bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformational leadership and organizational citizenship behaviour: the role of job autonomy and supportive management
Authors: Pattnaik Subash Chandra , Sahoo Rashmita
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This study aims to examine the relationship between transformational leadership, organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB), job autonomy and supportive management with job autonomy and supportive management as mediating variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data was collected through a survey of employees from business organizations in India. Data from 422 valid responses were analysed using structural equation modelling. Confirmatory factor analysis was run for assessment of the measurement model. Then the mediation effects of job autonomy and supportive management were tested for the hypothesized model.

Findings

Findings of the analyses indicate that transformational leadership directly and positively influences OCB, job autonomy and supportive management. Job autonomy and supportive management directly and positively influence OCB and mediate the relationship between transformational leadership and OCB partially.

Originality/value

Contribution of the study comes from advancement of literature by supporting the mediating effects of job autonomy and supportive management in the relationship between transformational leadership and OCB. Thus, the study provides a basis for the mechanism of how transformational leadership is related to OCB.
The geopolitics of COVID-19: US-China rivalry and the imminent Kindleberger trap
Authors: Bahi Riham
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The spread of COVID-19 is not just a health crisis. The pandemic has taken a geopolitical dimension. The health crisis amplified the competitive dynamics between the USA and China, affected the provision of global public goods and injected instability into the global order. In line with the geopolitical zero-sum thinking, both the USA and China have sought to capitalize on the crisis to boost their international profile. Instead of working together to mitigate the health and economic impacts of COVID-19, the two powers fear that the other will exploit the current situation to accrue political, economic or military gains that will give it an edge after the pandemic subsides. The spread of COVID-19 has set off a “battle of narratives,” in which China and the USA are accusing each other of failing to rise to the challenge. The world seems to be falling into a “Kindleberger Trap,” in which the established power is unable to lead while the rising power is unwilling to assume responsibility. The COVID-19 crisis is occurring amid the collapse of global cooperation. The USA, the traditional leader of international collective efforts in times of crisis, has abandoned its role entirely. The lack of leadership at the global level during an international crisis may cause the breakdown of the international order.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper examines the US-China competitive dynamics through the lens of the work of Charles Kindleberger, which both liberals and realists regard as foundational when examining the dynamics of global crisis management. This paper also uses the meta-geopolitics framework to determine the ability of both China and the USA to respond to the current COVID-19 crisis and its implications for their power and standing in the international system.

Findings

This paper concludes that the only way to escape the Kindleberger trap is “to embed Sino-American relations in multilateralism.”

Originality/value

As rivals, both the USA and China are seeking to capitalize on the crisis to boost their international profile. This paper probes how China and the USA navigated the ongoing COVID-19 crisis to determine whether or not they are currently in a “Kindleberger Trap,” using elements of the meta-geopolitics framework of analysis, namely, health issues, domestic politics, economics, science and international diplomacy. Using the meta-geopolitics framework will help us determine the ability of both China and the USA to respond to the current COVID-19 crisis and the implications of that on their power and standing in the international system.
Who cares? Supply chain managers’ perceptions regarding cyber supply chain risk management in the digital transformation era
Authors: Creazza Alessandro , Colicchia Claudia , Spiezia Salvatore , Dallari Fabrizio
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the perceptions of supply chain managers regarding the elements that make up cyber supply chain risk management (CSCRM) and the related level of alignment, to understand how organizations can deploy a CSCRM strategy that goes beyond the technical, internal functioning of single companies and moves beyond the dyad, to create a better alignment that can ultimately lead to improved cyber supply chain resilience.

Design/methodology/approach

An exploratory survey in the fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) industry involving over 100 organizations in Italy was conducted. Results were analysed through one-way analysis of variance, to appraise the differences in the perceptions of the various actors of the FMCG supply chain (Manufacturers, Logistics Service Providers, Retailers).

Findings

While a certain degree of alignment of the perceptions across the FMCG supply chain exists, the study found that Logistics Service Providers can play a crucial role as orchestrators of the CSCRM process towards a more “supply chain-oriented” response to cyber threats and risk events. The research also highlights the necessity to see people as key elements for improving cyber resilience in the supply chain.

Research limitations/implications

Through a vertical analysis of a supply chain, the study extends the existing theory on CSCRM, which contains isolated case studies. It also contributes to extending the current theory with the proposal of the paradigm of Logistics Service Providers as orchestrators of the CSCRM process. The study combines different classifications of CSCRM initiatives and embraces theories external to the supply chain literature.

Practical implications

Through the empirical analysis, this study helps practitioners in streamlining the design of cyber security strategies and actions that span across the supply chain for better alignment. This could mean more coordination of efforts and more targeted/accurate investments in CSCRM initiatives. The study invites practitioners to ponder the perceived relevance of the human factor as a source of risk and the perceived importance of countermeasures aimed at mitigating risk events stemming from that source.

