bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrated multi-omics single cell atlas of the human retina
Authors: Li Jin , Wang Jun , Ibarra Ignacio L , Cheng Xuesen , Luecken Malte D , Lu Jiaxiong , Monavarfeshani Aboozar , Yan Wenjun , Zheng Yiqiao , Zuo Zhen , Zayas Colborn Samantha Lynn , Cortez Berenice Sarahi , Owen Leah A , Tran Nicholas M , Shekhar Karthik , Sanes Joshua R , Stout J Timothy , Chen Shiming , Li Yumei , DeAngelis Margaret M , Theis Fabian J , Chen Rui
Published: November 2023

Single-cell sequencing has revolutionized the scale and resolution of molecular profiling of tissues and organs. Here, we present an integrated multimodal reference atlas of the most accessible portion of the mammalian central nervous system, the retina. We compiled around 2.4 million cells from 55 donors, including 1.4 million unpublished data points, to create a comprehensive human retina cell atlas (HRCA) of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility, unveiling over 110 types. Engaging the retina community, we annotated each cluster, refined the Cell Ontology for the retina, identified distinct marker genes, and characterized cis-regulatory elements and gene regulatory networks (GRNs) for these cell types. Our analysis uncovered intriguing differences in transcriptome, chromatin, and GRNs across cell types. In addition, we modeled changes in gene expression and chromatin openness across gender and age. This integrated atlas also enabled the fine-mapping of GWAS and eQTL variants. Accessible through interactive browsers, this multimodal cross-donor and cross-lab HRCA, can facilitate a better understanding of retinal function and pathology.
Identification of novel autophagy inducers by accelerating lysosomal clustering against Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Date Yuki , Sasazawa Yukiko , Kitagawa Mitsuhiro , Gejima Kentaro , Suzuki Ayami , Saya Hideyuki , Imoto Masaya , Itakura Eisuke , Hattori Nobutaka , Saiki Shinji
Published: November 2023

Autophagy-lysosome pathway plays an indispensable role in the intracellular protein quality control system, degrading abnormal organelles and proteins. Among these proteins is α-Synuclein (αSyn), which is associated with the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the activation of this lysosome-dependent degradation strategy is restricted by enzyme complementation. In this study, we focused on the phase of autophagosome-lysosome fusion around the microtubule organizing center (MTOC) that leads to αSyn degradation. Through high-throughput chemical screening, we identified six clinically available drugs that enhance autophagy and can accumulate lysosomes around the MTOC from approximately 1,200 drugs screened. We further demonstrated that these compounds induce lysosomal clustering through a JIP4-TRPML1-dependent mechanism, which is associated with autophagy induction. Among these, the lysosomal clustering compound albendazole was observed to promote the autophagy-dependent degradation of Triton-X-insoluble proteasome inhibitor-induced aggregates (p62). In a cellular PD model, albendazole boosted the degradation of insoluble αSyn, an effect that was reversed upon the addition of bafilomycin A1. Our results suggest that lysosomal clustering can facilitate the breakdown of protein aggregates. Therefore, compounds that promote lysosomal clustering may offer a promising therapeutic strategy against neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the presence of aggregate-prone proteins.
The conserved wobble uridine tRNA thiolase Ctu1 is required to sustain development and differentiation
Authors: Yu YZW , Wang CQ , Wang Y , Shi H , Zhou ZL
Published: November 2023

Recent studies have revealed that tRNA modification is an important epigenetic mechanism involved in gene expression. Cytosolic thiouridylase (consisting of Ctu1 and Ctu2 subunit) are the enzyme complex which catalyze the thio-modification at the 34thwobble uridine of the anticodon of tRNAGlnUUG, tRNAGluUUC, and tRNALysUUU. Besides introducing a thiol group at the C2 positions, those tRNAs were commonly modified with a methoxycarbonylmethyl at the C5 positions by Elongator and ALKBH8. tRNA-U34 modification, particularly the Elongator and ALKBH8, has been demonstrated to be involved in disease and development, however, the biological functional level of CTU in vertebrates remains elusive. Here, we found that in zebrafish, CTU may be an important regulatory factor in development and erythroid differentiation. By using morpholino targeting and knocking down CTU1, we observed that the loss of CTU1 led to impaired zebrafish larval development and blood vessel formation. Single-cell sequencing analysis showed that erythroid cell differentiation in the CTU1 knockdown group was blocked at an early stage, while the wild-type group exhibited mature erythroid cells. These findings suggest that CTU1 is involved in regulating erythrocyte development. These findings provide new insights into the biological function of CTU1.
Governance at ICICI Bank: Chairman's Dilemma
Authors: Barua Samir , Varma Jayanth
Published: November 2023

