bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Lethal Dependencies with HUGE Predictive Power from Large-Scale Functional Genomic Screens
Authors: Carazo Fernando , José-Enériz Edurne San , Gimeno Marian , Garate Leire , Miranda Estíbaliz , Castilla Carlos , Agirre Xabier , Rubio Ángel , Prósper Felipe
Published: November 2021

Recent functional genomic screens -such as CRISPR-Cas9 or RNAi screening-have fostered a new wave of targeted treatments based on the concept of synthetic lethality. These approaches identified LEthal Dependencies (LEDs) by estimating the effect of genetic events on cell viability. The multiple-hypothesis problem related to the large number of gene knockouts limits the statistical power of these studies. Here, we show that predictions of LEDs from functional screens can be dramatically improved by incorporating the “HUb effect in Genetic Essentiality” (HUGE) of gene alterations. We analyze three recent genome-wide loss-of-function screens - Project Score, CERES score and DEMETER score-identifying LEDs with 75 times larger statistical power than using state-of-the-art methods. HUGE shows an increased enrichment in a recent harmonized knowledgebase of clinical interpretations of somatic genomic variants in cancer (with an AUROC up to 0.87). Our approach is effective even in tumors with large genetic heterogeneity such as acute myeloid leukemia, where we identified LEDs not recalled by previous pipelines, including FLT3-mutant genotypes sensitive to FLT3 inhibitors. Interestingly, in-vitro validations confirm lethal dependencies of either NRAS or PTPN11 depending on the NRAS mutational status. HUGE will hopefully help discover novel genetic dependencies amenable for precision-targeted therapies in cancer.
Essential elements of radical pair magnetosensitivity inDrosophila
Authors: Bradlaugh Adam A , Fedele Giorgio , Munro Anna L , Hansen Celia Napier , Patel Sanjai , Kyriacou Charalambos P. , Jones Alex R. , Rosato Ezio , Baines Richard A.
Published: November 2021

Many animals use the Earth’s magnetic field (geoMF) for navigation1. The favored mechanism for magnetosensitivity involves a blue-light (BL) activated electron transfer reaction between flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) and a chain of tryptophan (Trp) residues within the photoreceptor protein, CRYPTOCHROME (CRY). The spin-state of the resultant radical pair (RP), and hence the concentration of CRY in its active state, is influenced by the geoMF2. The canonical CRY-centric radical pair mechanism (RPM) does not, however, explain many physiological and behavioural observations2–8. Here, using electrophysiology and behavioural analyses, we assay magnetic field (MF) responses at single neuron and organismal level. We show that the 52 C-terminal (CT) amino acids of CRY, which are missing the canonical FAD binding domain and Trp chain, are sufficient to facilitate magnetoreception. We also show that increasing intracellular FAD potentiates both BL-induced and MF-dependent effects on the activity mediated by the CT. Additionally, high levels of FAD alone are sufficient to cause BL neuronal sensitivity and, remarkably, potentiation of this response in the co-presence of a MF. These unexpected results reveal the essential components of a primary magnetoreceptor in flies, providing strong evidence that non-canonical(i.e.,non-CRY-dependent) RPs can elicit MF responses in cells.
Substrate rigidity modulates traction forces and stoichiometry of cell matrix adhesions
Authors: Balcioglu Hayri E , Harkes Rolf , Danen Erik HJ , Schmidt Thomas
Published: November 2021

In cell matrix adhesions, integrin receptors and associated proteins provide a dynamic coupling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) to the cytoskeleton. This allows bidirectional transmission of forces between the ECM and the cytoskeleton, which tunes intracellular signaling cascades that control survival, proliferation, differentiation, and motility. The quantitative relationships between recruitment of distinct cell matrix adhesion proteins and local cellular traction forces are not known. Here, we applied quantitative superresolution microscopy to cell matrix adhesions formed on fibronectin-stamped elastomeric pillars and developed an approach to relate the number of talin, vinculin, paxillin, and focal adhesion kinase (FAK) molecules to the local cellular traction force. We find that FAK recruitment does not show an association with traction-force application whereas a ~60 pN force increase is associated with the recruitment of one talin, two vinculin, and two paxillin molecules on a substrate of effective stiffness of 47 kPa. On a substrate with a four-fold lower effective stiffness the stoichiometry of talin:vinculin:paxillin changes to 2:12:6 for the same ~60 pN traction force. The relative change in force-related vinculin recruitment indicates a stiffness-dependent switch in vinculin function in cell matrix adhesions. Our results reveal a substrate-stiffness-dependent modulation of the relation between cellular traction-force and the molecular stoichiometry of cell-matrix adhesions.
Modelling COVID-19 Pandemic Dynamics Using Transparent, Interpretable, Parsimonious and Simulatable (TIPS) Machine Learning Models: A Case Study from Systems Thinking and System Identification Perspectives
Authors: Wei Hua-Liang , Billings Stephen A.
Published: November 2021

