bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Multiparametric MRI and the Combination of PSMA Plus MRI for the Intraprostatic Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Brondani Torri Giovanni , Antune Pereira Pedro , Piovesan Wiethan Camila , Mesquita Yasmin , Mirshahvalad Seyed Ali , Veit-Haibach Patrick , Ghai Sangeet , Metser Ur , Altmayer Stephan , Dias Adriano Basso
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The aim of this study was to perform a head-to-head comparison of multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) and the combination of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) PET plus MRI (PSMA + MRI) for detecting intraprostatic clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa).

Patients and Methods

Relevant databases were searched through November 2023. Only studies directly comparing mpMRI and PSMA + MRI (PET/MRI or PET/CT + mpMRI) were included. A meta-analysis with a random-effects model was used to estimate pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve for each approach.

Results

A total of 19 studies were included. On a patient-level analysis, PSMA + MRI had higher sensitivity (9 studies) than mpMRI for csPCa detection (96% [95% confidence interval (CI): 92%, 98%] vs 89% [95% CI: 81%, 94%]; P = 0.04). The patient-level specificity (4 studies) of PSMA + MRI was 55% (95% CI: 31%–76%) compared with 50% (95% CI: 44%–57%) of mpMRI (P = 0.67). Region-level sensitivity (10 studies) was 85% (95% CI: 74%–92%) for PSMA + MRI and 71% (95% CI: 58%–82%) for mpMRI (P = 0.09), whereas specificity (4 studies) was 87% (95% CI: 76%–94%) and 90% (95% CI: 82%–95%), respectively (P = 0.59). Lesion-level sensitivity and specificity were similar between modalities with pooled data from less than 4 studies.

Conclusions

PSMA + MRI had superior pooled sensitivity and similar specificity for the detection of csPCa compared with mpMRI in this meta-analysis of head-to-head studies.
An Evaluation of Autologous Fat Injection as a Treatment for Velopharyngeal Insufficiency
Authors: Mirsky Nicholas A. , Slavin Blaire V. , Sheinberg Derek S. , Stauber Zachary M. , Parra Marcelo , Vivekanand Nayak Vasudev , Witek Lukasz , Coelho Paulo G. , Thaller Seth R.
Published: May 2024

Background

Velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) is a condition characterized by incomplete separation of the oral and nasal cavities during speech production, thereby leading to speech abnormalities and audible nasal emissions. Subsequently, this adversely impacts communication and potentially interpersonal social interactions. Autologous fat grafting (AFG) to the velopharynx, a minimally invasive technique, aims to improve oronasal separation by providing bulk and advancing the posterior pharyngeal wall toward the soft palate. Despite its potential, the relative novelty of AFG in treating VPI has resulted in reporting of inconsistent indications, varied surgical techniques, and mixed outcomes across existing literature.

Methods

This systemic review examined the evidence of AFG for VPI treatment over the past decade (2013–2023). A thorough search across five electronic databases yielded 233 studies, with 20 meeting the inclusion criteria (e.g., utilized fat injection as their selected VPI treatment, conducted study in human subjects, did not perform additional surgical procedure at time of fat injection). Selected studies encompassed patient and surgical intervention characteristics, perceptual speech assessment (PSA) scores, gap sizes, nasalance measurements, and complications.

Results

The majority of patients had a prior cleft palate diagnosis (78.2%), in which nasoendoscopy was the prevalent method for visualizing the velopharyngeal port defect. Fat harvesting predominantly occurred from the abdomen (64.3%), with an average injection volume of 6.3 mL across studies. PSA and subjective gap size scores were consistently higher preoperatively than postoperatively. PSA score analysis from seven studies revealed significant and sustained improvements postoperatively. Gap size score analysis from four studies demonstrated similar preoperative and postoperative differences. Complications were reported in 17 studies, yielding a 2.7% summative complication rate among 594 cases.

Conclusions

Autologous fat grafting has emerged as a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment for mild to moderate VPI. However, challenges remain because of variability in patient selection criteria, diagnostic modalities, and outcome measurements. This review underscores the need for randomized control trials to directly compare AFG with standard-of-care surgical interventions, providing more conclusive evidence of its clinical efficacy.
Tacrolimus-loaded Drug Delivery Systems in Vascularized Composite Allotransplantation: Lessons and Opportunities for Local Immunosuppression
Authors: Ben Brahim Bilal , Arenas Hoyos Isabel , Zhang Lei , Vögelin Esther , Olariu Radu , Rieben Robert
Published: May 2024

