bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supporting entrepreneurs when it matters: optimising capital allocation for impact
Authors: Burton James
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper argues that policymakers and academics should place more emphasis on maximising the additional benefit created by entrepreneurial support programs and impact investments. It demonstrates a robust approach to advancing this field of research by using qualitative methods to determine the variables that may predict the additional benefit a firm will gain from funding.

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on 60 semi-structured interviews averaging 1.5 h each; 45 with entrepreneurs that did or did not receive funding from a business plan competition in Nigeria, 15 with relevant elites. Detailed World Bank panel data on program participants further validated responses and supported conclusions.

Findings

Numerous factors that may explain additional benefit were uncovered, including those that vary the need for external funding and those that vary access to it.

Research limitations/implications

Qualitative methods explored variables previously assumed to be unobservable. Future studies are necessary to test the results quantitatively.

Social implications

Understanding the characteristics that indicate ex ante which firms would most benefit from support will help policymakers, impact investors and development institutions to more effectively allocate capital.

Originality/value

This paper addresses the paucity of research into increasing additional impact and demonstrates the value of pursuing it. Methods used to suggest additionality variables for such programs and many of the factors highlighted are unique to this study. The research is also based on unique access to the participants and un-anonymised data from a significant World Bank study, and on substantially more interviews than previous papers.
How does finance influence labour market outcomes? A review of empirical studies
Authors: Heil Mark
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper reviews economic studies on the effects of various aspects of finance on labour market outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is a systematic literature review that reviews the weight of the evidence on the relationships between specific elements of finance and labour outcomes. The review is divided into three major sections: (1) job quantity and job quality; (2) distributional effects; and (3) resilience and adaptability.

Findings

Finance interacts with labour market institutions to jointly determine labour outcomes. Firm financial structures influence their labour practices – highly leveraged firms show greater employment volatility during cyclical fluctuations, and leverage strengthens firm bargaining power in labour negotiations. Bank deregulation has mixed impacts on labour depending upon the state of prior bank regulations and labour markets. Leveraged buyouts tend to dampen acquired-firm job growth as they pursue labour productivity gains. The shareholder value movement may contribute to short-termism among corporate managers, which can divert funds away from firm capital accumulation toward financial markets, and crowd out productive investment. Declining wage shares of national income in most OECD countries since 1990 may be driven in part by financial globalisation. The financial sector contributes to rising income concentration near the top of the distribution in developed countries. The availability of finance is associated with increased reallocation of labour, which may either enhance or impede productivity growth. Finally, rising interest rate environments and homeowners with mortgage balances that exceed their home's value may reduce labour mobility rates.

Originality/value

This review contributes to the understanding of the effects of finance on labour by reviewing and synthesising a large volume of literature.
The impact of customer knowledge management capability on project performance-mediating role of strategic agility
Authors: Haider Syed Arslan , Kayani Umar Nawaz
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between the customer knowledge management capability (CKMC) on project performance through strategic agility in the context project based software companies of Pakistan. The aim of the paper is to find out whether and how is customer knowledge beneficial for project performance and recognized as the important source of advancement of the knowledge management (KM) theory and the essential subject in practical ground.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, non-probability, simple random sampling method was used to collect the data because it excludes bias from the data collection process. Although, the population of this research includes 307 employees working in different 30 public and private projects based software firms, operating in twin cities Rawalpindi, Islamabad. The respondents are project supervisors, team members, customers working on these different projects. Because of time limitation data has been collected within four months (i.e. November 2018 to February 2019) for this study, it is not time-lagged study and the data were collected at one time, so the design is cross-sectional in nature. The analysis was established using partial least squares-structural equation modeling (Smart PLS-SEM v.3.2.8) software to test hypotheses.

Findings

The results revealed the structural equation modeling that the components creating, transferring, integrate and influence ensure the most significant job in clarifying the customer knowledge and enhancing the capability to understand the customer needs and want which lead to decrease project delay, over consumption of the budget and directly lead to increase the project performance. The analyzed results also successfully justified the gap of this research study by showing the significant relationship between CKMC and project performance, also the indirect effect of CKMC through strategic agility on project performance more than its direct effect. So, the strategic agility plays positive and significant mediating role between CKMC and project performance, therefore the all sub-hypothesis and primary hypothesis were accepted.

Originality/value

This study sets the context with a brief summary of the key characteristics of the CKMC to improve the new product performance, enhance product/service quality, also reduce costs and enhance the competitiveness of organizations. Organization ought to acknowledge how to use KM to generate their revenues and achieve their goals. However, available techniques and methodology to measure the sufficiency are dissatisfying and consistent need for assessments and evaluations of this issue are felt.
The diffusion of innovative diabetes technologies as a fundamental cause of social inequalities in health. The Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study, Norway
Authors: Weiss Daniel , Sund Erik R. , Freese Jeremy , Krokstad Steinar
Published: June 2020