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, an astronomical number of publications on the pandemic dynamics appeared in the literature, of which many use the susceptible infected removed (SIR) and susceptible exposed infected removed (SEIR) models, or their variants, to simulate and study the spread of the coronavirus. SIR and SEIR are continuous-time models which are a class of initial value problems (IVPs) of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). Discrete-time models such as regression and machine learning have also been applied to analyze COVID-19 pandemic data (e.g. predicting infection cases), but most of these methods use simplified models involving a small number of input variables pre-selected based on a priori knowledge, or use very complicated models (e.g. deep learning), purely focusing on certain prediction purposes and paying little attention to the model interpretability. There have been relatively fewer studies focusing on the investigations of the inherent time-lagged or time-delayed relationships e.g. between the reproduction number (R number), infection cases, and deaths, analyzing the pandemic spread from a systems thinking and dynamic perspective. The present study, for the first time, proposes using systems engineering and system identification approach to build transparent, interpretable, parsimonious and simulatable (TIPS) dynamic machine learning models, establishing links between the R number, the infection cases and deaths caused by COVID-19. The TIPS models are developed based on the well-known NARMAX (Nonlinear AutoRegressive Moving Average with eXogenous inputs) model, which can help better understand the COVID-19 pandemic dynamics. A case study on the UK COVID-19 data is carried out, and new findings are detailed. The proposed method and the associated new findings are useful for better understanding the spread dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cloning and Transformation with Plasmid Vectors
Authors: Green Michael R. , Sambrook Joseph
Published: November 2021

Plasmids occupy a place of honor in molecular cloning: They were used in the first recombinant DNA experiments and, 40 or more years later, they remain as the carriage horses of molecular cloning. After almost half a century of sequential improvement in design, today's plasmid vectors are available in huge variety, are often optimized for specific purposes, and bear only passing resemblance to their forebears. Here, various features of plasmid vectors and methods for transforming E. coli cells are introduced.
Neurophysiological and Behavioral Analysis in Xenopus
Authors: Szaro Ben G.
Published: November 2021

Because of its resilience to hypoxia and trauma, the frog has long been a favored preparation of neurophysiologists. Its use has led to the discovery of many fundamental properties of neurons and neural circuits. Neurophysiologists were originally attracted to Xenopus embryos, tadpoles, and frogs because of their ready availability, their external development, and the anatomical accessibility and relatively simple neural circuitry of the Xenopus visual, locomotory, and vocalization systems. Nowadays, the sequencing of Xenopus genomes and the panoply of tools for manipulating gene expression have created new opportunities for neurophysiologists to address the molecular underpinnings of how neurons generate behaviors in a vertebrate. Here, we introduce protocols for harnessing the power of Xenopus for performing electrophysiological studies of neural circuitry in the developing optic tectum and spinal cord, as well as in vocalization, and for studying the ontogeny of locomotory behavior.
Deep learning-based surrogate model for fast multi-material topology optimization of IPM motor
Authors: Sato Hayaho , Igarashi Hajime
Published: November 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to present a deep learning–based surrogate model for fast multi-material topology optimization of an interior permanent magnet (IPM) motor. The multi-material topology optimization based on genetic algorithm needs large computational burden because of execution of finite element (FE) analysis for many times. To overcome this difficulty, a convolutional neural network (CNN) is adopted to predict the motor performance from the cross-sectional motor image and reduce the number of FE analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

To predict the average torque of an IPM motor, CNN is used as a surrogate model. From the input cross-sectional motor image, CNN infers dq-inductance and magnet flux to compute the average torque. It is shown that the average torque for any current phase angle can be predicted by this approach, which allows the maximization of the average torque by changing the current phase angle. The individuals in the multi-material topology optimization are evaluated by the trained CNN, and the limited individuals with higher potentials are evaluated by finite element method.

Findings

It is shown that the proposed method doubles the computing speed of the multi-material topology optimization without loss of search ability. In addition, the optimized motor obtained by the proposed method followed by simplification for manufacturing is shown to have higher average torque than a reference model.

Originality/value

This paper proposes a novel method based on deep learning for fast multi-material topology optimization considering the current phase angle.
A smart tech lever to augment caregivers' touch and foster vulnerable patient engagement and well-being
Authors: Mele Cristina , Marzullo Marialuisa , Di Bernardo Irene , Russo-Spena Tiziana , Massi Roberta , La Salandra Alessandra , Cialabrini Stefania
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Some population groups face precarious health, reflecting their vulnerability, in terms of lack of agency or control. Smart technologies promise to transform people's lives from the enhanced connectedness, greater computational processing and more complex decision-making they can achieve. This study aims to investigate how smart technology can mitigate vulnerability and improve well-being.

