bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum sTREM-1 in adult-onset Still’s disease: a novel biomarker of disease activity and a potential predictor of the chronic course
Authors: Wang Zhihong , Chi Huihui , Sun Yue , Teng Jialin , Feng Tienan , Liu Honglei , Cheng Xiaobing , Ye Junna , Shi Hui , Hu Qiongyi , Jia Jinchao , Liu Tingting , Wan Liyan , Zhou Zhuochao , Qiao Xin , Yang Chengde , Su Yutong
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) is an amplifier of inflammatory signals. Recently, a soluble form of TREM-1 (sTREM-1) was described. This study aimed to investigate the role of serum sTREM-1 in patients with adult-onset Still’s disease (AOSD).

Methods

Serum sTREM-1 levels were detected in 108 AOSD patients, 88 RA patients and 112 healthy controls (HC). The correlations of sTREM-1 with disease activity, clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters in AOSD patients were analysed by the Spearman correlation test. Risk factors for the chronic course of AOSD were evaluated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

AOSD patients had significantly higher serum sTREM-1 levels than RA patients and HC, and serum sTREM-1 levels were correlated with the systemic score, ferritin, leucocyte count, CRP, IL-1β and IL-6. The elevation in the initial sTREM-1 level by itself could discriminate patients developing the chronic course from patients developing the nonchronic course. Moreover, an elevated sTREM-1 level (> 526.4475 pg/ml) was an independent risk factor for the chronic course in active AOSD patients. Furthermore, interfering with TREM-1 engagement led to reductions in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, in neutrophils and monocytes from active AOSD patients.

Conclusion

Serum sTREM-1 levels are correlated with disease activity, and an elevation in the initial serum sTREM-1 level is a potential predictor of the chronic course in AOSD patients, which currently provides the best predictive model for identifying patients prone to developing the chronic course of AOSD.
Evidence from Field Experiments in Hiring Shows Substantial Additional Racial Discrimination after the Callback
Authors: Quillian Lincoln , Lee John J , Oliver Mariana
Published: February 2020

Field experiments using fictitious applications have become an increasingly important method for assessing hiring discrimination. Most field experiments of hiring, however, only observe whether the applicant receives an invitation to interview, called the “callback.” How adequate is our understanding of discrimination in the hiring process based on an assessment of discrimination in callbacks, when the ultimate subject of interest is discrimination in job offers? To address this question, we examine evidence from all available field experimental studies of racial or ethnic discrimination in hiring that go to the job offer outcome. Our sample includes 12 studies encompassing more than 13,000 job applications. We find considerable additional discrimination in hiring after the callback: majority applicants in our sample receive 53% more callbacks than comparable minority applicants, but majority applicants receive 145% more job offers than comparable minority applicants. The additional discrimination from interview to job offer is weakly correlated (r = 0.21) with the level of discrimination earlier in the hiring process. We discuss the implications of our results for theories of discrimination, including statistical discrimination.
Simplified arthroscopic lavage of pediatric septic hip: case series
Authors: Garg Rohit , Ho James , Gourineni Prasad V.
Published: February 2020

Septic arthritis of the pediatric hip is a surgical emergency that requires adequate lavage to decompress the hip, reduce degradative cartilage insult, and prevent coxarthrosis. In this report, we describe a simplified arthroscopic technique that may be performed using a single portal based on fluoroscopy and surface landmarks and without regular use of traction. We present results of a series of patients who underwent the simplified arthroscopic method for the management of pediatric septic hip. Data were obtained by a retrospective chart review of 13 consecutive patients (14 hips) with pediatric septic hip treated with arthroscopic lavage from 2010 to 2015. Age at the time of surgery ranged from 3 months to 8 years with three patients less than 1 year old. Ten hips (71%) returned for a routine follow-up with an average follow-up of 22 months. All 14 hips (100%) had complete resolution of symptoms. Two hips (14%) needed revision surgery due to inadequate response after the first lavage. One hip (7%) had transient femoral nerve palsy. Hip arthroscopy is an attractive and effective option for the management of pediatric septic hip. The limited equipment required and the ease of performing our simplified technique may broaden the application to the general orthopedist for the treatment of pediatric septic hip.
Cardiovascular events in hyperuricemia population and a cardiovascular benefit-risk assessment of urate-lowering therapies: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Li , Cao Ling , Zhao Tian-Yi , Yang Xue , Zhu Xiao-Xia , Zou He-Jian , Wan Wei-Guo , Xue Yu
Published: February 2020

Background

Hyperuricemia and gout have become public health concerns; many important guidelines have recommended xanthine oxidase inhibitors (XOIs) as the first-line urate-lowering therapies (ULTs) to treat chronic gout with hyperuricemia. However, whether treating hyperuricemia and gout with ULTs modifies cardiovascular risks remains controversial. The aim of this study was to assess the incident risk of cardiovascular (CV) events (CVE) in hyperuricemia population, assess the cardiovascular benefit-risk of ULTs in hyperuricemia patients with or without gout in diverse cardiovascular risk sub-groups, and specify the safety of different ULTs.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, Wanfang, Chongqing VIP (CQVIP, en.cqvip.com), and China National Knowledge Infrastructure Database for prospective cohort studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in English and Chinese. Potential medications included XOIs, and uricosurics. RCTs were divided into sub-groups analysis based on blinding status and patients’ history of CV diseases. Risk ratios (RRs) were calculated and were reported with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) by fixed-effects or random-effects model.

