bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficiency, stability, and government regulation of risk-sharing financial networks
Authors: Chou Porchiung Ben , Ehrlich Michael A. , Sverdlove Ronald
Published: May 2019

Purpose

By applying models of social and economic networks to financial institutions, the purpose of this paper is to address the issues of how policy makers can promote financial network stability and social efficiency.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors characterize the decentralized network formation of financial institutions in three stages through which institutions choose to become member banks connected to a central bank, bank-holding company subsidiaries or non-banks. Financial institutions choose one of the three roles in an endogenous process by considering the effects of sharing shocks among the members of the network. In the model, there is a social-welfare-maximizing government regulator at the center of the network.

Findings

The authors show that the stable equilibrium network is not always the efficient network, so the central authority must use policy instruments to ensure that the stable equilibrium network is as close as possible to the efficient network.

Research limitations/implications

To obtain the theoretical results, the authors make assumptions about the utility function and risk aversion of a financial institution, as well as about the costs of network formation. These assumptions might need to be relaxed to bring the model closer to real-world institutions.

Practical implications

The results suggest that regulators must try to set their policy variables to make the efficient network as close as possible to the stable network.

Originality/value

The contribution is to incorporate concepts from social network theory into the modeling of financial networks. The results may be of use to regulators in maintaining the stability of the financial system.
The “sell in May” effect: an empirical investigation of globally listed private equity markets
Authors: Bachmann Carmen , Tegtmeier Lars , Gebhardt Johannes , Steinborn Marcel
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to test the so-called “Sell in May” effect in globally listed private equity markets based on monthly data covering the period 2004–2017.

Design/methodology/approach

Ordinary least squares regressions, generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity regressions and robust regressions are used to investigate the existence of the “Sell in May” effect in globally listed private equity markets. Additionally, the authors conduct robustness checks by dividing the sample period into two subperiods: pre-financial and post-financial crisis periods.

Findings

The authors find limited statistically significant evidence for the “Sell in May” effect. In particular, the authors observed a statistically significant “Sell in May” effect when taking time-varying volatility into account. These findings indicate that the “Sell in May” effect is driven by time-varying volatility. By contrast, economic significance as measured by visual return inspection and the magnitude of the estimated “Sell in May” coefficients in combination with their positive signs was found to be considerable.

Practical implications

The findings are important for all kinds of investors and asset managers who are considering investing in listed private equity.

Originality/value

The authors present a novel study that examines the “Sell in May” effect for globally listed private equity markets by using LPX indices, offering valuable insight into this growing asset class.
The effect of share ownership structure on ex-dividend day stock price behavior
Authors: Kim Dong H.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore whether share ownership structure plays a role in determining the ex-day pricing of dividends. If share ownership structure, specifically the proportion of the firm’s stock held by individuals vs institutions, has an effect on the ex-dividend day stock price behavior, the ex-day premium is expected to be different for firms with different ownership structures.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate whether the ex-day pricing of dividends is affected by the proportion of the firm’s stock held by individuals vs institutions, the author look into the ex-day premium. The ex-day premium is calculated by dividing the difference between the closing price on the cum-dividend day and the closing price on the ex-dividend day by the amount of the dividend.

Findings

Consistent with both the tax-based theory and the dynamic trading clientele theory, the author find that the ex-day premium decreases with the level of individual ownership. Consistent with the short-term trading theory, the author also find that the ex-day premium increases with the degree of investor heterogeneity, defined as the product of the proportion of the firm’s stock held by individual investors and the proportion held by institutional investors.

Originality/value

The author believe that this study contributes to the literature by providing useful evidence that share ownership structure affects the ex-day pricing of dividends, and thus this study will be of interest to the readers of managerial finance.
Management consulting: a review of fifty years of scholarly research
Authors: Cerruti Corrado , Tavoletti Ernesto , Grieco Cecilia
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Academic research on management consulting or having management consultancy as the main research field is huge as the sector is a strategic one for management innovation, but a systematic and updated literature review is missing. This paper aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive systematic review of scholarly peer reviewed journals looking at the ambivalent roles of consultants in driving management innovation as well as management fashions.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review has been performed.

Findings

This paper provides a systematization of existing literature, where the state of the art is assessed and future research paths are highlighted.

Originality/value

The proposed research fills the gap concerning a review of literature on this topic and provides an analysis of 50 years of scholarly research, highlighting both the bright and dark sides of management consulting.
Commercial tabletop games to teach information literacy
Authors: DiNardo Carl O. , Snyder Broussard Mary J.
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to demonstrate how commercially available tabletop games can be effective tools to teach information literacy and present a list of best practices to improve instructor’s chances of success with this pedagogical method.

Design/methodology/approach

Librarians from two separate institutions with complementary experiences analyze the theory of game-based learning with tabletop games, present an example of game-based information literacy instruction in practice and suggest four best practices for this method of instruction.

Findings

This paper demonstrates that educators by combining sound pedagogical practices to connect the educational content to what rules of games ask of students can effectively find a balance between enthusiastic engagement and higher-order information literacy learning outcomes.

