bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reconstruction and Analysis of aKluyveromyces marxianusGenome-scale Metabolic Model
Authors: Marcišauskas Simonas , Ji Boyang , Nielsen Jens
Published: March 2019

Background

Kluyveromyces marxianusis a thermotolerant yeast with multiple biotechnological potentials for industrial applications, which can metabolize a broad range of carbon sources, including less conventional sugars like lactose, xylose, arabinose and inulin. These phenotypic traits are sustained even up to 45°C, what makes it a relevant candidate for industrial biotechnology applications, such as ethanol production. It is therefore of much interest to get more insight into the metabolism of this yeast. Recent studies suggested, that thermotolerance is achieved by reducing the number of growth-determining proteins or suppressing oxidative phosphorylation. Here we aimed to find related factors contributing to the thermotolerance ofK. marxianus.

Results

Here, we reported the first genome-scale metabolic model ofKluyveromyces marxianus, iSM996, using a publicly availableKluyveromyces lactismodel as template. The model was manually curated and refined to include missing species-specific metabolic capabilities. The iSM996 model includes 1913 reactions, associated with 996 genes and 1531 metabolites. It performed well to predict the carbon source utilization and growth rates under different growth conditions. Moreover, the model was coupled with transcriptomics data and used to perform simulations at various growth temperatures.

Conclusions

K. marxianusiSM996 represents a well-annotated metabolic model of thermotolerant yeast, which provide new insight into theoretical metabolic profiles at different temperatures ofK. marxianus. This could accelerate the integrative analysis of multi-omics data, leading to model-driven strain design and improvement.
A Systematic Evaluation of Single Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Pipelines
Authors: Vieth Beate , Parekh Swati , Ziegenhain Christoph , Enard Wolfgang , Hellmann Ines
Published: March 2019

The recent rapid spread of single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) methods has created a large variety of experimental and computational pipelines for which best practices have not been established, yet. Here, we use simulations based on five scRNA-seq library protocols in combination with nine realistic differential expression (DE) setups to systematically evaluate three mapping, four imputation, seven normalisation and four differential expression testing approaches resulting in ∼ 3,000 pipelines, allowing us to also assess interactions among pipeline steps. We find that choices of normalisation and library preparation protocols have the biggest impact on scRNA-seq analyses. Specifically, we find that library preparation determines the ability to detect symmetric expression differences, while normalisation dominates pipeline performance in asymmetric DE-setups. Finally, we illustrate the importance of informed choices by showing that a good scRNA-seq pipeline can have the same impact on detecting a biological signal as quadrupling the sample size.
Power relations and the accounting system in the Archbishop’s Seminary of Siena (1666-1690)
Authors: Magliacani Michela , Di Pietra Roberto
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Accounting can affect and determine power relations. Previous studies have emphasized how accounting has been used by “central” powers; less is known from the perspective of “local” power and its capacity to resist and protect its interests. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between the Archbishop’s Seminary of Siena (ASS) (local) and Roman ecclesiastic institutions (central). This study contributes to filling the existing gap in the literature regarding how accounting could be used as a tool for deception in local/central power relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The research methodology is based on a case study and archival research. The ASS case study was analyzed through its archive, made up for the most part of accounting books. As to the approach adopted, the authors used the Foucault framework to observe power relations in order to identify possible ways in which accounting can be employed as a factor of deception.

Findings

Power relations between the ASS and Roman ecclesiastic institutions were maintained through a system of reporting that limited the influence of the ecclesiastical power of Rome over the Seminary’s administration and control. The relationship thus runs contrary to the findings in previous studies. The accounting system was managed as a factor of deception in favor of local interests and the limitation of central ecclesiastic power.

Research limitations/implications

This study contributes to enhancing the existing literature on governmentality, proposing a different perspective in which power relations are based on the use of accounting. The Foucaldian approach demonstrates its validity, even though the power relations under consideration have the unusual feature of occurring within the context of religious institutions.

Originality/value

This study on the ASS has allowed the identification of two relevant points: the local/central dichotomy is consistent with the logic of power relations as theorized by Foucault, even in cases where it highlights the role of a local power in limiting the flow of information to a central one; and the ASS accounting system was used as a factor of deception.
Piston-electric propulsion system as reliable alternative for classic and nonconventional piston engine configurations
Authors: Dziugiel Bartosz
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to define reliability requirements to be imposed on electric engines to assure similar or higher value of mean time between failures (MTBF) for mixed piston-electric propulsion configurations when compared to classic and unconventional piston engine configurations.

Design/methodology/approach

Reliability estimation was done using mathematical model of safety of light aircraft commercial operations. The model was developed on the basis of Federal Aviation Administration and National Transport Safety Board data. The analysis was conducted for numerous piston and electric configurations. It allowed comparison of selected solutions and definition of relation between electric engine MTBF and MTBF calculated for entire mixed piston-electric propulsion system.

Findings

It was found that, from reliability point of view, mixed piston-electric engine propulsion is attractive alternative for classic single- and twin-piston configuration. It would allow to at least doubling of MTBF for propulsion without increase of operational cost.

