bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Case of Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis During Dinutuximab Therapy for Neuroblastoma
Authors: Lowas Stefanie R. , Lettieri Christina K.
Published: October 2019

Dinutuximab is a monoclonal antibody administered to patients with high-risk neuroblastoma, usually after an autologous stem cell transplant. Dinutuximab is associated with immune mediated and neurologic toxicities, but fatal adverse events are rare. A case is presented of high-risk neuroblastoma with development of encephalopathy shortly after the first course of dinutuximab. The patient had extensive evaluation for etiology of the symptoms and received aggressive interventions, but ultimately expired. Postmortem diagnosis of anti–N-methyl D-aspartate receptor encephalitis, an autoimmune phenomenon often triggered by infection or malignancy, was made. The potential association of autoimmune encephalitis with dinutuximab and with previous autologous transplant is discussed.
Risk, Resilience, and Creating Balance: An Interview With Gail Latimer
Authors: Zangerle Claire
Published: October 2019

This year, Gail E. Latimer, MSN, RN, FAAN, FACHE, received the American Organization for Nursing Leadership's (AONL's) prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors an AONL member recognized by the nursing community as a significant leader in the nursing profession who has served AONL in an important leadership capacity. Latimer served as a member of the AONL board of directors and as chair of the AONL Foundation. In her career, she held a series of executive nursing roles that showcased her ability to refine nursing work processes to make them measurably more efficient and improve the patient experience of care. In 2004, she became vice president and chief nursing officer (CNO) of Siemens Health Services, a global medical technology company, and later served as CNO of Cerner Corporation. This is an abridged version of an interview conducted by former AONL board member Claire M. Zangerle, DNP, MSN, MBA, RN, NEA-BC, chief nurse executive, Allegheny Health Network at the AONL's annual meeting in San Diego in April 2019.
An Interview With Mollie Rebecca Cummins
Authors: Ponte Patricia Reid
Published: October 2019

This column focuses on the work of Mollie Rebecca Cummins, PhD, RN, FAAN, FACMI, associate professor and associate dean for Research and PhD Program, College of Nursing; and adjunct associate professor, School of Medicine and Department of Biomedical Informatics at the University of Utah. Dr Cummins work in big data, applied informatics, and interoperability in the context of poison control.
DAISY
Authors: Sweeney Cynthia Divens
Published: October 2019

On November 14, 2019, the DAISY Foundation celebrates 20 years of honoring nurses for their extraordinary compassionate care. More than 1.3 million narratives have been written to describe and honor exquisite nursing care in more than 3900 organizations worldwide ”with The DAISY Award. In this column, 4 transformational leaders share their perspectives of the impact that The DAISY Award has had on them and their organizations.
Promoter scanning during transcription initiation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae: Pol II in the “shooting gallery”
Authors: Qiu Chenxi , Jin Huiyan , Vvedenskaya Irina , Llenas Jordi Abante , Zhao Tingting , Malik Indranil , Visbisky Alex M. , Schwartz Scott L. , Cui Ping , Čabart Pavel , Han Kang Hoo , Lai William K. M. , Metz Richard P. , Johnson Charles D. , Sze Sing-Hoi , Pugh B. Franklin , Nickels Bryce E. , Kaplan Craig D.
Published: October 2019

Background

The majority of eukaryotic promoters utilize multiple transcription start sites (TSSs). How multiple TSSs are specified at individual promoters across eukaryotes is not understood for most species. InS. cerevisiae, a preinitiation complex comprised of Pol II and conserved general transcription factors (GTFs) assembles and opens DNA upstream of TSSs. Evidence from model promoters indicates that the preinitiation complex (PIC) scans from upstream to downstream to identify TSSs. Prior results suggest that TSS distributions at promoters where scanning occurs shift in a polar fashion upon alteration in Pol II catalytic activity or GTF function.

Results

To determine extent of promoter scanning across promoter classes inS. cerevisiae, we perturbed Pol II catalytic activity and GTF function and analyzed their effects on TSS usage genome-wide. We find that alterations to Pol II, TFIIB, or TFIIF function widely alter the initiation landscape consistent with promoter scanning operating at all yeast promoters, regardless of promoter class. Promoter architecture, however, can determine extent of promoter sensitivity to altered Pol II activity in ways that are predicted by a scanning model.

