bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Customer orientation: the interactive effect of role clarity and learning goal orientation
Authors: Templer Klaus J. , Kennedy Jeffrey C. , Phang Riyang
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Customer orientation of service employees relates to customer satisfaction and loyalty, sales growth and business performance. Drawing from conservation of resources (COR) theory, the aim of this study was to test the interactive effects of service employees' role clarity and learning goal orientation on customer orientation. Specifically, it was hypothesized that even under conditions of low role clarity, service employees with high learning goal orientation would maintain a high level of customer orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 323 employees of 4- and 5-star hotels in Singapore. Using questionnaires, they reported their role clarity, learning goal orientation and customer orientation. For hypothesis testing, moderated regression analysis was performed.

Findings

Role clarity and learning goal orientation were significantly related to customer orientation, and in support of the hypothesis, the interaction effect of role clarity and learning goal orientation was also significant. With high role clarity, all employees showed high customer orientation. But with low role clarity, only employees with high learning goal orientation demonstrated high customer orientation.

Practical implications

The recommendations from this study are to include learning goal orientation as a selection criterion for service employees and to clearly define the roles of existing service employees, especially for those with low learning goal orientation.

Originality/value

The originality and value of this study lies in highlighting the importance of learning goal orientation especially under conditions of low role clarity.
Organizational and legal institutions, and the performance of microfinance institutions as hybrid entities
Authors: Mumi Atthaphon , Joseph George , Quayes Shakil
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) play an important role in economic development, with the dual objectives of social outreach and financial self-sufficiency. The purpose of this study is to examine the influence of organizational structure and variations in legal systems on the MFI dual performance goals.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample that includes 1,518 MFIs from 105 different countries over a period of 20 years, this study analyzes the data by applying a model that includes six categories of organizational structures and variations of legal systems, including both civil and common law, with accounting performance measures for the dependent variables.

Findings

The analyses provide robust results indicating that MFIs structured as non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have better social outreach than all other types of MFIs and exhibit better financial performance than MFIs registered as commercial banks or credit unions. Legal systems also played a role in MFI effectiveness.

Research limitations/implications

Given the increasing importance of MFIs on economic development globally, this study has relevance on how the impact of MFI structural characteristics and macro-level influences on their dual performance criteria can be translated into management approaches and governance policies that can increase the effectiveness of these dual (i.e. social and financial) goals.

Originality/value

This study is more comprehensive than prior research in addressing the influence of organizational structures of MFIs and legal systems on MFI dual mission, namely, its financial performance and social outreach, thereby increasing our understanding of policy implications in sustaining the MFI’s developmental role.
AI against money laundering networks: the Colombian case
Authors: Garcia-Bedoya Olmer , Granados Oscar , Cardozo Burgos José
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the artificial intelligence (AI) methodologies to fight against money laundering crimes in Colombia.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines Colombian money laundering situations with some methodologies of network science to apply AI tools.

Findings

This paper identifies the suspicious operations with AI methodologies, which are not common by number, quantity or characteristics within the economic or financial system and normal practices of companies or industries.

Research limitations/implications

Access to financial institutions’ data was the most difficult element for research because affect the implementation of a set of different algorithms and network science methodologies.

Practical implications

This paper tries to reduce the social and economic implications from money laundering (ML) that result from illegal activities and different crimes against inhabitants, governments, public resources and financial systems.

Social implications

This paper proposes a software architecture methodology to fight against ML and financial crime networks in Colombia which are common in different countries. These methodologies complement legal structure and regulatory framework.

Originality/value

The contribution of this paper is how within the flow already regulated by financial institutions to manage the ML risk, AI can be used to minimize and identify this kind of risk. For this reason, the authors propose to use the graph analysis methodology for monitoring and identifying the behavior of different ML patterns with machine learning techniques and network science methodologies. These methodologies complement legal structure and regulatory framework.
Estimating numerical scale ratings from text-based service reviews
Authors: Tsao Hsiu-Yuan , Chen Ming-Yi , Campbell Colin , Sands Sean
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper develops a generalizable, machine-learning-based method for measuring established marketing constructs using passive analysis of consumer-generated textual data from service reviews. The method is demonstrated using topic and sentiment analysis along dimensions of an existing scale: lodging quality index (LQI).

Design/methodology/approach

The method induces numerical scale ratings from text-based data such as consumer reviews. This is accomplished by automatically developing a dictionary from words within a set of existing scale items, rather a more manual process. This dictionary is used to analyze textual consumer review data, inducing topic and sentiment along various dimensions. Data produced is equivalent with Likert scores.

Findings

Pairedt-tests reveal that the text analysis technique the authors develop produces data that is equivalent to Likert data from the same individual. Results from the authors’ second study apply the method to real-world consumer hotel reviews.

Practical implications

Results demonstrate a novel means of using natural language processing in a way to complement or replace traditional survey methods. The approach the authors outline unlocks the ability to rapidly and efficiently analyze text in terms of any existing scale without the need to first manually develop a dictionary.

