bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional ultrasound imaging of the spreading activity following optogenetic stimulation of the rat visual cortex
Authors: Provansal M. , Labernede G. , Joffrois C. , Rizkallah A. , Goulet R. , Valet M. , Deschamps W. , Ferrari U. , Chaffiol A. , Dalkara D. , Sahel J.A. , Tanter M. , Picaud S. , Gauvain G. , Arcizet F.
Published: February 2021

Optogenetic stimulation of the primary visual cortex (V1) is a promising therapy for sight restoration, but it remains unclear what total cerebral volume is activated after surface stimulation. In this study, we expressed the red-shifted opsin ChrimsonR in excitatory neurons within V1 in rats, and used the fine spatial resolution provided by functional ultrasound imaging (fUS) over the whole depth of the brain to investigate the brain response to focal surface stimulation. We observed optogenetic activation of a high proportion of the volume of V1. Extracellular recordings confirmed the neuronal origin of this activation. Moreover, neuronal responses were even located in deep layers under conditions of low irradiance, spreading to the LGN and V2, consistent with a normal visual information process. This study paves the way for the use of optogenetics for cortical therapies, and highlights the value of coupling fUS with optogenetics.
Collective dynamics in the presence of finite-width pulses
Authors: Afifurrahman  , Ullner Ekkehard , Politi Antonio
Published: February 2021

The idealisation of neuronal pulses asδ-spikes is a convenient approach in neuroscience but can sometimes lead to erroneous conclusions. We investigate the effect of a finite pulse-width on the dynamics of balanced neuronal networks. In particular, we study two populations of identical excitatory and inhibitory neurons in a random network of phase oscillators coupled through exponential pulses with different widths. We consider three coupling functions, inspired by leaky integrate-and-fire neurons with delay and type-I phase-response curves. By exploring the role of the pulse-widths for different coupling strengths we find a robust collective irregular dynamics, which collapses onto a fully synchronous regime if the inhibitory pulses are sufficiently wider than the excitatory ones. The transition to synchrony is accompanied by hysteretic phenomena (i.e. the co-existence of collective irregular and synchronous dynamics). Our numerical results are supported by a detailed scaling and stability analysis of the fully synchronous solution. A conjectured first-order phase transition emerging forδ-spikes is smoothed out for finite-width pulses.
A human antibody with blocking activity to RBD proteins of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants including B.1.351 showed potent prophylactic and therapeutic efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in rhesus macaques
Authors: Gu Chunyin , Cao Xiaodan , Wang Zongda , Hu Xue , Yao Yanfeng , Zhou Yiwu , Liu Peipei , Liu Xiaowu , Gao Ge , Hu Xiao , Zhang Yecheng , Chen Zhen , Gao Li , Peng Yun , Jia Fangfang , Shan Chao , Yu Li , Liu Kunpeng , Li Nan , Guo Weiwei , Jiang Guoping , Min Juan , Zhang Jianjian , Yang Lu , Shi Meng , Hou Tianquan , Li Yanan , Liang Weichen , Lu Guoqiao , Yang Congyi , Wang Yuting , Xia Kaiwen , Xiao Zheng , Xue Jianhua , Huang Xueyi , Chen Xin , Ma Haixia , Song Donglin , Pan Zhongzong , Wang Xueping , Guo Haibing , Liang Hong , Yuan Zhiming , Guan Wuxiang , Deng Su-Jun
Published: February 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), interacts with the host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) via its spike 1 protein for infection. After the virus sequence was published, we identified two potent antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 RBD from antibody libraries using a phage-to-yeast (PtY) display platform in only 10 days. Our lead antibody JMB2002, now in a phase I clinical trial, showed broad-spectrumin vitroblocking activity against hACE2 binding to the RBD of multiple SARS-CoV-2 variants including B.1.351 that was reportedly much more resistant to neutralization by convalescent plasma, vaccine sera and some clinical stage neutralizing antibodies. Furthermore, JMB2002 has demonstrated complete prophylactic and potent therapeutic efficacy in a rhesus macaque disease model. Prophylactic and therapeutic countermeasure intervention of SARS-CoV-2 using JMB2002 would likely slow down the transmission of currently emerged SARS-CoV-2 variants and result in more efficient control of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor I Couples Metabolism With Circadian Activity Through Hypothalamic Orexin Neurons
Authors: Pignatelli J. , de Sevilla E. Fernandez , Sperber J. , Horrillo J.D. , Medina-Gomez G. , Aleman I. Torres
Published: February 2021