Design/methodology/approach

The research group, of three scholars and three managers, pursued an action research methodology with an iterative process of planning, action and learning. The authors conducted three related action studies: (1) adopting smart technologies, (2) fostering patient engagement and (3) assessing well-being.

Findings

The adoption of sensors and wearable devices had positive impacts for both patients and caregivers. Technologies highlighted their meaning as resources to support actors' (caregivers' and vulnerable patients') activities. Smart devices as resources get integrated, stimulate change and enable new practices. For caregivers, such innovative solutions help improve their knowledge of patients and their ability to act efficiently; for vulnerable patients, they fostered engagement in daily activities to improve well-being.

Originality/value

The paper delineates an overall model (SEVP) that describes how the integration of high-tech and high touch enables patient engagement to mitigate vulnerability and improve well-being.
Preparation and application of water-based nano-silver conductive ink in paper-based 3D printing
Authors: Zhao Chenfei , Wang Jun , Lu Lini
Published: October 2021

Purpose

In flexible electronics applications, organic inks are mostly used for inkjet printing. Three-dimensional (3 D) printing technology has the advantages of low cost, high speed and good precision in modern electronic printing. The purpose of this study is to solve the high cost of traditional printing and the pollution emissions of organic ink. It is necessary to develop a water-based conductive ink that is easily degradable and can be 3 D printed. A nano-silver ink printed circuit pattern with high precision, high conductivity and good mechanical properties is a promising strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

The researched nano-silver conductive ink is mainly composed of silver nanoparticles and resin. The effect of adding methyl cellulose on the ink was also explored. A simple 3 D circuit pattern was printed on photographic paper. The line width, line length, line thickness and conductivity of the printed circuit were tested. The influence of sintering temperature and sintering time on pattern resistivity was studied. The relationship between circuit pattern bending performance and electrical conductivity is analyzed.

Findings

The experimental results show that the ink has the characteristics of low silver content and good environmental protection effect. The printing feasibility of 3 D printing circuit patterns on paper substrates was confirmed. The best printing temperature is 160°C–180°C, and the best sintering time is 30 min. The circuit pattern can be folded 120°, and the cycle is folded more than 60 times. The minimum resistivity of the circuit pattern is 6.07 µΩ·cm. Methyl cellulose can control the viscosity of the ink. The mechanical properties of the pattern have been improved. The printing method of 3 D printing can significantly reduce the sintering time and temperature of the conductive ink. These findings may provide innovation for the flexible electronics industry and pave the way for alternatives to cost-effective solutions.

Originality/value

In this study, direct ink writing technology was used to print circuit patterns on paper substrates. This process is simple and convenient and can control the thickness of the ink layer. The ink material is nonpolluting to the environment. Nano-silver ink has suitable viscosity and pH value. It can meet the requirements of pneumatic 3 D printers. The method has the characteristics of simple process, fast forming, low cost and high environmental friendliness.
Time series prediction using machine learning: a case of Bitcoin returns
Authors: Shakri Irfan Haider
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to compare five data-driven-based ML techniques to predict the time series data of Bitcoin returns, namely, alternating model tree, random forest (RF), multiple linear regression, multi-layer perceptron regression and M5 Tree algorithms.

Design/methodology/approach

The data used to forecast time series data of Bitcoin returns ranges from 8 July 2010 to 30 Aug 2020. This study used several predictors to predict bitcoin returns including economic policy uncertainty, equity market volatility index, S&P returns, USD/EURO exchange rates, oil and gold prices, volatilities and returns. Five statistical indexes, namely, correlation coefficient, mean absolute error, root mean square error, relative absolute error and root relative squared error are determined. The results of these metrices are used to develop colour intensity ranking.

Findings

Among the machine learning (ML) techniques used in this study, RF models has shown superior predictive ability for estimating the Bitcoin returns.

Originality/value

This study is first of its kind to use and compare ML models in the prediction of Bitcoins. More studies can be carried out by using further cryptocurrencies and other ML data-driven models in future.
Utilising a capability maturity model to leverage inclusion and diversity in public sector organisations
Authors: Lundy Judy , Keast Robyn , Farr‐Wharton Ben , Omari Maryam , Teo Stephen , Bentley Tim
Published: October 2021

Diversity and inclusion (D&I) bring many benefits to society, particularly in public sector organisations servicing increasingly diverse communities. To deliver public value, government agencies at all levels must more intentionally direct public sector knowledge, skills, and experiences to shape the current and future capabilities of a more diverse and inclusive workforce. Fully optimising workplace D&I has proven elusive. An evolving array of new and residual policy and practice elements has led to a mismatch of goals and outcomes. Moreover, many accepted ‘best’ practice approaches are out‐of‐step with rapidly shifting societal and workforce compositions and mechanisms and societal expectations for organisations to reflect and embrace D&I. Accommodating these shifts demands a bolder, more agile ‘next’ practice approach that is fit‐for‐purpose in creating and maintaining a modern, diverse, inclusive workplace. This practice‐focused article constructs a Capability Maturity Model to guide D&I decision‐making and support continuous improvement.
Total opioid‐free general anaesthesia can improve postoperative outcomes after surgery, without evidence of adverse effects on patient safety and pain management: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Olausson Alexander , Svensson Carl Johan , Andréll Paulin , Jildenstål Pether , Thörn Sven‐Egron , Wolf Axel
Published: November 2021