This study investigates patterns of adoption and diffusion of innovative health technologies by socioeconomic status (SES) in order to assess the extent to which these technologies may be a fundamental cause of health‐related inequalities. Quantitative analyses examined SES‐based inequalities in the adoption and diffusion of diabetes technologies. Diabetes data from three panels of the Nord‐Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT), Norway, were combined with income and education data. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal regression analyses were used to examine relevant inequalities. Cross‐sectional analyses suggest often present SES‐based gradients in the adoption of diabetes technologies, favouring high‐SES groups. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were most often present when technologies were new. In a cohort followed from 1984 to 1997, high SES individuals were more likely to adopt insulin injection technologies but, due to modest sample sizes, these inequalities were not statistically significant after adjusting for age, gender, and duration of illness. Moreover, compared to low SES individuals, high SES individuals are more active users of diabetes technologies. Results suggest that SES‐based variations in access and use of innovative health technologies could act as a mechanism through which inequalities are reproduced. This study provides a discussion of mechanisms and a methodological foundation for further investigation.
Assessing the potential for up‐cycling recovered resources from anaerobic digestion through microbial protein production
Authors: Verbeeck Kristof , De Vrieze Jo , Pikaar Ilje , Verstraete Willy , Rabaey Korneel
Published: June 2020

Anaerobic digesters produce biogas, a mixture of predominantly CH4 and CO2, which is typically incinerated to recover electrical and/or thermal energy. In a context of circular economy, the CH4 and CO2 could be used as chemical feedstock in combination with ammonium from the digestate. Their combination into protein‐rich bacterial, used as animal feed additive, could contribute to the ever growing global demand for nutritive protein sources and improve the overall nitrogen efficiency of the current agro‐ feed/food chain. In this concept, renewable CH4 and H2 can serve as carbon‐neutral energy sources for the production of protein‐rich cellular biomass, while assimilating and upgrading recovered ammonia from the digestate. This study evaluated the potential of producing sustainable high‐quality protein additives in a decentralized way through coupling anaerobic digestion and microbial protein production using methanotrophic and hydrogenotrophic bacteria in an on‐farm bioreactor. We show that a practical case digester handling liquid piggery manure, of which the energy content is supplemented for 30% with co‐substrates, provides sufficient biogas to allow the subsequent microbial protein as feed production for about 37% of the number of pigs from which the manure was derived. Overall, producing microbial protein on the farm from available methane and ammonia liberated by anaerobic digesters treating manure appears economically and technically feasible within the current range of market prices existing for high‐quality protein. The case of producing biomethane for grid injection and upgrading the CO2 with electrolytic hydrogen to microbial protein by means of hydrogen‐oxidizing bacteria was also examined but found less attractive at the current production prices of renewable hydrogen. Our calculations show that this route is only of commercial interest if the protein value equals the value of high‐value protein additives like fishmeal and if the avoided costs for nutrient removal from the digestate are taken into consideration.
Circ_0072088 promotes the development of non‐small cell lung cancer via the miR‐377‐5p/NOVA2 axis
Authors: Tan Zhaofeng , Cao Fang , Jia Bin , Xia Lei
Published: June 2020

Background

Non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer‐related death globally. This study aimed to disclose the role of circular RNA circ_0072088 in NSCLC and illustrate its potential mechanism.

Methods

Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) was applied to detect the expression of circ_0072088, zinc finger RNA binding protein (ZFR), microRNA‐377‐5p (miR‐377‐5p) and NOVA alternative splicing regulator 2 (NOVA2). The viability, colony formation, cell cycle, migration and invasion of NSCLC cells were measured by cell counting kit‐8 (CCK8) assay, colony formation assay, flow cytometry, wound healing assay and transwell invasion assay. Western blot assay was employed to examine the protein levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Cyclin D1, matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), MMP9 and NOVA2. The downstream targets of circ_0072088 and miR‐377‐5p were searched through using circular RNA Interactome and TargetScan databases, and the interaction between miR‐377‐5p and circ_0072088 or NOVA2 was confirmed by dual‐luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay. in vivo tumor growth assay was used to evaluate the functions of circ_0072088 in the progression of NSCLC in vivo.

Results

GSE101586 dataset and the analysis of tissue specimens showed that circ_0072088 was aberrantly upregulated in tumor tissues of lung cancer and NSCLC. Circ_0072088 interference caused marked suppression on the proliferation and motility of NSCLC cells. Circ_0072088 could negatively regulate miR‐377‐5p through direct combination. Circ_0072088 contributed to the progression of NSCLC through sponging miR‐377‐5p. MiR‐377‐5p could directly interact with NOVA2, and the overexpression of NOVA2 overturned miR‐377‐5p‐mediated influence on NSCLC cells. Circ_0072088 facilitated the progression of NSCLC in vivo.

Conclusions

Circ_0072088 facilitated the proliferation and metastasis of NSCLC cells through upregulating NOVA2 via functioning as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) for miR‐377‐5p.
Identification of unique clusters of T, dendritic, and innate lymphoid cells in the peritoneal fluid of ovarian cancer patients
Authors: Vazquez Jessica , Chavarria Melina , Lopez Gladys E. , Felder Mildred A. , Kapur Arvinder , Romo Chavez Antonio , Karst Nathan , Barroilhet Lisa , Patankar Manish S. , Stanic Aleksandar K.
Published: June 2020

Problem

We hypothesize that activated peritoneal immune cells can be redirected to target ovarian tumors. Here, we obtain fundamental knowledge of the peritoneal immune environment through deep immunophenotyping of T cells, dendritic cells (DC), and innate lymphoid cells (ILC) of ovarian cancer patients.