Uncoupling of metabolism and circadian activity is associated with an increased risk of various pathologies, including neurodegeneration. Recently, insulin and the closely related insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) were shown to entrain feeding patterns with circadian rhythms. Moreover, both hormones act centrally to modulate peripheral glucose metabolism; however, whereas central targets of insulin actions are intensely scrutinized, those mediating the actions of IGF-I remain undefined. We analyzed whether IGF-I targets orexin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus, as these neurons are involved in circadian rhythms and energy allocation, and are modulated by IGF-I. Mice with disrupted IGF-IR activity in orexin neurons show phase shifts in circadian feeding behavior, loss of circadian orexin expression, and gradually develop sex-dependent metabolic alterations. In addition, modulation by IGF-I of hepatic KLF transcription factors involved in peripheral glucose metabolism is mediated by orexin neurons. Thus, IGF-I entrains energy metabolism and circadian rhythms through hypothalamic orexin neurons.
Decoding nucleosome positions with ATAC-seq data at single-cell level
Authors: Xu Bingxiang , Li Xiaoli , Gao Xiaomeng , Jia Yan , Li Feifei , Zhang Zhihua
Published: February 2021

As the basal bricks, the dynamics and arrangement of nucleosomes orchestrate the higher architecture of chromatin in a fundamental way, thereby affecting almost all nuclear biology processes. Thanks to its rather simple protocol, ATAC-seq has been rapidly adopted as a major tool for chromatin-accessible profiling at both bulk and single-cell level. However, to picture the arrangement of nucleosomesper seremains a challenge with ATAC-seq. In the present work, we introduce a novel ATAC-seq analysis toolkit, named deNOPA, to predict nucleosome positions. Assessments showed that deNOPA not only outperformed state-of-the-art tools, but it is the only tool able to predict nucleosome position precisely with ultrasparse ATAC-seq data. The remarkable performance of deNOPA was fueled by the reads from short fragments, which compose nearly half of sequenced reads and are normally discarded from nucleosome position detection. However, we found that the short fragment reads enrich information on nucleosome positions and that the linker regions were predicted by reads from both short and long fragments using Gaussian smoothing. We applied deNOPA to a single-cell ATAC-seq dataset and deciphered the intrapopulation heterogeneity of the human erythroleukemic cell line (K562). Last, using deNOPA, we showed that the dynamics of nucleosome organization may not directly couple with chromatin accessibility in the cis-regulatory regions when human cells respond to heat shock stimulation. Our deNOPA provides a powerful tool with which to analyze the dynamics of chromatin at nucleosome position level in the single-cell ATAC-seq age.
A new test suggests that balancing selection maintains hundreds of non-synonymous polymorphisms in the human genome
Authors: Soni Vivak , Vos Michiel , Eyre-Walker Adam
Published: February 2021

The role that balancing selection plays in the maintenance of genetic diversity remains unresolved. Here we introduce a new test, based on the McDonald-Kreitman test, in which the number of polymorphisms that are shared between populations is contrasted to those that are private at selected and neutral sites. We show that this simple test is robust to a variety of demographic changes, and that it can also give a direct estimate of the number of shared polymorphisms that are directly maintained by balancing selection. We apply our method to population genomic data from humans and conclude that more than a thousand non-synonymous polymorphisms are subject to balancing selection.
Comparison of Janus kinase inhibitors to block the type I interferon pathway in human skeletal muscle cells
Authors: Kinder Travis B. , Inglese James
Published: February 2021

The family of Janus kinases (JAK1, JAK2, JAK3, TYK2) mediate signal transduction from cytokine receptors by phosphorylation and activation of intracellular signaling pathways and transcription factors. Small molecule antagonists of JAKs (Jakinibs) have been developed with varying selectivity for the use in malignancies and immune regulation. There is growing recognition of the effectiveness of jakinibs in autoimmunity of the skeletal muscle called myositis, but which of these drugs is most effective is unknown. We have assayed a library of 48 jakinibs for their ability to inhibit the JAK1/TYK2-dependent type I interferon (IFN) - major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I pathway using human skeletal muscle cells genome-engineered to fuse a pro-luminescent HiBiT peptide to endogenous MHC class I. The most effective compounds were upadacitinib (JAK1/2 inhibitor, FDA approved) and deucravacitinib (TYK2 inhibitor, phase III). These active jakinibs warrant further clinical evaluation to show their safety and efficacy in patients.

Graphical Abstract
Vegan cheeses vs processed cheeses – traceability issues and monitoring countermeasures
Authors: Haddad Moawiya A. , Omar Sharaf S. , Parisi Salvatore
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study comes from the need of defining improved durability values and the realization of a good traceability management for selected vegan cheeses has suggested the comparison between a processed cheese and its analogous version without animal-origin raw materials. The durability should be studied at a well-defined temperature, probably agreed among the food producer and the food processor. In addition, the traceability system should consider many components and related suppliers.

Design/methodology/approach

A supply chain risk assessment analysis has been carried out with relation to two different products: an analogue cheese and a vegan cheese-like preparation. Raw materials and ingredients have been evaluated (production method and origin; geographical identification), with the aim of identifying simplified food.

Findings

An assessment of food supply networks has been carried out. In the first situation (analogue cheeses), the ingredient “cheeses” shows an important complexity: five suppliers with a related six-interconnection hub. On the other side, vegan cheeses are obtained from 11 ingredients (a challenging hub); four of them may be produced from 2–5 components of different origin (five total hubs). Tested processed cheeses are represented by means of a linear food supply network with two hubs (cheeses and “arrival” show degrees 6 and 9, respectively). Networks concerning vegan cheeses include five different hubs: four complex raw materials (degree: 2, 3, 4 and 5) and the “arrival” step (degree: 12).

