bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secondary Cutaneous Dissemination of Peripheral T‐Cell Lymphoma With T-Follicular Helper Phenotype as a Patient's Fourth Primary Malignancy
Authors: Beksaç Burcu , Acar Emine M. , Ilter Nilsel , Ertunc Onur , Akyurek Nalan
Published: August 2019

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas expressing follicular helper T-cell (TFH) markers have recently been identified. Although this type of lymphomas consist of malignant proliferation of T‐cells, they may also exhibit B‐cell clonality. We report a case of a 72‐year‐old woman with multiple erythematous to violaceous nonscaling plaques and tumors on her trunk. Histopathological analysis revealed a dense infiltration of medium‐to‐large–sized atypical cells throughout the entire dermis. The result of immunohistochemical analysis showed that the infiltrating T-cells expressed programmed death‐1 (PD‐1), CD10, Bcl-6, CD3, CD4, CD2, and CD5. The infiltrate also contained scattered atypical large B‐cells. Based on the clinical appearance and the histopathological findings, we diagnosed the patient with secondary cutaneous dissemination of peripheral T‐cell lymphoma with expression of a T-follicular helper phenotype.
Dermal C4d Deposition and Neutrophil Alignment Along the Dermal–Epidermal Junction as a Diagnostic Adjunct for Hypocomplementemic Urticarial Vasculitis (Anti-C1q Vasculitis) and Underlying Systemic Disease
Authors: Damman Jeffrey , Mooyaart Antien L. , Seelen Marc A.J. , van Doorn Martijn B.A.
Published: August 2019

Urticarial vasculitis (UV) is a clinicopathologic entity characterized by persistent urticarial lesions with biopsy features of vasculitis. Currently, only certainclinicalfeatures such as arthralgia and serum complement concentrations are used to identify UV patients at risk for an underlying systemic disease. Hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis (HUV) is in contrast to normocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis (NUV), strongly associated with underlying systemic disease, especially systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The aim of this study was to find specifichistopathologicalfeatures associated with HUV and underlying systemic disease in UV. In addition, the use of complement C4d deposition in skin biopsies was evaluated as a diagnostic adjunct for HUV- and UV-associated systemic disease. In this retrospective study, the clinical, histopathological, and immunohistological (C4d) features of 43 patients with UV were compared between HUV and NUV and analyzed for association with UV-associated systemic disease. Eight of 43 patients with UV (19%) had hypocomplementemia. Patients with HUV showed a significantly higher number of perivascular neutrophils and lower number of eosinophils compared to NUV. Of all histopathological features, alignment of neutrophils along the dermal–epidermal junction (DEJ) and dermal granular C4d deposition were found to be strongly associated with HUV and underlying SLE. This study shows that both the alignment of neutrophils along the DEJ and dermal C4d deposition are strongly associated with HUV and SLE. Therefore, these (immuno)histopathological features can be used as an easy diagnostic adjunct for early detection of underlying systemic disease in UV.
Lessons From an Analysis of Newborn Hearing Screening Data for Children With Cochlear Implants
Authors: Lee Jeon Mi , Lee Hyun Jin , Jung Jinsei , Moon In Seok , Kim Sung Huhn , Kim Jin , Choi Jae Young
Published: August 2019

Objectives:

The aims of the study are to identify the limitations of the current newborn hearing screening (NHS) programs and provide recommendations for better protocols.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis.

Setting:

Tertiary referral center.

Patients:

The study participants were 185 children who received cochlear implants (CIs) at ≤5 years of age.

Interventions:

Therapeutic and rehabilitative.

Main Outcome Measures:

The results of NHS, screening tools used, age, and hearing thresholds at which hearing loss was confirmed, causes of the hearing loss, age of CI insertion, aided pure-tone audiogram findings, and language development level were analyzed.

Results:

NHS data was available for 109 children, and 24 patients (22.0%) had passed NHS for both ears. Hearing loss was confirmed considerably later in children who had passed NHS than in children who were referred for further evaluation (p < 0.01). The most common cause for hearing loss in the NHS-pass group was SLC26A4 mutations (41.7%). Patients in the NHS-pass group received CIs considerably later than those in the NHS-referred group (p < 0.01). Among patients with SLC26A4 mutations, the language development level was significantly lower in the NHS-pass group than in the NHS-referred group (p < 0.01).

Conclusions:

Careful counseling regarding NHS results is necessary for parents to understand that the absence of hearing loss at birth does not mean that the child will not develop hearing loss later in life. Genetic testing for SLC26A4 mutations may be necessary in regions with a high incidence of these mutations, such as East Asia.
The Antrum–Malleus–Tegmen Score: A Pilot Study Assessing Preoperative Radiographic Predictors for Transcanal Endoscopic Cholesteatoma Dissection
Authors: Tolisano Anthony M. , Killeen Daniel E. , Hunter Jacob B. , Kutz Joe Walter , Isaacson Brandon
Published: August 2019

Objective:

Identify features on computed tomography (CT) that predict mastoidectomy conversion (MC) during transcanal endoscopic ear surgery (TEES).