Originality/value

The technique makes a methodological contribution by outlining a new means of generating scale-equivalent data from text alone. The method has the potential to both unlock entirely new sources of data and potentially change how service satisfaction is assessed and opens the door for analysis of text in terms of a wider range of constructs.
The sustainable management design of oxbow lake to determine the factors in lake management in Buluh Cina village, Indonesia
Authors: Susilo Adi
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study at the level of sustainability of oxbow lake was intended to determine the status of sustainability, leverage attributes and driving factors in the management of oxbow lake in Buluh Cina village in Kampar, Riau, Indonesia.

Design/methodology/approach

The types of data collected include primary data and secondary data. Data was collected using survey methods, library research, laboratory analysis and interviews. The analytical method used this study is multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis and prospect analysis. Sustainability analysis is done using the MDS analysis approach with the help of RapOxbow software and compared to Monte Carlo analysis results.

Findings

The current sustainability status of the management of Lake Baru ecosystem according to a number of dimensions is considered sustainable with a sustainability index value of 50.95. Meanwhile, the analysis results of each dimension shows that the sustainability index for the ecological dimension is 42.56 and the sustainability index for the economic dimension is 47.44, which means that the index is less sustainable.

Originality/value

The approach of this research is MDS analysis and prospect analysis and research locations in Buluh Cina village in Kampar, Indonesia which have never been studied before. This is one of few studies that investigates comprehensively the analysis of management sustainability, especially in the dimensions of ecology, economics and socio-culture, especially in Indonesia.
Levers of control, complementariness, tensions and budget use: a case study
Authors: Rathnasekara Kaveesha , Gooneratne Tharusha
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify the complementariness and tensions in the use of management control systems diagnostically and interactively, using a budgetary control example, drawing empirical evidence from a clustered firm, “Pattern On”, which is engaged in the manufacture of apparels.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses the qualitative methodology and case study approach. Face-to-face in-depth interviews were carried out as the main source of data collection, supplemented by an analysis of internal documents.

Findings

The field data from this study shows that both diagnostic and interactive controls appear in the clusters of PatternOn. However, the extent of use, the way they are perceived by employees, consequences, complementariness and tensions differ among the clusters. It further suggests that interactive and diagnostic controls have their own positive and negative implications on organisational activities. Therefore, rather than ruling one type as superior; what is best depends on the particular organisational circumstances.

Research limitations/implications

This paper is a useful addition to the current body of management accounting literature, particularly to budgeting and to the levers of the control framework and highlights the use of a domain theory in a research study.

Practical implications

It provides insights to practitioners regarding the simultaneous use of controls, diagnostically and interactively, and how any resulting tensions are managed.

Originality/value

Using a budgetary control example, this paper shows how controls are used diagnostically and interactively while emphasising the complementariness and tensions created by such levers. This is important as most prior research has explored diagnostic and interactive use in isolation, while budgetary control, as well as the role of domain theory has not been their focus.
Combined effects of Forchheimer, Soret and Dufour on MHD mixed convective dusty viscoelastic Couette flow in an irregular channel
Authors: M Uma , PA Dinesh , M Girinath Reddy , A Sreevallabha Reddy
Published: June 2020

Purpose

A study on convective aspects was carried out on a Couette flow in an irregular channel by applying a constant uniform magnetic field parallel to the channel flow.

Design/methodology/approach

The dynamic study of such a flow resulted in highly nonlinear coupled partial differential equations. To solve these partial differential equations analytically, regular perturbation method was invoked for velocity, temperature and concentration with a combined parameter of Soret and Forchheimer. The numerical computational results have been extracted for various nondimensional parameters with regard to fluid and particle flow as well as for temperature and solute concentration.

Findings

The current article presents a novel approach to assess the effects of drag force as well as the diffusion-based interactions between the velocity, temperature and concentrations with the aid of Soret and Dufour on two-dimensional MHD mixed with a dusty viscoelastic fluid.

Originality/value

The results found are in good agreement with the earlier studies in the absence of nonlinear effect of Forchheimer model.
Empirical investigation of herding in cryptocurrency market under different market regimes
Authors: Kumar Ashish
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Our study focuses on analyzing the trading behaviour of the investors who invest in these currencies to review their trading patterns which may help us to understand the price formation of cryptocurrencies in this market.

Design/methodology/approach

We used Chang et al. (2000) measure to calculate herding that is based on cross-section absolute dispersion of stock returns (CSAD). We further analyse the nature of the same in different market regimes, that is up market, down market, high volatile market, low volatile market etc.

Findings

Applying different methodologies both static and time varying, we find that herding is pronounced when the market is either passing through stress or has become highly volatile. Anti-herding is found in a less volatile market or in a bullish market.

Practical implications

Our results are also helpful for the policy makers in designing stricter regulations to provide safe investment environment to the investors.

