bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HAVAs: Alzheimer’s Disease Detection using Normative and Pathological Lifespan Models
Authors: Coupé Pierrick , Manjón José V. , Mansencal Boris , Tourdias Thomas , Catheline Gwenaëlle , Planche Vincent
Published: December 2021

In this paper, we present an innovative MRI-based method for Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) detection and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) prognostic, using lifespan trajectories of brain structures. After a full screening of the most discriminant structures between AD and normal aging based on MRI volumetric analysis of 3032 subjects, we propose a novel Hippocampal-Amygdalo-Ventricular Alzheimer score (HAVAs) based on normative lifespan models and AD lifespan models. During a validation on three external datasets on 1039 subjects, our approach showed very accurate detection (AUC ≥ 94%) of patients with AD compared to control subjects and accurate discrimination (AUC=78%) between progressive MCI and stable MCI (during a 3 years follow-up). Compared to normative modelling and recent state-of-the-art deep learning methods, our method demonstrated better classification performance. Moreover, HAVAs simplicity makes it fully understandable and thus well-suited for clinical practice or future pharmaceutical trials.
A Non-Negative Matrix Tri-Factorization based Method for Predicting Antitumor Drug Sensitivity
Authors: Pidò Sara , Testa Carolina , Pinoli Pietro
Published: December 2021

Large annotated cell line collections have been proven to enable the prediction of drug response in the preclinical setting. We present an enhancement of Non-Negative Matrix Tri-Factorization method, which allows the integration of different data types for the prediction of missing associations. To test our method we retrieved a dataset from CCLE, containing the connections among cell lines and drugs by means of their IC50 values. We performed two different kind of experiments: a) prediction of missing values in the matrix, b) prediction of the complete drug profile of a new cell line, demonstrating the validity of the method in both scenarios.
Ropinirole hydrochloride for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A single-center, randomized feasibility, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Morimoto Satoru , Takahashi Shinichi , Ito Daisuke , Daté Yugaku , Okada Kensuke , Chyi Chai Muh , Nishiyama Ayumi , Suzuki Naoki , Fujimori Koki , Takao Masaki , Hirai Miwa , Kabe Yasuaki , Suematsu Makoto , Jinzaki Masahiro , Aoki Masashi , Fujiki Yuto , Sato Yasunori , Suzuki Norihiro , Nakahara Jin , Okano Hideyuki
Published: December 2021

Background

We previously used an induced pluripotent stem cell-based drug repurposing approach to demonstrate that ropinirole hydrochloride (ropinirole) attenuated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)-specific pathological phenotypes. Here, we assessed the safety and feasibility of ropinirole in ALS patients to verify its efficacy.

Methods

We conducted a randomized feasibility trial of ALS. Twenty participants with ALSFRS-R scores greater than 2 points were randomly assigned using dynamic allocation to receive ropinirole or placebo for 24 weeks in the double-blind period. Upon completion, participants could choose to participate in the following 24-week open-label active extension period. The primary outcomes were safety and tolerability. The secondary outcomes for the feasibility trial objective were the change in the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) score, composite functional endpoint, combined assessment of function and survival, event-free survival, and time to ≤50% forced vital capacity (blinded outcome assessment). This study is registered with the UMIN Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000034954.

Findings

Twenty-one participants were randomized into two groups (ropinirole group; n=14) and received ropinirole (n=13) or placebo (n=7) and the data of all participants were analysed using mixed-effects models for repeated measures together. Overall, the incidences of adverse events, most of which had been reported previously, were similar within both groups. Notably, the incidence of gastrointestinal disorders (mainly, temporary mild nausea and diarrhoea) was high at 76·9% in the ropinirole group (14·3% in the placebo group). Regarding the feasibility of verifying efficacy, there were no significant differences in the ALSFRS-R score and combined assessment of function and survival scores during the double-blind period for 6 months, while the participants in the ropinirole group had lived an additional 27·9 weeks without disease progression events compared with the placebo group (log-rank test, 95% confidence interval, 4·3–37·4) at 12 months (secondary outcome).

Interpretation

Ropinirole is safe and tolerable for patients with ALS and this trial indicates feasibility for a subsequent large-scale trial.

Funding

This study was funded by The Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development and K Pharma Inc.
Association of regional Covid-19 mortality with indicators of indoor ventilation, including temperature and wind: insights into the upcoming winter
Authors: Leffler Christopher T. , Lykins V Joseph D. , Fram Brandon I. , Yang Edward
Published: December 2021

Background

Outdoor environmental variables, such as cold temperatures and low wind speed, have been correlated with incidence and mortality from Covid-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus). However, as Covid-19 predominantly spreads indoors, the degree to which outdoor environmental variables might directly cause disease spread is unclear.

