bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal Adaptive Electrode Selection to Maximize Simultaneously Recorded Neuron Yield
Authors: Choi John , Wingel Katie , Charles Adam , Kumar Krishan , Choudhury Mahdi , Pesaran Bijan , Khazali Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Neural-Matrix style, high-density electrode arrays for brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) and neuroscientific research require the use of multiplexing: Each recording channel can be routed to one of several electrode sites on the array. This capability allows the user to flexibly distribute recording channels to the locations where the most desirable neural signals can be resolved. For example, in the Neuropixel probe, 960 electrodes can be addressed by 384 recording channels. However, currently no adaptive methods exist to use recorded neural data to optimize/customize the electrode selections per recording context. Here, we present an algorithm called classification-based selection (CBS) that optimizes the joint electrode selections for all recording channels so as to maximize isolation quality of detected neurons. We show, in experiments using Neuropixels in non-human primates, that this algorithm yields a similar number of isolated neurons as would be obtained if all electrodes were recorded simultaneously. Neuron counts were 41-85% improved over previously published electrode selection strategies. The neurons isolated from electrodes selected by CBS were a 73% match, by spike timing, to the complete set of recordable neurons around the probe. The electrodes selected by CBS exhibited higher average per-recording-channel signal-to-noise ratio. CBS, and selection optimization in general, could play an important role in development of neurotechnologies for BMI, as signal bandwidth becomes an increasingly limiting factor. Code and experimental data have been made available1.
Physiological synaptic activity and recognition memory are fueled by astroglial glutamine
Authors: Cheung Giselle , Bataveljic Danijela , Kumar Naresh , Moulard Julien , Dallérac Glenn , Visser Josien , Rollenhagen Astrid , Mongin Cédric , Chever Oana , Bemelmans Alexis-Pierre , Lübke Joachim , Leray Isabelle , Rouach Nathalie
Published: October 2020

Presynaptic glutamate replenishment is fundamental to brain function. In high activity regimes, such as epileptic episodes, this process is thought to rely on the glutamate-glutamine cycle between neurons and astrocytes. However the presence of an astroglial glutamine supply, as well as its functional relevancein vivoin the healthy brain remain controversial, partly due to a lack of tools that can directly examine glutamine transfer. Here, we generated a novel fluorescent probe that tracks glutamine in live cells, which provided direct visual evidence of an activity-dependent glutamine supply from astroglial networks to presynaptic structures under physiological conditions. This mobilization is mediated by connexin43, an astroglial protein with both gap-junction and hemichannel functions, and is essential for synaptic transmission and object recognition memory. Our findings uncover an indispensable recruitment of astroglial glutamine in physiological synaptic activity and memory via an unconventional pathway, thus providing an astrocyte basis for cognitive processes.
Methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 plays a causal role in breast cancer growth and metastasis
Authors: Mahmood Niaz , Arakelian Ani , Szyf Moshe , Rabbani Shafaat A.
Published: October 2020

Methyl-CpG-binding domain protein 2 (Mbd2), a reader of DNA-methylation, has been implicated in the progression of several types of malignancies, including breast cancer. To test whether Mbd2, which is overexpressed in human breast cancer samples and in MMTV-PyMT mammary pads, plays a causal role in mammary tumor growth and metastasis we depleted Mbd2 in transgenic MMTV-PyMT model of breast cancer by cross-breeding with Mbd2 knockout mice to generate heterozygous (PyMT;Mbd2+/-) and homozygous (PyMT;Mbd2-/-) animals. We found thatMbd2depletion caused a gene dose-dependent delay in mammary tumor formation, reduced primary tumor burden, and lung metastasis at the experimental endpoint. In addition, animals from the PyMT;Mbd2-/-group survived significantly longer compared to the wildtype (PyMT;Mbd2+/+) and PyMT;Mbd2+/-arms. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of the primary tumors obtained from PyMT;Mbd2+/+and PyMT;Mbd2+/-groups revealed thatMbd2depletion alters several key determinants of the molecular signaling networks related to tumorigenesis and metastasis, which thereby demonstrate that Mbd2 is regulating transcriptional programs critical for breast cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first study demonstrating a causal role for a DNA-methylation reader in breast cancer. Results from this study will provide the rationale for further development of first-in-class targeted epigenetic therapies against Mbd2 to inhibit the progression of breast and other common cancers.
Meta-transcriptomic identification of divergentAmnoonviridaein fish
Authors: Turnbull Olivia M. H. , Ortiz-Baez Ayda Susana , Eden John-Sebastian , Shi Mang , Williamson Jane E. , Gaston Troy F. , Zhang Yong-Zhen , Holmes Edward C. , Geoghegan Jemma L.
Published: October 2020