Practical implications

This paper can be used to guide librarians looking for creative and sound methods to engage students using tabletop games to teach information literacy.

Originality/value

The authors have unique theoretical and practical knowledge with joining pedagogy and tabletop games in the information literacy classroom. While there is a lot of literature on games in academic libraries, there is only one other paper on using a commercially available tabletop game to teach information literacy.
Potential association between rosacea and cancer: A study in a medical center in southern China
Authors: Long Juan , Li Ji , Yuan Xin , Tang Yan , Deng Zhili , Xu San , Zhang Yiya , Xie Hongfu
Published: May 2019

Growing evidence suggests that rosacea increases the risk of systemic diseases, but studies of the relationships between rosacea and cancer are rare. Aimed to assess the relationship between rosacea and cancer, a total of 7548 patients with confirmed internal malignancies and 8340 cancer‐free individuals aged 18 years or more were included in this study from November 2015 to October 2017. Clinical characteristics, personal history and laboratory data were recorded when patients were diagnosed with rosacea. Logistic regression analyses were performed to analyze associations between cancer and rosacea. We found rosacea significantly affected more women than men in both cancer and cancer‐free group. The data showed there was no relationship between rosacea and lung, gastrointestinal, nasopharyngeal and gynecological cancer. However, rosacea was significantly associated with the increased risk of breast cancer and glioma, but negatively associated with the risk of hematological cancer. Of the 190 female breast cancer patients with rosacea, 98.95% had the erythematotelangiectatic subtype of rosacea, 48.42% had chloasma and 76.31% of them were Fitzpatrick skin type III and IV. In our binary regression model, breast cancer patients with rosacea had a higher prevalence of estrogen receptor‐positive status, lower high‐density lipoprotein levels and higher low‐density lipoprotein than patients with breast cancer but no rosacea. Our findings indicate that rosacea is significantly associated with higher incidence of breast cancer, glioma and lower prevalence of hematological cancer.
Simulating nutrient release from parental carcasses increases the growth, biomass and genetic diversity of juvenile Atlantic salmon
Authors: McLennan Darryl , Auer Sonya K. , Anderson Graeme J. , Reid Thomas C. , Bassar Ronald D. , Stewart David C. , Cauwelier Eef , Sampayo James , McKelvey Simon , Nislow Keith H. , Armstrong John D. , Metcalfe Neil B.
Published: May 2019

The net transport of nutrients by migratory fish from oceans to inland spawning areas has decreased due to population declines and migration barriers. Restoration of nutrients to increasingly oligotrophic upland streams (that were historically salmon spawning areas) have shown short‐term benefits for juvenile salmon, but the longer term consequences are little known.

Here we simulated the deposition of a small number of adult Atlantic salmon Salmo salar carcasses at the end of the spawning period in five Scottish upland streams (‘high parental nutrient’ treatment), while leaving five reference streams without carcasses (‘low parental nutrient’ treatment). All streams received exactly the same number of salmon eggs (n = 3,000) drawn in equal number from the same 30 wild‐origin families, thereby controlling for initial egg density and genetic composition. We then monitored the resulting juvenile salmon and their macroinvertebrate prey, repeating the carcass addition treatment in the next spawning season.

Macroinvertebrate biomass and abundance were five times higher in the high parental nutrient streams, even 1 year after the carcass addition, and led to faster growth of juvenile salmon over the next 2 years (but with no change in population density). This faster growth led to more fish exceeding the size threshold that would trigger emigration to sea at 2 rather than 3 years of age. There was also higher genetic diversity among surviving salmon in high parental nutrient streams; genotyping showed that these effects were not due to immigration but to differential survival.

Synthesis and applications. This 2‐year field experiment shows that adding nutrients that simulate the presence of small numbers of adult salmon carcasses can have long‐term effects on the growth rate of juvenile salmon, likely increasing the number that will migrate to sea early and also increasing their genetic diversity. However, the feasibility of adding nutrients to spawning streams as a management tool to boost salmon populations will depend on whether the benefits at this stage are maintained over the entire life cycle.
‘I am Burj Khalifa’: Entrepreneurial Urbanism, Toponymic Commodification and the Worlding of Dubai
Authors: Sotoudehnia Maral , Rose‐Redwood Reuben
Published: May 2019

This study explores the cultural politics of renaming the world's tallest building, the Burj Dubai/Khalifa, as a practice of entrepreneurial urbanism. The Burj offers a unique case study that brings urban scholarship on ‘worlding’ into conversation with emerging debates over the commodification of naming rights within critical toponymic studies. We draw upon archival materials and semi‐structured interviews to demonstrate in this article how the spatial politics enacted through the construction of the Burj and the tower's subsequent name change have played a significant role in Dubai's efforts to achieve ‘global city’ status. In doing so, we extend our understanding of the performative power of spatial inscription in reshaping the geographical imaginaries of ‘global’ urbanity.
Characterization and Removal of Buddy Off‐Flavor in Maple Syrup
Authors: Camara Mariane , Cournoyer Mélissa , Sadiki Mustapha , Martin Nathalie
Published: May 2019