Long-term systemic immunosuppression is needed for vascularized composite allotransplantation (VCA). The high rate of acute rejection episodes in the first posttransplant year, the development of chronic rejection, and the adverse effects that come along with this treatment, currently prevent a wider clinical application of VCA. Opportunistic infections and metabolic disturbances are among the most observed side effects in VCA recipients. To overcome these challenges, local immunosuppression using biomaterial-based drug delivery systems (DDS) have been developed. The aim of these systems is to provide high local concentrations of immunosuppressive drugs while reducing their systemic load. This review provides a summary of recently investigated local DDS with different mechanisms of action such as on-demand, ultrasound-sensitive, or continuous drug delivery. In preclinical models, ranging from rodent to porcine and nonhuman primate models, this approach has been shown to reduce systemic tacrolimus (TAC) load and adverse effects, while prolonging graft survival. Localized immunosuppression using biomaterial-based DDS represents an encouraging approach to enhance graft survival and reduce toxic side effects of immunosuppressive drugs in VCA patients. Preclinical models using TAC-releasing DDS have demonstrated high local immunosuppressive effects with a low systemic burden. However, to reduce acute rejection events in translational animal models or in the clinical reality, the use of additional low-dose systemic TAC treatment may be envisaged. Patients may benefit through efficient graft immunosuppression and survival with negligible systemic adverse effects, resulting in better compliance and quality of life.
Understanding the Healthcare Needs of Living Kidney Donors Using the Picker Principles of Patient-centered Care: A Scoping Review
Authors: Loban Katya , Milland Thea , Hales Lindsay , Lam Ngan N. , Dipchand Christine , Sandal Shaifali
Published: May 2024

Living kidney donors (LKDs) undertake a complex and multifaceted journey when pursuing donation and have several unmet healthcare needs. A comprehensive understanding of these needs across their entire donation trajectory can help develop a patient-centered care model. We conducted a scoping review to synthesize empirical evidence, published since 2000, on LKDs’ experiences with healthcare from when they decided to pursue donation to postdonation care, and what they reported as their care needs. We categorized them according to the 8 Picker principles of patient-centered care. Of the 4514 articles screened, 47 were included. Ample literature highlighted the need for (1) holistic, adaptable, and linguistically appropriate approaches to education and information; (2) systematic, consistent, and proactive coordination and integration of care; and (3) self-management and preparation to optimize perioperative physical comfort. Some literature highlighted the need for (4) better continuity and transition of care postdonation. Two key unmet needs were the lack of (5) a holistic psychosocial evaluation predonation and predischarge to provide emotional support and alleviation of fear and anxiety; and (6) access to specialty and psychosocial services postdonation especially when adverse events occurred. Limited literature explored the principles of (7) respect for patients’ values, preferences, and expressed needs; and (8) involvement of family and friends as caregivers. We summarize several unmet healthcare needs of LKDs throughout their donation journey and highlight knowledge gaps. Addressing them can improve their well-being and experiences, and potentially address inequities in living kidney donation and increase living donor kidney transplantation.
Individuals with Methamphetamine Use Disorder Show Reduced Directed Exploration and Learning Rates Independent of an Aversive Interoceptive State Induction
Authors: Goldman Carter M. , Takahashi Toru , Lavalley Claire A. , Li Ning , Taylor Samuel , Chuning Anne E. , Hodson Rowan , Stewart Jennifer L. , Wilson Robert C. , Khalsa Sahib S. , Paulus Martin P. , Smith Ryan
Published: May 2024

Methamphetamine Use Disorder (MUD) is associated with substantially reduced quality of life. Yet, decisions to use persist, due in part to avoidance of anticipated withdrawal states. However, the specific cognitive mechanisms underlying this decision process, and possible modulatory effects of aversive states, remain unclear. Here, 56 individuals with MUD and 58 healthy comparisons (HCs) performed a decision task, both with and without an aversive interoceptive state induction. Computational modeling measured the tendency to test beliefs about uncertain outcomes (directed exploration) and the ability to update beliefs in response to outcomes (learning rates). Compared to HCs, those with MUD exhibited less directed exploration and slower learning rates, but these differences were not affected by the aversive state induction. Follow-up analyses further suggested that reduced exploration in MUD was best explained by greater avoidance of uncertainty on the task, and that trait differences in cognitive reflectiveness might account for these differences in task behavior. These results suggest novel, state-independent computational mechanisms whereby individuals with MUD may have difficulties in testing beliefs about the tolerability of abstinence and in adjusting behavior in response to consequences of continued use.
A latitudinal gradient in the diel partitioning of species richness?
Authors: Wong Mark K. L.
Published: May 2024

The writings of naturalists from two centuries past are brimming with accounts of the stark differences in the kinds and numbers of organisms encountered during the day and night and between the tropical and temperate zones. However, only recently have ecologists begun to systematically describe and explain the geographic variation in the diel activities of species on Earth. Examining data from 60 insect communities globally, I find that the partitioning of total species richness across three diel activity periods tracks the latitudinal gradient. In general, the proportions of diurnal and nocturnal species are highest among tropical communities and decline poleward, while cathemeral activity characterises over half of all species in communities at high latitudes. These latitudinal trends in diel partitioning at the community level broadly reflect recently documented patterns in the global distributions of vertebrate species using different activity periods. I outline six hypotheses that may account for a latitudinal gradient in the diel partitioning of species richness.
Dynamic basis of lipopolysaccharide export by LptB2FGC
Authors: Dajka Marina , Rath Tobias , Morgner Nina , Joseph Benesh
Published: May 2024