The non-executive Chairman, Chaturvedi, must lead the Board of Directors of ICICI Bank as it deals with the adverse findings by a former Supreme Court judge against Ms. Chanda Kochhar, the former Chief Executive of the Bank. She had not disclosed a conflict of interest regarding a loan to a corporate group that had business dealings with her husband. Months earlier, the Board had exonerated her and also allowed her to retire from the Bank. Could and should the Board now reclassify Kochhar's retirement as ‘Termination for Cause’ and claw back her past bonuses?
Northern Textiles Limited (B)
Authors: Varma Jayanth R , Ghosh Rahul
Published: November 2023

“NTL suffered huge losses in its foreign exchange hedging activities as its highly complex leveraged structured products backfired badly in the wake of the Global Financial Crisis of 2007 and 2008. The CFO and the Treasury head have both been sacked, and Joshi, the new CFO, has embraced aggressive litigation as NTL's survival strategy to cope with the losses that threaten its solvency. In the meantime, NTL also faces tax investigations and whistleblower allegations of fraud, and it finds that the record-keeping of its derivative transactions was hopelessly incomplete and patchy. A complete reconstruction of the entire derivative transaction history is the only way to rebuild trust, and that task falls on Reddy, a seasoned derivatives expert brought in by the Board specifically for this purpose.

In this dire situation, Seth, the founder Chairman of NTL decides that NTL needs to put all this behind it and focus on rebuilding the business. The challenge for Seth, Joshi and Reddy is to go about doing this in an environment that offers very few rays of hope.”
The evolutionary journey of the American corporation and its governance over two centuries
Authors: Rebeiz Karim S.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the evolutionary trajectory of American corporations and their governance over the past few centuries, using a multidisciplinary investigative approach. The research focuses on the American business landscape because it has played a pivotal role in shaping the field of corporate governance theory and practice.

Design/methodology/approach

The author thoroughly investigates archival records, legal documents, academic publications, reputable databases and pertinent literature to unearth valuable insights into the key events that have influenced the evolutionary path of American corporations and their governance throughout history.

Findings

Delving into the evolutionary journey of American corporations and their governance reveals a multifaceted narrative, enhancing our comprehension of the impact of the external socio-economic environment, and the effectiveness and limitations of established corporate governance paradigms in addressing such transformations. This introspection establishes the groundwork for ongoing discussions concerning how corporate governance should adapt to meet the evolving needs and expectations of stakeholders and society as a whole, with a specific focus on the pivotal role that boardrooms could play in this regard.

Practical implications

The insights gained from this analysis offer practitioners a foundational resource to understand corporate governance in a complex business landscape. Armed with this understanding, practitioners can better align governance strategies with both historical context and contemporary requirements.

Social implications

The research has significant social implications in the sense that history highlights the importance of the society in influencing corporate governance practices. It specifically emphasizes the need for the board of directors to consider both shareholder value and social responsibility, while also fostering public trust and confidence.

Originality/value

Many corporate governance concepts are often used with limited understanding of their initial intent, resulting in their unquestioned adoption. In this paper, the author offers a contextual exploration of historical events that have contributed to the development of these diverse corporate perspectives. To the best of the author’s knowledge, there are exceedingly few, if any, papers that present comparably insightful and multidisciplinary insights into the evolutionary path of corporations and their governance, especially within a dynamic and influential market like that of the USA.
Attracting and retaining high-performing professionals: the case of Descomplica
Authors: Chimenti Paula , Oliveira Lúcia B. , Campos Roberta Dias , da Fonseca André Luís A.
Published: November 2023

Learning outcomes

The case study will encourage reflection on the challenges that organisations face in attracting, engaging and retaining knowledge workers that are critical to their performance and growth. It is set in the context of innovative, high-tech organisations whose success is heavily dependent on the performance of information technology (IT) professionals, a specialised and heavily demanded workforce.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study depicts the struggle of Manoel Almeida, Descomplica’s chief technology officer, to reverse the scenario of demotivation and high turnover among IT employees and to attract new talent. The case study addresses the themes of knowledge worker attraction, engagement and retention, with a focus on IT professionals.

Complexity academic level

This case study is designed for undergraduate and graduate education programmes/courses.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 7: Management science.
Exploring SMEs innovation paths with augmented and virtual reality technologies
Authors: Pessot Elena , Zangiacomi Andrea , Sacco Marco
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) are increasingly recognized among technologies potentially driving the digital innovation of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Nevertheless, the implications of AR/VR adoption in innovation processes have yet to receive much attention to date, with the need to explore the issues facilitating a systematic implementation in the SME context. This study aims to investigate the possible innovation paths of SMEs as a result of AR/VR adoption.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors performed a multiple case study research involving six Italian SMEs in manufacturing and service sectors that are investing in AR and/or VR solutions and are digitally innovating thanks to these technologies.