Background

Opioid‐based treatment is used to manage stress responses during surgery and postoperative pain. However, opioids have both acute and long‐term side effects, calling for opioid‐free anaesthetic strategies. This meta‐analysis compares adverse events, postoperative recovery, discharge time from post‐anaesthesia care unit, and postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting, and opioid consumption between strict opioid‐free and opioid‐based general anaesthesia.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cinahl, Cochrane Library, selected reference lists, and Google Scholar. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between January 2000 and February 2021 with at least one opioid‐free study arm, i.e. no opioids administered preoperatively, during anaesthesia induction, before skin closure, or before emergence from anaesthesia.

Results

The study comprised 1934 patients from 26 RCTs. Common interventions included laparoscopic gynaecological surgery, upper gastrointestinal surgery, and breast surgery. There is firm evidence that opioid‐free anaesthesia significantly reduced adverse postoperative events (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.22 to 0.46, I2 = 56%, p < 0.00001), mainly driven by decreased nausea (OR 0.27, (0.17 to 0.42), p < 0.00001) and vomiting (OR 0.22 (0.11 to 0.41), p < 0.00001). Postoperative opioid consumption was significantly lower in the opioid‐free group (−6.00 mg (−8.52 to −3.48), p < 0.00001). There was no significant difference in length of post‐anaesthesia care unit stay and overall postoperative pain between groups.

Conclusions

Opioid‐free anaesthesia can improve postoperative outcomes in several surgical settings without evidence of adverse effects on patient safety and pain management. There is a need for more evidence‐based non‐opioid anaesthetic protocols for different types of surgery as well as postoperative phases.
Oncologic outcomes after splenectomy during initial cytoreductive surgery in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer: a nationwide population‐based cohort study
Authors: Said Sherin A. , van der Aa Maaike A. , Veldmate Guus , de Hullu Joanne A. , van Altena Anne M.
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) patients undergoing splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery represent a small subgroup of patients. Splenic metastases or technical reasons due to extensive upper abdominal disease may require a splenectomy. It has been hypothesized that as the spleen’s antitumor immunologic functions may inhibit cancer growth, splenectomy may promote the growth of residual disease as observed in other cancer types of murine studies. The few studies assessing the impact of splenectomy on the oncologic outcomes of advanced stage EOC patients have reported inconsistent results. It remains unclear whether splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery is justified to achieve complete cytoreduction. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a splenectomy on perioperative outcomes and survival of advanced stage EOC patients.

Material and methods

In this nationwide population‐based study, all consecutive patients diagnosed with FIGO stage IIIC and IV EOC between 1 January 2008 and 31 December 2015 were identified from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. Patients who underwent cytoreductive surgery combined with platinum‐based chemotherapy as primary treatment were selected. Differences in clinicopathologic characteristics between splenectomy and non‐splenectomy patients were assessed. Progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier survival curves and log‐rank tests. Cox proportional hazards models were used to adjust for covariates that influence survival.

Results

A total of 3911 patients were identified: 99 splenectomy and 3812 non‐splenectomy patients. Splenectomy patients were more likely to undergo extensive surgery or surgical reintervention, to receive intraperitoneal chemotherapy, intraoperative and postoperative blood transfusion, to experience postoperative infections, and to be admitted to an intensive care unit (all p < 0.002). No significant differences in PFS or OS were observed between splenectomy vs non‐splenectomy patients after adjusting for covariates.

Conclusions

Although advanced stage EOC patients who undergo splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery have less favorable perioperative outcomes, no adverse impact of splenectomy on the survival of advanced stage EOC patients was observed. Splenectomy during cytoreductive surgery seems to be justified to achieve complete cytoreduction in advanced stage EOC patients.
Safety and efficacy of fluvoxamine in COVID‐19 ICU patients: An open label, prospective cohort trial with matched controls
Authors: Calusic Martina , Marcec Robert , Luksa Lea , Jurkovic Ivan , Kovac Natasa , Mihaljevic Slobodan , Likic Robert
Published: November 2021

Aims

Fluvoxamine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and sigma‐1 receptor agonist, has so far shown promise in the prevention of COVID‐19 progression as an early treatment option in three trials. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of fluvoxamine in COVID‐19 patients if administered later in the course of the disease.

Methods

The study was designed as an open‐label, prospective cohort trial with matched controls. In April and May 2021, 51 ICU COVID‐19 patients hospitalised in the University Hospital Dubrava and University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia, were treated with fluvoxamine 100 mg three times daily for 15 days in addition to standard therapy and they were prospectively matched for age, gender, vaccination against COVID‐19, disease severity and comorbidities with 51 ICU controls.