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) confer resistance against harsh conditions, including antibiotics, in Gram-negative bacteria. The lipopolysaccharide transport (Lpt) complex, consisting of seven proteins (A-G), exports LPS across the cellular envelope. LptB2FG forms an ATP-binding cassette transporter that transfers LPS to LptC. How LptB2FG couples ATP binding and hydrolysis with LPS transport to LptC remains unclear. We observed the conformational heterogeneity of LptB2FG and LptB2FGC in micelles and/or proteoliposomes using pulsed dipolar electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Additionally, we monitored LPS binding and release using laser-induced liquid bead ion desorption mass spectrometry. The β-jellyroll domain of LptF stably interacts with the LptG and LptC β-jellyrolls in both the apo and vanadate-trapped states. ATP binding at the cytoplasmic side is allosterically coupled to the selective opening of the periplasmic LptF β-jellyroll domain. In LptB2FG, ATP binding closes the nucleotide binding domains, causing a collapse of the first lateral gate as observed in structures. However, the second lateral gate, which forms the putative en try site for LPS, exhibits a heterogeneous conformation. LptC binding limits the flexibility of this gate to two conformations, likely representing the helix of LptC as either released from or inserted into the transmembrane domains. Our results reveal the regulation of the LPS entry gate through the dynamic behavior of the LptC transmembrane helix, while its β-jellyroll domain is anchored in the periplasm. This, combined with long-range ATP-dependent allosteric gating of the LptF β-jellyroll domain, may ensure efficient and unidirectional transport of LPS across the periplasm.
Histologic variants in bladder cancer harbor aggressive molecular features including TM4SF1 expression and a CA125+ cell state
Authors: Yang Heiko , Song Hanbing , Yip Elizabeth , Chang Kevin , Allegakoen Paul , Lu Kevin L. , Hui Keliana , Pham Julia , Kasap Corynn , Kumar Vipul , Gayle Janae , Stohr Bradley A. , Ding Chien-Kuang Cornelia , Wiita Arun P. , Meng Maxwell V. , Chou Jonathan , Porten Sima P. , Huang Franklin W.
Published: May 2024

Histologic variant (HV) subtypes of bladder cancer are clinically aggressive tumors that are more resistant to standard therapy compared to conventional urothelial carcinoma (UC). Little is known about the transcriptional programs that account for the morphological and biological differences in HV tumors. To investigate the tumor biology of HV bladder cancers, we generated a single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA- seq) atlas of nine HV tumors and three UC tumors. Our analyses revealed a tumor cell state specific to HVs that is characterized by expression ofMUC16(CA125), KRT24, andWISP2. This CA125+ cell state bears transcriptional hallmarks of epithelial-mesenchymal transition, is enriched in metastases, is predicted to be highly chemotherapy resistant, and is linked with poor survival, suggesting that this cell state plays an important role in the aggressive biology of HV tumors. Our analyses also provide novel evidence of transcriptional “mimicry” between HVs and histologically similar non-urothelial cell types. Lastly, we identified higher expression of TM4SF1, a cell surface protein associated with cancer metastasis, in HV tumor cells compared to UC tumor cells. Finally, CAR T cells engineered against TM4SF1 protein demonstratedin vitroandin vivoactivity against bladder cancer cell lines in aTM4SF1expression- dependent manner, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target in bladder cancer.

One sentence summary

Single cell RNA sequencing of primary bladder cancers identified a CA125+ cell state specific to histologic variants that is associated with aggressive biological features and TM4SF1 as a novel therapeutic target for histologic variant subtypes of bladder cancer which can be targeted by anti- TM4SF1 CAR T cells.
Kinship analysis and pedigree reconstruction by RAD sequencing in cattle
Authors: Xu Yiming , Wang Wanqiu , Xu Minjie , Wang Binhu , Huang Jiefeng , Wu Yingsong , Xie Yongzhong , Jian Jianbo
Published: May 2024

Kinship and pedigree information, used for estimating inbreeding, heritability, selection, and gene flow, is useful for breeding and animal conservation. However, as the size of the crossbred population increases, inaccurate generation and parentage recoding in livestock farms increases. Restriction-site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) is a cost-effective platform for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) discovery and genotyping. Here, we performed a kinship analysis and pedigree reconstruction for Angus and Xiangxi yellow cattle, which benefit from good meat quality and yields, providing a basis for livestock management. A total of 975 cattle, including 923 offspring with 24 known sires and 28 known dams, were sampled and subjected to SNP discovery and genotyping. The identified SNPs panel included 7305 SNPs capturing the maximum difference between paternal and maternal genome information allowing us to distinguish between the F1 and F2 generation with 90% accuracy. In addition, parentage assignment software based on different strategies verified that the cross-assignments. In conclusion, we provided a low-cost and efficient SNP panel for kinship analyses and the improvement of local genetic resources, which are valuable for breed improvement, local resource utilization, and conservation.
Blood- and brain-based genome-wide association studies of smoking
Authors: Chybowska Aleksandra D. , Bernabeu Elena , Yousefi Paul , Suderman Matthew , Hillary Robert F. , MacGillivray Louise , Murphy Lee , Harris Sarah E. , Corley Janie , Campbell Archie , Spires-Jones Tara L. , McCartney Daniel L. , Cox Simon R. , Price Jackie F. , Evans Kathryn L. , Marioni Riccardo E.
Published: May 2024

Background

Self-reported smoking is often incorporated into disease prediction tools but suffers from recall bias and does not capture passive exposure. Blood-based DNA methylation (DNAm) is an objective way to assess smoking. However, studies have not fully explored tissue-specificity or epigenome-wide coverage beyond array data. Here, we update the existing biomarkers of smoking and conduct a detailed analysis of the associations between blood DNAm and self-reported smoking.

