bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Subthreshold repertoire and threshold dynamics of midbrain dopamine neuron firingin vivo
Authors: Otomo Kanako , Perkins Jessica , Kulkarni Anand , Stojanovic Strahinja , Roeper Jochen , Paladini Carlos A.
Published: April 2020

The firing pattern of ventral midbrain dopamine neurons is controlled by afferent and intrinsic activity to generate prediction error signals that are essential for reward-based learning. Given the absence of intracellularin vivorecordings in the last three decades, the subthreshold membrane potential events that cause changes in dopamine neuron firing patterns remain unknown. By establishing stablein vivowhole-cell recordings of >100 spontaneously active midbrain dopamine neurons in anaesthetized mice, we identified the repertoire of subthreshold membrane potential signatures associated with distinctin vivofiring patterns. We demonstrate that dopamine neuronin vivoactivity deviates from a single spike pacemaker pattern by eliciting transient increases in firing rate generated by at least two diametrically opposing biophysical mechanisms: a transient depolarization resulting in high frequency plateau bursts associated with a reactive, depolarizing shift in action potential threshold; and a prolonged hyperpolarization preceding slower rebound bursts characterized by a predictive, hyperpolarizing shift in action potential threshold. Our findings therefore illustrate a framework for the biophysical implementation of prediction error and sensory cue coding in dopamine neurons by tuning action potential threshold dynamics.
Exploration of endo-xylanase from novel strain ofBacillus velezensisAG20 isolated from the cave of Meghalaya
Authors: Ghosh Arabinda , Mahanta Shravanika , Banerjee Subhro , Baishya Debabrat
Published: April 2020

Cave sets the example of extreme ecological niche and habitat for diversified microorganisms. Present study involved in the isolation of endoxylanase producing novel strainBacillus velezensisAG20 from the Krem Phyllut cave, Meghalaya, India. Culture dependent studies, molecular phylogentics, RNA secondary folding pattern based on 16S rDNA substantiated the identity of this novel strain.Bacillus velezensisAG20 revealed the superbug quality having resistance against various class of broad-spectrum antibiotics.Bacillus velezensisAG20 revealed biofilm formation over the cell surface in FESEM. Highest cell biomass and xylanase production supported in TB medium, further purified partially to 5.3 fold with 21% yield. Molecular weight of the purified xylanase found to be 45 kDa. Enzyme kinetics and pattern of hydrolysis revealed the evidence for the selection of linear birchwood xylan with Vmax= 21.0 ± 3.0 U/ml, Km = 1.25 mg/ml, Kcat= 1.75/s at optimum pH 7 and temperature 50°C also found significant statistically in Taguchi’s orthogonal design. Conversely, ruled out any exoacting activity against synthetic pNP-xylopyranoside substrate. Endo-xylanase isolated fromBacillus velezensisAG20 was moderately thermostable over temperatures 50 and 60°C. Time dependent hydrolysis of agro-waste sugar cane bagasse depicted the production of xylooligosaccharides (XOS) predominantly xylobiose, xylotriose and xylotetrose. Purified mixed XOS hold their prebiotic potential by promoting the growth of probioticsBifidobacteriumandLactobacillusas well as high stability (~90%) against systemic fluids. Mixed XOS (300 μg/ml) displayed anti-proliferation activities by reducing the growth of HT-29 and Caco-2 cells significantly 90% and 75%, respectively, after 48 h.

IMPORTANCE

Extremophiles dwelling inside the caves have laden with the extraordinary capabilities of bioconversion by nature. The pristine ecological niche inside the cave, absence of proper light and air, supports the livelihood of novel microorganisms. In India, Meghalaya is hoisting longest caves in the East Khasi Hills, providing conducive environment for novel bacterial strains. With the prime objective of isolating novel bacterial strains that produce extracellular xylanase our studies have been carried out. Considering the present industrial demand for nutraceutical, prebiotics, anti-proliferating agents and biofuels by the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB), novel enzymes are required. Xylanases from bacterial origin play a significant role in conversion of LCB into oligosaccharides. Therefore, exploration and characterization of xylanase producing novel isolate from cave may pave the new arena for the production of prebiotic and anti-inflammatory oligosaccharides from agro-waste.
Greater Effect of Polygenic Risk Score for Alzheimer’s Disease Among Younger Cases who are Apolipoprotein E-ε4 Carriers
Authors: Fulton-Howard Brian , Goate Alison M. , Adelson Robert P. , Koppel Jeremy , Gordon Marc L. ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Genetics Consortium, Barzilai Nir , Atzmon Gil , Davies Peter , Freudenberg-Hua Yun
Published: April 2020