Study Design:

Retrospective case-control.

Setting:

University otology practice.

Patients:

Consecutive patients with cholesteatoma.

Intervention:

TEES cholesteatoma dissection versus those requiring MC.

Main Outcome Measures:

Antrum opacification, depth of scutum involvement, and erosion of the mastoid trabeculae, ossicular chain, and tegmen were evaluated. Univariable and multivariable regression analysis was performed. The Antrum–Malleus–Tegmen (AMT) score was created using receiver operating characteristic curves to assess feasibility of performing TEES for cholesteatoma dissection.

Results:

There were 39 TEES and 19 MC cases. Groups had similar age (median 28.5 yr), gender, laterality, and revision surgery status. Median surgical time for MC cases was longer than TEES (231 min vs. 171 min, p < 0.001). Radiographic predictors of MC by multivariable regression included antrum opacification (p = 0.036), malleus erosion (p = 0.044), and tegmen erosion (p = 0.023). The AMT score predicted the feasibility of TEES without MC with a sensitivity of 90% and specificity of 75% when ≥2 of the following conditions were met on preoperative CT: intact tegmen, intact malleus, and absence of antrum opacification.

Conclusions:

An aerated antrum, intact malleus, and intact tegmen suggest that TEES cholesteatoma dissection without the need for mastoidectomy is highly likely. A score of ≥2 on the AMT score predicts this with a positive predictive value of 88% and negative predictive value of 78%.
Center Variation and Risk Factors for Failure to Complete 6 Month Postdonation Follow-up Among Obese Living Kidney Donors
Authors: Reed Rhiannon D. , MacLennan Paul A. , Shelton Brittany A. , Mustian Margaux N. , Blackburn Justin , Smith Sharmene C. , Terry Kristin B. , Grant Raynesha , Sawinski Deirdre , Locke Jayme E.
Published: August 2019

Background.

Living kidney donors in the United States who were obese at donation are at increased risk of end-stage renal disease and may benefit from intensive postdonation follow-up. However, they are less likely to have complete follow-up data. Center variation and risk factors for incomplete follow-up are unknown.

Methods.

Adult living kidney donors with obesity (body mass index, ≥30 kg/m2) at donation reported to the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients from January 2005 to July 2015 were included (n = 13 831). Donor characteristics were compared by recorded serum creatinine at 6 months postdonation, and multilevel logistic regression models were used to estimate odds of 6-month creatinine.

Results.

After adjustment, older age, female sex, and donation after implementation of new center follow-up requirements were associated with higher odds of 6-month creatinine, with lower odds for obese donors with a history of smoking, biologically related donors, and at centers with higher total living donor volume. 23% of variation in recorded 6-month serum creatinine among obese donors was attributed to center (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.232, P < 0.001). The adjusted probability of 6-month creatinine by center ranged from 10% to 91.5%.

Conclusions.

Tremendous variation in recorded 6-month postdonation serum creatinine exists among obese living donors, with high volume centers having the lowest probability of follow-up. Moreover, individual-level characteristics such as age, sex, and relationship to recipient were associated with recorded 6-month creatinine. Given increased risk for end-stage renal disease among obese living donors, center-level efforts targeted specifically at increasing postdonation follow-up among obese donors should be developed and implemented.
Interventions to Prevent Nonmelanoma Skin Cancers in Recipients of a Solid Organ Transplant: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Chung Edmund Y.M. , Palmer Suetonia C. , Strippoli Giovanni F.M.
Published: August 2019

Background.

Organ transplant recipients are at high risk of developing skin cancer. The benefits and harms of interventions to prevent nonmelanoma skin cancer in solid organ transplant recipients have not been summarized.

Methods.

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, and CENTRAL through April 2018. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane tool, and evidence certainty was evaluated using the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation process. Prespecified outcomes were nonmelanoma skin cancer, clearance and prevention of keratotic skin lesions, and intervention-specific adverse events.

Results.