Originality/value

By focusing on an entire supply chain, this is one of the first studies on CSCRM that goes beyond the dyad. Its originality also lies in its use of the investigations of perceptions along the supply chain as pillars for the alignment of CSCRM strategies and mitigation initiatives. This original perspective allows for discovering the role of Logistics Service Providers in driving the alignment of the efforts towards better outcomes of the CSCRM process.
Combined effect of temperature and water stress on seed germination of four Leptocereus spp. (Cactaceae) from Cuban dry forests
Authors: Barrios Duniel , Flores Joel , Sánchez Jorge A , González‐Torres Luis R
Published: May 2021

Cactus seeds have developed adaptations to survive with high temperatures and low soil moisture in their habitats. We studied the effect of the combination of four water potentials (0, −0.2, −0.4 and −0.6 MPa) and two temperatures (25°C and 35°C) on germination and seedling mass of four endemic Leptocereus species from Cuba. There were two semi‐arid coast species (L. arboreus and L. santamarinae) and two species inhabiting dry inland karstic hills (L. ekmanii and L. scopulophilus). We hypothesized that: (a) a decrease in water potential and an increase in temperature would result in low and slow germination, as well as in low seedling mass, and (b) ungerminated cactus seeds after exposure to combined water and temperature stress would have a high recovery capacity. The minimum time required for the seeds to start germination (Tmin), mean germination time (MGT) and germinability were evaluated. In addition, seed mass, the recovery after treatments of non‐germinated seeds, and the seedling fresh mass obtained under different treatments were compared between species. In general, germination was only obtained at 25°C and germinability and seedling mass were drastically affected by the reduction from 0 MPa to −0.2 MPa. Seeds showed thermoinhibition at 35°C at all water potentials. There was a tendency to increase the MGT with decreasing water potential in three species. Low seed recovery occurred at all combined treatments for three species. If the predictions of increased temperature and decreased rainfall for the Caribbean region occur, a reduction in the germination of the Leptocereus species studied is expected.
The role of hopanoids in fortifying rhizobia against a changing climate
Authors: Tookmanian Elise M. , Belin Brittany J. , Sáenz James P. , Newman Dianne K.
Published: May 2021

Bacteria are a globally sustainable source of fixed nitrogen, which is essential for life and crucial for modern agriculture. Many nitrogen‐fixing bacteria are agriculturally important, including bacteria known as rhizobia that participate in growth‐promoting symbioses with legume plants throughout the world. To be effective symbionts, rhizobia must overcome multiple environmental challenges: from surviving in the soil, to transitioning to the plant environment, to maintaining high metabolic activity within root nodules. Climate change threatens to exacerbate these challenges, especially through fluctuations in soil water potential. Understanding how rhizobia cope with environmental stress is crucial for maintaining agricultural yields in the coming century. The bacterial outer membrane is the first line of defence against physical and chemical environmental stresses, and lipids play a crucial role in determining the robustness of the outer membrane. In particular, structural remodelling of lipid A and sterol‐analogues known as hopanoids are instrumental in stress acclimation. Here, we discuss how the unique outer membrane lipid composition of rhizobia may underpin their resilience in the face of increasing osmotic stress expected due to climate change, illustrating the importance of studying microbial membranes and highlighting potential avenues towards more sustainable soil additives.
Isolation and evaluation of the biocontrol potential of Talaromyces spp. against rice sheath blight guided by soil microbiome
Authors: Abbas Aqleem , Fu Yanping , Qu Zheng , Zhao Huizhang , Sun Yongjian , Lin Yang , Xie Jiatao , Cheng Jiasen , Jiang Daohong
Published: May 2021

Rice sheath blight caused by Rhizoctonia solani is the major disease of rice that seriously threatens food security worldwide. Efficient and eco‐friendly biological approaches are urgently needed since no resistant cultivars are available. In this study, fallow and paddy soils were initially subjected to microbiome analyses, and the results showed that Talaromyces spp. were significantly more abundant in the paddy soil, while Trichoderma spp. were more abundant in the fallow soil, suggesting that Talaromyces spp. could live and survive better in the paddy soil. Five Talaromyces isolates, namely, TF‐04, TF‐03, TF‐02, TF‐01 and TA‐02, were isolated from the paddy soil using sclerotia of R. solani as baits and were further evaluated for their activity against rice sheath blight. These isolates efficiently parasitized the hyphae and rotted the sclerotia even at higher water contents in the sterilized sand and the soil. Isolate TF‐04 significantly promoted rice growth, reduced the severity of rice sheath blight and increased the rice yield under outdoor conditions. Defence‐related genes were upregulated and enzyme activities were enhanced in rice treated with isolate TF‐04. Our research supplies a microbiome‐guided approach to screen biological control agents and provides Talaromyces isolates to biologically control rice sheath blight.
Who knows best? Health risks and digital media engagement in Discourses relating to human papillomavirus vaccination
Authors: Nordtug Maja
Published: May 2021

