bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leading for public value in multi-agency collaboration
Authors: Parker Steven , Hartley Jean , Beashel Jim , Vo Quoc
Published: March 2021

This paper examines the relationship between leadership and public value in a multi-agency service, requiring the delicate navigation of tensions when there are diverse and competing interests among public service collaborators. The paper adopts an actor-focused perspective arguing for the need to develop theory about leadership in collaborative settings which includes understanding political astuteness in leadership, as this can have an impact on whether or not public value is created. The setting is a multi-agency service hub and the empirical research is based on interviews and document analysis. The paper makes two contributions: first, it analyses the pluralistic leadership processes exercised in the pursuit of public value; secondly, it identifies how political astuteness is a key capability in leading diverse interest in cross-organisational collaborations.
Computational evaluation of geometric effects on aerodynamic performance of circulation control airfoils
Authors: Chu Yu-Wei , Xu He-Yong , Qiao Chen-Liang , Wang Yu-Hang , Xu Yue
Published: March 2021

The geometric effects of Coanda trailing edges on the aerodynamic performance of an airfoil are numerically evaluated for a range of different freestream Mach numbers and momentum coefficients. A Circulation control (CC) airfoil with a circular trailing edge (ACTE) proves to have better control effectiveness at low subsonic freestream speeds (Mach = 0.1). A CC airfoil having an elliptic trailing edge (AETE) outperforms the ACTE at high subsonic flow conditions. The occurrence of C μ-stall for the AETE is greatly postponed, and meanwhile the maximum net lift coefficient increment achieved for the AETE (Δ C L = 0.51) is slightly higher than that of the ACTE (Δ C L = 0.50) at Mach 0.6. Compared to the ACTE, the AETE is found to have better control consistency at different operating velocities and better control stability when the Coanda jet is supersonic. Through careful consideration of the aerodynamic performance and the control effects, the most appropriate axial ratio for an AETE ellipse is within the interval from 1.5 to 2. Finally, the flow field instability phenomenon and the jet detachment induced by the supersonic Coanda jet are investigated. A self-sustained shock-wave instability phenomenon without jet detachment is first observed in this paper.
Titrating the Smell of Fear: Initial Evidence for Dose-Invariant Behavioral, Physiological, and Neural Responses
Authors: de Groot Jasper H. B. , Kirk Peter A. , Gottfried Jay A.
Published: March 2021

It is well accepted that emotional intensity scales with stimulus strength. Here, we used physiological and neuroimaging techniques to ask whether human body odor—which can convey salient social information—also induces dose-dependent effects on behavior, physiology, and neural responses. To test this, we first collected sweat from 36 males classified as low-, medium-, and high-fear responders. Next, in a double-blind within-subjects functional-MRI design, 31 women were exposed to three doses of fear-associated human chemosignals and neutral sweat while viewing face morphs varying between expressions of fear and disgust. Behaviorally, we found that all doses of fear-sweat volatiles biased participants toward perceiving fear in ambiguous morphs, a dose-invariant effect generally repeated across physiological and neural measures. Bayesian dose-response analysis indicated moderate evidence for the null hypothesis (except for the left amygdala), tentatively suggesting that the human olfactory system engages an all-or-none mechanism for tagging fear above a minimal threshold.
Urban Sprawl and Land Cover in Post-apartheid Johannesburg and the Gauteng City-Region, 1990–2018
Authors: Katumba Samy , Everatt David
Published: March 2021

Johannesburg and the broader Gauteng City-Region in which it is located are considered to be the economic powerhouse of South Africa. This has led to massive population growth in the region, as well as severe inequality. Given South Africa’s history of racially excluding black South Africans from urban areas, ongoing research in this area has to analyse land cover and define ‘sprawl’ in a context where the technical language has politically loaded overtones. This article tries to understand the scale of informality within a broader examination of urbanization and sprawl. It concludes that in the absence of a formally adopted urban edge and under massive pressure from population growth (natural and via migration), formal dwellings (residential and economic) have grown unchecked, and informality is now growing at high speed and also largely without regulation or control. With no apparent political will to stop urban sprawl, both informal and formal covers are steadily pushing towards provincial borders, while densifying in Johannesburg in particular.
Accounting fraud before codification: An inquiry on budget misstatements in eighteenth-century Venice
Authors: Agostini Marisa , Cella Riccardo , Favero Giovanni
Published: March 2021