Methods and Findings

A blood-based Bayesian epigenome-wide association study (EWAS) of smoking was carried out in 17,865 Generation Scotland individuals at ∼850k CpG sites (Illumina EPIC array). For 24 pairs of smokers and non-smokers a high-resolution approach was implemented (∼4 million sites, TWIST methylome panel). A DNAm-derived biomarker of smoking (mCigarette) was tested in the independent Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (n=882, Illumina 450k array) and in the ALSPAC parents and offspring at four time points (range n=496–1,207). To explore tissue specific signals, EWASs of smoking were run across five brain regions for 14 individuals using DNAm from the EPIC array. Lastly, genome-wide association studies (GWASs) of smoking pack years and an epigenetic score for smoking (GrimAge DNAm pack years) were conducted (n=17,105). The primary EWAS analyses identified two novel genome-wide significant loci, mapping to genes related to addiction and carcinogenesis. Associations with CpG sites which are currently absent from methylation arrays were identified by the high resolution EWAS of smoking (n=48). The mCigarette pack years biomarker showed excellent discrimination across all smoking categories (current, former, never), and outperformed existing predictors in associations with pack years in an external test dataset (Pearson r=0.75). Several CpGs showed near-perfect discrimination of smoking status in both blood and brain, but these loci did not overlap across tissues. The GWAS of DNAm (but not self-reported) pack years identified novel and established smoking-related loci. However, the self-reported phenotype GWAS had a higher genetic correlation with a large meta-analysis GWAS of self-reported pack years. Among the study shortcomings are its potential lack of generalizability to non-Europeans and the absence of serum cotinine data.

Conclusion

A multi-tissue, multi-cohort analysis of the relationship between smoking, DNA and DNAm (assessed via arrays and targeted sequencing) has improved our understanding of the biological consequences of smoking.
Apoptotic cells promote circulating tumor cell survival and metastasis
Authors: Hagan Cassidy E. , Snyder Annelise G. , Headley Mark , Oberst Andrew
Published: May 2024

During tumor progression and especially following cytotoxic therapy, cell death of both tumor and stromal cells is widespread. Despite clinical observations that high levels of apoptotic cells correlate with poorer patient outcomes, the physiological effects of dying cells on tumor progression remain incompletely understood. Here, we report that circulating apoptotic cells robustly enhance tumor cell metastasis to the lungs. Using intravenous metastasis models, we observed that the presence of apoptotic cells, but not cells dying by other mechanisms, supports circulating tumor cell (CTC) survival following arrest in the lung vasculature. Apoptotic cells promote CTC survival by recruiting platelets to the forming metastatic niche. Apoptotic cells externalize the phospholipid phosphatidylserine to the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane, which we found increased the activity of the coagulation initiator Tissue Factor, thereby triggering the formation of platelet clots that protect proximal CTCs. Inhibiting the ability of apoptotic cells to induce coagulation by knocking out Tissue Factor, blocking phosphatidylserine, or administering the anticoagulant heparin abrogated the pro-metastatic effect of apoptotic cells. This work demonstrates a previously unappreciated role for apoptotic cells in facilitating metastasis by establishing CTC-supportive emboli, and suggests points of intervention that may reduce the pro-metastatic effect of apoptotic cells.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
Unbounded Device-Independent Quantum Key Rates from Arbitrarily Small Nonlocality
Authors: Farkas Máté
Published: May 2024

Device-independent quantum key distribution allows for proving the security of a shared cryptographic key between two distant parties with potentially untrusted devices. The security proof is based on the measurement outcome statistics (correlation) of a Bell experiment, and security is guaranteed by the laws of quantum theory. While it is known that the observed correlation must be Bell nonlocal in order to prove security, recent results show that Bell nonlocality is in general not sufficient for standard device-independent quantum key distribution. In this work, we show that conversely, there is no lower bound on the amount of nonlocality that is sufficient for device-independent quantum key distribution. Even more so, we show that from certain correlations that exhibit arbitrarily small nonlocality, one can still extract unbounded device-independent key rates. Therefore, a quantitative relation between device-independent key rates and Bell nonlocality cannot be drawn in general. Our main technique comprises a rigorous connection between self-testing and device-independent quantum key distribution, applied to a recently discovered family of Bell inequalities with arbitrarily many measurement outcomes.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Crystal structure of (6,9-diacetyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylsecochlorinato)nickel(II)
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Brückner Christian , Zeller Matthias
Published: May 2024

