bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and cost of haemolytic uraemic syndrome in urban China: a national population-based analysis
Authors: Feng Jingnan , Xu Ke , Shi Xinmiao , Xu Lu , Liu Lili , Wang Fang , Zhong Xuhui , Liu Guozhen , Wang Jinxi , Gao Pei , Ding Jie , Wang Shengfeng , Zhan Siyan
Published: March 2022

Background

Haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is a severe syndrome that causes a substantial burden for patients and their families and is the leading cause of acute kidney injury in children. However, data on the epidemiology and disease burden of HUS in Asia, including China, are limited. We aimed to estimate the incidence and cost of HUS in China. 

Methods

Data about HUS from 2012 to 2016 were extracted from the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and Urban Resident Basic Medical Insurance (URBMI) databases. All cases were identified by ICD code and Chinese diagnostic terms. The 2016 national incidence rates were estimated and stratified by sex, age and season. The associated medical costs were also calculated.

Results

The crude incidence of HUS was 0.66 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI: 0.35 to 1.06), and the standardized incidence was 0.57 (0.19 to 1.18). The incidence of HUS in males was slightly higher than that in females. The age group with the highest incidence of HUS was patients < 1 year old (5.08, 95% CI: 0.23 to 24.87), and the season with the highest incidence was autumn, followed by winter. The average cost of HUS was 2.15 thousand US dollars per patient, which was higher than the national average cost for all inpatients in the same period.

Conclusions

This is the first population-based study on the incidence of HUS in urban China. The age and seasonal distributions of HUS in urban China are different from those in most developed countries, suggesting a difference in aetiology.
Bacterial diversity in the intestinal mucosa of heart failure rats treated with Sini Decoction
Authors: Zhao Zhenyu , Liu Jiahao , Hu Yanzhi , Zhang Xining , Cao Liqin , Dong Zhenhua , Li Lin , Hu Zhixi
Published: March 2022

Background

Sini Decoction (SND), a classic Chinese medicine prescription, has been proved to have a good effect on heart failure (HF), whereas its underlying mechanism is still unclear. In order to explore the therapeutic mechanism of SND, we combined with 16S rRNA gene sequencing to analyze the composition of gut microflora in rats with HF.

Material and methods

Twenty Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were divided into four groups (n = 5): normal group, model group, SND treatment group (SNT group), and metoprolol (Met) treatment group (Meto group). All the rats except the normal group were intraperitoneally injected with doxorubicin (concentration 2 mg/mL, dose 0.15 mL/100 g) once a week to induce HF. After successfully modeling, SND and Met were gavaged to rats, respectively. After the treatment period, blood was collected for hematological analyses, myocardial tissue and colon tissues were collected for Hematoxylin–Eosin (H&E) staining, and mucosal scrapings were collected for Illumina Miseq high-throughput sequencing.

Results

Echocardiographic results suggested that both left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and left ventricular fraction shortening (LVFS) in Model rats decreased compared with normal rats. The results of H&E staining showed that compared with the model group, the structures of myocardial tissue and colon tissue in the SNT group and Meto group showed a recovery trend. Alpha results showed that the model group had higher species diversity and richness compared with the normal group. After treatment, the richness and diversity of intestinal bacteria in the SNT group were significantly restored, and Met also showed the effect of adjusting bacterial diversity, but its effect on bacterial richness was not ideal. At the Family level, we found that the number of several bacteria associated with HF in the model group increased significantly. Excitingly, SND and Met had shown positive effects in restoring these HF-associated bacteria. Similarly, the results of Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) showed that both SND and Met could reduce the accumulation of bacteria in the model group caused by HF.

Conclusion

Collectively, SND can improve HF by regulating the intestinal flora. This will provide new ideas for the clinical treatment of patients with HF.
KMT2C methyltransferase domain regulated INK4A expression suppresses prostate cancer metastasis
Authors: Limberger Tanja , Schlederer Michaela , Trachtová Karolina , Garces de los Fayos Alonso Ines , Yang Jiaye , Högler Sandra , Sternberg Christina , Bystry Vojtech , Oppelt Jan , Tichý Boris , Schmeidl Margit , Kodajova Petra , Jäger Anton , Neubauer Heidi A. , Oberhuber Monika , Schmalzbauer Belinda S. , Pospisilova Sarka , Dolznig Helmut , Wadsak Wolfgang , Culig Zoran , Turner Suzanne D. , Egger Gerda , Lagger Sabine , Kenner Lukas
Published: March 2022

Background

Frequent truncation mutations of the histone lysine N-methyltransferase KMT2C have been detected by whole exome sequencing studies in various cancers, including malignancies of the prostate. However, the biological consequences of these alterations in prostate cancer have not yet been elucidated.