The article focuses on the understudied role of accounting information in financial fraud in pre-modern historical contexts where specific regulations and standards were absent. Following a systematic literature review, the authors adopt an enriched version of the ‘fraud triangle’ to correctly identify fraud in such a setting. A microhistorical approach allows them to identify an exceptional case documenting the use of accounting statements to disclose a financial fraud in a ceramic manufacturing partnership in late eighteenth-century Venice. The case is analysed to identify the role of accounting information in determining the purpose (incentive), the technical possibility (opportunity) and the consequences (rationalisation) of the fraud. The results emphasise the authorities’ use of accounting statements to assess the situation of the company and fix its crisis, rather than to sanction fraudulent behaviours.
Breathing crack damage diagnostic strategy using improved MFCC features
Authors: Prawin J.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a new two-stage damage diagnostic technique for breathing crack identification in using improved Mel frequency Cepstral Analysis is proposed for engineering structures. The improvements such as the centre frequencies of Mel-filter bank around the resonant frequencies and the automatic selection of cut-off frequency for frequency conversion (i.e. from Mel-scale to frequency-scale) based on the energy of the response is employed in the present work to customise the estimation of Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficients (popularly being used for speech signals) for structural vibration responses. In the first stage of the proposed improved Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) approach for breathing crack identification, the measured acceleration time history responses are converted into Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficients using improved Mel frequency Cepstral Analysis. The Mahanabolis distance-based measure between the improved Mel-frequency Cepstral coefficients of the healthy structure and the structure with localized damage is used for confirming the presence of breathing crack using ambient vibration data during online monitoring. In the second stage, the spatial location of breathing crack is established through offline monitoring, by exciting the structure with bitone harmonic excitation. The improved Mel-filter bank energy measured spatially across the structure is used to identify the spatial location(s) of breathing crack. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is verified using the synthetic datasets of the benchmark simply supported beam with a breathing crack, provided by Helsinki Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and a numerically simulated cantilever beam with varied spatial locations and different depths of breathing crack. Finally, experimental investigations have been carried out to demonstrate the practical viability of the proposed MFCC approach. Numerical and experimental studies concluded that the proposed damage diagnostic approach is capable of detecting and localising multiple and also subtle cracks even under varying environmental conditions with noise-contaminated measurements.
Survivors’ Beliefs About the Causes of Sexual Offending: An Australian Study
Authors: Richards Kelly
Published: March 2021

Policies designed to prevent sexual (re)offending are often proposed on behalf of survivors of sexual violence. However, no research has examined survivors’ beliefs about the causes of sexual offending. This is a critical gap, because how individuals understand the causes of sexual offending has long been thought to inform their support for particular policy responses. This article presents findings from the first study to specifically examine survivors’ views about the causes of sexual offending, based on interviews with 33 survivors from Australia. It demonstrates that survivors’ beliefs are highly complex and multifaceted, and destabilizes the uniform survivor of governmental imagination.
Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the superficial femoral vein for central venous access
Authors: Annetta Maria Giuseppina , Marche Bruno , Dolcetti Laura , Taraschi Cristina , La Greca Antonio , Musarò Andrea , Emoli Alessandro , Scoppettuolo Giancarlo , Pittiruti Mauro
Published: March 2021

Background:

In some clinical conditions, central venous access is preferably or necessarily achieved by threading the catheter into the inferior vena cava. This can be obtained not only by puncture of the common femoral vein at the groin, but also—as suggested by few recent studies—by puncture of the superficial femoral vein at mid-thigh.

Methods:

We have retrospectively reviewed our experience with central catheters inserted by ultrasound-guided puncture and cannulation of the superficial femoral vein, focusing mainly on indications, technique of venipuncture, and incidence of immediate/early complications.

Results:

From June 2020 to December 2020, we have inserted 98 non-tunneled central venous catheters (tip in inferior vena cava or right atrium) by ultrasound-guided puncture of the superficial femoral vein at mid-thigh or in the lower third of the thigh, all of them secured by subcutaneous anchorage. The success of the maneuver was 100% and immediate/early complications were negligible. Follow-up of hospitalized patients (72.5% of all cases) showed only one episode of catheter dislodgment, no episode of infection and no episode of catheter related thrombosis.

Conclusions:

The ultrasound approach to the superficial femoral vein is an absolutely safe technique of central venous access. In our experience, it was not associated with any risk of severe insertion-related complications, even in patients with low platelet count or coagulation disorders. Also, the exit site of the catheter at mid-thigh may have advantages if compare to the exit site in the inguinal area.
Juxtacortical susceptibility changes in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy at the gray–white matter junction correlates with iron-enriched macrophages
Authors: Mahajan Kedar R , Amin Moein , Poturalski Matthew , Lee Jonathan , Herman Danielle , Zheng Yufan , Androjna Caroline , Howell Mark , Fox Robert J , Trapp Bruce D , Jones Stephen E , Nakamura Kunio , Ontaneda Daniel
Published: March 2021

Objective:

Describe magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) susceptibility changes in progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and identify neuropathological correlates.

Methods:

PML cases and matched controls with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) were retrospectively identified. MRI brain at 3 T and 7 T were reviewed. MRI-pathology correlations in fixed brain autopsy tissue were conducted in three subjects with confirmed PML.

Results:

With PML ( n = 26 total, n = 5 multiple sclerosis natalizumab-associated), juxtacortical changes on susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) or gradient echo (GRE) sequences were noted in 3/3 cases on 7 T MRI and 14/22 cases (63.6%) on 1.5 T or 8/22 (36.4%) 3 T MRI. Similar findings were only noted in 3/25 (12.0%) of PCNSL patients (odds ratio (OR) 12.83, 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.9–56.7, p < 0.001) on 1.5 or 3 T MRI. On susceptibility sequences available prior to diagnosis of PML, 7 (87.5%) had changes present on average 2.7 ± 1.8 months (mean ± SD) prior to diagnosis. Postmortem 7 T MRI showed SWI changes corresponded to areas of increased iron density along the gray–white matter (GM-WM) junction predominantly in macrophages.