Method of study

T cells, DC, and ILC from ascites of ovarian cancer patients (n = 15) and peripheral blood of post‐menopausal healthy donors (n = 6) were immunophenotyped on a BD Fortessa cytometer using three panels—each composed of 16 antibodies. The data were analyzed manually and by t‐SNE/DensVM. CA125 levels were obtained from patient charts.

Results

We observed decreased CD3+ T cells and a higher proportion of activated CD4+ and effector memory CD4+/CD8+ T cells, plasmacytoid DC, CD1c+ and CD141+ myeloid DC and CD56Hi NK cells in ascites. t‐SNE/DensVM identified eight T cell, 17 DC, and 17 ILC clusters that were unique in the ascites compared to controls. Hierarchical clustering of cell frequency distinctly segregated the T‐cell and ILC clusters from controls. Increased CA125 levels were associated with decreased CD8+/CD45RA+/CD45RO−/CCR7− T cells.

Conclusion

The identified immune clusters serve as the basis for interrogation of the peritoneal immune environment and the development of novel immunologic modalities against ovarian cancer.
Worse progression of COVID‐19 in men: Is testosterone a key factor?
Authors: Giagulli Vito A. , Guastamacchia Edoardo , Magrone Thea , Jirillo Emilio , Lisco Giuseppe , De Pergola Giovanni , Triggiani Vincenzo
Published: June 2020

Background

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2) disease 2019 (COVID‐19) seems to have a worse clinical course among infected men compared with women, thus highlighting concerns about gender predisposition to serious prognosis. Therefore, androgens, particularly testosterone (T), could be suspected as playing a critical role in driving this excess of risk. However, gonadal function in critically ill men is actually unknown, mainly because serum T concentration is not routinely measured in clinical practice, even more in this clinical context.

Objective

To overview on possible mechanisms by which serum T levels could affect the progression of COVID‐19 in men.

Methods

Authors searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Google, and institutional websites for medical subject headings terms and free text words referred to “SARS‐CoV‐2,” “COVID‐19,” “testosterone,” “male hypogonadism,” “gender” “immune system,” “obesity,” “thrombosis” until May 19th 2020.

Results

T, co‐regulating the expression of angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 and transmembrane protease serine 2 in host cells, may facilitate SARS‐CoV‐2 internalization. Instead, low serum T levels may predispose to endothelial dysfunction, thrombosis and defective immune response, leading to both impaired viral clearance and systemic inflammation. Obesity, one of the leading causes of severe prognosis in infected patients, is strictly associated with functional hypogonadism, and may consistently strengthen the aforementioned alterations, ultimately predisposing to serious respiratory and systemic consequences.

Discussion and conclusion

T in comparison to estrogen may predispose men to a widespread COVID‐19 infection. Low serum levels of T, which should be supposed to characterize the hormonal milieu in seriously ill individuals, may predispose men, especially elderly men, to poor prognosis or death. Further studies are needed to confirm these pathophysiological assumptions and to promptly identify adequate therapeutic strategies.
BMP‐6 and SMAD4 gene expression is altered in cumulus cells from women with endometriosis‐associated infertility
Authors: De Conto Emily , Matte Ursula , Cunha‐Filho João Sabino
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Oocyte competence and quality depend on communication between the oocyte and the cumulus and theca cells. In the preantral phase, the members of the transforming growth factor β (TGF‐β) superfamily are responsible for this communication and play an important role in folliculogenesis. Members of the TGF‐β superfamily are related to endometriosis (overexpression in the ectopic endometrium); however, few studies have explored these proteins as influencing fertility in endometriosis. Considering endometriosis‐related infertility and to better understand the role of the TGF‐β superfamily members in the antral phase in women with endometriosis, this research investigated the gene expression of the genes for ligands AMH, BMP‐6, GDF‐9, INHA, INHBB, and TGFβ3; receptors AMHR2, BMPR2, and TGFβR3; and intracellular signalling: SMAD3 and SMAD4.

Material and methods

The gene expression of AMH, BMP‐6, GDF‐9, INHA, INHBB, TGFβ3, AMHR2, BMPR2, TGFβR3, SMAD3, and SMAD4 in cumulus cells was investigated through quantitative real‐time PCR in a case‐control study including infertile women with and without peritoneal endometriosis undergoing in vitro fertilization.

Results

Age and outcomes of assisted reproduction were similar between the groups (P > .05). However, women with endometriosis showed reduced expression of BMP‐6 and SMAD4 (P < .05) in cumulus cells compared with the control group, other genes did not present altered gene expression in women with endometriosis (P > .05).