Practical implications

Rationale behind exploiting electric propulsion in aviation is provided. Relation between electric engine reliability and entire propulsion reliability was identified and defined. Minimum requirements concerning MTBF value for electric engine application in aviation was assessed. Conclusions from this study can be used for definition of requirements for new aircraft and by the regulatory authorities.

Originality/value

Originality consists in use of real accident statistics included in mathematical model of safety for assessment of MTBF for various classic and novel piston and piston-electric engine configurations of light aircraft. Output from the study can be exploited by the industry.
Graduate readiness for the employment market of the 4th industrial revolution
Authors: Teng Weili , Ma Chenwei , Pahlevansharif Saeed , Turner Jason James
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is, first, to examine student perspectives of their university experience in terms of the soft employability skills they develop; second, how prepared those students feel for the future employment market and finally investigate whether there are differences in perceptions between Chinese and Malaysian students given their different educational experience.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, 361 predominantly Chinese undergraduate students at two universities, one in China and the other in Malaysia completed the 15-item Goldsmiths soft skills inventory using an online survey.

Findings

The results, analysed using factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis, indicated that the university curriculum develops student soft skills, particularly in the Malaysian university and supports the relationship between soft skill and student preparedness for employment. The results also indicate that compared with the respondents from the Chinese university, the Malaysian university respondents were more likely to be positive to statements concerning their respective university’s ability to develop their soft skills.

Research limitations/implications

Such findings have implications for education providers and business in that it is important for universities to embed soft skills into the curriculum in order to develop graduate work readiness.

Originality/value

What this research contributes is not only consolidation of existing research in the contemporary context of a disruptive jobs market, it takes research forward through analysing student perceptions from two universities, one in Malaysia and the other in China, of the skills they develop at university and the importance of soft skills to them and their perceptions of future employment and employability. Such research will provide insight, in particular, into the role of education providers, the phenomena of underemployment among graduates in China, and be of practical significance to employers and their perception that graduates lack the necessary soft skills for the workplace (Anonymous, 2017a; Stapleton, 2017; British Council, 2015; Chan, 2015).
Telling tales
Authors: Harry Tinashe Timothy , Dodd Nicole , Chinyamurindi Willie
Published: March 2019

Purpose

South Africa has witnessed an increase in self-initiated academic expatriates (SIAEs) coming into the country from all over the world. This movement of labour can result in South Africa performing better than any other African country. However, expatriation is accompanied by several challenges which affect both work and non-work scopes. Given that more is needed to understand the lived experiences of the expatriates, especially self-initiated expatriates from and in Africa, the purpose of this paper is to provide the basis for interventions to assist the expatriates in overcoming challenges by understanding their lived experiences.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used an interpretivist approach to understand the lived experiences of SIAEs. The data were collected through the use of unstructured interviews of 25 expatriate academics within South Africa. The individual narratives were analysed through structural and thematic analysis to develop themes.

Findings

Through the stories and narratives, the expatriation experience was one framed to be a challenging process. The lived experiences can be grouped into life and career experiences. The life experiences consist of immigration difficulties, family separation, social adjustment difficulties and unavailability of accommodation. Career experiences include remuneration differences, gender discrimination, limited professional development opportunities and communication difficulties, which affect both work and non-work experiences. Person–environment fit did not play a significant role in the experiences of the academic expatriates.

Practical implications

The findings showed that the lived experiences of SIAEs in Africa were mostly negative. Higher education institutions looking at hiring academic expatriates should assist the expatriates to have better experiences not only for individual benefit but for institutional benefit as well. However, this role is not only placed in the hands of the organisation but may also require individual effort.

Originality/value

The findings outlined in this study provide a picture of the lived experiences of SIAEs in an African context. The findings are fundamental in understanding this neglected sample group in the extant literature. They also assist in advancing literature and proposing possible solutions. All this is important, given global talent shortages which have warranted the need for highly skilled employees in countries like South Africa.
How much effort is enough? Unlocking customer fanaticism in services industries
Authors: Quach Sara , Hewege Chandana Rathnasiri , Thaichon Park
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to understand the antecedents of fanaticism through the lens of attribution theory and “norm of reciprocity”. It is proposed that consumers will reward firms with high perceived effort, including both general and specific effort by increasing their loyalty and becoming a fan of the company.

Design/methodology/approach

The data are collected in a high-tech services industry, mobile phone services. A paper-based survey using mall intercept technique was employed in this study. The sampling design was a combination of convenience sampling (any adult who happened to be at a given location on a given day and time) and system probability sampling (every fifth adult who passed the data collection point was approached and asked to participate in the study). The final sample size is 600.

Findings

The antecedents of fanaticism are identified as both firm’s general effort (i.e. service quality and innovativeness) and specific effort (i.e. perceived reciprocity). In addition, perceived regulatory control moderated the relationship between innovativeness, part of firm’s general effort and customer fanaticism. To be more specific, perceived regulatory control increased the effect of perceived innovativeness on fanatical loyalty.