Methods

World regions were considered to have reliable data if the excess mortality did not greatly exceed reported Covid-19 mortality. The relative risk of Covid-19 mortality for 142 regions as a function of median weekly temperature and wind speed was determined. For instance, Covid-19 mortality following warm weeks in a country was compared with mortality following cold weeks in the same country.

Results

Covid-19 mortality increases with cooling from 20 C to close to freezing (0 to 4 C, p<0.001). The relation of Covid-19 mortality with temperature demonstrates a maximum close to freezing. Below -5 C, the decrease in mortality with further cooling was statistically significant (p<0.01). With warming above room temperature (20 to 24 C), there is a nonsignificant trend for mortality to increase again. A literature review demonstrated that window opening and indoor ventilation tend to increase with warming in the range from freezing to room temperature.

Conclusion

The steep decline in Covid-19 mortality with warming in the range from freezing to room temperature may relate to window opening and less indoor crowding when it is comfortable outside. Below freezing, all windows are closed, and further cooling increases stack ventilation (secondary to indoor-outdoor temperature differences) and thereby tends to decrease Covid-19 mortality. Opening windows and other tools for improving indoor ventilation may decrease the spread of Covid-19.
Is sobriety from alcohol necessary for evaluation of patients presenting with suicidal ideation?
Authors: Keyes Daniel , Hardin Blake , Moore Brandon
Published: December 2021

Background

It is commonly assumed that patients intoxicated with alcohol are unreliable with respect to their statements of suicidal intent, however no prior literature evaluates the impact of sobriety on suicidal ideation (SI). In typical emergency department (ED) settings, a common practice is to wait until intoxicated suicidal individuals have reached a legally sober limit (ethanol level less than 80 mg/dL) to evaluate safety. We are not aware of any study that establishes the diagnostic reliability of the clinical suicidal ideation evaluation as a function of alcohol intoxication.

Methods

This study is a retrospective review of medical records for patients evaluated in a pre-COVID Midwestern ED for one calendar year. Cases were generated for review based on criteria of having a Psychiatric SW (Social Work) consult and blood alcohol level drawn while in the ED on every Wednesday and Friday of 2017 which produced 1084 cases for review. Chi-square analysis was used for comparison of variables of suicidal ideation with or without alcohol intoxication as defined by blood alcohol level (BAL) ≥80 mg/dL.

Results

In reference to our initial hypothesis, patients presenting with suicidal ideation and concurrent alcohol intoxication were no longer reporting suicidal ideation at sobriety in 69% of cases, compared to 38% for patients without alcohol levels on presentation. Chi-square analysis demonstrated p=0.000012.

Conclusion

The goal of the present study was to demonstrate, with empirical data, a relationship between alcohol intoxication and suicidal ideation. Our data suggests that patients presenting to the ED with complaints related to suicidal behavior who are found to have concurrent alcohol intoxication are more likely to deny suicidal ideation when sober than patients with similar presenting complaints and no alcohol intoxication.
Association of inferior division MCA stroke location with populations with atrial fibrillation incidence
Authors: Kim Ganghyun , Vitti Emilia , Stockbridge Melissa D. , Hillis Argye E. , Faria Andreia V.
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim

Anatomical features of Middle Cerebral Artery (MCA) bifurcation favors larger emboli entering the inferior rather than superior division. As cardiac source emboli are on average larger than arterial source emboli, we hypothesize that patients with atrial fibrillation have infarcts that involve more temporal and parietal lobes than frontal lobes.

Methods

From 1,849 patients admitted with evidence of acute or early subacute ischemic stroke on diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI), 482 affected exclusively the “lobar” MCA (sparing the lenticulostriates). They were classified as “frontal predominant” (n=105) or “temporoparietal predominant” (n=197) if at least 75% of the infarct affected the frontal lobe or the temporal and parietal lobes, respectively. Differences between stroke location (frontal or temporoparietal), sex, and race were analyzed by Chi-square test. Results: Men were more likely than women, and white people were more likely than black people to have temporoparietal strokes versus frontal strokes. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation have more temporoparietal strokes, compared to frontal strokes.

Conclusion

MCA ischemic strokes occur more often in temporoparietal areas in men and in white patients, populations with known elevated incidence of atrial fibrillation. Patients with confirmed diagnosis of atrial fibrillation have more temporoparietal strokes, compared to frontal strokes. Results align with the hypothesis that large emboli (mostly from cardiac source) are more likely to cause temporoparietal strokes in the MCA territory, compared to frontal strokes. This association can help guide search for the most likely etiology of infarcts.
Neuron-like function of the nephron central command
Authors: Gyarmati Georgina , Shroff Urvi Nikhil , Riquier-Brison Anne , Stocker Sean D. , Izuhara Audrey , Deepak Sachin , Chen Yibu , Biemesderfer Daniel , James Aaron W. , Minichiello Liliana , Zlokovic Berislav V. , Peti-Peterdi Janos
Published: December 2021