Conclusions

The reduced expression of BMP‐6 and SMAD4 in women with peritoneal endometriosis compared with the control group indicates that granulosa (cumulus) cell function could be altered in these women.
Carcass traits and meat quality of Texel lambs raised in Brachiaria pasture and feedlot systems
Authors: da Silva Pâmila Carolini Gonçalves , Brandão Ferreira Ítavo Camila Celeste , Vinhas Ítavo Luís Carlos , de Nadai Bonin Gomes Marina , Dias Feijó Gelson Luís , Monteiro Ferelli Kedma Leonora Silva , da Silva Heimbach Natália , da Silva Jonilson Araújo , de Melo Gleice Kelli Ayardes , Filgueira Pereira Marília Williani
Published: June 2020

Our hypothesis suggests an improvement in carcass and meat quality of pasture‐finished animals by introducing concentrate feed into diets. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of different levels of protein‐energy supplementation on carcass and meat characteristics of Texel lambs raised on Brachiaria pastures, and compare the results with those obtained from confined animals. Thirty 2‐month‐old intact lambs were divided into five treatments: pasture with mineral supplementation, pasture containing daily supplies of 0.8, 1.6, and 2.4% BW protein‐energy supplementation, and confinement (reference treatment). All animals were slaughtered 104 days after the beginning of the experiment. Lambs submitted to 1.6% and 2.4% BW supplementation presented similar characteristics to animals kept in confinement and were superior to animals treated with 0 or 0.8% of BW supplementation levels (p < .05). Increases of subcutaneous fat thickness were verified for 0.0, 0.8, 1.6, 2.4% BW, and confinement treatments, being respectively of 0.25, 0.74, 1.61, 1.69, and 1.98. Conversely, treatments had no influence on meat physical‐chemical characteristics, being all considered moderately soft, juicy (tender), and with mild tastes and odors. Lambs raised on Brachiaria pastures have high‐quality meat, but more protein‐energy supplementation is needed to be an alternative for the feedlots for young animals.
Selection based on morphological features of porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization: Timing of early cleavages and the effect of polyspermy
Authors: Nguyen Hiep Thi , Dang‐Nguyen Thanh Quang , Somfai Tamas , Men Nguyen Thi , Viet Linh Nguyen , Xuan Nguyen Bui , Noguchi Junko , Kaneko Hiroyuki , Kikuchi Kazuhiro
Published: June 2020

The aim of this study was to examine whether a morphological approach is efficient for selecting high‐quality porcine embryos produced by in vitro fertilization (IVF) under high polyspermy conditions. Frozen‐thawed Meishan epididymal spermatozoa showing moderate and high polyspermy were subjected to IVF (1 × 105 sperms/ml). Under conditions of moderate polyspermy, 4‐cell embryos selected at 48 hr after IVF (single selection) and 8‐cell embryos selected at 79 hr after IVF from the collected 4‐cell embryos (double selection) showed high developmental competence. Likewise, 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos produced by IVF under high polyspermy conditions also showed high competence for development to blastocysts. However, blastocysts derived from high polyspermy conditions had significantly fewer cells than those produced under moderate polyspermy conditions. Furthermore, the frequency of nuclear and chromosomal abnormalities in 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos produced under conditions of high polyspermy was significantly (p < .05) higher in comparison to moderate polyspermy conditions. These findings suggest that although high polyspermy affects the frequency of nuclear and chromosomal anomalies in porcine IVF embryos, subsequent selection based on morphological features of 4‐ and 8‐cell embryos even under high polyspermy conditions, could be an alternative option for selecting porcine IVF embryos with high development ability.
CSR and banking soundness: A causal perspective
Authors: Ben Abdallah Sana , Saïdane Dhafer , Ben Slama Mehrez
Published: June 2020

This is the first study to examine the relationship between sustainability and soundness in banking as part of an integrated reporting approach. We consider 12 major European banks over the period 2006–2016. To test the relationship, two indexes were constructed, the sustainable performance index, which attempts to measure sustainability, and the banking soundness index, which measures bank soundness. The results show a bidirectional causality between sustainability and banking soundness. More specifically, soundness encourages banks to engage in sustainable development activities, while the implementation of a sustainable development approach has a negative effect on banking soundness. Our research contributes to the literature on this topic in two ways. First, we propose a new method for measuring banking soundness based on a Bayesian approach. This approach allows us to study a large number of criteria and allows us to determine proactively the importance and the contribution of different determinants in achieving soundness. In addition, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study that attempts to study the relationship between bank soundness and sustainability.
Acral fibromyxoma with loss of Rb1 by immunohistochemistry and fluorescence in situ hybridization: A diagnostically exploitable marker
Authors: Motanagh Samaneh , Bridge Julia A. , Linos Konstantinos
Published: June 2020

Acral fibromyxoma (AF) is a slow growing benign soft tissue tumor with predilection to subungal and periungal region of the hands or feet. CD34 is consistently expressed whereas very recently loss of Rb1 expression was described as a possible driver molecular event for this entity. Herein we present two additional cases of AF with loss of Rb1 expression by IHC and subsequent confirmation of loss of the RB1 gene locus by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We hope to raise awareness in dermatopathology community of this new discovery, which can be diagnostically exploitable for this distinct and probably underreported neoplasm.
Combining US and Canadian forest inventories to assess habitat suitability and migration potential of 25 tree species under climate change
Authors: Prasad Anantha , Pedlar John , Peters Matt , McKenney Dan , Iverson Louis , Matthews Steve , Adams Bryce
Published: June 2020

Aim

To evaluate current and future dynamics of 25 tree species spanning United States and Canada.