Buddy maple syrup is characterized by an unpleasant cabbage‐like flavor occurring generally toward the end of the sap harvest season. Occurrence of buddy off‐flavor leads to a decrease in syrup value and economic loss for the industry. It is therefore relevant to characterize the off‐flavor in order to apply corrective treatments. HS‐SPME combined with GC/MS was applied to analyze volatile aroma compounds in buddy maple syrup samples. Two novel volatile sulfur compounds were found in maple syrup: dimethyl disulfide (DMDS) and dimethyl trisulfide. A 3‐alternative forced choice in ascending concentration of different buddy syrups diluted in good quality syrup was conducted in triplicate to assess buddy syrup concentration thresholds leading to detection and recognition of the off‐flavor by 16 panelists while monitoring volatile aroma compounds in diluted samples. Results showed that DMDS was associated with the flavor defect. The recognition threshold concentration of buddy syrup varies depending on the syrup sample and the off‐flavor can be detected in syrups containing very low DMDS content. Application of a continuous heat treatment on buddy syrups for 2 hr at 104.5 °C led to a removal of the buddy off‐flavor as well as a significant reduction in DMDS content.

Practical Application

The results of this study provide a better understanding of the buddy off‐flavor in maple syrup and the heat treatment applied allowed us to eliminate this defect and obtain a syrup with a better sensory quality.
Effect of Thymol and Carvacrol Encapsulated in Hp‐Β‐Cyclodextrin by Two Inclusion Methods against Geotrichum citri‐aurantii
Authors: Serna‐Escolano Vicente , Serrano María , Valero Daniel , Rodríguez‐López María Isabel , Gabaldón José Antonio , Castillo Salvador , Guillén Fabián , Zapata Pedro Javier , Martínez‐Romero Domingo
Published: May 2019

Geotrichum citri‐aurantii causes sour rot in citrus fruits and is responsible for important economic losses during storage. However, the availability of chemical fungicides for the control of this pathogen is limited. Thus, the aim of this research was to evaluate the antifungal efficacy of thymol and carvacrol encapsulated in 2‐hydroxylpropyl‐beta‐cyclodextrin (HP‐β‐CD) (prepared by the microwave irradiation method [MW] and solubility method [S]) for inhibition of G. citri‐aurantii using in vitro bioassays broth (micro and macrodilutions methods) and inoculated food testing. Both encapsulated thymol and carvacrol were shown to be effective for inhibiting G. citri‐aurantii growth in in vitro assays. Thymol was more effective in inhibiting G. citri‐aurantii, while better encapsulation was provided by MW. HP‐β‐CD‐thymol encapsulated by MW (HP‐β‐CD‐thymol‐MW) showed the lowest 50% effective dose (ED50 = 1.16 mM), minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC = 5.06 mM), and minimum fungicide concentration (MFC = 52.6 mM). HP‐β‐CD‐thymol‐MW was found highly effective in reducing the growth rate and mycelial growth inhibition. Finally, HP‐β‐CD‐thymol‐MW and HP‐β‐CD‐carvacrol‐MW showed a higher persistent effect than thymol and carvacrol in their natural form in inhibiting this fungus. Therefore, HP‐β‐CD‐thymol‐MW could be a promising alternative to synthetic fungicides for controlling G. citri‐aurantii, the causal agent of citrus sour rot.

Practical Application

Encapsulated thymol and carvacrol in HP‐β‐Cyclodextrins are effective for controlling G. citri‐aurantii in in vitro experiments. Encapsulation of thymol and carvacrol by microwave irradiation method (MW) was more effective than the solubility (S) method. Thymol was more effective than carvacrol, and the best results on G. citri‐auriantii inhibition were achieved using the HP‐β‐CD‐thymol‐MW method (which gave the lowest ED50, MIC, and MFC).
Development of novel bacterial cellulose composites for the textile and shoe industry
Authors: Fernandes Marta , Gama Miguel , Dourado Fernando , Souto António Pedro
Published: May 2019

This research aimed at producing malleable, breathable and water impermeable bacterial cellulose‐based nanocomposites, by impregnating bacterial cellulose (BC) membranes with two commercial hydrophobic polymers used in textile finishing, Persoftal MS (polydimethylsiloxane) and Baygard EFN (perfluorocarbon), by an exhaustion process. These hydrophobic products penetrated the BC membranes and adsorbed tightly onto the surface of the nanofibres, across the entire depth of the material, as demonstrated by Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy studies. The water static contact angles, drop absorption over time and vapour permeability values showed that the composites were impermeable to liquid water but permeable to water vapour. The mechanical properties of the BC‐nanocomposites were improved after incorporation of the hydrophobic products, in some of the formulations tested, overall presenting a satisfactory performance. Thus, through a simple and cost‐effective process, hydrophobized, robust, malleable and breathable nanocomposites based on BC were obtained, featuring promising properties for application in the textile and shoe industries.
Clinical characteristics and risk factors of ulceration over tophi in patients with gout
Authors: Huang Zhengping , Liu Xiuqi , Liu Yuqi , Li Guowei , Pan Xia , Huang Zhixiang , Huang Yukai , Huang Qidang , Zheng Shaoling , Li Tianwang
Published: May 2019

Objectives

To describe clinical characteristics of ulceration over tophi in patients with gout and determine risk factors associated with ulceration.