In Denmark, parents have needed to deal with inconsistent presentations of risk regarding the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. This has complicated the parents' task of making a decision about having their daughters vaccinated. In this article, I analyse how Danish parents engage with digital media when making this decision. The results are based on interviews with 18 Danish parents of girls aged 10–13 years old. In my analysis of the interviews, I found that parents align with one of two Discourses when engaging with digital media in relation to HPV vaccination: one centralised and one decentralised. In the centralised Discourse, parents leave it up to other actors such as health authorities to manage the risks of vaccination, thus limiting the experienced need to engage with digital media; in the decentralised Discourse, however, parents themselves assess potential risks, thereby increasing the need to engage with digital media. As a result, I discuss why some parents can consider it necessary to struggle to engage in literacies when making decisions about complex health topics, even when there are clear government recommendations.
Blending mindfulness practices and character strengths increases employee well‐being: A second‐order meta‐analysis and a follow‐up field experiment
Authors: Monzani Lucas , Escartín Jordi , Ceja Lucia , Bakker A. B.
Published: May 2021

This study summarises the existing literature on Mindfulness‐Based Interventions (MBIs) and their effect on employee well‐being criteria and extends it by testing MBIs against a Mindfulness‐Strengths‐Based Intervention (MSBI). Given that extant MBIs focus on restoring well‐being, our first hypothesis was that MBIs would perform better on reducing negative emotional states than on promoting well‐being. To test our first hypothesis, we conducted a second‐order meta‐analysis, which summarised 13 first‐order meta‐analyses (k = 311). MBIs had stronger effects on reducing negative emotions (g = −0.74) than on increasing well‐being (g = 0.58). Then, we conducted a follow‐up field experiment, comparing how an MSBI performed against an MBI on employee well‐being criteria. An MSBI combines mindful meditation, mindful living and Character‐Strengths‐Based Interventions. Our second hypothesis was that an MSBI would outperform an MBI on increasing employee well‐being criteria. During an MSBI, participants (a) attain a conscious state of mindful awareness, and (b) direct their attention towards the discovery and habitual exercise of their character strengths. To test our second hypothesis, we randomly assigned employees of a small Spanish healthcare organisation to either an MSBI or an MBI intervention group. We measured employee well‐being, before and after the intervention, using two well‐established measures of hedonic and eudaimonic well‐being. Our results show that both interventions were successful and had a large effect on both well‐being criteria. Further, as predicted, the MSBI group reported higher absolute scores of well‐being than the MBI group. Implications for theory and practice are discussed, and detailed appendices for practitioners are provided.
Tracheal polypoid combined small cell lung cancer (C‐SCLC): A case report
Authors: Testori Alberto , Ferraroli Giorgio , De Carlo Camilla , Bossi Paola , Alloisio Marco , Mangiameli Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis that accounts for 10% of all cases of clinical lung cancer. Due to its high growth fraction and rapid doubling time it is usually diagnosed as extensive local or metastatic disease in 60%–70% of cases. Combined small cell lung cancer (C‐SCLC) is a relatively rare subtype of SCLC and is defined as SCLC combined with any elements of non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Clinical presentation of SCLC as an isolated pedunculated endotracheal lesion is an especially rare occurrence. Here, we report for the first time the occurrence of a C‐SCLC as a polypoid tumor of the trachea diagnosed in an 80‐year‐old woman admitted to the emergency department with a principal complaint of cough and wheezing.
Impact of concomitant medication on clinical outcomes in patients with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors: A retrospective study
Authors: Miura Kaho , Sano Yoshiyuki , Niho Seiji , Kawasumi Kenji , Mochizuki Nobuo , Yoh Kiyotaka , Matsumoto Shingo , Zenke Yoshitaka , Ikeda Takaya , Nosaki Kaname , Kirita Keisuke , Udagawa Hibiki , Goto Koichi , Kawasaki Toshikatsu , Hanada Kazuhiko
Published: May 2021

Background

It has recently been suggested that concomitant medication may affect the clinical outcome of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, only a few studies on the impact of concomitant medication on immune‐related adverse events (irAEs) have previously been reported. Here, we aimed to determine the impact of concomitant medication on the efficacy and safety of ICIs.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the data of 300 patients treated with nivolumab or pembrolizumab for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between January 2016 and July 2018. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to assess the effect of concomitant medication on treatment response or irAEs. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to evaluate concomitant medication‐related factors associated with time‐to‐treatment failure or overall survival (OS).

Results

A total of 70 patients responded to treatment and 137 experienced irAEs. The response rate and incidence of irAEs in patients treated with ICIs were not significantly associated with concomitant medication. Multivariate analysis showed that the use of opioids was an independent factor (time‐to‐treatment failure: hazard ratio 1.39, p = 0.021, OS: hazard ratio 1.54, p = 0.007).

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of nivolumab or pembrolizumab in the treatment of patients with advanced NSCLC were not significantly influenced by concomitant medication. However, opioid usage might be associated with shorter OS in patients treated with these ICIs. Further mechanistic investigations should explore whether these associations are purely prognostic or contribute to ICI resistance.
On the measurement of microclimate
Authors: Maclean Ilya M. D. , Duffy James P. , Haesen Stef , Govaert Sanne , De Frenne Pieter , Vanneste Thomas , Lenoir Jonathan , Lembrechts Jonas J. , Rhodes Marcus W. , Van Meerbeek Koenraad
Published: May 2021

Many organisms live in environments in which temperatures differ substantially from those measured by standard weather stations. The last decade has witnessed a paradigm shift in efforts to quantify these differences and to understand their ecological, functional and evolutionary implications. This renewed interest in microclimate ecology has been accompanied by the development of various compact temperature sensors and radiation shields. However, it is clear that there are many pitfalls when measuring temperature using these devices.