Conclusion:

Susceptibility changes in PML along the GM-WM junction can precede noticeable fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) changes and correlates with iron accumulation in macrophages.
English fever and coffee: Transient cosmopolitanism and the rising cost of distinction
Authors: Curran Nathaniel Ming , Chesnut Michael
Published: March 2021

This article examines the intersection of English and coffee in Seoul, South Korea, in order to document how distinction (ala Bourdieu, 1984/2008) functions under the prevailing conditions of neoliberalism. A mere two decades after Starbucks first opened in Korea, high-end specialty coffee shops proliferate. Drawing on photographs of the exteriors, interiors, and menus from 89 coffee shops in the trendy Seongsu-dong neighborhood in Seoul, we examine how coffee shops deploy English (in addition to or instead of Korean) in their signage, and how this deployment differs by type of coffee shop. We argue that English and coffee interact in a complex process of dual distinction. The coffee shops brand themselves as cosmopolitan and simultaneously offer the customers the distinction of demonstrating themselves knowledgeable about/proficient in both coffee and English. We explain this dual distinction in terms of the extreme competitiveness occasioned by neoliberalism in the aftermath of the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis. We conclude by suggesting the notion of “transient cosmopolitanism” as a way to understand specialty coffee shops, which we argue are crucial sites for understanding the contemporary subjectivities occasioned by the dominance of neoliberalism.
“We Still Keep Going”: The Multiplicitous Socioemotional States & Stressors of Undocumented Students During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Andrade Luis M.
Published: March 2021

Using a framework of socioemotional development, this study focused on understanding the socioemotional states of 20 undocumented/DACAmented students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study describes multiplicitous and predominantly negative socioemotional states and stressors and provides new insights for higher education institutions to better understand undocumented students’ experiences.
Quality improvement education innovation: evaluation of Coursera MOOC ‘Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement’
Authors: Reese Denice , Dolansky Mary A , Moore Shirley M , Bolden Heather , Singh Mamta K
Published: March 2021

Background

Massive open online courses have the potential to enable dissemination of essential components of quality improvement learning. Subsequent to conducting the massive open online course ‘Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement’, this paper is a report of the evaluation of the course’s effectiveness in increasing healthcare professionals’ quality improvement knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy and systems thinking.

Methods

Using the Kirkpatrick model for evaluation, a pretest–posttest design was employed to measure quality improvement knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and systems thinking. Interprofessional learners across the globe enrolled in the 5-week online course that consisted of 10 modules (short theory bursts, assignments and assessments). The objective of the course was to facilitate learners’ completion of a personal or clinical project. Of the 5751 learners enrolled, 1415 completed the demographic survey, and 88 completed all the surveys, assignments and assessments. This paper focuses on the 88 who completed the course.

Results

There was a significant 14% increase in knowledge, a 3.5% increase in positive attitude, a 3.9% increase in systems thinking and a 21% increase in self-efficacy. Learners were very satisfied with the course (8.9/10).

Conclusions

Learners who completed the course ‘Take the Lead on Healthcare Quality Improvement’ had significant gains in learner outcomes: quality improvement knowledge, attitude, self-efficacy and systems thinking supporting this course format’s efficacy in improving key components of students’ quality improvement capabilities.
Syrian journalists covering the war: Assessing perceptions of fear and security
Authors: Peralta García Lidia , Ouariachi Tania
Published: March 2021

This article analyses the dangers and threats faced by Syrian journalists covering the conflict since the pro-democracy protests erupted in March 2011. While most Western research on the Syrian Revolution has focused on the working difficulties faced by correspondents, parachutists or foreign freelancers, this article scrutinizes the working conditions for Syrian content providers. Syrian journalists’ testimonials of fear and their perception of danger and vulnerability provide a humanistic lens not only on the scope of what revolution and war mean to many who have lived it and been transformed by it, but also on the reality of informing in dangerous contexts. The study contemplates the practitioners’ working risks and perceptions of fear and threats, as well as their personal security measurements. The characterization of fear during the militarization of the rebellion as a semi-normalized way of life, suggested by Pearlman’s article, ‘Narratives of fear in Syria’ (2016), allows the authors to place their study in a conceptual frame. The implementation of a survey answered by 82 Syrian journalists was complemented by semi-structured interviews with a selected group of 12 participants. In a context in which 86.6 percent of the respondents had colleagues who had died while working, the findings illustrate that Syrian reporters and media activists perceive their work as extremely dangerous. In the perception of fear, the adoption of personal safety measures by practitioners does not always contribute to decreasing it; the trauma experience can act both as a paralysing and empowering working factor.
The Effects of Innovative Visual Design on Consumer Attitude
Authors: Hong JungHwa (Jenny) , Byun Kyung-Ah (Kay)
Published: March 2021