Results

No statistically significant differences between groups were observed regarding the number of days on ventilator support, duration of ICU or total hospital stay. However, overall mortality was lower in the fluvoxamine group, 58.8% (n = 30/51), than in the control group, 76.5% (n = 39/51), HR 0.58, 95% CI (0.36–0.94, P = .027).

Conclusion

Fluvoxamine treatment in addition to the standard therapy in hospitalised ICU COVID‐19 patients could have a positive impact on patient survival. Further studies on the effects of fluvoxamine in COVID‐19 patients are urgently required.
The roles of coalitional threat and safety in paranoia: A network approach
Authors: Greenburgh Anna , Bell Vaughan , Raihani Nichola
Published: November 2021

Objective

Paranoia is known to vary with levels of coalitional threat and safety present in the social environment. However, it remains underexplored whether threat and safety are differentially associated with paranoia, if these relationships vary with the source of threat and safety, and whether such effects hold across the continuum of severity of paranoid thoughts.

Methods

We employed a network analysis approach with community analysis on a large dataset (n = 6,337), the UK Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey 2007, to explore these questions. We included one node to capture paranoia typical in the general population, and one pertaining to thought interference common in persecutory delusions in psychosis.

Results

Nodes reflecting paranoia in the general population as well as persecution‐related concerns in psychosis shared the strongest positive edges with nodes representing threat stemming from close social relationships. Paranoia common in the general population was negatively associated with both safety stemming from the wider social environment, and safety in close relationships, where the former association was strongest.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that threat from within one’s immediate social group is more closely linked to paranoid thoughts than is safety from either one’s social group or the wider social environment. Further, our results imply that coalitional threat may be a particularly associated with concerns common in psychosis, whereas paranoid ideation more common in the general population is also associated with reduced coalitional safety. Overall, this network analysis offers a broad view of how paranoia relates to multiple aspects of our coalitional environment and provides some testable predictions for future research in this area.

Practitioner points

Individuals with paranoia more typical of delusions may find threat in close social relationships most challenging

Variation in paranoia in the general population may be attributed to feeling safe in the wider social environment more than in close social relationships
Boomers and Generation Z on campus: Expectations, goals, and experiences
Authors: Paul Grayson J.
Published: November 2021

Compared to the other Anglo‐American democracies, when they start job searches, Canadian post‐secondary graduates likely confront more competition from similarly educated youth, and experience a relatively high unemployment rate. In addition, should they find work, there is no guarantee for graduates that it will be in their area of specialization. There is an added possibility that employment will be precarious. By comparison, in the mid‐sixties, labour market conditions were more accommodating to university graduates. Are these different labour market conditions consistent with students’ expectations, goals, and campus experiences prior to graduation? An answer to this question was found through a comparison of those entering Glendon College, York University, in 1963, and in 2013. The examination was based on surveys students completed in 1963, 1967, 2013, and 2017. Data from these sources was. supplemented by information obtained through interviews with students, archival materials, and by analyzing the contents of the student newspaper. Overall, the expectations of Glendon students in the 1960s, and 50 years later, were in keeping with respective favourable and unfavorable labour market conditions. For students' experiences this was not the case. Despite considerable changes in the labour market, the way in which students experienced their time on campus was comparable in the two eras.
A comprehensive review on glucokinase activators: Promising agents for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes
Authors: Thilagavathi Ramasamy , Hosseini‐Zare Maryam Sadat , Malini Manokaran , Selvam Chelliah
Published: October 2021

Glucokinase is a key enzyme which converts glucose into glucose‐6‐phosphate in the liver and pancreatic cells of the human. In the liver, glucokinase promotes the synthesis of glycogen, and in the pancreas, it helps in glucose‐sensitive insulin release. It serves as a “glucose sensor” and thereby plays an important role in the regulation of glucose homeostasis. Due to this activity, glucokinase is considered as an attractive drug target for type 2 diabetes. It created a lot of interest among the researchers, and several small molecules were discovered. The research work was initiated in 1990. However, the hypoglycemic effect, increased liver burden, and loss of efficacy over time were faced during clinical development. Dorzagliatin, a novel glucokinase activator that acts on both the liver and pancreas, is in the late‐stage clinical development. TTP399, a promising hepatoselective GK activator, showed a clinically significant and sustained reduction in glycated hemoglobin with a low risk of adverse effects. The successful findings generated immense interest to continue further research in finding small molecule GK activators for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The article covers different series of GK activators reported over the past decade and the structural insights into the GK‐GK activator binding which, we believe will stimulate the discovery of novel GK activators to treat type 2 diabetes.
Museums and the Aging Brain
Authors: Ucko David A.
Published: November 2021