Methods

To investigate the functional effects of these mutations, we deleted the C-terminal catalytic core motif of Kmt2c specifically in mouse prostate epithelium. We analysed the effect of Kmt2c SET domain deletion in a Pten-deficient PCa mouse model in vivo and of truncation mutations of KMT2C in a large number of prostate cancer patients.

Results

We show here for the first time that impaired KMT2C methyltransferase activity drives proliferation and PIN formation and, when combined with loss of the tumour suppressor PTEN, triggers loss of senescence, metastatic dissemination and dramatically reduces life expectancy. In Kmt2c-mutated tumours we show enrichment of proliferative MYC gene signatures and loss of expression of the cell cycle repressor p16INK4A. In addition, we observe a striking reduction in disease-free survival of patients with KMT2C-mutated prostate cancer.

Conclusions

We identified truncating events of KMT2C as drivers of proliferation and PIN formation. Loss of PTEN and KMT2C in prostate cancer results in loss of senescence, metastatic dissemination and reduced life expectancy. Our data demonstrate the prognostic significance of KMT2C mutation status in prostate cancer patients. Inhibition of the MYC signalling axis may be a viable treatment option for patients with KMT2C truncations and therefore poor prognosis.
Ethnobotanical study of wild edible fruits in eastern Bhutan
Authors: Yangdon Pema , Araki Tetsuya , Rahayu Yen Yen Sally , Norbu Kunzang
Published: March 2022

Background

In the past, wild edible fruits (WEFs) were a significant source of food and nutrition in Bhutan. These nutrient-rich species can enhance food security and alleviate poverty in Bhutan. However, recent developments like the introduction of improved fruit varieties, changes in dietary choices, and infrastructure development are expected to influence indigenous knowledge and consumption of WEFs. We aimed to document the species diversity of WEFs and their uses in eastern Bhutan and examine how the knowledge and consumption of WEFs vary with socio-demographic factors.

Methods

A total of 97 households in two districts were selected to participate in the survey. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview a selected adult from each household. Comparative analysis of indigenous knowledge and consumption of WEFs among the socio-demographic factors was performed using one-way ANOVA and a Chi-square test on R software.

Results

The present study reported 52 species of WEFs belonging to 35 families. The prevalence of WEF consumption was found to be 42%. WEF consumption differed significantly between districts, age groups, and indigenous knowledge levels. Similarly, indigenous knowledge of WEFs was significantly associated with districts and age groups.

Conclusions

Eastern Bhutan has a rich diversity of WEFs, but their consumption has been decreasing. Recent agricultural and infrastructure developments may have impacted the consumption and indigenous knowledge of WEFs in this region. Thus, domestication and agro-processing of WEFs should become a major focus in Bhutan to utilize their nutritional value and potential economic benefits to enhance food security in the country. Additionally, incorporating WEF-related knowledge in the school curriculum is essential to educate younger generations on WEFs.
Review: biological engineering for nature-based climate solutions
Authors: Runkle Benjamin R. K.
Published: March 2022

Nature-based Climate Solutions are landscape stewardship techniques to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase soil or biomass carbon sequestration. These mitigation approaches to climate change present an opportunity to supplement energy sector decarbonization and provide co-benefits in terms of ecosystem services and landscape productivity. The biological engineering profession must be involved in the research and implementation of these solutions—developing new tools to aid in decision-making, methods to optimize across different objectives, and new messaging frameworks to assist in prioritizing among different options. Furthermore, the biological engineering curriculum should be redesigned to reflect the needs of carbon-based landscape management. While doing so, the biological engineering community has an opportunity to embed justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion within both the classroom and the profession. Together these transformations will enhance our capacity to use sustainable landscape management as an active tool to mitigate the risks of climate change.
Barriers and Facilitators for the Implementation of Geriatric Oncology Principles in Mexico: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Verduzco-Aguirre Haydee C. , Bolaño Guerra Laura M. , Culakova Eva , Chargoy Javier Monroy , Martínez-Said Hector , Quintero Beulo Gregorio , Mohile Supriya G. , Soto-Perez-De-Celis Enrique
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

There is limited information regarding the use of the geriatric assessment (GA) for older adults with cancer in developing countries. We aimed to describe geriatric oncology practice among Mexican oncology professionals and to identify barriers and facilitators for the implementation of GA into the routine care of older adults with cancer in Mexico.

METHODS

We conducted an explanatory sequential mixed-methods study. We administered an online survey to cancer specialists in Mexico about the routine use of GA and barriers for its use. We then conducted online semistructured interviews with survey respondents selected by their use of GA, expanding on barriers and facilitators for performing GA. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed for quantitative data; qualitative data were analyzed inductively through thematic analysis. We developed joint displays to integrate quantitative/qualitative results.