Innovative visual design plays an important role in marketing for attracting consumers’ attention in-store. Drawing upon thinking styles and design literature, this research investigates how consumers’ different thinking styles influence their evaluations of and attitudes toward the innovative visual design via perceived functional innovativeness. Findings indicate that consumers with a holistic (vs. analytic) thinking style, who integrate perspectives and open-mindsets, show more favorable attitudes toward a product with an innovative visual design. The results emphasize the mediating role of visually hinted functional innovativeness on the effect of a holistic thinking style on consumer attitudes.
The State-Preneurship Model of Digital Journalism Innovation: Cases from China
Authors: Fang Kecheng , Repnikova Maria
Published: March 2021

Digital innovation has been widely considered as a key solution to the current journalism crisis. While most innovation projects in democratic regimes receive funding from media organizations, venture capital firms, and foundations, many of China’s digital journalism projects are funded and led by the state—a model we define as “state-preneurship.” In this study, we compare this model with other digital innovation models on three dimensions: the amount and sustainability of funding, the extent of newsroom restructuring, and the transformation of journalistic culture. We focus on the early national success case, Shanghai-based news outlet Pengpai, as well as on eight of its regional copycats. Based on interviews with forty-three executives, journalists, propaganda officials, media investors, and scholars, we argue that while in the short run, state-preneurship has produced fast and large-scale transformations in the digital journalism industry, these changes appear as largely unsustainable in the long run. This is due to (1) the political contingency of state investments and (2) the limited transformation in journalistic culture.
Effect of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a propensity score-matched analysis of real-world data
Authors: Arai Taeang , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Mikami Shigeru , Ono Hiroki , Kawano Tadamichi , Yoshida Yuji , Tanabe Tomohide , Okubo Tomomi , Hayama Korenobu , Nakagawa-Iwashita Ai , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Kaneko Keiko , Emoto Naoya , Nagao Mototsugu , Inagaki Kyoko , Fukuda Izumi , Sugihara Hitoshi , Iwakiri Katsuhiko
Published: March 2021

Background:

Although sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2-Is) improve not only glycemic control but also liver inflammation and fatty changes in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), its sustainability and effect on liver fibrosis have remained unclear. The current study aimed to clarify the effects of 48-week SGLT2-I therapy on liver inflammation, fatty changes, and fibrosis in NAFLD patients with T2DM.

Methods:

This study evaluated the effects of SGLT2-I on NAFLD, including liver fibrosis assessed via transient elastography, in 56 patients with NAFLD who received SGLT2-I for 48 weeks. Moreover, changes in each clinical parameter between patients receiving SGLT2-I (the SGLT2-I group) and those receiving other oral hypoglycemic agents (OHAs) (the non-SGLT2-I group) were compared, using 1:1 propensity score matching to adjust for baseline factors.

Results:

The SGLT2-I group exhibited a significant decrease in controlled attenuation parameter (312 dB/m at baseline to 280 dB/m at week 48) and liver stiffness measurement (9.1–6.7 kPa) ( p < 0.001 for both). After propensity score matching (44 patients each in the SGLT2-I and non-SGLT2-I groups), no significant difference in HbA1c decrease was observed between the two groups. However, compared with the non-SGLT2-I group, the SGLT2-I group showed a significant decrease in body weight ( p < 0.001), alanine aminotransferase ( p = 0.02), uric acid ( p < 0.001), and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index ( p = 0.01) at week 48. The improvement in FIB-4 index, defined as a ⩾10% decline from baseline at week 48, was 56.8% (25/44) in the SGLT2-I group and 20.5% (9/44) in the non-SGLT2-I group ( p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

SGLT2-Is improved not only glycemic control but also liver fatty infiltration and fibrosis in patients with NAFLD and T2DM, suggesting their possible superiority to other OHAs concerning these effects.
Hypercoagulability in COVID-19: A review of the potential mechanisms underlying clotting disorders
Authors: Alam Walid
Published: March 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 has emerged as a new viral pandemic, causing Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) leading to a wide array of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic to severe respiratory failure. However, coagulation disorders have been found in some patients infected with SARS-CoV-2, leading to either a clotting disorder or hemorrhage. Several mechanisms attempt to explain the mechanism behind the pro-coagulant state seen with COVID-19 patients, including different receptor binding, cytokine storm, and direct viral endothelial damage. SARS-CoV-2 has also been recently found to bind to CLEC4M receptor, a receptor that participates in the clearance of von Willebrand Factor and Factor VIII. The competitive binding of SARS-CoV-2 to CLEC4M could lead to decreased clearance, and therefore a promotion of a pro-coagulative state; however, an experimental study needs to be done to prove such an association.
Fractional exhaled nitric oxide could identify early spirometry change in clinically suspected asthma patients without airway obstruction
Authors: Gao Qingbo , Wu Qiaozhen , Li Fei , Chen Cheng
Published: March 2021