Tilapia lake virus (TiLV) has caused mass mortalities in farmed and wild tilapia with serious economic and ecological consequences. Until recently, this virus was the sole member of theAmnoonviridae, a family within the orderArticulaviralescomprising segmented negative-sense RNA viruses. We sought to identify additional viruses within theAmnoonviridaethrough total RNA sequencing (meta-transcriptomics) and data mining of published transcriptomes. Accordingly, we sampled marine fish species from both Australia and China and discovered two new viruses within theAmnoonviridae, tentatively calledFlavolineata virusandPiscibus virus, respectively. In addition, by mining vertebrate transcriptome data we identified nine additional virus transcripts matching to multiple genomic segments of TiLV in both marine and freshwater fish. These new viruses retained sequence conservation with the distantly relatedOrthomyxoviridaein the RdRp subunit PB1, but formed a distinct and diverse phylogenetic group. These data suggest that theAmnoonviridaehave a broad host range within fish and that greater animal sampling will identify additional divergent members of theArticulavirales.
DeepFoci: Deep Learning-Based Algorithm for Fast Automatic Analysis of DNA Double Strand Break Ionizing Radiation-Induced Foci
Authors: Vicar Tomas , Gumulec Jaromir , Kolar Radim , Kopecna Olga , Pagáčová Eva , Falk Martin
Published: October 2020

DNA double-strand breaks, marked by Ionizing Radiation-Induced (Repair) Foci (IRIF), are the most serious DNA lesions, dangerous to human health. IRIF quantification based on confocal microscopy represents the most sensitive and gold standard method in radiation biodosimetry and allows research of DSB induction and repair at the molecular and a single cell level. In this study, we introduce DeepFoci - a deep learning-based fully-automatic method for IRIF counting and its morphometric analysis. DeepFoci is designed to work with 3D multichannel data (trained for 53BP1 and γH2AX) and uses U-Net for the nucleus segmentation and IRIF detection, together with maximally stable extremal region-based IRIF segmentation.

The proposed method was trained and tested on challenging datasets consisting of mixtures of non-irradiated and irradiated cells of different types and IRIF characteristics - permanent cell lines (NHDF, U-87) and cell primary cultures prepared from tumors and adjacent normal tissues of head and neck cancer patients. The cells were dosed with 1-4 Gy gamma-rays and fixed at multiple (0-24 h) post-irradiation times. Upon all circumstances, DeepFoci was able to quantify the number of IRIF foci with the highest accuracy among current advanced algorithms. Moreover, while the detection error of DeepFoci remained comparable to the variability between two experienced experts, the software kept its sensitivity and fidelity across dramatically different IRIF counts per nucleus. In addition, information was extracted on IRIF 3D morphometric features and repair protein colocalization within IRIFs. This allowed multiparameter IRIF categorization, thereby refining the analysis of DSB repair processes and classification of patient tumors with a potential to identify specific cell subclones.

The developed software improves IRIF quantification for various practical applications (radiotherapy monitoring, biodosimetry, etc.) and opens the door to an advanced DSB focus analysis and, in turn, a better understanding of (radiation) DNA damaging and repair.

Highlights

New method for DSB repair focus (IRIF) detection and multi-parameter analysis

Trainable deep learning-based method

Fully automated analysis of multichannel 3D datasets

Trained and tested on extremely challenging datasets (tumor primary cultures)

Comparable to an expert analysis and superb to available methods

Graphical Abstract
Interferon-gamma promotes iron export in human macrophages to limit intracellular bacterial replication
Authors: Abreu Rodrigo , Essler Lauren , Giri Pramod , Quinn Fred
Published: October 2020

Salmonellosis and listeriosis together accounted for more than one third of foodborne illnesses in the United States and almost half the hospitalizations for gastrointestinal diseases in 2018 while tuberculosis afflicted over 10 million people worldwide causing almost 2 million deaths. Regardless of the intrinsic virulence differences amongListeria monocytogenes, Salmonella entericaandMycobacterium tuberculosis, these intracellular pathogens share the ability to survive and persist inside the macrophage and other cells and thrive in iron rich environments. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) is a central cytokine in host defense against intracellular pathogens and has been shown to promote iron export in macrophages. We hypothesize that IFN-γ decreases iron availability to intracellular pathogens consequently limiting replication in these cells. In this study, we show that IFN-γ regulates the expression of iron-related proteins hepcidin, ferroportin, and ferritin to induce iron export from macrophages.Listeria monocytogenes, S. enterica, andM. tuberculosisinfections significantly induce iron sequestration in human macrophages. In contrast, IFN-γ significantly reduces hepcidin secretion inS. entericaandM. tuberculosisinfected macrophages. Similarly, IFN-γ-activated macrophages express higher ferroportin levels than untreated controls even after infection withL. monocytogenesbacilli; bacterial infection greatly down-regulates ferroportin expression. Collectively, IFN-γ significantly inhibits pathogen-associated intracellular iron sequestration in macrophages and consequently retards the growth of intracellular bacterial pathogens by decreasing iron availability.
Genome-scale reconstructions to assess metabolic phylogeny and organism clustering
Authors: Schulz Christian , Almaas Eivind
Published: October 2020

Approaches for systematizing information of relatedness between organisms is important in biology. Phylogenetic analyses based on sets of highly conserved genes are currently the basis for the Tree of Life. Genome-scale metabolic reconstructions contain high-quality information regarding the metabolic capability of an organism and are typically restricted to metabolically active enzyme-encoding genes. While there are many tools available to generate draft reconstructions, expert-level knowledge is still required to generate and manually curate high-quality genome-scale metabolic models and to fill gaps in their reaction networks. Here, we use the tool AutoKEGGRec to construct 975 genome-scale metabolic draft reconstructions encoded in the KEGG database without further curation. The organisms are selected across all three domains, and their metabolic networks serve as basis for generating phylogenetic trees.