Findings

AR/VR solutions lead to different types of innovation in SMEs, i.e. for innovating product or service offerings, business processes or even the business model, when AR/VR extends to the company business logic. SMEs demonstrate being able to leverage internal sources with the essential commitment of top management and low resistance of employees in all kinds of AR/VR-enabled innovations. Conversely, they involve different external innovation sources according to the type of innovation pursued. Organizational issues emerged as more relevant than technological issues.

Practical implications

Results contribute to the literature on digital transformation of SMEs and provide managerial guidance on innovation sources and organizational issues to be considered to effectively deploy AR/VR solutions into specific innovation paths.

Originality/value

This study explores the impact of emergent technologies in the innovation process along with multiple perspectives, degree of complexity, and strategic importance in the SME context.
The informal role of marketing control systems
Authors: Ortiz-Rendon Paola Andrea , Munuera-Aleman Jose Luis , Montoya Restrepo Luz Alexandra
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The implementation of control systems allows marketing managers to improve operational decisions and organizational results. This paper aims to identify the relationship between control combinations and organizational results and analyze the relationships between the variables attributed to the marketing managers and with marketing control combinations. Decisions involving marketing control combine formal and informal mechanisms and generate control systems that have a favorable relationship with organizational results.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is based on 301 cross-sectional surveys among marketing managers. The classification procedure based on metric distance was implemented to identify the marketing control combinations. A hierarchical cluster analysis was carried out with perceptions about formal and informal control, to validate the control combination classifications. Finally, a discriminant analysis and ANOVA test were carried out for exploring factors associated with the managers. The data analysis was supported by IBM SPSS Statistics 24 software.

Findings

The authors found evidence that, when managers perceive high-control systems, the perception of non-financial and financial results is always better, but the presence of high-clan control also returns optimal results. In addition, the manager's satisfaction levels and work motivation are higher with high control systems than with other control systems.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the existing knowledge by providing a broader empirical basis to extend conceptual frameworks about marketing control combinations that emerge in practice.
Lean production, green supply chain management and environmental performance: a configurational perspective based on the Portuguese context
Authors: Silva Graça Miranda , Gomes Paulo Jorge
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Organizations are faced with increasing pressure to engage in sustainable development. There is an ongoing discussion on how to incorporate green thinking into lean management systems. This study aims to investigate configurations of lean and green supply chain management (GSCM) practices associated with high environmental performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The study uses survey data from a sample of Portuguese manufacturing firms and apply fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to examine the data. This configurational technique allows to capture the synergetic effect of lean and GSCM practices and identify distinct combinations leading to the outcome of interest.

Findings

Seven configurations of lean and green practices are associated with high environmental performance. The implementation of lean practices is required in all configurations. Analysis of alternative combinations reveals trade-offs between lean initiatives and environmental goals. Four configurations require low level of implementation of pull production. In one configuration, high environmental performance is achieved with low implementation of statistical process control and without lean employee involvement.

Research limitations/implications

This study expands the literature on lean management by identifying different strategies to integrate lean and GSCM practices to achieve high environmental performance.

Practical implications

The findings suggest different strategies to achieve high environmental performance. Managers need to selectively implement lean and green supply chain practices to achieve the desired combinatorial effect, which may require not to implement specific lean practices.

Originality/value

The study demonstrates the synergetic effects of lean and green practices on environmental performance using a configurational perspective. In addition, it identifies combinations that require a low level of implementation of specific lean practices.
Adoption and impact of hybrid rice in India: evidence from a large-scale field survey
Authors: Negi Digvijay Singh , Kumar Anjani , Birthal Pratap Singh , Tripathi Gaurav
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper aims at understanding the causes of low adoption of hybrid rice technology. The paper also assesses the impact of adoption of hybrids and modern varieties on crop yield, vis-à-vis the old or traditional varieties.

Design/methodology/approach

Using unit-level data from a large-scale survey of farm households (19,877 paddy cultivators), the authors applied multi-nomial regression method to understand the factors for adoption of hybrid rice and instrumental variable method of regression to estimate its impact.

Findings

The findings demonstrate that in India, hybrid rice is often grown on relatively poor soils, resulting in greater irrigation costs and for other inputs, such as fertilizers. Further, farmers' poor access to information on the traits of hybrid rice and the associated agronomic practices, as well as poor access to financial resources, hampers efforts to scale up its adoption. More importantly, the findings reveal that the relative yield advantage of hybrids over open-pollinated modern varieties is not large enough to incentivize the rapid adoption of hybrid rice technology.

Research limitations/implications

Given the higher cost of hybrids than the inbred varieties, enhancing paddy cultivators' access to financial resources can accelerate the adoption of hybrid rice in India.

Originality/value

The study is based on unit level data from a large-scale, nationally representative survey of farm households, comprising a sample of 19,877 paddy cultivators, spread across states in India.
Young technopreneur ventures’ agility and competitiveness in Malaysia: role of inhibitors
Authors: Halim Hasliza Abdul , Ahmad Noor Hazlina , Waqas Ali
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to explore the key factors that hinder technopreneur’s success.