Interoceptive neurons that sense and regulate our internal milieu have been identified in several organs except in the kidney cortex despite its major importance in maintaining body homeostasis. Here we report that the chief kidney cell type of the macula densa (MD) forms coordinated neural networks in each nephron that resemble peripheral ganglia. A combined in vivo single-cell 4D physiology (sc4DP) and scRNA sequencing approach identified the MD mechanisms of neuronal differentiation, heterogeneity (pacemaker MD cells), sensing of the local and systemic environment via multi-organ crosstalk, and regulation of organ functions by acting as the nephron central command. Consistent with their neuron-like nature, MD cells express the molecular fingerprint of neurodegeneration. Here we put forth the single-cell MD model and concept of local neural networks that control organ and body functions via interoception in normal physiological state and use an integrated mechanism of neurodegeneration in disease.
Distinct within-host bacterial populations ensure function, colonization and transmission in leaf symbiosis
Authors: Acar Tessa , Moreau Sandra , Coen Olivier , De Meyer Frédéric , Leroux Olivier , Beaumel Marine , Wilkin Paul , Carlier Aurélien
Published: December 2021

Hereditary symbioses have the potential to drive transgenerational effects, yet the mechanisms responsible for transmission of heritable plant symbionts are still poorly understood. The leaf symbiosis betweenDioscorea sansibarensisand the bacteriumOrrella dioscoreaeoffers an appealing model system to study how heritable bacteria are transmitted to the next generation. Here, we demonstrate that inoculation of apical buds with a bacterial suspension is sufficient to colonize newly-formed leaves and propagules, and to ensure transmission to the next plant generation. Flagellar motility is not required for movement inside the plant, but is important for the colonization of new hosts. Further, stringent tissue-specific regulation of putative symbiotic functions highlight the presence of two distinct subpopulations of bacteria in the leaf gland and at the shoot meristem. We propose that bacteria in the leaf gland dedicate resources to symbiotic functions, while dividing bacteria in the shoot tip ensure successful colonization of meristematic tissue, glands and propagules. Compartmentalization of intra-host populations, together with tissue-specific regulation may serve as a robust mechanism for the maintenance of mutualism in leaf symbiosis.

Importance

Several plant species form associations with bacteria in their leaves, called leaf symbiosis. These associations are highly specific, but the mechanisms responsible for symbiont transmission are poorly understood. Using the association between the yam speciesDioscorea sansibarensisandOrrella dioscoreaeas a model leaf symbiosis, we provide experimental evidence that bacteria are transmitted vertically and distributed to specific leaf structures via association with shoot meristems. Flagellar motility is required for initial infection, but does not contribute to spread within host tissue. We also provide evidence that bacterial subpopulations at the meristem or in the symbiotic leaf gland differentially express key symbiotic genes. We argue that this separation of functional symbiont populations, coupled to tight control over bacterial infection and transmission, explain the evolutionary robustness of leaf symbiosis. These findings may provide insights into how plants may recruit and maintain beneficial symbionts at the leaf surface.
Blood-based Genomic and Cellular Determinants of Response to Neoadjuvant PD-1 Blockade in Patients with Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xi , Chen Rui , Li Wenqing , Zhang Shengchao , Jiang Mengju , Su Guodong , Liu Yuru , Cai Yu , Huang Wuhao , Xiong Yuyan , Wang Shengguang
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite the improved survival observed in PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy, there still is a lack of response to the anti-PD1 therapy for a large proportion of cancer patients across multiple indications, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

Methods

Transcriptomic profiling was performed on 57 whole blood samples from 31 NSCLC patients and 5 healthy donors, including both responders and non-responders received anti-PD-1 Tislelizumab plus chemotherapy, to characterize differentially expressed genes (DEGs), signature pathways, and immune cell subsets regulated during treatment. Mutations of oncogenic drivers were identified and associated with therapeutic outcomes in a validation cohort with 1661 cancer patients. These multi-level biomarkers were validated and compared across different methods, external datasets and multiple computational tools.

Results

NSCLC patients examined and achieved pathological complete response (pCR) were considered as responders or non-responders otherwise. Expression of hundreds DEGs (FDR p<0.05, fold change<-2 or >2) was changed in blood during neoadjuvant anti-PD-1 treatment, as well as in lung cancer tissue as compared to normal samples. Enriched PD-1-mediated pathways and elevated cell abundances of CD8 T cells and regulatory T cells were exclusively observed in responder blood samples. In an independent validation cohort of 1661 pan-cancer patients, a panel of 4 top ranked genetic alterations (PTCH1, DNMT3A, PTPRS, JAK2) identified from responders in discovery cohort were found positively associated with the overall survival (p<0.05).