Results

Seven prospective cohort studies and 17 RCT studies were included. The risks of both major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) (RR = 1.72, 95% CI 1.28–2.33) and CVE (RR = 1.35, 95% CI 1.12–1.62) were higher in the hyperuricemia population than non-hyperuricemia one. In seven RCT studies where XOIs were compared with no-treatment or placebo, the results of five low CV risk studies showed that XOIs lowered the risks of both MACE (RR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.20–0.62) and CVE (RR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.44–0.85); whereas two high CV risk studies showed that XOIs lowered the risk of CVE (RR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.54–0.88) rather than MACE (RR = 0.62, 95% CI 0.29–1.35). In nine RCT studies where the cardiovascular safety between febuxostat and allopurinol were compared, no statistical difference was found in the risk of MACE or CVE.

Conclusions

The hyperuricemia population does have a higher incidence of CVE, and the results suggested that XOIs might reduce the incidence of MACE and total CVE. In addition, from the perspective of cardiovascular safety, febuxostat equaled allopurinol in our meta-analysis.
Venous Coupler in Pediatric Free Tissue Transfer: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Aldekhayel Salah , Alshomer Feras , Alhazmi Bushra
Published: February 2020

Background:

Venous couplers have gained widespread acceptance as an effective, safe, and time-efficient alternative for hand-sewn anastomosis in microsurgical reconstruction. The literature on venous couplers use in pediatric free tissue transfer is scant. The purpose of this study is to present our experience with coupler-assisted venous anastomosis in young pediatric free flap reconstruction.

Methods:

This is a retrospective single-center review of all children younger than 10 years old who underwent free flap reconstruction over 36-month period. The primary objective was to assess flap survival rate at 30-day postoperative period. The rate of venous thrombosis, flap take back, flap salvage, and the mean coupling time were also assessed.

Results:

Four girls and 1 boy with a mean age of 7.3 ± 2.7 years (range 4–10 years) underwent 6 free flap transfers for head and neck, upper limb, and lower limb reconstructions. Microvascular anastomotic coupler system was used for 8 out of 9 performed venous anastomoses with a size ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 mm. Primary flap survival rate was 100%. None of the flaps in our series developed venous thrombosis or required flap take back for microvascular compromise (mean follow-up of 14.4 months). The mean coupling time was 7.1 minutes.

Conclusions:

In the current study, venous couplers were safe and reliable in free tissue transfer in children younger than 10 years old. Future studies with larger sample size are needed to further examine the safety and efficacy of venous couplers in pediatric microsurgical anastomosis.
ULTRA–WIDE-FIELD IMAGING AND INTRAVENOUS FUNDUS FLUORESCEIN ANGIOGRAPHY IN INFANTS WITH RETINOPATHY OF PREMATURITY
Authors: Mao Jianbo , Shao Yirun , Lao Jimeng , Yu Xueting , Chen Yiqi , Zhang Caiyun , Li Hanxiao , Shen Lijun
Published: February 2020

Purpose:

To determine the feasibility of ultra–wide-field imaging and ultra–wide-field intravenous fundus fluorescein angiography (UWF-IV-FFA) in infants with retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using Optos 200Tx.

Methods:

We performed Optos 200Tx capturing on 32 premature infants (14 females) and UWF-IV-FFA with Optos 200Tx on 12 of the 32 infants between April 2017 and July 2018 at the affiliated eye hospital of Wenzhou Medical University and analyzed their fundus images.

Results:

Ultra–wide-field color images were acquired from 32 infants (64 eyes). UWF-IV-FFA was performed successfully in 12 premature infants (24 eyes). No adverse events were observed. The ultra–wide-field Optos 200Tx color images and UWF-IV-FFA images revealed Stages 1, 2, and 3 ROP and aggressive posterior ROP.

Conclusion:

Ultra–wide-field imaging and intravenous fundus fluorescein angiography using Optos 200Tx are feasible in infants with ROP, which have the potential to screen, diagnose, and follow-up for ROP.
The Validity and Reliability of the Japanese Version of the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium
Authors: Hoshino Haruhiko , Matsuishi Yujiro , Enomoto Yuki , Shimojo Nobutake , Kido Takahiro , Matsuzaki Asaki , Matsubara Muneaki , Kato Hideyuki , Hoshino Tetsuya , Traube Chani , Silver Gabrielle , Kawano Satoru , Inoue Yoshiaki
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

To examine validity and reliability of the Japanese version of the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium.

Design:

Prospective double-blinded observational cohort study.

Setting:

Eight-bed mixed PICU (post-surgical and internal medicine) from May 2017 to June 2018.