Here we address the problem of measuring temperatures in these microenvironments accurately. We first discuss the theory of measuring surface, ground and air temperatures with reference to energy fluxes and how these are modified by material, reflective properties and size of the device. We highlight the particular difficulties associated with measuring air temperature. We then report on the results of a series of experiments in which air temperatures recorded by various commonly used microclimate temperature loggers are compared to those obtained using research‐grade instruments and synoptic weather stations.

While accurate measurements of surface and ground temperatures and air temperatures at night and in shaded environments can be relatively easily obtained, we show substantial errors are to be expected when measuring air temperatures in environments exposed to sunlight. Most standard sensors yield large errors, which can reach 25°C due to radiative fluxes operating on the thermometer. This problem cannot be wholly overcome by shielding the thermometer from sunlight, as the shield itself will influence both the temperatures being measured and the accuracy of measurement.

We demonstrate that reasonably accurate estimates of air temperature can be obtained with low‐cost and unshielded ultrafine‐wire thermocouples that possess low thermal emissivity and a highly reflective surface. As the processes that create microclimatic temperature variation are the same as those that cause errors, other logger types should be used with care, and generally avoided in environments exposed to sunlight and close to the ground where wind speeds are lower. We urge researchers interested in microclimates and their effects to pay greater heed to the physics of heat exchange when attempting to measure microclimate temperatures and to understand the trade‐offs that exist in doing so.
ENMeval 2.0: Redesigned for customizable and reproducible modeling of species’ niches and distributions
Authors: Kass Jamie M. , Muscarella Robert , Galante Peter J. , Bohl Corentin L. , Pinilla‐Buitrago Gonzalo E. , Boria Robert A. , Soley‐Guardia Mariano , Anderson Robert P.
Published: May 2021

Quantitative evaluations to optimize complexity have become standard for avoiding overfitting of ecological niche models (ENMs) that estimate species’ potential geographic distributions. ENMeval was the first R package to make such evaluations (often termed model tuning) widely accessible for the Maxent algorithm. It also provided multiple methods for partitioning occurrence data and reported various performance metrics.

Requests by users, recent developments in the field, and needs for software compatibility led to a major redesign and expansion. We additionally conducted a literature review to investigate trends in ENMeval use (2015–2019).

ENMeval 2.0 has a new object‐oriented structure for adding other algorithms, enables customizing algorithmic settings and performance metrics, generates extensive metadata, implements a null‐model approach to quantify significance and effect sizes, and includes features to increase the breadth of analyses and visualizations. In our literature review, we found insufficient reporting of model performance and parameterization, heavy reliance on model selection with AICc and low utilization of spatial cross‐validation; we explain how ENMeval 2.0 can help address these issues.

This redesigned and expanded version can promote progress in the field and improve the information available for decision‐making.

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Histomorphometric and histochemical characteristics of the oesophagus of the greater mouse‐eared Bat, Myotis myotis (Borkhausen, 1797)
Authors: Paksuz Emine Pınar , Paksuz Serbülent
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to examine the histomorphometric and histochemical structure of oesophagus of the wild‐caught greater mouse‐eared bat M. myotis. For this purpose, 10 specimens of oesophagus were collected and processed. The oesophagus wall of M. myotis is composed of four layers: tunica mucosa, tunica submucosa, tunica muscularis and tunica adventitia. The mucosa is covered by a non‐keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. There were no glands in the wall of the oesophagus. Tunica muscularis is composed of two muscle layers: internal circular muscular layer and an external longitudinal muscular layer. Histochemical studies revealed that the oesophagus was AB/PAS and PAS positive indicating the presence of acidic and neutral mucosubstances. AB‐PAS staining shows that glycoproteins were predominant in the all examined layers of the oesophagus. Because of the absence of oesophageal glands in M. myotis, positive reaction with AB‐PAS staining may be due to secretion of salivary glands. Absence of oesophageal glands reflects the functional adaptation as high food passage rate for the insectivorous feeding habits of animals.
Intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for women who are screened positive for group B streptococcal colonisation: Clinical compliance with the guideline
Authors: Braye Kathryn , Ferguson John , Ball Jean , Foureur Maralyn
Published: May 2021

Background

In high income countries, ~30% of pregnant women are provided with intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) for early‐onset group B streptococcal infection (EOGBSI). The infection rate is low, 0.2/1000 livebirths in our jurisdiction, and others. We hypothesised factors, other than IAP alone, were reasons for the low rate of EOGBSI.

Aims

Compliance with our local guideline, referred to here as ‘the guideline’.