Location

United States and Canada.

Methods

We combine, for the first time, the species compositions from relative importance derived from the USA’s Forest Inventory Analysis (FIA) with gridded estimates based on Canada's National Forest Inventory (NFI‐kNN))‐based photo plot data to evaluate future habitats and colonization potentials for 25 tree species. Using 21 climatic variables under RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5, we model climatic habitat suitability (HQ) within a consensus‐based multimodel ensemble regression approach. A migration model is used to assess colonization likelihoods (CL) for ~100 years and combined with HQ to evaluate the various combinations of HQ + CL outcomes for the 25 species.

Results

At a continental scale, many species in the conterminous United States lose suitable climatic habitat (especially under RCP 8.5) while Canada and USA’s Alaska gain climate habitat. For most species, even under optimistic migration rates, only a small portion of overall future suitable habitat is projected to be naturally colonized in ~100 years, although considerable variation exists among species.

Main conclusions

For the species examined here, habitat losses were primarily experienced along southern range limits, while habitat gains were associated with northern range limits (especially under RCP 8.5). However, for many species, southern range limits are projected to remain relatively intact, albeit with reduced habitat quality. Our models predict that only a small portion of the climatic habitat generated by climate change will be colonized naturally by the end of the current century—even with optimistic tree migration rates. However, considerable variation among species points to the need for significant management efforts, including assisted migration, for economic or ecological reasons. Our work highlights the need to employ range‐wide data, evaluate colonization potentials and enhance cross‐border collaborations.
Final year dental students' career plans, work patterns, work‐life balance and domestic life in New Zealand and Australia
Authors: Mei Li , Lai Yvonne , Lee Peter , Ng Austin , Tan Kevin , Zafar Sobia , Guan Guangzhao
Published: June 2020

Introduction

Having insight into final year dental students' career planning is vital in maintaining and enhancing the quality of dental education. The aim of this study was to investigate final year dental students' career plans, work patterns, work‐life balance and domestic life, in New Zealand and Australia.

Methods

The design of the study was a two‐centred cross‐sectional study.

Results

A total of 148 students, including 95 females (64%) and 53 males (36%), completed the survey (response rate = 87%). The mean age of students across two Australasian universities was 23 ± 3 years. Findings from this study demonstrate that students prefer their first job is an urban, full‐time and salary‐based with a good mentor. However, when describing their long‐term planning, work‐life balance becomes more important. The growth in the number of female dentists will continue to shape the future patterns of our dental profession.

Conclusion

The current study has highlighted several similarity and differences in career plans, work patterns, work‐life balance and domestic life between two Australasian universities. The information might be useful for the policymakers involved in future workforce planning and infrastructure and for those involved in the delivery of dental education.
Role of bilateral corticobulbar tracts in dysphagia after middle cerebral artery stroke
Authors: Im S. , Han Y.J. , Kim S.‐H. , Yoon M.‐J. , Oh J. , Kim Y.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

The corticobulbar tract is a potential neural pathway involved in swallowing. The frontal operculum, insular cortex, corona radiata and internal capsule, which are frequently involved in middle cerebral artery (MCA) strokes, are locations in which lesions cause dysphagia. However, it is unclear whether the locations are linked to the corticobulbar tract or whether corticobulbar tract integrity is associated with dysphagia severity. This study aimed to assess the association between corticobulbar tract integrity and dysphagia severity after MCA stroke.

Methods

Thirty dysphagic patients after MCA stroke and 27 healthy controls were examined. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)‐derived parameters of the corticobulbar tract were compared between patient and control groups. Next, patients were divided into mild and moderate‐to‐severe dysphagia groups, and DTI‐derived parameters of the corticobulbar tract were compared between the subgroups. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between corticobulbar tract integrity and dysphagia severity.

Results

The tract volume (TV) of the affected corticobulbar tract was lower in dysphagic patients than in healthy controls (P < 0.001). According to dysphagia severity, TV of the unaffected corticobulbar tract was higher in the mild dysphagia group than in the moderate‐to‐severe dysphagia group (P = 0.012). TV of the unaffected corticobulbar tract was independently associated with dysphagia severity according to the logistic regression model (adjusted odds ratio 0.817, 95% confidence interval 0.683–0.976).

Conclusions

The corticobulbar tract was affected after MCA stroke and may be associated with dysphagia. A higher corticobulbar TV in the unaffected hemisphere was indicative of better swallowing function in dysphagic patients after MCA stroke.
Efficacy and safety of rituximab in myasthenia gravis: a French multicentre real‐life study
Authors: Dos Santos A. , Noury J. ‐B. , Genestet S. , Nadaj‐Pakleza A. , Cassereau J. , Baron C. , Videt D. , Michel L. , Pereon Y. , Wiertlewski S. , Magot A.
Published: June 2020

Background and purpose

Fifteen percent of patients with myasthenia gravis (MG) are refractory to conventional treatment. Case reports and a few studies show probable benefit of rituximab in these cases. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and the safety of rituximab in patients with MG, in a multicentric real‐life study.