Patients:

All children between the ages of 0–13 years who were admitted to the PICU for at least 24 hours were eligible for inclusion, as long as the child was arousable to verbal stimulation.

Interventions:

Two nurses simultaneously and independently assessed each patient for pediatric delirium with the Japanese version of the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium; this was compared to the gold standard of psychiatric diagnosis based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition standards.

Measurements and Main Results:

Forty-one children were enrolled and 92 assessments (ranging from one to four per subject) were completed. Congenital heart disease patients accounted for 73 enrollees (79%). Forty-three percent of observations were performed in children on invasive mechanical ventilation. Pediatric delirium prevalence (as determined by psychiatric diagnosis) was 53%. The Japanese version of the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium demonstrated an optimal scoring cutpoint of 9. Overall, area under the curve was 92%, sensitivity 90% (95% CI, 79–97%), specificity 88% (95% CI, 75–96%), positive predictive value of 90% (95% CI, 79–97%), negative predictive value of 91% (95% CI, 80–97%), and a Cohen’s κ of 0.89 (95% CI, 0.8–0.98). In children on invasive mechanical ventilation, the Japanese version of the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium maintained an area under the curve 87%, sensitivity 97%, and specificity 64%.

Conclusions:

The Japanese version of the Cornell Assessment of Pediatric Delirium is a valid and reliable tool for use in Japanese PICUs. This will allow for detection of delirium in real-time and may lead to better identification of the population and risk factors for appropriate management and therapeutic and preventative interventions.
Effect of a Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Coach on Workload During Pediatric Cardiopulmonary Arrest: A Multicenter, Simulation-Based Study
Authors: Tofil Nancy M. , Cheng Adam , Lin Yiqun , Davidson Jennifer , Hunt Elizabeth A. , Chatfield Jenny , MacKinnon Laura , Kessler David
Published: February 2020

Objectives:

Optimal cardiopulmonary resuscitation can improve pediatric outcomes but rarely is cardiopulmonary resuscitation performed perfectly despite numerous iterations of Basic and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. Cardiac arrests resuscitation events are complex, often chaotic environments with significant mental and physical workload for team members, especially team leaders. Our primary objective was to determine the impact of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation coach on cardiopulmonary resuscitation provider workload during simulated pediatric cardiac arrest.

Design:

Multicenter observational study.

Setting:

Four pediatric simulation centers.

Subjects:

Team leaders, cardiopulmonary resuscitation coach, and team members during an 18-minute pediatric resuscitation scenario.

Interventions:

National Aeronautics and Space Administration-Task Load Index.

Measurements and Main Results:

Forty-one teams (205 participants) were recruited with one team (five participants) excluded from analysis due to protocol violation. Demographic data revealed no significant differences between the groups in regard to age, experience, distribution of training (nurse, physician, and respiratory therapist). For most workload subscales, there were no significant differences between groups. However, cardiopulmonary resuscitation providers had a higher physical workload (89.3 vs 77.9; mean difference, –11.4; 95% CI, –17.6 to –5.1; p = 0.001) and a lower mental demand (40.6 vs 55.0; mean difference, 14.5; 95% CI, 4.0–24.9; p = 0.007) with a coach (intervention) than without (control). Both the team leader and coach had similarly high mental demand in the intervention group (75.0 vs 73.9; mean difference, 0.10; 95% CI, –0.88 to 1.09; p = 0.827). When comparing the cardiopulmonary resuscitation quality of providers with high workload (average score > 60) and low to medium workload (average score < 60), we found no significant difference between the two groups in percentage of guideline compliant cardiopulmonary resuscitation (42.5% vs 52.7%; mean difference, –10.2; 95% CI, –23.1 to 2.7; p = 0.118).

Conclusions:

The addition of a cardiopulmonary resuscitation coach increases physical workload and decreases mental workload of cardiopulmonary resuscitation providers. There was no change in team leader workload.
Positive Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evidence of Transient Global Amnesia Following the Use of Sildenafil
Authors: Lin Kuan-Yu , Liu Mu-N , Wang Pei-Hsuan , Lau Chi Ieong
Published: February 2020

Transient global amnesia (TGA) has been proposed as a possible adverse effect of sildenafil. There are rare cases in the literature, but none had strong evidence to support. Our case is the first to demonstrate a focal punctate diffusion-weighted imaging lesion at the right hippocampus after the use of sildenafil. This finding, which is suggestive of cytotoxic edema and is typical for TGA, may provide us evidence for the implication of sildenafil in TGA. We speculate that sildenafil may precipitate TGA by altering blood flow, inducing venous congestion or cortical spreading depression at the hippocampus.
Untargeted metabolomics reveals sugar and homocysteine dysregulations in prodromal AD
Authors: Hajjar Ihab , Liu Chang , Jones Dean P. , Uppal Karan
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Altered metabolism may occur early in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We used untargeted high-resolution metabolomics in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to identify these alterations.