Title compound 1Ni, [Ni(C46H32N4O2)], a secochlorin nickel complex, was prepared by diol cleavage of a precursor trans-dihydroxydimethylchlorin. Two crystallographically independent molecules in the structure are related by pseudo-A lattice centering, with molecules differing mainly by a rotation of one of the acetyls and an adjacent phenyl groups. The two molecules have virtually identical conformations characterized by noticeable in-plane deformation in the A1g mode and a prominent out-of-plane deformation in the B1u (ruffling) mode. Directional interactions between molecules are scarce, limited to just a few C—H...O contacts, and intermolecular interactions are mostly dispersive in nature.
Reconceptualizing accountability in NGO-corporate partnerships: an institutional logics perspective
Authors: Ghafran Chaudhry , Yasmin Sofia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Developing economies often lack sufficient state regulation to encourage corporations to engage with environmental sustainability challenges. Environmental NGOs fill this vacuum but this relationship is fraught with challenges, linked to each party’s competing interests. This paper examines how an environmental NGO operating in a developing country manages such challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case study, from 2017–2022, based on semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis, with the main periods of field work in 2017 and 2020.

Findings

We unravel nuanced dynamics of accountability within an NGOs collaborative ecosystem. Our findings reveal a web of interlinked obligations and expectations, strategically adopted to reconcile environmental and CSR logics fostering trustworthy partnerships with firms. Despite aiming for transformative change, the NGO made gradual initiatives, to meet the challenges of fostering systemic change in developing nations. Institutional logics of professionalism and development allowed NGO members avoid mission drift and realign upward accountability relations into lateral ones.

Originality/value

The study provides insight into successful NGO-corporate partnerships and illustrates how accountability is negotiated, upheld, and reconceptualized in such collaborations.
Investigating consumers’ intention to use drone food delivery services: Do personality traits matter?
Authors: Ling Alvin Han Ming , Sia Joseph Kee-Ming , Ho Jie Min
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The drone food delivery service (DFDS) is a revolutionary technology owing to its ability to reduce delivery costs, alleviate traffic congestion, and offer a more environmentally friendly alternative compared to traditional delivery methods. While studies have been conducted to understand consumers’ intentions towards DFDS, very few of them considered internal factors such as personality traits. Considering the aforementioned factors, this research employs the belief-desire-intention (BDI) model and the big five personalities (BFP) traits to explore how personality traits (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness) moderate the associations between the desire for DFDS and consumers’ intention to use DFDS (ITU).

Design/methodology/approach

Survey questionnaires were distributed online via Facebook and WhatsApp. A total of 359 responses were considered valid, and the study employed the partial least squares structural equation modelling approach to test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study revealed a positive impact of the desire for DFDS on ITU. Additionally, extraversion and agreeableness were found to moderate the effect of the desire for DFDS on ITU.

Originality/value

This study is the first in DFDS literature to employ the BDI model, showcasing its effective application in understanding the desire-to-intention relationship. Also, this is the first study that explores the moderating role of the BFP traits in the context of DFDS usage intention. The results provide insights for developing marketing strategies to encourage DFDS usage intention based on consumers' personality traits.
Maintaining or replacing a building's windows: a comparative life cycle study
Authors: Sällström Eriksson Liza , Lidelöw Sofia
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Energy-efficiency measures have always been important when renovating aging building stock. For property owners, window intervention is a recurring issue. Replacement is common to reduce operational heating energy (OHE) use, something many previous building renovation studies have considered. Maintaining rather than replacing windows has received less attention, especially for multi-residential buildings in a subarctic climate where there is great potential for OHE savings. The objective was to assess the life cycle (LC) climate impact and costs of three window maintenance and replacement options for a 1980s multi-residential building in subarctic Sweden.

Design/methodology/approach

The options’ embodied and operational impacts from material production, transportation and space heating were assessed using a life cycle assessment (LCA) focusing on global warming potential (LCA-GWP) and life cycle costing (LCC) with a 60-year reference study period. A sensitivity analysis was used to explore the impact of uncertain parameters on LCA-GWP and LCC outcomes.

Findings

Maintaining instead of replacing windows minimized LC climate impact and costs, except under a few specific conditions. The reduced OHE use from window replacement had a larger compensating effect on embodied global warming potential (E-GWP) than investment costs, i.e. replacement was primarily motivated from a LC climate perspective. The LCA-GWP results were more sensitive to changes in some uncertain parameters, while the LCC results were more robust.

Originality/value

The findings highlight the benefits of maintenance over replacement to reduce costs and decarbonize window interventions, challenging property owners’ preference to replace windows and emphasizing the significance of including maintenance activities in future renovation research.
Comparing Islamic and conventional stock markets in GCC: a TVP-VAR analysis
Authors: Naeem Muhammad Abubakr , Khan Shabeer , Rehman Mohd Ziaur
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study investigates the dynamic interdependence between Islamic and conventional stock markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies and the influence of global financial uncertainties on this interconnection.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs the time-varying parameter vector autoregressions (TVP-VAR) technique and analyzes daily data from December 1, 2008 to July 14, 2021.