Method

Compliance was defined as an initial dose of benzylpenicillin IAP followed by four‐hourly doses until birth. The study population was drawn from 4098 women who had 4100 pregnancies resulting in 4200 babies in an Australian birth setting from 1/1/2016 to 31/12/2016. Most, 93%, were eligible for universal GBS screening, 67% were reported as screened and 90% of these had a result documented; 23% were positive for GBS. A random sample (n = 223) was taken for further analysis.

Results

The adjusted odds of receiving benzylpenicillin IAP in accord with the guideline were three times higher among primiparous compared to multiparous women (P < 0.001, odds ratio (OR) = 3.4, 95% CI 1.7–6.7) and three times higher among women experiencing induction of labour compared to women who commenced labour spontaneously (P < 0.001, OR = 3.4, 95% CI 1.8–6.3). Of the 223 women, 188 received IAP: 176 received benzylpenicillin IAP, 31% (or 24% of the total sample) received this intervention in accord with the guideline, 24% received benzylpenicillin ≥4 h before birth but not in accord with the guideline and 44% received benzylpenicillin <4 h before birth.

Conclusion

We conclude that sub‐optimal compliance was largely a consequence of an unrealistic guideline.
Measuring the impact of cardiotocograph decision support software on neonatal outcomes: A propensity score‐matched observational study
Authors: Wilson Emily , Dunn Liam , Beckmann Michael , Kumar Sailesh
Published: May 2021

Background

This study follows the 2017 UK INFANT Collaborative Group RCT, which compared neonatal outcomes with and without the use of the INFANT cardiotocograph decision support system for over 46 000 patients in labour. The original trial failed to demonstrate a significant improvement to neonatal outcomes; however, the study design was subject to methodological critique.

Aims

This Australian retrospective cohort study aimed to report perinatal outcomes before and after the introduction of INFANT decision support software for cardiotocograph use in labour.

Materials and Methods

The study cohort was divided into two equivalent 18‐month epochs, before and after the introduction of INFANT‐Guardian® CTG decision support system. Propensity score matching analysis was undertaken to balance pre‐ and post‐implementation groups by baseline covariates. The matched cohort included 11 154 public‐funded women between November 2016 and 2019, with a singleton live fetus ≥34 + 0 weeks, being induced or in spontaneous labour. The main outcome measures were: a composite measure of serious adverse neonatal outcome comprising of one or more of: admission to intensive care nursery >48 h, Apgar <4 at 5 min, cord arterial pH <7.0, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy grade 2 or 3, therapeutic hypothermia, neonatal death.

Results

The incidence of the composite primary outcome was significantly lower following implementation of INFANT (0.57% vs. 1.00%; OR 0.57, 95%CI 0.37–0.88; P = 0.01). A significant reduction in nursery admission >48 h was also observed (0.05% vs. 0.30%; OR 0.18, 95%CI 0.05–0.60; P = 0.002).

Conclusions

INFANT software is associated with a reduction in serious adverse neonatal outcomes, without increasing the rate of operative delivery.
Endothelial genetic deletion of CD147 induces changes in the dual function of the blood‐brain barrier and is implicated in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Wang Hao , Lv Jian‐Jun , Zhao Yu , Wei Hao‐Lin , Zhang Tian‐Jiao , Yang Hai‐Jiao , Chen Zhi‐Nan , Jiang Jian‐Li
Published: May 2021

Aims

The blood‐brain barrier (BBB) is a specialized and indispensable structure in brain blood vessels that is damaged during Alzheimer's disease (AD). CD147 is expressed on the BBB and deeply engaged in the AD pathological process. In this study, we aimed to provide a better understanding of the roles of CD147 in BBB function in health and neurodegenerative disease.

Methods and Results

We measured CD147 expression in mouse brains and demonstrated that CD147 is exclusively expressed in brain endothelial cells (BECs), and its expression decreases with age. After constructing endothelial‐specific CD147 knockout mice, we performed RNA‐sequencing on BECs isolated from mice of different ages as well as a range of database analyses. We found that endothelial CD147 is essential for the dual functions of the BBB, including barrier maintenance and transporter regulation. This study also shows that CD147 plays a pivotal role in neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in AD.

Conclusions

Our findings suggested that targeting CD147 in BECs may represent a novel therapeutic strategy, which promoted the design of future experimental investigations and the mechanistic understanding of neurodegenerative diseases.
Hue‐shifting for accurate and precise quantification of biochemical substances using diagnostic test strips
Authors: Doi Ryoichi
Published: May 2021