Conclusions

Our observations coupled with previous data validate key predictions of the scanning model for Pol II initiation in yeast – which we term the “shooting gallery”. In this model, Pol II catalytic activity, and the rate and processivity of Pol II scanning together with promoter sequence determine the distribution of TSSs and their usage.
Genome diversification in globally distributed novel marine Proteobacteria is linked to environmental adaptation
Authors: Zhou Zhichao , Tran Patricia Q. , Kieft Kristopher , Anantharaman Karthik
Published: October 2019

Proteobacteria constitute the most diverse and abundant group of microbes on Earth. In productive marine environments like deep-sea hydrothermal systems, Proteobacteria have been implicated in autotrophy coupled to sulfur, methane, and hydrogen oxidation, sulfate reduction, and denitrification. Beyond chemoautotrophy, little is known about the ecological significance of novel Proteobacteria that are globally distributed and active in hydrothermal systems. Here we apply multi-omics to characterize 51 metagenome-assembled genomes from three hydrothermal vent plumes in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans that are affiliated with nine novel Proteobacteria lineages. Metabolic analyses revealed these organisms to contain a diverse functional repertoire including chemolithotrophic ability to utilize sulfur and C1compounds, and chemoorganotrophic ability to utilize environment-derived fatty acids, aromatics, carbohydrates, and peptides. Comparative genomics with marine and terrestrial microbiomes suggests that lineage-associated functional traits could explain niche specificity. Our results shed light on the ecological functions and metabolic strategies of novel Proteobacteria in hydrothermal systems and beyond, and highlight the relationship between genome diversification and environmental adaptation.
Exploring the niche concept in a simple metaorganism
Authors: Deines Peter , Hammerschmidt Katrin , Bosch Thomas CG
Published: October 2019

Organisms and their resident microbial communities - the microbiome - form a complex and mostly stable ecosystem. It is known that the composition of the microbiome and bacterial species abundances can have a major impact on host health and Darwinian fitness, but the processes that lead to these microbial patterns have not yet been identified. We here apply the niche concept and trait-based approaches as a first step in understanding the patterns underlying microbial community assembly and structure in the simple metaorganism Hydra. We find that the carrying capacities in single associations do not reflect microbiota densities as part of the community, indicating a discrepancy between the fundamental and realized niche. Whereas in most cases, the realized niche is smaller than the fundamental one, as predicted by theory, the opposite is observed for Hydra’s two main bacterial colonizers. Both, Curvibacter sp. and Duganella sp. benefit from association with the other members of the microbiome and reach higher fractions as compared to when they are the only colonizer. This cannot be linked to any particular trait that is relevant for interacting with the host or by the utilization of specific nutrients but is most likely determined by metabolic interactions between the individual microbiome members.
Quantification of soy-based feed ingredient entry to the United States by ocean freight shipping and the associated seaports
Authors: Gilbert Patterson , Megan Niederwerder , Scott Dee
Published: October 2019

The potential of feed ingredients to serve as vehicles for African Swine Fever Virus (ASFV) introduction to the US is a significant concern. ASFV DNA has been detected in the Chinese feed system; raw grains and meals drying on the ground and milling facilities and feed delivery vehicles. Experimental evidence of ASFV survival in multiple soy-based feed ingredients during a simulated 30-day transoceanic journey and the transmission of ASFV through the natural consumption of contaminated feed has been published. Therefore, it’s important to understand the quantity of soy-based ingredients that enter the US from ASFV-positive countries via ocean shipping and rank sea ports of Entry (POEs) according to annual volume of these products to manage this risk.

The quantity of soy-based feed ingredients and their specific ports of entry was obtained at the International Trade Commission Harmonized Tariff Schedule website (www.hs.usitc.gov), a publically available website that provides a transaction of specific trade commodities between the US and its international trading partners. A close review of this database identified 10 HTS codes pertaining to soy-based feed ingredients, including soybeans, soybean meal, soy oil cake and soy oil. Specific queries on these 10 HTS codes were designed to provide information on country of origin, quantity of product, date of entry, and POE into the US. Data were exported into Microsoft Excel, then organized into pivot tables that described the quantity of specific product by country of origin and POE. The analysis focused on the 43 ASFV-positive countries on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency Watch List.

In 2018, 104,707 metric tons (MT) of soy-based ingredients were imported to the US from a total of nine foreign countries that are included on the CFIA Watch List. 52.6 % of this volume that was imported, or 55,101 MT, originated from China. These soy-based products from China entered the US from a total of 13 separate ports of entry (POEs). Of these POEs, a total of 4 POEs received greater than 88% of all of soy-based ingredients originating from CHina, including San Francisco/Oakland, CA (60.36%), Seattle, WA (20.54%), Baltimore, MD (4.13%), and Los Angeles, CA (3.78%).

This is a new approach to analyze the risk management of feed imports, focusing on seaport of highest risk and quantity of product received. This work represents an initial step towards building a comprehensive listing of imported products introduced into the pork supply chain, and provide a roadmap to understanding risks involved in global livestock feed ingredient sourcing.
SAXS Curves of Detergent Micelles: Effects of Asymmetry, Shape Fluctuations, Disorder, and Atomic Details
Authors: Ivanović Miloš T. , Hermann Markus R. , Wójcik Maciej , Pérez Javier , Hub Jochen S.
Published: October 2019