To evaluate how age and Apolipoprotein E-ε4 (APOE4) status interact with APOE- independent polygenic risk score (PRSnon-APOE), we estimated PRSnon-APOE in superagers (age ≥ 90 years, N=346), 89- controls (age 60-89, N=2,930) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) cases (N=1,760). Employing superagers, we see a nearly five times greater odds ratio (OR) for AD comparing the top PRSnon-APOE decile to the lowest decile (OR=4.82, P=2.5×10-6), which is twice the OR as using 89- controls (OR=2.38, P=4.6×10-9). Thus PRSnon-APOE is correlated with age, which in turn is associated with APOE. Further exploring these relationships, we find that PRSnon-APOE modifies age-at-onset among APOE4 carriers, but not among non-carriers. More specifically, PRSnon-APOE in the top decile predicts an age-at-onset five years earlier compared to the lowest decile (70.1 vs 75.0 years; t-test P=2.4×10-5) among APOE4 carriers. This disproportionally large PRSnon-APOE among younger APOE4-positive cases is reflected in a significant statistical interaction between APOE4 status and age-at-onset (β=-0.02, P=4.8×10-3) as a predictor of PRSnon-APOE. Thus, the known AD risk variants are particularly detrimental in young APOE4 carriers.

Disclosure Statement

AMG has consulted for Eisai, Biogen, Pfizer, AbbVie, Cognition Therapeutics and GSK. She also served on the SAB at Denali Therapeutics from 2015-2018. YFH co-owns stock and stock options of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals. All other authors have no interests to declare.
Defining high-value information for COVID-19 decision-making
Authors:   COVID-19 Statistics, Policy modeling and Epidemiology Collective (C-SPEC), Bilinski Alyssa , Birger Ruthie , Burn Samantha , Chitwood Melanie , Clarke-Deelder Emma , Copple Tyler , Eaton Jeffrey , Ehrlich Hanna , Erlendsdottir Margret , Eshghi Soheil , Farid Monica , Fitzpatrick Meagan , Giardina John , Gonsalves Gregg , Hsieh Yuli Lily , Iloglu Suzan , Kao Yu-Han , MacKay Evan , Menzies Nick , Mulaney Bianca , Paltiel David , Perniciaro Stephanie , Phillips Maile , Rich Katherine , Salomon Joshua A , Sherak Raphael , Shioda Kayoko , Swartwood Nicole , Testa Christian , Thornhill Thomas , White Elizabeth , Williamson Anne , York Anna , Zhu Jinyi , Zhu Lin
Published: April 2020

Initial projections from the first generation of COVID-19 models focused public attention on worst-case scenarios in the absence of decisive policy action. These underscored the imperative for strong and immediate measures to slow the spread of infection. In the coming weeks, however, as policymakers continue enlisting models to inform decisions on COVID-19, answers to the most difficult and pressing policy questions will be much more sensitive to underlying uncertainties. In this study, we demonstrate a model-based approach to assessing the potential value of reducing critical uncertainties most salient to COVID-19 decision-making and discuss priorities for acquiring new data to reduce these uncertainties. We demonstrate how information about the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions could narrow prediction intervals around hospitalizations over the next few weeks, while information about the prevalence of undetected cases could narrow prediction intervals around the timing and height of the peak of the epidemic.
The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Promotes Differentiation During Mouse Preimplantational Embryo Development
Authors: Nacarino-Palma Ana , Merino Jaime M. , Fernández-Salguero Pedro M.
Published: April 2020

Mammalian embryogenesis is a complex process controlled by transcription factors that dynamically regulate the balance between pluripotency and differentiation. Transcription factor AhR is known to regulateOct4/Pou5f1andNanog, both essential genes in pluripotency, stemness and early embryo development. Yet, the molecular mechanisms controllingOct4/Pou5f1andNanogduring embryo development remain largely unidentified. Here, we show that AhR is required for proper embryo differentiation by regulating pluripotency factors and by maintaining adequate metabolic activity. AhR lacking embryos (AhR-/-) showed a more pluripotent phenotype characterized by a delayed expression of differentiation markers of the first and second cell divisions. Accordingly, central pluripotency factors OCT4/POU5F1, NANOG, and SOX2 were overexpressed inAhR-/- embryos at initial developmental stages. An altered intracellular localization of these factors was observed in absence of AhR and, importantly, OCT4 had an opposite expression pattern with respect to AhR from the 2-cell stage to blastocyst, suggesting a negative regulatory mechanism of OCT4/POU5F by AhR. Hippo signalling, rather than being repressed, was upregulated in very earlyAhR-/- embryos, possibly contributing to their undifferentiation at later stages. Consistently, AhR-null blastocysts overexpressed the early marker of inner cell mass (ICM) differentiation Sox17 whereas downregulated extraembryonic differentiation-driving genesCdx2andGata3. Moreover, the persistent pluripotent phenotype ofAhR-/- embryos was supported by an enhanced glycolytic metabolism and a reduction in mitochondrial activity. We propose that AhR is a regulator of pluripotency and differentiation in early mouse embryogenesis and that its deficiency may underline the reduced viability and increased resorptions of AhR-null mice.
Generating functional protein variants with variational autoencoders
Authors: Hawkins-Hooker Alex , Depardieu Florence , Baur Sebastien , Couairon Guillaume , Chen Arthur , Bikard David
Published: April 2020