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) has been proposed as a non-invasive biomarker for allergic inflammation seen in asthma. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of FeNO to discriminate spirometry and lung volume measurements between those with and without airway obstruction among subjects with clinically suspected asthma. A retrospective study was conducted. Diagnostic evaluations including spirometry and FeNO testing (NO electrochemical equipment: NIOX VERO; Aerocrine AB, Solna, Sweden) were performed in all subjects. Airway obstruction was defined according to the Standardization of Spirometry of the American Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS), and 2014 recommendations of the Chinese National Guidelines of Pulmonary Function Test. It was used the Student t test for analysis of continuous variables and the χ2 test for analysis of discrete variables including FeNO levels and lung function metrics. Of the 138 subjects with clinically suspected asthma, airway obstruction was found in 61. There was no significant difference in the mean FeNO levels among subjects with or without airway obstruction ( p = 0.241) among un-selected subjects. Likewise, there was no difference in the FeNO levels between aged (>50 years) and younger subjects (⩽50 years) ( p = 0.804). A significant proportion of subjects had a normal FeNO level (<25 part per billion, ppb) in spite of having airway obstruction (39/138), 25 had an elevated FeNO level (⩾25 ppb) in spite of having no airway obstruction (25/138). Additionally, the airway-obstructed subjects with increased FeNO level had comparable spirometry to those with normal FeNO level ( p > 0.05). However, among subjects without airway obstruction, the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/predicted (pred), maximal expiratory flow at 25% of forced vital capacity (FVC) (MEF25%)/pred, maximal expiratory flow at 50% of FVC (MEF50%)/pred and maximum mid-expiratory flow (MMEF)/pred were significantly lower in the FeNO ⩾ 25 ppb group compared to those in the FeNO < 25 ppb group. These analyses indicated that increased FeNO levels could help to determinate early spirometry change within clinically suspected asthma subjects without airway obstruction. It is highlighted the importance of FeNO as a phenotype associated with an increased risk of airway obstruction in some subjects in this study.
Surgical Treatment Outcomes for Everted Bursal Flap of Delaminated Supraspinatus Tear
Authors: Kim Hyungsuk , Byun Chu Hwan , Han Sung Bin , Song Hyun Seok
Published: March 2021

Background:

Although everted bursal flaps of delaminated tears have been reported, few studies have reported radiologic images, arthroscopic findings, and clinical results after repair.

Purpose:

To compare the repair outcomes of everted delaminated tears with those of classic delaminated supraspinatus tears.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Among 153 patients who underwent arthroscopic rotator cuff repair for a delaminated supraspinatus tear, everted bursal flap tears were observed in 24 patients upon arthroscopy (group A). Another 24 patients with classic delaminated supraspinatus tears, matched for age and sex, were selected for group B. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasonography were performed preoperatively and postoperatively. Patients were evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS) for pain as well as functional scores (American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons [ASES] score, Constant score, and University of California Los Angeles shoulder score). Scores were compared preoperatively and at final follow-up (mean follow-up, 32 months).

Results:

Patients in both groups A and B reported improved VAS and functional scores at the final follow-up. In group A, preoperative VAS scores were higher and functional scores were poorer than in group B. Subacromial effusions with tendon swelling on preoperative MRI were more common in group A. During follow-up ultrasonography, group A patients exhibited persistent subacromial effusion. However, VAS scores at final follow-up were significantly better in group A (0.4 ± 0.7) than in group B (1.6 ± 1.4) ( P < .001), and ASES scores at final follow-up were better in group A (84.3 ± 4.3) than in group B (77.0 ± 10.2) ( P = .005).

Conclusion:

Everted bursal flap delaminated tears were associated with higher VAS scores and poorer functional scores preoperatively. Although subacromial effusions were experienced by group A during the early postoperative period, clinical outcomes at final follow-up were significantly better for everted delaminated tears compared with classic delaminated tears.
Estimating coastal premiums for apartment prices: Towards a new multilevel modelling approach
Authors: Ling Yuheng
Published: March 2021

This article attempts to assess ‘coastal premiums’ for apartment prices in Corsica, France. The coastal premium should consist of two parts, those related to the view of the Mediterranean Sea, and those associated with living close to beaches for access purposes. Views, being a qualitative and subjective variable, are difficult to measure and quantify. Further, apartments are located in neighbourhoods and then are situated in districts or at more aggregated levels. This induces complex spatial interactions. To deal with these, we first employ a viewshed analysis implemented in geographical information systems (GIS) to generate an objective, continuous measurement. We then develop a Bayesian spatial/spatiotemporal multilevel model, which integrates Leroux’s conditional autoregressive process with multilevel modelling for conducting a hedonic analysis in the presence of multiple-scale housing data. Since the developed model pertains to latent Gaussian models, estimation is carried out by integrated nested Laplace approximations. The results demonstrate that homebuyers have a higher marginal willingness to pay for larger views of the sea, and proximity to beaches produces positive impacts on apartment sale prices. Further, strong spatial spillovers emerge among high-level units, but heterogeneity dominates among apartments. Our findings illustrate the importance of coasts to homebuyers. Further, the estimated value permits planners and policymakers to assess the trade-off between developing and preserving land along the coast.
Rheumatologic diseases impact the risk of progression of MGUS to overt multiple myeloma
Authors: Steiner Normann , Göbel Georg , Michaeler Daniela , Platz Anna-Luise , Prokop Wolfgang , Wolf Anna Maria , Wolf Dominik , Duftner Christina , Gunsilius Eberhard
Published: March 2021