Small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) is a widely used experimental technique, providing structural and dynamic insight into soft-matter complexes and biomolecules under near-native conditions. However, interpreting the one-dimensional scattering profiles in terms of three-dimensional structures and ensembles remains challenging, partly because it is poorly understood how structural information is encoded along the measured scattering angle. We combined all-atom SAXS-restrained ensemble simulations, simplified continuum models, and SAXS experiments of a n-dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM) micelle to decipher the effects of model asymmetry, shape fluctuations, atomic disorder, and atomic details on SAXS curves. Upon interpreting the small-angle regime, we find remarkable agreement between (i) a two-component tri-axial ellipsoid model fitted against the data with (ii) a SAXS-refined all-atom ensemble. However, continuum models fail at wider angles, even if they account for shape fluctuations, disorder, and asymmetry of the micelle. We conclude that modelling atomic details is mandatory for explaining SAXS curves at wider angles.
Multi-Task Reinforcement Learning in Humans
Authors: Tomov Momchil S. , Schulz Eric , Gershman Samuel J.
Published: October 2019

The ability to transfer knowledge across tasks and generalize to novel ones is an important hallmark of human intelligence. Yet not much is known about human multi-task reinforcement learning. We study participants’ behavior in a novel two-step decision making task with multiple features and changing reward functions. We compare their behavior to two state-of-the-art algorithms for multi-task reinforcement learning, one that maps previous policies and encountered features to new reward functions and one that approximates value functions across tasks, as well as to standard model-based and model-free algorithms. Across three exploratory experiments and a large preregistered experiment, our results provide strong evidence for a strategy that maps previously learned policies to novel scenarios. These results enrich our understanding of human reinforcement learning in complex environments with changing task demands.
The effect of variant interference on de novo assembly for viral deep sequencing
Authors: Castro Christina J. , Marine Rachel L. , Ramos Edward , Ng Terry Fei Fan
Published: October 2019

Viruses have high mutation rates and generally exist as a mixture of variants in biological samples. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach has surpassed Sanger for generating long viral sequences, yet how variants affect NGS de novo assembly remains largely unexplored. Our results from >15,000 simulated experiments showed that presence of variants can turn an assembly of one genome into tens to thousands of contigs. This “variant interference” (VI) is highly consistent and reproducible by ten most used de novo assemblers, and occurs independent of genome length, read length, and GC content. The main driver of VI is pairwise identities between viral variants. These findings were further supported by in silico simulations, where selective removal of minor variant reads from clinical datasets allow the “rescue” of full viral genomes from fragmented contigs. These results call for careful interpretation of contigs and contig numbers from de novo assembly in viral deep sequencing.
Autoimmunity Risk Gene IRGM is a Master Negative Regulator of Interferon Response by Controlling the Activation of cGAS-STING and RIG-I-MAVS Signaling Pathways
Authors: Jena Kautilya Kumar , Mehto Subhash , Nath Parej , Chauhan Nishant Ranjan , Sahu Rinku , Nayak Tapas Kumar , Das Saroj Kumar , Dhar Kollori , Sahoo Pradyumna Kumar , Murmu Krushna C , De Saikat , Datey Ankita , Prasad Punit , Chattopadhyay Soma , Chauhan Swati , Chauhan Santosh
Published: October 2019

Activation of type 1 interferon response is extensively connected with the antiviral immunity and pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Here, we found that IRGM, whose deficiency is linked with the genesis of several autoimmune disorders, is a master negative regulator of the interferon response. Mechanistically, we show that IRGM interacts with nucleic acid sensor proteins, including cGAS and RIG-I, and mediates their autophagic degradation to restrain activation of interferon signaling. Further, IRGM maintains mitophagy flux, and its deficiency results in the accumulation of defunct leaky mitochondria that releases cytosolic DAMPs triggering activation of interferon responses via cGAS-STING and RIG-I-MAVS signaling axis. Due to an enduring type 1 IFN response in IRGM-deficient cells and mice, they were intrinsically resistant to infection of the Japanese Encephalitis virus, Herpes Simplex virus, and Chikungunya virus. Altogether, this study defines the molecular mechanisms by which IRGM maintains interferon homeostasis and protects from autoimmune diseases. Further, it identifies IRGM as a broad therapeutic target for defense against viruses.

Graphical Abstract
On the logic of Fisherian sexual selection
Authors: Veller Carl , Muralidhar Pavitra , Haig David
Published: October 2019