Some test strips have high feasibility for the quick and approximate quantification of the biochemical substances in samples. Recently, test strips became more precise and accurate by involving the quantitative observation of coloration and regression modelling. Their accuracy and precision can be significantly improved by hue‐shifting the colours of the original sample and those of the standards. The standard colour images included in the instructions of test strips for the detection of four urinary and two salivary biochemical substances were used. Images of glucose‐loaded test strips for urinary glucose detection were also prepared. Using the red‐green‐blue (RGB) colour image, the author prepared 11 hue‐shifted colour images by changing the hue of the original RGB colour image at intervals of 30°. From each of the 12 colour images, 10 greyscale images indicating values of the intensity of RGB, cyan, magenta, yellow, key black,L*,a*andb*were prepared. In regression modelling, the additional 110 greyscale images improved the values of the coefficient of determination and normalised mean absolute error in the quantification of protein, specific gravity, urobilinogen and glucose in urine, as well as of alcohol and nitric oxide in saliva. Further analyses showed that the hue‐shifting technique yielded new greyscale images that were more significantly related to the values of the biochemical variables in question than any previous greyscale images. This improvement was realised by the most significant linear measures for the description of concentrations of biochemical substances, and synergetic effects between significant greyscale images.
Influence of aminopropyl/vinyl/silsesquioxane post‐treatment on the colour performance of pigment‐based inks on ink‐jet‐printed polyester fabrics
Authors: Hakeim Osama Abdel , Rashed Samah Abdou , Diab Hanan Abdelmohsen
Published: May 2021

The present research manages the utilisation of post‐treatment coating solutions of aminopropyl/vinyl/silsesquioxane (APSV) for ink‐jet printing of polyester with CMYK (cyan, magenta, yellow and key [black]) pigmented water‐based ink‐jet inks. The proposed protocols could effectively fix the pigment colours on polyester at a low relieving temperature under the thermal initiation or ultraviolet (UV)‐radiation of vinyl terminated groups in APSV compared to the commercial textile binders. The colorimetric data and fixation, antistatic properties, roughness and durability of the ink‐jet‐printed samples were studied. The outcomes demonstrated that APSV successfully fixed the pigment‐based ink‐jet inks on polyester fabric, and could achieve significantly higher colour performance and degree of fixation than the commercial textile binders. The APSV‐post‐treated examples had durable antistatic properties and soft handle. The durability tests indicated that the ink‐jet‐printed polyester fabrics post‐treated with APSV retained a higher degree of fixation and antistatic properties after 10 launderings. In general, the outcomes revealed that APSV can be successfully utilised as a pigment binding agent, eliminate all determinant drawbacks in works of literature for treatment of fabrics in ink‐jet printing application, such as the fabric handles and the many approached methods. Moreover, it showed a good durable antistatic finish for the post‐treatment of ink‐jet‐printed polyester fabrics.
Adult neurogenic process in the subventricular zone‐olfactory bulb system is regulated by Tau protein under prolonged stress
Authors: Dioli Chrysoula , Patrício Patrícia , Pinto Lucilia‐Goreti , Marie Clemence , Morais Mónica , Vyas Sheela , Bessa João M. , Pinto Luisa , Sotiropoulos Ioannis
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The area of the subventricular zone (SVZ) in the adult brain exhibits the highest number of proliferative cells, which, together with the olfactory bulb (OB), maintains constant brain plasticity through the generation, migration and integration of newly born neurons. Despite Tau and its malfunction is increasingly related to deficits of adult hippocampal neurogenesis and brain plasticity under pathological conditions [e.g. in Alzheimer's disease (AD)], it remains unknown whether Tau plays a role in the neurogenic process of the SVZ and OB system under conditions of chronic stress, a well‐known sculptor of brain and risk factor for AD.

Materials and methods

Different types of newly born cells in SVZ and OB were analysed in animals that lack Tau gene (Tau‐KO) and their wild‐type littermates (WT) under control or chronic stress conditions.

Results

We demonstrate that chronic stress reduced the number of proliferating cells and neuroblasts in the SVZ leading to decreased number of newborn neurons in the OB of adult WT, but not Tau‐KO, mice. Interestingly, while stress‐evoked changes were not detected in OB granular cell layer, Tau‐KO exhibited increased number of mature neurons in this layer indicating altered neuronal migration due to Tau loss.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest the critical involvement of Tau in the neurogenesis suppression of SVZ and OB neurogenic niche under stressful conditions highlighting the role of Tau protein as an essential regulator of stress‐driven plasticity deficits.
Resilience and associated characteristics in adults with spina bifida
Authors: Showen Amy E , Copp Hillary L , Allen Isabel E , Hampson Lindsay A
Published: May 2021

Aim

To measure resilience and identify associated demographic and clinical factors in individuals with spina bifida.

Method

An anonymous survey was distributed via Facebook advertising to individuals with congenital urological conditions. Respondents 18 years or older with spina bifida were included in this study. Resilience was measured with the 10‐item Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale. Mean resilience levels in the study population and a US general population sample were compared with Student’s t‐test. Multiple linear regression assessed demographic and clinical factors associated with resilience.

Results

The mean resilience score for participants (n=195; 49 males, 146 females; mean age 40y 2mo [SD 12y 7mo] range 18–74y) was 27.2 (SD 7.5), which differed from a mean of 31.8 (SD 5.4) for a US general population sample (p<0.01). Multiple linear regression demonstrated significant positive associations between resilience and older age (p=0.04), prior urological surgeries (p=0.03), higher household education (p<0.01), and higher physical function (p<0.01).