Conclusion

These findings suggest peripheral blood-based biomarkers and cell subsets could be utilized to define the response to neoadjuvant PD-1 blockade in NSCLC patients and a set of novel gene mutations is strongly associated with the therapeutic outcome of cancer immunotherapy.
Cell cycle arrest explained the observed bulk 3D genomic alterations in response to long term heat shock for mammalian cells
Authors: Xu Bingxiang , Gao Xiaomeng , Li Xiaoli , Jia Yan , Li Feifei , Zhang Zhihua
Published: December 2021

Heat shock is a common environmental stress, while the response of the nucleus to it remains controversial in mammalian cells. Acute reaction and chronic adaptation to environmental stress may have distinct internal rewiring in the gene regulation networks. However, this difference remains largely unexplored. Here, we report that chromatin conformation and chromatin accessibility respond differently in short- and long-term heat shock in human K562 cells. Interestingly, we found that chromatin conformation in K562 cells was largely stable in response to short heat shock, while showed clear and characteristic changes after long-term heat treatment with little alteration in chromatin accessibility during the whole process. We further showed in silico and experimental evidence strongly suggesting that changes in chromatin conformation may largely stem from an accumulation of cells in the M stage of cell cycle in response to heat shock. Our results represent a paradigm shift away from the controversial view of chromatin response to heat shock and emphasize the necessity of cell cycle analysis while when interpreting bulk Hi-C data.
Determinants of consumers' motivation towards ethnic food: evidence from Indonesia
Authors: Arsil Poppy , Dang Hoa Le , Wicaksono Rumpoko , Hardanto Afik
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The research objective is to explore consumers' (those of ethnic origin and non-ethnic origin) motivation for choosing ethnic food.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 120 respondents were approached at Padang restaurants in Jakarta, and personal interviews were conducted using soft laddering techniques linking to means-end chain (MEC) analysis. The associations among attributes, consequences and values were mapped into a graphical hierarchy to depict the cognitive structure of consuming ethnic food.

Findings

The unique and spicy taste of Padang food, as well as preferences for the cuisine, was identified as the determinants of consumption of Padang food. In addition, the Minang people still considered the food's origin and tradition when consuming it. “Financial security” and “happiness” were identified as the desired values that consumers want to achieve.

Research limitations/implications

The extent to which acculturation affects consumers' decision-making on consuming ethnic food has not been significantly investigated.

Practical implications

Padang food can be promoted by highlighting its traditions and unique, spicy taste. These are key messages to attract consumers of Padang ethnic food.

Originality/value

The paper presents an original motivations and cognitive structures for eating Padang food.
The impact of geographical indications on farm incomes in the EU olives and wine sector
Authors: Poetschki Kathrin , Peerlings Jack , Dries Liesbeth
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Geographical indications (GIs) are expected to stimulate rural development by increasing the viability and resilience of farms in disadvantaged and remote areas. However, little quantitative evidence exists to support this expectation. This study fills this knowledge gap by quantitatively analyzing the effect of GI adoption on farm incomes in the EU olives and wine sectors.

Design/methodology/approach

The analysis uses data from the Farm Accountancy Data Network and EUROSTAT and an endogenous switching regression model to analyze the impact of GI adoption on farm incomes for specialized quality wine and olives producers in the year 2014.

Findings

The results show that GI adoption significantly improves farm incomes in both the olives and the wine sector.

Research limitations/implications

The research uses data from the farm accountancy data network (FADN). This is seen as a limitation of the analysis. The research raises some concerns about the appropriateness of FADN for the assessment of farmers' involvement in food quality schemes and a reconsideration of FADN as a tool for farm performance analysis is advised.

Originality/value

This is one of few quantitative studies of the impact of geographical indications on farm performance. Furthermore, it gives insights into the mechanisms by which GI can affect farm incomes.
A new solution to the “difficult problem” of the object of study of political economy
Authors: Yang Jiguo , Yuan Renshu
Published: December 2021

Purpose

As there are different interpretations of the object of study in the preface to the first edition of Capital (Volume I) by Karl Marx, disagreements arise over the object of study on political economy, which becomes a “difficult problem.” The purpose of the paper is to bring a new solution to the “difficult problem.”

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the analysis of the logic of the original text, the authors attempted to give a new interpretation of the “difficult problem” by analyzing the structure of Capital. The object of study of political economy is “the relations of production in the broad sense” of the capitalist mode of production.

Findings

It comprises relations of production in the narrow sense and exchange relations in the broad sense, and the latter can be divided into exchange relations in the narrow sense and distribution relations. The three of them correspond to Volume I, II and III of Capital, respectively. Consumption in “the four-section theory” is not studied by the political economy.