RESULTS

We obtained 196 survey responses: 37 physicians (18.9%) reported routinely performing a GA. Medical oncologists ( P = .002) and physicians seeing ≤ 10 patients/day ( P = .010) were more likely to use GA. The most frequent barriers for GA use were lack of qualified personnel (49%), limited knowledge (43.9%), and insufficient time (37.2%). In the interviews (n = 22), the limited availability of geriatricians was commonly mentioned. Respondents highlighted the lack of geriatric oncology knowledge among cancer specialists and geriatricians. Saturation of oncology services and a lack of effective referral pathways for GA were also common issues. Facilitators included availability of geriatricians, system/administrative facilitators, presence of a multidisciplinary team, and availability of geriatric oncology education.

CONCLUSION

The routine use of geriatric oncology principles in Mexico is limited by the availability of qualified personnel and by insufficient knowledge. An educational intervention could improve the implementation of GA in cancer care.
Pre-Treatment Staging Imaging in Rectal Cancer: Results From the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative
Authors: Chen Ronald C. , Garrett-Mayer Elizabeth , Kamal Arif H. , Makhoul Issam , Kozlik Mary May Priscilla , Crist Stéphanie T.S. , Chiang Anne C. ,   on behalf of the ASCO Quality Publications Task Force
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE:

For patients with nonmetastatic rectal cancer, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines recommend initial staging using pelvic magnetic resonance imaging or endorectal ultrasound to determine the stage of the disease before initial therapy or surgery. This imaging workup helps determine the T and N staging, which is essential to determine optimal treatment for a patient. The current study examined practice concordance with this guideline using a quality measure in ASCO's Quality Oncology Practice Initiative (QOPI) that specifically addressed staging workup for patients with rectal cancer.

METHODS:

From Fall 2016 through Fall 2019, 103 QOPI-participating practices reported performance on QOPI measure Colorectal 78, which addresses staging workup for patients with rectal cancer. The percentage and 95% CI of patients who received guideline-concordant imaging were calculated for each of the seven assessment time points. Difference of concordance rates between subsequent time points and the initial time point was assessed using logistic regression with random-effects models. In addition, 69 practices that submitted data in 2016 and 2017 were surveyed to gain insight on potential reasons for nonconcordance and the results were described.

RESULTS:

At each time point, a total of 20-33 practices reported data across 1,158 unique patients. Adherence appeared to increase over time, with 38% of patients receiving guideline-recommended staging in Fall 2016, to 56% in Fall 2019. The practice survey revealed that nonconcordance was mostly because of lack of care coordination between oncology and surgery disciplines (n = 16 practices of 28, 57.1%) and a lack of awareness of appropriate staging scans (n = 8 practices, 28.6%).

CONCLUSION:

As one half to one third of patients still do not receive appropriate imaging, our findings highlight the need for concerted quality improvement efforts that involve the multidisciplinary team to close this gap.
Beta-Hydroxybutyrate Suppresses Hepatic Production of the Ghrelin Receptor Antagonist LEAP2
Authors: Holm Stephanie , Husted Anna S , Skov Louise J , Morville Thomas H , Hagemann Christoffer A , Jorsal Tina , Dall Morten , Jakobsen Alexander , Klein Anders B , Treebak Jonas T , Knop Filip K , Schwartz Thue W , Clemmensen Christoffer , Holst Birgitte
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP2) is an endogenous ghrelin receptor antagonist, which is upregulated in the fed state and downregulated during fasting. We hypothesized that the ketone body beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is involved in the downregulation of LEAP2 during conditions with high circulating levels of BHB.

Methods

Hepatic and intestinal Leap2 expression were determined in 3 groups of mice with increasing circulating levels of BHB: prolonged fasting, prolonged ketogenic diet, and oral BHB treatment. LEAP2 levels were measured in lean and obese individuals, in human individuals following endurance exercise, and in mice after BHB treatment. Lastly, we investigated Leap2 expression in isolated murine hepatocytes challenged with BHB.

Results

We confirmed increased circulating LEAP2 levels in individuals with obesity compared to lean individuals. The recovery period after endurance exercise was associated with increased plasma levels of BHB levels and decreased LEAP2 levels in humans. Leap2 expression was selectively decreased in the liver after fasting and after exposure to a ketogenic diet for 3 weeks. Importantly, we found that oral administration of BHB increased circulating levels of BHB in mice and decreased Leap2 expression levels and circulating LEAP2 plasma levels, as did Leap2 expression after direct exposure to BHB in isolated murine hepatocytes.