Originality/value

Our study in an extension of the literature in same direction and contribute in numerous ways. As the number of digital currencies is growing day by day and we have around 2,200 digital currencies trading across the world, we increased our sample size up to 100 most traded currencies. While majority of the studies cover the period 2015–2018, our study comprises the largest sample size starting from August 2013 to April 2019. We use the static model to find herding and simultaneously try to detect herding under different market regimes: up market and down market.
Leveraging open innovation strategies for fueling eco-innovation performance in dynamic environments
Authors: Cheng Colin C.J. , Shiu Eric C.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Despite the rising interest in eco-innovation, few studies have examined how open innovation (OI) actually increases eco-innovation performance. Drawing on capabilities theory, this study aims to investigate how two specific organizational capabilities (alliance management capability and absorptive capacity) individually complement OI strategies (inbound and outbound) to increase eco-innovation performance, while taking into consideration high and low levels of environmental uncertainty.

Design/methodology/approach

To test the hypotheses, the authors used a primary survey and secondary proxy data sources from 232 Taiwan-based manufacturing firms. The authors collected survey data for measuring OI strategies, followed by secondary proxy data for measuring alliance management capability, absorptive capacity, environmental uncertainty and eco-innovation performance.

Findings

The results indicate that in highly dynamic environments, alliance management capability complements inbound/outbound strategies to increase eco-innovation performance. However, absorptive capacity complements only inbound strategies, not outbound strategies.

Practical implications

These findings have important implications for managers attempting to increase eco-innovation performance by using OI in dynamic environments.

Social implications

The findings provide new evidence that configurations of OI alone are not enough for increasing eco-innovation performance. Instead, firms’ eco-innovation benefits more when OI are complemented by alliance management capability.

Originality/value

This study makes an original contribution to the eco-innovation literature by demonstrating how organizational capabilities complement OI to increase eco-innovation performance in dynamic environments.
Balancing coercive and non-coercive powers to enhance green supplier integration: do relationship commitment and closeness matter?
Authors: Zhang Qiansong , Pan Jieyi , Xu Dehui , Feng Taiwen
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Although the importance of green supplier integration (GSI) has been recognized, the knowledge of how it can be enhanced is still limited. Using insights from transaction cost and resource dependence theories, this paper aims to explore how to balance coercive and non-coercive powers to enhance GSI and the mediating role of relationship commitment and the moderating role of relationship closeness.

Design/methodology/approach

To validate the hypotheses, this study conducted hierarchical regression analysis and bootstrapping using the survey data collected from 206 Chinese manufacturers.

Findings

The results indicate that coercive power undermines normative commitment, while non-coercive power promotes normative and instrumental commitments. Both normative and instrumental commitments enhance GSI. Normative commitment mediates the impacts of coercive and non-coercive powers on GSI, while instrumental commitment only mediates the impact of non-coercive power on GSI. Moreover, supplier trust and dependence negatively moderate the positive link between instrumental commitment and GSI.

Practical implications

Executives should carefully balance coercive and non-coercive powers to encourage firms to maintain good relationships with suppliers and develop common environmental values under different mediating effects of normative and instrumental commitments. However, they should also be aware that high level of trust and dependence can affect the impacts of powers.

Originality/value

This study contributes to GSI literature by opening the “black box” between power and GSI and verifying its boundary conditions.
Drivers of sub-supplier social sustainability compliance: an emerging economy perspective
Authors: Venkatesh V.G. , Zhang Abraham , Deakins Eric , Mani Venkatesh
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Tragic incidents such as the Rana Plaza building collapse call into question the value and effectiveness of supplier codes of conduct (SCC) used in multi-tier supply chains. This paper aims to investigate the barriers to sub-supplier compliance and the drivers from the perspective of suppliers that adopt a double agency role by complying with buyer-imposed SCC while managing sub-supplier compliance on behalf of the buyer.

Design/methodology/approach

This research adopts a sequential, mixed-methods approach. The qualitative phase develops a conceptual model with the aid of the extant the literature and semi-structured interviews with 24 senior manufacturing professionals. The quantitative phase then uses a hierarchical regression analysis to test the conceptual model using survey data from 159 apparel suppliers based in India.

Findings

The findings reveal that sub-supplier compliance is positively impacted by effective buyer–supplier governance and by the focal supplier having a strategic partnership with the sub-supplier. Conversely, price pressure on sub-suppliers adversely impacts their compliance, while institutional pressure on them to comply is generally ineffective.

Research limitations/implications

The context of the study is limited to the garment industry in India.

Practical implications

To improve SCC compliance rates, buyers and focal suppliers should actively develop strategic partnerships with selected upstream supply chain actors; should set a reasonable price across the supply chain; and, should include specific sub-supplier compliance requirements within the supply contract. The findings also suggest the need to develop social sustainability protocols that are cognisant of regional contexts.