Methods

CSF from 92 normal controls and 93 MCI underwent untargeted metabolomics using high-resolution mass spectrometry with liquid chromatography. Partial least squares discriminant analysis was used followed by metabolite annotation and pathway enrichment analysis (PES). Significant features were correlated with disease phenotypes using spearman correlation.

Results

We identified 294 features differentially expressed between the 2 groups and 94 were annotated. PES showed that pathways related to sugar regulation (N-Glycan, p=0.0007; sialic acid, p=0.0014; Aminosugars, p=0.0042; galactose, p=0.0054) homocysteine regulation (p=0.0081) were differentially activated and significant features within these pathways correlated with disease phenotypes.

Conclusion

We identified a metabolic signature characterized by impairments in sugar and homocysteine regulation in prodromal AD. Targeting these changes may offer new therapeutic approaches to AD

Research in Context

Systematic review: The authors searched PUBMED and Google Scholar for previous reports of metabolomics and Alzheimer’s disease. Search Terms included: mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer’s disease “AND” metabolism, metabolomics. This search identified multiple small studies that have conducted untargeted metabolomics in AD. This search resulted in the following findings: Prior studies have either included small samples, used targeted approaches, or focused on plasma profiling. In this study, we conducted a case-control untargeted high resolution metabolomic study on the CSF of a larger sample of normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment.

Interpretation: We discovered that pathways in sugar metabolism, homocysteine and tyrosine were dysregulated in AD. Further, features that were significantly different between MCI and normal cognition had different patterns of association with cognitive, neuroimaging and Amyloid and tau biomarkers.

Future direction: These pathways offer new potential targets for AD

Highlights

Metabolic signature is detectable in prodromal AD

Multiple sugar metabolism pathways are dysregulated in prodromal AD.

S-adenosylmethionine is under- and S-adenosylhomocysteine is overexpressed in AD
Deep learning-based model for detecting 2019 novel coronavirus pneumonia on high-resolution computed tomography: a prospective study
Authors: Chen Jun , Wu Lianlian , Zhang Jun , Zhang Liang , Gong Dexin , Zhao Yilin , Hu Shan , Wang Yonggui , Hu Xiao , Zheng Biqing , Zhang Kuo , Wu Huiling , Dong Zehua , Xu Youming , Zhu Yijie , Chen Xi , Yu Lilei , Yu Honggang
Published: February 2020

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is the preferred imaging method for diagnosing 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID19) pneumonia. Our research aimed to construct a system based on deep learning for detecting COVID-19 pneumonia on high resolution CT, relieve working pressure of radiologists and contribute to the control of the epidemic.

Methods

For model development and validation, 46,096 anonymous images from 106 admitted patients, including 51 patients of laboratory confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia and 55 control patients of other diseases in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University (Wuhan, Hubei province, China) were retrospectively collected and processed. Twenty-seven consecutive patients undergoing CT scans in Feb, 5, 2020 in Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University were prospectively collected to evaluate and compare the efficiency of radiologists against 2019-CoV pneumonia with that of the model.

Findings

The model achieved a per-patient sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 93.55%, accuracy of 95.24%, PPV of 84.62%, and NPV of 100%; a per-image sensitivity of 94.34%, specificity of 99.16%, accuracy of 98.85%, PPV of 88.37%, and NPV of 99.61% in retrospective dataset. For 27 prospective patients, the model achieved a comparable performance to that of expert radiologist. With the assistance of the model, the reading time of radiologists was greatly decreased by 65%.

Conclusion

The deep learning model showed a comparable performance with expert radiologist, and greatly improve the efficiency of radiologists in clinical practice. It holds great potential to relieve the pressure of frontline radiologists, improve early diagnosis, isolation and treatment, and thus contribute to the control of the epidemic.
A method to estimate the incidence of transfusion reactions for transfusion-treated diseases in Chinese hospitals
Authors: Lin Feng , Tian Xue , Yin Yonghua , Liu Zhong
Published: February 2020

Although transfusion reactions are directly related to transfusion components, transfusion components are clinically related to the diseases afflicting patients. As some transfusion reactions can be life-threatening, estimating the incidence of transfusion reactions (which, in this study, are strictly defined as allergic and febrile non-haemolytic transfusion reactions) of certain categories of diseases is helpful for clinicians. According to the reported blood use of specific departments, the numbers of transfusion patients in these departments can be estimated. By the Association rule mining algorithm, the categories of diseases that often correlate with transfusion reactions have been screened for. It is found that the diseases belonging to C00-C97, D00-D48, D50-D89, K00-K93, N00-N99 and O00-O99 (ICD-10) often correlate with transfusion reactions. Platelet transfusion patients whose diseases belong to C00-C97 encounter transfusion reactions with an incidence of about 1%, which is much higher than the average. The incidence of transfusion reactions in patients whose diseases belong to K00-K93 –who undergo plasma transfusions –might be higher than the average, as the lower bound of this incidence is equivalent to the average incidence. Based on this study, it is suggested that attention be paid to patients whose diseases belong to C00-C97 –who undergo platelet transfusions –to prevent them from experiencing allergic transfusion reactions.
Survival outcomes are associated with genomic instability in luminal breast cancers
Authors: King Lydia , Flaus Andrew , Golden Aaron
Published: February 2020