Conclusion

From our data, we suggest that LEAP2 is downregulated during different states of energy deprivation in both humans and rodents. Furthermore, we here provide evidence that the ketone body, BHB, which is highly upregulated during fasting metabolism, directly downregulates LEAP2 levels. This may be relevant in ghrelin receptor–induced hunger signaling during energy deprivation.
Longitudinal multimodal imaging-compatible mouse model of triazole-sensitive and -resistant invasive pulmonary aspergillosis
Authors: Resendiz-Sharpe Agustin , da Silva Roberta Peres , Geib Elena , Vanderbeke Lore , Seldeslachts Laura , Hupko Charlien , Brock Matthias , Lagrou Katrien , Vande Velde Greetje
Published: March 2022

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) caused by the mold Aspergillus fumigatus is one of the most important life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients. The alarming increase of isolates resistant to the first-line recommended antifungal therapy urges more insights into triazole-resistant A. fumigatus infections. In this study, we systematically optimized a longitudinal multimodal imaging-compatible neutropenic mouse model of IPA. Reproducible rates of pulmonary infection were achieved through immunosuppression (sustained neutropenia) with 150 mg/kg cyclophosphamide at day −4, −1 and 2, and an orotracheal inoculation route in both sexes. Furthermore, increased sensitivity of in vivo bioluminescence imaging for fungal burden detection, as early as the day after infection, was achieved by optimizing luciferin dosing and through engineering isogenic red-shifted bioluminescent A. fumigatus strains, one wild type and two triazole-resistant mutants. We successfully tested appropriate and inappropriate antifungal treatment scenarios in vivo with our optimized multimodal imaging strategy, according to the in vitro susceptibility of our luminescent fungal strains. Therefore, we provide novel essential mouse models with sensitive imaging tools for investigating IPA development and therapy in triazole-susceptible and triazole-resistant scenarios.
Formative Experiences and the Price of Gasoline
Authors: Severen Christopher , Van Benthem Arthur A.
Published: March 2022

Formative experiences shape behavior for decades. We document a striking feature about those who came of driving age during the oil crises of the 1970s—they drive less in the year 2000. The effect is not specific to these cohorts; price variation over time and across states indicates that gasoline price changes between ages 15–18 generally shift later-life travel behavior. Effects are not explained by recessions, income, or costly skill acquisition and are inconsistent with recency bias, mental plasticity, and standard habit-formation models. Instead, they likely reflect formation of preferences for driving or persistent changes in its perceived cost. (JEL D12, D91, L71, Q35, R41)
Will Studying Economics Make You Rich? A Regression Discontinuity Analysis of the Returns to College Major
Authors: Bleemer Zachary , Mehta Aashish
Published: March 2022

We investigate the wage return to studying economics by leveraging a policy that prevented students with low introductory grades from declaring a major. Students who barely met the grade point average threshold to major in economics earned $22,000 (46 percent) higher annual early-career wages than they would have with their second-choice majors. Access to the economics major shifts students' preferences toward business/finance careers, and about half of the wage return is explained by economics majors working in higher-paying industries. The causal return to majoring in economics is very similar to observational earnings differences in nationally representative data. (JEL A22, I26, J24, J31)
Reexamining the Contribution of Public Health Efforts to the Decline in Urban Mortality: Reply
Authors: Anderson D. Mark , Charles Kerwin Kofi , Rees Daniel I.
Published: March 2022

This rejoinder is written in response to the comment by Cutler and Miller (hereafter CM) on our paper, “ Reexamining the Contribution of Public Health Efforts to the Decline in Urban Mortality” (Anderson, Charles, and Rees 2022a). In their comment, CM acknowledge making unambiguous data transcription errors when constructing the infant mortality rates,1 assess the sensitivity of their filtration estimates to alternative intervention dates, and defend the population denominators they used to construct total mortality rates. In this rejoinder, we focus on the third issue, the population denominators. (JEL H75, I12, I18, J13, Q18, Q51, Q53)
The Children and Young People Quality of Life Study: A protocol for the qualitative development of attributes for capability wellbeing measures for use in health economic evaluation with children and young people
Authors: Husbands Samantha , Mitchell Paul Mark , Floredin Isabella , Peters Tim J , Kinghorn Philip , Byford Sarah , Anand Paul , Bailey Cara , Coast Joanna
Published: March 2022

Background: Health services face difficult choices regarding how to allocate scarce health and social care resources. Economic evaluation can aid this process of decision making by allowing competing healthcare interventions or services to be compared in terms of their costs and consequences. However, existing use of economic evaluation of health services largely focuses on comparing interventions in terms of their impact on health only, missing factors potentially important to broader wellbeing. The capability approach measures outcomes in terms of what people are able to do and be. It provides an alternative evaluative space for economic evaluation, which may be especially beneficial for populations such as children and young people, for whom health might not be the only outcome of importance to their wellbeing.

Study aims: This study aims to develop conceptual attributes and descriptive systems for capability wellbeing measures for children and young people to be used in economic evaluation, using qualitative methods with children and young people directly and their parents/guardians.