Originality/value

The absence of prior research on SCC implementation by sub-suppliers, this study represents a pioneering empirical study into such multi-tier sourcing arrangements. It provides strong support that sub-supplier governance arrangements differ from those typically found in the focal supplier layer. It also provides empirical evidence of the critical factors that encourage sub-supplier compliance within the apparel industry of a regionally developing economy.
Seismic ground‐roll noise attenuation using deep learning
Authors: Kaur Harpreet , Fomel Sergey , Pham Nam
Published: June 2020

We propose to adopt a deep learning based framework using generative adversarial networks for ground‐roll attenuation in land seismic data. Accounting for the non‐stationary properties of seismic data and the associated ground‐roll noise, we create training labels using local time–frequency transform and regularized non‐stationary regression. The basic idea is to train the network using a few shot gathers such that the network can learn the weights associated with noise attenuation for the training shot gathers. We then apply the learned weights to test ground‐roll attenuation on shot gathers, that are not a part of training input to obtain the desired signal. This approach gives results similar to local time–frequency transform and regularized non‐stationary regression but at a significantly reduced computational cost. The proposed approach automates the ground‐roll attenuation process without requiring any manual input in picking the parameters for each shot gather other than in the training data. Tests on field‐data examples verify the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Data‐driven rock physics analysis of North Sea tertiary reservoir sands
Authors: Avseth Per , Lehocki Ivan , Kjøsnes Øyvind , Sandstad Odd
Published: June 2020

We have demonstrated an approach for data‐driven rock physics analysis, where we first do facies classification using elastic well log data from several wells, followed by facies‐constrained regression analysis to establish local rock physics relations for the prediction of VP and VS from geological input parameters. We have applied this approach to a multi‐well log data set (53 wells, 40 of which had reliable/useful data) from the greater Alvheim area. We show how we can derive very robust local empirical rock physics relations for the prediction of P‐wave and S‐wave velocities as well as densities, for given combinations of porosity and clay volume. These locally derived empirical relations are recommended instead of universal rock physics models, even when the latter are locally calibrated. Using elastic facies with geological characteristics (cemented versus unconsolidated; normally compacted versus injectites; homogeneous versus heterogeneous) helps to improve the predictability of the regression models. The local rock physics relations that we obtain can furthermore be used to create training data for AVO classification.
MY COVID‐19 DIARY
Authors: Munyikwa Michelle
Published: June 2020

Written in weekly instalments, Michelle Munyikwa's Covid‐19 diary reflects upon the experience of an unfolding pandemic from her dual role as a medical trainee and anthropologist living in the United States. Her observations centre on everyday encounters with scenes or objects that reflect the growing crisis, from the absence of masks outside patient rooms to emergent forms of care through telemedicine. The diary follows the author as she experiences grief, ambivalence and disorientation in the first weeks of the pandemic.
COVID‐19: THE ‘INVISIBLE ENEMY’ AND CONTINGENT RACISM: Reflections of an Italian anthropologist conducting fieldwork in Greece
Authors: Pellegrino Manuela
Published: June 2020

In this article, the author provides a narrative of her experience as an Italian undertaking fieldwork in Greece while the epidemic was in full swing. She reflects on representations of ‘the invisible enemy’: an empty category, she claims, which has been contingently filled and morally loaded, resting on pre‐existing categories, such as stereotypical representations of nations. The invisibility of ‘the enemy’ has in fact been rendered visible through what she refers to as contingent racism; this includes the ubiquitous and hence powerful use of irony and satire at the expense of China and Italy, but also expands to the use of banal and convenient tropes of accusation and derision among European Union member states, bringing back to the fore the North‐South divide and its power imbalances. The author suggests that the Covid‐19 crisis has ultimately provoked a veritable epidemic of contingent racism on multiple levels by stirring stereotypes and cultural prejudices which are rooted in time and rapidly renewed; its effect is all but contingent, and likely to accompany us far beyond the Covid‐19 crisis itself.
COVID‐19 PANDEMIC AND SOCIAL DISTANCING IN PRISONS
Authors: Fróis Catarina
Published: June 2020

In the context of the Covid‐19 pandemic, how can the early release of prisoners, requested by the World Health Organization, members of civil society and non‐governmental organizations, be considered a ‘humane’ decision? In this article, the author examines the Portuguese context, discussing the ways that the urgency and fear of contagion highlighted, once more, the inability of prisons to cope with the needs of both those they confine and those they intend to protect.
Retirees’ perceptions of goal setting: A qualitative study
Authors: Dudley Dorothy , O’Loughlin Kate , Lewis Sophie , Loh Vanessa
Published: June 2020

Objective

To investigate the language and meanings that retirees give to goals, including their perceptions of the benefits and limitations of pursuing goals in retirement.

Methods

In‐depth interviews and mini‐group discussions were conducted with 60 community‐dwelling Australian retirees aged 57 to 88 years. Data were transcribed and analysed thematically.

Results

Responses to the term ‘goal’ varied by age in relation to the meaning and relevance of the term to retirement planning, largely shaped by the perceived formality and flexibility of goal setting which linked to acceptance or fear of failure when goals were not achieved with three profiles emerging: the Acceptors, the Ambivalent and the Rejectors. Language was highly influential in forming perceptions.

