bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urban-rural differences in risk factors for ischemic stroke in northern China
Authors: Li Yang , Zhang Xin , Sang Hui , Niu Xiaoyuan , Liu Tingting , Liu Weidong , Li Jian
Published: May 2019

This study aims to investigate urban-rural differences in characteristics and risk factors of ischemic stroke in northern China.

The present cross-sectional study was based on the High-risk Population Screening and Intervention Project for Stroke. The cluster sampling method was used to select urban and rural screening sites in northern China. By collecting information and screening the data, patients with ischemic stroke were obtained and a control group with similar gender, age, and regional distribution was selected among the nonischemic stroke patients. Then, the demographic and risk factors of patients with ischemic stroke were described and analyzed.

The prevalence of ischemic stroke in northern China was 2.88%, with a greater prevalence in rural areas than in urban areas (3.32% vs 2.43%), and a greater prevalence in males than in females (3.06% vs 2.73%). Furthermore, rural stroke patients were younger than urban stroke patients. Hypertension, family history of stroke, and smoking were the top 3 independent risk factors for ischemic stroke. Overweight/obesity and low education were associated with increased ischemic stroke in urban areas, while low education was associated with less ischemic stroke in rural areas. In addition, the prevalence of alcoholism, dyslipidemia, diabetes, and obvious overweight/obesity was greater in urban areas, while high-salt diet and low education and income were more prevalent in rural regions. Moreover, the smoking index was higher in rural areas than in urban areas.

The characteristics and risk factors of ischemic stroke differ between rural and urban areas, which could be used to design specific preventative measures.
Asthma associated with denatonium benzoate in a healthcare worker in Taiwan
Authors: Chen Kou-Huang , Chung Kuo-Mou , Chung Ju-Hui , Chen Kow-Tong
Published: May 2019

Rationale:

Denatonium benzoate is a useful indicator to ensure that the respirator being used by an individual forms a tight enough seal to adequately protect against unwanted airborne exposure. Although the relative risk for adverse effects of fit testing using denatonium benzoate is low, the absolute number of workers with adverse reactions may nevertheless be sizeable.

Patient concerns:

A 34-year-old female nurse rapidly developed shortness of breath, cough, and agitation after denatonium benzoate fit testing. She had a history of allergy to shrimp, crab, mite, and disinfecting products (containing quaternary ammonium).

Diagnoses:

Due to typical symptoms of asthma after exposure to denatonium benzoate aerosol without any other apparent cause, serial pulmonary function tests indicating obstructive lung function and a higher concentration of immunoglobulin antibody E, she was diagnosed with allergic asthma.

Interventions:

This patient was treated with omalizumab (Xolair), corticosteroid, β2 agonist, montelukast, and Symbicort turbuhaler.

Outcomes:

The patient showed quick responses after treatment with diphenhydramine (intramuscularly), fenoterol HBr (inhalation), and prednisolone (oral). Approximately 2 weeks later, she suffered from difficulty breathing and asthmatic symptoms again when she was exposed to polished wax and disinfectant. She was treated with omalizumab (Xolair), corticosteroid, β2 agonist, montelukast, and Symbicort turbuhaler. The patient was in stable condition with improvement in symptoms during follow-up.

Lessons:

There may be potentially important health risks when healthcare workers are exposed to denatonium benzoate. Individuals who have a history of allergy to disinfecting products (containing quaternary ammonium) should avoid exposure of denatonium benzoate. More advanced research is needed in the future.
A rectal cancer model establishes a platform to study individual responses to chemoradiation
Authors: Ganesh Karuna , Wu Chao , O’Rourke Kevin P. , Adileh Mohammad , Szeglin Bryan C. , Wasserman Isaac , Marco Michael R. , Shady Maha , Zheng Youyun , Karthaus Wouter R. , Won Helen H. , Choi Seo-Hyun , Pelossof Raphael A. , Barlas Afsar , Pappou Emmanouil , Elghouayel Arthur , Strong James S. , Chen Chin-Tung , Harris Jennifer W. , Weiser Martin R. , Nash Garrett M. , Guillem Jose G. , Wei Iris H. , Cercek Andrea , Kolesnick Richard N. , Manova-Todorova Katia O. , Saltz Leonard B. , DeMatteo Ronald P. , Massagué Joan , Romesser Paul B. , Paty Philip B. , Yaeger Rona D. , Clevers Hans , Berger Michael , Shia Jinru , Lowe Scott W. , Dow Lukas E. , Garcia-Aguilar Julio , Sawyers Charles L. , Smith J. Joshua
Published: May 2019