Methods: Qualitative interviews will be used with children and young people and parents/guardians to develop the conceptual attributes (items) and wording for the capability wellbeing measures. Recruitment will be undertaken through organisations such as schools and charities and online using Facebook. Interviews will be face-to-face or online and will focus on identifying factors important to children and young people’s wellbeing to create an initial draft of the capability wellbeing measures. Subsequent interviews will focus on refining the wording used in the measures. Interviews will be analysed using methods of constant comparison, to explore similarities and differences in what participants considered important to children and young people’s wellbeing and to develop appropriate wording for the measures based on participant responses.

Ethics: The study received approval from the University of Bristol Faculty of Health Sciences Research Ethics Committee (reference 77121).
The Great Preglacial “Bell River” of North America: Detrital Zircon Evidence for Oligocene–Miocene Fluvial Connections Between the Colorado Plateau and Labrador Sea
Authors: Sears James W. , Beranek Luke P.
Published: March 2022

The idea of a great pre-glacial river that drained much of North America into the Arctic waters of modern Canada was first suggested in 1895 by Robert A. Bell. In the 1970s, petroleum exploration in Hudson Strait and the Labrador Sea located the massive, submerged delta of what is now known as the Bell River. Reconstructions suggest that three main branches of the Bell River joined up near modern Hudson Bay. The eastern branch largely drained the Canadian Shield, but the central and western branches had headwaters in the Cordilleran orogenic belt and its foreland in the present-day U.S. and northwestern Canada, respectively.   We present new detrital zircon U–Pb data from Lower Oligocene and Lower Miocene sand from an exploration well in the Saglek delta of the northern Labrador Sea. In conjunction with other detrital zircon results from the Labrador Sea (and elsewhere) these data record the configuration and history of this continental-scale drainage basin in more detail. Mesozoic and younger detrital zircon grains (< 250 Ma) are subordinate to Precambrian age groupings, but Cenozoic populations become more abundant during the Oligocene, suggesting that the basin had expanded into areas now occupied by the Colorado Plateau and the Basin-and-Range Province. Proterozoic and Phanerozoic detrital zircon grain populations in Saglek delta sediments are similar to those of the Pliocene Colorado River. The results support an earlier idea that initial incision of the Grand Canyon and denudation of the Colorado Plateau were associated with a north-flowing paleo-river that fed into the Bell River basin. This contribution continued until the Pliocene capture of this ancestral river by the Gulf of California basin, after which the excavation of the modern Grand Canyon was completed. The Bell River drainage basin was later blocked by the expansion of Pleistocene ice sheets.
Factors influencing the organizational adoption of cloud computing: a survey among cloud workers
Authors: Stieninger Mark , Nedbal Dietmar , Wetzlinger Werner , Wagner Gerold , Erskine Michael A.
Published: March 2022

Cloud computing presents an opportunity for organizations to leverage affordable, scalable, and agile technologies. However, even with the demonstrated value of cloud computing, organizations have been hesitant to adopt such technologies. Based on a multi-theoretical research model, this paper provides an empirical study targeted to better understand the adoption of cloud services. An online survey addressing the factors derived from literature for three specific popular cloud application types (cloud storage, cloud mail and cloud office) was undertaken. The research model was analyzed by using variance-based structural equation modelling. Results show that the factors of compatibility, relative advantage, security & trust, as well as, a lower level of complexity lead to a more positive attitude towards cloud adoption. Complexity, compatibility, image and security & trust have direct and indirect effects on relative advantage. These factors further explain a large part of the attitude towards cloud adoption but not of its usage.
Understanding impact of business intelligence to organizational performance using cluster analysis: does culture matter?
Authors: Bach Mirjana Pejić , Jaklič Jurij , Vugec Dalia Suša
Published: March 2022

Business intelligence is an approach that includes processes and systems for transformation of the raw data into meaningful and useful information which enables effective, systematic and purposeful analysis of an organization and its competitive environment. This paper aims to analyze the impact of the level of business intelligence maturity to organizational performance of the company. Moreover, since there is a rising awareness among practitioners of the role of the organizational culture for the successful functioning of the company, the role of the organizational culture is taken into consideration in this research. In order to meet the aim of the paper, a survey has been conducted. Data has been collected through questionnaires on a sample of 177 Croatian and Slovenian companies and analyzed by means of the cluster analysis. The analysis identified two clusters. The results of the cross-tabulation analysis of the clusters reveal statistically significant differences in terms of the company turnover and dominant organizational culture between them.
Adding experts’ perceptions to complement existing research on information systems backsourcing
Authors: Von Bary Benedikt , Westner Markus , Strahringer Susanne
Published: March 2022