Design/methodology/approach

The finalization of the most appropriate method to conduct any study is based on the nature of the research questions (Shaw, 1999; Morse and Richards, 2002). As this study is exploratory, a qualitative approach was used to collect the data. Morse and Richards (2002) have emphasized that the qualitative technique to collect is useful for in-depth assessment of the participant’s experiences, their understanding regarding the matter and their interpretation of their experiences.

Findings

Technopreneurs face four significant problems that have an impact on their business agility and competitiveness. These four factors are as follows: the entrepreneur’s skills and preparedness; their organization’s insufficient capabilities and talent to deal with the challenges; a lack of support mechanisms from relevant institutions; and, finally, the rapidly changing business environment in terms of technology and competition.

Originality/value

This study explores the hindrance factors through qualitative techniques faced by young technopreneurs in the context of Malaysia. This study will provide deep insight regarding the key issues facing new startups and will be helpful for policymakers.
Fathering styles in a traditional culture and its association with marital relationship: A latent profile analysis with a nationally representative sample
Authors: Kisbu Yasemin , Özcan Meryem Şeyda , Kuşcul G. Hilal , Bozok Mehmet , Kaya Mustafa , Fişek Güler
Published: November 2023

This study had two main objectives. The first goal was to examine fathers' parenting styles in a society with traditional patriarchal values. The second goal was to understand the extent to which marital relationship variables (i.e., marital satisfaction and spousal support) are related with the identified fathering profiles. The theoretical and empirical underpinnings of the “parenting styles” literature that form the foundation of the research on parent–child dynamics are still mainly based on data collected only from mothers. This weakness of the literature on fathering typologies is further accompanied by the scarcity of data on fathers' parenting practices from non‐Western contexts. To achieve the study aims, a latent profile analysis based on warmth and control dimensions of parenting was performed using a nationally representative sample of 1070 urban fathers in Turkey. Using scores on six parenting behavior variables (i.e., warmth, punishment, inductive reasoning, positive parenting, discipline and teaching responsibilities, time and talking together), results revealed four fathering profiles: “authoritative” (30%), “average” (45%), “uninvolved” (16%), and “disciplining‐distant” (8%). Furthermore, the results showed that the fathering profiles significantly differed from each other on the marital satisfaction and spousal support scores. Results highlight the importance of investigating fathering behaviors and their predictors in different cultures.
Mitochondrial dysfunction decreases cisplatin sensitivity in gastric cancer cells through upregulation of integrated stress response and mitokine GDF15
Authors: Wang Sheng‐Fan , Chang Yuh‐Lih , Liu Ting‐Yu , Huang Kuo‐Hung , Fang Wen‐Liang , Li Anna Fen‐Yau , Yeh Tien‐Shun , Hung Giun‐Yi , Lee Hsin‐Chen
Published: November 2023

Gastric neoplasm is a high‐mortality cancer worldwide. Chemoresistance is the obstacle against gastric cancer treatment. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been observed to promote malignant progression. However, the underlying mechanism is still unclear. The mitokine growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a significant biomarker for mitochondrial disorder and is activated by the integrated stress response (ISR) pathway. The serum level of GDF15 was found to be correlated with the poor prognosis of gastric cancer patients. In this study, we found that high GDF15 protein expression might increase disease recurrence in adjuvant chemotherapy‐treated gastric cancer patients. Moreover, treatment with mitochondrial inhibitors, especially oligomycin (a complex V inhibitor) and salubrinal (an ISR activator), respectively, was found to upregulate GDF15 and enhance cisplatin insensitivity of human gastric cancer cells. Mechanistically, it was found that the activating transcription factor 4‐C/EBP homologous protein pathway has a crucial function in the heightened manifestation of GDF15. In addition, reactive oxygen species‐activated general control nonderepressible 2 mediates the oligomycin‐induced ISR, and upregulates GDF15. The GDF15–glial cell‐derived neurotrophic factor family receptor a‐like–ISR–cystine/glutamate transporter‐enhanced glutathione production was found to be involved in cisplatin resistance. These results suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction might enhance cisplatin insensitivity through GDF15 upregulation, and targeting mitokine GDF15–ISR regulation might be a strategy against cisplatin resistance of gastric cancer.
Welcome Cultures and the Chronopolitics of B/Ordering
Authors: Aubry Lola , Schapendonk Joris
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we explore how borders and associated processes – spatial othering and ordering – are reproduced, resisted and undermined temporally. To do so, we investigate ethnographically how ‘welcomers’ from volunteer pro‐refugee initiatives in Paris become involved in the chronopolitics of b/ordering. Our empirical analysis builds on the practice turn in border studies and on Sharma's chronography of power, which focuses on the relational dimension of temporal politics. We detail three temporal practices of Parisian welcome cultures: temporal translation, temporal creation and the elaboration of sub‐architectures of temporal maintenance. In detailing these practices ethnographically, we highlight the ambiguity of welcomers' role in the chronopolitics of b/ordering: aligning with and recalibrating refugees' bodies to the rhythmic and temporal logics of b/ordering as well as undermining the violence, binarity and rigidified identities underpinning b/ordering timelines.
Effectiveness of NOTES versus traditional techniques on surgical outcomes in adults with diverticulitis: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Clark Molly , Nann Silas , Kong Joseph , Barker Timothy
Published: November 2023