Methods

Patients presenting with tophi or ulceration(s) over tophi were prospectively recruited and their clinical characteristics were recorded. Comparison of clinical characteristics and risk factors for ulceration were analyzed between groups.

Results

A total of 105 patients were enrolled. Thirty‐three patients with ulcerations were older, with prolonged duration with gout and tophi, a higher rate of obesity, greater numbers of tophi, lower levels of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), and higher levels of serum creatinine, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C‐reactive protein. The mean duration of ulceration was 1.63 ± 2.32 months. The ulcerations were mainly located in the ankle (34.21%) and metatarsophalangeal joints (39.47%), with a mean size of 32.37 × 22.76 mm. The majority of ulcerations were categorized as stage I (42.4%) and stage II (51.5%). In univariate regression analysis, age, glucocorticoid overuse, gout duration, tophi duration, tophi number and GFR were associated with ulceration. In the multivariable model, significant differences were demonstrated in glucocorticoid overuse, tophi duration, tophi number.

Conclusions

Gout patients with ulceration(s) over tophi present several different aspects of clinical characteristics compared with those without ulceration. The ulcerations are most commonly seen in feet and they are mainly categorized as stages I and II. Glucocorticoid overuse, prolonged duration with tophi and greater numbers of tophi are risk factors for ulceration over tophi.
Farmer perception and valuation of seed quality: Evidence from bean and cowpea seed auctions in Tanzania and Ghana
Authors: Maredia Mywish K. , Shupp Robert , Opoku Edward , Mishili Fulgence , Reyes Byron , Kusolwa Paul , Kusi Francis , Kudra Abdul
Published: May 2019

Double blind field experiments and experimental auctions were conducted with bean and cowpea farmers in Tanzania and Ghana to gauge the relative demand for three types of seed products that differ in price and quality: certified, quality declared, and recycled. Whether the cost differential makes these seeds qualitatively different products as reflected in their perceived performance, and whether that translates into farmers’ willingness to pay price premiums, are the research questions addressed by this study. Results indicate that, all else equal, there were significant differences in the perceived quality of the seed products evaluated. Farmers were willing to pay significantly more for their higher rated seed relative to their lower rated seeds. However, for a majority of farmers the magnitude of the premium they are willing to pay for a higher quality seed is less than the current price differential between certified seed and grain. Research and policy implications of these results for legume seed system are discussed.
Thyroid hormone regulation of neural stem cell fate: From development to ageing
Authors: Gothié Jean‐David , Vancamp Pieter , Demeneix Barbara , Remaud Sylvie
Published: May 2019

In the vertebrate brain, neural stem cells (NSCs) generate both neuronal and glial cells throughout life. However, their neuro‐ and gliogenic capacity changes as a function of the developmental context. Despite the growing body of evidence on the variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors regulating NSC physiology, their precise cellular and molecular actions are not fully determined. Our review focuses on thyroid hormone (TH), a vital component for both development and adult brain function that regulates NSC biology at all stages. First, we review comparative data to analyse how TH modulates neuro‐ and gliogenesis during vertebrate brain development. Second, as the mammalian brain is the most studied, we highlight the molecular mechanisms underlying TH action in this context. Lastly, we explore how the interplay between TH signalling and cell metabolism governs both neurodevelopmental and adult neurogenesis. We conclude that, together, TH and cellular metabolism regulate optimal brain formation, maturation and function from early foetal life to adult in vertebrate species.
Genome‐wide linkage analysis and whole‐exome sequencing identifies an ITGA2B mutation in a family with thrombocytopenia
Authors: Khoriaty Rami , Ozel Ayse B. , Ramdas Shweta , Ross Charles , Desch Karl , Shavit Jordan A. , Everett Lesley , Siemieniak David , Li Jun Z. , Ginsburg David
Published: May 2019

Hereditary thrombocytopenias can be subclassified based on mode of inheritance and platelet size. Here we report a family with autosomal dominant (AD) thrombocytopenia with normal platelet size. Linkage analysis and whole exome sequencing identified the R1026W substitution in ITGA2B as the causative defect. The same mutation has been previously reported in 7 Japanese families/patients with AD thrombocytopenia, but all of these patients had macrothrombocytopenia. This is the first report of a family with AD thrombocytopenia with normal platelet size resulting from mutation in ITGA2B. ITGA2B mutations should therefore be included in the differential diagnosis of this latter disorder.
Nothrotheriopssp. (Mammalia, Xenarthra) from the Late Pleistocene of Argentina: implications for the dispersion of ground sloths during the Great American Biotic Interchange
Authors: Brandoni Diego , Vezzosi Raúl I.
Published: May 2019