Findings

The research reveals robust interconnectedness within individual countries between Islamic and conventional stock markets, particularly during crises. Islamic stock markets exhibit greater susceptibility to spillover effects compared to conventional stocks. The UAE and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) stock markets are identified as net transmitters of spillovers, while Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait receive more spillovers than they transmit. Global financial uncertainty measures (GVZ, USEPU and UKEPU) positively influence financial market interconnectedness, with EVZ exhibiting a negative impact while VIX and OVX remain statistically insignificant.

Practical implications

Investors and portfolio managers in Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait should carefully evaluate the UAE and KSA markets before making investment decisions due to the latter's role as net transmitters in the region. Additionally, it is emphasized that Islamic and conventional stocks should not be considered interchangeable asset classes for risk hedging.

Social implications

Investors must be aware that Islamic and conventional stocks cannot be used as an alternative asset class to hedge risk.

Originality/value

The present article offers valuable insights for practitioners and researchers delving into the comparative analysis of Islamic and conventional stock markets within the GCC context. It enhances our comprehension of the dynamic interdependence between Islamic and conventional stock markets in the GCC economies and the impact of global financial uncertainties on this intricate relationship.
Testing service infusion in manufacturing through machine learning techniques: looking back and forward
Authors: Bustinza Oscar F. , Vendrell-Herrero Ferran , Davies Philip , Parry Glenn
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Responding to calls for deeper analysis of the conceptual foundations of service infusion in manufacturing, this paper examines the underlying assumptions that: (i) manufacturing firms incorporating services follow a pathway, moving from pure-product to pure-service offerings, and (ii) profits increase linearly with this process. We propose that these assumptions are inconsistent with the premises of behavioural and learning theories.

Design/methodology/approach

Machine learning algorithms are applied to test whether a successive process, from a basic to a more advanced offering, creates optimal performance. The data were gathered through two surveys administered to USA manufacturing firms in 2021 and 2023. The first included a training sample comprising 225 firms, whilst the second encompassed a testing sample of 105 firms.

Findings

Analysis shows that following the base-intermediate-advanced services pathway is not the best predictor of optimal performance. Developing advanced services and then later adding less complex offerings supports better performance.

Practical implications

Manufacturing firms follow heterogeneous pathways in their service development journey. Non-servitised firms need to carefully consider their contextual conditions when selecting their initial service offering. Starting with a single service offering appears to be a superior strategy over providing multiple services.

Originality/value

The machine learning approach is novel to the field and captures the key conditions for manufacturers to successfully servitise. Insight is derived from the adoption and implementation year datasets for 17 types of services described in previous qualitative studies. The methods proposed can be extended to assess other process-based models in related management fields (e.g., sand cone).
Unlocking subsidiary performance: exploring the impact of subsidiary TMT composition, PCN tenure and subsidiary age
Authors: Padmanabhan Jaykumar , Agrawal Vikku , Moovendhan V.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between subsidiary manager’s demographic characteristics and performance, while incorporating the subsidiary context. We draw upon upper echelon theories and International Business theories to understand this relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a dataset based on listed Multinational subsidiaries in India we use linear regression to establish the relationship between subsidiary external performance (host market performance), subsidiary internal performance and subsidiary manager’s demographic characteristics.

Findings

With our data set we find a positive relationship between percentage of host country nationals (HCN) in the Top Management Team (TMT) and subsidiary host market performance and that subsidiary age moderates this relationship. We also find an inverted U-shaped relationship between parent country nationals (PCN) tenure and subsidiary performance.

Research limitations/implications

One of the limitations is that our study views the strategy process through the Upper Echelons (UE) theory lens, as a clearly specified planning process that associates strategy with intentionality. The opportunity that emanates at lower levels can turn an intended strategy into something different than what was started.

Practical implications

The findings in this paper can be the basis for decision making on the constitution of leadership teams.

Originality/value

There is a dearth of empirical evidence and studies on TMTs in the subsidiary, particularly from the non-North American context. Using a unique data set of listed multinational subsidiaries in India, the paper explores the impact of TMT demographics such as tenure of the TMT and age of the subsidiary operations on the performance of the subsidiary.
Analysis of surgical margins and prognostic factors in dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans after wide local excision: A multicenter study of 116 Japanese patients
Authors: Muto Yusuke , Fujimura Taku , Takahashi Akira , Namikawa Kenjiro , Ogata Dai , Nakano Eiji , Jinnai Shunichi , Hashimoto Akira , Kambayashi Yumi , Asano Yoshihide , Yamazaki Naoya
Published: May 2024