The design of novel proteins with specified function and controllable biochemical properties is a longstanding goal in bio-engineering with potential applications across medicine and nanotechnology. The vast expansion of protein sequence databases over the last decades provides an opportunity for new approaches which seek to learn the sequence-function relationship directly from natural sequence variation. Advances in deep generative models have led to the successful modelling of diverse kinds of high-dimensional data, from images to molecules, allowing the generation of novel, realistic samples. While deep models trained on protein sequence data have been shown to learn biologically meaningful representations helpful for a variety of downstream tasks, their potential for direct use in protein engineering remains largely unexplored. Here we show that variational autoencoders trained on a dataset of almost 70000 luciferase-like oxidoreductases can be used to generate novel, functional variants of theluxAbacterial luciferase. We propose separate VAE models to work with aligned sequence input (MSA VAE) and raw sequence input (AR-VAE), and offer evidence that while both are able to reproduce patterns of amino acid usage characteristic of the family, the MSA VAE is better able to capture long-distance dependencies reflecting the influence of 3D structure. To validate the practical utility of the models, we used them to generate variants ofluxAwhose function was tested experimentally. As further evidence of the practicality of these methods for design, we showed that conditional variants of both models could be used to increase the solubility ofluxAwithout disrupting function. Altogether 18/24 of the variants generated using the AR-VAE and 21/23 variants generated using the MSA VAE retained some luminescence activity, despite containing as many as 35 differences relative to any training set sequence. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using deep generative models to explore the space of possible protein sequences and generate useful variants, providing a method complementary to rational design and directed evolution approaches.
The role of auxiliary parameters in evaluating voxel-wise encoding models for 3T and 7T BOLD fMRI data
Authors: Boos Moritz , Guntupalli J. Swaroop , Rieger Jochem W. , Hanke Michael
Published: April 2020

In neuroimaging, voxel-wise encoding models are a popular tool to predict brain activity elicited by a stimulus. To evaluate the accuracy of these predictions across multiple voxels, one can choose between multiple quality metrics. However, each quality metric requires specifying auxiliary parameters such as the number and selection criteria of voxels, whose influence on model validation is unknown. In this study, we systematically vary these parameters and observe their effects on three common quality metrics of voxel-wise encoding models in two open datasets of 3- and 7-Tesla BOLD fMRI activity elicited by musical stimuli. We show that such auxiliary parameters not only exert substantial influence on model validation, but also differ in how they affect each quality metric. Finally, we give several recommendations for validating voxel-wise encoding models that may limit variability due to different numbers of voxels, voxel selection criteria, and magnetic field strengths.
Jointly Defining Cell Types from Multiple Single-Cell Datasets Using LIGER
Authors: Liu Jialin , Gao Chao , Sodicoff Joshua , Kozareva Velina , Macosko Evan Z. , Welch Joshua D.
Published: April 2020

High-throughput single-cell sequencing technologies hold tremendous potential for defining cell types in an unbiased fashion using gene expression and epigenomic state. A key challenge in realizing this potential is integrating single-cell datasets from multiple protocols, biological contexts, and data modalities into a joint definition of cellular identity. We previously developed an approach called Linked Inference of Genomic Experimental Relationships (LIGER) that uses integrative nonnegative matrix factorization to address this challenge. Here, we provide a step-by-step protocol for using LIGER to jointly define cell types from multiple single-cell datasets. The main steps of the protocol include data preprocessing and normalization, joint factorization, quantile normalization and joint clustering, and visualization. We describe how to jointly define cell types from single-cell RNA-seq and single-nucleus ATAC-seq data, but similar steps apply across a wide range of other settings and data types, including cross-species analysis, single-nucleus DNA methylation, and spatial transcriptomics. Our protocol contains examples of expected results, describes common pitfalls, and relies only on our freely available, open-source R implementation of LIGER. We also provide Rmarkdown tutorials showing the outputs from each individual code segment. The analysis process can be performed in 1 - 4 h depending on dataset size and assumes no specialized bioinformatics training.
Personalized Genome-Scale Metabolic Models Identify Targets of Redox Metabolism in Radiation-Resistant Tumors
Authors: Lewis Joshua E. , Forshaw Tom E. , Boothman David A. , Furdui Cristina M. , Kemp Melissa L.
Published: April 2020