Interpretation

Resilience in individuals with spina bifida is moderately poor, relative to the general population, and is associated with certain demographic and clinical factors. As a modifiable construct with positive effects on quality of life, psychological well‐being, and health‐related behaviors, resilience is a promising target for intervention in individuals with spina bifida.

What this paper adds

Resilience in individuals with spina bifida is moderately poor.

Resilience is lower in individuals with spina bifida than the general population.

Resilience is associated with age, household education, physical function, and urological surgery.
Considering mental health and neurodevelopmental outcomes for children born extremely preterm
Authors: Hunter Scott J
Published: May 2021

This commentary is on the original article by Morris et al. on pages 954–962 of this issue.
Using stable isotope data to quantify niche overlap and diets of muskellunge, northern pike and walleye in a deep Minnesota lake
Authors: Herwig Brian R. , Zimmer Kyle D. , Staples David F.
Published: May 2021

Muskellunge (Esox masquinongy Mitchill), northern pike (Esox lucius L.) and walleye (Sander vitreus Mitchill) often coexist in lake communities, yet uncertainty exists about the potential for interspecific competition among these top predators. Stable isotope data were used to assess niche overlap and diets of these predators in Elk Lake (Minnesota, U.S.A). δ13C indicated primary production sources (e.g. pelagic v. littoral) and δ15N indicated trophic position; the bivariate distribution of these isotopes defined the species’ isotopic niche. Niche overlap probabilities were calculated and stable isotope mixing models were used to quantify diet proportions. Muskellunge and northern pike niches overlapped little (<10%), while walleye overlapped muskellunge (15%–60%) and northern pike (33%–53%) more extensively. Muskellunge diets focused (50%) on cisco (Coregonus artedi Lesueur), walleye primarily assimilated non‐cisco prey fish (80%), and northern pike diets were dominated by non‐cisco prey fish (45%) and invertebrates (40%). The presence of a cisco population and the flexibility of northern pike to use invertebrate resources may decrease potential competition among these predators. However, cisco are threatened by climate change and eutrophication, and our results suggest that extirpation of cisco may cause major changes in potential competitive interactions among these top predators. Moreover, cisco were unique among prey species in their ability to exploit pelagic energy, such that loss of cisco will likely alter energy flow in lake food webs where they currently exist.
Prognostic impact of pretransplant measurable residual disease assessed by peripheral blood WT1‐mRNA expression in patients with AML and MDS
Authors: Rautenberg Christina , Lauseker Michael , Kaivers Jennifer , Jäger Paul , Fischermanns Carolin , Pechtel Sabrina , Haas Rainer , Kobbe Guido , Germing Ulrich , Schroeder Thomas
Published: May 2021

Objective

As peripheral blood (PB) Wilm's Tumor 1 (WT1)‐mRNA expression is established as MRD‐marker during conventional AML chemotherapy, impact of pretransplant WT1 expression remains unclear. Therefore, we aimed to assess prognostic impact of pretransplant WT1 expression on post‐transplant outcome in patients with AML/MDS.

Methods

In 64 AML/MDS patients, pretransplant WT1 expression was retrospectively analyzed using a standardized assay offering high sensitivity, specificity, and a validated cut‐off. Patients were divided into three groups determined by pretransplant remission and WT1 expression. Post‐transplant outcome of these groups was compared regarding cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR), relapse‐free (RFS), and overall survival (OS).

Results

Pretransplant forty‐six patients (72%) showed hematologic remission, including 21 (46%) MRD‐negative and 25 (54%) MRD‐positive patients indicated by WT1 expression, while 18 refractory patients (28%) showed active disease. Two‐year estimates of post‐transplant CIR, RFS, and OS were similar in MRD‐positive (61%, 37%, 54%) and refractory patients (70%, 26%, 56%), but significantly inferior compared with MRD‐negative patients (10%, 89%, 90%). After multivariable adjustment, pretransplant MRD negativity measured by WT1 expression retained its prognostic impact on CIR (P = .008), RFS (P = .005), and OS (P = .049).

Conclusions

PB WT1 expression represents a useful method to estimate pretransplant MRD, which is highly predictable for post‐transplant outcome and may help improving peri‐transplant management in AML/MDS patients.
Ultrasonographic diagnosis of lateral meniscal rupture in two horses with severe lameness
Authors: Dillenbeck L. , Whitcomb M. B. , Dechant J. , Sole Guitart A.
Published: May 2021

The lateral meniscus is less frequently injured than the medial meniscus and is often more challenging to evaluate with ultrasonography or arthroscopy. This report describes two horses with lateral meniscal rupture identified ultrasonographically and confirmed on post‐mortem examination. Both horses were evaluated for severe unilateral hindlimb lameness. Ultrasonography revealed absence of lateral meniscal tissue in the mid‐body region with marked distortion cranial and caudal to the rupture. Radiographic evidence of uniaxial degenerative change heightened the suspicion for lateral femorotibial injury in one horse with chronic lameness but otherwise underestimated the degree of injury. Arthroscopy was not performed due to the severity of ultrasonographic findings but was considered unlikely to have been able to visualise the rupture given its mid‐body location. Meniscal rupture appears to be an unusual but significant injury, with only one similar case identified. The involvement of the lateral meniscus underscores the importance of detailed evaluation of both menisci in horses with stifle lameness.
Emerging Ideas. How Do Low‐Income Mothers Talk to Children About Weight and Body Shape?
Authors: Bauer Katherine W. , Branch Jacqueline M. , Appugliese Danielle P. , Pesch Megan H. , Miller Alison L. , Lumeng Julie C. , Kaciroti Niko
Published: May 2021

Objective

Identify mothers' perceptions of how they talk about weight and body shape with their children and examine how approaches vary by mother and child characteristics.