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer related death among women. Breast cancers are generally diagnosed and treated based on clinical and histopathological features, along with subtype classification determined by the Prosigna Breast Cancer Prognostic Gene Signature Assay (also known as PAM50). Currently the copy number alteration (CNA) landscape of the tumour is not considered. We set out to examine the role of genomic instability (GI) in breast cancer survival since CNAs reflect GI and correlate with survival in other cancers. We focussed on the 70% of breast cancers classified as luminal and carried out a comprehensive survival and association analysis using Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) data to determine whether CNA burden quartiles derived from absolute CNA counts are associated with survival. Luminal A and B patients were stratified by PAM50 subtype and tumour grade and then tested for association with CNA burden using multiple statistical tests. Analysis revealed that patients diagnosed with luminal A grade 3 breast cancer have a CNA landscape associated with disease specific survival, suggesting that these patients could be classified as at-risk. Furthermore, luminal A grade 3 cases largely occupy a region of stratification based on gene expression at the boundary where luminal A and luminal B cases overlap. We conclude that GI reflected by absolute CNA score is a statistically robust prognostic factor for survival in luminal A grade 3 breast cancer. Therefore, luminal A grade 3 breast cancer patients in CNA burden quartiles 3 or 4 may benefit from more aggressive therapy. This demonstrates how individual genomic landscapes can facilitate personalisation of therapeutic interventions to optimise survival outcomes.
Genomic variations of SARS-CoV-2 suggest multiple outbreak sources of transmission
Authors: Zhang Liangsheng , Yang Jian-Rong , Zhang Zhenguo , Lin Zhenguo
Published: February 2020

We examined 169 genomes of SARS-CoV-2 and found that they can be classified into two major genotypes, Type I and Type II. Type I can be further divided into Type IA and IB. Our phylogenetic analysis showed that the Type IA resembles the ancestral SARS-CoV-2 most. Type II was likely evolved from Type I and predominant in the infections. Our results suggest that Type II SARS-CoV-2 was the source of the outbreak in the Wuhan Huanan market and it was likely originated from a super-spreader. The outbreak caused by the Type I virus should have occurred somewhere else, because the patients had no direct link to the market. Furthermore, by analyzing three genomic sites that distinguish Type I and Type II strains, we found that synonymous changes at two of the three sites confer higher protein translational efficiencies in Type II strains than in Type I strains, which might explain why Type II strains are predominant, implying that Type II is more contagious (transmissible) than Type I. These findings could be valuable for the current epidemic prevention and control.
Causes of death in newborn C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Capas-Peneda Sara , Morello Gabriela Munhoz , Lamas Sofia , Olsson I Anna S , Gilbert Colin
Published: February 2020

Neonatal mortality in wild-type laboratory mice is an overlooked welfare and financial problem in animal facilities around the world. Causes of death are often not reported and its causes remain unknown.

In this study, 324 newborn pups from two breeding colonies of healthy wildtype C57BL/6 mice underwent post-mortem analysis with special focus on obtaining proof of life after birth, evaluation of stomach contents and observation of congenital abnormalities that could compromise survival.

Based on a combination of lung morphology findings, outcome of lung float test, stomach contents and brown adipose tissue colouration, 21.6% of the pups found dead were considered stillbirths. Of the livebirths, only 3.2% were observed to have milk inside the stomach, indicating successful suckling. Congenital abnormalities were diagnosed only in a small fraction of the pups analysed. These results suggest that starvation was the most common cause of death, followed by stillbirth.
Inhibitory midbrain neurons mediate decision making
Authors: Essig Jaclyn , Hunt Joshua B. , Felsen Gidon
Published: February 2020

Decision making is critical for survival but its neural basis is unclear. Here we examine how functional neural circuitry in the output layers of the midbrain superior colliculus (SC) mediates spatial choice, an SC-dependent tractable form of decision making. We focus on the role of inhibitory SC neurons, using optogenetics to record and manipulate their activity in behaving mice. Based on data from SC slice experiments and on a canonical role of inhibitory neurons in cortical microcircuits, we hypothesized that inhibitory SC neurons locally inhibit premotor output neurons that represent contralateral targets. However, our experimental results refuted this hypothesis. An attractor model revealed that our results were instead consistent with inhibitory neurons providing long-range inhibition between the two SCs, and terminal activation experiments supported this architecture. Our study provides mechanistic evidence for competitive inhibition between populations representing discrete choices, a common motif in theoretical models of decision making.
Coordination of germ layer lineage choice by TET1 during primed pluripotency
Authors: Luo Xinlong , van der Veer Bernard K. , Sun Lei , Bartoccetti Michela , Boretto Matteo , Vankelecom Hugo , Khoueiry Rita , Koh Kian Peng
Published: February 2020