Originality/value

The introduction of the role of perceived regulatory control in the interactions between firms and customers has not been adopted in previous research and can contribute a new body of knowledge to the current literature. This research has implications for service providers, especially in high-tech industries.
“Please use our ideas”: making parallel organizations work
Authors: Engesbak Vetle , Ingvaldsen Jonas A.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

Parallel organizations (POs) perform tasks that operating organizations (OOs) are not equipped or organized to perform well. However, POs rely on OOs’ goodwill for implementation of their ideas and recommendations. Little is known about how POs achieve impact in OOs; this paper aims to examine this important topic.

Design/methodology/approach

Through the analytical lens of boundary spanning, the paper analyzes the PO–OO relationship in a manufacturing organization. Data were collected through 31 semi-structured in-depth interviews with OO managers, PO team leaders and PO team members.

Findings

Primary PO–OO boundary dimensions were favoritism toward local practice in the OO, specialized knowledge across PO–OO contexts and power asymmetry favoring the OO. The main boundary-spanning activities were translating, which targets specialized knowledge, and anchoring, which targets favoritism towards local practice and power asymmetry.

Research limitations/implications

The findings on PO–OO collaboration, especially PO–OO power relations, complement conventional topics in PO literature, such as POs’ purpose, structural configuration and staffing.

Practical implications

POs should be staffed with team members, especially team leaders, who can translate effectively between the PO’s and the OO’s frames of reference, and facilitate complicated knowledge processes across these contexts. Additionally, senior managers should understand their role in anchoring the PO initiative and its results within the OO.

Originality/value

This is the first study to view the PO–OO relationship via boundary spanning, and thus to identify power asymmetry as a key challenge not previously described in PO literature, and describe how this asymmetry is overcome through anchoring.
A randomized, controlled, phase II clinical trial of β‐D‐mannuronic acid (M2000) in pre‐surgical breast cancer patients at early stage (T1‐T2)
Authors: Kashefi Sarvenaz , Omranipour Ramesh , Mahmoodzadeh Habibollah , Ahmadi Hamid , Alikhassi Afsaneh , Hosseini Mostafa , Cuzzocrea Salvatore , Rehm Bernd H. A. , Matsuo Hidenori , Mirshafiey Abbas
Published: March 2019

Following the potent efficacy of β‐D‐Mannuronic acid in a breast cancer murine model, we evaluated the efficacy of this novel non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug in breast cancer patients in the present clinical trial. The study was an 8‐week randomized, controlled, phase II clinical trial (IRCT: 2017012213739N7 (in 48 pre‐surgical breast cancer patients. Patients who had breast cancer at early stage, with invasive ductal carcinoma, were placed on a waiting‐list for surgery and were allocated to the study. β‐D‐Mannuronic was administrated at a dose of two capsules (1000 mg/d) orally during a period of 8 weeks. The end point of this study was when the patients were admitted for surgery. Moreover, the patients' well‐being status was followed up on for safety. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment and non‐treatment groups at baseline. β‐D‐Mannuronic acid therapy, from 20 patients, showed that in one patient (5%) tumour size was decreased; in five patients (25%) tumour growth was stopped; and in 14 patients (70%) the growth rate in the treatment group did not show significant change, compared to the non‐treatment group. Evaluation of two tumour markers (carcinoembryonic antigen and cancer antigen 15‐3) showed that there was no significant difference between before and after treatment. Although the use of some non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in a long time period has shown a prophylactic effect in breast cancer, their therapeutic efficacy in a short time period is unknown, whereas treatment with β‐D‐Mannuronic acid during 8 weeks could show 30% therapeutic effects in pre‐surgical breast cancer patients.
Broad‐specificity GH131 β‐glucanases are a hallmark of fungi and oomycetes that colonize plants
Authors: Anasontzis George E. , Lebrun Marc‐Henri , Haon Mireille , Champion Charlotte , Kohler Annegret , Lenfant Nicolas , Martin Francis , O'Connell Richard J. , Riley Robert , Grigoriev Igor V. , Henrissat Bernard , Berrin Jean‐Guy , Rosso Marie‐Noëlle
Published: March 2019

Plant‐tissue‐colonizing fungi fine‐tune the deconstruction of plant‐cell walls (PCW) using different sets of enzymes according to their lifestyle. However, some of these enzymes are conserved among fungi with dissimilar lifestyles. We identified genes from Glycoside Hydrolase family GH131 as commonly expressed during plant‐tissue colonization by saprobic, pathogenic and symbiotic fungi. By searching all the publicly available genomes, we found that GH131‐coding genes were widely distributed in the Dikarya subkingdom, except in Taphrinomycotina and Saccharomycotina, and in phytopathogenic Oomycetes, but neither other eukaryotes nor prokaryotes. The presence of GH131 in a species was correlated with its association with plants as symbiont, pathogen or saprobe. We propose that GH131‐family expansions and horizontal‐gene transfers contributed to this adaptation. We analysed the biochemical activities of GH131 enzymes whose genes were upregulated during plant‐tissue colonization in a saprobe (Pycnoporus sanguineus), a plant symbiont (Laccaria bicolor) and three hemibiotrophic‐plant pathogens (Colletotrichum higginsianum, C. graminicola, Zymoseptoria tritici). These enzymes were all active on substrates with β‐1,4, β‐1,3 and mixed β‐1,4/1,3 glucosidic linkages. Combined with a cellobiohydrolase, GH131 enzymes enhanced cellulose degradation. We propose that secreted GH131 enzymes unlock the PCW barrier and allow further deconstruction by other enzymes during plant tissue colonization by symbionts, pathogens and saprobes.
Of wildmen and white men: cryptozoology and inappropriate/d monsters at the cusp of the Anthropocene
Authors: Bubandt Nils
Published: March 2019