The aim of this contribution is to describe a femur (MCRS199) assigned toNothrotheriopssp. from the Late Pleistocene of Santa Fe Province (Argentina), and discuss the implications of this find in the context of the dispersal of ground sloths during the Great American Biotic Interchange. The specimenMCRS199 is smaller than the femora referred to the North American speciesNothrotheriops texanusandNothrotheriops shastensisbut shares several features with these species: (i) shape and position of the greater trochanter, (ii) development of the lesser trochanter, (iii) presence of connection between the third trochanter and the ectepicondyle, (iv) distal third of the femur wider, withML/DWindex of 1.93, and (v) location and relationship of the distal condyles. These similarities allow us to assignMCRS199 toNothrotheriopssp. The record ofNothrotheriopssp. from Santa Fe Province chronologically coincides with the earliest records ofNothrotheriops shastensissuggesting a broad geographical distribution ofNothrotheriopsduring the Late Pleistocene, ranging from 33–36°N (e.g. states of California and Arizona,USA) to 31°S (northern Salado River, Santa Fe Province, Argentina). Thus,Nothrotheriopshave dispersed from North America (whereNothrotheriopshas early records, Calabrian–Middle Pleistocene) to South America where localities bearingNothrotheriopsare Late Pleistocene in age. In addition, once in South America and probably during the Middle Pleistocene,Nothrotheriopsprobably gave rise to its sister taxon,Nothrotherium, with records from the Middle Pleistocene (e.g. 223 kaBP, northeastern Brazil) to the Late Pleistocene (e.g. 15 kaBP).
Promiscuous pollinators—Evidence from an Afromontane sunbird–plant pollen transport network
Authors: Nsor Charles A. , Godsoe William , Chapman Hazel M.
Published: May 2019

Sunbirds play a major role in the pollination of Old World nectivorous plants. However, with the exception of the Cape Floristic Region there is a major knowledge gap around African nectivore interaction networks—a stark contrast from the abundance of neotropical hummingbird–plant networks. Here, we describe a sunbird pollen transfer network (PTN) which we use in conjunction with a sunbird flower visitation network (FVN) to explore levels of sunbird specialization within an Afromontane forest habitat. Both networks were generalized compared with similar‐sized hummingbird networks, reflecting the wide range of flower types visited, the generalist diet, and bill characteristics of sunbirds. Three sunbird species from the genus Cinnyris accounted for 85% of flower visits and 77% of all pollen transported. Of the 17 plant species across both networks, 15 are predominantly pollinated by insects while Anthonotha noldeae (Fabaceae–Caesalpinioideae) and Globimetula braunii (Loranthaceae) depend on sunbirds for seed set. Sunbird species average bill lengths varied between 14.5 mm (the variable sunbird) and 23.6 mm (the Green‐headed Sunbird), but, while more pollen was carried on longer bills, we found no evidence for a relationship between bill length and type of flower visited. Both networks were nested. Some specialization was observed in both networks although this does not appear to be driven much by sunbird–flower trait matching. Overall, our results suggest that in contrast to nectivores elsewhere, factors such as phenology and/or environment, rather than morphology, may play important roles in limiting potential sunbird–flower interactions and need further investigation.
Enhanced monocyte recruitment and delayed alternative macrophage polarization accompanies impaired repair following myocardial infarction in C57BL/6 compared to BALB/c mice
Authors: Toor I S , Rückerl D , Mair I , Thomson A , Rossi A G , Newby D E , Allen J E , Gray G A
Published: May 2019

Activation of the innate immune response following myocardial infarction (MI) is essential for infarct repair. Preclinical models of MI commonly use C57BL/6 mice, which have a type 1-dominant immune response, whereas other mouse strains such as BALB/c mice have a type 2-dominant immune response. We compared C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice to investigate whether predisposition towards a proinflammatory phenotype influences the dynamics of the innate immune response to MI and associated infarct healing and the risk of cardiac rupture. MI was induced by permanent coronary artery ligation in 12–15-week-old male wild-type BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. Prior to MI, C57BL/6 mice had a lower proportion of CD206+ anti-inflammatory macrophages in the heart and an expanded blood pool of proinflammatory Ly6Chigh monocytes in comparison to BALB/c mice. The systemic inflammatory response in C57BL/6 mice following MI was more pronounced, with greater peripheral blood Ly6Chigh monocytosis, splenic Ly6Chigh monocyte mobilization and myeloid cell infiltration of pericardial adipose tissue. This led to an increased and prolonged macrophage accumulation, as well as delayed transition towards anti-inflammatory macrophage polarization in the infarct zone and surrounding tissues of C57BL/6 mice. These findings accompanied a higher rate of mortality due to cardiac rupture in C57BL/6 mice compared with BALB/c mice. We conclude that lower post-MI survival of C57BL/6 mice over BALB/c mice is mediated in part by a more pronounced and prolonged inflammatory response. Outcomes in BALB/c mice highlight the therapeutic potential of modulating resolution of the innate immune response following MI for the benefit of successful infarct healing.
Complaining While Black: Racial Disparities in the Adjudication of Complaints against the Police
Authors: Faber Jacob William , Kalbfeld Jessica Rose
Published: May 2019