Method

Inclusion criteria were: age > 18 years; MG with anti‐acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies, anti‐muscle‐specific kinase (MuSk) antibodies or significant decrement after repetitive nerve stimulation; Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) class >II; refractory or steroid‐dependent MG; and treatment with rituximab. Efficacy was assessed at 6 months using the MGFA‐post‐intervention status (PIS) score, the myasthenic muscle score (MMS) and the number of patients receiving steroids <10 mg/day. Data on adverse events were collected.

Results

Twenty‐nine patients were included: 20 with anti‐AChR MG, five with anti‐MuSK MG and four with seronegative MG. MGFA‐PIS score was improved or better (improved, minimal manifestations or remission) in 86.2% of patients after 6 months of treatment (P < 0.0001). The mean MMS increased from 68.8 to 83.1 (P < 0.0001). A decrease in steroid dosage (<10 mg/day) was effective in 57.9% of treated patients. In all, 42.8% of patients experienced adverse events: infections (21.4% of patients); infusion reaction (7%); bradycardia (3.7%); and cytopenia (7%).

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of rituximab in patients with MG. Additional studies remain necessary to determine the role of rituximab in the pharmacopeia of MG treatment and to establish precise recommendations for the infusion protocol.
Reticulate evolution as a management challenge: Patterns of admixture with phylogenetic distance in endemic fishes of western North America
Authors: Bangs Max R. , Douglas Marlis R. , Brunner Patrick C. , Douglas Michael E.
Published: June 2020

Admixture in natural populations is a long‐standing management challenge, with population genomic approaches offering means for adjudication. We now more clearly understand the permeability of species boundaries and the potential of admixture for promoting adaptive evolution. These issues particularly resonate in western North America, where tectonism and aridity have fragmented and reshuffled rivers over millennia, in turn promoting reticulation among endemic fishes, a situation compounded by anthropogenic habitat modifications and non‐native introductions. The melding of historic and contemporary admixture has both confused and stymied management. We underscore this situation with a case study that quantifies basin‐wide admixture among a group of native and introduced fishes by employing double‐digest restriction site‐associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing. Our approach: (a) quantifies the admixed history of 343 suckers (10 species of Catostomidae) across the Colorado River Basin; (b) gauges admixture within the context of phylogenetic distance and “ecological specialization”; and (c) extrapolates potential drivers of introgression across hybrid crosses that involve endemic as well as invasive species. Our study extends across an entire freshwater basin and expands previous studies more limited in scope both geographically and taxonomically. Our results detected admixture involving all 10 species, with habitat alterations not only accelerating the breakdown of reproductive isolation, but also promoting introgression. Hybridization occurred across the genus despite phylogenetic distance, whereas introgression was only detected within subgenera, implicating phylogenetic distance and/or ecological specialization as drivers of reproductive isolation. Understanding the extent of admixture and reproductive isolation across multiple species serves to disentangle their reticulate evolutionary histories and provides a broadscale perspective for basin‐wide conservation and management.
Toxic benthic freshwater cyanobacterial proliferations: Challenges and solutions for enhancing knowledge and improving monitoring and mitigation
Authors: Wood Susanna A. , Kelly Laura T. , Bouma‐Gregson Keith , Humbert Jean‐François , Laughinghouse Haywood Dail , Lazorchak James , McAllister Tara G. , McQueen Andrew , Pokrzywinski Kaytee , Puddick Jonathan , Quiblier Catherine , Reitz Laura A. , Ryan Ken G. , Vadeboncoeur Yvonne , Zastepa Arthur , Davis Timothy W.
Published: June 2020

This review summarises knowledge on the ecology, toxin production, and impacts of toxic freshwater benthic cyanobacterial proliferations. It documents monitoring, management, and sampling strategies, and explores mitigation options.

Toxic proliferations of freshwater benthic cyanobacteria (taxa that grow attached to substrates) occur in streams, rivers, lakes, and thermal and meltwater ponds, and have been reported in 19 countries. Anatoxin‐ and microcystin‐containing mats are most commonly reported (eight and 10 countries, respectively).

Studies exploring factors that promote toxic benthic cyanobacterial proliferations are limited to a few species and habitats. There is a hierarchy of importance in environmental and biological factors that regulate proliferations with variables such as flow (rivers), fine sediment deposition, nutrients, associated microbes, and grazing identified as key drivers. Regulating factors differ among colonisation, expansion, and dispersal phases.

New ‐omics‐based approaches are providing novel insights into the physiological attributes of benthic cyanobacteria and the role of associated microorganisms in facilitating their proliferation.

Proliferations are commonly comprised of both toxic and non‐toxic strains, and the relative proportion of these is the key factor contributing to the overall toxin content of each mat.