Conclusion

Retirees’ perceptions about the meaning and usefulness of goals varied greatly, with the language used a key factor in the perceived relevance of goal setting.
Impact of hospital geographic remoteness on overall survival after colorectal cancer resection using state‐wide administrative data
Authors: Udayasiri Dilshan K. , MacCallum Caroline , Da Silva Nigel , Skandarajah Anita , Hayes Ian P.
Published: June 2020

Background

This study aimed to use administrative data (AD) linked to the Victorian death index (VDI) to report on overall long‐term survival following colorectal cancer (CRC) surgery, comparing regional to metropolitan hospitals.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study using prospectively gathered AD linked to VDI. The primary outcome was overall survival (OS). Outcomes were adjusted for potential confounders via multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression analysis.

Results

Total of 17 533 patients: 12 879 metropolitan patients, 3835 inner regional patients and 719 outer regional patients. Multivariable Cox regression, adjusted for the effects of age, ASA score, Charlson score, position of tumour, mode of access, admission type, lymph node metastases, distant metastases, return to theatre, length of stay, HDU admission and discharge destination showed no difference in OS comparing CRC resection patients from inner or outer regional hospitals to metropolitan ((HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.95–1.09, P = 0.59) and (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.85–1.11, P = 0.68) respectively).

Conclusion

This is the largest and most detailed study concerning OS after CRC resection involving Victorian public hospitals. There was no difference in OS following CRC resection when inner or outer regional hospitals were compared to metropolitan hospitals in Victoria. The study demonstrated the utility of AD with validated algorithms, linked to death data for reporting CRC survival outcomes.
Laparoscopic parastomal herniorrhaphy utilizing transversus abdominis release and a modified Sugarbaker technique: A case report
Authors: Imamura Kiyotaka , Takada Minoru , Umemoto Kazufumi , Furukawa Shotaro , Ambo Yoshiyasu , Nakamura Fumitaka
Published: June 2020

A 69‐year‐old woman was referred to our department with complaints of abdominal discomfort in the standing position. She had undergone robot‐assisted radical cystectomy and ileal conduit urinary diversion for bladder cancer 10 months earlier. Abdominal CT revealed a parastomal hernia. Laparoscopic parastomal hernia repair using the Pauli technique was performed successfully with no recurrence after a 4‐month follow‐up. Although there are concerns about potential mesh‐related complications and long‐term results, this novel approach can be a successful option for parastomal hernia repair. As far as we know, this is the first English‐language report on the application of Pauli parastomal hernia repair combined with a pure laparoscopic approach.
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), cancer, autoimmunity and metabolic disorders: An unsolved tantalizing challenge
Authors: Riancho Javier , Delgado‐Alvarado Manuel , Andreu María Dolores , Paz‐Fajardo Lucía , Arozamena Sara , Gil‐Bea Francisco Javier , López de Munaín Adolfo
Published: June 2020

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) commonly referred to as motor neurone disease, is a neurodegenerative disease of unknown pathogenesis that progresses rapidly and has attracted an increased amount of scholarly interest in recent years. The current conception of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has transitioned into a more complex theory in which individual genetic risk, ageing and environmental factors interact, leading to disease onset in subjects in whom the sum of these factors reach a determined threshold. Based on this conceptualization, the environmental conditions, particularly those that are potentially modifiable, are becoming increasingly relevant. In this review, the current integrative model of the disease is discussed. In addition, we explore the role of cancer, autoimmunity and metabolic diseases as examples of novel, non‐genetic and environmental factors. Together with the potential triggers or perpetuating pathogenic mechanisms along with new insights into potential lines of future research are provided.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Recent advances in ALS pathogenesis and therapeutics. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v178.6/issuetoc
Ethaninidothioic acid (R5421) is not a selective inhibitor of platelet phospholipid scramblase activity
Authors: Millington‐Burgess Sarah Louise , Bonna Arkadiusz M. , Rahman Taufiq , Harper Matthew Thomas
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose

Ethaninidothioic acid (R5421) has been used as a scramblase inhibitor to determine the role of phospholipid scrambling across a range of systems including platelet procoagulant activity. The selectivity of R5421 has not been thoroughly studied. Here, we characterised the effects of R5421 on platelet function and its suitability for use as a scramblase inhibitor.

Experimental Approach

Human platelet activation was measured following pretreatment with R5421 and stimulation with a range of agonists. Phosphatidylserine exposure was measured using annexin V binding. Integrin αIIbβ3 activation and α‐granule release were measured by flow cytometry. Cytosolic Ca2+ signals were measured using Cal520 fluorescence. An in silico ligand‐based screen identified 16 compounds which were tested in these assays.