People on the Indonesian island of Halmahera claim that the hairy and barely human giants that are said to roam the jungle are seventeenth‐century Portuguese colonizers. Employing the feminist concept of ‘inappropriate/d’, I show how the appropriation of the Portuguese wildman into village narratives, regional political history, and national development plans as well as into global discourses of science and media in each case inappropriately collapses the boundaries that the white wildman is implicated in maintaining: those between human and animal, the colonial sovereign and ‘the primitive native’, cryptozoology and the politics of the real. The wild‐yet‐Western figure, I argue, is inappropriate/d – is ‘on the loose’ – across local, regional, and global registers of reality in ways that trouble linear histories of the wildman as fading from reality into allegory. Like so many other monsters of the Anthropocene, the truthlikeness, or verisimilitude, of the white wildman is enhanced rather than attenuated by recent turns in politics and media.
The Economic Value of Education for Longer Lives and Reduced Disability
Authors: KRUEGER PATRICK M. , DEHRY ILHAM A. , CHANG VIRGINIA W.
Published: March 2019

Policy Points

Although it is well established that educational attainment improves health and longevity, the economic value of this benefit is unknown. We estimate that the economic value of education for longer, healthier lives is comparable to or greater than the value of education for lifetime earnings.

Policies that increase rates of completion of high school and college degrees could result in longer, healthier lives and substantial economic value for the population.

We provide a template for assigning an economic value to the health benefits associated with education or other social determinants, allowing policymakers to prioritize those interventions that yield the greatest value for the population.

Context

Policymakers often frame the value of educational attainment in terms of economic outcomes (eg, employment, productivity, wages). But that approach may understate the value of education if it ignores the economic value of both longer lives and the reduced disability associated with more education.

Methods

In this article, we estimated the present value of the longer life and reduced disability associated with higher educational attainment at age 25 through age 84. We used prospective survival data and cross‐sectional disability data from the National Health Interview Survey‐Linked Mortality Files and drew on published estimates of the economic value of a statistical life. In addition, we used data from the Current Population Survey—Annual Social and Economic supplement to estimate the present value of education for lifetime earnings at age 25 through age 64 in order to provide a benchmark for comparing the value of education for health.

Findings

Compared with those with less than a high school degree, the longer lives of those with a high school degree are worth an additional $450,000 for males and $479,000 for females, and the additional disability‐adjusted life for those with a high school degree is worth $693,000 for males and $757,000 for females. By comparison, the additional lifetime earnings for those with a high school degree, rather than less than a high school degree, is $213,000 for males and $194,000 for females. Compared with those with a high school degree, the longer lives for those with a baccalaureate degree are worth an additional $446,000 for males and $247,000 for females. The value of the additional disability‐adjusted life associated with having a baccalaureate degree rather than a high school degree is $611,000 for males and $407,000 among females. By comparison, the additional lifetime earnings for those with a baccalaureate degree, rather than a high school degree, is $628,000 for males and $459,000 for females.

Conclusions

The value of education for longer, healthier lives may surpass the value for earnings. Estimates of the economic value of the social determinants of health, such as education, can help policymakers prioritize those policies that provide the greatest value for population health.
Scrotal migration of a ventriculoperitoneal shunt
Authors: Chan Angus Chao‐Kun , Woo Peter Yat‐Ming , Au Yiu‐Kai , Chan Kwong‐Yau , Wong Hoi‐Tung
Published: March 2019

We report a case of scrotal migration of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt that presented as a hydrocele in an 18‐month‐old boy. The patient had a history of congenital hydrocephalus secondary to aqueductal stenosis requiring VP shunting at 1 month of age. He subsequently presented with painless progressive right scrotal swelling for 12 months with the distal segment of the shunt's peritoneal catheter palpable within the scrotum, which was confirmed by X‐ray imaging. Groin exploration for catheter removal and high ligation of the hydrocele were performed. Postoperatively, there was no recurrence of the hydrocele. We recommend that all infant patients with an implanted VP shunt undergo regular scrotal examinations at the neurosurgical clinic, and that early surgical intervention should be considered when a hydrocele is detected.
Pain management after total hip arthroplasty at five different Danish hospitals: A prospective, observational cohort study of 501 patients
Authors: Geisler Anja , Dahl Jørgen B. , Thybo Kasper H. , Pedersen Tim H. , Jørgensen Marie L. , Hansen Dina , Schulze Louise K. , Persson Eva I. , Mathiesen Ole
Published: March 2019

Background

The available literature does not present a “gold standard” for post‐operative pain treatment after total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this prospective observational study was to explore and document post‐operative pain treatment, including outcomes, in a large cohort of patients undergoing THA at five different Danish hospitals.