We find that using all reactions encoded, these metabolism-based comparisons give rise to a phylogenetic tree with close similarity to the Tree of Life. While this tree is quite robust to reasonable levels of noise in the metabolic reaction content of an organism, we find a significant heterogeneity in how much noise an organism may tolerate before it is incorrectly placed in the tree. Furthermore, by using the protein sequences for particular metabolic functions and pathway sets, such as central carbon-, nitrogen-, and sulfur-metabolism, as basis for the organism comparisons, we generate highly specific phylogenetic trees. We believe the generation of phylogenetic trees based on metabolic reaction content, in particular when focused on specific functions and pathways, could aid the identification of functionally important metabolic enzymes and be of value for genome-scale metabolic modellers and enzyme-engineers.
Umbilical cord blood derived microglia-like cells to model COVID-19 exposure
Authors: Sheridan Steven D. , Thanos Jessica M. , De Guzman Rose M. , McCrea Liam T. , Horng Joy , Fu Ting , Sellgren Carl M. , Perlis Roy H. , Edlow Andrea G.
Published: October 2020

Microglia, the resident brain immune cells, play a critical role in normal brain development, and are impacted by the intrauterine environment, including maternal immune activation and inflammatory exposures. The COVID-19 pandemic presents a potential developmental immune challenge to the fetal brain, in the setting of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection with its attendant potential for cytokine production and, in severe cases, cytokine storming. There is currently no biomarker or model forin uteromicroglial priming and function that might aid in identifying the neonates and children most vulnerable to neurodevelopmental morbidity, as microglia remain inaccessible in fetal life and after birth. This study aimed to generate patient-derived microglial-like cell models unique to each neonate from reprogrammed umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells, adapting and extending a novel methodology previously validated for adult peripheral blood mononuclear cells. We demonstrate that umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells can be used to create microglial-like cell models morphologically and functionally similar to microglia observedin vivo. We illustrate the application of this approach by generating microglia from cells exposed and unexposed to maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our ability to create personalized neonatal models of fetal brain immune programming enables non-invasive insights into fetal brain development and potential childhood neurodevelopmental vulnerabilities for a range of maternal exposures, including COVID-19.
Conformational Dynamics of NSP11 Peptide of SARS-CoV-2 Under Membrane Mimetics and Different Solvent Conditions
Authors: Gadhave Kundlik , Kumar Prateek , Kumar Ankur , Bhardwaj Taniya , Garg Neha , Giri Rajanish
Published: October 2020

The intrinsically disordered proteins/regions (IDPs/IDPRs) are known to be responsible for multiple cellular processes and are associated with many chronic diseases. In viruses, the existence of a disordered proteome is also proven and is related to its conformational dynamics inside the host. The SARS-CoV-2 has a large proteome, in which, structure and functions of many proteins are not known yet, along with nsp11. In this study, we have performed extensive experimentation on nsp11. Our results based on the CD spectroscopy gives characteristic disordered spectrum for IDPs. Further, we investigated the conformational behavior of nsp11 in the presence of membrane mimetic environment, α-helix inducer, and natural osmolyte. In the presence of negatively charged and neutral liposomes, nsp11 remains disordered. However, with SDS micelle, it adopted an α-helical conformation, suggesting the helical propensity of nsp11. Finally, we again confirmed the IDP behavior of nsp11 using MD simulations. In future, this conformational dynamic study could help to clarify its functional importance in SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Abscission Checkpoint Bodies Reveal a New Facet of Abscission Checkpoint Control
Authors: Williams Lauren K. , Mackay Douglas R. , Whitney Madeline A. , Sundquist Wesley I. , Ullman Katharine S.
Published: October 2020

The abscission checkpoint regulates the ESCRT membrane fission machinery and thereby delays cytokinetic abscission to protect genomic integrity in response to residual mitotic errors. The checkpoint is maintained by Aurora B kinase, which phosphorylates multiple targets, including CHMP4C, a regulatory ESCRT-III subunit necessary for this checkpoint. We now report the discovery that cytoplasmic abscission checkpoint bodies (ACBs) containing phospho-Aurora B and tri-phospho-CHMP4C develop in telophase under an active checkpoint. ACBs are derived from Mitotic Interchromatin Granules (MIGs), transient mitotic structures whose components are housed in splicing-related nuclear speckles during interphase. ACB formation requires CHMP4C, and the ESCRT factor ALIX also contributes. ACB formation is conserved across cell types and under multiple circumstances that activate the checkpoint. Finally, ACBs retain a population of ALIX, and their presence correlates with delayed recruitment of ALIX to the midbody where it would normally promote abscission. Thus, a cytoplasmic mechanism helps regulate midbody machinery to delay abscission.
Fathers and substance misuse: a literature review
Authors: Bell Linda , Herring Rachel , Annand Fizz
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the following research questions from the available literature: What evidence is there to suggest that substance misuse specifically by fathers (including alcohol and other drugs) causes wider harms, including child welfare concerns? substance misuse, recovery, parents, fathers, fathering, drugs/ alcohol services. How do professionals respond specifically to substance misuse by fathers? Do interventions aimed at parental substance misuse (particularly in the UK) include both mothers and fathers and if so how?