Key Results

R5421 inhibited A23187‐induced phosphatidylserine exposure in a time‐ and temperature‐dependent manner. R5421 inhibited Ca2+ signalling from the PAR1, PAR4 and glycoprotein VI receptors as well as platelet αIIbβ3 integrin activation and α‐granule release. R5421 is therefore not a selective inhibitor of platelet scramblase activity. An in silico screen identified the pesticide thiodicarb as similar to R5421. It also inhibited platelet phosphatidylserine exposure, Ca2+ signalling from the PAR1 and glycoprotein VI, αIIbβ3 activation and α‐granule release. Thiodicarb additionally disrupted Ca2+ homeostasis in unstimulated platelets.

Conclusion and Implications

R5421 is not a selective inhibitor of platelet scramblase activity. We have identified the pesticide thiodicarb, which had similar effects on platelet function to R5421 as well as additional disruption of Ca2+ signalling which may underlie some of thiodicarb's toxicity.
Recombinant thrombomodulin protects against LPS‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome via preservation of pulmonary endothelial glycocalyx
Authors: Suzuki Kodai , Okada Hideshi , Takemura Genzou , Takada Chihiro , Tomita Hiroyuki , Yano Hirohisa , Muraki Isamu , Zaikokuji Ryogen , Kuroda Ayumi , Fukuda Hirotsugu , Nishio Ayane , Takashima Shigeo , Suzuki Akio , Miyazaki Nagisa , Fukuta Tetsuya , Yamada Noriaki , Watanabe Takatomo , Doi Tomoaki , Yoshida Takahiro , Kumada Keisuke , Ushikoshi Hiroaki , Yoshida Shozo , Ogura Shinji
Published: June 2020

Background and Purpose

Disruption of the endothelial glycocalyx is causally related to microvascular endothelial dysfunction, a characteristic of sepsis‐induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Recombinant human thrombomodulin (rhTM) attenuates vascular endothelial injuries, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we investigated the structural basis and molecular mechanisms of rhTM effects on vascular endothelial injury in a model of sepsis.

Experimental Approach

LPS (20 mg·kg−1) was intraperitoneally injected into 10‐week‐old male C57BL6 mice, and saline or rhTM was intraperitoneally injected 3 and 24 h after LPS injection. Using serum and/or lung tissue, histological, ultrastructural, and microarray analyses were performed.

Key Results

Survival rate of rhTM‐treated mice was significantly higher than that of control mice 48 h after LPS injection. Serum concentrations of IL‐6 and high‐mobility group box 1 were lower in the rhTM‐treated group than in the control. Injury to the endothelial glycocalyx in pulmonary capillaries was attenuated by rhTM treatment. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed up‐regulation of gene sets corresponding to cell proliferation/differentiation and anti‐inflammation, such as the TGF‐β pathway, and negative regulation of IL‐6, upon rhTM treatment. Gene expression of heparan sulfate 6‐O‐sulfotransferase 1 and endothelial cell‐specific molecule 1 (components of the endothelial glycocalyx) was significantly preserved by rhTM treatment, and their protein expression levels were maintained in endothelial cells.

Conclusion and Implications

Our findings show that rhTM treatment affected inflammation, cell proliferation/differentiation, and glycocalyx synthesis in serum and lung tissue, subsequently attenuating ARDS caused by endothelial injury.
Association of gBRCA1/2 mutation locations with ovarian cancer risk in Japanese patients from the CHARLOTTE study
Authors: Yoshihara Kosuke , Enomoto Takayuki , Aoki Daisuke , Watanabe Yoh , Kigawa Junzo , Takeshima Nobuhiro , Inomata Hyoe , Hattori Kana , Jinushi Masahisa , Tsuda Hitoshi , Sugiyama Toru
Published: June 2020

Whether germline (g) breast cancer susceptibility gene (BRCA) mutations are located within or outside the ovarian cancer cluster region (OCCR) (1380‐4062 bp for gBRCA1, and between 3249‐5681 bp and 6645‐7471 bp for gBRCA2) may influence risk variations for ovarian cancers. This ad hoc analysis of the CHARLOTTE epidemiological study in Japan assessed the distribution of gBRCA1/2 mutations in patients with newly diagnosed ovarian cancer, and investigated an association between gBRCA1/2 mutation locations and ovarian cancer risk. Differences in patient background and clinical characteristics in subgroups stratified by gBRCA1/2 mutation locations were also evaluated. We analyzed the data of 93 patients (14.7%) from the CHARLOTTE study who were positive for gBRCA1/2 mutations. After excluding 16 cases with L63X founder mutation, 28 (65.1%) of gBRCA1 mutations were within the OCCR. Of 30 gBRCA2 mutations, 15 (50.0%) were within the OCCR. Of 27 patients (one patient excluded for unknown family history) with gBRCA1 mutations located in the OCCR, 11 (40.7%) had a family history of ovarian cancer; the proportion of patients with a family history of ovarian cancer and gBRCA1 mutations outside the OCCR was lower (13.3%). Sixty percent of patients with gBRCA1 mutations outside the OCCR had a family history of breast cancer; the proportion of patients with a family history of breast cancer and gBRCA1 mutations within the OCCR was relatively lower (33.3%). Understanding the mutation locations may contribute to more accurate risk assessments of susceptible individuals and early detection of ovarian cancer among gBRCA mutation carriers.
OM Research: Leading Authors and Institutions
Authors: Koufteros Xenophon A. , Babbar Sunil , Behara Ravi S. , Baghersad Milad
Published: June 2020