Redox cofactor production is integral towards antioxidant generation, clearance of reactive oxygen species, and overall tumor response to ionizing radiation treatment. To identify systems-level alterations in redox metabolism which confer resistance to radiation therapy, we developed a bioinformatics pipeline for integrating multi-omics data into personalized genome-scale flux balance analysis models of 716 radiation-sensitive and 199 radiation-resistant tumors. These models collectively predicted that radiation-resistant tumors reroute metabolic flux to increase mitochondrial NADPH stores and ROS scavenging. Simulated genome-wide knockout screens agreed with experimental siRNA gene knockdowns in matched radiation-sensitive and –resistant cancer cell lines, revealing gene targets involved in mitochondrial NADPH production, central carbon metabolism, and folate metabolism that allow for selective inhibition of glutathione production and H2O2clearance in radiation-resistant cancers. This systems approach represents a significant advancement in developing quantitative genome-scale models of redox metabolism and identifying personalized metabolic targets for improving radiation sensitivity in individual cancer patients.
Terminus enables the discovery of data-driven, robust transcript groups from RNA-seq data
Authors: Sarkar Hirak , Srivastava Avi , Bravo Héctor Corrada , Love Michael I. , Patro Rob
Published: April 2020

Motivation

Advances in sequencing technology, inference algorithms and differential testing methodology have enabled transcript-level analysis of RNA-seq data. Yet, the inherent inferential uncertainty in transcriptlevel abundance estimation, even among the most accurate approaches, means that robust transcript-level analysis often remains a challenge. Conversely, gene-level analysis remains a common and robust approach for understanding RNA-seq data, but it coarsens the resulting analysis to the level of genes, even if the data strongly support specific transcript-level effects.

Results

We introduce a new data-driven approach for grouping together transcripts in an experiment based on their inferential uncertainty. Transcripts that share large numbers of ambiguously-mapping fragments with other transcripts, in complex patterns, often cannot have their abundances confidently estimated. Yet, the total transcriptional output of that group of transcripts will have greatly-reduced inferential uncertainty, thus allowing more robust and confident downstream analysis. Our approach, implemented in the tool terminus, groups together transcripts in a data-driven manner allowing transcript-level analysis where it can be confidently supported, and deriving transcriptional groups where the inferential uncertainty is too high to support a transcript-level result.

Availability

Terminus is implemented in Rust, and is freely-available and open-source. It can be obtained fromhttps://github.com/COMBINE-lab/Terminus.

Contact

rob@cs.umd.edu

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
The sustainability in alcohol consumption: the “drink responsibly” frontier
Authors: Farace Biasino , Apicella Andrea , Tarabella Angela
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The excessive consumption of alcohol in numerous countries in the world, combined with the progressively younger age of the consumers, made it necessary for companies to use instruments of communication aimed at the development of consumption responsibility, so as to prevent reckless behaviour and the health risks thereto associated. The purpose of this paper is to assess the visibility and effectiveness of responsible consumption messages used for the sale of the product “beer” (on packaging and in advertisements); the study used a sample audience made up of teenagers and young adults from southern Italy.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used was that of the focus group. Three interview sessions were conducted, one dedicated to teenagers, age 16–17 years, and two dedicated to young adult panels, age 20–24 years. A ten-question questionnaire was designed prior to the conduction of the focus groups, and it was used in all the sessions.

Findings

The study shows the weak efficacy of the “drink responsibly” communication campaigns carried out by beer manufacturers. The totality of the interviewees failed to remember the existence of the “drink responsibly” messages and, even after supplementary visual stimulation, they were mostly disinterested, defining the fact that companies from the alcoholic drinks industry carry out consumption awareness campaigns as an out-and-out nonsensical contradiction.

Originality/value

The survey draws attention to the perception by young audiences of the more recent “drink responsibly” communication campaigns carried out by beer manufacturers, aiming at encouraging a more responsible attitude to alcohol consumption. There still are not many such inquests aimed at determining the response of young people to the use of slogans and commercials connected to responsible drinking in the literature; therefore, this study aimed at filling this gap. In fact, the authors believe this study is important for assessing the effectiveness of such instruments for achieving greater responsibility in the use of alcoholic drinks, so as to develop better awareness in the ranks of youths. Among the new communication strategies that were proposed to the participants, there were video commercials containing responsible consumption messages and the new prohibition marks placed directly on the product labels.
Relationship between slack resources and performance: temporal symmetry and duration of effects
Authors: Agusti-Perez Maria , Galan Jose Luis , Acedo Francisco J.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Although slack resources and their relationship to performance have been widely studied in the literature, the temporal symmetry of this relationship, and the duration of its effects, are still unknown aspects and are the objective of this paper.

Design/methodology/approach

To evaluate this effect, an exploratory study has been designed on a sample of 449 Spanish industrial companies over a period of 12 years, assessing the impact of idle resources on economic and financial profitability. By means of hierarchical regressions, the short- term, medium- term and long-term effects of slack resources have been evaluated.

Findings

The results show that the impact on performance depends on the type of resource considered. Available slack has a consistent and positive effect on economic profitability in the short term. Other types of slack show persistent effects on performance, but, in the case of the recoverable slack, with a negative sign that contradicts the benefits provided by these resources. Finally, potential slack only has a permanent effect on financial profitability, but the sign changes depending on the economic context under consideration. There are also differences in the duration of the effects according to the type of resources.