Ninety-two trials (20 012 participants) were included. The evaluated treatments were cancer-specific interventions (acitretin, imiquimod, photodynamic therapy, nicotinamide, topical diclofenac, and selenium) and immunosuppression regimes (azathioprine, mycophenolate mofetil, calcineurin inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin [mTOR] inhibitors, belatacept, induction agents, and withdrawal of calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids). Effects on nonmelanoma skin cancer were uncertain for photodynamic therapy (3 trials, 93 participants, risk ratio [RR] 1.42 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.65–3.11]; low certainty evidence), nicotinamide (2 trials, 60 participants), acitretin (2 trials, 61 participants), and imiquimod (1 trial, 20 participants) compared to control. mTOR inhibitors probably reduced skin cancer compared to calcineurin inhibitors (12 trials, 2225 participants, RR 0.62 [95% CI, 0.45–0.85]; moderate certainty evidence). Photodynamic therapy may cause pain at the treatment site (4 trials, 95 patients, RR 17.09 [95% CI, 4.22–69.26]; low certainty evidence).

Conclusions.

There is limited evidence for the efficacy and safety of specific treatments to prevent nonmelanoma skin cancers among solid organ transplant recipients.
Inhibition behaviour of mild steel by three new benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives in 0.5 M H2SO4: experimental and computational study
Authors: Zhang H. H. , Qin C. K. , Chen Y. , Zhang Z.
Published: August 2019

Three new benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives namely benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (BST), 4-carboxyl benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (PBST) and 2-carboxyl benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (OCT) were synthesized and their inhibition effects on mild steel corrosion in 0.5 M H2SO4solution were studied systematically using gravimetric and electrochemical measurements. Weight loss results revealed that PBST exhibited the highest inhibition efficiency of 96.6% among the investigated compounds when the concentration was 300 µM. The analysis of polarization curves indicated that the three benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives acted as mixed type inhibitors and PBST and OCT predominantly anodic. The adsorption process of all these benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives on Q235 steel surface in 0.5 M H2SO4solution conformed to Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Scanning electron microscopy was conducted to show the presence of benzaldehyde thiosemicarbazone derivatives on Q235 mild steel surface. The results of theoretical calculations were in good agreement with that of experimental measurements.
Peg–hole disassembly using active compliance
Authors: Zhang Yongquan , Lu Hong , Pham Duc Truong , Wang Yongjing , Qu Mo , Lim Joey , Su Shizhong
Published: August 2019

When considered in two-dimensional space, a cylindrical peg being withdrawn from a clearance-fit hole can exhibit one of four contact states: no contact, one-point contact, two-point contact and line contact. Jamming and wedging can occur during the two-point contact. Effective control of the two-point contact region can significantly reduce resistance in peg–hole disassembly. In this paper, we explore generic peg–hole disassembly processes with compliance and identify the effects of key parameters including the degree of compliance, the location of the compliance centre and initial position errors. A quasi-static analysis of peg–hole disassembly has been performed to obtain the boundary conditions of the two-point contact region. The effects of key variables on the two-point contact region have been simulated. Finally, peg–hole disassemblies with different locations of compliance centre achieved using active compliance have been experimentally investigated. The proposed theoretical model can be implemented to predict the range and position of the two-point contact region from the perspective of peg–hole disassembly.
A synergetic perspective on urban scaling, urban regulatory focus and their interrelations
Authors: Haken Hermann , Portugali Juval
Published: August 2019

By means of rich data, studies on urban scaling suggested that many urban properties scale with city size in universal ways. A recent study suggested an explanation why the behaviour of citizens in small and large cities differs qualitatively, by deriving the urban agents' behaviour from an extended version of Higgins’
regulatory focus theory
regarding humans' motivational system. Based on several sets of laboratory experiments, this study demonstrated that urban context of large, fast-paced cities and that of small slow-paced cities encourage two distinctively different motivations and behaviours on the part of their inhabitants. What remains an open question following the above study, however, is the way these behavioural reactions are related to the dynamics of cities as complex, adaptive, self-organization systems. The aim of the present paper is to answer this open question. It does so from the theoretical perspective of
Synergetics
and its application to the domain of cities by means of
synergetic inter-representation networks
,
information adaptation
and their conjunction. From this conjunction, the paper suggests a theoretical interpretation associated with a mathematical model that links the theoretical framework to the empirical findings.
A widely adaptable analytical method for thermal analysis of flexible electronics with complex heat source structures
Authors: Yin Yafei , Li Min , Yuan Wei , Chen Xiaolian , Li Yuhang
Published: August 2019

Flexible electronics, as a relatively new category of device, exhibit prodigious potential in many applications, especially in bio-integrated fields. It is critical to understand that thermal management of certain kinds of exothermic flexible electronics is a crucial issue, whether to avoid or to take advantage of the excessive temperature. A widely adaptable analytical method, validated by finite-element analysis and experiments, is conducted to investigate the thermal properties of exothermic flexible electronics with a heat source in complex shape or complex array layout. The main theoretical strategy to obtain the thermal field is through an integral along the complex curve source region. The results predicted by the analytical model enable accurate control of temperature and heat flow in the flexible electronics, which may help in the design and fabrication of flexible electronic devices in the future.
Genetic risk of obesity as a modifier of associations between neighbourhood environment and body mass index: an observational study of 335,046 UK Biobank participants
Authors: Mason Kate E , Palla Luigi , Pearce Neil , Phelan Jody , Cummins Steven
Published: August 2019