Rectal cancer (RC) is a challenging disease to treat that requires chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery to optimize outcomes for individual patients. No accurate model of RC exists to answer fundamental research questions relevant to individual patients. We established a biorepository of 32 patient-derived RC organoid cultures (tumoroids) from patients with primary, metastatic, or recurrent disease. RC tumoroids retained molecular features of the tumors from which they were derived, and theirex vivoresponses to clinically relevant chemotherapy and radiation treatment correlate well with responses noted in individual patients’ tumors. Upon engraftment into murine rectal mucosa, human RC tumoroids gave rise to invasive rectal cancer followed by metastasis to lung and liver. Importantly, engrafted tumors closely reflected the heterogenous sensitivity to chemotherapy observed clinically. Thus, the biology and drug sensitivity of RC clinical isolates can be efficiently interrogated using an organoid-based,in vitroplatform coupled with endoluminal propagation in animals.
Expression of c-Fos and Arc in hippocampal region CA1 marks neurons that exhibit learning-related activity changes
Authors: Mahringer David , Petersen Anders V. , Fiser Aris , Okuno Hiroyuki , Bito Haruhiko , Perrier Jean-François , Keller Georg B.
Published: May 2019

Immediate early genes (IEGs) are transcribed in response to neural activity and necessary for many forms of plasticity. However, the dynamics of their expression during learning, as well as their relationship to neural activity, remain unclear. Here we used two-photon imaging in transgenic mice that express a GFP-tagged variant of Arc or c-Fos and a red-shifted calcium indicator to measure learning-related changes in IEG expression levels and neural activity in hippocampal region CA1 as mice learned to perform a two-alternative forced choice task. Neural activity levels correlated positively with IEG expression levelsin vivo. In addition, we found that with learning, a subset of neurons in CA1 increased their responses to the reward-predicting cue, and IEG expression levels early in learning were selectively increased in neurons that would exhibit the strongest learning-related changes. Our findings are consistent with an interpretation of IEG expression levels as markers for experience dependent plasticity.
Separability and Geometry of Object Manifolds in Deep Neural Networks
Authors: Cohen Uri , Chung SueYeon , Lee Daniel D. , Sompolinsky Haim
Published: May 2019

Stimuli are represented in the brain by the collective population responses of sensory neurons, and an object presented under varying conditions gives rise to a collection of neural population responses called an object manifold. Changes in the object representation along a hierarchical sensory system are associated with changes in the geometry of those manifolds, and recent theoretical progress connects this geometry with classification capacity, a quantitative measure of the ability to support object classification. Deep neural networks trained on object classification tasks are a natural testbed for the applicability of this relation. We show how classification capacity improves along the hierarchies of deep neural networks with different architectures. We demonstrate that changes in the geometry of the associated object manifolds underlie this improved capacity, and shed light on the functional roles different levels in the hierarchy play to achieve it, through orchestrated reduction of manifolds’ radius, dimensionality and inter-manifold correlations.
Bayogenin 3-O-Cellobioside is a novel non-cultivar specific anti-blast metabolite produced in rice in response toPyricularia oryzaeinfection
Authors: Norvienyeku Justice , Lin Lili , Waheed Abdul , Chen Xiaomin , Bao Jiandong , Shabbir Ammarah , Lin Lianyu , Zhong Zhenhui , Batool Wajjiha , Aliyu Sami Rukaiya , Zhou Jie , Lu Guodong , Wang Zonghua
Published: May 2019

Rice cultivars fromjaponicaandindicalineage possess differential resistance against blast fungus on an account genetic divergence. Whether different rice cultivars also show distinct metabolomic changes in response toP. oryzae, and their role in host resistance, are poorly understood. Here, we examine the responses of six different rice cultivars fromjaponicaandindicalineage challenged withP. oryzae. Both susceptible and resistant rice cultivars expressed several metabolites exclusively duringP. oryzaeinfection, including the saponin Bayogenin 3-O-cellobioside. Bayogenin 3-O-cellobioside level in infected rice directly correlated with their resistant attributes. These findings reveal, for the first time to our knowledge that besides oat, other grass plants including rice produces protective saponins. Our study provides insight into the role of pathogen-mediated metabolomics-reprogramming in host immunity. The correlation between Bayogenin 3-O-Cellobioside levels and blast resistance suggests that engineering saponin expression in cereal crops represents an attractive and sustainable disease control strategy.
The C. elegans embryonic transcriptome with tissue, time, and alternative splicing resolution
Authors: Warner Adam D. , Gevirtzman Louis , Hillier LaDeana W. , Ewing Brent , Waterston Robert H.
Published: May 2019