In this study, we focus on papers published in a set of four premier journals, Journal of Operations Management, Production and Operations Management, Manufacturing and Service Operations Management, and Management Science over the 15‐year period of 2001–2015. Using simple and weighted counts of papers along with network measures of Total Degree centrality and Bonacich Power centrality, we provide rankings of top authors and institutions in the field of Operations Management (OM) serving as hubs of research, connectivity, and productivity from across the world. In view of benefits that can accrue from increased research collaboration between academicians and practitioners, we examine the levels of practitioner participation in the research works published across these premier journals. We survey the extent to which the top ranked authors and institutions network with practitioners in producing joint publications in these journals. By identifying the top ranked authors and institutions in OM, this study provides information that can be useful to stakeholders who may wish to engage in collaborative research with the leading agents, or pursue educational opportunities with them. The study also presents a profile of productivity levels and what it takes for authors and institutions to rank among the top tiers. In so doing, it offers insights into yearly publication rates and underlying trends—insights that can be useful in the context of promotion and tenure, faculty evaluations, and in assessing the standings of individuals and institutions relative to leadership benchmarks.
Puberty drives fear learning during adolescence
Authors: Stenson Anaïs F. , Nugent Nicole R. , van Rooij Sanne J. H. , Minton Sean T. , Compton Alisha B. , Hinrichs Rebecca , Jovanovic Tanja
Published: June 2020

Risk for adverse outcomes, including the onset of mental illness, increases during adolescence. This increase may be linked to both new exposures, such as violence at home or in the community, or to physiological changes driven by puberty. There are significant sex differences in adolescent risk, for instance, anxiety disorders are significantly more prevalent in girls than boys. Fear learning is linked to mental health and may develop during adolescence, but the role of puberty in adolescent‐specific change has not yet been systematically evaluated. We conducted a longitudinal study of fear learning that tested fear‐potentiated startle (FPS) in 78 children (40 girls) aged 8–16 years. Participants completed two to three visits that included a differential fear conditioning task and self‐report of both pubertal status and violence exposure. We tested for effects of sex, pubertal status, and violence exposure on FPS over time with latent growth curve models. We also examined the association between FPS and later anxiety symptoms. We found significant changes in FPS to the threat cue, but not the safety cue, across visits. Higher pubertal status was significantly associated with increased FPS to threat cues at each visit, whereas sex and violence exposure were not. FPS to threat during the baseline visit also predicted later anxiety symptoms. These findings suggest that puberty drives increased fear response to threat cues similarly for girls and boys, and that this effect may not be significantly impacted by individual differences in violence exposure during early adolescence.
Influence of diabetes mellitus on the severity and fatality of SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19) infection
Authors: Wu Jing , Zhang Jingqi , Sun Xiaohua , Wang Lijuan , Xu Yunfang , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Xingxiang , Dong Chen
Published: June 2020

Aim

To evaluate the influence of diabetes on the severity and fatality of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection.

Materials and Methods

The medical records of 66 hospitalized coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients were collected and classified into non‐severe (mild/moderate cases) and severe (severe/critical cases) groups. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate the risk of severe COVID‐19 (severe/critical infection). In addition, a meta‐analysis including published studies reported the impact of diabetes on the severity and fatality of COVID‐19. The current study was conducted using fixed effects models.

Results

There were 22 diabetes and 44 non‐diabetes cases among the 66 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients. Seven patients with diabetes (31.82%) were diagnosed as severe COVID‐19 cases, which was significantly higher than that in the non‐diabetes group (4/44, 9.09%, P = .033). After adjustment for age and gender, diabetes was significantly associated with COVID‐19 severity (OR: 5.29, 95% CI: 1.07–26.02). A meta‐analysis further confirmed the positive association between diabetes and COVID‐19 severity (pooled OR = 2.58, 95% CI: 1.93–3.45). Moreover, the patients with diabetes infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 had a 2.95‐fold higher risk of fatality compared with those patients without diabetes (95% CI: 1.93–4.53).