Originality/value

The information load of vegan cheeses (two hubs, degrees >> average degree) appears high if compared with processed cheeses (two hubs), although the complexity of networks appears similar. Vegan cheeses may seem technologically simpler than processed cheeses and be sometimes questioned because of important traceability issues. Adequate traceability countermeasures in terms of preventive monitoring actions should be recommended when speaking of vegan cheeses. Anyway, a centralized manager would be always required.
Actor-network theory and the evolution of complex adaptive supply networks
Authors: Pablo Zelinna , London Kerry , Wong Peter S.P. , Khalfan Malik
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Current understandings of innovation in construction portray it as linear, deterministic phenomena centered around novel objects and technologies deployed in sequentially-organized supply chains. This study aims to develop an enriched understanding of construction innovation as non-linear, socio-material and dynamic phenomena in complex networks by formulating a novel conceptual apparatus of complex adaptive supply networks (CASNs) expanded through actor-network theory (ANT) concepts.

Design/methodology/approach

This combined CASN/ANT apparatus is mobilized in the context of a qualitative case study involving a housing construction supply network in Australia making use of offsite manufacturing (OSM) techniques.

Findings

The study shows that innovative technologies such as novel OSM products can play an important though not necessarily deterministic role in the evolution of CASNs. The study also explicates the process by which the enrollment of non-human agents and the resulting CASN evolution are linked: innovative technologies shape human and non-human interactions in ways that redefine task delegation, role definition and schemas that are fundamental to the shape of CASNs.

Originality/value

Findings provide a compelling empirical basis for arguing that CASNs must be conceptualized as heterogeneous systems and that innovation in construction must be understood as non-linear, socio-material and dynamic, rather than linear and driven by technological determinism. The study also interrogates limiting notions of supply chains and supports the notion of alternative inter-organizational forms to understand construction project work.
Diagnosing Spanish literature bachelor students’ information literacy in digital environments
Authors: Cid Rita , Machin-Mastromatteo Juan D. , Tarango Javier
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to adapt and implement the Association of College and Research Library’s (ACRL’s) Research Competency Guidelines for Literatures in English for designing and employing a diagnostic survey about basic information literacy (IL) skills to study how 42 students were familiar with such skills. This 40-item survey included questions about students’ self-perception of their information skills and a test for evaluating their basic IL skills.

Design/methodology/approach

This research focused on integrating IL into a bachelor program in Spanish literature to identify the IL skills that students were familiar with and then determine if there was a relationship among their IL skills, their academic performance and their favorable conditions as students (have a good number of books at home, a personal computer, internet connection and proficiency in a second language).

Findings

The average number of correct answers ranged from regular to low; moreover, the authors compared self-perception results before and after the IL test, proving that such test negatively affected their self-perception. Students were mostly familiar with the skill of selecting information, and the inferential analysis showed that there were no notable relationships among either the IL test results and students’ academic performance or regarding their favorable conditions as students. This made evident the need of promoting ACRL’s Guidelines, particularly among literature professors, to raise awareness of their existence, as they are a useful starting point for designing contents and activities to develop IL.

Originality/value

Little research has been conducted about implementing IL in bachelor programs on literature to determine their information skills and behaviors in digital environments. Apart from grounding the research in specialized sources about research in such discipline, the authors have adapted ACRL’s Guidelines to develop a diagnostic survey that may be useful for professors in these areas and academic librarians in general. It might be useful for librarians to be familiar with the nuances of the results the authors gathered to provide better support for their users from the discipline of literature.
Manufacturing controversy: “reverse racism” as backlash to antiracist interventions in France
Authors: Saadani Samia , Balas Nicolas , Rodhain Florence
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed some light on the paradoxes of mainstream French anti- racism regarding Islamophobia. The authors focus on the driving role played by French republican values in the recurring inability of anti-racist activism, and anti-islamophobia in particular, to act upon the structural character of racism in France.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors’ analysis draws on a longitudinal and qualitative investigation of the “Sud-Education 93” controversy (SE93). The authors use the analytical framework provided by controversy studies in order to focus on the aftermath, in the public sphere, of the organisation by a French labour union of a minority-only workshop designed to provide teachers with a space for expression and purposeful guidance, in order to face Islamophobia and racism issues within French public schools. The authors collected an exhaustive set of data about the comments, criticisms and debates that emerged in the public sphere as a reaction to the workshop. The authors drew on situational analysis methodology, providing controversy analysts with several power-mapping techniques, in order to conduct a discursive analysis of the statements and claims made by the protagonists of the controversy.