Originality/value

This paper advances the knowledge about the slack-performance relationship over time that has been scarcely studied.
Providing healthcare through “value shops”: impact on professional fulfilment for physicians and nurses
Authors: Gadolin Christian , Andersson Thomas , Eriksson Erik , Hellström Andreas
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically explore and demonstrate the ability of healthcare professionals to attain professional fulfilment when providing healthcare inspired by “value shops”.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study incorporating interviews and observations was conducted.

Findings

The empirical data suggest that the professional fulfilment of both physicians and nurses is facilitated when care is organized through “value shops”. Both groups of professionals state that they are able to return to their “professional core”.

Originality/value

The beneficial outcomes of organizing healthcare inspired by the “value shop” have previously been explored in terms of efficiency and quality. However, the professional fulfilment of healthcare professionals when providing such care has not been explicitly addressed. Professional fulfilment is vital in order to safeguard high-quality care, as well as healthcare professionals' involvement and engagement in implementing quality improvements. This paper highlights the fact that care provision inspired by the “value shop” may facilitate professional fulfilment, which further strengthens the potential positive outcomes of the “value shop” when utilized in a healthcare setting.
Misallocation and reallocation of resources in Vietnamese manufacturing firms
Authors: Nguyen Phuong Thi , Nguyen Minh Khac
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This research identifies the level of misallocation in Vietnamese manufacturing sector for the period 2000–2015. Meltiz and Polanec dynamic productivity decomposition is used to compare the relative productivity contributions from surviving, entering and exiting firms to aggregate productivity change by the type of ownership. Heckman's two-step model is used to examine the effect of misallocation and industry- and firm-level factors on entry or exit decision and market share of firms in Vietnamese manufacturing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The level of misallocation and efficiency gains in total factor productivity (TFP) are assessed using Hsieh and Klenow (2009) productivity decomposition framework for the period 2000–2015. The dynamic productivity decomposition of Meltiz and Polanec (2015) is used to compare the relative contributions from surviving, entering and exiting firms to aggregate productivity change. The effects of misallocation and other factors on entry or exit decisions and market share of firms are determined by using Heckman choice model.

Findings

The results indicate three main points. Firstly, resource misallocation is found to be highest among state-owned enterprise (SOEs) and low technology industries. TFP is found to 81.2% greater if there is no resource misallocation among firms. Secondly, the aggregate productivity change for the entering, exiting and surviving firms is 35% due to productivity reallocation among three groups. Finally, the decision of entry or exit as well as the market share of firms are influenced by misallocation and industry- and firm-level factors such as Vietnam's WTO entry, tax policy, financial frictions, industrial concentration, technology gap, capital intensity, human capital, scale of firm, time entry and FDI spillovers. The result finds the higher misallocation level is, the lower the probability and market share for a new firm to enter in the industry is.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is that the market is assumed perfectly competitive and the method has only decomposed misallocation of resources to those arising from output and capital distortions. The results of Heckman choice model only clarify on the sub-sample of state-owned enterprises and low technology firms.

Originality/value

The focus of many previous research papers on resource misallocation was generally to look at the level of misallocation in developed countries. However, knowledge about the effect of misallocation and other factors on entry or exit decisions and market share of firms is limited, particularly in the context of developing countries. This paper clarifies the level of misallocation in Vietnamese manufacturing sector and the effect of misallocation and other factors on entry or exit decisions and market share of firms.
Interactive research in production start-up—application and outcomes
Authors: Berglund Martina , Harlin Ulrika , Säfsten Kristina
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reflect on interactive research as a means to create relevant knowledge in the domain of operations management in general and specifically in the context of production start-up.

Design/methodology/approach

The reflection on the use of interactive research in production start-ups was based on a study of two completed interactive research projects. The lens for reflection was a framework including context, quality of relationship, quality of the research process itself and outcomes.

Findings

The context was industrial manufacturing companies in Sweden, with different kind of challenges related to production start-ups, such as collaboration between involved functions and suppliers, competence development and work routines. Indicators of the quality of relationship between researchers and practitioners were initiated development activities and new collaboration between functions, within the company, between companies and in supply chains. The reflection of the quality of the research process itself was based on an interactive research process including four iterative steps with regular follow-ups allowing joint practitioner and researcher reflection on the progress. Identified outcomes included increased awareness and competence on how to deal with production start-ups, improvements of communication, work procedures and structures, better use of competences, increased cross-functional dialogue and cultural understanding.

Practical implications

Implications for practitioners are the possibilities for knowledge creation through interactive collaboration in research projects enabling exchange between researchers from complementary fields and other companies dealing with production start-ups.

Originality/value

The interactive research approach enables joint knowledge creation in a fast-changing context such as production start-ups as well as value-adding results both for practitioners in industry and for academia.
Identity play and the stories we live by
Authors: Ghaempanah Babak , Khapova Svetlana N.
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to advance our understanding of identity play process by including the stories we live by in depth. Over the past decade, identity play literature has placed more emphasis on the role of self-narratives. Yet, the “stories we live by”, including the told or untold stories of past and imagined events of the future, have not been considered in depth in these self-narratives.