In Fisher’s model of sexual selection, a female preference for a male trait spreads together with the trait because their genetic bases become correlated. This can be interpreted as a ‘greenbeard’ system: a preference gene, by inducing a female to mate with a trait-bearing male, favors itself because the male is disproportionately likely also to carry the preference gene. Here, we use this logic to argue that Fisherian sexual selection in diploids proceeds via two channels, corresponding to two reasons that trait-bearing males disproportionately carry preference genes: (i) trait-bearing males are disproportionately the product of matings between preference-bearing mothers and trait-bearing fathers, and thus trait and preference genes are correlated ‘in trans’; (ii) trait and preference genes come into gametic phase disequilibrium, and thus are correlated ‘in cis’. Gametic phase disequilibrium is generated by three distinct mechanisms: a ‘recombination mechanism’, a ‘dominance mechanism’, and a ‘sexual admixture mechanism’. The trans channel does not operate when sexual selection is restricted to the haploid phase, and therefore represents a fundamental difference between haploid and diploid models of sexual selection. We use simulation experiments to artificially eliminate the cis channel, and show that a preference gene can spread in its absence in the diploid model, but not in the haploid model. We further show that the cis and trans channels contribute equally to the spread of the preference when recombination between the preference and trait loci is free, but that the trans channel becomes substantially more important when linkage is tight.
Profiling the endothelial translatomein vivousing ‘AngioTag’ zebrafish
Authors: Miller Mayumi F. , Greenspan Leah J. , Gildea Derek E. , Monzo Kathryn , Margolin Gennady , Pham Van N. , Ameyaw Keith , Price Lisa , Aloi Natalie , Stratman Amber N. , Davis Andrew E. , Cisneros Isabella , Mertus Caleb , Dale Ryan K. , Baxevanis Andreas D. , Weinstein Brant M.
Published: October 2019

Vascular endothelial cellsin vivoare exquisitely regulated by their local environment, which is disrupted or absent when using methods such as FACS sorting of cells isolated from animals orin vitrocell culture. Here, we profile the gene expression patterns of undisturbed endothelial cells in living animals using a novel “AngioTag” zebrafish transgenic line that permits isolation of actively translating mRNAs from endothelial cells in their native environment. This transgenic line uses the endothelial cell-specifickdrlpromoter to drive expression of an epitope tagged Rpl10a 60S ribosomal subunit protein, allowing for Translating Ribosome Affinity Purification (TRAP) of actively translating endothelial cell mRNAs. By performing TRAP-RNAseq on AngioTag animals, we demonstrate strong enrichment of endothelial specific genes and uncover novel endothelial genes and unique endothelial gene expression signatures for different adult organs. Finally, we generated a versatile “UAS:RiboTag” transgenic line to allow a wider array of different zebrafish cell and tissue types to be examined using TRAP-RNAseq methods. These new tools offer an unparalleled resource to study the molecular identity of cells in their normalin vivocontext.
A Versatile Polypharmacology Platform Promotes Cytoprotection and Viability of Human Pluripotent and Differentiated Cells
Authors: Chen Yu , Tristan Carlos A. , Chen Lu , Jovanovic Vukasin M. , Malley Claire , Chu Pei-Hsuan , Ryu Seungmi , Deng Tao , Ormanoglu Pinar , Tao Dingyin , Fang Yuhong , Slamecka Jaroslav , LeClair Christopher A. , Michael Sam , Austin Christopher P. , Simeonov Anton , Singeç Ilyas
Published: October 2019

Clinical translation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) requires advanced strategies that ensure safe and robust long-term growth and functional differentiation. Pluripotent cells are capable of extensive self-renewal, yet remain highly sensitive to environmental perturbations in vitro, posing challenges to their therapeutic use. Here, we deployed innovative high-throughput screening strategies to identify a small molecule cocktail that dramatically improves viability of hPSCs and their differentiated progeny. We discovered that the combination of Chroman 1, Emricasan, Polyamines, and Trans-ISRIB (CEPT) enhanced cell survival of genetically stable hPSCs by simultaneously blocking several stress mechanisms that otherwise compromise cell structure and function. In proof-of-principle experiments we then demonstrated the strong improvements that CEPT provided for several key applications in stem cell research, including routine cell passaging, cryopreservation of pluripotent and differentiated cells, embryoid body and organoid formation, single-cell cloning, genome editing, and new iPSC line generation. Thus, CEPT represents a unique polypharmacology strategy for comprehensive cytoprotection, providing a new rationale for efficient and safe utilization of hPSCs. Conferring cell fitness by multi-target drug combinations may become a common approach in cryobiology, drug development, and regenerative medicine.
RACK1 is required for axon guidance and local translation at growth cone point contacts
Authors: Kershner Leah , Bumbledare Taylor , Cassidy Paige , Bailey Samantha , Welshhans Kristy
Published: October 2019

Local translation regulates the formation of appropriate connectivity in the developing nervous system. However, the localization and molecular mechanisms underlying this translation within growth cones is not well understood. Receptor for activated C kinase 1 (RACK1) is a multi-functional ribosomal scaffolding protein that interacts with β-actin mRNA. We recently showed that RACK1 localizes to and regulates the formation of point contacts, which are adhesion sites that control growth cone motility. This suggests that local translation occurs at these adhesion sites that are important for axonal pathfinding, but this has not been investigated. Here, we show that RACK1 is required for BDNF-induced local translation of β-actin mRNA in growth cones. Furthermore, the ribosomal binding function of RACK1 regulates point contact formation, and axon growth and guidance. We also find that local translation of β-actin occurs at point contacts. Taken together, we show that adhesions are a targeted site of local translation within growth cones, and RACK1 is critical to the formation of point contacts and appropriate neural development. These data provide further insight into how and where local translation is regulated, and thereby leads to appropriate connectivity formation in the developing nervous system.
Identification of bridgin, an unconventional linker, connects the outer kinetochore to centromeric chromatin
Authors: Sridhar Shreyas , Hori Tetsuya , Nakagawa Reiko , Fukagawa Tatsuo , Sanyal Kaustuv
Published: October 2019