This paper makes a case for museums to create programs that promote healthy cognitive aging, complementing those designed for visitors already afflicted with dementia. Surveys indicate that the exploding population of older adults is worried about maintaining cognitive health and reducing the risk of dementia. Museums have the opportunity to address this concern by developing programs based on a growing body of neuroscience research that supports the impact of cognitive engagement in maintaining or improving brain health among older adults. Serving this largely untapped audience offers a valuable new strategic direction that would benefit museums and their communities. The paper offers guidance on the creation of programs in partnership with neuroscientists, other experts, and the target audience, and encourages evaluation and further research.
From bailout to bail‐in: Making banking a legitimate part of the market economy
Authors: Holmbäck Adelwald Pär
Published: October 2021

More than a decade has passed since Lehman Brothers wreaked havoc to the global economy, putting the spotlight on the ‘too big to fail’ predicament and leaving governments the choice between financial collapse and bailouts. A new framework – resolution – was devised to allow for the orderly management of such situations. While capital regulations remain important for maintaining financial stability, bondholders also need to be on the hook if we are to credibly claim that bailouts belong to the past. In sum, resolution is about nothing less than the restoration of the fundamental principles of the market economy to the banking sector.
RDOF: An outlier detection algorithm based on relative density
Authors: Wahid Abdul , Rao Annavarapu Chandra Sekhara
Published: November 2021

An outlier has a significant impact on data quality and the efficiency of data mining. The outlier identification algorithm observes only data points that do not follow clearly defined meanings of projected behaviour in a data set. Several techniques for identifying outliers have been presented in recent years, but if outliers are located in areas where neighbourhood density varies substantially, it can result in an imprecise estimate. To address this problem, we provide a ‘Relative Density‐based Outlier Factor (RDOF)’ algorithm based on the concept of mutual proximity between a data point and its neighbours. The proposed approach is divided into two stages: an influential space is created at a test point in the first stage. In the later stage, a test point is assigned an outlier‐ness score. We have conducted experiments on three real‐world data sets, namely the Johns Hopkins University Ionosphere, the Iris Plant, and Wisconsin Breast Cancer data sets. We have investigated three performance metrics for comparison: precision, recall, and rank power. In addition, we have compared our proposed method against a set of relevant baseline methods. The experimental results reveal that our proposed method detected all (i.e., 100%) outlier class objects with higher rank power than baseline approaches over these experimental data sets.
A machine learning‐based analysis of 311 requests in the Miami‐Dade County
Authors: Cheng Shaoming , Ganapati Sukumar , Narasimhan Giri , Yusuf Farzana Beente
Published: November 2021

This paper illustrates the application of machine learning algorithms in predictive analytics for local governments using administrative data. The developed and tested machine learning predictive algorithm overcomes known limitations of the conventional ordinary least squares method. Such limitations include but not limited to imposed linearity, presumed causality with independent variables as presumed causes and dependent variables as presume result, likely high multicollinearity among features, and spatial autocorrelation. The study applies the algorithms to 311 non‐emergency service requests in the context of Miami‐Dade County. The algorithms are applied to predict the volume of 311 service requests and the community characteristics affecting the volume across Census tract neighborhoods. Four common families of algorithms and an ensemble of them are applied. They are random forest, support vector machines, lasso and elastic‐net regularized generalized linear models, and extreme gradient boosting. Two feature selection methods, namely Boruta and fscaret, are applied to identify the significant community characteristics. The results show that the machine learning algorithms capture spatial autocorrelation and clustering. The features generated by fscaret algorithms are parsimonious in predicting the 311 service request volume.
Evaluation of a novel phosphorylated corn straw xylan for enhancement of thermal stability, crystallinity and functional activity
Authors: Qian Shiquan , Yu Yuting , Ma Jing , Diao Enjie , Ye Shijia , Gao Jiamin , Liu Ying , Hu Weicheng
Published: October 2021

The present study focussed on a novel phosphorylated corn straw xylans (XYCS‐P) that had excellent thermal stability, crystallinity and functional activity and could be potentially used as functional agents in food products. In this work, the phosphorylated derivative XYCS‐P was successfully prepared, and the chemical characterisation, spectral analysis, thermal analysis, morphology analysis, antioxidant capacity and anticancer activity were evaluated. The results indicated that XYCS‐P possessed superior thermal stability to the native corn straw xylans (XYCS) when exposed to the high temperature (above 240 °C). In addition, the crystallinity of XYCS‐P was better than that of XYCS. Moreover, for XYCS‐P, the scavenging activity of the hydroxyl radical, (1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) DPPH radical, superoxide anion radical and the ferric ion reducing antioxidant power were significantly stronger than that of XYCS (P < 0.01). Besides, XYCS‐P exhibited a remarkable inhibition effect for HepG2 cells, and the IC50 value of XYCS‐P was determined to be 335.91 μg mL−1 (P < 0.05).
Compromise solutions for stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis with uncertain preferences and nonmonotonic criteria
Authors: Liao Zhiqiang , Liao Huchang , Lev Benjamin
Published: November 2021