Gastrulation in the early postimplantation stage mammalian embryo begins when epiblast cells ingress to form the primitive streak or develop as the embryonic ectoderm. The DNA dioxygenase Tet1 is highly expressed in the epiblast and yet continues to regulate lineage specification during gastrulation when its expression is diminished. Here, we show how Tet1 plays a pivotal role upstream of germ layer lineage bifurcation. During the transition from naive pluripotency to lineage priming, a global reconfiguration redistributes Tet1 from Oct4-cobound promoters to distal regulatory elements at lineage differentiation genes, which are distinct from high-affinity sites engaged by Oct4. An altered chromatin landscape in Tet1-deficient primed epiblast-like cells is associated with enhanced Oct4 expression and binding to Nodal and Wnt target genes, resulting in collaborative signals that enhance mesendodermal and inhibit neuroectodermal gene expression during lineage segregation. A permissive role for Tet1 in neural fate induction involves Zic2-dependent engagement at neural target genes at lineage priming, is dependent on the signaling environment during gastrulation, and impacts neural tube closure after gastrulation. Our findings provide mechanistic information for epigenetic integration of pluripotency and signal-induced differentiation cues.
Cerebral organoid and mouse models reveal a RAB39b–PI3K–mTOR pathway-dependent dysregulation of cortical development leading to macrocephaly/autism phenotypes
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ma Li , Yang Mei , Shao Qiang , Xu Jian , Lu Zhipeng , Zhao Zhen , Chen Rong , Chai Yang , Chen Jian-Fu
Published: February 2020

Dysregulation of early neurodevelopment is implicated in macrocephaly/autism disorders. However, the mechanism underlying this dysregulation, particularly in human cells, remains poorly understood. Mutations in the small GTPase gene RAB39b are associated with X-linked macrocephaly, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and intellectual disability. The in vivo roles of RAB39b in the brain remain unknown. We generated Rab39b knockout (KO) mice and found that they exhibited cortical neurogenesis impairment, macrocephaly, and hallmark ASD behaviors, which resembled patient phenotypes. We also produced mutant human cerebral organoids that were substantially enlarged due to the overproliferation and impaired differentiation of neural progenitor cells (NPCs), which resemble neurodevelopmental deficits in KO mice. Mechanistic studies reveal that RAB39b interacts with PI3K components and its deletion promotes PI3K–AKT–mTOR signaling in NPCs of mouse cortex and cerebral organoids. The mTOR activity is robustly enhanced in mutant outer radial glia cells (oRGs), a subtype of NPCs barely detectable in rodents but abundant in human brains. Inhibition of AKT signaling rescued enlarged organoid sizes and NPC overproliferation caused by RAB39b mutations. Therefore, RAB39b mutation promotes PI3K–AKT–mTOR activity and alters cortical neurogenesis, leading to macrocephaly and autistic-like behaviors. Our studies provide new insights into neurodevelopmental dysregulation and common pathways associated with ASD across species.
Simulation on heat transfer performances of hollow tube electric heaters with dual-side longitudinal flow
Authors: Mei Xianzhi , Chen Yaping , Wu Jiafeng , Zhou Xiaoyu
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Conventional electric heaters mostly use U-shaped electric heating tubes and the hollow tube electric heaters are new type ones that rely on the heat transfer tubes as heating elements. However, in the original design, the fluid flows through the annular gaps between the shell wall and the supporting plates, the chambers between supporting plates are generally stagnant zones. The purpose of study is to overcome these deficiencies.

Design/methodology/approach

A modified approach is proposed in which the heating tubes are surrounded by holes on the supporting plates, thus the stagnant flow zone can be eliminated and the heating surfaces of both inside and outside the tube can be fully used. Numerical simulations were carried out on four schemes of hollow tube electric heaters, i.e. plate blocked, countercurrent, parallel and split. The results show that the two schemes of parallel and split can reduce the temperature difference between the two sides of the fixed tube plate, and thus reduce thermal stress and prolong the service life.

Findings

The split scheme of electric heater has the highest comprehensive index, moderate heat transfer coefficient and minimum pressure drop on the shell side. Its average heat transfer coefficient and comprehensive index are, respectively, 15.7% and 52.9% higher and its average pressure drop and tube wall temperature are, respectively, 57.6% and 19 K lower than those of the original plate blocked scheme, thus it can be recommended as the best scheme of the hollow tube electric heaters.

Originality/value

Based on the original design of hollow tube electric heater with plate blocked scheme, three plate perforated schemes were proposed and investigated. The thermal and flow features of the four schemes were compared in terms of heat transfer coefficient, pressure drop and comprehensive index ho·Δpo−1/3. The split scheme can reduce the temperature difference between two sides of the fixed tube plate with reduced thermal stress. It has moderate tube wall temperature and heat transfer coefficient, the smallest shell side pressure drop and the highest comprehensive index ho·Δpo−1/3, and it can be recommended as the optimal scheme.
Housing policy and demographic changes: the case of Iran
Authors: Ghaedrahmati Safar , Zarghamfard Moslem
Published: February 2020

Purpose

Housing is an essential element in the dynamics of urbanization. One of the main reasons for urbanization is population growth. As the population grows, the need for housing also increases. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the links between housing policies and plans and demographic issues in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

The research has been conducted using the qualitative method. First, 14 main indicators of the population that occurred over the past 40 years have been extracted. To investigate the role of demographic indicators in seven main housing plans and policies in Iran, 30 indigenous housing experts have been interviewed. A criteria-based sampling method has been used in this research.