Design/methodology/approach

A scoping literature review was conducted which identified 34 papers (including scoping reviews published in 2006 and 2008, covering the period 1990-2005) and 26 additional studies published between 2002 and 2020.

Findings

The review in this paper is organised into six themes: Negative impact of men’s substance misuse problems on their parenting behaviours; quality of the relationship between parents affected by substance misuse of the fathers, in turn affecting the parenting behaviour and outcomes for children; importance to fathers of their fathering role (for example, as a financial provider); difficulties fathers may face in developing their fathering role; sidelining of the fathering role in substance misuse services; and professionals tending to focus on the mother’s role in parenting inventions and services.

Originality/value

This paper focusses on fathers and substance misuse, which is an under-researched field within the wider contexts of fathering research and research into parental substance misuse.
A cognitive process model of trust repair
Authors: Tomlinson Edward C. , Nelson Christopher A. , Langlinais Luke A.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate how the reparative efforts of extensive apologies, compensation and structural change affect trust after a violation has occurred. Specifically, this paper presents a cognitive process model positing that voluntary reparative efforts will shape the victim’s stability attributions for the cause of the violation such that it will be deemed less stable (i.e. unlikely to recur); as a result, the victim is more likely to perceive the transgressor as being fair, and hence extend subsequent trust.

Design/methodology/approach

Two experiments were conducted to test the cognitive process model.

Findings

The results of both experiments supported this predicted sequence for extensive apologies. Support for the predicted sequence was also found when compensation and structural change are invoked as reparative efforts.

Originality/value

This research has theoretical and practical implications for a more nuanced understanding of how causal attribution theory and organizational justice theory can be integrated within the context of trust repair.
High-performance work practices and medical professionals' work outcomes: the mediating effect of perceived organizational support
Authors: Rubel Mohammad Rabiul Basher , Hung Kee Daisy Mui , Rimi Nadia Newaz
Published: October 2020

Purpose

In this research, we investigate the effect of high-performance work practices (HPWPs) on medical professionals' work outcomes through the mediating effect of perceived organizational support (POS).

Design/methodology/approach

The study analyzes the opinions of 218 medical doctors from private hospitals in Bangladesh, employing Partial Least Square-Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

We find that HPWPs enhance employee performance and POS and minimize turnover intention. POS also has a substantial influence on both employee performance and turnover intention. Moreover, POS finds a significant mediating effect on HPWPs and performance as well as HPWPs and turnover intention relations.

Research limitations/implications

The current research focuses on medical doctors who are presently working in private hospitals in Bangladesh.

Practical implications

First, the hospital would recognize the role of employee perceived HPWPs. Second, they might understand how HPWPs would utilize and maintain employees effectively via POS that might further improve the healthcare industry. Suggestions for future research indicate the models potential to provide optimal workplace environments that can benefit organizations as well as improve employee performance.

Originality/value

The study would provide a unique insight into the higher-order HPWPs system and its effects on the health care organizations in developing country contexts like Bangladesh. This study also extends the research on POS as a mediator between higher-order HPWPs and employee outcomes in the organization.
Anchor effects in appraisals: do information and theoretical knowledge matter?
Authors: Palm Peter , Andersson Magnus
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of theoretical knowledge related to financial behaviour and especially anchor effects.

Design/methodology/approach

The study design is based upon an experiment divided into two parts, before and after the development of the course curriculum for the course introducing behavioural finance for undergraduate real estate students.

Findings

The study concludes that the anchor effect is persistent also after introducing theoretical knowledge regarding financial behaviour and anchor effects. To conclude the results, in this study, indicates that the appraisal of properties are dependent on the individual’s cognitive capacity to mitigate anchor effects. There are epistemological assumptions underlying the belief in the individuals’ capacity to handle anchor effects that might provide biased appraisals. These assumptions need to be carefully tested and treated to increase the accuracy of property appraisals.

Practical implications

The study result also highlights the possibility that current literature in valuation, and learning activities, does not emphases and stimulate readers to critical thinking. This paper would, therefore, propose also other real estate education programmes to be aware of the potential lack of critical thinking among the students.