As one of the most popular multiple criteria decision‐making (MCDM) methods, the stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA) is powerful in dealing with the uncertain preference information of decision makers. However, how to find compromise solutions for MCDM problems remains an open question in the SMAA family. A compromise solution refers to an alternative that is the closest to the ideal solution. In this paper, we propose an improved SMAA method, called the SMAA with compromise solutions (SMAA‐CO), to determine compromise solutions for MCDM problems with the uncertain preferences of decision makers and conflicting criteria. The SMAA‐CO uses nonmonotonic additive value functions to depict decision makers’ ideal values for reference points. We apply the proposed method to capture multiple decision makers’ uncertain preference information. An illustrative example concerning supplier selection in the pulp and paper industry is used to show the applicability of the proposed method. Some managerial insights are given.
Primary alterations during the development of hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Dajnoki Z. , Somogyi O. , Medgyesi B. , Jenei A. , Szabó L. , Gáspár K. , Hendrik Z. , Gergely P. , Imre D. , Póliska S. , Törőcsik D. , Zouboulis C.C. , Prens E.P. , Kapitány A. , Szegedi A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic, inflammatory disease of the apocrine gland‐rich (AGR) skin region. The initial steps of disease development are not fully understood, despite intense investigations into immune alterations in lesional HS skin.

Objectives

We aimed to systematically investigate the inflammatory molecules involved in three stages of HS pathogenesis, including healthy AGR, non‐lesional HS and lesional HS skin, with the parallel application of multiple mRNA and protein‐based methods.

Methods

Immune cell counts (T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages), Th1/Th17‐related molecules (IL‐12B, TBX21, IFNG, TNFA, IL‐17, IL10, IL‐23A, TGFB1, RORC, CCL20), keratinocyte‐related sensors (TLR2,4), mediators (S100A7, S100A8, S100A9, DEFB4B, LCN2, CAMP, CCL2) and pro‐inflammatory molecules (IL1B, IL6, TNFA, IL‐23A) were investigated in the three groups by RNASeq, RT‐qPCR, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence.

Results

Epidermal changes were already detectable in non‐lesional HS skin; the epidermal occurrence of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), IL‐1β, TNF‐α and IL‐23 was highly upregulated compared with healthy AGR skin. In lesional HS epidermis, TNF‐α and IL‐1β expression remained at high levels while AMPs and IL‐23 increased even more compared with non‐lesional skin. In the dermis of non‐lesional HS skin, signs of inflammation were barely detectable (vs. AGR), while in the lesional dermis, the number of inflammatory cells and Th1/Th17‐related mediators were significantly elevated.

Conclusions

Our findings that non‐lesional HS epidermal keratinocytes produce not only AMPs and IL‐1β but also high levels of TNF‐α and IL‐23 confirm the driver role of keratinocytes in HS pathogenesis and highlight the possible role of keratinocytes in the transformation of non‐inflammatory Th17 cells (of healthy AGR skin) into inflammatory cells (of HS) via the production of these mediators. The fact that epidermal TNF‐α and IL‐23 appear also in non‐lesional HS seems to prove these cytokines as excellent therapeutic targets.
Decline of oral functions in old‐old adults and their relationship with age and sex: The SONIC study
Authors: Hatta Kodai , Murotani Yuki , Takahashi Toshihito , Gondo Yasuyuki , Kamide Kei , Masui Yukie , Ishizaki Tatsuro , Ogata Soshiro , Matsuda Ken‐ichi , Mihara Yusuke , Fukutake Motoyoshi , Nishimura Yuichi , Hagino Hiromasa , Higashi Kotaro , Maeda Yoshinobu , Ikebe Kazunori
Published: November 2021

Background

Many physical functions decline with aging, but it is not known whether oral functions vary according to sex or decline with aging, as it occurs with physical functions. The present study aimed to examine the association of sex, age, and elapsed years with occlusal force and tongue pressure using a generalized linear mixed‐effect model (GLMM) over a 3‐year period among old‐old Japanese adults.

Methods

Participants were community‐dwelling older adults who participated in a survey (June 2014–March 2017) and a follow‐up survey (July 2017–December 2019) after 3 years (n = 951: 70‐year group, n = 466; 80‐year group, n = 391; 90‐year group, n = 94). Dental examinations including the number of teeth, occlusal force, and tongue pressure were conducted, and a GLMM was used to estimate the association of sex, age, and elapsed years with occlusal force and tongue pressure, adjusting for the number of teeth.