Findings

First, the authors’ insights point out that French Islamophobia relies on the myth of the universal republican citizen that acts as a context-specific form of colour-blindism. Second, the authors shed light on the discursive and relational mechanisms that characterise the denial of Islamophobia undertaken by political actors who use “reverse racism” arguments as a form of backlash, i.e. a strategy of “fragility” (DiAngelo, 2018) consisting in maintaining artificially a never-ending controversy over Islamophobia. Finally, the authors discuss the role played by these strategies of fragility in the recurring rejection of anti-islamophobia activism in France and the limitations and prospects they embody for future forms of anti-racist strategies.

Research limitations/implications

The Latourian perspective adopted in the paper focuses on the implications of the controversy over Islamophobia within the public sphere. The authors’ fieldwork suggests, however, that the internal dynamics of minority-only organisations embodies sites and répertoires of micro-contestation capable of bypassing on the short run, and perhaps overthrowing, the power of French hypocrisy about anti-racism and the backlash processes the authors observed in the public sphere.

Originality/value

The authors’ contribution lies in the in-depth analysis of “reverse racism” rhetorics as a strategy of fragility and its implications in terms of colour-blindism and backlash.
Key determinants of time on the market: an analysis of residential housing market in Sri Lanka
Authors: Wickramaarachchi Nishani Champika , Chandani Seetha Kusum , Thilini Malka
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Developing residential units is crucial in the socio-economic development of a country. The investor faces not only uncertain transaction price (price risk), but also uncertainties about the marketing period risk. Predicting when the incurred money is being realized is difficult because of the imperfect nature of the real estate market. Thus, the purpose of this study is to analyze the variables that explain the time on the market (TOM) of housing units, identifying the relationships in-between and the effects on TOM of residential properties.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a multi-stage sampling process, a random sample of 120 housing units was selected. Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire contained 57 variables that can affect TOM. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to confirm some of the data and information on residential units from the developers. Direct observations were conducted to verify certain physical attributes and, finally, they were comprehensively analyzed using quantitative analysis techniques in SPSS 16.0 Statistical package.

Findings

Results confirmed that lesser advertising prices, attractive environment, proximity to the city center and proper shape of lands reduce the TOM. Similarly, higher prices, longer distance to the city center and irregular shape of land increase the TOM. The results strengthen the necessity of a comfortable environment appropriate to live, probably with greenery or water bodies, which is a key influential factor that reduces the TOM in Sri Lanka.

Originality/value

wIn the Sri Lankan context, there are few contributions to the real estate literature in this regard. Many scholars have concentrated on physical and economic characteristics, whereas this research adds the environmental factors. Therefore, this research makes a significant contribution to the body of knowledge in this area, as it puts more attention on including several variables, as well as newly introduced variables as determinants. Consumers can apply the research findings to assess the relative importance of housing attributes and services which they perceive most valuable, and then to make their purchase decisions. The findings also contribute to the investigations of the behavior of housing attributes and enable knowing as to what factors are to be promoted and what to be omitted to gain a shorter TOM.
Impact of psychological capital (PsyCap) on affective commitment: mediating role of affective well-being
Authors: Ribeiro Neuza , Gupta Manish , Gomes Daniel , Alexandre Nelia
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating role of affective well-being (AWB) in the relationship between psychological capital (PsyCap) and affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample included 226 employees from diverse Portuguese organizations. Based on a survey, respondents reported their perceptions of own PsyCap, AWB and affective commitment to their organization.

Findings

Results from structural equation modeling suggested presence of mediation by AWB in the relationship between PsyCap and affective commitment.

Practical implications

Managers are encouraged to gain from this finding by emphasizing more on the emotional health of individuals to increase their attachment with the company.

Originality/value

Though there are several studies indicating the positive consequences of PsyCap on employees, studies on how PsyCap affects affective commitment through AWB is scarce. These results advance the broaden-and-build theory by suggesting that the relationship between PsyCap and affective commitment is much more complex.
Medical students' perception and satisfaction on peer-assisted learning in formative OSCE and its effectiveness in improving clinical competencies
Authors: Latjatih Nurul Haizum FarahDiyana , Roslan Nurhanis Syazni , Jahn Kassim Puteri Shanaz , Adam Siti Khadijah
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Peer-assisted learning (PAL) in formative objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) is an approach used to evaluate the students' clinical competence. This study aims to determine the PAL effectiveness in the formative OSCE in improving clinical competencies and the students' perception and satisfaction of PAL.

Design/methodology/approach

Sixty-seven Year 2 medical students experienced PAL in a formative OSCE setting. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to evaluate their perception and satisfaction on PAL. The effectiveness of the sessions was determined by comparing their OSCE scores between the pre- and post-intervention.

Findings

Forty-three students completed the intervention and had the experience to assess their peers as well as being assessed during formative OSCE. However, only 26 students managed to attend both pre- and post-intervention OSCE. It was found that there was a significant improvement of OSCE score after the PAL sessions. Over 97% of these students perceived positively and were satisfied with the sessions and thought that formative OSCE gave an opportunity to improve their learning and develop self-confidence in clinical skills.