Background

There is growing recognition that recent global increases in obesity are the product of a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. However, in gene-environment studies of obesity, ‘environment’ usually refers to individual behavioural factors that influence energy balance, while more upstream environmental factors are overlooked. We examined gene-environment interactions between genetic risk of obesity and two neighbourhood characteristics likely to be associated with obesity (proximity to takeaway/fast-food outlets and availability of physical activity facilities).

Methods

We used data from 335,046 adults aged 40-70 in the UK Biobank cohort to conduct a population-based cross-sectional study of interactions between neighbourhood characteristics and genetic risk of obesity, in relation to BMI. Proximity to a fast-food outlet was defined as distance from home address to nearest takeaway/fast-food outlet, and availability of physical activity facilities as the number of formal physical activity facilities within one kilometre of home address. Genetic risk of obesity was operationalised by 91-SNP and 69-SNP weighted genetic risk scores, and by six individual SNPs considered separately. Multivariable, mixed effects models with product terms for the gene-environment interactions were estimated.

Results

After accounting for likely confounding, the association between proximity to takeaway/fast-food outlets and BMI was stronger among those at increased genetic risk of obesity, with evidence of an interaction with polygenic risk scores (P=0.018 and P=0.028 for 69-SNP and 91-SNP scores, respectively) and in particular with a SNP linked to MC4R (P=0.009), a gene known to regulate food intake. We found very little evidence of a gene-environment interaction for availability of physical activity facilities.

Conclusions

Individuals at an increased genetic risk of obesity may be more sensitive to exposure to the local fast-food environment. Ensuring that neighbourhood residential environments are designed to promote a healthy weight may be particularly important for those with greater genetic susceptibility to obesity.
Variant antigen diversity inTrypanosoma vivaxis not driven by recombination
Authors: Pereira Sara Silva , de Almeida Castilho Neto Kayo J. G. , Duffy Craig W. , Richards Peter , Noyes Harry , Ogugo Moses , André Marcos Rogério , Bengaly Zakaria , Kemp Steve , Teixeira Marta M. G. , Machado Rosangela Z. , Jackson Andrew P.
Published: August 2019

African trypanosomes are vector-borne haemoparasites that cause African trypanosomiasis in humans and animals. Parasite survival in the bloodstream depends on immune evasion, achieved by antigenic variation of the Variant Surface Glycoprotein (VSG) coating the trypanosome cell surface. Recombination, or rather directed gene conversion, is fundamental inTrypanosoma brucei, as both a mechanism ofVSGgene switching and of generating antigenic diversity during infections.Trypanosoma vivaxis a related, livestock pathogen also displaying antigenic variation, but whoseVSGlack key structures necessary for gene conversion inT. brucei. Thus, this study tests a long-standing prediction thatT. vivaxhas a more restricted antigenic repertoire. Here we show that globalVSGrepertoire is broadly conserved across diverseT. vivaxclinical strains. We use sequence mapping, coalescent approaches and experimental infections to show that recombination plays little, if any, role in diversifyingT. vivax VSGsequences. These results explain interspecific differences in disease, such as propensity for self-cure, and indicate that eitherT. vivaxhas an alternate mechanism for immune evasion or else a distinct transmission strategy that reduces its reliance on long-term persistence. The lack of recombination driving antigenic diversity inT. vivaxhas immediate consequences for both the current mechanistic model of antigenic variation in African trypanosomes and species differences in virulence and transmission strategy, requiring us to reconsider the wider epidemiology of animal African trypanosomiasis.
Bacterial cell cycle and growth phase switch by the essential transcriptional regulator CtrA
Authors: Delaby Marie , Panis Gaël , Viollier Patrick H.
Published: August 2019

Many bacteria acquire dissemination and virulence traits in G1-phase. CtrA, an essential and conserved cell cycle transcriptional regulator identified in the dimorphic alpha-proteobacteriumCaulobacter crescentus, first activates promoters in late S-phase and then mysteriously switches to different target promoters in G1-phase. We uncovered a highly conserved determinant in the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of CtrA uncoupling this promoter switch. We also show that it reprograms CtrA occupancy in stationary cells inducing a (p)ppGpp alarmone signal perceived by the RNA polymerase beta subunit. A simple side chain modification in a critical residue within the core DBD imposes opposing developmental phenotypes and transcriptional activities of CtrA. A naturally occurring polymorphism in the rickettsial DBD resembles a mutation that drives CtrA towards activation of the dispersal (G1-phase) program inCaulobacter. Hence, we propose that this determinant dictates promoter reprogramming during the growth transition of obligate intracellular rickettsia differentiating from replicative cells into dispersal cells.
Invariant Genes in Human Genomes
Authors: Pathak Ankit Kumar , Jainarayanan Ashwin Kumar , Brahmachari Samir Kumar
Published: August 2019