Design/methodology/approach

This conceptual paper draws on the personal construct theory, narrative identity and constructivist psychotherapy literatures and attempts to include the stories we live by in scholarly conceptualizations and explorations of identity play processes.

Findings

Drawing on the personal construct theory, narrative identity and constructivist psychotherapy literatures this paper offers a comprehensive conceptual model of how the stories we live by infuse individual identity construction processes. The model highlights the inter-connectivity among stories we live by, identity play, identity work, sensemaking and social validation. Looking through the lens of the personal construct theory and taking these inter-connectivities into account lead to the observation of temporality in identity construction and the plurivocality of self-narratives.

Originality/value

This paper looks at identity play through the lens of the personal construct theory. However, self-narratives are seen as a medium for manifestation of personal constructs. Thus, this paper also draws on the narrative identity literature and dialogical-self concept, which helps access the multiplicity of the self-narratives to widen our grasp of personal constructs. This paper combines discourse of deconstruction with the dialogical-self concept and provides more means for the explication of identity play.
A user preference modelling method for the assessment of visual complexity in building façade
Authors: Hussein Dheyaa
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This study aims to provide a method to assess the perceptual impact of the visual complexity of building façades.

Design/methodology/approach

The research identifies the number of design elements and the variation in their position and colour as variables of visual complexity. It introduces the concepts of vertices and corners as atomic indicators on which the measurement of these variables is built. It measures visual complexity and its variables in images of building façades and analyses their relationships with participants' reactions. It reports on the effect of visual complexity on preferences, the adequacy of different methods in measuring visual complexity and the perceptual impact of each of its variables.

Findings

The research demonstrates that visual complexity can be assessed through the measure of its variables and their statistical mapping to users' preferences.

Originality/value

The manuscript provides the foundation for a planning/assessment tool for the visual control of the built environment using computer systems based on the preferences of residents through the examination of the relationship between the users and their environment. It creates a paradigm, which introduces a robust concept in the visual analysis of urban design.
A case study of disaster decision‐making in the presence of anomalies and absence of recognition
Authors: Curnin Steven , Brooks Benjamin , Owen Christine
Published: April 2020

This paper provides an insight into the complexities of decision‐making during an unprecedented disaster. We used the critical decision method to explore a series of decision points that were made for a low probability yet high consequence decision that was made by the commander of the Australian Urban Search and Rescue team deployed to Fukushima in 2011. The findings identified that in a situation with no similarities to previous experiences, the commander used a process of anomaly detection to trigger a situational assessment, following this with mental simulation and consultation of his actions. In this unparalleled case study, hazard‐specific expertise also supported the decision‐making process. The paper offers practitioners and academia an example of high consequence decision‐making in a unique situation as well as the opportunity to reflect on the models of decision‐making previously identified as useful in these operational environments.
Ultrasonographic evaluation of subclinical enthesitis in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Bolkan Günaydın Elzem , Aladağ Perihan , Tecer Duygu , Yenice Işıl Saadet , Adışen Esra , Göğüş Feride Nur
Published: April 2020

Aim

The primary objective of this study was to assess the ultrasonographic signs of subclinical enthesitis in patients with psoriasis. Secondary objective was to examine the associations between the clinical assessments of enthesitis, severity of psoriasis, and the ultrasonographic signs of enthesitis.

Method

This study included 30 patients with psoriasis who did not have clinically detectable arthritis or enthesitis and 30 healthy volunteers as a control group. In the patient group, PASI, NAPSI, MASES, and SPARCC scores were calculated, and in the control group, MASES and SPARCC scores were calculated. Acute, chronic, and total enthesitis scores were calculated by ultrasonographic examination of the enthesis points that are assessed during calculation of SPARCC score, performed by a researcher blinded to the clinical assessments.

Result

In the ultrasonographic assessment, total enthesitis score was significantly higher in the patient group compared with the control group (P = .04). There was no significant difference between the groups regarding acute or chronic enthesitis scores. NAPSI, PASI, MASES, or SPARCC scores did not show correlation with the ultrasonographically acute, chronic, or total enthesitis scores. There was a low‐level correlation between MASES and SPARCC scores in the patient group, which was statistically significant (P = .03). No significant correlation was found between other clinical scores. There was no significant difference between patient and control groups in terms of MASES and SPARCC scores.