Originality/value

The findings suggested that PAL in the formative OSCE is a good opportunity to help in students' learning and improve their clinical competencies apart from learning with experts.
Nexus between risk disclosure and corporate reputation: a longitudinal approach
Authors: Arora Nischay , Saggar Ridhima , Singh Balwinder
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The study aims to explore the unexplored domain by examining the impact of risk disclosure on corporate reputation in an emerging economy, like India, characterized by huge information asymmetry and uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

In total two measures of corporate reputation, i.e. market capitalization and excess of market value over book value have been deployed to measure reputation. Automated content analysis has been executed to measure the extent of total risk disclosure. The empirical analysis is premised on a sample of S&P BSE-100 index spanning over the period of ten years from 2009–2010 to 2018–2019; which eventually gets reduced to 58 nonfinancial firms. In order to unearth the risk–reputation relationship, a panel regression technique has been employed.

Findings

The main findings unmask that corporate risk disclosure has a positive bearing on corporate reputation. Substantiating legitimacy theory, its alternative measures like market capitalization and excess of market value over book value divulged to positively influence corporate reputation.

Research limitations/implications

The study has certain limitations: since there is no standard method of measuring reputation, the results may vary subject to the changes in proxies of corporate reputation. The study also analyzed S&P BSE 100 index in India, and future research needs to approach a larger sample and in other emerging economies to fill up enough empirical evidence in this domain.

Practical implications

The findings provide insight into the managers on making higher divulgence of material risk information for augmenting corporate reputation. In other words, it indirectly propels the firm to exhibit higher risk information for building reputational capital. From the investor's standpoint, they should admire such firms which dispel more risk information and should have positive outlook toward them, which in turn prompts them to disclose more risks.

Originality/value

This study is unique as it is the first longitudinal study examining the impact of risk disclosure on corporate reputation in Indian settings. It, thus, assists in furthering the risk disclosure literature where there is hardly any study that comprehensively looks into risk–reputation liaison among Indian nonfinancial companies.
5 key ways freelancers help companies stay nimble
Authors: Solomon Michael , Blumberg Rishon
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Why building out a fleet of freelance talent could be the reason some companies survive to see 2021, while their competitors do not.

Design/methodology/approach

Authors drew upon their experience as cofounders of 10x Management and their experience in the talent management field.

Findings

If you are not so sure if freelance talent could be game changing for your company, consider that experimentation is a key element of staying nimble. Companies tend to layoff staff, pause raises and scale back the office lease as initial reactions to reduce costs and stay lean. But the ones that do it the best go the extra mile. It is not just about cutting costs – rather, it is about doubling down on new (and old) ways to achieve peak performance in the face of uncertainty. Using freelancers can do just that.

Research limitations/implications

There are five number of ways in which freelance workers benefit a company, including speed, adaptability, cost, low commitment and remote expertise.

Originality/value

The findings will help companies stay nimble in the midst of crises such as the current pandemic.
Linking internal CSR with the positive communicative behaviors of employees: the role of social exchange relationships and employee engagement
Authors: Lee Yeunjae
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the effects of internal corporate social responsibility (CSR) on the two types of communicative behaviors of employees, namely, scouting and advocative behaviors. Guided by social exchange theory, the study also explored the mediating role of social exchange relationships between an organization and its employees and employee engagement.

Design/methodology/approach

An online survey was conducted with 405 full-time employees in the USA across industry sectors.

Findings

Results show the following: internal CSR practices, including employment stability, working environment, skill development, workforce diversity and work–life balance, improve social exchange relationships and employee engagement; social exchange relationship mediates the positive association between internal CSR and engagement and advocative behavior; and employee engagement also mediates the association between internal CSR and the scouting and advocative behaviors of employees.

Originality/value

This study is among the first attempts to explore the effectiveness of organizations’ internal corporate social responsibility practices on employees’ informal communicative behaviors, information seeking and transmitting within and outside of their organization.
Optimization on metro timetable considering train capacity and passenger demand from intercity railways
Authors: Guo Haiyang , Bai Yun , Hu Qianyun , Zhuang Huangrui , Feng Xujie
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To evacuate passengers arriving at intercity railway stations efficiently, metros and intercity railways usually share the same station or have stations close to each other. When intercity trains arrive intensively, a great number of passengers will burst into the metro station connecting with the intercity railway station within a short period, while the number of passengers will decrease substantially when intercity trains arrive sparsely. The metro timetables with regular headway currently adopted in real-world operations cannot handle the injected passenger demand properly. Timetable optimization of metro lines connecting with intercity railway stations is essential to improve service quality.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on arrival times of intercity trains and the entire process for passengers transferring from railway to metro, this paper develops a mathematical model to characterize the time-varying demand of passengers arriving at the platform of a metro station connecting with an intercity railway station. Provided the time-varying passenger demand and capacity of metro trains, a timetable model to optimize train departure time of a bi-direction metro line where an intermediate station connects with an intercity railway station is proposed. The objective is to minimize waiting time of passengers at the connecting station. The proposed timetable model is solved by an adaptive large neighborhood search algorithm.