Originality/value

It provides an insight regarding how appraisal of properties is dependent on the individual’s cognitive capacity to mitigate anchor effects.
Smart tourism destinations: a critical reflection
Authors: Baggio Rodolfo , Micera Roberto , Del Chiappa Giacomo
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to provide a critical analysis of the main literature contributions that concern smart tourism development and management, highlighting gaps and logical inconsistencies. In addition, to further stress the importance of the issues at stake, a simulation is performed for showing how technology allows achieving better outcomes when a certain level of efficiency is obtained via re-engineering of main organizational and operational processes.

Design/methodology/approach

A content analysis of recent relevant literature is performed with the help of machine learning topic modelling algorithms. A network analytic approach to digital ecosystems, then, is used to study the relationship between technological tools and physical entities in a destination and how these and their combination affect the efficiency of the system at local and global levels.

Findings

The literature analyzed lacks a good discussion on the necessity to improve and rationalize the operational and organizational processes while emphasizing mostly the technological aspects. On the other hand, the simulation case presented shows that if information and knowledge flows are reasonably efficient and well organized in the physical world, the integration of digital components further enhances these processes, whereas inefficiencies can hinder the flow of information and reduce its efficiency.

Originality/value

Apart from the methods used, relatively little explored, the authors show that, as also much of the computer science literature states, a fundamental prerequisite for successful “smart” projects is a logical and effective restructuring of the main operational and organizational processes.
Time value of money in Islamic accounting practice: a critical analysis from maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah
Authors: Baehaqi Ahmad , Birton M. Nur A. , Hudaefi Fahmi Ali
Published: October 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to critically analyse the application of present value (PV) practised in the concept of time value of money (TVM) from the perspective of maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah (objective of Islamic law) explained by Ibn ‘Ashur. The analysis is important as this concept has been adopted in the practice of Islamic accounting measurement.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses qualitative research approach. The authors first review literature related to TVM in Islamic perspective to understand the extent to which the scholarly articles have been discussing this topic. Furthermore, the authors conduct face-to-face interviews with the experts to comprehend the means of TVM application in the recent Islamic accounting practices. The tawhid (monotheistic) paradigm is further used with special reference to the concept of maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah of Ibn ‘Ashur to critically analyse the practice of TVM in Islamic accounting measurement.

Findings

This study identifies the opposing views among the experts on the topic of TVM from the Islamic perspective. That is, the experts’ opinion on this issue can be classified into two. Firstly, a view that rejects TVM and proposes the concept of economic value of time. Secondly, an opinion that recognises TVM with the basis of bay’ al-mu’ajjal (deferred sale). This paper further critically analyses these two opposing opinions. The discussion is established based on the theory of maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah as explained by Ibn ‘Ashur and the excerpts from interviewing the experts. This work draws a conclusion that such PV-based measurement of TVM does not meet the Islamic principles explained in the theory of Ibn ‘Ashur’s maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah. Thus, the practice of PV measurement in Islamic accounting is debatable.

Research limitations/implications

This study does not establish a positivism discussion. It is thus the generalisation of this work is not applicable to the Islamic perspective in general. Rather, it is limited to Ibn ‘Ashur’s maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah.

Practical implications

An analysis of PV measurement adoption in Islamic accounting from maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah perspective is practically important to raise the awareness that such practice is debatable in Islamic principles. That is, such debate opens new arena for academics, industry professionals and other related stakeholders to further discuss an ideal practice of Islamic accounting.

Originality/value

This paper is among the pioneers that analyses the concept of TVM, in particular relation to PV measurement in Islamic accounting practice from the perspective of Ibn ‘Ashur’s maqāṣid al-Sharī‘ah.
Technical assistance needs for realizing person-centered thinking, planning and practices in United States human service systems
Authors: Croft Bevin , Petner-Arrey Jami , Hiersteiner Dorothy
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The United States’ National Center on Advancing Person-Centered Practices and Systems provides technical assistance to human service systems on person-centered thinking, planning and practices. To apply for the Center's technical assistance, 33 state human service systems submitted applications and participated in interviews in which they detailed technical assistance needs. This technical paper examines themes that emerged from these technical assistance applications and interviews. These themes offer a view into barriers, obstacles and priorities for human service systems as they work toward more person-centered practices. Common themes point to key areas that, if enhanced, could result in a more person-centered system overall.

Design/methodology/approach

The application process generated 33 applications containing technical assistance goals and priorities, summaries of recent and ongoing initiatives to advance person-centered approaches, measurement methods and anticipated challenges. Using thematic analysis, the authors organized the information into seven themes.

Findings

Applicants identified seven themes to improve person-centered thinking, planning and practices: Staff Training and Competencies, Participant Engagement, Measurement and Quality Improvement, Cross-System Consistency in Planning and Practice, Payment and Managed Care, Cultural and Linguistic Responsiveness and Other Practice-Related Goals. They also articulated contextual factors that help or hinder systems efforts and a vision for an ideal person-centered system.