With large-scale human genome and exome sequencing, a lot of focus has gone in studying variations present in genomes and their associations to various diseases. Since major emphasis has been put on their variations, less focus has been given to invariant genes in the population. Here we present 60,706 genomes from the ExAC database to identify population specific invariant genes. Out of 1,336 total genes drawn from various population specific invariant genes, 423 were identified to be mostly (allele frequency less than 0.001) invariant across different populations. 46 of these invariant genes showed absolute invariance in all populations. Most of these common invariant genes have homologs in primates, rodents and placental mammals while 8 of them were unique to human genome and 3 genes still had unknown functions. Surprisingly, a majority were found to be X-linked and around 50% of these genes were not expressed in any tissues. The functional analysis showed that the invariant genes are not only involved in fundamental functions like transcription and translation but also in various developmental processes. The variations in many of these invariant genes were found to be associated with cancer, developmental diseases and dominant genetic disorders.
Home-cage Monitoring Ascertains Signatures of Ictal and Interictal Behavior In Mouse Models of Generalized Seizures
Authors: Jankovic Miranda J. , Kapadia Paarth P. , Krishnan Vaishnav
Published: August 2019

Epilepsy is a significant contributor to worldwide disability. In epilepsy, disability has two components: ictal (pertaining to the burden of unpredictable seizures and associated medical complications including death) and interictal (pertaining to more pervasive debilitating changes in cognitive and emotional behavior). In this study, we objectively and noninvasively appraise correlates of ictal and interictal disability in mice using instrumented home-cage chambers designed to assay kinematic and appetitive behavioral measures. We discover that in C57BL/6J mice, intraperitoneal injections of the chemoconvulsant pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) acutely result in complex and dynamic changes in movement and sheltering behavior that evolve (or kindle) with repeated daily injections, and which are separate from the occurrence of convulsions. By closely studying “interictal” periods (between PTZ injections), we identify a syndrome of nocturnal hypoactivity and increased sheltering behavior. We observe elements of this interictal behavioral syndrome in seizure-prone DBA/2J mice and in mice with a pathogenicScn1amutation (modeling Dravet syndrome). Through analyzing their responses to PTZ, we illustrate how convulsive severity and “behavioral” severity are distinct and independent aspects of overall seizure severity. Our results illustrate the utility of an ethologically centered automated approach to quantitatively appraise murine expressions of disability in mouse models of seizures and epilepsy. In doing so, this study highlights the very unique psychopharmacological profile of PTZ.

Significance Statement

Epilepsy is a brain disorder characterized by a pervasively increased risk to develop epileptic seizures. Sadly, patients with epilepsy also experience high rates of anxiety, depression and other psychiatric symptoms that significantly increase overall disability. While many mouse models of seizures and epilepsy exist, we need improved techniques to measure how new treatments impact not only seizure occurrence, but also emotional changes that persist in between seizures. In this study, we apply the technique of home-cage monitoring to clarify precisely how spontaneous mouse behavior is altered in three distinct epilepsy models. Our work illustrates the importance of an ethologically centered appreciation of neuropsychiatric disability in mice and clarifies a new approach to the measurement of “seizure severity”.
Lack of phenotypic variation despite population structure in larval utilization of pea aphids by populations of the lady beetle Hippodamia convergens
Authors: Grenier Christy , Summerhays Bryce , Cartmill Ryan , Martinez Tanairi , Saisho Roxane , Rothenberg Alexander , Tovar Alicia , Rynerson Andrew , Scott Jerrika , Obrycki John J , Sethuraman Arun
Published: August 2019

The convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) is a generalist natural enemy that is utilized extensively in augmentative biological control across the United States. Recent studies have pointed to both genetic and phenotypic differences in Western (California) versus Eastern (Kansas) populations of the species. Here we investigate (1) genetic population structure, and (2) phenotypic differences in the utilization of pea aphids at temperatures that resemble the Western United States in (a) Eastern versus Western populations, (b) F1 Eastern X Western hybrids versus their progenitor populations, and investigate the effects of interaction between (c) Eastern and Western populations. We found no differences in final pupal weight, or the net weight gain ratio through larval development from the third instar to pupal stage, despite genetic population structure. Our study points towards plastic response and effectiveness in feeding phenotypes of Eastern and Western populations of H. convergens, and the absence of hybrid vigor and heterozygote advantages in hybrids.
MutSpot: detection of non-coding mutation hotspots in cancer genomes
Authors: Guo Yu Amanda , Chang Mei Mei , Skanderup Anders Jacobsen
Published: August 2019

Recurrence and clustering of somatic mutations (hotspots) in cancer genomes may indicate positive selection and involvement in tumorigenesis. MutSpot performs genome-wide inference of mutation hotspots in non-coding and regulatory DNA of cancer genomes. MutSpot performs feature selection across hundreds of epigenetic and sequence features followed by estimation of position and patient-specific background somatic mutation probabilities. MutSpot is user-friendly, works on a standard workstation, and scales to thousands of cancer genomes.