Objective:

This review will evaluate the effectiveness of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES)/hybrid NOTES versus traditional surgical techniques in the management of diverticular disease.

Introduction:

Diverticular disease can have a significant impact on a patient’s quality of life, especially the changes affecting bowel function. Recurrent/severe symptoms may require surgery. Resections are invasive and can have significant operative complications. There has been a shift from an open resection to a more minimally invasive technique such as laparoscopy. Furthermore, the use of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic resection, using a transanal/transvaginal approach, has begun to be used in colorectal resections.

Inclusion criteria:

Eligible studies will include patients who underwent surgical resection for diverticular disease or diverticulitis. The review will consider studies that evaluate NOTES in the management of diverticular disease or diverticulitis. This will include hybrid procedures involving both NOTES and natural orifice specimen extraction (NOSE), with the aid of laparoscopy/endoscopy/robotic equipment. Studies on participants under 18 years of age and presenting with non-diverticular pathologies will be excluded.

Methods:

This review will follow the JBI methodology for systematic reviews of effectiveness and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 statement. Databases to be searched will include PubMed, MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, ClinicalTrials.gov, and ANZCTR, with no language limitations. The reference lists of included studies will be screened for additional studies. This review will preferentially consider experimental and quasi-experimental study designs. Two reviewers will conduct critical appraisal and data extraction. Studies will, where possible, be pooled in statistical meta-analyses.

Review registration:

PROSPERO CRD42023420771
Periodic Optimal Input Shaping for Maximizing Lithium-Sulfur Battery Parameter Identifiability
Authors: Doosthosseini Mahsa , Xu Chu , Fathy Hosam
Published: November 2023

This article investigates the problem of optimal periodic cycling for maximizing the identifiability of the unknown parameters of a Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) battery model, including estimates of the initial values of species masses. This research is motivated by the need for more accurate Li-S battery modeling and diagnostics. Li-S batteries offer higher energy density levels compared to more traditional lithium-ion batteries, making them an attractive option for energy storage applications. However, the monitoring and control of Li-S batteries are challenging because of the complexity of the underlying multistep reaction chain. The existing literature addresses poor battery parameter identifiability through a variety of tools, including optimal input shaping for Fisher information maximization. However, this literature's focus is predominantly on the identifiability of lithium-ion battery model parameters. The main purpose of this study is to optimize Li-S battery Fisher identifiability through optimal input shaping. The study shows that such optimal input shaping indeed improves the accuracy of Li-S parameter estimation significantly. This outcome is demonstrated in simulation. Moreover, an experimental study is conducted showing that the underlying battery model fits laboratory experimental cycling data reasonably well when the optimized test cycle is employed.
An Automated Approach for Segmenting Numerical Control Data With Controller Data for Machine Tools
Authors: Monnier Laetitia , Bernstein William Z. , Ferrero Vincenzo J. , Foufou Sebti
Published: November 2023

Developing a more automated industrial digital thread is vital to realize the smart manufacturing and industry 4.0 vision. The digital thread allows for efficient sharing across product lifecycle stages. Current techniques are not robust in relating downstream data, such as manufacturing and inspection information, back to design for better decision making. We previously presented a methodology that aligns numerical control (NC) code, a standard for representing machine tool instructions, to controller data represented in MTConnect, a standard that provides a vocabulary for generalizing execution logs from different machine tools and devices. This paper extends our previous work by automating the tool identification using a k-means clustering algorithm to refine the alignment of the data. In doing so, we compare different distance techniques to analyze the spatial-temporal registration of the two datasets, i.e., the NC code and MTConnect data. Then, we assess the efficiency of our method through an error measurement technique that expresses the quality of the alignment. Finally, we apply our methodology to a case study that includes verified process plans and real execution data, derived from the smart manufacturing systems test bd hosted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Our analysis shows that dynamic time warping achieves the best point registration with the least errors compared with other alignment techniques.
Transforming Hand-Drawn Sketches of Linkage Mechanisms Into Their Digital Representation
Authors: Nurizada Anar , Purwar Anurag
Published: November 2023