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), a premalignant condition, is associated with various chronic inflammatory rheumatic diseases (RDs) and is frequently observed as an incidental finding during routine work-up. The association of MGUS and chronic RDs is well established, but the impact of RDs on the risk of transformation into overt multiple myeloma (MM) has not been evaluated so far. MGUS patients diagnosed between January 2000 and August 2016 were identified and screened for concomitant RDs. RDs were grouped into antibody (Ab)-mediated RDs and non-Ab–mediated RDs (polymyalgia rheumatica, large-vessel giant cell arteritis, spondyloarthritis, and gout). Progression to MM was defined as a categorical (yes/no) or continuous time-dependent (time to progression) variable. Of 2935 MGUS patients, 255 (9%) had a concomitant RD. MGUS patients diagnosed with non-Ab–mediated RDs had a doubled risk of progression compared with those without a concomitant RD (hazard ratio, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.1-3.9; P = .02). These data translate into a 5-year risk of progression of 4% in MGUS patients without rheumatologic comorbidity, 10% in those with concomitant non-Ab–mediated RDS, and 2% in those with Ab-mediated RDs. By using the complex risk stratification model that includes myeloma protein (M-protein) concentration, immunoglobulin type, and level of free light chain ratio as variables, patients with non-Ab–mediated RDs (n = 57) had the highest risk for progression (hazard ratio, 6.8; 95% CI, 1.5-30.7; P = .01) compared with patients with Ab-mediated RDs (n = 77). Chronic inflammatory diseases have an impact on the risk of MGUS progressing into overt MM, with a doubled risk of transformation observed in patients with non-Ab–mediated RDs. Future research can elucidate whether comorbidities such as RDs should be included in currently applied prognostic MGUS scores.
Engagement in different sport disciplines during university years and risk of locomotive syndrome in older age: J-Fit+ Study
Authors: Shen Shaoshuai , Suzuki Koya , Kohmura Yoshimitsu , Fuku Noriyuki , Someya Yuki , Naito Hisashi
Published: March 2021

Background

Among former Olympic-level athletes, engagement in different sport disciplines has been associated with mortality risk in subsequent years. However, limited evidence is available on whether engagement in different sport disciplines at a young age is associated with locomotive syndrome (LS) risk later in life. This study examined the relationship between engagement in different sport disciplines during university years and LS risk in older age among former university athletes.

Methods

Participants were 274 middle-aged and 294 older men alumni who graduated from a school of physical education in Japan. LS risk was defined as answering “yes” to any of the Loco-check questions. Data on university sports club membership were collected using questionnaires. University clubs were classified into three groups of cardiovascular intensity (low, moderate, high), following the classification system of sport disciplines by the American College of Cardiology. This classification considers the static and dynamic components of an activity, which correspond to the estimated percent of maximal voluntary contraction reached and maximal oxygen uptake achieved, respectively. University clubs were grouped based on the risk of bodily collision (no, yes) and extent of physical contact (low, moderate, high). Relationships between engagement in different sport disciplines and LS risk were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models, and adjusted for age, height, weight, joint disease, habitual exercise, and smoking and drinking status.

Results

Adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals associated with the low, moderate, and high cardiovascular intensity sports were 1.00 (reference), 0.48 (0.22–1.06, P = 0.070), and 0.44 (0.20–0.97, P = 0.042) in older men, respectively; however, there was no significant association between these parameters among middle-aged men. Engagement in sports associated with physical contact and collision did not affect LS risk in either group.

Conclusions

Engagement in sports associated with high cardiovascular intensity during university years may reduce the risk of LS in later life. Encouraging young people to participate in such activities might help reduce LS prevalence among older populations.
SLIDR and SLOPPR: flexible identification of spliced leader trans-splicing and prediction of eukaryotic operons from RNA-Seq data
Authors: Wenzel Marius A. , Müller Berndt , Pettitt Jonathan
Published: March 2021

Background

Spliced leader (SL) trans-splicing replaces the 5′ end of pre-mRNAs with the spliced leader, an exon derived from a specialised non-coding RNA originating from elsewhere in the genome. This process is essential for resolving polycistronic pre-mRNAs produced by eukaryotic operons into monocistronic transcripts. SL trans-splicing and operons may have independently evolved multiple times throughout Eukarya, yet our understanding of these phenomena is limited to only a few well-characterised organisms, most notably C. elegans and trypanosomes. The primary barrier to systematic discovery and characterisation of SL trans-splicing and operons is the lack of computational tools for exploiting the surge of transcriptomic and genomic resources for a wide range of eukaryotes.

Results

Here we present two novel pipelines that automate the discovery of SLs and the prediction of operons in eukaryotic genomes from RNA-Seq data. SLIDR assembles putative SLs from 5′ read tails present after read alignment to a reference genome or transcriptome, which are then verified by interrogating corresponding SL RNA genes for sequence motifs expected in bona fide SL RNA molecules. SLOPPR identifies RNA-Seq reads that contain a given 5′ SL sequence, quantifies genome-wide SL trans-splicing events and predicts operons via distinct patterns of SL trans-splicing events across adjacent genes. We tested both pipelines with organisms known to carry out SL trans-splicing and organise their genes into operons, and demonstrate that (1) SLIDR correctly detects expected SLs and often discovers novel SL variants; (2) SLOPPR correctly identifies functionally specialised SLs, correctly predicts known operons and detects plausible novel operons.