Originality/value

The themes provide a unique window into human service system administrators' priorities for achieving more person-centered human service systems and the conditions that may promote or hinder systems change.
Analyzing the effects of visual aesthetic of Web pages on users’ responses in online retailing using the VisAWI method
Authors: Ramezani Nia Masoud , Shokouhyar Sajjad
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The success of e-commerce websites depends on their effective communication and influence on their users. At first glance, the users are impressed by the website design and, if inspired, they would continue their operations on the website. This paper aims to evaluate the effects of visual aesthetic of the Web pages on users’ behavior in online shopping environment. In particular, the paper aims to evaluate the elements of visual aesthetic on the organism variables (i.e. “satisfaction,” “arousal,” “perceived on-line service quality” and “trust”) and measure them on the users’ response (i.e. purchase, comparison and re-visit).

Design/methodology/approach

Using the stimulus–organism–response (S-O-R) framework, the authors first assessed direct and indirect effects of visual aesthetics of e-commerce websites on customer responses. Then, the Visual Aesthetics of Websites Inventory (VisAWI) method was used to examine the effects of four dimensions (i.e. craftsmanship, simplicity, diversity and colorfulness) on users’ perceived website aesthetics. To do so, DigiKala.com, a famous Iranian e-commerce website was selected and the questionnaires were distributed among its users.

Findings

The study results revealed that the website aesthetics in the S-O-R evaluation had the greatest direct impact on “perceived quality of online services,” “trust,” “satisfaction” and “arousal,” respectively. These variables also indirectly affected “shopping,” “revisit” and “comparison to similar products on other websites.” Regarding the evaluations based on the VisAWI, the component “craftsmanship” played the most central role in expressing the website aesthetics, followed by the variables “simplicity,” “diversity” and “colorfulness,” respectively.

Originality/value

Although the considerable effect of Web aesthetics on customers’ purchase behavior has been identified in previous research, it has not been accurately measured. Furthermore, studies on Web aesthetics are mostly limited to information systems’ users and do not concern consumers. Therefore, considering the increasing growth in online shopping and the significance of Web aesthetics to online consumers, investigating how consumers respond to Web aesthetics is of vital importance.
Influence of data-driven supply chain quality management on organizational performance: evidences from retail industry
Authors: Kumar Anil , Singh Rohit Kumar , Modgil Sachin
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The objective of the study is to test a conceptual model based on the interrelation between data-driven supply chain quality management practices (DDSCQMP) and the performance of organized retailing firms in India.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a comprehensive review of literature, the dimensions of DDSCQMP concerning the Indian organized retail sector have been extracted. Considering the research objectives, the research data has been collected using a structured questionnaire from Indian retailers. Overall 133 questionnaires were responded successfully from retailers. The model was tested using structured equation modeling (SEM) through PLS 3.0.

Findings

The research findings confirm hypotheses and reveal the statistically significant relationship between DDSCQMP and retailers' performance at an aggregate level. However, the results of the individual-level analysis of DDSCQMP appear to vary from practice to practice. Among various DDSCQMP, “customer focus” with the highest beta (ß) value was found to have the greatest impact on performance followed by “employee relations”.

Originality/value

The study provides empirical justification for a structural model that identifies a positive and significant relationship between DDSCQMP and organizational performance within the context of organized retail sector of India.
Development of the Student Practice Evaluation Form—Revised (Second Edition) (SPEF‐R2): The first action research cycle
Authors: Caine Anne‐Maree , Copley Jodie , Turpin Merrill , Fleming Jennifer , Herd Chris
Published: October 2020

Introduction

The Student Practice Evaluation Form—Revised Edition (SPEF‐R) is used by all Australian universities to assess the capability and performance of occupational therapy students on block practice placements. The occupational therapy landscape in Australia has evolved significantly since the SPEF‐R was developed. This study aimed to review the SPEF‐R and develop a revised edition, the SPEF‐R2.

Methods

The first cycle of an action research process involved four phases: (a) mapping the SPEF‐R to the Australian Occupational Therapy Competency Standards 2018 (AOTCS); (b) development of the SPEF‐R2; (c) national consultation through an online survey with clinicians, university staff and students; and (d) reflection and further amendments.

Results

In phase 1, good alignment was found between the AOTCS 2018 and the SPEF‐R. In phase 2, the SPEF‐R2 was developed to further enhance alignment, including expanded content related to culturally responsive practice, reflective practice and clinical/professional reasoning, resulting in two items being added to the tool. Further wording adjustments were made to improve clarity, reduce duplication and improve relevance to the contemporary occupational therapy landscape. In phase 3, survey results indicated that the SPEF‐R2 was well received overall, with most participants viewing it as an improvement on the SPEF‐R. Cultural content and reflective practice additions in particular received positive feedback. Concerns were raised by some participants, including perceived repetition, the length of the tool and time required for completion, and addressed by further amendments in phase 4. Three items were removed or consolidated elsewhere, and three items became core items.