Reports of citizen complaints of police misconduct often note that officers are rarely disciplined for alleged misconduct. The perception of little officer accountability contributes to widespread distrust of law enforcement in communities of color. This project investigates how race and segregation shape the outcomes of allegations made against the Chicago Police Department (CPD) between 2011 and 2014. We find that complaints by black and Latino citizens and against white officers are less likely to be sustained. We show neighborhood context interacts with complainant characteristics: Incidents alleged by white citizens in high–crime and predominantly black neighborhoods are more likely to be sustained. These findings provide context for understanding tensions between communities of color and the CPD. These results are consistent with theories that individual and institutional actors prioritize white victimhood and reflect the neighborhood effects literature stressing the interaction between individual and contextual factors in shaping outcomes.
The LAPLAP study: a randomized placebo‐controlled clinical trial assessing postoperative functional recovery using intraperitoneal local anaesthetic in laparoscopic colorectal surgery
Authors: Stephensen B. D. , Clarke L. , McManus B. , Clark S. , Carroll R. , Holz P. , Smith S. R.
Published: May 2019

Aim

Postoperative pain remains a major factor in recovery from colorectal resection. There is increasing interest in opioid‐sparing analgesia, and intraperitoneal local anaesthetic (IPLA) has recently been shown to be useful in minor laparoscopic and open colorectal procedures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of IPLA on functional recovery following major laparoscopic surgery. In this controlled trial, mobility, as measured by the De Morton Mobility Index (DEMMI), was used as a surrogate for postoperative functional recovery.

Method

Patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal resection were randomized either to continuous ropivacaine (0.2% at 4–6 ml/h) or to saline (0.9%) which were administered via intraperitoneal catheter for 3 days postoperatively. Results were analysed in a double‐blind manner. DEMMIs were assessed on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 30, and data on pain, opioid consumption, gut and respiratory function, length of stay (LOS) and complications were recorded.

Results

Ninety‐six patients were recruited. There was no difference in primary outcome (i.e., functional recovery) between IPLA and placebo groups. Opioid consumption and LOS were similar between groups, and no differences were found for any secondary outcome measure. There were no adverse events related to ropivacaine.

Conclusion

Infusional intraperitoneal local anaesthetic appears to be safe but does not improve functional recovery or analgesic consumption following elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery, in the setting of an established enhanced recovery programme.
Figureheads or potentates? CEO power and board oversight in the context of Sarbanes Oxley
Authors: Haynes Katalin Takacs , Zattoni Alessandro , Boyd Brian K. , Minichilli Alessandro
Published: May 2019

Research question/issue

We depart from studies that separately explore chief executive officers' (CEOs') and boards' effects on firm performance. Instead, we examine the direct relationship between CEO power and firm performance, and how board monitoring, and most importantly, a change in the regulatory environment alter the relationship. As such, our study jointly examines the role of both internal and external corporate governance mechanisms on the relationship between CEO power and firm performance.

Research findings/insights

Our findings indicate that the negative main effect of a powerful CEO on firm performance is reduced by board monitoring and that the Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) legislation amplifies board monitoring and reduces the negative effects of CEO power.

Theoretical/academic implications

Our study shows that agency relationships are grounded in social and institutional contexts. More precisely, our results suggest that CEO power is a function of CEO's relationship with the board, as CEO power and board monitoring interactions affect firm performance. Furthermore, they indicate that the CEO‐board relationship is constructed within the legal institutional context, as the shock of SOX alters the effects that different combinations of CEO power and board monitoring have on firm performance.

Practitioner/policy implications

Our results highlight to investors and directors that corporate boards should be designed in relation to the power of CEOs. In addition, they provide valuable guidance for policy‐makers, suggesting that tight regulations may represent effective deterrents for some CEOs' misbehaviors and favor the alignment of interests with those of company owners.

https://capture.udel.edu/media/Katalin+Takacs+Haynes+-+Video+Abstract/1_ihl7pmhf
Methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus in solid organ transplantation—Guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice
Authors: Pereira Marcus R. , Rana Meenakshi M. ,   the AST ID Community of Practice
Published: May 2019