Background

Youth who report that their parents talk with them about their weight experience poor health. However, very little is known about the content of these conversations.

Method

Mothers and their 6‐ to 11‐year‐old children (N = 188 dyads) participated in a mixed‐methods study. Themes in mothers' responses to the interview question “How do you talk to your child about weight or body shape?” were identified, and latent class analysis was used to characterize patterns of weight and shape talk.

Results

Seven themes of weight and shape talk were identified, including talking about “Healthy Habits” (39.9%), “Avoids Weight and Body Talk” (21.8%), and tells “Cautionary Tales” (18.6%). Three patterns emerged from themes: talk to promote health, avoid talking about weight and shape, and talk to build children's self‐esteem. Mothers of children with obesity were more likely to talk to promote health versus other patterns.

Conclusion

The content of family conversations about weight and shape is diverse.

Implications for Emerging Ideas

Future research is needed to understand the impacts of specific ways parents talk about weight and shape.
Estimating the intrinsic dissipation using the second harmonic of the temperature signal in tension‐compression fatigue: Part I. Theory
Authors: Meneghetti Giovanni , Ricotta Mauro
Published: May 2021

An analytical framework was developed to correlate the intrinsic dissipation to the second harmonic of the temperature signal evaluated by means of the Fourier transform. The theoretical model assumes, without loss of generality, total conversion of the input mechanical energy into heat. Elastic‐perfectly plastic or elastic–plastic materials obeying a Ramberg–Osgood law are considered. For the sake of simplicity, analytical solution of the thermoelastic and plastic temperature evolutions are obtained in the case of uniform stress and temperature fields. It was found that the intrinsic dissipation is correlated to the second harmonic of the temperature signal by means of a parameter (theβparameter) that, in the case of an elastic–plastic material, depends on the cyclic hardening exponentn′.
The Indian venture capital emergence, development, and boom: A southern contextualization
Authors: Gonzalo Manuel , Kantis Hugo
Published: May 2021

Even during the current COVID‐19 crisis, venture capital (VC) is booming in India. Indian‐based VC funds grew from less than 10 at the start of the 1990s to more than 500 nowadays, with the amount of total investment continuously increasing since 2000. The aim of this paper is to contextualize the process of emergence, development, and boom of the Indian VC industry from the theoretical perspective of innovation and entrepreneurial systems, particularly incorporating contributions from Latin American and Indian authors. In doing so, we present a global, historical, and territorially grounded narrative of the Indian VC development stressing the relevance of: (a) the institutional and technological capabilities accumulated by the Indian National Innovation System (NIS) and the Indian Computer and Information Services Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (CISEE), particularly around Bangalore, (b) the role of the State (and the institutional entrepreneurs) and the timing of the STI policy oriented to the software industry, (c) the growing influence of global players such as the World Bank, the Indian American argonauts and multinational enterprises, and (d) the U.S. offshoring opportunities and the growing Indian domestic demand. We discuss these processes with a wider relevance for theoretical and policy advancement in Global South settings.
Predictive impact of residual disease detected using multiparametric flow cytometry on risk stratification of paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia with normal karyotype
Authors: Zeng Hui‐min , Hu Guan‐hua , Lu Ai‐dong , Jia Yue‐ping , Zuo Ying‐xi , Zhang Le‐ping
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Residual disease (RD) detected using multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) is an independent predictive variable of relapse in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). However, RD thresholds and optimal assessment time points remain to be validated.

Material and methods

We investigated the significance of RD after induction therapy in paediatric AML with normal karyotype between June 2008 and June 2018. Bone marrow samples from 73 patients were collected at the end of the first (BMA‐1) and second (BMA‐2) induction courses to monitor RD using MFC.

Results

Presence of RD after BMA‐1 and/or BMA‐2 correlated with poor relapse‐free (RFS) and overall survival at 0.1% RD cutoff level. Receiver operating characteristic curve showed that RD cutoff levels of 1.3% and 0.5% after BMA‐1 and BMA‐2, respectively, predicted events with the highest sensitivity and specificity. In multivariable analysis, RD after BMA‐2 was the strongest independent risk predictor for poor RFS (hazard ratio 2.934; 95% confidence interval: 1.106‐7.782; P = .031).

Conclusions

Our study therefore suggests that an RD level ≥0.5% after BMA‐2 has a significant predictive impact on the prognosis of AML patients having normal karyotype and thus guide the stratification of treatment strategies.