Published: September 2021

Group B Streptococcus (GBS), also known as Streptococcus agalactiae is a Gram‐positive bacterium commonly encountered as part of the microbiota within the human gastrointestinal tract. A common cause of infections during pregnancy, GBS is responsible for invasive diseases ranging from urinary tract infections to chorioamnionitis and neonatal sepsis. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic disease resulting from impaired regulation of blood glucose levels. The incidence of DM has steadily increased worldwide to affecting over 450 million people. Poorly controlled DM is associated with multiple health comorbidities including an increased risk for infection. Epidemiologic studies have clearly demonstrated that DM correlates with an increased risk for invasive GBS infections, including skin and soft tissue infections and sepsis in non‐pregnant adults. However, the impact of DM on risk for invasive GBS urogenital infections, particularly during the already vulnerable time of pregnancy, is less clear. We review the evolving epidemiology, immunology, and pathophysiology of GBS urogenital infections including rectovaginal colonization during pregnancy, neonatal infections of infants exposed to DM in utero, and urinary tract infections in pregnant and non‐pregnant adults in the context of DM and highlight in vitro studies examining why DM might increase risk for GBS urogenital infection.
Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion ameliorates ischemia‐reperfusion injury of fatty liver in mice via Brg1/Nrf2/HO‐1 axis
Authors: Wang Shengjie , Zeng Xianpeng , Yang Yunying , Li Shiyi , Wang Yanfeng , Ye Qifa , Fan Xiaoli
Published: September 2021

Background

After cold storage (CS) and subsequent transplantation, fatty liver is more inclined to develop liver dysfunction and serious postoperative complications in contrast to healthy liver. Hypothermic oxygenated perfusion (HOPE) is a safe and efficacious system, which can repair fatty liver and reduce ischemia‐reperfusion injury. The aim of this research is to investigate the function of Brg1/Nrf2/HO‐1 signaling pathway in the protective effect of HOPE on ischemia‐reperfusion injury of fatty liver.

Methods

The mouse fatty liver model was successfully established and verified by hematoxylin‐eosin (HE) staining and oil red O staining. The animals were divided into Control group, CS group and HOPE group. The levels of liver enzyme and lactate in the perfusate were used to measure liver function and cellular metabolism. HE staining and TUNEL staining were utilized to assess the tissue structure and apoptosis, respectively. The levels of superoxide dismutase, malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen species in liver tissue were measured to quantitatively analyze the degree of oxidative stress, and the expressions of protein Brg1, Nrf2 and HO‐1 were detected by means of the western blot. Double‐labeling immunofluorescence was to explore the colocalization of Brg1 and Nrf2.

Results

The injury of the liver in the CS group was more serious than that in the control group. However, HOPE could significantly reduce the injury, which was manifested by the improvement of liver function and cellular metabolism, and the lower degrees of apoptosis, necrosis and oxidative stress. Furthermore, the expressions of Brg1, Nrf2 and HO‐1 in the HOPE group were significantly increased than those in the CS group.

Conclusions

One‐hour HOPE treatment before reperfusion can obviously improve the injury of fatty liver in mice. The underlying mechanism may be that the interaction of Brg1 and Nrf2 can selectively activate the transcription of HO‐1.
Team‐level servant leadership and team performance: The mediating roles of organizational citizenship behavior and internal social capital
Authors: Ruiz‐Palomino Pablo , Linuesa‐Langreo Jorge , Elche Dioni
Published: September 2021

Among the many approaches to leadership, servant leaders stand out for the emphasis they place on the importance of service to their followers, the organization, and the broader community. We develop and test a multilevel mediation model, in which the relationship between servant leadership and team performance is sequentially transmitted through individual‐level organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) and team‐based internal social capital. Multilevel structural equation modeling was applied to a sample of 343 teams, reflecting 835 respondents from various departments at 171 hotels in Spain; both top‐down (between team leaders and individual employees) and bottom‐up relationships (individual employee behavior and team outcomes) were assessed. As anticipated, individual‐level OCB and group‐level internal social capital fully mediated the positive effect of servant leadership on team performance. Our findings illustrate that servant leadership in the team‐based business enterprise context can foster virtuous individual‐level OCB to help build task‐focused community, in which leaders, followers, and teams can flourish for the common good. Thus, managers should know that serving their team members first and foremost is a positive for the flourishing of all involved. As such, policymakers should pursue communication and training initiatives to encourage the practice of servant leadership.
SARS‐COV‐2 vaccination with BNT162B2 in renal transplant patients: Risk factors for impaired response and immunological implications
Authors: Russo Gianluca , Lai Quirino , Poli Luca , Perrone Maria Paola , Gaeta Aurelia , Rossi Massimo , Mastroianni Claudio M. , Garofalo Manuela , Pretagostini Renzo
Published: September 2021

Solid organ transplant patients are at a higher risk for poor CoronaVirus Disease‐2019 (COVID‐19)‐related outcomes and have been included as a priority group in the vaccination strategy worldwide. We assessed the safety and efficacy of a two‐dose vaccination cycle with mRNA‐based COVID‐19 vaccine (BNT162b2) among 82 kidney transplant outpatients followed in our center in Rome, Italy. After a median of 43 post‐vaccine days, a SARS‐CoV‐2 anti‐Spike seroprevalence of 52.4% (n = 43/82) was observed. No impact of the vaccination on antibody‐mediated rejection or graft function was observed, and no significant safety concerns were reported. Moreover, no de novo HLA‐donor‐specific antibodies (DSA) were detected during the follow‐up period. Only one patient with pre‐vaccination HLA‐DSA did not experience an increased intensity of the existing HLA‐DSA. During the follow‐up, only one infection (mild COVID‐19) was observed in a patient after receiving the first vaccine dose. According to the multivariable logistic regression analysis, lack of seroconversion after two‐dose vaccination independently associated with patient age ≥60 years (OR = 4.50; P = .02) and use of anti‐metabolite as an immunosuppressant drug (OR = 5.26; P = .004). Among younger patients not taking anti‐metabolites, the seroconversion rate was high (92.9%). Further larger studies are needed to assess the best COVID‐19 vaccination strategy in transplanted patients.
Trade patterns and institutional change in East Asia
Authors: Choi Moon Jung , Chung Kee Hoon
Published: September 2021

We investigate how trade patterns – institutionally intensive exports (IIX) – affect institutional quality in East Asia compared to the rest of the world, and whether the effect changed due to the Asian financial crisis. To examine this, we use panel data of 117 countries for the period 1988–2007. Our fixed effect model estimation reveals that the effect of IIX on institutional quality is negative and significant for East Asia, while the effect is insignificant for the rest of the world. The negative effect in East Asia is more pronounced for the five East Asian countries that were strongly affected by the crisis – South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand – than for other East Asian countries. Furthermore, our results reveal that the negative effect for East Asia does not change significantly after the crisis, both in the short and long term, and that improvement in institutional quality after the crisis is not different from that of the rest of the world. This suggests that the crisis had no significant impact on East Asia's institutional quality or on the effects of IIX on institutional quality.