Conclusion

Entheseal changes may be frequently observed in patients with psoriasis who are asymptomatic. Musculoskeletal ultrasonography (MUS) may be utilized to detect such abnormalities at the early period.
New insight into the role of substance P/neurokinin‐1 receptor system in breast cancer progression and its crosstalk with microRNAs
Authors: Ebrahimi Safieh , Javid Hosein , Alaei Amin , Hashemy Seyed Isaac
Published: April 2020

The neuropeptide substance P (SP) triggers a variety of tumor‐promoting signaling pathways through the activation of neurokinin‐1receptor (NK1R), a class of neurokinin G protein‐coupled receptors superfamily. Recent researches in our and other laboratories have shown the overexpression of both SP and NK1R in breast cancer (BC) patients. SP/NK1R signaling is strongly implicated in the pathogenesis of BC through affecting cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, angiogenesis, and resistance. Therefore, SP/NK1R signaling responses must be rigorously regulated; otherwise, they would contribute to a more aggressive BC phenotype. Recently, microRNAs (miRNAs) as a specific class of epigenetic regulators have been shown to regulate NK1R and thus, controlling SP/NK1R signaling responses in BC. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the role of SP/NK1R signaling and its therapeutic potentials in BC. We also provide an overview regarding the effects of miRNA‐mediated NK1R regulatory mechanisms in controlling BC tumorigenesis to gain a clearer view and thus better management of cancer.
Rapid anti‐depressant‐like effects of ketamine and other candidates: Molecular and cellular mechanisms
Authors: Peng Fan Zhen , Fan Jie , Ge Tong Tong , Liu Qian Qian , Li Bing Jin
Published: April 2020

Major depressive disorder takes at least 3 weeks for clinical anti‐depressants, such as serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors, to take effect, and only one‐third of patients remit. Ketamine, a kind of anaesthetic, can alleviate symptoms of major depressive disorder patients in a short time and is reported to be effective to treatment‐resistant depression patients. The rapid and strong anti‐depressant‐like effects of ketamine cause wide concern. In addition to ketamine, caloric restriction and sleep deprivation also elicit similar rapid anti‐depressant‐like effects. However, mechanisms about the rapid anti‐depressant‐like effects remain unclear. Elucidating the mechanisms of rapid anti‐depressant effects is the key to finding new therapeutic targets and developing therapeutic patterns. Therefore, in this review we summarize potential molecular and cellular mechanisms of rapid anti‐depressant‐like effects based on the pre‐clinical and clinical evidence, trying to provide new insight into future therapy.
Chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetes: Implications for managing glycaemic control, cardiovascular and renal risk
Authors: Stephens Jeffrey W. , Brown Karen E. , Min Thinzar
Published: April 2020

This review examines the current literature relating to diabetes related kidney disease (DKD) and the optimal management of cardio‐renal risk. DKD develops in approximately 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The mainstay of therapy is to reduce the progression of DKD by optimising hyperglycaemia, blood pressure, lipids and lifestyle. Evidence supports the role for renin‐angiotensin system blockade in limiting the progression of DKD. Recent data from diabetes related cardiovascular outcome trials and renal specific trials have provided a novel insight on the additional benefits of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) in reducing the progression of DKD as well as cardiovascular risk. Lessons have been learnt from CREDENCE and there are expectations that DAPA‐CKD and EMPA‐KIDNEY will further support the benefits of SGLT2 inhibition in relation to DKD. As a consequence, international guidelines have been updated to reflect the positive benefits. In addition, novel steroidal mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists offer a potential role in future years. The review examines the current evidence and future approach to optimising outcomes for renal protection in patients with diabetes.
Use of an absorbable haemostatic gauze product to control bleeding in 20 horses
Authors: Ramey D. , Mudge M. , Rudolphi O. , Waxman S.
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to report our experience with an absorbable haemostatic gauze product in 20 horses with traumatic or surgical haemorrhage. The product is made from oxidised, regenerated cellulose (ORC) and is approved for external use and currently being studied to control internal bleeding in surgical settings in human subjects. Treated horses were from both practice and university settings. Signalment, anatomic location, underlying cause of bleeding and outcome were recorded in the medical record. The size of gauze, approximate time until bleeding stopped, and pre‐ and post‐ORC adjunctive treatments were also recorded. The ORC was used in a variety of anatomic locations, including castration site, foot, flank incisions, distal limb, tooth extraction sites and the perineal region. The bleeding stopped or slowed dramatically within 90 s in 15 of 20 cases. There were no recorded complications in any of the cases. While this clinical report does not attempt to prove efficacy of the product in horses, it does show that this ORC product, which has been approved for use as a haemostatic agent in human subjects, is safe and of practical value, and may be a useful and viable option for the control of haemorrhage in a variety of equine clinical settings.
‘EIN ORT, WO SICH ALLES IN EINEN HAUFEN ZUSAMMENDRÄNGT’: BERLIN'S ZELTENPLATZ AS CONTESTED URBAN SPACE
Authors: Darby David
Published: April 2020