This paper introduces a new method using deep neural networks for the interactive digital transformation and simulation of n-bar planar linkages, which consist of revolute and prismatic joints, based on hand-drawn sketches. Instead of relying solely on computer vision, our approach combines topological knowledge of linkage mechanisms with the outcomes of a convolutional deep neural network. This creates a framework for recognizing hand-drawn sketches. We generate a dataset of synthetic images that resemble hand-drawn sketches of linkage mechanisms. Next, we fine-tune a state-of-the-art deep neural network to detect discrete objects using building blocks that represent joints and links in various positions, sizes, and orientations within these sketches. We then conduct a topological analysis on the detected objects to construct a kinematic model of the sketched mechanisms. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of our algorithm in handling hand-drawn sketches and converting them into digital representations. This has practical implications for improving communication, analysis, organization, and classification of planar mechanisms.
An Approach for Predicting Social, Environmental, and Economic Product Impacts and Characterizing the Associated Sustainability Tradespace in Engineering Design
Authors: Mabey Christopher S. , Dickerson Tevin J. , Salmon John L. , Mattson Christopher A.
Published: November 2023

There is a growing demand for sustainable products and systems. Sustainability encompasses environmental, social, and economic aspects, often referred to as the three pillars of sustainability. To make more sustainable design decisions, engineers need tools to predict the environmental, social, and economic impacts of products and characterize potential sustainability tradeoffs. To predict the total impact of a product, the quantity of functional units of the product in society and the impact of each product needs to be estimated. This article uses agent-based modeling (ABM), combined with tools such as life cycle assessment (LCA), to predict impacts across all three pillars of sustainability. By using the product impact results, the multidimensional sustainability tradespace can be characterized. The approach described in this article is based on three main components for the predictive modeling of product impacts and the characterization of the sustainability trade space: (i) ABM of product adoption, (ii) the assessment of product impacts, and (iii) an approach for the characterization of product sustainability tradeoffs at the population level. The tradespace characterization uses a Pareto-based method presented visually to find the nondominated solutions in the product impact space. To illustrate and describe how to use the method, a case study is presented that predicts the impact of residential solar panels in a region of the United States under various scenarios. The findings of the case study can help policy makers understand suitable implementation strategies for residential solar panels while considering the impact tradeoffs involved.
Enhanced performance of molecular electrocatalysts for CO
2
reduction in a flow cell following K
+
addition
Authors: Sato Shunsuke , Sekizawa Keita , Shirai Soichi , Sakamoto Naonari , Morikawa Takeshi
Published: November 2023

Electrocatalytic CO
2
reduction is a key aspect of artificial photosynthesis systems designed to produce fuels. Although some molecular catalysts have good performance for CO
2
reduction, these compounds also suffer from poor durability and energy efficiency. The present work demonstrates the improved CO
2
reduction activity exhibited by molecular catalysts in a flow cell. These catalysts were composed of a cobalt-tetrapyridino-porphyrazine complex supported on carbon black together with potassium salt and were both stable and efficient. These systems were found to promote electrocatalytic CO
2
reduction with a current density of 100 mA/cm
2
and generated CO over at least 1 week with a selectivity of approximately 95%. The optimal catalyst gave a turnover number of 3,800,000 and an energy conversion efficiency of more than 62% even at 200 mA/cm
2
.
A human urothelial microtissue model reveals shared colonization and survival strategies between uropathogens and commensals
Authors: Flores Carlos , Ling Jefferson , Loh Amanda , Maset Ramón G. , Aw Angeline , White Ian J. , Fernando Raymond , Rohn Jennifer L.
Published: November 2023

Urinary tract infection is among the most common infections worldwide, typically studied in animals and cell lines with limited uropathogenic strains. Here, we assessed diverse bacterial species in a human urothelial microtissue model exhibiting full stratification, differentiation, innate epithelial responses, and urine tolerance. Several uropathogens invaded intracellularly, but also commensal
Escherichia coli
, suggesting that invasion is a shared survival strategy, not solely a virulence hallmark. The
E. coli
adhesin FimH was required for intracellular bacterial community formation, but not for invasion. Other shared lifestyles included filamentation (Gram-negatives), chaining (Gram-positives), and hijacking of exfoliating cells, while biofilm-like aggregates were formed mainly with
Pseudomonas
and
Proteus
. Urothelial cells expelled invasive bacteria in Rab-/LC3-decorated structures, while highly cytotoxic/invasive uropathogens, but not commensals, disrupted host barrier function and strongly induced exfoliation and cytokine production. Overall, this work highlights diverse species-/strain-specific infection strategies and corresponding host responses in a human urothelial microenvironment, providing insights at the microtissue, cell, and molecular level.
An asymmetry in wave scaling drives outsized quantities of coastal wetland erosion
Authors: Feagin Rusty A. , Chang Kuang-An , Huff Thomas P. , Rodriguez-Iturbe Ignacio , Kim Jin-Young , Kaihatu James , Leonardi Nicoletta , Fagherazzi Sergio
Published: November 2023