These updated guidelines from the American Society of Transplantation Infectious Diseases Community of Practice review the epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, and management of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections in solid organ transplantation. Despite an increasing armamentarium of antimicrobials active against MRSA, improved diagnostic tools, and overall declining rates of infection, MRSA infections remain a substantial cause of morbidity and mortality in solid organ transplant recipients. Pre‐ and post‐transplant MRSA colonization is a significant risk factor for post‐transplant MRSA infection. The preferred initial treatment of MRSA bacteremia remains vancomycin. Hand hygiene, chlorhexidine bathing in the ICU, central‐line bundles that focus on reducing unnecessary catheter use, disinfection of patient equipment, and the environment along with antimicrobial stewardship are all aspects of an infection prevention approach to prevent MRSA transmission and decrease healthcare‐associated infections.
Peri‐transplant lactate levels and delayed lactate clearance as predictive factors for poor outcomes after liver transplantation: A propensity score–matched study
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhiro , Jafri Syed‐Mohammed R. , Safwan Mohamed , Abouljoud Marwan S. , Nagai Shunji
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to investigate risk factors for early allograft dysfunction (EAD) and outcomes after liver transplantation (LT), focusing on peri‐transplant lactate clearance. We reviewed patients who underwent deceased donor LTs between 2011 and 2014. Lactate levels were checked at reperfusion and at the time of intensive care unit admission. Early lactate clearance was defined as reduction rate of lactate between the times of reperfusion and immediately after LT. Patients were categorized into the normal and delayed clearance groups. We used propensity score matching (PSM) between these two groups to estimate an impact of lactate clearance on incidence of EAD and graft survival. A total of 256 recipients were eligible for this study. Cut‐off value of lactate clearance to predict occurrence of EAD was determined at 0.2 mmol/L/h. After PSM, 120 patients in the normal clearance and 36 patients in the delayed clearance group were matched. Delayed lactate clearance was considered as an independent risk factor for EAD (Odds ratio 3.49, P = 0.002). The adjusted hazard of one‐year graft loss was significantly increased in the delayed clearance group (hazard ratio 6.69, P = 0.001). In conclusion, peri‐transplant delayed lactate clearance may be a strong predictor for EAD and poor liver graft outcomes.
Adenopathy and extensive skin patch overlying a plasmacytoma with unusual histologic findings in a patient with polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein and skin changes syndrome and Castleman disease
Authors: Dagrosa Alicia T. , Cowdrey Molly C. E. , LeBlanc Robert E. , Lansigan Frederick , Kaur Prabhjot , Carter Joi B.
Published: May 2019

A 56‐year‐old previously healthy man presented to the dermatology clinic with a 2‐year history of an expanding, violaceous, infiltrated plaque on the right flank. Biopsy revealed a diffuse dermal vascular proliferation of bland, capillary‐sized vessels admixed with conspicuous fibrohistiocytic cells including scattered multinucleated floret cells. Further workup revealed a monoclonal gammopathy, an osteolytic chest wall plasmacytoma underlying the plaque, and regional lymphadenopathy leading to a diagnosis of adenopathy and extensive skin patch overlying a plasmacytoma (AESOP). Biopsy of an enlarged lymph node revealed Castleman disease. The patient subsequently developed polyneuropathy and peripheral edema, which supported an additional diagnosis of polyneuropathy, organomegaly, endocrinopathy, monoclonal protein, and skin changes (POEMS) syndrome. Herein, we discuss the unique findings of our patient, the potential pathogenesis of AESOP, and the link between these three rare paraneoplastic entities along with review of the literature.
Newborn screening for Krabbe disease: perceived and current ethical issues
Authors: Orsini Joseph J
Published: May 2019

This commentary is on the invited review by Ehmann and Lantos on pages 1358–1361 of this issue.
Pulp aspects of traumatic dental injuries in primary incisors: Dark coronal discoloration
Authors: Holan Gideon
Published: May 2019

Dark coronal discoloration is a common outcome of traumatic dental injuries in primary incisors. However, there are only a few research studies on the mechanism that causes dark discoloration, the condition of the pulp, and the preferred treatment of such teeth. This article is a summary of the author's research studies and personal experience regarding dark coronal discoloration of traumatized primary incisors.
Timing of implant placement after traumatic dental injury
Authors: Storgård Jensen Simon
Published: May 2019

Dental implants are reliable to replace teeth lost because of traumatic dental injury. However, dental implants behave like ankylosed teeth and should not be placed in growing individuals because of the risk of infraposition. This risk may be reduced by ensuring arrested skeletal growth and ideal incisal support. The timing of implant placement may be immediate, early, conventional, or late and is determined by the extent of the trauma, remaining growth, and conditions of the hard and soft tissues. Timing should allow an observation period to properly evaluate the prognosis of concomitantly traumatized neighboring teeth. Orthodontic alignment is often necessary after traumatic dental injury in young individuals to provide symmetric dental conditions around the facial midline, to allow implant placement in the correct 3‐dimensional position for the later prosthetic reconstruction, and to ensure sufficient mesiodistal space that leaves a minimum of 1.5 mm of healthy alveolar bone between the future implant and neighboring teeth. Space and stable occlusion should be maintained by bonded retainers and a splint used during the night. A partial prosthesis is usually recommended as a temporary replacement. If a fixed provisional prosthesis is required, it is crucial that it does not interfere with the remaining growth and incisal support and allows proper oral hygiene.
Allogeneic vs. autologous intra‐articular mesenchymal stem cell injection within normal horses: Clinical and cytological comparisons suggest safety
Authors: Colbath A. C. , Dow S. W. , Hopkins L. S. , Phillips J. N. , McIlwraith C. W. , Goodrich L. R.
Published: May 2019

Background

Allogeneic bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMDMSCs) could provide multiple advantages over autologous BMDMSCs, including creating an ‘off‐the‐shelf’ treatment together with the ability to control for donor variation.