Originality/value

And the four-section theory is not a part of the theory of Marxist economics but a part of the classical economics criticized by Marx. Therefore, the object of study of socialist political economy with Chinese characteristics is “the relations of production in the broad sense” regarding the socialist mode of production with Chinese characteristics, which is different from the capitalist relations of production in the broad sense.
Exploring the sinicization of Marx's social capital reproduction theory: review and reflection
Authors: Zhang Xian
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Karl Marx's social capital reproduction theory is his significant contribution to economics. The purpose of this paper is to review the contributions of the exploration of Chinese economists (especially Professor Liu Guoguang) in the concretization of Marx’s social capital reproduction theory combined with socialist construction since 1949.

Design/methodology/approach

During this process, Professor Liu Guoguang, a famous Chinese Marxist economist, has made an outstanding contribution by creating a Marxist social capital reproduction model with Chinese characteristics and a distinctive Marxist economic growth model. Professor Liu's exploration is still of crucial practical significance to building a socialist market economy today.

Findings

The process and achievements in the sinicization exploration of Marx's social capital reproduction theory were reviewed. With the reform and opening up, fundamental changes have occurred in China's economic system – the centralized planned economic system has been transformed into a socialist market economic system.

Originality/value

The planned management of the national economy is replaced by a macro-regulation system characterized by gross control gradually, and the concepts of agriculture, light industry, and heavy industry, and their intercorrelation are no longer applied in theory and policy. However, the sinicization exploration of Marx's social capital reproduction theory in the older generation of Marxist economists represented by Liu is not only of historical significance but also of important practical significance.
The relationship between employer image and employee commitment in family-run hospitality firms
Authors: Schwaiger Katrin , Zehrer Anita
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Among all forms of commitment, affective commitment has been shown to be the most desirable for enterprises. However, research on commitment among employees in family-run businesses in the hospitality industry is scant. To address this gap, this study aims to analyze the impact of employer image components on hospitality employees’ affective occupational commitment within family-run businesses. As one can assume specific employer image aspects when studying family-run businesses, this paper expects to achieve a better understanding of the relationship between employer image and employee commitment in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

This study adopts the employer image framework of Baum and Kabst (2013), emphasizing that in addition to considering potential employees, the commitment of current employees needs to be assessed. Convenience sampling is used to obtain a sample from the target population (Tyrolean hospitality and gastronomy employees) from June to September 2018. Multiple linear regression analysis is applied to test the influence of individual employer image constituents on employees’ affective occupational commitment.

Findings

Among the five components of the employer image framework applied here, working atmosphere, task attractiveness and payment attractiveness show a significant influence on employees’ affective occupational commitment.

Originality/value

This study connects an existing employer image model to employee commitment within the hospitality industry. The findings suggest that the model is applicable to current employees as a key stakeholder group and shows the utility of employer image theory in connection with employee commitment.
Is regional emergency management key to containing COVID-19? A comparison between the regional Italian models of Emilia-Romagna and Veneto
Authors: Troisi Roberta , Alfano Gaetano
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper analyses emergency management in two regions of Italy – Emilia-Romagna and Veneto – in order (1) to understand whether they impact on the spread of local coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) contagion and (2) evaluate which strategy works best.

Design/methodology/approach

A three-step method was developed consisting of (1) a regional incidence curve analysis; (2) a descriptive statistical analysis of the respective operational measures related to the COVID-19 curve stages; and (3) a dynamic Structural Equation Model.

Findings

The results show the effects of the models during the various stages of the local contagion, focussing both on the two individual regions and a comparison of the way they responded.

Practical implications

Three theoretical implications are highlighted: (1) Better results are not necessarily the outcome of increased expenditure; (2) The overall rigidity they both show does not work; (3) The decision to centralize was, to some extent, effective for both regions.

Originality/value

The article empirically tests the effectiveness of emergency management in tackling a single event. Instead of the widely-used normative approach, the authors adopted a descriptive one, which is not frequently discussed in the emergency management literature.
Accounting for intangible assets – insights from meta-analysis of R&D research
Authors: Jeny Anne , Moldovan Rucsandra
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The knowledge- and Internet-based economy demands a reexamination of the accounting treatment for intangibles and a thorough understanding of the empirical evidence on this topic.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reviews the literature on research and development (R&D), a specific internally developed intangible asset, using meta-analysis techniques that allow to highlight the areas of consensus and disagreement in quantitative empirical results. The literature the authors review addresses four main research questions on (1) the determinants of the decision to capitalize R&D, (2) stock market-based outcomes of capitalizing R&D, (3) firm-based outcomes related to expensing R&D and (4) stock market-based outcomes of expensing R&D.

Findings

The authors find higher value relevance of capitalized compared with expensed R&D. There is, however, little robust evidence on the determinants of the capitalization decision and the characteristics of capitalizers.