Conclusions

SLIDR and SLOPPR are flexible tools that will accelerate research into the evolutionary dynamics of SL trans-splicing and operons throughout Eukarya and improve gene discovery and annotation for a wide range of eukaryotic genomes. Both pipelines are implemented in Bash and R and are built upon readily available software commonly installed on most bioinformatics servers. Biological insight can be gleaned even from sparse, low-coverage datasets, implying that an untapped wealth of information can be retrieved from existing RNA-Seq datasets as well as from novel full-isoform sequencing protocols as they become more widely available.
CytoGLMM: conditional differential analysis for flow and mass cytometry experiments
Authors: Seiler Christof , Ferreira Anne-Maud , Kronstad Lisa M. , Simpson Laura J. , Le Gars Mathieu , Vendrame Elena , Blish Catherine A. , Holmes Susan
Published: March 2021

Background

Flow and mass cytometry are important modern immunology tools for measuring expression levels of multiple proteins on single cells. The goal is to better understand the mechanisms of responses on a single cell basis by studying differential expression of proteins. Most current data analysis tools compare expressions across many computationally discovered cell types. Our goal is to focus on just one cell type. Our narrower field of application allows us to define a more specific statistical model with easier to control statistical guarantees.

Results

Differential analysis of marker expressions can be difficult due to marker correlations and inter-subject heterogeneity, particularly for studies of human immunology. We address these challenges with two multiple regression strategies: a bootstrapped generalized linear model and a generalized linear mixed model. On simulated datasets, we compare the robustness towards marker correlations and heterogeneity of both strategies. For paired experiments, we find that both strategies maintain the target false discovery rate under medium correlations and that mixed models are statistically more powerful under the correct model specification. For unpaired experiments, our results indicate that much larger patient sample sizes are required to detect differences. We illustrate theRpackage and workflow for both strategies on a pregnancy dataset.

Conclusion

Our approach to finding differential proteins in flow and mass cytometry data reduces biases arising from marker correlations and safeguards against false discoveries induced by patient heterogeneity.
Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals ectopic delta-5 and delta-6 desaturases enhance protective gene expression upon Vibrio vulnificus challenge in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Tu Pin-Yang , Huang Shin-Jie , Rajanbabu Venugopal , Wu Jen-Leih , Chen Jyh-Yih
Published: March 2021

Background

Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) cultures are frequently infected by Vibrio vulnificus, causing major economic losses to production units. Previously, tilapia expressing recombinant delta-5 desaturase and delta-6 desaturase (D56) were found to be resistant to V. vulnificus infection. In this report, we profile the D56-mediated molecular changes underlying this resistance in tilapia. A comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on V. vulnificus-infected wild-type and D56-transgenic tilapia using Illumina’s sequencing-by-synthesis approach. Gene enrichment analysis on differentially expressed unigenes was performed, and the expression patterns were validated by real-time PCR.

Results

Comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on RNA-sequence profiles obtained from wild-type and D56-transgenic tilapia at 0, 6 and 24 h post-infection with V. vulnificaus. GO and KEGG gene enrichment analyses showed that D56 regulates several pathways and genes, including fatty acid (FA) metabolism associated, and inflammatory and immune response. Expression of selected FA metabolism-associated, inflammatory and immune responsive genes was validated by qPCR. The inflammatory and immune responsive genes that are modulated by FA-associated D56 likely contribute to the enhanced resistance against V. vulnificus infection in Tilapia.

Conclusions

Transcriptome profiling and filtering for two-fold change variation showed that 3795 genes were upregulated and 1839 genes were downregulated in D56-transgenic tilapia. These genes were grouped into pathways, such as FA metabolism, FA elongation, FA biosynthesis, biosynthesis of unsaturated FA, FA degradation, inflammation, immune response, and chemokines. FA-associated genes and immune-related genes were modulated by D56 at 6 h and 24 h post infection with V. vulnificus. The expression patterns of FA-related genes, inflammatory genes, antimicrobial peptide genes and immune responsive genes at 0, 3, 6, 12, 24 and 48 h post-infection suggests these genes are involved in the enhanced resistance of D56 transgenic tilapia to V. vulnificus.
SCN11A gene deletion causes sensorineural hearing loss by impairing the ribbon synapses and auditory nerves
Authors: Zu Mian , Guo Wei-Wei , Cong Tao , Ji Fei , Zhang Shi-Li , Zhang Yue , Song Xin , Sun Wei , He David Z. Z. , Shi Wei-Guo , Yang Shi-Ming
Published: March 2021

Background

The SCN11A gene, encoded Nav1.9 TTX resistant sodium channels, is a main effector in peripheral inflammation related pain in nociceptive neurons. The role of SCN11A gene in the auditory system has not been well characterized. We therefore examined the expression of SCN11A in the murine cochlea, the morphological and physiological features of Nav1.9 knockout (KO) ICR mice.