Wetland shorelines around the world are susceptible to wave erosion. Previous work has suggested that the lateral erosion rate of their cliff-like edges can be predicted as a function of intercepting waves, and yet numerous field studies have shown that other factors, for example, tidal currents or mass wasting of differing soil types, induce a wide range of variability. Our objective was to isolate the unique effects of wave heights, wavelengths, and water depths on lateral erosion rates and then synthesize a mechanistic understanding that can be applied globally. We found a potentially universal relationship, where the lateral erosion rates increase exponentially as waves increase in height but decrease exponentially as waves become longer in length. These findings suggest that wetlands and other sheltered coastlines likely experience outsized quantities of erosion, as compared to oceanic-facing coastlines.
Neuroinflammation: An astrocyte perspective
Authors: Lee Hong-Gyun , Lee Joon-Hyuk , Flausino Lucas E. , Quintana Francisco J.
Published: November 2023

Astrocytes are abundant glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) that play active roles in health and disease. Recent technologies have uncovered the functional heterogeneity of astrocytes and their extensive interactions with other cell types in the CNS. In this Review, we highlight the intricate interactions between astrocytes, other CNS-resident cells, and CNS-infiltrating cells as well as their potential therapeutic value in the context of inflammation and neurodegeneration.
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase variants: the new threat to global public health
Authors: Ding Li , Shen Siquan , Chen Jing , Tian Zhen , Shi Qingyu , Han Renru , Guo Yan , Hu Fupin
Published: November 2023

Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) variants, which refer to the substitution, insertion, or deletion of amino acid sequence compared to wild
bla
KPC
type, have reduced utility of ceftazidime-avibactam (CZA), a pioneer antimicrobial agent in treating carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacterales
infections. So far, more than 150
bla
KPC
variants have been reported worldwide, and most of the new variants were discovered in the past 3 years, which calls for public alarm. The KPC variant protein enhances the affinity to ceftazidime and weakens the affinity to avibactam by changing the KPC structure, thereby mediating bacterial resistance to CZA. At present, there are still no guidelines or expert consensus to make recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of infections caused by KPC variants. In addition, meropenem-vaborbactam, imipenem-relebactam, and other new β-lactam-β-lactamase inhibitor combinations have little discussion on KPC variants. This review aims to discuss the clinical characteristics, risk factors, epidemiological characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, methods for detecting
bla
KPC
variants, treatment options, and future perspectives of
bla
KPC
variants worldwide to alert this new great public health threat.
Human strongyloidiasis: complexities and pathways forward
Authors: Buonfrate Dora , Bradbury Richard S. , Watts Matthew R. , Bisoffi Zeno
Published: November 2023

SUMMARY

Strongyloidiasis is a World Health Organization neglected tropical disease usually caused by
Strongyloides stercoralis
, a parasitic worm with a complex life cycle. Globally, 300–600 million people are infected through contact with fecally contaminated soil. An autoinfective component of the life cycle can lead to chronic infection that may be asymptomatic or cause long-term symptoms, including malnourishment in children. Low larval output can limit the sensitivity of detection in stool, with serology being effective but less sensitive in immunocompromise. Host immunosuppression can trigger catastrophic, fatal hyperinfection/dissemination, where large numbers of larvae pierce the bowel wall and disseminate throughout the organs. Stable disease is effectively treated by single-dose ivermectin, with disease in immunocompromised patients treated with multiple doses. Strategies for management include raising awareness, clarifying zoonotic potential, the development and use of effective diagnostic tests for epidemiological studies and individual diagnosis, and the implementation of treatment programs with research into therapeutic alternatives and medication safety.
Stargardt macular dystrophy and therapeutic approaches
Authors: Fujinami Kaoru , Waheed Nadia , Laich Yannik , Yang Paul , Fujinami-Yokokawa Yu , Higgins Joseph J , Lu Jonathan T , Curtiss Darin , Clary Cathryn , Michaelides Michel
Published: November 2023

Stargardt macular dystrophy (Stargardt disease; STGD1; OMIM 248200) is the most prevalent inherited macular dystrophy. STGD1 is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by multiple pathogenic sequence variants in the largeABCA4gene (OMIM 601691). Major advances in understanding both the clinical and molecular features, as well as the underlying pathophysiology, have culminated in many completed, ongoing and planned human clinical trials of novel therapies.