Findings

Real-world case studies show that the prediction accuracy of the proposed model on passenger demand at the connecting station is higher than 90%, and the timetable model can reduce waiting time of passengers at the connecting station by 28.47% which is increased by 5% approximately than the calculation results of the generic algorithm.

Originality/value

This paper puts forward a model to predict the number of passengers arriving at the platform of connection stations via analyzing the entire process for passengers transferring from intercity trains to metros. Also, a timetable optimization model aiming at minimizing passenger waiting time of a metro line where an intermediate station is connected to an intercity railway station is proposed.
The first Hermansky–Pudlak syndrome type 9 patient with two novel variants in Chinese population
Authors: Liu Teng , Yuan Yefeng , Bai Dayong , Yao Xingfeng , Zhang Tianjiao , Huang Qiaorong , Qi Zhan , Yang Lin , Yang Xiumin , Li Wei , Wei Aihua
Published: February 2021

Hermansky‐Pudlak syndrome 9 (HPS‐9) is a recessive disorder caused by BLOC1S6 gene. There are only four variants identified from four HPS‐9 patients so far. Here, we reported the first HPS‐9 patient in a Chinese population. He had brownish‐yellow hair, white skin, brown irises with visual acuity, photophobia and nystagmus. Two novel variants, c.148G>T (p.Glu50*) and c.351dupT (p.Ile118Tyrfs*10) in BLOC1S6 gene were identified by whole‐exome sequencing (WES). Absence of platelet dense granules was found by whole‐mount platelet electron microscopy and Western blotting assays showed the destabilized BLOC‐1 subunits. He had recurrent bruising and was found to have abnormal brain waves by electroencephalogram, but did not develop thrombopenia, immunodeficiency or other symptoms reported in other HPS‐9 patients. This is the first case report of BLOC‐1 mutation in a Chinese population and our findings expand the mutational spectrum of HPS genes.
Development of claims‐based measures of unplanned acute care with superior power for assessing the effectiveness of interventions following acute care
Authors: Chen Arnold Y. , Blue Laura , Tilipman Jason , McCall Nancy
Published: February 2021

Objective

To develop outcome measures that are more sensitive than current measures for evaluating primary or transitional care after hospitalizations, emergency department (ED) visits, or observation stays.

Data Sources

Medicare claims data from January 1, 2015, to October 31, 2017, for 1 261 707 Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries served by (a) primary care practices participating in Track 1 of the Comprehensive Primary Care Plus (CPC+) initiative, and (b) their matched comparison practices.

Study Design

Given the poor statistical power in many studies to detect effects on readmissions, we developed two novel claims‐based measures of unplanned acute care (UAC) following an index acute care event. The first measure assesses the proportion of hospitalizations followed by an unplanned readmission, ED visit, or observation stay within 30 days of discharge; the second assesses the proportion of ED visits and observation stays followed by a hospitalization, ED visit, or observation stay within 30 days. We calculate minimum detectable effects (MDEs) for both measures and for a conventional measure of 30‐day unplanned readmissions, using CPC+ data.

Principal Findings

Repeat UAC events are common among Medicare beneficiaries served by the CPC+ practices. In 2017, 22% of discharges and 21% of ED visits and observation stays had a UAC event within 30 days. Readmissions were the most common UAC event following discharge, whereas ED visits were most common following index ED visits or observation stays. MDEs are 25%‐40% lower for the new measures than for the standard 30‐day readmissions measure, indicating better statistical power to detect impacts of primary or transitional care interventions.

Conclusions

This study introduces two new claims‐based measures to assess quality of care during a patient's vulnerable period following acute care. The new measures complement existing measures, covering a broader range of UAC events than the standard 30‐day readmissions measure, and yielding greater statistical power.
Current status of biobased and biodegradable food packaging materials: Impact on food quality and effect of innovative processing technologies
Authors: Nilsen‐Nygaard Julie , Fernández Estefanía Noriega , Radusin Tanja , Rotabakk Bjørn Tore , Sarfraz Jawad , Sharmin Nusrat , Sivertsvik Morten , Sone Izumi , Pettersen Marit Kvalvåg
Published: February 2021

Fossil‐based plastic materials are an integral part of modern life. In food packaging, plastics have a highly important function in preserving food quality and safety, ensuring adequate shelf life, and thereby contributing to limiting food waste. Meanwhile, the global stream of plastics into the oceans is increasing exponentially, triggering worldwide concerns for the environment. There is an urgent need to reduce the environmental impacts of packaging waste, a matter raising increasing consumer awareness. Shifting part of the focus toward packaging materials from renewable resources is one promising strategy. This review provides an overview of the status and future of biobased and biodegradable films used for food packaging applications, highlighting the effects on food shelf life and quality. Potentials, limitations, and promising modifications of selected synthetic biopolymers; polylactic acid, polybutylene succinate, and polyhydroxyalkanoate; and natural biopolymers such as cellulose, starch, chitosan, alginate, gelatine, whey, and soy protein are discussed. Further, this review provides insight into the connection between biobased packaging materials and innovative technologies such as high pressure, cold plasma, microwave, ultrasound, and ultraviolet light. The potential for utilizing such technologies to improve biomaterial barrier and mechanical properties as well as to aid in improving overall shelf life for the packaging system by in‐pack processing is elaborated on.
Standardized methods for testing the quality attributes of plant‐based foods: Milk and cream alternatives
Authors: Grossmann Lutz , Kinchla Amanda J. , Nolden Alissa , McClements David Julian
Published: February 2021