This paper extends the existing literature on information systems (IS) backsourcing by the perception of practitioners. For this purpose, we conducted a series of qualitative, semi-structured interviews with IS sourcing experts. The interview questions focused on the participants’ perceptions and experiences with the topic, on identifying reasons for and against IS backsourcing, and on revealing relevant trends pertinent to IS backsourcing. We then compared those findings with two previously conducted comprehensive literature reviews on academic and practitioner literature on IS backsourcing. By following this approach, we contribute to the existing research by verifying previous findings, for example, the most important reasons why companies decide in favor of IS backsourcing. Additionally, we were able to enhance previous contributions as we highlight the significance of differentiating between the scope of IS backsourcing by looking at the underlying services which are potentially backsourced. Further, we identified the importance of managers’ personal preferences as an additional reason for IS backsourcing, for example, based on personal experiences or a perceived need for change. Based on our findings, we created a comprehensive overview of all aspects connected to the IS backsourcing process and derived opportunities for further research to contribute to the IS backsourcing research agenda.
Estimating Personalized Demand with Unobserved No-Purchases Using a Mixture Model: An Application in the Hotel Industry
Authors: Cho Sanghoon , Ferguson Mark , Pekgün Pelin , Vakhutinsky Andrew
Published: March 2022

Problem definition: Estimating customer demand for revenue management solutions faces two main hurdles: unobservable no-purchases and nonhomogenous customer populations with varying preferences. We propose a novel and practical estimation and segmentation methodology that overcomes both challenges simultaneously. Academic/practical relevance: We combine the estimation of discrete choice modeling under unobservable no-purchases with a data-driven identification of customer segments. In collaboration with our industry partner, Oracle Hospitality Global Business Unit, we demonstrate our methodology in the hotel industry setting where increased competition has driven hoteliers to look for more innovative revenue management practices, such as personalized offers for their guests. Methodology: Our methodology predicts demand for multiple types of hotel rooms based on guest characteristics, travel attributes, and room features. Our framework combines clustering techniques with choice modeling to develop a mixture of multinomial logit discrete choice models and uses Bayesian inference to estimate model parameters. In addition to predicting the probability of an individual guest’s room type choice, our model delivers additional insights on segmentation with its capability to classify each guest into segments (or a mixture of segments) based on their characteristics. Results: We first show using Monte Carlo simulations that our method outperforms several benchmark methods in prediction accuracy, with nearly unbiased estimates of the choice model parameters and the size of the no-purchase incidents. We then demonstrate our method on a real hotel data set and illustrate how the model results can be used to drive insights for personalized offers and pricing. Managerial implications: Our proposed framework provides a practical approach for a complicated demand estimation problem and can help hoteliers segment their guests based on their preferences, which can serve as a valuable input for personalized offer selection and pricing decisions.

History: This paper has been accepted as part of the 2021 Manufacturing & Service Operations Management Practice-Based Research Competition.

Funding: This work was supported by Oracle Labs, part of Oracle America, Inc. [Gift 2380].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2022.1094 .
Network Revenue Management Under a Spiked Multinomial Logit Choice Model
Authors: Cao Yufeng , Kleywegt Anton J. , Wang He
Published: March 2022

Customers are sensitive to price when they shop from a group of substitutable products. Specifically, they are often attracted to the cheapest product in the group, even when the price difference to the next cheapest product is small. Such a phenomenon has been long noticed by the airline industry when customers purchase airline tickets. In “Network Revenue Management under a Spiked Multinomial Logit Choice Model,” Cao, Kleywegt, and Wang consider a new choice model to incorporate customers’ preference toward the cheapest product, which extends the popular multinomial logit choice model. They find that using this new choice model may improve airlines’ revenue. Moreover, (near) optimal revenue management policies under this choice model can be computed in an efficient manner.
Semi-structured interviewing as a tool for understanding informal civil society
Authors: Belina Aleksandra
Published: March 2022

This article aims to present semi-structured interviewing as a pivotal tool used in research on the expressions of informal civil society, including the narratives of activists outside the third sector, but involved in grassroots initiatives. As quantitative research mostly focuses on formally registered organisations, it tends to legitimise and reproduce a narrow understanding of civil society. Semi-structured interviewing, on the other hand, is effective for gaining insight into hidden aspects of social life, problems that are not immediately perceptible. It enables the analysis of under-researched informal civil society and allows researchers to investigate the organisational challenges, practices and languages of unregistered initiatives. Nevertheless, research challenges include the ethical dilemmas related to power dynamics in research-participant relations, the positionality of the researcher and limited generalisability of the findings. Based on a literature review, including articles on civil society studies from five journals, I claim that interviewing opens the way to a more radical and broad understanding of civil society, which includes unregistered initiatives.
Trans voices in social work research: what are the recommendations for anti-oppressive practice that includes trans people?
Authors: Stevens O
Published: March 2022