Originality/value

The authors conclude by highlighting future research that can allow accounting academics to contribute to standard setting.
Why suppliers struggle to deliver defect-free products to buyers: a buyer–supplier dyadic perspective
Authors: Hoque Imranul
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This study explores the challenges of garment suppliers in delivering defect-free products to their buyers and how buyers play a role in overcoming the challenges.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a qualitative research approach and a multiple case study method, quantitative and qualitative data were collected from the four garment suppliers and buyer's representatives. Both quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques were applied to understand the challenges in delivering defect-free products.

Findings

The study findings show that garment suppliers' main challenges in delivering defect-free products are unsystematic quality control, informal root cause analysis, limited education and training facilities, dearth of a learning culture, limited quality control capability, lack of cross-functional team, inadequate modern technologies, workers' resistance to change and poor performance evaluation. Moreover, this study demonstrates how buyers can enhance their support to suppliers to receive defect-free products.

Research limitations/implications

Whereas the garment industry has more than four thousand suppliers, this study considers only four suppliers. Therefore, the generalisability of the study may be questioned. Furthermore, as this study considers only a single sewing line in each factory, future studies could incorporate more lines for a holistic understanding.

Practical implications

The findings of this study could help the managers of supplier firms understand how to tackle the hurdles of defect-free garment production and give buyers a guideline about what role they need to play to receive defect-free garments from suppliers.

Originality/value

For the first time, this study presents how garment suppliers and their lead buyers play significant roles in satisfying end consumers' demand by overcoming the challenges of defect-free garment production.
Gender, formal organizational status and humor use: perceptions of social acceptance
Authors: Moake Timothy R. , Robert Christopher
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Humor can be a useful tool in the workplace, but it remains unclear whether humor used by men versus women is perceived similarly due to social role expectations. This paper explored whether female humorists have less social latitude in their use of aggressive and affiliative humor in the workplace. This paper also examined how formal organizational status and the target's gender can impact audience perceptions.

Design/methodology/approach

Two scenario-based studies were conducted where participants rated the foolishness of the humorist. For Study 1, participants responded to a scenario with an aggressive, humorous comment. For Study 2, participants responded to a scenario with an affiliative, humorous comment.

Findings

Results suggested that high-status female humorists who used aggressive humor with low-status women were viewed as less foolish than low-status female humorists who used aggressive humor with low-status women. Conversely, status did not impact perceptions of male humorists who used aggressive humor with low-status women. Results also indicated that high-status women who used affiliative humor were viewed as less foolish when their humor was directed toward low-status men versus low-status women. Conversely, no differences existed for high-status men who used affiliative humor with low-status men and women.

Practical implications

Narrower social role expectations for women suggest that interpersonal humor can be a riskier strategy for women.

Originality/value

This study suggests that women have less social latitude in their use of humor at work, and that organizational status and target gender influence perceptions of female humorists.
A social cognition perspective on entrepreneurial personality traits and intentions to start a business: Does creativity matter?
Authors: Altinay Levent , Kromidha Endrit , Nurmagambetova Armiyash , Alrawadieh Zaid , Madanoglu Gulsevim Kinali
Published: December 2021

Purpose

This paper proposes and empirically assesses a social cognition conceptual model linking creativity (both artistic and scholarly), entrepreneurial personality traits, and entrepreneurial intention. Specifically, the study draws on social cognition perspectives to investigate the potential role of creativity as a mechanism underlying the relationship between entrepreneurial personality traits and entrepreneurial intention.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 194 creative nascent entrepreneurs, the study tests the proposed model using Partial Last Squares Structural Equations Modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The study reveals that, among entrepreneurial personality traits, only risk-taking propensity is positively related to entrepreneurial intention. Interestingly, while artistic creativity seems to enhance entrepreneurial intention, scholarly creativity is found to stimulate a more cautious approach toward venturing. The findings also reveal that scholarly creativity fully mediates the relationship between tolerance for ambiguity and entrepreneurial intention.

Originality/value

The study makes an original contribution by showcasing how both artistic and scholarly creativity developed in the same socially situated cognitive environment can differentially influence decision-making and the relationship between entrepreneurial personality traits and entrepreneurial intention, thus contributing to social cognition perspectives and research in entrepreneurship.
Constructing a multiple‐part morphospace using a multiblock method
Authors: Thomas Daniel B. , Harmer Aaron M. T. , Giovanardi Simone , Holvast Emma J. , McGoverin Cushla M. , Tenenhaus Arthur
Published: December 2021

Popular current methods for quantifying variation in biological shape are well‐suited to analyses of isolated parts (e.g. the same bone from the skeletons of many individuals). An analytical challenge exists for quantifying variation between the shapes of multiple‐part objects where each part has a different position, rotation or scale (e.g. partial or whole articulated skeletons). We investigated regularised consensus principal component analysis (RCPCA) as a multiblock method for quantifying variation in the shape of multiple‐part objects. Multiblock methods are routinely used in other big data research fields such as bioinformatics/medicine, marketing and food research, but have not been widely embraced for evolutionary biology research.