Findings

The results of this study show that demographic developments have been neglected in the formulation of Iranian housing policies and plans. It is also worth noting that the lack of attention to demographic issues a main reason for the failure of housing policies in Iran.

Practical implications

As an important implication, the present paper revealed that the mere submission of planning to the economists has been associated with an unpleasant consequence in Iran, and now, it is time to use various expertise and sciences in this important process, as well. Certainly, the use of other sciences such as urban planners contribute greatly to the housing promotion of plans.

Originality/value

In the present research, the relationship between housing and population changes has been investigated because of the significance of the housing sector in Iran besides the problems in the implementation of housing plans.
Empirical analysis of enablers and performance outcome of manufacturing flexibility in an emerging economy
Authors: Mishra Ruchi
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The objective of this paper is to empirically test and verify the enablers of volume flexibility and product-mix flexibility and to assess the influence of these flexibilities on operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

A research framework consisting of nine pairs of hypotheses was developed using an extensive literature review. Using a self-administered questionnaire, 391 responses were collected, and these responses were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor analysis, and structural equation modeling techniques.

Findings

The findings empirically confirm the enablers of volume flexibility and product-mix flexibility. The proposed model explained 59 percent variance in volume flexibility and 63 percent variance in product-mix flexibility. Volume flexibility and product-mix flexibility together explained 38 percent variance in operational performance.

Research limitations/implications

Theoretically, this study advances flexibility literature in two significant ways. First, the study conducts first of its kind quantitative empirical investigation considering upstream, downstream, and internal integration practices as enablers of volume flexibility and product-mix flexibility. Second, this study adds to the flexibility literature by suggesting the positive influence of volume and product-mix flexibility on the operational performance of firms.

Originality/value

The study reinforces the role of enablers in the development of volume and product-mix flexibilities. Thus, the study provides a comprehensive view of flexibility enablers that can be used as a diagnostic tool, which practitioners can use to assess and deploy flexibility.
A maturity model for the servitization of product-centric companies
Authors: Adrodegari Federico , Saccani Nicola
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the understanding of the servitization phenomenon of product-centric companies, by identifying the resources, capabilities and organizational aspects needed to successfully deploy a servitized business model (BM).

Design/methodology/approach

By adopting a literature-based approach, this paper develops a servitization maturity model (SeMM) aimed at assessing and positioning companies in the servitization journey. The paper also illustrates the model application to two small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), a machinery and a forklift truck company.

Findings

The SeMM identifies a set of 85 critical requirements that are used to evaluate the servitization level of product-centric companies, through a specific five-stage measurement scale. The requirements are categorized into: five maturity dimensions (organizational approach, process management, performance management, tools, capabilities) and nine BM Canvas components. The empirical application exemplifies how the SeMM can support managers in identifying and bridging the gaps in their servitization journey.

Originality/value

The SeMM adopts an original bi-dimensional approach and provides an operationalization of the servitization process through the identification of specific critical requirements framed on established BM and maturity dimensions taken from the literature. Moreover, the model responds to a call for research to develop practitioner-oriented tools and guidelines to support the servitization process, in particular for SMEs, and to the need to go beyond to measures of servitization based on indicators about number of services offered or their turnover.
“Tacit pedagogy” and “entanglement”: practice-based learning and innovation
Authors: Derrick Jay
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper argues that the informal dimensions of practice are critical for understanding workplace learning and innovation, but have been under-theorised and under-researched. This paper aims to build on the thinking of Ellström (2010), Billett (2012) and Guile (2014) to account for the emergence of innovation through practice, and propose two new concepts for improving our understanding of innovation as process: “tacit pedagogy” and “entanglement”. This argument is evidenced through a recent study of team-working in a high-profile engineering company.

Design/methodology/approach

Qualitative interview data was collected on the informal features of organisational culture and work processes supporting innovation, and how these features intersect and interrelate with the formal features and procedures of the organisation.

Findings

Three generic modes of team-working practice are identified which, it is suggested, are likely to be associated with innovatory working, and are observable practices available to future researchers.

Practical implications

Productive approaches to the organisation of work processes so as to enhance practitioner learning and the potential for innovation are evidenced and evaluated.

Originality/value

The concepts “tacit pedagogy” and “entanglement”, intended to improve theoretical understanding of learning and innovation through practice, are introduced.
Structural empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour
Authors: Narzary Genuine , Palo Sasmita
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The present study aims at investigating mediating–moderating effect of job satisfaction between structural empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was conducted using standardised questionnaires. Responses were gathered from 178 auxiliary nurse and midwives working in primary health care centres in Chirang and Kokrajhar districts of Assam. Census method of data collection was adopted. The mediating–moderating effect of job satisfaction was assessed using the structural equation modelling.