The microtubule-binding outer kinetochore is linked to centromeric chromatin through the inner kinetochore CENP-CMif2, CENP-TCnn1, and CENP-UAme1 pathways. These are the only known kinetochore linker proteins across eukaryotes. Linker proteins are structurally less conserved than their outer kinetochore counterparts. Here, we demonstrate the recurrent loss of most inner kinetochore CCAN, including certain linker proteins during evolution in the fungal phylum of Basidiomycota. By studying the kinetochore interactome, a previously undescribed linker protein, bridgin was identified in the basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans, a human fungal pathogen. In vivo and in vitro functional analyses of bridgin reveal that it binds to the outer kinetochore and centromere chromatin simultaneously to ensure accurate kinetochore-microtubule attachments. Unlike known linker proteins, bridgin is recruited by the outer kinetochore. Homologs of bridgin were identified outside fungi. These results showcase a divergent strategy, with a more ancient origin than fungi, to link the outer kinetochore to centromeric chromatin.
It’s everybody’s business, Period
Authors: Taimoor Sadaf , Hameed Mahnoor
Published: October 2019

Supplementary materials

A pitch deck for Girlythings has been provided as a supplementary material for this case. Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes

Learning outcomes

In the light of the case and the accompanying case questions, the students should understand the following: socio-cultural perspectives in adopting the use of taboo products in an emerging economy and a conservative society such as Pakistan; role of government and non-governmental agencies in influencing policy framework; the application of the theory of planned behavior in channeling positive attitudes toward the use of personal hygiene products; peculiarities of formulating an expansion strategy for entrepreneurial ventures; and idiosyncrasies of developing effective business pitches.

Case overview/synopsis

Founded in early 2018, Girlythings was a young startup spearheaded by Tanzila Khan. It aimed at not only improving the availability of sanitary products in the emerging Pakistan market but, over and above, also removing the stigma attached to the topic of menstruation in the society. While the startup was still nestled at an incubation center, the protagonist faced the utmost challenge of deciding the fate of the venture due to the taboo nature of the product. This case is a rich description of the stigma that prevails on the topic of women health in conservative societies like Pakistan. It will help students appreciate the idiosyncrasies of operating in emerging markets and spearheading ventures that deal with sensitive issues.

Complexity academic level

This case is geared toward undergraduate students enrolled in courses of strategy, strategic marketing and entrepreneurship.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Subject code

CSS 3: Entrepreneurship
Collective personality fit and diversity – how effective are they in predicting relationship conflict?
Authors: Seong Jee Young , Hong Doo-Seung
Published: October 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the interactive effect of collective personality fit and its diversity on relationship conflict in a team context.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 1,265 employees and their leaders in 110 work teams in a Korean manufacturing company.

Findings

The results show that the two-way interaction between collective personality fit and its dispersion affects relationship conflict in teams. The effect of collective fit on relationship conflict was found to be weaker when the dispersion of collective fit is low than when it is high. This study reports that a high level of collective fit dispersion may help resolve relationship conflict in certain conditions, such as when the level of collective fit is high.

Practical implications

This paper implies that the diverse perception of fit does not always hamper intragroup consonance, and relationship conflict can be reduced as long as the overall level of collective fit is high. The diverse or heterogeneous personalities of team members contribute unique attributes of each member to the success of the team because some members of a heterogeneous team may play the role of filling the gap left by others.

Originality/value

This study argues that collective fit is a new construct, not a simple aggregation of individual fit traits, and the pattern of relationships at the individual level is not replicated at the group level, either conceptually or empirically.
An evident prescience of determinants of dividend policy of Indian real estate companies
Authors: Sharma Rakesh Kumar , Bakshi Apurva
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to make an attempt to identify the determinants of dividend policy by analyzing 125 real estate companies, which are selected on the basis of consistent dividend distribution throughout the study period. Most of these companies either listed with Bombay Stock Exchange or National Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper applies three alternative methods to verify and validate the results obtained from each other method, namely, fully modified ordinary least square (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least square and generalized method of moments (GMM). Data collected of the selected companies’ post-recession period i.e. 2009-2017. The selected companies have age either 5 years old or more when data are retrieved from the above-mentioned sources. Due to much volatility in the recession period in the real estate firms at the global level, no data have been taken of the firms before March 2009. Moreover, for arriving at good analysis and an adequate number of observations for the study more recent data have been taken.

Findings

Empirical findings of this research paper depict that firm previous dividend, firm risk and liquidity are strong predictors of future dividend payout ratios (DPRs). The results indicate that firm risk as measured through price-earnings ratio (PE ratio) has a positive association with a DPR of selected real estate firms. Lagged DPR used in the GMM test as an exogenous variable is showing positive significant association with DPR. Firm’s growth is found significant in FMOLS and GMM techniques. On the other firm’s size is found significant according to cointegration techniques.