Availability and implementation

MutSpot is implemented as an R package and is available at https://github.com/skandlab/MutSpot/

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at https://github.com/skandlab/MutSpot/
CRISPR-Cas off-target detection using Oxford Nanopore sequencing - is the mitochondrial genome more vulnerable to off-targets?
Authors: Chakraborty Sandeep
Published: August 2019

Oxford Nanopore sequencing of DNA molecules is fast gaining popularity for generating longer reads, albeit with higher error rates, in much lesser time, and without the error introduced by PCR-amplification. Recently, CRISPR-Cas9 has been used to enrich genomic regions (nCATS [1]). This was applied on 10 genomic loci (median length=18kb). Here, using the sequencing data (Accid:PRJNA531320), it is shown that the same flow can be used to identify CRISPR-Cas9 off-target edits (OTE). OTEs are an important, but unfortunately underestimated, aspect of CRISPR-Cas gene-editing. An OTE in the mitochondrial genome is shown having 7 mismatches with one of the 10 gRNAs used (GPX1), having as much enrichment as the targeted genomic loci in some samples. Previous study has shown that Cas9 bind to off-targets having as many as 10 mismatches in the PAM-distal region. This OTE has not been reported in the original study (still a pre-print), which states that sequences from parts other than the target locations arise ‘from ligation of nanopore adaptors to random breakage points, with no clear evidence of off-target cleavage by Cas9’ [1], Furthermore, a lot of reads aligning to the mitochondrial genome (sometimes full length) are inverted after the edit. It remains to be seen if these are bona fide translocations after the Cas9 edit, or ONP sequencing artifacts. This also raises the question whether the mitochondrial genome is more prone to off-targets by virtue of being non-nuclear. Another locus in ChrX (13121412) has only 1 mismatch with the second BRAF gRNA (GACCAAGGATTTCGTGGTGA). Although the number of reads for this OTE is less, its very unlikely this is random since it happens 8 out of 11 samples. With the increasing use of (TALEN/ZFN/CRISPR-Cas9) on human subjects, this provides a fast method to quickly query gRNAs for off-targets in cells obtained from the patient, which will have their own unique off-targets due to single nucleotide polymorphism or other variants.
Novel implementation of IoT based non-invasive sensor system for real-time monitoring of intravenous fluid level for assistive e-healthcare
Authors: Ray Partha Pratim , Thapa Nishant , Dash Dinesh , De Debashis
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to design and develop an pervasive and smart Internet of Things (IoT)-based sensor system to monitor he real-time intravenous (IV) fluid bag level.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper investigates such issue and performs several experiments to develop a non-invasive, semi-automatic system to monitor IoT-based IV fluid level in real-time.

Findings

The outcome of this study is a prototype hardware that includes an ESP8266 based embedded Web server to disseminate the fluid exhaust status flag to its connected users. Nurses can get the prompt intimation about the status of IV fluid bag whether it is about to get empty.

Research limitations/implications

IoT is the backbone of the proposed system. Multi-master system need to be studied in future.

Practical implications

Non-invasive and real-time IoT-based novel technique is developed with power-efficient and cost-effective pervasive sensors.

Social implications

This is applicable for pervasive and assistive e-health-care services by care givers and medical professionals.

Originality/value

The deployed system is controlled by ATtiny85 with help of LM35 temperature sensor. The results show a promising future of the proposed development in enhancing IoT-based smart health-care service in the coming days.
A low-PDAP and high-PSNR approximate 4:2 compressor cell in CNFET technology
Authors: Safaei Mehrabani Yavar , Bagherizadeh Mehdi , Shafiabadi Mohammad Hossein , Ghasempour Abolghasem
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to present an inexact 4:2 compressor cell using carbon nanotube filed effect transistors (CNFETs).

Design/methodology/approach

To design this cell, the capacitive threshold logic (CTL) has been used.