The food industry is creating a diverse range of plant‐based alternatives to dairy products, such as milks, creams, yogurts, and cheeses due to the increasing demand from consumers for more sustainable, healthy, and ethical products. These dairy alternatives are often designed to mimic the desirable physicochemical, functional, and sensory properties of real dairy products, such as their appearance, texture, mouthfeel, flavor, and shelf‐life. At present, there is a lack of systematic testing methods to characterize the properties of plant‐based dairy alternatives. The purpose of this review is to critically evaluate existing methods and recommend a series of standardized tests that could be used to quantify the properties of fluid plant‐based milk alternatives (milk and cream). These methods could then be used to facilitate the design of milk alternatives with somewhat similar attributes as real dairy milk by comparing their properties under standardized conditions. Moreover, they could be used to facilitate comparison of the properties of milk alternatives developed in different laboratories.
Chromosome‐level assembly of the mangrove plant Aegiceras corniculatum genome generated through Illumina, PacBio and Hi‐C sequencing technologies
Authors: Ma Dongna , Guo Zejun , Ding Qiansu , Zhao Zhizhu , Shen Zhijun , Wei Mingyue , Gao Changhao , Zhang Ludan , Li Huan , Zhang Shan , Li Jing , Zhu Xueyi , Zheng Hai‐Lei
Published: February 2021

Aegiceras corniculatum is a major mangrove plant species adapted to waterlogging and saline conditions, grows in the coastal intertidal zone of tropical and subtropical regions. Here, we present a chromosome‐level genome assembly of A. corniculatum by incorporating PacBio long‐read sequencing and Hi‐C technology. The results showed that the PacBio draft genome size is 906.63 Mb. Hi‐C scaffolding anchored 885.06 Mb contigs (97.62% of draft assembly) onto 24 pseudochromosomes. The contig N50 and scaffold N50 were 7.1 Mb and 37.74 Mb, respectively. Out of 40,727 protein‐coding genes predicted in the study, 89% have functional annotations in public databases. We also showed that of the 603.93 Mb repetitive sequences predicted in the assembled genome, long terminal repeat retrotransposons constitute 41.52%. The genome evolution analysis showed that the A. corniculatum genome experienced two whole‐genome duplication events and shared the ancient γ whole‐genome triplication event. A comparative genomic analysis revealed an incidence of expansion in 1,488 gene families associated with essential metabolism and biosynthetic pathways, including photosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, phenylalanine, glyoxylate, dicarboxylate metabolism, and DNA replication, which probably constitute adaptation traits that allow the A. corniculatum to survive in the intertidal zone. Also, the systematic characterization of genes associated with flavonoid biosynthesis pathway and the AcNHX gene family conducted in this study will provide insight into the adaptation mechanism of A. corniculatum to intertidal environments. The high‐quality genome reported here can provide historical insights into genomic transformations that support the survival of A. corniculatum under harsh intertidal habitats.
Comparing the Upper Triassic Deep‐sea Flysch of the Shannan Terrane with the Coeval Shallow Shelf Sediments of the Tethys Himalaya, Southern Tibet
Authors: LI Xianghui , MATTERN Frank
Published: February 2021

The provenance and paleogeography of the Upper Triassic deep‐sea flysch Langjiexue Group (LG) of the Shannan Terrane in the northeastern Himalaya orogen, south of Yarlung Zangbo, have been disputed in recent years since its affinity to the Tethys Himalaya was suspected during the early 2000s. Based on the earlier discoveries of the Upper Permian–Triassic basalts and mafic dykes from the LG and of coeval detrital zircons from the Qulonggongba Formation (QF) in shallow shelf sediments of the Tethys Himalaya, the previous viewpoints on the basin and tectonics of the LG have been recently rejected. We compared the two units of the Upper Triassic, and our results reveal a number of differences, discrepancies, and inconsistencies in the debate, raising crucial questions on the postulation and provenance model of the remote Gondwanide Orogen for the LG. It is suggested that more observations and evidence are needed to further improve the paleogeographic understanding and relationship of the two units.
Population density modelling of mixed polymorphic phenotypes: an application of spatial mark‐resight models
Authors: Harihar A. , Lahkar D. , Singh A. , Das S. Kumar , Ahmed M. F. , Begum R. H.
Published: February 2021