Conclusions

Our findings provide new evidence that diabetes is associated with a higher risk of severity and fatality of COVID‐19. Therefore, intensive monitoring and antidiabetic therapy should be considered in patients with diabetes with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.
Transgressing Wallace's Line brings hyperdiverse weevils down to earth
Authors: Letsch Harald , Balke Michael , Toussaint Emmanuel F. A. , Narakusumo Raden Pramesa , Fiedler Konrad , Riedel Alexander
Published: June 2020

Wallace's Line, located in the heart of the Indo‐Australian archipelago, has historically been hypothesized to strongly inhibit dispersal. Taxa crossing this barrier are confronted with different biota of Asian or Australian origin, respectively, but the extent to which these conditions have affected the evolution of the colonizing lineages remains largely unknown. We examined the potential correlations of body size, lifestyle and biogeographical distribution in the weevil genus Trigonopterus. These beetles are highly diverse both on foliage and in litter east of Wallace's Line but occur exclusively in leaf litter in the west. Based on a comprehensive, dated phylogeny of 303 species, we inferred nine crossing events of Wallace's Line, all from east to west. Five previously foliage‐dwelling lineages changed their lifestyle to leaf litter habitats after crossing this barrier. Our results indicate that dispersal is not more likely in edaphic lineages, but rather that abiotic and/or biotic factors may be responsible for the exclusive leaf litter habitat of Trigonopterus in Sundaland. This includes differences in climate, and the different predatory faunas of Australia‐New Guinea, Wallacea and Sundaland. A mimicry complex in New Guinea with Trigonopterus species as presumable model may be of relevance in this context.
Characteristics and potential biomarkers of adult sickle cell patients with chronic pain
Authors: Albo Camila , Kumar Sanjiv , Pope Michael , Kidwell Kyle Michael , Xu Hongyan , Bowman Latanya , Wells Leigh , Barrett Nadine , Fields Sabine , Bora Pritam , Patel Niren , Kutlar Abdullah
Published: June 2020

Objectives

In this study, we investigated the evolution of chronic pain in sickle cell patients (SCD) as an age‐dependent phenomenon and studied the frequency of vaso‐occlusive episode frequency, opioid use, quantitative sensory testing (QST), and biomarkers of chronic pain (CP).

Methods

We undertook a cross‐sectional study of the evolution of CP in SCD. A total of 72 subjects (age 15‐66) were enrolled. VOE frequency, presence of CP hydroxyurea (HU) therapy, opioid use, and laboratory parameters were collected. QST was performed, and plasma tryptase, substance P, and NGF (Nerve Growth Factor) levels were assayed.

Results

There was an age‐dependent increase in frequency of CP, VOEs, opioid use, and Von Frey monofilament values. CP patients had significantly higher opioid use (daily morphine equivalents) (52.8 mg vs 6.94 mg, P = .009), suggesting a correlation between opioid use and hyperalgesia. NGF levels were also significantly higher (P = .051). Our results confirm previous observations of an age‐dependent increase in the proportion of patients with CP and support the contributing role of mast cell activation and neurogenic inflammation.

Conclusions

This is the first study of NGF as a possible biomarker of CP in SCD. If confirmed, this could provide a diagnostic marker and therapeutic target for CP in SCD.
Accelerated brain ageing in sepsis survivors with cognitive long‐term impairment
Authors: Seidel Gundula , Gaser Christian , Götz Theresa , Günther Albrecht , Hamzei Farsin
Published: June 2020

In the last years, cognitive impairment was emphasized to be a prominent long‐term sequelae of sepsis. The level of cognitive impairment is comparable with that in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients. Whether sepsis survivors also show a comparable brain atrophy is still unclear. For the analysis of brain atrophy, a novel method named brain age gap estimation (BrainAGE) was used. In this analysis approach, an algorithm identifies age‐specific atrophy across the whole brain and calculates a BrainAGE score in years. In case of accelerated brain atrophy, the BrainAGE score is increased in comparison to the healthy age reference group, indicating a difference in estimated chronological age. 20 survivors of severe sepsis (longer than 2 years post sepsis) with persistent cognitive deficits were investigated with a battery of neuropsychological tests. Their MRI images were compared to an age‐ and sex‐matched control group. Sepsis survivors showed a significant higher BrainAGE score of 4.5 years compared to healthy controls. We also found a close relationship between the BrainAGE score and severity of cognitive impairment (a higher BrainAGE score was associated with more severe cognitive impairment). Consequently, sepsis survivors with persistent cognitive impairment showed an accelerated brain ageing, which was closely associated with the severity of cognitive impairment (similar to MCI patients).
First report of rapid eye color change in a non‐avian tetrapod
Authors: Carlson Bradley E. , Klein Keith , Rhodes Chaz
Published: June 2020

Like coloration of the integument, eye color can be a significant but understudied component of communication and reproductive behavior. Eye color can change with sexual maturation and become sexually dimorphic, but in a few birds and fish, eye color can also change rapidly in response to the environment. There are few cases of the latter, and we report here several instances of such change in eye color in the Eastern box turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina), the first non‐avian tetrapod in which this capability has been reported. In male turtles, the iris changed from a pale yellow color (often characteristic of juveniles) to a bright red color (characteristic of mature males) in a period of <5 s. The nature of the color change is similar to that observed in some birds and suggests a common mechanism and/or adaptive role, which could be further explored in Eastern box turtles.