Findings

To evaluate the proposed cell, comprehensive simulations are carried out at two levels of the circuit and image processing. At the circuit level, the HSPICE software has been used and the power consumption, delay, and power-delay product are calculated. Also, the power-delaytransistor count product (PDAP) is used to make a compromise between all metrics. On the other hand, the Monte Carlo analysis has been used to scrutinize the robustness of the proposed cell against the variations in the manufacturing process. The results of simulations at this level of abstraction indicate the superiority of the proposed cell to other circuits. At the application level, the MATLAB software is also used to evaluate the peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) figure of merit. At this level, the two primary images are multiplied by a multiplier circuit consisting of 4:2 compressors. The results of this simulation also show the superiority of the proposed cell to others.

Originality/value

This cell significantly reduces the number of transistors and only consists of NOT gates.
The opportunity and challenge of trust and decision-making uncertainty
Authors: Wu Li-Wei , Wang Chung-Yu , Rouyer Ellen
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Value has been conceptualized as the result of co-creation involving service firms and customers. Currently, however, little is known about why and how customers engage in value co-creation with a service firm. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to explore the role of co-production in value co-creation in the context of banking services from the customers’ viewpoint. The literature has consistently examined the linear effects of trust and decision-making uncertainty on co-production. The study extends this research stream by considering the negative quadratic effects of trust and decision-making uncertainty on co-production. Therefore, this study not only examines the linear and negative quadratic effects of trust and decision-making uncertainty on co-production within a single, simultaneous model but also tests the effect of co-production on value co-creation. Moreover, this study includes and explores the moderating effects of service innovativeness and service effort on co-production in determining value co-creation.

Design/methodology/approach

The hierarchical moderated regression was used to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The findings support the positive linear effects and negative quadratic effects among trust, decision-making uncertainty and co-production. Meanwhile, the results indicate that co-production positively affect value co-creation. Service innovativeness and service effort enhance the effect of co-production on value co-creation.

Originality/value

This study shows the presence of the opportunity of trust and decision-making uncertainty, which confirms the existing literature, and the challenge of trust and decision-making uncertainty, which extends the literature. This study is the first one to shed light on the negative quadratic effects of trust and decision-making uncertainty on co-production. This study also offers insights into value co-creation and thus enhances the current understanding of value phenomena. Academics and practitioners would greatly benefit from a comprehensive understanding of co-production and the associated value co-creation for the parties involved.
Towards a hierarchy of hotel guests’ in-room needs
Authors: Ineson Elizabeth M. , Čomić Djordje , Kalmić Lazar
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to examine, discuss and intertwine theory and practice related to hotel guests’ home and lodging environments to identify their in-room psychological and physical needs.

Design/methodology/approach

The research design is qualitative, with a focus on understanding social phenomena through direct observation, communication and textual analysis; contextual subjective accuracy is stressed over generality. Using interpretative phenomenology, the psychological and sociological aspects of the individual’s journey are deliberated including: travelling through one’s own room; virtual travels from the room via electronic media; the hotel room as a reconstruction of the intimate sphere; the return to, and transformation of, one’s own room; and the accumulation of souvenirs. The tabulated findings are linked to hotel guests’ in-room needs using inductive thematic coding and content analysis.

Findings

The psychological and physical in-room needs of individual hotel guests are identified; safety, security and control emerge as paramount. Practical suggestions to complement, expand and enrich guests’ in-room experiences are offered.

Research limitations/implications

As the focus is limited predominantly to the debate and rationalisation of concepts and the methodology is exploratory as opposed to scientific, the validity of the findings may be questioned; primary data triangulation modifies this criticism. Future researchers are advised to consider the evidence when developing hypotheses to establish a theory of lodging. Research on improving the quality of facilities and services should centre on an analysis of the concept of “being in one’s own room”, followed by an analysis of the transposition to “being in a hotel room” from both physiological and psychological perspectives.

Practical implications

Referring to the developed hierarchy, accommodation/lodging providers are recommended to increase their efforts to exceed the expectations of individual guests. Guest profiling should focus on individual needs and preferences, ideally at the booking stage.

Social implications

Accommodation/lodging providers are encouraged to demonstrate social awareness and empathy through individual social responsibility efforts to enhance the experiences and quality of life of their guests.

Originality/value

The paper makes a valuable contribution by debating and connecting philosophical and psychological literature to the practical needs of hotel guests. It recognises and concludes that, as they are merely temporary residents, hotel guests’ experiences embrace a series of journeys through different, individual interiors. Based on this premise, an innovative hierarchy of hotel guests’ in-room needs is developed.
Leadership curricula in UAE business and education management programmes
Authors: ElKaleh Eman
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate leadership curricula in UAE business and education management programmes and examine the extent to which they are derived from and linked to students’ cultural and Islamic values using Habermas’ critical theory.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a mixed methods approach that takes classical pragmatism as its philosophical foundation and critical theory as a theoretical lens. Data are collected in four sequential phases using critical discourse analysis of course materials, class observations, student survey and faculty interviews. Results are integrated at the interpretative level and abductive reasoning is used as the logic of justification.