This rapid review explores research that relates to trans people and social work, with the aim of investigating the experiences of trans people in social work. The article is concerned exclusively with research that platforms the voices of trans people, specifically, those whose input is in direct reference to their experiences in relation to social work. However, the exploration revealed no studies that reference the perspectives of trans social workers. Key recommendations include: the responsible inclusion of trans identities within educational and professional development materials; a visible commitment within social work to confronting transphobia; engaging with practice beyond a binary comprehension of gender; and renewed commitment to person-centred practice that promotes and understands the necessity for self-identification. Additionally, this review restates the need for further ethical research in this area that is more accurately representative and enables the voice and influence of trans people in social work knowledge production.
Model for the depolarizing retarder in Mueller matrix polarimetry
Authors: Ossikovski Razvigor , Arteaga Oriol , Garcia-Caurel Enrique , Hingerl Kurt
Published: March 2022

We advance an analytical model describing the polarimetric response of a depolarizing retarder whose retardance varies spatially in magnitude or in orientation. The variation of the retarder parameters may be either of deterministic or of random nature. The model provides both the mean values and the uncertainties of the parameters. Its application is illustrated on two experimental examples, respectively covering the deterministic and the random cases.
Image-restoration algorithm based on an underwater polarization imaging visualization model
Authors: Zhang Yingluo , Cheng Qian , Zhang Yike , Han Fei
Published: March 2022

The polarization bidirectional reflection distribution function theory of a target is combined with microfacet theory, and the Monte Carlo method is used to establish an underwater laser active-polarization imaging model based on Mie scattering theory. The model presented herein can simulate imaging of an underwater target with a high degree of polarization, and the effects of optical thickness and target surface roughness on active underwater laser imaging results are demonstrated by the simulation image. Combined with histogram equalization and the traditional polarization differential imaging algorithm, an algorithm is presented herein that globally estimates the mutual information value between the target polarization degree and the correction factor of backscattered light polarization degree. The images received from the simulation test can be restored, and results show that the algorithm can restore the target image with a high degree of polarization to some extent. Finally, the correctness of the active underwater laser polarization imaging model and the feasibility of global estimation based on the polarization differential restoration algorithm are verified experimentally.
Liquid-crystal based drift-free polarization modulators: Part I. Design and operation
Authors: Rehbinder Jean , Dellinger Jean , Varin Briséis , Torzynski Marc , Takakura Yoshitate , Heinrich Christian , Zallat Jihad
Published: March 2022

We report a new design for temperature-stable polarization modulators. Each modulator is composed of two liquid crystal variable retarders (LCVRs) positioned in such a way that their temperature drifts mutually compensate. We propose a model for the temperature-dependent polarization response of LCVRs, which permits us to establish expressions for the operating point of the system and for its accessible retardance range. We have validated such a model experimentally by thorough analyses of LCVR temperature responses, and we have built a polarization modulator that is stable over a wide range of temperature with commercially available LCVRs.
TMED2 binding restricts SMO to the ER and Golgi compartments
Authors: Di Minin Giulio , Holzner Markus , Grison Alice , Dumeau Charles E. , Chan Wesley , Monfort Asun , Jerome-Majewska Loydie A. , Roelink Henk , Wutz Anton
Published: March 2022

Hedgehog (HH) signaling is important for embryonic pattering and stem cell differentiation. The G protein–coupled receptor (GPCR) Smoothened (SMO) is the key HH signal transducer modulating both transcription-dependent and transcription-independent responses. We show that SMO protects naive mouse embryonic stem cells (ESCs) from dissociation-induced cell death. We exploited this SMO dependency to perform a genetic screen in haploid ESCs where we identify the Golgi proteins TMED2 and TMED10 as factors for SMO regulation. Super-resolution microscopy shows that SMO is normally retained in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and Golgi compartments, and we demonstrate that TMED2 binds to SMO, preventing localization to the plasma membrane. Mutation of TMED2 allows SMO accumulation at the plasma membrane, recapitulating early events after HH stimulation. We demonstrate the physiologic relevance of this interaction in neural differentiation, where TMED2 functions to repress HH signal strength. Identification of TMED2 as a binder and upstream regulator of SMO opens the way for unraveling the events in the ER–Golgi leading to HH signaling activation.
Inferring age-specific differences in susceptibility to and infectiousness upon SARS-CoV-2 infection based on Belgian social contact data
Authors: Franco Nicolas , Coletti Pietro , Willem Lander , Angeli Leonardo , Lajot Adrien , Abrams Steven , Beutels Philippe , Faes Christel , Hens Niel
Published: March 2022