The Zeltenplatz, a feature of Berlin's Tiergarten, played a unique role in the city's social life for nearly two centuries. This essay traces the changing clientele of this gathering place during three distinct phases of its history: its initial eighteenth‐century heyday, when it was famed for drawing large and extraordinarily heterogeneous crowds; the period following the Napoleonic Wars, culminating in the 1848 revolution, crucial events of which took place at the Zeltenplatz; and the 1880s, as modern Berlin assumed its place as capital of the new German Empire. At the core of this history for over a century is a contest between aristocratic privilege and the aspirations of Berlin's growing bourgeoisie. Relying on fictional texts, reports by travellers, and various descriptions of the city, this essay describes how the Zeltenplatz, still beyond the full control of civic authorities until 1861, offered unusual freedoms for challenging, playfully or otherwise, the established order and social hierarchies of urban life. Evident throughout is the marked theatricality of this space, which the crowds exploited either to perform, and thereby to confirm, an existing social order or to rehearse new roles and enact social configurations whose realisation in Berlin proper still lay in the future.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of Al2O3/ZrO2 composites by two‐step sintering
Authors: Ojaimi Christiane L. , Ferreira Julieta A. , Chinelatto Adilson L. , Salem Raphael E. P. , Chinelatto Adriana S. A. , Pallone Eliria M. J. A.
Published: April 2020

Composites of Al2O3/ZrO2 (containing 25, 50, and 75 vol% ZrO2) were prepared by mixing Al2O3 and ZrO2 suspensions. The microstructural control via two‐step sintering (TSS) was the main objective of this work. For this purpose, different sintering curves were constructed, aiming to achieve the best temperature combination for the sintering steps that provides higher density and finer microstructure. The results were compared with single‐step sintering (SSS). Furthermore, microhardness and fracture toughness were measured for the best TSS specimens under each composition. The results showed that the high densities were obtained, and the reduction of grain size was greater than 40% for two‐step sintered specimens, compared to SSS ones. Consequently, microhardness values increased. However, fracture toughness values remained unchanged.
Fads and Fashions in Management Practices: Taking Stock and Looking Forward
Authors: Piazza Alessandro , Abrahamson Eric
Published: April 2020

Established management practices – such as Six Sigma or business process re‐engineering, as well as more recent practices such as agile management processes, HR analytics and beyond budgeting – are viewed by practitioners as the basic tools of their trade. Yet they have been known to wax and wane in popularity, often quite unpredictably, with one technique following the other in wave‐like fashion. The scholarly observation of this phenomenon has given rise to the literature on fads and fashions in management studies, which – building on earlier work in allied disciplines – has sought to explain the transience, persistence, and overall trajectory of management practices. In this paper, we review and integrate the existing literature on management fads and fashions, taking stock of the sizable body of work that has accumulated over the past three decades and which has, to our knowledge, never been reviewed comprehensively before. At the same time, we also note that technological change – with the advent of social media and the ubiquity of Internet connectivity, for example – has radically transformed how practitioners seek, consume, and engage with new practices, as well as the way in which such practices are broadcast and diffuse. In our review, therefore, we try to make this well‐established body of literature current by explicitly discussing how well its central tenets and theoretical arguments have stood the test of time, and propose useful directions for moving forward.
Revisiting the strength of micron‐scale ceramic platelets
Authors: Doitrand Aurélien , Henry Ronan , Chevalier Jérôme , Meille Sylvain
Published: April 2020

Individual platelets in nacre‐like ceramics are able to locally withstand stress levels many times larger than the strength of larger specimens made of the same materials. This size effect, usually reported as being relative to the size of pre‐existing defects, is described by considering both stress and energy failure conditions. We show that there is a characteristic length, defined by the material's Young's modulus, fracture energy, and strength, above which failure is governed by a stress criterion and below which energy considerations are dominant. Applying the coupled criterion to three‐point bending of a single alumina platelet allows the identification of the platelet strength and fracture energy. The proposed approach also allows capturing the decrease in failure stress due to a surface defect accounting for its shape and size.
Determination of Enterococcus faecium thermal reduction in normal and high oleic peanut products
Authors: Reed La'Oshiaa , Schneider Keith R. , MacIntosh Andrew J. , Sarnoski Paul J.
Published: April 2020

During processing, peanut butter can become contaminated with pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Salmonella). The introduction of an additional heat treatment step after roasting can help inactivate these microorganisms. In this study, trials were conducted to determine Enterococcus faecium (Salmonella surrogate) reduction rates during the roasting of high oleic (HO) peanuts and heat‐treatment of normal oleic (NO) and HO peanut butters. HO peanuts were inoculated with E. faecium and roasted in a convection oven at 190°C. There was a 2 and 6 log CFU/g reduction at 300 and 480 s, respectively. D‐values for HO peanut butter at 110, 120, and 125°C were 438.9, 165.1, and 80.6 s, respectively. The z‐value was calculated to be 20.8°C. There was no significant difference in D‐values and z‐values between NO and HO peanut butter. In a pilot scale experiment, HO peanut butter was inoculated with E. faecium and agitated in a heated mixer for 21.5 min. E. faecium was reduced by 5.1 log CFU/g after 16.5 min with no apparent change in viscosity or texture. This study demonstrated that significant reductions in E. faecium can be achieved during roasting and through an additional heat‐treatment step.