Practical implications

The present study shall be useful to different stakeholders of real estate companies. Various significant determinants as identified can be used by management for designing optimum dividend policy and providing maximum benefits to existing shareholders. Similarly existing and prospective shareholders may predict the future payment of dividend and accordingly they may take investment decisions in these firms, as the future fund’s requirement of a firm depends upon dividend payment and retention ratio.

Originality/value

As per the authors’ knowledge, there is no single study carried in the post-recession period to predict determinants of dividend policy of real estate sector using three alternatives of methods to verify and validate the results obtained from each other method. The study is carried out after exploring determinant from a diverse range of period of studies (oldest one to latest one).
Coworker influence on employee performance: a conservation of resources perspective
Authors: Singh Barjinder , Selvarajan T.T. , Solansky Stephanie T.
Published: October 2019

Purpose

Drawing on the conservation of resources theory, the purpose of this paper is to test a model of the influence of coworker-resources (coworker-support and coworker-exchange) on employee performance with psychological flourishing as mediator and employee race as moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

Using a sample of 321 employees from a mid-western US organization, the authors conducted a field study and used regression analysis to test the hypotheses. The authors ran the basic mediation as well as moderated-mediation models with non-parametric bootstrapping procedures.

Findings

Coworker-support and coworker-exchange were positively associated with psychological flourishing, which, in turn, was positively associated with employee performance. The authors found support for psychological flourishing as a mediator of coworker influence–employee performance relationships. The authors also found evidence supporting race as a boundary condition that moderated coworker influence–performance relationships, which were stronger for minorities as opposed to whites.

Practical implications

To ensure employee well-being and superior employee performance, especially for racial minorities, managers must create work environments replete with coworker-support and healthy coworker-exchange.

Originality/value

The study undertakes a simultaneous examination of two different forms of coworker influences on employee performance and clarifies the role of underlying psychological mechanisms that pave the way for coworker influence on performance. The findings provide clarity regarding the employee–coworker relationship research; in addition, they establish race as an important boundary condition when considering coworker influences and employee performance.
Panel heterogeneous distribution analysis of trade and modernized agriculture on CO2 emissions: The role of renewable and fossil fuel energy consumption
Authors: Sarkodie Samuel A , Ntiamoah Evans B , Li Dongmei
Published: October 2019

In line with the global target of reducing climate change and its impact, this study explored the causal relationship between CO2 emissions, modernized agriculture, trade openness, aggregate and disaggregate energy consumption in 14 African countries from 1990–2013 using a panel quantile estimation procedure. The empirical results showed that value addition to agricultural commodities declines CO2 emissions in countries with high pollution levels. The study revealed a positive nexus between CO2 emissions and energy consumption homogeneously distributed across quantiles. Trade openness was found to lower CO2 emissions in countries with lower and higher levels of environmental pollution. While fossil fuel energy consumption was found to exacerbate CO2 emissions, renewable energy consumption confirmed its mitigating effect on environmental pollution. The institution of climate‐smart agricultural options will sustainably increase productivity and income while adapting to climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Diversification of energy technologies with clean and modern energy sources like renewables avoid the over‐dependence on fossil fuels for agricultural purposes. Trade policies can stimulate flows of technology and investment opportunities for specialization in production and economies of scale. Hence, the consideration of policies that boost agricultural sector productivity and create an efficient market for international trade in Africa will help in improving livelihoods.
Management of advanced prostate cancer in Hong Kong: Insights from an APCCC‐Derived survey
Authors: Poon Darren Ming‐Chun , Ma Wai‐Kit , Chan Tim‐Wai , Ho Franklin Kwok‐Leung , Ho Lap‐Yin , Leung Angus Kwong‐Chuen , Leung Simon Yiu‐Lam , Sze Henry Chun‐Kin , Kwong Philip Wai‐Kay , Chan Eddie Shu‐Yin
Published: October 2019

Aim

The 2017 Advanced Prostate Cancer Consensus Conference (APCCC) convened an international multidisciplinary panel to vote on controversial issues in the management of advanced prostate cancer (APC). We aimed to compare their conclusions with the opinions of local specialists and explore the practicability of international recommendations in the healthcare setting in Hong Kong.

Methods

Urologists and clinical oncologists practicing in Hong Kong were invited to complete a survey based on the original APCCC 2017 questionnaire and recently published trials in APC. A joint committee of expert key opinion leaders was convened to discuss and analyze the voting differences between local specialists and the APCCC 2017 panel.

Results

The respondents constituted 21% (28/132) of registered urologists and 21% (31/146) of clinical oncologists in Hong Kong. Discrepancies in three key areas were identified as being the most timely for this analysis: (a) management of metastatic hormone‐sensitive/naïve prostate cancer; (b) management of metastatic castration‐resistant prostate cancer; and (c) treatment monitoring and initiation of androgen‐deprivation therapy. Fears of toxicity and intolerance among patients and physicians (especially urologists) may be driving the relative underuse of chemotherapy in multiple APC patient groups in Hong Kong. Local patients can face long wait times and limited access to contemporary imaging modalities compared with other developed countries.