Methods

This prospective, multicentre, observational cohort study of 501 THA patients was performed at five different hospitals in the Capital Region and at the Region Zealand in Denmark, from April 2014 to April 2016. The study had two co‐primary outcomes: Pain during mobilisation at 6 hours post‐operatively (numeric rating scale [NRS] [0‐10]) and morphine consumption 0‐24 hours post‐operatively.

Results

A large variety of analgesic treatments were used at the included hospitals and none of the hospitals used the same non‐opioid basic analgesic regimen. For all patients at all hospitals, the NRS–pain level during mobilisation at 6 hours was 5 (3‐6), (median [interquartile range]) and the 24‐hour intravenous morphine (eqv) consumption was 25 mg (18‐35). Although some statistically significant differences between hospitals were found for morphine use, no non‐opioid analgesic regimen demonstrated consistent clinically relevant superior efficacy. In general, pain levels at rest were low to moderate and pain during mobilisation was moderate.

Conclusions

Analgesic treatment routines differed between hospitals. Pain levels, however, did not differ substantially and were in general low at rest and moderate during mobilisation. No non‐opioid analgesic treatment demonstrated consistent analgesic superiority.
Learning from South Africa's recent summer rainfall droughts: How might we think differently about response?
Authors: Archer Emma R. M.
Published: March 2019

The 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 summer rainfall seasons in South Africa, as well as in the Southern African Development Community region more widely, are generally agreed to be the most severe droughts on record since those of the early 1980s and 1990s. Shortcomings of a more reactive approach to dealing with drought have been well covered in the literature, yet evolution in this regard remains slow. South Africa is currently in the midst of significant change at the local governmental level, as well as likely ongoing change at the national scale. As a result, this provides a potential opportunity to think differently about drought response, taking a longer term and more proactive view, also informed by longer term climate change projections. This commentary provides selected examples of where such an approach might be taken, concluding with hope for an expanded role for scientists in better informing response.
Monster or multiplacophoran: A teratological specimen of the chiton Acanthopleura granulata (Mollusca: Polyplacophora) with a valve split into independent and symmetrical halves
Authors: Kingston Alexandra C. N. , Sigwart Julia D. , Chappell Daniel R. , Speiser Daniel I.
Published: March 2019

Teratological specimens deviate from the conserved form of their species. In doing so, they serve as natural experiments that refine our knowledge of developmental mechanisms and the natural limits of phenotypes. Here, we describe a specimen of the West Indian Fuzzy Chiton Acanthopleura granulata (Gmelin, 1791) with a fifth valve split into two halves. Using micro‐CT to non‐invasively visualize the external and internal morphology of this specimen, we find that the half valves are symmetrical and independent from each other and from any of the other valves. The presence of girdle‐like tissue between the split valves suggests that this shell abnormality arose in early development and was not the product of damage to the adult animal. While the present specimen of A. granulata is clearly abnormal for its species, its split valve may provide some insights into the developmental pathways that would underlie macroevolutionary transitions to multi‐plated chiton forms known from the fossil record.
Health‐related Research Ethics and Social Value: Antibiotic Resistance Intervention Research and Pragmatic Risks
Authors: Munthe Christian , Nijsingh Niels , de Fine Licht Karl , Joakim Larsson D.G.
Published: March 2019

We consider the implications for the ethical evaluation of research programs of two fundamental changes in the revised research ethical guideline of the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences. The first is the extension of scope that follows from exchanging “biomedical” for “health‐related” research, and the second is the new evaluative basis of “social value,” which implies new ethical requirements of research. We use the example of antibiotic resistance interventions to explore the need to consider the instances of what we term the pragmatic risks of such interventions to evaluate the social value of certain kinds of health‐related research. These (pragmatic) risks severely threaten the social value of interventions in every area where human and social responses significantly impact on their effectiveness. Thus, the social value of health‐related research needed to demonstrate its effectiveness depends on the extent and successful management of such risks. Research designed to take into account the management of pragmatic risks also gives rise to similar types of risks, and the potential for social value in light of those risks needs to be considered in ethical reviews based on the new guidelines. We argue that, to handle this new expanded task, the international system of research ethical review addressed by the guidelines needs institutional development.
Engagement in business simulation games: A self‐system model of motivational development
Authors: Buil Isabel , Catalán Sara , Martínez Eva
Published: March 2019

This research draws on the self‐system model of motivational development to explain how the use of business simulation games in class facilitates students’ engagement and enhances their learning. Based on a survey of 360 undergraduate students who played a business simulation game in a marketing course, the findings show that students’ perceptions of competence, autonomy, relatedness and self‐efficacy have a positive impact on their cognitive, emotional and behavioural engagement. In addition, cognitive and emotional engagement have a positive influence on skills development and perceived learning.
Diagnostic potential of TERT promoter and FGFR3 mutations in urinary cell‐free DNA in upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Hayashi Yujiro , Fujita Kazutoshi , Matsuzaki Kyosuke , Matsushita Makoto , Kawamura Norihiko , Koh Yoko , Nakano Kosuke , Wang Cong , Ishizuya Yu , Yamamoto Yoshiyuki , Jingushi Kentaro , Kato Taigo , Kawashima Atsunari , Ujike Takeshi , Nagahara Akira , Uemura Motohide , Imamura Ryoichi , Takao Tetsuya , Takada Shingo , Netto George J , Nonomura Norio
Published: March 2019