Melanism is a form of pigmentation polymorphism where individuals have darker colouration than what is considered the ‘wild’ phenotype. In the case of leopards,Panthera pardus, melanism occurs at higher frequencies amongst populations in tropical and subtropical moist forests of south and southeast Asia, presenting a unique challenge in estimating and monitoring these populations. Unlike the wild phenotype that is readily recognizable by its rosette patterns, melanism results in individuals being unidentifiable or ‘unmarked’ through photographic captures obtained using white flash cameras. Spatial mark‐resight (SMR) models that require only a subset of the population to be ‘marked’ offer the opportunity to estimate population density. In this study, we present an application of SMR models to estimate leopard densities using camera trap survey data from three sampling years at Manas National Park (MNP), India. By using an SMR model that allowed us to include captures of unidentified sightings of marked individuals, we were also able to incorporate captures where identity was either not confirmed or only known from a single flank. Following 18 674 trap‐days of sampling across three years, we obtained 728 leopard photo‐captures, of which 22.6% (165) were melanistic. We estimated leopard densities of 4.33, 2.61 and 3.37 individuals/100 km2across the 3 years. To our best knowledge, these represent the first known estimates of leopard densities from populations comprising both melanistic and wild phenotypes. Finally, we highlight that SMR models present an opportunity to revisit past camera trap survey data for leopards and other species such as Jaguars,P. onca, that exhibit phenotypic polymorphism towards generating valuable information on populations.
Sino‐Russian Cooperation on Soybean Development in the Russian Far East
Authors: Yi Fujin , Gudaj Richard T. , Arefieva Valeria , Yanbykh Renata , Mishchuk Svetlana , Potenko Tatiana A. , Zhou Jiayi , Zuenko Ivan
Published: February 2021

Commercial conflict has limited American soy exports to the biggest market, China, providing Russian farmers an opportunity to enter the Chinese market. The Russian Ministry of Agriculture and the Russian Soybean Union have established a program to promote soybean production and processing. Chinese farmers in the Russian Far East (RFE) and high profits from soybean production make new opportunities and challenges for local farmers. We analyze how the soybean development plan has fared so far and the role of Chinese farmers in Russia. The current Sino‐Russian agricultural agreement has little chance of increasing soybean production because of tariffs, unstable regulatory policies, and restrictions on seeds and labor. The scope of the soybean industry can be developed if Russian authorities will take a more liberal approach in Chinese‐Russian cooperation.
“The future of world psychiatry program”: An insight into the shaping of young psychiatrists
Authors: Chang Jane Pei‐Chen , Su Kuan‐Pin
Published: February 2021

During the 2015 WPA International Congress, Taiwan Young Psychiatrist Organization (TYPO) together with the collaboration of over 100 young psychiatrists launched “The Future of World Psychiatry Program” to facilitate collaboration among young psychiatrists and mentors globally. The program consisted of two “Meet the Expert Workshops,” four “Young Psychiatrists Symposiums,” and pre‐ and post‐WPAIC online social networking, where the mentors gave valuable advice and young psychiatrists shared their latest research findings. Future training programs may consider using this model and transform it into a virtual context to benefit more young psychiatrists globally.
Extending the scale of obsidian studies: Towards a high‐resolution investigation of obsidian prehistoric circulation patterns in the southern Caucasus and north‐western Iran
Authors: Orange M. , Le Bourdonnec F.‐X. , Berthon R. , Mouralis D. , Gratuze B. , Thomalsky J. , Abedi A. , Marro C.
Published: February 2021

Recent archaeological research has highlighted the potential role of mobile pastoral groups in the diffusion of raw materials and technological innovations between the southern Caucasus and north‐western Iran from the Neolithic onwards. Two successive projects, PAST‐OBS and SCOPE, were designed to explore this hypothesis through the study of obsidian consumption patterns from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age using a flexible analytical strategy that considerably extends the scale of obsidian studies in these regions. By focusing on the exploitation of obsidian at multiple levels—local, regional and interregional—we hope to unravel the complexity of the obsidian networks under study. The aim of this paper is to present (1) a reassessment of the work so far carried out by previous obsidian studies, with a view to homogenizing and to clarifying the nomenclature in use; and (2) an introduction to the PAST‐OBS and SCOPE projects in order to initiate a discussion of our preliminary results.
Simultaneous laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair and pyloroplasty for a type 3 hiatal hernia with post‐ESD pyloric stenosis for early gastric cancer
Authors: Kubota Tetsushi , Idani Hitoshi , Ishida Michihiro , Choda Yasuhiro , Nakano Kanyu , Shirakawa Yasuhiro , Shiozaki Shigehiro
Published: February 2021

We present a case of early gastric cancer in the pylorus with a type 3 hiatal hernia, which was treated by endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). A 70‐year‐old man was referred to our hospital with a hiatal hernia. Endoscopy revealed early gastric cancer, and we performed an ESD adaptation at the pylorus. The ESD was successful, but post‐ESD pyloric stenosis occurred. Symptoms of hiatal hernia worsened because of the pyloric stenosis. Laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair with Toupet fundoplication and Heineke‐Mikulicz pyloroplasty was simultaneously performed. The postoperative course was good, and follow‐up after discharge was uneventful. To our knowledge, there have been no reports in which laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair, fundoplication, and pyloroplasty were simultaneously performed for a substantial hiatal hernia with post‐ESD pyloric stenosis.