Conclusion

Increased collaborative efforts by urologists and clinical oncologists could ensure that patients gain wider access to the latest diagnostic, treatment and monitoring modalities for APC in Hong Kong.
Withaferin A triggers G2/M arrest and intrinsic apoptosis in glioblastoma cells via ATF4‐ATF3‐CHOP axis
Authors: Tang Qin , Ren Liwen , Liu Jinyi , Li Wan , Zheng Xiangjin , Wang Jinhua , Du Guanhua
Published: October 2019

Objective

Withaferin A (WA) is a bioactive compound with a remarkable anti‐cancer effect derived from Withania somnifera, commonly known as ashwagandha. However, the anti‐cancer mechanisms of WA in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are still unclear.

Materials and Methods

Cell viability assays and xenografted nude mice were used to evaluate the effects of WA, along with flow cytometry to detect apoptosis and cell cycle of GBM. RNA‐seq analysis, Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, qRT‐PCR and siRNA gene silencing were carried out to determine the signalling pathways affected by WA.

Results

Withaferin A significantly inhibited the growth of GBM in vitro and in vivo and triggered the intrinsic apoptosis of GBM cells by up‐regulating expression of Bim and Bad. WA arrested GBM cells at the G2/M phase of the cell cycle through dephosphorylating Thr161 of CDK1 by activating p53‐independent p21 up‐regulation. Knockdown of p21 restored cell cycle progression and cell viability by down‐regulating the expression of Bad rather than Bim. We demonstrated that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induced by WA through the ATF4‐ATF3‐CHOP axis, initiated apoptosis and G2/M arrest in GBM cells.

Conclusion

We revealed a novel pathway that elucidated WA activation of apoptosis and G2/M arrest in GBM cells through the ATF4‐ATF3‐CHOP axis. This discovery is important for optimization of WA‐based regimens for prevention and/or treatment of GBM.
Spectrum of ichthyoses in an Austrian ichthyosis cohort from 2004 to 2017
Authors: Seidl‐Philipp Magdalena , Schatz Ulrich A. , Gasslitter Irina , Moosbrugger‐Martinz Verena , Blunder Stefan , Schossig Anna S. , Zschocke Johannes , Schmuth Matthias , Gruber Robert
Published: October 2019

Background

Ichthyoses are a heterogeneous disease group, which makes clinical classification challenging. An ichthyosis cohort at a center for genodermatoses is presented in detail.

Patients and Methods

Patients with clinically and/or genetically confirmed ichthyosis seen from 2004 to 2017 and listed in a database were included. Disease onset, phenotype, histology, comorbidities and family history were described in detail. In genetically tested patients, the prevalence of various ARCI genes, ARCI phenotypes and syndromic ichthyoses, as well as genotype‐phenotype correlation and year/method of genetic testing was assessed.

Results

Of all 198 patients who were included in the cohort, 151 were genetically tested. 81 had ichthyosis vulgaris, 43 X‐linked ichthyosis, 38 autosomal recessive congenital ichthyosis (ARCI), 9 keratinopathic ichthyosis (KPI) and one exfoliative ichthyosis. 26 individuals suffered from syndromic ichthyoses. A good genotype‐phenotype correlation was observed for common ichthyoses and KPI; the correlation was less good in syndromic ichthyoses. In 91 % of ARCI patients an accurate diagnosis was obtained by genetic testing. In only 33 % of syndromic ichthyoses was the definitive diagnosis suspected before genetic testing, which revealed a causative mutation in 86 % of cases.

Conclusion

This study describes the spectrum of ichthyoses in a center of expertise and shows that genetic testing should become a diagnostic standard for this disease group.
Attitudes of dental students in a Canadian university towards communication skills learning
Authors: Ayn Caitlyn , Robinson Lynne , Matthews Debora , Andrews Cynthia
Published: October 2019

Introduction

Strong dentist communication skills (CS) are necessary for patient‐centred care and oral health promotion. CS are imparted through the dental education experience, which can be optimised in part by incorporating student perceptions and needs into curricular development. The current study assessed student attitudes towards communication skills learning (CSL) in a Canadian university.

Methods

A 20‐item questionnaire adapted from the Dental Communication Skills Attitude Scale and qualitative survey questions were completed by students (n = 124).

Results

Questionnaire findings indicate that attitudes towards CSL are generally favourable, with significant variation based on year of study, gender and ethnicity. Students understood the importance of CS for dental practice and patient‐centred care. Whilst they appreciated the value of CSL, students described that challenges such as demanding programme schedules would preclude the utility of more formalised CSL activities.