Most upper tract urothelial carcinomas (UTUC) are muscle invasive at the time of diagnosis. Current standard methods for the diagnosis of UTUC are invasive. Urine cytology is the only non‐invasive test for detecting UTUC, but its sensitivity is low. A novel non‐invasive assay for UTUC detection would improve patient outcome. This study aimed to investigate the mutation of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) in urine supernatant to develop a reliable diagnostic biomarker for UTUC patients. We studied urinary cfDNA from 153 individuals, including 56 patients with localized UTUC, and carried out droplet digital PCR assay for TERT promoter and FGFR3 hotspot mutations. We could detect mutations of TERT C228T in 22/56 (39.3%), TERT C250T in 4/56 (7.1%), and FGFR3 S249C in 9/56 (16.1%) patients. FGFR3 mutation was detected only in ≤pT1 tumors (positive predictive value: 100.0%). In combination with cytology results, the sensitivity was 78.6%, and the specificity was 96.0%. Although these data need to be validated in a larger‐scale cohort, mutation analysis of TERT promoter and FGFR3 in urinary cfDNA has the potential to be a non‐invasive diagnostic marker and reliable factor for tumor staging.
Real prevalence of neural tube defects in Japan: How many of such pregnancies have been terminated?
Authors: Kondo Atsuo , Akada Shinobu , Akiyama Kunihisa , Arakawa Masato , Ichi Shunsuke , Inamoto Yutaka , Ishida Tomohiko , Ishikawa Hiroshi , Itoh Tomonori , Izumi Akio , Kimura Fuminori , Kondo Atsuya S. , Matsuoka Ryu , Miyauchi Akito , Mochizuki Junko , Momohara Yoshihito , Morikawa Shigehiko , Morioka Miki , Morota Nobuhito , Nakabe Ken , Obayashi Satoshi , Oku Masataka , Samura Osamu , Sasahara Jun , Sase Masakatsu , Shimamoto Kumi , Shimamura Katsunori , Sumigama Seiji , Tada Katsuhiko , Takahashi Hiroyuki , Tani Akihiro , Wada Seiji , Wada‐HIraike Osamu , Watanabe Tomoyuki , Yamaguchi Masatoshi , Yasui Tomoyo , Yokomine Masato
Published: March 2019

The vital role of folic acid is to reduce the risk of having a neonate afflicted with neural tube defects. The prevalence of neural tube defects (myelomeningocele and anencephaly) has been reported in an incomplete form over the last 40 years in Japan. We aimed to evaluate the total number of neural tube defects including those delivered or terminated, to clarify the proportion of those terminated, and to internationally compare their prevalence. Through information on >311 000 deliveries obtained from 262 hospitals/clinics for 2 years of 2014 and 2015, we identified that the rate of total neural tube defects (termination of pregnancy, live births and stillbirths) was 8.29 per 10 000 deliveries for the year 2014 and was 8.72 for 2015, which were 1.5 and 1.6 times higher than the respective values (live births and stillbirths) reported. It is also observed that the ratio of the total number of myelomeningocele (termination of pregnancy, live births, and stillbirths) to that of anencephaly was approximately 1:1.2, that a half of pregnancies afflicted with neural tube defects were terminated, and that the proportion of termination of pregnancy due to myelomeningocele and due to anencephaly was 20% and 80%, respectively. Internationally, the real prevalence of neural tube defects in Japan was comparatively high, ranking fifth among the seven developed countries. In conclusion, the real prevalence of total neural tube defects was approximately 1.5 times higher than that currently reported by the Japan Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
A kinetic and thermodynamic study of lac dye adsorption on silk yarn coated with microcrystalline chitosan
Authors: Chimprasit Aunlika , Bremner John B. , Danworaphong Sorasak , Sajomsang Warayuth , Gonil Pattarapond , Chairat Montra
Published: March 2019

The coating of silk yarn with microcrystalline chitosan (MCCh) was carried out using the ultrasonic‐assisted method at a pulsed wave frequency of 80 kHz, which only had a slight impact on the yarn as measured by changes in Young's modulus and percentage of elongation compared with untreated silk. A significant enhancement of lac dye uptake onto MCCh‐coated silk yarn compared with the untreated silk was observed. The rate of dye uptake at different temperatures onto silk yarn coated with MCCh was investigated. It was found that the adsorption rate constant and diffusion coefficient both increased with increasing temperature, as a result of a diffusion kinetically controlled process with a diffusion activation energy of 9.40 kJ mol−1. This suggests that dye adsorption on silk yarn coated with MCCh is a physisorption process. The free energy change (∆G○), enthalpy change (∆H○) and entropy change for dye adsorption were also determined, and the negative values of ∆G○ and ∆H○ obtained indicated that the lac dye adsorption process is both spontaneous and exothermic.
Approaches for Locating and Staffing FEMA's Disaster Recovery Centers
Authors: Moline Julia , Goentzel Jarrod , Gralla Erica
Published: March 2019