We have created the new package morphoBlocks for the r programming language to make RCPCA more accessible for shape evolution research. morphoBlocks provides a complete workflow for formatting, analysing and visualising the variation between multiple‐part objects by integrating functions from a diverse range of other packages. In particular, global components produced by RCPCA provide a consensus space that we present here as a morphospace for multiple‐part objects.

morphoBlocks is demonstrated with a case study of manually placed landmarks and automatically placed pseudolandmarks from the partial wing skeletons of 15 extant penguin species and five fossil penguin species. Our case study provides quantitative support for a historical hypothesis about the magnitude and mode of morphological change across the evolutionary history of penguins.

RCPCA can be used to analyse two‐ or three‐dimensional datasets with 10s of landmarks, or 100s to 1,000s of semilandmarks or pseudolandmarks, from 10s to 100s of specimens comprised of two or more parts. We use morphoBlocks on a small three‐bone case study and provide a framework for applying this method to much larger studies investigating the ecological or evolutionary significance of multiple‐part objects.
Differential brain responses to alcohol‐related and natural rewards are associated with alcohol use and problems: Evidence for reward dysregulation
Authors: Martins Jorge S. , Joyner Keanan J. , McCarthy Denis M. , Morris David H. , Patrick Christopher J. , Bartholow Bruce D.
Published: December 2021

Multiple theoretical perspectives posit that drug use leads to biased valuation of drug‐related reward, at the expense of naturally occurring rewarding activities (i.e., reward dysregulation). Recent research suggests that the comparative balance of drug‐related and nondrug‐related reward valuation is a powerful determinant of substance misuse and addiction. We examined differential neurophysiological responses—indexed with the P3 component of the event‐related potential (ERP)—elicited by visual alcohol cues and cues depicting natural reward as a neurobiological indicator of problematic drinking. Nondependent, young adult drinkers (N = 143, aged 18–30 years) completed questionnaire measures assessing alcohol use and problems, and viewed alcohol cues (pictures of alcoholic beverages), high‐arousing natural reward cues (erotica, adventure scenes), nonalcoholic beverage cues, and neutral scenes (e.g., household items) while ERPs were recorded. When examined separately, associations of P3‐ERP reactivity to alcohol cues and natural reward cues with alcohol use and problems were weak. However, differential P3 response to the two types of cues (i.e., reward dysregulation P3) showed consistent and robust associations with all indices of alcohol use and problems and differentiated high‐risk from lower‐risk drinkers. The current results support the idea that the differential incentive‐motivational value of alcohol, relative to naturally rewarding activities, is associated with increased risk for substance misuse and dependence, and highlight a novel neurophysiological indicator—the reward dysregulation P3—of this differential reward valuation.
Initial Experience of Robot‐Assisted Laparoscopic Nephroureterectomy in Japan: A Useful Technique Using a Vessel Sealing Device for Securing a Good Surgical Field and Efficient Sealing
Authors: Morizane Shuichi , Yumioka Tetsuya , Iwamoto Hideto , Hikita Katsuya , Honda Masashi , Takenaka Atsushi
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Although robot‐assisted nephroureterectomy (RANU) has been increasingly used worldwide, the history of RANU remains short, and the optimal surgical method for performing RANU has yet to be established. Here we introduce the ideal approach for RANU using the Vessel Sealer Extend (VSE).

Materials and Surgical Technique

RANU was performed by using a da Vinci Xi surgical system with fenestrated bipolar forceps (by the left arm), and monopolar scissors or needle drivers (by the right arm), and the VSE (by the third arm). First, nephrectomy and lymphadenectomy were performed at the kidney direction stage, followed by the removal of the distal ureter and suturing of the bladder at the bladder direction stage. The key point of our technique is that the console surgeon can continue to obtain the optimal surgical field by traction using the third arm, and thus cut the tissue by smoothly switching between the right hand and the third arm without the need to exchange instruments, especially in the kidney direction stage. In this study we performed RANU in nine patients and lymphadenectomy in seven patients. The median console time was 195 (range: 165–265) min, the median blood loss was 55 (range: 5–179) ml. In eight cases of RANU using the VSE, no lymphatic leakage was observed and all procedures could be performed safely.