The aims of this concise review are to describe (1) the detailed phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of the disease, multimodal imaging findings, natural history of the disease, and pathogenesis, (2) the multiple avenues of research and therapeutic intervention, including pharmacological, cellular therapies and diverse types of genetic therapies that have either been investigated or are under investigation and (3) the exciting novel therapeutic approaches on the translational horizon that aim to treat STGD1 by replacing the entire 6.8 kbABCA4open reading frame.
Joint associations of device-measured physical activity and abdominal obesity with incident cardiovascular disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sanchez-Lastra Miguel Adriano , Ding Ding , Del Pozo Cruz Borja , Dalene Knut Eirik , Ayán Carlos , Ekelund Ulf , Tarp Jakob
Published: November 2023

Objective

To examine the joint associations between physical activity and abdominal obesity with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events.

Methods

We included 70 830 UK Biobank participants (mean age±SD=61.6 ± 7.9 years; 56.4% women) with physical activity measured by wrist-worn accelerometers and without major chronic diseases. Participants were jointly categorised into six groups based on their physical activity level (tertiles of total volume and specific intensity levels) and presence or absence of abdominal obesity based on measured waist circumference. Associations with incident CVD (fatal and non-fatal events) were determined using proportional subdistribution hazard models with multivariable adjustment.

Results

After excluding events during the first 2 years of follow-up, participants were followed for a median of 6.8 years, during which 2795 CVD events were recorded. Compared with the low abdominal adiposity and highest tertile of physical activity, abdominal obesity was associated with higher risk of incident CVD, especially in those with low levels of vigorous-intensity physical activity (HR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22 to 1.64). Approximately 500 min per week of moderate-to-vigorous intensity and approximately 30–35 min of vigorous-intensity physical activity offset the association of abdominal obesity and the risk of having a CVD event.

Conclusion

Physical activity equivalent to approximately 30–35 min of vigorous intensity per week appears to offset the association between abdominal obesity and incident CVD. About 15 times more physical activity of at least moderate intensity is needed to achieve similar results.
Internal structure validity and internal consistency reliability of the Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Gowani Ambreen Amir Ali , Low Gail , Norris Colleen , Hoben Matthias
Published: November 2023

Introduction

The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire (MLHFQ) is one of the most used tools to measure health-related quality of life in heart failure. Despite extensive use in research, evidence on the MLHFQ’s internal structure validity remains heterogeneous and inconclusive. There are no known reviews that systematically summarise the evidence related to the MLHFQ’s factor structure (internal structure validity). This gap highlights a need to critically appraise, summarise and compare the available evidence on the internal structure and internal consistency reliability (ICR) of the MLHFQ.

Methods and analysis

The review will adhere to the reporting guidelines of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. We will systematically search eleven electronic databases/search engines (Medline, EMBASE, Cumulative Index for Nursing and Allied Health Literature, PsycINFO, Global Health, Health and Psychosocial Instruments, Scopus, Journals, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Dissertation and Theses Global) for quantitative studies assessing the MLHFQ’s factor structure and ICR. Two reviewers will then independently screen studies for eligibility and assess the quality of included studies using the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement Instruments checklist. Throughout the review, discrepancies will be resolved through consensus or by the involvement of the third reviewer. We will analyse and present results using descriptive statistics (frequencies, proportions and ranges) and narrative synthesis. We will include all the relevant studies published within the timeframe covered by the database. We carried out the preliminary search in November 2022 except for Dissertation and Theses Global which was searched in September 2023; however, we will update the entire search right before the review completion in January 2024.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as no primary data is being collected from individuals. We intend to share the findings of the review at international conferences and publish manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42023346919.
Effectiveness of orthotic treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis: a scoping review protocol of systematic reviews
Authors: Siripanyakhemakul Wichuda , Permpool Kwannate , Seng-iad Sirirat
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Spinal orthosis is a common conservative treatment for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS), and a large body of compelling evidence from systemic review studies strongly supports the use of spinal orthosis treatment in patients with this condition. To further improve our understanding of the available data, the aim of this study is to develop and propose a protocol for a scoping review of systematic reviews of studies that investigated the effectiveness of orthotic treatment in patients with AIS. Systematic synthesis and understanding of the data will improve the efficacy of spinal orthosis treatment in this patient population.

Method and analysis

Using the scoping review methodological framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley in 2005, we developed and herewith propose a scoping review protocol to evaluate systematic reviews of studies that investigated the effectiveness of orthotic treatment in AIS. Our proposed scoping review proposal is briefly described, as follows. A search of seven online databases will be conducted to identify systematic reviews published in English language from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2023, and grey literature and reference lists of included articles will also be searched. A two-stage screening process consisting of a title and abstract screening and a full-text review will be used to determine articles’ eligibility. All eligible articles will be extracted, charted and evaluated using Assessing the MeaSurement Tool to Assess systematic Reviews Version 2 (AMSTAR-2) critical appraisal tool. The charted data will be quantitatively analysed and summarised, and qualitatively analysed using narrative synthesis.

Ethics and dissemination

No primary data will be collected; therefore, ethics approval is not required. Findings will be disseminated through national and international conferences and publication in a peer-reviewed journal.