Disaster response is a challenging environment for data‐driven decision support, because of its rarity, uniqueness, and high stakes. This article develops and demonstrates practical decision support approaches for an important problem faced by the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), identifies challenges and successes during their partial implementation, and explores how such approaches can encourage the adoption of data‐driven decision‐making in crisis situations. Specifically, this article develops approaches for locating and staffing temporary Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs), which provide in‐person service to disaster‐affected communities. Working with FEMA, we developed two models that aim to improve service to survivors and minimize costs. One model fits easily into FEMA's current decision‐making process, while the other further improves service by challenging some extant assumptions. By testing the models using data from three past disasters, we find that this decision support can result in cost savings of 75% on average by eliminating unnecessary DRCs and over‐staffing and, at the same time, maintain or reduce the maximum travel time required for the disaster‐affected population to access DRCs. Aspects of the models have already been used during disaster operations. FEMA's experience highlights the potential for data‐ and model‐driven analyses to improve resource allocation and demonstrates an approach to improve organizational decisions by developing models that either align with or challenge the decision‐making culture.
Assessing the stability of functional classifications for pediatric disability
Authors: Hanna Steven
Published: March 2019

This commentary is on the original article by Burgess et al. on pages 798–804 of this issue.
Breaking the Wall Between Business and Design—Becoming a Hedgefox
Authors: Gabay Ron
Published: March 2019

To succeed in today's disruptive world, organizations and leaders must constantly reevaluate their strategies and innovate. One source of innovation that receives growing attention and investment is design. The rising presence of design in the business environment creates interesting leadership challenges and opportunities. To overcome these challenges and seize the opportunities, it is important that organizations and leaders obtain a deep understanding about the different nature of business and design. This article highlights some of the key differences between business and design and suggests that these differences transcend any specific tools or processes. In fact, it argues that one explanation for these differences could be rooted in the concept of “cognitive style.” Investigating business and design as two cognitive styles provides an opportunity for organizations and leaders to borrow insights and tools from cognitive style research and apply them in the context of business and design integration. This research contributes to the growing discussion about business and design integration by focusing on and drawing parallels to the renowned Hedgehog and Fox Cognitive Style Theory. More specifically, by adopting a HedgeFox Scale, this article aims to provide an instrument to assess one's ability to understand and relate to business and/or design, from a cognitive style perspective, as a catalyst for innovation.
Addressing the room for improvement in management of acute promyelocytic leukemia
Authors: Nørgaard Jan M. , Friis Lone S. , Kristensen Jørgen S. , Severinsen Marianne T. , Mølle Ingolf , Marcher Claus W. , Møller Peter , Schoellkopf Claudia , Nielsen Ove J. , Preiss Birgitte S. , Andersen Mette K. , Kjeldsen Eigil , Medeiros Bruno C. , Østgård Lene S.G. ,   the Danish Acute Leukemia Group
Published: March 2019

Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is highly curable. To achieve high cure rates, targeted therapy with retinoic acid (ATRA) must be started promptly at time of suspected diagnosis. Early death rates (EDRs, ≤30 days from diagnosis) differ markedly in patients treated on clinical trials compared to the general population.

Objectives and methods

We used the comprehensive Danish National Acute Leukemia Registry (DNLR) to investigate the incidence, treatment, EDR, and long‐term clinical outcome in APL between 2000 and 2014.

Results

Twenty‐two of 41 deaths occurring in 122 APL patients were EDs which were primarily caused by intracranial hemorrhage, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), sepsis, and multiorgan failure. The overall EDR was 18.0%, whereas clinical trial participants had an EDR of 6.7%. Fifteen patients recruited to the NCRI AML17 APL trial from 2010 to 2013 were younger and had decreased mortality (HR 0.18, CI 0.04‐0.86, P = 0.02) compared to contemporarily treated patients (n = 15) not recruited to a clinical trial. Performance status, leukemia origin, and Sanz‐score were independent prognostic variables.

Conclusions

The very low EDR for on‐trial patients is not observed in the general cohort of APL patients. Diagnostic awareness emerges as the greatest clinical challenge in management of APL.
The effect of insulin infusion on heart rate and systemic blood pressure in horses with equine metabolic syndrome
Authors: Nostell K. , Lindåse S. , Edberg H. , Bröjer J.
Published: March 2019

Background

There is little evidence that horses with equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) have higher resting blood pressures than horses with normal insulin sensitivity. However, there are indications that EMS horses have an altered dynamic response to the cardiovascular effects of insulin.

Objectives

To examine heart rate and the systemic blood pressure response in EMS and control horses during insulin infusion.

Study design

Cross‐sectional study.

Methods

Horses were examined with an oral sugar test (OST) and a euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp (EHC). Based on the results from the OST, the horses were classified as either EMS or control. Blood pressure was measured before the start of the EHC and at 60, 120 and 180 min of the EHC.