While these events are becoming more commonly reported globally, we currently lack standardised approaches to detect, monitor, and manage this emerging health issue. To solve these critical gaps, global collaborations are needed to facilitate the rapid transfer of knowledge and promote the development of standardised techniques that can be applied to diverse habitats and species, and ultimately lead to improved management.
Drought reshuffles plant phenology and reduces the foraging benefit of green‐wave surfing for a migratory ungulate
Authors: Aikens Ellen O. , Monteith Kevin L. , Merkle Jerod A. , Dwinnell Samantha P. H. , Fralick Gary L. , Kauffman Matthew J.
Published: June 2020

To increase resource gain, many herbivores pace their migration with the flush of nutritious plant green‐up that progresses across the landscape (termed “green‐wave surfing”). Despite concerns about the effects of climate change on migratory species and the critical role of plant phenology in mediating the ability of ungulates to surf, little is known about how drought shapes the green wave and influences the foraging benefits of migration. With a 19 year dataset on drought and plant phenology across 99 unique migratory routes of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus) in western Wyoming, United States, we show that drought shortened the duration of spring green‐up by approximately twofold (2.5 weeks) and resulted in less sequential green‐up along migratory routes. We investigated the possibility that some routes were buffered from the effects of drought (i.e., routes that maintained long green‐up duration irrespective of drought intensity). We found no evidence of drought‐buffered routes. Instead, routes with the longest green‐up in non‐drought years also were the most affected by drought. Despite phenological changes along the migratory route, mule deer closely followed drought‐altered green waves during migration. Migrating deer did not experience a trophic mismatch with the green wave during drought. Instead, the shorter window of green‐up caused by drought reduced the opportunity to accumulate forage resources during rapid spring migrations. Our work highlights the synchronization of phenological events as an important mechanism by which climate change can negatively affect migratory species by reducing the temporal availability of key food resources. For migratory herbivores, climate change poses a new and growing threat by altering resource phenology and diminishing the foraging benefit of migration.
Geographies of youth, mobile phones, and the urban hustle
Authors: Amankwaa Ebenezer Forkuo , Esson James , Gough Katherine V.
Published: June 2020

Geographers have shown how mobile phones are transforming urban economies in Africa by altering the temporal and spatial nature of commercial transactions. Less well documented is how young people in Africa are using mobile phones to navigate the interplay between personal hopes, social expectations, and financial uncertainty associated with urban life. Drawing on qualitative data from youth in two Ghanaian cities, and insights from literature on youth geographies, hustling, and everyday urbanism, this paper explores how young people use mobile phones to conjure up and sustain social relations and income‐generating opportunities in urban settings. Three significant thematic findings emerge from our empirical data: the role of mobile phones in shaping young people’s social status and responsibilities; the use of mobile phones as instruments for surveillance and relationships; and the use of mobile phone technologies as assets for realising income‐generating opportunities. Conceptually, our exploration of mobile phone usage furthers geographical scholarship by providing new insights on the multidimensional nature of constraints faced by youth and their strategies to overcome them. Furthermore, the incorporation of a comparative element within the study illustrates the need for a more spatially nuanced understanding of young people’s uptake and use of mobile phone technologies.
Antiphospholipid antibodies in end‐stage renal disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ames Paul R. J. , Merashli Mira , Bucci Tommaso , Pastori Daniele , Pignatelli Pasquale , Violi Francesco , Bellizzi Vincenzo , Arcaro Alessia , Gentile Fabrizio
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The relationship between autoimmune hemolytic anemia and antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) and/or antiphospholipid syndrome has never been systematically addressed.

Methods

Systematic review of EMBASE and PubMed databases performed according to PRISMA guidelines from inception to March 2020; meta‐analysis performed by Peto's odds ratio for rare events.

Findings

Forty‐five studies with different outcomes met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. The pooled prevalence (PP) of IgG anticardiolipin antibodies (aCL) positivity was greater in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) than controls (20.2% vs. 2.6%, P = 0.001, I2 >80%; I2 = heterogeneity), particularly in hemodialysis patients (18.3% vs. 8%, I2 = 0%). The PP of lupus anticoagulant was greater in ESRD than controls (8.7% vs. 0.2%, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). The standardized mean difference of IgG aCL favored ESRD rather than controls (P < 0.0001, I2 =97%). The PP of fistula occlusion was greater in IgG aCL‐positive patients than negative patients (39% vs. 27%, I2 =97%); the PP of IgG aCL positivity was greater in patients with fistula occlusion than without fistula occlusion (26.9% vs. 23.2%, P = 0.01, I2 =72%); the same applied to the PP of lupus anticoagulant positivity (23% vs. 0.3%, P < 0.0001, I2 = 0%). The standardized mean difference of IgG aCL favored fistula occlusion (P = 0.004, I2 = 91%).

Discussion

Lupus anticoagulant relates to ESRD regardless of management whereas IgG aCL relates specifically to ESRD on hemodialysis, but only lupus anticoagulant associates with fistula occlusion. The expression of aPL as patients positive for aPL rather than as titers precludes further assumptions on the relationship.
Towards a Criminology of the Domestic
Authors: DAVIES PAMELA , ROWE MICHAEL
Published: June 2020

Criminology has paid insufficient attention to the ‘domestic’ arena, as a locale that is being reconfigured through technological and social developments in ways that require us to reconsider offending and victimisation. This article addresses this lacuna. We take up Campbell's (2016) challenge that criminology needs to develop more sophisticated models of place and space, particularly in relation to changing patterns of consumption and leisure activity and the opportunities to offend in relation to these from within the domestic arena.
Maternal body mass index and risks of neonatal mortality and offspring overweight and obesity: Findings from 0.5 million samples in 61 low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Wu Han , Liu Fangchao , Zhao Min , Liang Yajun , Xi Bo
Published: June 2020

Background

Evidence on associations of maternal overweight and obesity with risks of offspring mortality and obesity is limited in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs).