Findings

Results show that despite the increasing efforts to incorporate cultural and Islamic values into the curriculum, it is still mainly dominated by Western theories and models of leadership, especially in the leadership courses offered by business schools, mainly because of accreditation requirements and the lack of English resources and theories on UAE and Islamic models of leadership.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to leadership curricula in the UAE. Researchers may extend and broaden the scope of the study by investigating leadership curricula in the Gulf and/or the Middle East. Future studies may also look at other theoretical frameworks recommended by other management scholars such as Mezirow’s transformational learning and the socio-constructivist approach (Hotho and Dowling, 2010). This study aims to open an ongoing debate and further investigation on the topic.

Practical implications

The results of the current study may inspire faculty members and programme coordinators to develop critical and culturally relevant curricula that are informed by Habermas’ critical theory and best teaching practices.

Originality/value

The study adds to the current knowledge base through its research design and approach that address an under-investigated topic. None of the current studies empirically investigated leadership curricula in the UAE. The theoretical framework and research findings can be used to develop culturally relevant and value-oriented leadership curricula that reflect indigenous and Western perspectives of leadership.
Calibration of a six-axis parallel manipulator based on BP neural network
Authors: Zhang Dianjin , Zhang Guangyu , Li Longqiu
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to provide a simple and flexible calibration method of parallel manipulators for improving the position accuracy only using partial pose information.

Design/methodology/approach

The overall idea of this method is to use BP neural network to fit the relationship between calibration parameters and measurement parameters and then adjust calibration parameters according to measurements.

Findings

The calibration method significantly improves the position accuracy of the six-axis parallel manipulator. Simulation shows that the accuracy can be improved by increasing the number of positions consisted of samples to train BP neural network, and when the position number is increased, the descent velocity of fitting error is decreased.

Originality/value

The method is general for various parallel mechanisms and simple for measurement process. It can be applied to the calibration of various mechanisms without analyzing the mathematical relationship between measurements and calibration parameters. The measurement parameters can be flexibly selected to simplify measurement process, which saves calibration cost and time.
Diversity and inclusion: corporate communications advances the practice
Authors: Pellecchia Ray
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to make the case that corporate communications (CorpComms) can and should play an important role in diversity and inclusion (D&I). The paper identifies a number of benefits from CorpComms becoming “invested” in D&I and several ways to help communicators advance from just “reporting” on diversity to becoming an engaged part of the effort.

Design/methodology/approach

This study offers perspectives and recommendations based on the author’s three decades in CorpComms, two decades of which have also included serving as a member on corporate diversity councils.

Findings

D&I is often viewed as human resources’ (HR’s) “job” rather than an integral part of everyone’s own work. Such a view risks limiting the success of D&I programs and that of departments and organizations. Nowhere is this more apparent than with CorpComms, a function that involves new and different ideas, active listening and articulating the authentic story of an organization – all activities that align with D&I. Becoming a committed part of the diversity effort can offer communicators new perspectives, fuller context, deeper understanding and the opportunity to give voice to people and ideas that otherwise might not be heard.

Originality/value

For a group of professionals who are animated by the meaningful connection among people, it is difficult to conceive of more affirming and essential work.
Teacher collaboration, differing expectations, and emotions in school improvement
Authors: Weddle Hayley , Lockton Marie , Datnow Amanda
Published: August 2019

Purpose

While the benefits of teacher collaboration are well documented, less is known about how emotions intersect with teachers’ collective work. Educational change is an emotional process, as reform efforts often involve shifts in teachers’ daily routines and professional identities. To better understand these complexities, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the emotional dimensions of teachers’ collaborative efforts to improve instruction.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on qualitative data, this longitudinal case study of one teacher team explores how teacher collaboration for instructional improvement intersects with emotional geographies. Data analyzed include three years of meeting observations and annual interviews with teachers and school leaders.

Findings

An analysis of data reveals how emotions both shaped and were shaped by teachers’ collaboration experiences. Varying beliefs about practice, expectations about collective work and identity (in this case, gender) impacted collaboration and subsequently opportunities for instructional improvement.

Practical implications

This study demonstrates how attending to the emotional aspects of teacher collaboration could serve as an effective strategy for bolstering capacity-building efforts. Findings highlight the interplay between emotional geographies, suggesting that common ground across one geography could potentially be built upon to close gaps across others.

Originality/value

This study provides a unique longitudinal exploration of the emotional dimensions of teachers’ collective work. The study also contributes to new knowledge about the ways in which teachers’ emotions and collaborative experiences intersect, including the interplay between emotional geographies.