Results

Nav1.9 expression was found in the primary afferent endings beneath the inner hair cells (IHCs). The relative quantitative expression of Nav1.9 mRNA in modiolus of wild-type (WT) mice remains unchanged from P0 to P60. The number of presynaptic CtBP2 puncta in Nav1.9 KO mice was significantly lower than WT. In addition, the number of SGNs in Nav1.9 KO mice was also less than WT in the basal turn, but not in the apical and middle turns. There was no lesion in the somas and stereocilia of hair cells in Nav1.9 KO mice. Furthermore, Nav1.9 KO mice showed higher and progressive elevated ABR threshold at 16 kHz, and a significant increase in CAP thresholds.

Conclusions

These data suggest a role of Nav1.9 in regulating the function of ribbon synapses and the auditory nerves. The impairment induced by Nav1.9 gene deletion mimics the characters of cochlear synaptopathy.
Physical disabilities caused by leprosy in 100 million cohort in Brazil
Authors: Sanchez Mauro Niskier , Nery Joilda Silva , Pescarini Júlia Moreira , Mendes André Alves , Ichihara Maria Yury , Teixeira Camila Silveira Silva , Penna Maria Lúcia Fernandes , Smeeth Liam , Rodrigues Laura Cunha , Barreto Maurício Lima , Brickley Elizabeth B. , Penna Gerson Oliveira
Published: March 2021

Background

Leprosy continues to be an important cause of physical disability in endemic countries such as Brazil. Knowledge of determinants of these events may lead to better control measures and targeted interventions to mitigate its impact on affected individuals. This study investigated such factors among the most vulnerable portion of the Brazilian population.

Methods

A large cohort was built from secondary data originated from a national registry of applicants to social benefit programs, covering the period 2001–2015, including over 114 million individuals. Data were linked to the leprosy notification system utilizing data from 2007 until 2014. Descriptive and bivariate analyses lead to a multivariate analysis using a multinomial logistic regression model with cluster-robust standard errors. Associations were reported as Odds Ratios with their respective 95% confidence intervals.

Results

Among the original cohort members 21,565 new leprosy cases were identified between 2007 and 2014. Most of the cases (63.1%) had grade zero disability. Grades 1 and 2 represented 21 and 6%, respectively. Factors associated with increasing odds of grades 1 and 2 disability were age over 15 years old (ORs 2.39 and 1.95, respectively), less schooling (with a clear dose response effect) and being a multibacillary patient (ORs 3.5 and 8.22). Protective factors for both grades were being female (ORs 0.81 and 0.61) and living in a high incidence municipality (ORs 0.85 and 0.67).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the developing of physical disabilities remains a public health problem which increases the burden of leprosy, mainly for those with severe clinical features and worse socioeconomic conditions. Early diagnosis is paramount to decrease the incidence of leprosy-related disability and our study points to the need for strengthening control actions in non-endemic areas in Brazil, where cases may be missed when presented at early stages in disease. Both actions are needed, to benefit patients and to achieve the WHO goal in reducing physical disabilities among new cases of leprosy.
Influenza and other respiratory viral infections associated with absence from school among schoolchildren in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA: a cohort study
Authors: Read Jonathan M. , Zimmer Shanta , Vukotich Charles , Schweizer Mary Lou , Galloway David , Lingle Carrie , Yearwood Gaby , Calderone Patti , Noble Eva , Quadelacy Talia , Grantz Kyra , Rinaldo Charles , Gao Hongjiang , Rainey Jeanette , Uzicanin Amra , Cummings Derek A. T.
Published: March 2021

Background

Information on the etiology and age-specific burden of respiratory viral infections among school-aged children remains limited. Though school aged children are often recognized as driving the transmission of influenza as well as other respiratory viruses, little detailed information is available on the distribution of respiratory infections among children of different ages within this group. Factors other than age including gender and time spent in school may also be important in determining risk of infection but have been little studied in this age group.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study to determine the etiology of influenza like illness (ILI) among 2519 K–12 students during the 2012–13 influenza season. We obtained nasal swabs from students with ILI-related absences. Generalized linear mixed-effect regressions determined associations of outcomes, including ILI and laboratory-confirmed respiratory virus infection, with school grade and other covariates.

Results

Overall, 459 swabs were obtained from 552 ILI–related absences. Respiratory viruses were found in 292 (63.6%) samples. Influenza was found in 189 (41.2%) samples. With influenza B found in 134 (70.9%). Rates of influenza B were significantly higher in grades 1 (10.1, 95% CI 6.8–14.4%), 2 (9.7, 6.6–13.6%), 3 (9.3, 6.3–13.2%), and 4 (9.9, 6.8–13.8%) than in kindergarteners (3.2, 1.5–6.0%). After accounting for grade, sex and self-reported vaccination status, influenza B infection risk was lower among kindergarteners in half-day programs compared to kindergarteners in full-day programs (OR = 0.19; 95% CI 0.08–0.45).

Conclusions

ILI and influenza infection is concentrated in younger schoolchildren. Reduced infection by respiratory viruses is associated with a truncated school day for kindergarteners but this finding requires further investigation in other grades and populations.