Objective

We aimed to assess the associations of maternal overweight and obesity with neonatal mortality, and offspring overweight and obesity in LMICs.

Methods

Data were from the Demographic and Health Surveys in 61 LMICs. A total of 507 203 pairs of mother and offspring were included in the analysis for neonatal mortality, and 455 534 pairs in the analysis for overweight and obesity in offspring aged 3 to 59 months. Survey logistic regression models were used to examine the associations of maternal overweight and obesity with neonatal mortality, and offspring overweight and obesity in consideration of complex survey design with adjustment for potential covariates.

Results

Compared with mothers having normal weight, neonatal mortality risks were increased in mothers having overweight, modest obesity and severe obesity, with ORs (95% CIs) of 1.32 (1.17‐1.49), 1.50 (1.27‐1.77) and 1.56 (1.22‐1.98), respectively. In addition, offspring with mothers having overweight, modest obesity and severe obesity were at increased risks of overweight (with ORs [95% CIs] of 1.32 [1.24‐1.40], 1.61 [1.48‐1.74] and 1.69 [1.52‐1.88], respectively) and obesity (with ORs [95% CIs] of 1.23 [1.13‐1.34], 1.22 [1.10‐1.35] and 1.42 [1.21‐1.66], respectively).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that maternal overweight and obesity increased the risks of neonatal mortality, and offspring overweight and obesity in LMICs. Maternal weight control should be considered as the highest priority goal for preventing offspring's adverse health outcomes in LMICs.
Return Migration in the Republic of Moldova: Main Issues and Opportunities
Authors: Ianioglo Alina , Tabac Tatiana , Pahomii Irina , Ceban Alexandru , Onofrei Nicoleta
Published: June 2020

The number of return migrants in the Republic of Moldova is small and those who have returned face different socio‐economic reintegration problems, which leads to their re‐inclusion in migration. In this regard, ensuring a sustainable reintegration of return migrants becomes of a great importance. The article aims to analyse the process of socio‐economic reintegration of return migrants in Moldova. To achieve this goal, the following methods were used: qualitative sociological research, policy and SWOT analysis. Conducted research showed that there is a developed legislative framework, which is not fully functional. Even if the Government takes measures to facilitate reintegration of return migrants, some of these are still not easily accessible and sustainable. The study reveals that return migrants often face same problems as local people. A general socio‐economic growth will ensure economic development, creation of opportunities for citizens to work in the country and not to (re)emigrate.
Short‐sellers at home and abroad: Their respective roles in the price discovery of cross‐listed firms
Authors: Chen Jun , Tourani‐Rad Alireza , Xiang Ju , Yang Ting
Published: June 2020

We examine the respective role of short selling in both the home and the host market in the price discovery of mainland Chinese firms cross‐listed in Hong Kong. We find that short‐sellers of A‐shares in mainland China contribute significantly more to the price discovery than short‐sellers of corresponding H‐shares in Hong Kong, and the latter group benefits from the presence of the former group but not the other way around. Short‐sellers in mainland China promptly react to the arrival of negative news, while short‐sellers in Hong Kong do not react to such news, and tend to follow their counterparts in mainland China. We posit that the institutional differences in short selling between the two markets possibly explain the findings.
An orange‐emitting phosphor BaSrGa4O8:Bi3+,K+ with unique one‐dimensional chain structure for high index color WLEDs
Authors: Hu Songhan , Long Zhangwen , Wen Yugeng , Qiu Jianbei , Zhou Dacheng , Lai Jun’an , Wang Dazhao , Pi Jiacheng , Li Xizheng , Wang Qi
Published: June 2020

It has been an urgent need for developing a new bright long‐wave emitting phosphor to improve the color rendering index (CRI) of white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs). Here, based on the concept of oxygen vacancy‐induced long‐wave emission by Bi3+ doping, we selected BaSrGa4O8 as the matrix, which has a low‐dimensional chain structure that can produce enough oxygen vacancies. After the introduction of Bi3+, orange emission was successfully achieved. To further improve the luminescence efficiency, the system of BaSrGa4O8:Bi3+,K+ was designed. Interestingly, although significant emission enhancement was obtained, the material showed reduced absorption with increased oxygen vacancies. More detailed experimental evidences confirm that oxygen vacancies can activate Bi3+ to achieve long‐wave emission. Our results provide a new way to design Bi3+‐based long‐wave emitting phosphors with low‐dimensional crystal structure. Finally, a WLED device containing BaSrGa4O8:Bi3+,K+ was fabricated and exhibited an enhanced CRI, which shows a promising application in WLEDs.