Cutaneous dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) is a fibrohistiocytic tumor characterized by a high risk of local recurrence but a low risk of metastasis. Wide local excision (WLE) has been an important treatment option, but its clinical outcomes and safety have not been thoroughly evaluated in previous reports. The aim of this study was to determine appropriate surgical margins (deep and lateral) and prognostic factors associated with recurrence‐free survival (RFS) of DFSP. A database collected by two dermatology departments in Japan was retrospectively reviewed to identify 116 patients with DFSP who underwent complete resection with WLE between 1994 and 2021. Sixty‐one men (53%) and 55 women (47%) were included in our cohort. The primary sites of DFSP were as follows: 11 head and neck (9%); seven face (7%); 12 upper extremities (10%); 20 lower extremities (17%); and 66 trunk (57%). There were 103 cases (89%) of primary DFSP and 13 cases (11%) of recurrent DFSP. Total 10‐year RFS was 96.6%. There were significant differences in RFS by tumor size (median size: 3 cm), disease status (primary versus recurrent DFSP), and fibrosarcomatous change (positive versus negative) (all p < 0.05). Two patients (1.7%) with buccal or head lesions had positive deep margins. In all cases, the lateral margin was negative at the postoperative evaluation. Tumor size, disease status, and fibrosarcomatous change are important risk factors for recurrence. Both face and head–neck lesions were more likely to have positive deep margins than other anatomic areas in DFSP. Although this study was limited by its retrospective design, a narrow 2‐cm lateral margin is especially considered for low‐risk patients.
Quantifying intraspecific variation in host resistance and tolerance to a lethal pathogen
Authors: Hardy Bennett M. , Muths Erin , Funk W. Chris , Bailey Larissa L.
Published: May 2024

Testing for intraspecific variation for host tolerance or resistance in wild populations is important for informing conservation decisions about captive breeding, translocation, and disease treatment. Here, we test the importance of tolerance and resistance in multiple populations of boreal toads (Anaxyrus boreas boreas) against Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the amphibian fungal pathogen responsible for the greatest host biodiversity loss due to disease.

Boreal toads have severely declined in Colorado (CO) due to Bd, but toad populations challenged with Bd in western Wyoming (WY) appear to be less affected. We used a common garden infection experiment to expose post‐metamorphic toads sourced from four populations (2 in CO and 2 in WY) to Bd and monitored changes in mass, pathogen burden and survival for 8 weeks. We used a multi‐state modelling approach to estimate weekly survival and transition probabilities between infected and cleared states, reflecting a dynamic infection process that traditional approaches fail to capture.

We found that WY boreal toads are more tolerant to Bd infection with higher survival probabilities than those in CO when infected with identical pathogen burdens. WY toads also appeared more resistant to Bd with a higher probability of infection clearance and an average of 5 days longer to reach peak infection burdens. Our results demonstrate strong intraspecific differences in tolerance and resistance that likely contribute to why population declines vary regionally across this species.

Our multi‐state framework allowed us to gain inference on typically hidden disease processes when testing for host tolerance or resistance. Our findings demonstrate that describing an entire host species as ‘tolerant’ or ‘resistant’ (or lack thereof) is unwise without testing for intraspecific variation.
A DSGE Consumption Function in a CGE Model: Parameter Estimation by CGE Simulation*
Authors: Dixon Peter B. , Rimmer Maureen T.
Published: May 2024

DSGE models incorporate attractive theoretical specifications of the behaviour of forward‐looking consumers facing an uncertain future. Central to these specifications is the idea that consuming agents decide their consumption level in year t by applying a function (policy rule) whose arguments represent information available in year t. Using the insight that, under certain conditions, the policy rule (but not the resulting policy) is invariant through time, DSGE modellers have developed the perturbation and other methods for quantitatively specifying policy rules. They have applied these methods in models with limited sectoral disaggregation. In this paper we adapt the perturbation method so that it can be used to specify a policy rule for consumption in a full‐scale CGE model. A novel feature of our method is the use of specially constructed CGE simulations to reveal key parameters used in deriving the policy rule. We apply our method in illustrative simulations of the effects of a technology shock in a 70‐sector version of the USAGE model of the US economy.
Association between claims‐based setting of diagnosis and treatment initiation among Medicare patients with hepatitis C
Authors: Zhang Hao , Bao Yuhua , Hutchings Kayla , Shapiro Martin F. , Kapadia Shashi N.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To develop a claims‐based algorithm to determine the setting of a disease diagnosis.

Data Sources and Study Setting

Medicare enrollment and claims data from 2014 to 2019.

Study Design

We developed a claims‐based algorithm using facility indicators, revenue center codes, and place of service codes to identify settings where HCV diagnosis first appeared. When the first appearance was in a laboratory, we attempted to associate HCV diagnoses with subsequent clinical visits. Face validity was assessed by examining association of claims‐based diagnostic settings with treatment initiation.

Data Collection/Extraction Methods

Patients newly diagnosed with HCV and continuously enrolled in traditional Medicare Parts A, B, and D (12 months before and 6 months after index diagnosis) were included.

Principal Findings

Among 104,454 patients aged 18–64 and 66,726 aged ≥65, 70.1% and 69%, respectively, were diagnosed in outpatient settings, and 20.2% and 22.7%, respectively in laboratory or unknown settings. Logistic regression revealed significantly lower odds of treatment initiation after diagnosis in emergency departments/urgent cares, hospitals, laboratories, or unclassified settings, than in outpatient visits.