Results

The GLMM showed that occlusal force was significantly associated with sex (reference; male, non‐standardized coefficient: B = −66.9 [female], p < 0.001), age (reference; 70‐year group, B = −81.7 [80‐year group], p < 0.001, B = −87.2 [90‐year group], p < 0.001), and the number of teeth (B = 13.8, p < 0.001), but did not significantly decrease with elapsed years. Tongue pressure was significantly associated with sex (reference; male, B = −0.94 [female], p = 0.034) and age (reference; 70‐year group, B = −1.78 [80‐year group], p < 0.001, B = −5.47 [90‐year group], p < 0.001). Tongue pressure decreased significantly with elapsed years (B = −0.82, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that tongue pressure significantly decreased over time, but occlusal force did not. Tongue‐related muscles may be more susceptible to aging than masticatory muscles.
Proportional Fee vs. Unit Fee: Competition, Welfare, and Incentives*
Authors: Gu Dingwei , Yao Zhiyong , Zhou Wen
Published: November 2021

This paper compares social welfare for a unit versus a proportional fee on competing networks. When demand is sub‐convex or isoelastic, proportional fee welfare dominates unit fee and the comparison is independent of network competition. When demand is super‐convex, however, unit fee welfare dominates proportional fee if network competition is sufficiently weak. Dominance of unit fee is more likely when network competition weakens or if merchants must single‐home. For competing networks, proportional fee is each network’s dominant strategy but often leads to a Prisoners’ Dilemma that hurts not only networks but also merchants.
Acral peeling skin syndrome resulting from a novel homozygous mutation in the CSTA gene—A report of two cases
Authors: Sarika Georgina‐Maria , Ibrahim Ruba , Zlotogorski Abraham , Molho‐Pessach Vered
Published: October 2021

Acral peeling skin syndrome is a rare genodermatosis characterized by asymptomatic peeling of the acral skin. It is usually caused by biallelic mutations in the gene TGM5. However, biallelic mutations in the CSTA gene have also been described to cause APSS with exfoliative ichthyosis, so far in only five pedigrees. Here, we report two new pedigrees, each with one patient having APSS, due to a novel CSTA mutation.
Marketing's and Operations' Roles in Product Recall Prevention: Antecedents and Consequences
Authors: Chakravarty Anindita , Saboo Alok R. , Xiong Guiyang
Published: November 2021

This study centers on the roles of marketing and operations capabilities in preventing future recalls. However, prior literature identifies operations capability as critical for recall prevention, the current research highlights the equivalent importance of marketing capability. Furthermore, rather than limiting marketing's role to damage control efforts after a recall, this study identifies its potential for preventing future recall incidents. With research conducted in the consumer packaged goods industry, the authors determine that firms that improve their marketing and operations capabilities after a recall lower their likelihood of future recalls. A proposed motivation‐based model for post‐recall marketing and operations capability improvement predicts that recalling public firms, by default, do not invest in capability improvements. The test of the propositions, with a sample of 276 product recalls using joint estimation, reveals that stock market penalties for recalls, combined with analyst following and independent boards, push recalling firms to make capability improvements. However, well‐reputed firms and those whose competitors recently engaged in recalls push back against investors' demands.
Interactions and computer experiments
Authors: Borgonovo Emanuele , Plischke Elmar , Rabitti Giovanni
Published: October 2021

Identifying interactions and understanding the underlying generating mechanism is essential for interpreting the response of black‐box models. We offer a systematic analysis of interaction types and corresponding sources, merging results of the broad statistical literature with findings developed within the computer experiment literature. Piecewise‐definiteness emerges a self‐standing interaction mechanism, alternative to the presence of interaction terms. We find that the scale of the analysis is essential for interpretation, and that no single method is capable of providing the correct identification of the underlying interaction generating mechanisms; conversely a combined approach involving indicators at difference scales is required. We propose a graphical tool called Mikado plot that exploits the link between interaction indicators at the finite scale and global scales to ease the regional visualization of two‐factor interactions. The findings are illustrated via numerical experiments with three well‐known computer models of different dimensionality and structure.
Contribution to the knowledge of the oribatid mite genus Mesotritia (Acari, Oribatida, Oribotritiidae)
Authors: Huang Min , Zhang Shuyuan , Liu Dong
Published: November 2021

The genus Mesotritia (Oribatida, Oribotritiidae) was represented by eight species in China prior to this work. In this study, two new species, Mesotritia baxoiensis sp. nov. from Tibet and Mesotritia paranitida sp. nov. from Xinjiang, are described. An identification key to Chinese species of Mesotritia is provided to facilitate the further study on this group.
Comment on “Designing river flows to improve food security futures in the Lower Mekong Basin”
Authors: Williams John G.
Published: November 2021

Sabo
et al
. (Research Articles, 8 December 2017, p. 1270) use sophisticated analyses of flow and fishery data from the Lower Mekong Basin to design a “good” hydrograph that, if implemented by planned hydropower dams, would increase the catch by a factor of 3.7. However, the hydrograph is not implementable, and, if it were, it would devastate the fishery. Further, the analyses are questionable.