Several important aspects related to SARS-CoV-2 transmission are not well known due to a lack of appropriate data. However, mathematical and computational tools can be used to extract part of this information from the available data, like some hidden age-related characteristics. In this paper, we present a method to investigate age-specific differences in transmission parameters related to susceptibility to and infectiousness upon contracting SARS-CoV-2 infection. More specifically, we use panel-based social contact data from diary-based surveys conducted in Belgium combined with the next generation principle to infer the relative incidence and we compare this to real-life incidence data. Comparing these two allows for the estimation of age-specific transmission parameters. Our analysis implies the susceptibility in children to be around half of the susceptibility in adults, and even lower for very young children (preschooler). However, the probability of adults and the elderly to contract the infection is decreasing throughout the vaccination campaign, thereby modifying the picture over time.
CREBBP/EP300 acetyltransferase inhibition disrupts FOXA1-bound enhancers to inhibit the proliferation of ER+ breast cancer cells
Authors: Bommi-Reddy Archana , Park-Chouinard Sungmi , Mayhew David N. , Terzo Esteban , Hingway Aparna , Steinbaugh Michael J. , Wilson Jonathan E. , Sims Robert J. , Conery Andrew R.
Published: March 2022

Therapeutic targeting of the estrogen receptor (ER) is a clinically validated approach for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer (ER+ BC), but sustained response is limited by acquired resistance. Targeting the transcriptional coactivators required for estrogen receptor activity represents an alternative approach that is not subject to the same limitations as targeting estrogen receptor itself. In this report we demonstrate that the acetyltransferase activity of coactivator paralogs CREBBP/EP300 represents a promising therapeutic target in ER+ BC. Using the potent and selective inhibitor CPI-1612, we show that CREBBP/EP300 acetyltransferase inhibition potently suppresses in vitro and in vivo growth of breast cancer cell line models and acts in a manner orthogonal to directly targeting ER. CREBBP/EP300 acetyltransferase inhibition suppresses ER-dependent transcription by targeting lineage-specific enhancers defined by the pioneer transcription factor FOXA1. These results validate CREBBP/EP300 acetyltransferase activity as a viable target for clinical development in ER+ breast cancer.
Classification of Alzheimer’s disease progression based on sMRI using gray matter volume and lateralization index
Authors: Zhang Qian , Yang XiaoLi , Sun ZhongKui
Published: March 2022

Note that identifying Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is crucial to early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This work explores how classification features and experimental algorithms influence classification performances on the ADNI database. Based on structural Magnetic Resonance Images (sMRI), two features including gray matter (GM) volume and lateralization index (LI) are firstly extracted through hypothesis testing. Afterward, several classifier algorithms including Random Forest (RF), Decision Tree (DT), K-Nearest Neighbor(KNN) and Support Vector Machine (SVM) with RBF kernel, Linear kernel or Polynomial kernel are established to realize binary classification among Normal Control (NC), Early Mild Cognitive Impairment (EMCI), Late Mild Cognitive Impairment (LMCI) and AD groups. The main experimental results are as follows. (1) The classification performance in the feature of LI is poor compared with those in the feature of GM volume or the combined feature of LI and GM volume, i.e., the classification accuracies in the feature of LI are relatively low and unstable for most classifier models and subject groups. (2) Comparing with the classification performances in the feature of GM volume and the combined feature of LI and GM volume, the classification accuracy of NC group versus AD group is relatively stable for different classifier models, moreover, the accuracy of AD group versus NC group is almost the highest, with the most classification accuracy of 98.0909%. (3) For different subject groups, the SVM classifier algorithm with Polynomial kernel and the KNN classifier algorithm show relatively stable and high classification accuracy, while DT classifier algorithm shows relatively unstable and lower classification accuracy. (4) Except the groups of EMCI versus LMCI and NC versus EMCI, the classification accuracies are significantly enhanced by emerging the LI into the original feature of GM volume, with the maximum accuracy increase of 5.6364%. These results indicate that various factors of subject data, feature types and experimental algorithms influence classification performances remarkably, especially the newly introduced feature of LI into the feature of GM volume is helpful to improve classification results in some certain extent.
Association between statewide financial incentive programs and COVID-19 vaccination rates
Authors: Thirumurthy Harsha , Milkman Katherine L. , Volpp Kevin G. , Buttenheim Alison M. , Pope Devin G.
Published: March 2022

To promote COVID-19 vaccination, many states in the US introduced financial incentives ranging from small, guaranteed rewards to lotteries that give vaccinated individuals a chance to win large prizes. There is limited evidence on the effectiveness of these programs and conflicting evidence from survey experiments and studies of individual states’ lotteries. To assess the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccination incentive programs, we combined information on statewide incentive programs in the US with data on daily vaccine doses administered in each state. Leveraging variation across states in the daily availability of incentives, our difference-in-differences analyses showed that statewide programs were not associated with a significant change in vaccination rates. Furthermore, there was no significant difference in vaccination trends between states with and without incentives in any of the 14 days before or after incentives were introduced. Heterogeneity analyses indicated that neither lotteries nor guaranteed rewards were associated with significant change in vaccination rates.