Discussion

The use of VSE provides sufficient coagulation and optimal surgical field development, thus allowing console surgeons to perform RANU more safely.
Influence of milking units and working vacuum level on the mechanical milking of goats
Authors: Caria Maria , Boselli Carlo , Calvo Angela , Grande Silverio , Todde Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

The objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the effect of working vacuum levels (35 and 44 kPa) and liners dimensions (mouthpiece lip diameter and overall length, 20–185 and 22–170 mm) on the main milking characteristics of goats. The results highlight that both the working vacuum level and the liner dimension have influenced the milk flow curve parameters. The maximum variations were found for peak flow rate, which increased significantly with liner dimensions of 20–185 mm at a working vacuum level of 44 kPa as well as average milk flow rate and for plateau phase duration. The incorrect adoption of operative parameters and unsuitable milking machine components, might affect the performance of the mechanical milking and negatively affecting animal productions and welfare.
Incidence and nature of adverse drug events in paediatric intensive care units: A prospective multicentre study
Authors: Alghamdi Anwar A. , Keers Richard N. , Sutherland Adam , Hann Mark , Gray Jennifer , Mason Graham , Isaac Rhian E. , Ashcroft Darren M.
Published: December 2021

Aims

The aim of this study was to assess the incidence, nature, preventability and severity of adverse drug events (ADEs) across three paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in England.

Methods

A prospective observational cohort study was conducted across three PICUs over a three‐month period during 2019. Included patients were aged ≤18 years and stayed in PICU for a minimum of 24 hours. Identification of suspected ADEs was performed by trained PICU pharmacists. A multidisciplinary expert panel assessed causality, preventability and severity of events.

Results

A total of 302 patients were included and 62 ADEs were confirmed (definite/probable causality). One in six patients experienced one or more ADEs. The estimated incidence of ADEs were 20.5 per 100 patients (95% CI 15.3–27.5) and 16.7 per 1000 patient‐days (95% CI 9.3–29.9). The majority of ADEs were judged preventable by the expert panel (36/62, 58.1%). ADEs were commonly involved with medicines prescribing (29/62, 46.8%) and caused temporary patient harm (42/62, 67.7%). Medications for the central nervous system (14/62, 22.6%), infections (13/62, 20.9%) and cardiovascular system (12/62, 19.4%) were commonly implicated with ADEs. Multivariable analysis revealed that patients who stayed in PICU for ≥7 days (OR 6.29, 95% CI 2.42–16.32) were more likely to experience an ADE compared to patients with a stay of 1–6 days.

Conclusion

ADEs are common in English PICUs and most of them may be preventable. There is a strong association between ADE occurrence and duration of PICU stay, which represents a target for remedial interventions. Exploring contributory factors of preventable ADEs is now necessary to inform preventive policies.
Semiparametric Additive Time-Varying Coefficients Model for Longitudinal Data with Censored Time Origin
Authors: Sun Yanqing , Shou Qiong , Gilbert Peter B. , Heng Fei , Qian Xiyuan
Published: December 2021

Statistical analysis of longitudinal data often involves modeling treatment effects on clinically relevant longitudinal biomarkers since an initial event (the time origin). In some studies including preventive HIV vaccine efficacy trials, some participants have biomarkers measured starting at the time origin, whereas others have biomarkers measured starting later with the time origin unknown. The semiparametric additive time-varying coefficient model is investigated where the effects of some covariates vary nonparametrically with time while the effects of others remain constant. Weighted profile least squares estimators coupled with kernel smoothing are developed. The method uses the expectation maximization approach to deal with the censored time origin. The Kaplan–Meier estimator and other failure time regression models such as the Cox model can be utilized to estimate the distribution and the conditional distribution of left censored event time related to the censored time origin. Asymptotic properties of the parametric and nonparametric estimators and consistent asymptotic variance estimators are derived. A two-stage estimation procedure for choosing weight is proposed to improve estimation efficiency. Numerical simulations are conducted to examine finite sample properties of the proposed estimators. The simulation results show that the theory and methods work well. The efficiency gain of the two-stage estimation procedure depends on the distribution of the longitudinal error processes. The method is applied to analyze data from the Merck 023/HVTN 502 Step HIV vaccine study.
Mineralocorticoid pathway in retinal health and diseases
Authors: Behar‐Cohen Francine , Zhao Min
Published: December 2021

In the retina, the mineralocorticoid receptor is expressed in retinal and choroidal vessels and in cells from neural and glial origins. Like in the brain, the major ligand of the mineralocorticoid receptor is cortisol, and the mineralocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor balance regulates the activation of the MR pathway. Experimental mineralocorticoid receptor pathway activation using either pharmacological agents or transgenic manipulation favours retinal and choroidal pathology. In various models of retinal diseases, such as glaucomatous neuropathy, retinopathy of prematurity, ischaemic retinopathies, diabetic retinopathy and choroidal neovascularization, mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism exerts beneficial effects, demonstrating its potential in the treatment of major blinding retinal diseases. But specific formulations are required to optimize the bioavailability of mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists in various compartments of the eye, and molecular biomarkers of mineralocorticoid receptor pathway activation remain to be identified in humans to select patients amenable to clinical trials.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed issue on Emerging Fields for Therapeutic Targeting of the Aldosterone‐Mineralocorticoid Receptor Signaling Pathway. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.13/issuetoc