Findings

Structural equation modelling result shows that structural empowerment has significant and positive effect on job satisfaction (0.68) and organisational citizenship behaviour (0.37). Job satisfaction has significant and positive effect on organisational citizenship behaviour (0.39). Job satisfaction significantly mediates-moderates (0.23) between structural empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

Given the only female auxiliary nurse and midwives and comparatively small sample obtained in this study, no attempt should be made to generalise these findings to other nurses or organisations. All data were obtained through a self-report survey, presenting a possibility for common method bias.

Practical implications

Promoting structural empowerment may help medical officer (supervisor) to increase auxiliary nurse and midwives’ level of job satisfaction and promote organisational citizenship behaviour.

Originality/value

This is the first study conducted on the mediating–moderating effect of job satisfaction on the relationship between structural empowerment and organisational citizenship behaviour among auxiliary nurse and midwives workings in rural and semi-urban areas in Assam (India).
How recruiters can fill roles faster when unemployment is low
Authors: Owens Brad
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to summarize how sales best practices can be applied to recruiting. Unemployment is at an all-time low. Recruiters need to change their process to fill roles. The purpose of this paper is to summarize best practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on 12 years of recruiting experience, the author has outlined what the top companies are doing to hire the best talent.

Findings

It was found that recruiting needs to shift toward a more sales-driven approach.

Originality/value

Recruiters looking to fill their roles faster, regardless of the unemployment rate, will learn how to apply the best practices of sales to their recruiting tool kit.
Concrescent conversation environment, psychological safety, and team effectiveness
Authors: Akan Obasi Haki , Jack Eric P. , Mehta Anju
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between concrescent conversation environment (CCE), psychological safety and team effectiveness. Although CCE has been known to influence team outcomes, little is known about how it influences them. Integrating the social constructionist and social psychology perspectives, this study argues that CCE ignites a climate of psychological safety resulting in “joint-action” necessary for positive team outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were collected from 301 team members from US firms operating in different industries. Data were analyzed using SmartPLS.

Findings

The study establishes CCE as an antecedent to psychological safety and demonstrates that psychological safety mediates the relationship between CCE and team effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

This is one of the initial studies to show how verbal behaviors socially construct team dynamics in the shape of psychological safety to influence team outcomes. In doing so, the authors advance the theory pertaining to the role of social exchanges in team processes and outcomes.

Practical implications

The results provide insights on how managers can improve team outcomes by influencing the conversational environment of the team to elicit feelings of psychological safety. The results also suggest that managers must focus on relational outcomes as well, along with performance outcomes.

Originality/value

From a social constructionist perspective, team development is built upon the verbal behaviors of the members as they pursue tasks. However, the extant group dynamics literature undervalues conversations’ role in team processes and outcomes. This is the first study that examines the link between a team's conversational environment, psychological safety and team outcomes.
Vertical migrations of fish schools determine overlap with a mobile tidal stream marine renewable energy device
Authors: Whitton Timothy A. , Jackson Suzanna E. , Hiddink Jan G. , Scoulding Ben , Bowers David , Powell Ben , D'Urban Jackson Tim , Gimenez Luis , Davies Alan G.
Published: February 2020

Large increases in the generation of electricity using marine renewable energy (MRE) are planned, and assessment of the environmental impacts of novel MRE devices, such as kites, are urgently needed. A first step in this assessment is to quantify overlap in space and time between MRE devices and prey species of top predators such as small pelagic fish.

Here, we quantify how the distribution of fish schools overlaps with the operational depth (20–60 m) and tidal current speeds (≥1.2–2.4 m/s) used by tidal kites, and the physical processes driving overlap.

Fish schools undertake diel vertical migrations driven by the depth of light penetration into the water column, controlled by the supply of solar radiation and water column light absorption and scattering, which in turn depends on the cross‐sectional area of suspended particulate matter (SPM). Fish schools were found shallower in the morning and evening and deeper in the middle of the day when solar radiation is greatest, with the deepest depths reached during predictable bimonthly periods of lower current speeds and lower cross‐sectional area of SPM.

Potential kite operations overlap with fish schools for a mean of 5% of the time that schools are present (maximum for a day is 36%). This represents a mean of 6% of the potential kite operating time (maximum for a day is 44%). These were both highest during a new moon spring tide and transitions between neap and spring tides.

Synthesis and applications. Overlap of fish school depth distribution with tidal kite operation is reasonably predictable, and so the timing of operations could be adapted to avoid potential negative interactions. If all interaction between fish schools was to be avoided, the loss of operational time for tidal kites would be 6%. This information could also be used in planning the operating depths of marine renewable energy (MRE) devices to avoid or minimize overlap with fish schools and their predators by developers, and for environmental licencing and management authorities to gauge potential ecological impacts of different MRE device designs and operating characteristics.