Conclusion

The Australian occupational therapy community considers the SPEF‐R2 to be a timely and much‐needed development. Piloting of the SPEF‐R2 and final revisions prior to release are planned for subsequent action cycles and amendments will be made to the online platform and associated training resources.
Covid‐19 will Change the Agri‐food System – but how?
Authors: Poppe Krijn
Published: October 2020

The Covid‐19 pandemic has highlighted vulnerabilities in the agri‐food system and wider society. The elderly, in particular, have been overrepresented in intensive care units. The resulting economic crisis and accelerating geopolitical shifts will change the agri‐food system, but it is unclear how this will play out in detail. Two factors are important to consider: will societal priorities change and will the state become more interventionist? We examine these uncertainties via four scenarios from a Dutch perspective. ‘Business as usual’ is realistic if the crises are short and manageable. ‘Government Control’ is more state interventionist, after several decades of neo‐liberalism, with a greater focus on the economy and employment as the agri‐food system is confronted with a long recession. ‘Regional Communities’ is where there is a long period of echo‐pandemics, in which a flourishing community spirit, the attention to nature and a healthy living environment with healthy food are permanent and short supply chains and multifunctional agriculture gain ground. In ‘Green High‐Tech Transformation’, the most extreme scenario, the state and technical innovation take on a much larger role in society and our views on our lifestyle change. These trends reinforce each other and the government is tasked with creating a new economy. The scenarios are not predictions but can be used to structure thought and discussion on the way forward.
Iron content and fortification status of a sample of local and imported pre‐packaged baby foods available in Hong Kong
Authors: Cheung Celeste Tsz Hei , Rangan Anna Maria , Tse Iris Mei Ying , Louie Jimmy Chun Yu
Published: October 2020

Aim

To examine the iron content and fortification status of pre‐packaged baby foods in Hong Kong.

Methods

Data of 472 pre‐packaged baby foods were collected from various distribution points in Hong Kong in July‐August 2018. Item descriptors, iron content, ingredients list, country of origin, organic status and iron‐related guidelines displayed on the package were recorded. Between group differences in the median (IQR) iron content were compared by the Mann‐WhitneyUtest; and by Pearson'sχ2test for the proportion of pre‐packaged baby foods that were iron‐fortified or displaying iron‐related guidelines, stratified by country of origin and organic status where appropriate.

Results

Only 79 out of 472 pre‐packaged baby foods displayed iron content on their labels, and their median iron content was 6.80 (1.3‐20.0) mg/100 g. Of these, cereals [14.0 (12.0‐32.0)] and snacks and finger foods [12.6 (1.4‐21.3)] had significantly higher iron content than other pre‐packaged baby foods. Less than 20% of pre‐packaged baby foods in Hong Kong were iron‐fortified. North American pre‐packaged baby foods (49.2%) were more likely than those from other places of origin (allP < .001) to be iron‐fortified, and marginally more non‐organic pre‐packaged baby foods were iron‐fortified products than organic (23.6% vs 16.2%,P = .043). Only 17.2% of products included iron‐related guidelines/cautions on their packaging.

Conclusions

The majority of pre‐packaged baby foods available in Hong Kong lacked iron fortification, and did not display iron‐related guidelines/cautions or their iron content on the package. Given the inconsistent fortification practices by manufacturers, labelling of iron content should be mandatory to assist parents in identifying iron‐rich pre‐packaged baby foods.
Predicting vaginal birth after previous cesarean: Using machine‐learning models and a population‐based cohort in Sweden
Authors: Lindblad Wollmann Charlotte , Hart Kyle D. , Liu Can , Caughey Aaron B. , Stephansson Olof , Snowden Jonathan M.
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Predicting a woman’s probability of vaginal birth after cesarean could facilitate the antenatal decision‐making process. Having a previous vaginal birth strongly predicts vaginal birth after cesarean. Delivery outcome in women with only a cesarean delivery is more unpredictable. Therefore, to better predict vaginal birth in women with only one prior cesarean delivery and no vaginal deliveries would greatly benefit clinical practice and fill a key evidence gap in research. Our aim was to predict vaginal birth in women with one prior cesarean and no vaginal deliveries using machine‐learning methods, and compare with a US prediction model and its further developed model for a Swedish setting.

Material and methods

A population‐based cohort study with a cohort of 3116 women with only one prior birth, a cesarean, and a subsequent trial of labor during 2008‐2014 in the Stockholm‐Gotland region, Sweden. Three machine‐learning methods (conditional inference tree, conditional random forest and lasso binary regression) were used to predict vaginal birth after cesarean among women with one previous birth. Performance of the new models was compared with two existing models developed by Grobman et al (USA) and Fagerberg et al (Sweden). Our main outcome measures were area under the receiver‐operating curve (AUROC), overall accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of prediction of vaginal birth after previous cesarean delivery.

Results

The AUROC ranged from 0.61 to 0.69 for all models, sensitivity was above 91% and specificity below 22%. The majority of women with an unplanned repeat cesarean had a predicted probability of vaginal birth after cesarean >60%.