Conclusions

The algorithm identified the setting of HCV diagnosis in most cases, and found significant associations with treatment initiation, suggesting an approach that can be adapted for future claims‐based studies.
The impacts of water quality on the amphibian chytrid fungal pathogen: A systematic review
Authors: Chew Adeline , West Matt , Berger Lee , Brannelly Laura A.
Published: May 2024

The pathogenic fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis has caused declines of amphibians worldwide. Yet our understanding of how water quality influences fungal pathogenicity is limited. Here, we reviewed experimental studies on the effect of water quality on this pathogen to determine which parameters impacted disease dynamics consistently. The strongest evidence for protective effects is salinity which shows strong antifungal properties in hosts at natural levels. Although many fungicides had detrimental effects on the fungal pathogen in vitro, their impact on the host is variable and they can worsen infection outcomes. However, one fungicide, epoxiconazole, reduced disease effects experimentally and likely in the field. While heavy metals are frequently studied, there is weak evidence that they influence infection outcomes. Nitrogen and phosphorous do not appear to impact pathogen growth or infection in the amphibian host. The effects of other chemicals, like pesticides and disinfectants on infection were mostly unclear with mixed results or lacking an in vivo component. Our study shows that water chemistry does impact disease dynamics, but the effects of specific parameters require more investigation. Improving our understanding of how water chemistry influences disease dynamics will help predict the impact of chytridiomycosis, especially in amphibian populations affected by land use changes.
Returns to Education in Australia 2001–2022*
Authors: Leigh Andrew
Published: May 2024

What are the economic returns to education in Australia? Using data from the 2018–2022 waves of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia survey, and taking account of the existing estimates of ability bias and social returns to schooling, I estimate the economic return to various levels of education. As in a 2008 paper in this journal, which used data from the 2001–2005 waves of the same survey, I report large returns. Across high school, vocational education and university qualifications, an additional year of schooling raises hourly wages by 7 per cent, boosts annual earnings by 13 per cent, and increases the probability of reporting positive earnings by 4 percentage points. In terms of hourly wages, the largest per‐year returns are from completing a Bachelor degree. In terms of annual earnings, the largest per‐year returns are from completing year 12. Testing for changes in returns to schooling over time provides little evidence of systematic trends over the period 2001–2022. Over the lifecycle, returns to education tend to decline from age 60 for high school and vocational qualifications, and tend to decline from age 55 for university qualifications, suggesting that the value of education diminishes as workers approach retirement age.
Non‐controlling shareholder activism and executive pay‐for‐performance sensitivity: Evidence from the over‐appointment of directors in the Chinese market
Authors: Li Shengnan , Wang Jiaqi , Zheng Xinya , Zhu Chiyun
Published: May 2024

We examine the impact of non‐controlling shareholder activism on the effectiveness of executive compensation contract, particularly focusing on the over‐appointment of directors in A‐share firms listed on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges from 2008 to 2021. We discover that such over‐appointments by non‐controlling shareholders significantly promote executive pay‐for‐performance sensitivity of these enterprises. This effect becomes even more pronounced in enterprises that display a weaker government intervention and media attention. Further mechanism analysis indicates that over‐appointments improve the effectiveness of compensation contract by improving the quality of accounting information and restraining executives' opportunistic behaviour. Our further research finds that over‐appointments by non‐controlling shareholders can effectively reduce executive compensation stickiness, while significantly increasing the absolute salary level of executives. There is no evidence to suggest that independent directors increase executive pay‐for‐performance sensitivity.
Mental foramen and apical foramen: A dangerous anatomical proximity
Authors: Yanık Deniz , Nalbantoğlu Ahmet Mert
Published: May 2024

The study evaluated the spatial position of the mental foramen (MF) using 300 cone‐beam computed tomography. The spatial position was analyzed with the horizontal location and relative location (distance between apical foramen and MF). The horizontal location was assessed through three positions (positions 1, 2, and 3). The relative location was determined with the x, y, and x coordinates of the root apex of mandibular premolars and the MF. Student's t‐test and chi‐square were performed. The most common horizontal location (52%) was position 2, which means between the premolars (p < 0.05). The relative location of the MF to the root apex of the second premolar was closer than the first premolar (p < 0.05). The distance between the root tip of the second premolar and the MF was 5.27 mm, with a minimum value of 1.87 mm. Clinicians should be aware of the possible neural results to the mental nerve of an endodontic infection and the extrusion of irrigation solutions.
Treasure legacy or political symbolization: Longquan celadon excavated from the Smederevo Fortress of Serbia
Authors: Wang Xuekun , Bikic Vesna , Chen Yulai , Mitrovic Ana , Wen Rui
Published: May 2024

The Smederevo Fortress served successively as the capital of the medieval Serbian state and the seat of the Smederevo Sanjak from 1427 to 1512, assuming great political and military significance. Five shards of Chinese celadon were excavated from the Smederevo Fortress of Serbia in the 1960s. Analysis by X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry of these celadon pieces has revealed that they date back to the Yuan dynasty and were crafted in Longquan County, Zhejiang province, China. The Longquan celadon signified outstanding financial or political values and was treasured by the local royalty or the elite of the Smederevo Fortress.