Objectives

The objective of the study was to compare the clinical and synovial fluid response of the normal equine joint to autologous and pooled‐allogeneic BMDMSCs while controlling for individual variation and joint variations in response to intra‐articular injections. We hypothesised that, by controlling for individual animal and joint variation, we could identify differences between allogeneic vs. autologous BMDMSCs in noninflamed joints.

Study design

Randomised‐controlled experiment.

Methods

Bone marrow was harvested from eight horses. Autologous BMDMSCs were culture expanded, cryopreserved and thawed immediately prior to administration. For allogeneic BMDMSC treatments, four horses' BMDMSCs were culture expanded, pooled, cryopreserved and thawed immediately prior to use. Ten million (autologous or pooled‐allogeneic) BMDMSCs were administered into contralateral forelimb metacarpophalangeal joints so that every autologous and allogeneic injection could be compared within the same animal. Clinical parameters included subjective lameness, objective lameness (Lameness Locator™), response to flexion, joint circumference and joint effusion. Arthrocentesis was performed for assessment of the nucleated cell count, differential cell count, total protein, and synovial concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and c‐reactive protein (CRP). All parameters were measured at baseline, 6, 12, 24, 72, 168 and 336 h post‐injection.

Results

No difference was detected in any parameters between forelimb metacarpophalangeal joints administered autologous or pooled‐allogeneic BMDMSCs.

Main limitations

This study did not attempt to measure efficacy of BMDMSCs for musculoskeletal disease and should be followed by properly controlled efficacy trials.

Conclusions

The study did not identify any clinical or cytological differences in the normal joint response to allogeneic or autologous BMDMSCs. A larger study to prove equivalence is warranted as allogeneic BMDMSCs may be a feasible alternative to autologous BMDMSCs.
TET enzymes control antibody production and shape the mutational landscape in germinal centre B cells
Authors: Schoeler Katia , Aufschnaiter Andreas , Messner Simon , Derudder Emmanuel , Herzog Sebastian , Villunger Andreas , Rajewsky Klaus , Labi Verena
Published: May 2019

Upon activation by antigen, B cells form germinal centres where they clonally expand and introduce affinity‐enhancing mutations into their B‐cell receptor genes. Somatic mutagenesis and class switch recombination (CSR) in germinal centre B cells are initiated by the activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AID). Upon germinal centre exit, B cells differentiate into antibody‐secreting plasma cells. Germinal centre maintenance and terminal fate choice require transcriptional reprogramming that associates with a substantial reconfiguration of DNA methylation patterns. Here we examine the role of ten‐eleven‐translocation (TET) proteins, enzymes that facilitate DNA demethylation and promote a permissive chromatin state by oxidizing 5‐methylcytosine, in antibody‐mediated immunity. Using a conditional gene ablation strategy, we show that TET2 and TET3 guide the transition of germinal centre B cells to antibody‐secreting plasma cells. Optimal AID expression requires TET function, and TET2 and TET3 double‐deficient germinal centre B cells show defects in CSR. However, TET2/TET3 double‐deficiency does not prevent the generation and selection of high‐affinity germinal centre B cells. Rather, combined TET2 and TET3 loss‐of‐function in germinal centre B cells favours C‐to‐T and G‐to‐A transition mutagenesis, a finding that may be of significance for understanding the aetiology of B‐cell lymphomas evolving in conditions of reduced TET function.
Taking metformin and cognitive function change in older patients with diabetes
Authors: Koo Bo Kyung , Kim Lee‐Kyung , Lee Jun‐Young , Moon Min Kyong
Published: May 2019

Aim

We investigated the effects of metformin on cognitive function in a prospective cohort of older adults.

Methods

Participants aged ≥60 years were selected, and their Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Diseases Assessment, including the Mini‐Mental State Examination, and activities of daily living were evaluated prospectively. Rapid deterioration of cognitive function was defined as annual change of test scores in the lowest quartile.

Results

A total of 732 participants (mean age 76.7 ± 6.6 years) were followed up for 2.9 years (interquartile range 1.0–5.7 years). A linear mixed model showed that diabetes was associated with significant deterioration of Verbal Delayed Free Recall and Recognition scores (P = 0.007 and 0.022, respectively). Among diabetes patients, metformin treatment was not associated with changes of any Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Diseases Assessment component or activities of daily living index. However, rapid deterioration of Mini‐Mental State Examination and Verbal Immediate Recall scores was more frequently found in the metformin‐taking group, even after adjustment for age, sex, education level, baseline cognitive function, baseline glycated hemoglobin levels, renal and liver function, body mass index, hypertension, dyslipidemia, antidiabetic agents other than metformin, and baseline brain imaging abnormality (odds ratio 4.47, 95% confidence interval 1.24–16.05 and odds ratio 7.37, 95% confidence interval 1.19–45.56).

Conclusions

Metformin treatment was not associated with changes of any of Korean version of the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Diseases Assessment component scores or activities of daily living index. However, rapid deterioration of Mini‐Mental State Examination and Verbal Immediate Recall scores was more frequently found in the metformin‐treated group. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 755–761.