Conclusions

Both classical regression models and machine‐learning models had a high sensitivity in predicting vaginal birth after cesarean in women without a previous vaginal delivery. The majority of women with an unplanned repeat cesarean delivery were predicted to succeed with a vaginal birth (ie specificity was low). Additional covariates combined with machine‐learning techniques did not outperform classical regression models in this study.
Mog1 knockout causes cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure by downregulating tbx5‐cryab‐hspb2 signalling in zebrafish
Authors: Gou Dongzhi , Zhou Juan , Song Qixue , Wang Zhijie , Bai Xuemei , Zhang Yidan , Zuo Mengxia , Wang Fan , Chen Ailan , Yousaf Muhammad , Yang Zhongcheng , Peng Huixing , Li Ke , Xie Wen , Tang Jingluo , Yao Yufeng , Han Meng , Ke Tie , Chen Qiuyun , Xu Chengqi , Wang Qing
Published: October 2020

Aims

MOG1 is a small protein that can bind to small GTPase RAN and regulate transport of RNA and proteins between the cytoplasm and nucleus. However, the in vivo physiological role of mog1 in the heart needs to be fully defined.

Methods

Mog1 knockout zebrafish was generated by TALEN. Echocardiography, histological analysis, and electrocardiograms were used to examine cardiac structure and function. RNA sequencing and real‐time RT‐PCR were used to elucidate the molecular mechanism and to analyse the gene expression. Isoproterenol was used to induce cardiac hypertrophy. Whole‐mount in situ hybridization was used to observe cardiac morphogenesis.

Results

Mog1 knockout zebrafish developed cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure (enlarged pericardium, increased nppa and nppb expression and ventricular wall thickness, and reduced ejection fraction), which was aggravated by isoproterenol. RNAseq and KEGG pathway analyses revealed the effect of mog1 knockout on the pathways of cardiac hypertrophy, dilatation and contraction. Mechanistic studies revealed that mog1 knockout decreased expression of tbx5, which reduced expression of cryab and hspb2, resulting in cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure. Overexpression of cryab, hspb2 and tbx5 rescued the cardiac oedema phenotype of mog1 KO zebrafish. Telemetry electrocardiogram monitoring showed QRS and QTc prolongation and a reduced heart rate in mog1 knockout zebrafish, which was associated with reduced scn1b expression. Moreover, mog1 knockout resulted in abnormal cardiac looping during embryogenesis because of the reduced expression of nkx2.5, gata4 and hand2.

Conclusion

Our data identified an important molecular determinant for cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure, and rhythm maintenance of the heart.
Simultaneous variable selection and estimation for joint models of longitudinal and failure time data with interval censoring
Authors: Yi Fengting , Tang Niansheng , Sun Jianguo
Published: October 2020

This paper discusses variable selection in the context of joint analysis of longitudinal data and failure time data. A large literature has been developed for either variable selection or the joint analysis but there exists only limited literature for variable selection in the context of the joint analysis when failure time data are right censored. Corresponding to this, we will consider the situation where instead of right‐censored data, one observes interval‐censored failure time data, a more general and commonly occurring form of failure time data. For the problem, a class of penalized likelihood‐based procedures will be developed for simultaneous variable selection and estimation of relevant covariate effects for both longitudinal and failure time variables of interest. In particular, a Monte Carlo EM (MCEM) algorithm is presented for the implementation of the proposed approach. The proposed method allows for the number of covariates to be diverging with the sample size and is shown to have the oracle property. An extensive simulation study is conducted to assess the finite sample performance of the proposed approach and indicates that it works well in practical situations. An application is also provided.
Phase I study of the antiprogrammed cell death‐1 Ab spartalizumab (PDR001) in Japanese patients with advanced malignancies
Authors: Minami Hironobu , Doi Toshihiko , Toyoda Masanori , Imamura Yoshinori , Kiyota Naomi , Mitsuma Ayako , Shimokata Tomoya , Naito Yoichi , Matsubara Nobuaki , Tajima Takeshi , Tokushige Kota , Ishihara Kae , Cameron Scott , Ando Yuichi
Published: October 2020

Spartalizumab is a humanized IgG4/κ mAb directed against human programmed cell death‐1 (PD‐1). In this phase I study, we investigated safety, pharmacokinetics, preliminary antitumor activity, and toxicity of spartalizumab in patients with advanced malignancies. Patients (n = 18) with a range of tumor types received spartalizumab i.v. at doses of 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or discontinuation at the discretion of the investigator or patient. Most patients (61%) had received five or more prior lines of therapy. No dose‐limiting toxicities were reported and, hence, the maximum tolerated dose was 10 mg/kg or more. Pharmacokinetics in Japanese patients aligned with those reported in a global dose‐escalation study. The safety profile was consistent with other approved anti‐PD‐1 mAbs; the most common drug‐related adverse events were maculopapular rash (22%), followed by malaise and increased blood alkaline phosphatase (11% each). Partial responses were reported in two patients (11%), one with transitional cell carcinoma and the other with hepatocellular carcinoma. In conclusion, this study confirmed the safety of spartalizumab given at a dose of up to 10 mg/kg every 2 weeks in Japanese patients with cancers.