Conclusion

These findings may be useful for institutions seeking to implement or refine a CSL curriculum.
Accuracy of determined S‐N curve for constructional steel by selected models
Authors: Strzelecki Przemysław
Published: October 2019

The study shows the models defining the relationship between the fatigue life and the stress amplitude. The first models have been developed at the beginning of the 20th century; however, new models are still being developed. The author decided to compare the most commonly used model, ie, a linear regression model and the two models discussed in ISO‐12107. The comparison also included some recently developed models, ie, Stromeyer, Bastenaire, Castillo et al., Kohout and Vechet, Leonetti et al., and Pasual and Meeker model, including its modified version. The fatigue data for S355 J2 + C and AISI 1045 steel were used for the comparison. The best estimate of the fatigue life was obtained by using the modified Pasual and Meeker model.
Quantitative analyses of electric field–induced phase transition in (Na, K)0.5Bi0.5TiO3:Eu ceramics by photoluminescence
Authors: Zeng Liang , Zhou Ji
Published: October 2019

Most reported results about phase transition probed by the photoluminescence (PL) spectra of Eu3+ ions are qualitative, but the quantitative analyses of phase transition were presented in this work. We fabricated (Na0.8, K0.2)0.5Bi0.497Eu0.003TiO3 (NKBT20:Eu) ferroelectric ceramics and investigated the phase structures and the PL spectra of NKBT20:Eu ceramics before and after poling at different electric fields. The PL spectra indicate a phase transition from tetragonal phase (T phase) to rhombohedral phase (R phase) within NKBT20:Eu ceramics after poling, consistent with the analyses by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Moreover, the emission intensity ratios of the “hypersensitive” transition to the magnetic dipole transition could be used to calculate the fractions of the phase transition quantitatively, which were further confirmed by XRD Rietveld refinements. This study provides a different perspective to investigate the phase transition induced by electric field for NKBT20:Eu ceramics, qualitatively and quantitatively, and the method is expected to be useful in more cases of phase analyses.
Meta‐analysis and GRADE profiles of exercise interventions for falls prevention in long‐term care facilities
Authors: Schoberer Daniela , Breimaier Helga E.
Published: October 2019

Aims

To provide a comprehensive collection of evidence on the effectiveness of exercise interventions to prevent falls and support clinical decision‐making.

Design

A systematic literature review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trails were performed by combining trials from published systematic reviews and more recent ones from a separate literature search.

Data Sources

The literature search was performed using PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Databases, and Google Scholar dating January 2007 – March 2018.

Review Methods

Comparable studies were pooled using the random‐effects model. The GRADE approach was used to judge the evidence.

Results

Exercises with a balance component or with technical devices reduced falls significantly, however, with low confidence in the evidence. The evidence indicated that exercises conducted longer than 6 months were beneficial. In frail residents, exercise interventions seemed to have substantially negative effects on falls.

Conclusions

Exercise interventions with technical devices, those with a balance component, and those performed longer than 6 months are recommended in long‐term care settings. Frail residents need special attention when performing exercises due to their increased risk of falling.

Impact

Exercises with a balance component and exercises carried out with technical devices have beneficial effects, whereas exercises performed longer than 6 months are more effective than short‐term performances. No significant reduction or decrease in the number of falls was found for exercise in cognitively impaired residents. In frail residents, however, the number of fall events increased substantially as a result of exercise interventions. The results of this review are useful for clinical decision‐makers in long‐term care facilities with regard to the planning and performance of exercise interventions for residents.
Effects of a novel bites, steps and eating rate‐focused weight loss randomised controlled trial intervention on body weight and eating behaviours
Authors: Beatty J. A. , Greene G. W. , Blissmer B. J. , Delmonico M. J. , Melanson K. J.
Published: October 2019

Background

Eating rate (ER), comprising the amount of food consumed per unit of time, is associated with obesity and energy intake (EI).

Methods

The present study tested whether adding a self‐monitoring wearable device to a multifaceted 8‐week weight loss intervention increased weight loss. In addition, the device's effect on secondary change outcomes in EI, ER and estimated energy expenditure was explored. Tertiary outcomes included examining eating behaviours measured by the Weight‐Related Eating Questionnaire (WREQ). Seventy‐two adults who were overweight or obese [mean (SD) age, 37.7 (15.3) years; body mass index, 31.3 (3.2) kg m−2] were randomised into two groups: intervention workbook plus device (WD) or intervention workbook only (WO). Three 24‐h dietary recalls were obtained before weeks 0 and 8. Participants were weighed, consumed a test meal and completed 7‐day Physical Activity Recall and WREQ at weeks 0 and 8.

Results

There was no significant difference between WD and WO groups with respect to weight change [−0.46 (1.11) vs. 0.26 (0.82) kg, respectively], ER, EI, energy expenditure or WREQ scores, although there were significant changes over time, and within‐group changes on all of these variables. At week 8, participants were dichotomised into weight loss or weight stable/gainers groups. A significant time by group change was seen in susceptibility to external cues scores, with significant time effects for susceptibility and restraint.

Conclusions

An intervention focused on reducing ER, energy density and increasing steps was effective for weight loss, although the wearable device provided no additional benefit. Participants with higher susceptibility to external eating may be more responsive to this intervention.