Results

There were 16 EMS and 12 control horses. Mean resting heart rate was higher for EMS horses compared with control (35.6 ± 5.1 vs. 30.3 ± 3.5 beats/min). Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure did not differ between groups at the start of the EHC. Blood pressure decreased gradually during the EHC in the control group, whereas the EMS group showed no decline in systolic, diastolic or mean arterial pressure.

Main limitations

Limited number of horses.

Conclusions

Horses with EMS have cardiovascular changes that affect resting heart rate and systemic blood pressure during insulin infusion.
Manipulating oral behaviour of food emulsions using different emulsifiers
Authors: Hu Xia , Karthik Pothiyappan , Chen Jianshe
Published: March 2019

This study aims to investigate the assumption that the presence of α‐amylase in the human saliva will interact instantly with starch and will lead to very different oral behaviour and enhanced flavour release. Hence, orange oil flavoured emulsion was prepared with whey protein isolates (WPI) and modified starch (MS). The stability and flavour release of emulsions were examined through in vitro and in vivo studies. MS emulsion mixed with artificial saliva containing α‐amylase resulted in more pronounced changes in mean particle size from 0.185 to 2.35 μm and a significant increase in viscosity. Morphology and turbidity revealed strong flocculation, coalescence and creaming. However, WPI emulsion exhibited very little changes in stability and behaviour. Similar results were observed during oral digestion (in vivo) for both emulsion systems. Moreover, a higher intensity of flavour release (37%) was observed in MS emulsion than WPI. This work demonstrated that a starch‐stabilised emulsion has a very different oral behaviour to that of a protein‐stabilised emulsion.
Natural course of isolated mild congenital hydronephrosis: A 2‐year prospective study at a single center in Japan
Authors: Kohata Eriko , Kimata Takahisa , Onuma Chikushi , Yamanouchi Sohsaku , Tsuji Shoji , Ohashi Atsushi , Kaneko Kazunari
Published: March 2019

Objectives

To determine a follow‐up plan for mild congenital hydronephrosis in Japanese individuals.

Methods

Neonates at Kansai Medical University Hospital (Hirakata, Osaka, Japan) who were diagnosed with mild congenital hydronephrosis – defined as a Society for Fetal Urology grade 1 or 2 – at 1‐month old by abdominal ultrasonography between 2014 and 2016 were enrolled. These patients were encouraged to undergo repeated abdominal ultrasonography for 2 years every 3 months to investigate the course of congenital hydronephrosis.

Results

Among 1009 neonates, congenital hydronephrosis was detected in 118 affected renal units of 100 (9.9%) patients. According to the definition of the Society for Fetal Urology, 118 affected renal units were graded as grade 1 in 87 (74%), grade 2 in 30 (25%), grade 3 in one (1%) and grade 4 in 0 units. Among them, 117 affected renal units of mild congenital hydronephrosis comprising grades 1 and 2 were subjected to ultrasonographic evaluation to monitor the natural course. The rates of resolution at 7, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22 and 25 months after birth in Society for Fetal Urology grades 1 and 2 cases were 60% and 8%, 77% and 19%, 90% and 32%, 92% and 40%, 95% and 52%, 96% and 56%, and 99% and 60%, respectively.

Conclusions

Grade 1 congenital hydronephrosis does not need to be followed up, because it mostly shows spontaneous resolution by 2 years of follow up without any complications. However, ultrasonographic examinations at 1‐year intervals for grade 2 congenital hydronephrosis are recommended to determine the subsequent follow‐up plan of patients.
Surface modification and fabrication of white‐light‐emitting Tm3+/CdS quantum dots co‐doped glass fibers
Authors: Peng Zixing , Huang Xiongjian , Ma Zhijun , Dong Guoping , Qiu Jianrong
Published: March 2019

Due to the widely tunable band gap and broadband excitation, CdS quantum dots (QDs) show great promise for yellow‐light luminescence center in white‐light‐emitting devices. The light intensity of the CdS QD‐doped glass was enhanced by doping the Tm3+ ions due to the higher absorption rate. The influence of Tm3+ ions on the surface structure of CdS QDs was enormous according to the first‐principles calculations. Doping Tm3+ ions change the surface state of CdS QDs, which will fix the QDs emission peaks and enhance the luminescence of CdS QDs at a lower heat‐treatment temperature. White‐light emission was obtained by tuning the relative concentration between Tm3+/CdS QDs. However, there is a fundamental challenge to fabricate QD‐doped glass fibers by rod‐in‐tube method since uncontrollable QDs crystallization is hard to avoid. Herein, a white‐light‐emitting borosilicate glass fiber was fabricated by the “melt‐in‐tube” method using a special designed Tm3+/CdS QDs co‐doped borosilicate glass with low‐melting temperature as fiber core. After heat treatment, ideal white‐light emission was observed from the fiber under excitation at single wavelength (359 nm). This finding indicates that Tm3+/CdS QDs co‐doped glass fiber with white‐light‐emitting devices has potential application as gain medium of white‐light‐emitting sources and fiber lasers.