We have used RNA-seq in Caenorhabditis elegans to produce transcription profiles for seven specific embryonic cell populations from gastrulation to the onset of terminal differentiation. The expression data for these seven cell populations, covering major cell lineages and tissues in the worm, reveal the complex and dynamic changes in gene expression, both spatially and temporally. Also, within genes, start sites and exon usage can be highly differential, producing transcripts that are specific to developmental periods or cell lineages. We have also found evidence of novel exons and introns, as well as differential usage of SL1 and SL2 splice leaders. By combining this data set with the modERN ChIP-seq resource, we are able to support and predict gene regulatory relationships. The detailed information on differences and similarities between gene expression in cell lineages and tissues should be of great value to the community and provides a framework for the investigation of expression in individual cells.
xcalib: a focal spot calibrator for intense X-ray free-electron laser pulses based on the charge state distributions of light atoms
Authors: Toyota Koudai , Jurek Zoltan , Son Sang-Kil , Fukuzawa Hironobu , Ueda Kiyoshi , Berrah Nora , Rudek Benedikt , Rolles Daniel , Rudenko Artem , Santra Robin
Published: May 2019

The xcalib toolkit has been developed to calibrate the beam profile of an X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) at the focal spot based on the experimental charge state distributions (CSDs) of light atoms. Characterization of the fluence distribution at the focal spot is essential to perform the volume integrations of physical quantities for a quantitative comparison between theoretical and experimental results, especially for fluence-dependent quantities. The use of the CSDs of light atoms is advantageous because CSDs directly reflect experimental conditions at the focal spot, and the properties of light atoms have been well established in both theory and experiment. Theoretical CSDs are obtained using xatom, a toolkit to calculate atomic electronic structure and to simulate ionization dynamics of atoms exposed to intense XFEL pulses, which involves highly excited multiple core-hole states. Employing a simple function with a few parameters, the spatial profile of an XFEL beam is determined by minimizing the difference between theoretical and experimental results. The optimization procedure employing the reinforcement learning technique can automatize and organize calibration procedures which, before, had been performed manually. xcalib has high flexibility, simultaneously combining different optimization methods, sets of charge states, and a wide range of parameter space. Hence, in combination with xatom, xcalib serves as a comprehensive tool to calibrate the fluence profile of a tightly focused XFEL beam in the interaction region.
Conversion of substituted 5-aryloxypyrazolecarbaldehydes into reduced 3,4′-bipyrazoles: synthesis and characterization, and the structures of four precursors and two products, and their supramolecular assembly in zero, one and two dimensions
Authors: Kiran Kumar Haruvegowda , Yathirajan Hemmige S. , Manju Nagaraj , Kalluraya Balakrishna , Rathore Ravindranath S. , Glidewell Christopher
Published: May 2019

The reaction of 5-chloro-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde with phenols under basic conditions yields the corresponding 5-aryloxy derivatives; the subsequent reaction of these carbaldehydes with substituted acetophenones yields the corresponding chalcones, which in turn undergo cyclocondensation reactions with hydrazine in the presence of acetic acid to form N-acetylated reduced bipyrazoles. Structures are reported for three 5-aryloxycarbaldehydes and the 5-piperidino analogue, and for two reduced bipyrazole products. 5-(2-Chlorophenoxy)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, C17H13ClN2O2, (II), which crystallizes with Z′ = 2 in the space group P\overline{1}, exhibits orientational disorder of the carbaldehyde group in each of the two independent molecules. Each of 3-methyl-5-(4-nitrophenoxy)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, C17H13N3O4, (IV), 3-methyl-5-(naphthalen-2-yloxy)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, C21H16N2O2, (V), and 3-methyl-1-phenyl-5-(piperidin-1-yl)-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde, C16H19N3O, (VI), (3RS)-2-acetyl-5-(4-azidophenyl)-5′-(2-chlorophenoxy)-3′-methyl-1′-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-1′H,2H-[3,4′-bipyrazole] C27H22ClN7O2, (IX) and (3RS)-2-acetyl-5-(4-azidophenyl)-3′-methyl-5′-(naphthalen-2-yloxy)-1′-phenyl-3,4-dihydro-1′H,2H-[3,4′-bipyrazole] C31H25N7O2, (X), has Z′ = 1, and each is fully ordered. The new compounds have all been fully characterized by analysis, namely IR spectroscopy, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. In each of (II), (V) and (IX), the molecules are linked into ribbons, generated respectively by combinations of C—H...N, C—H...π and C—Cl...π interactions in (II), C—H...O and C—H...π hydrogen bonds in (V), and C—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds in (IX). The molecules of compounds (IV) and (IX) are both linked into sheets, by multiple C—H...O and C—H...π hydrogen bonds in (IV), and by two C—H...π hydrogen bonds in (IX). A single C—H...N hydrogen bond links the molecules of (X) into centrosymmetric dimers. Comparisons are made with the structures of some related compounds.
Enhancing Six Sigma methodology using simulation techniques
Authors: Ahmed Ali , Page John , Olsen John
Published: May 2019

Purpose

In recent times, the idea of taking advantage of the benefits of simulation techniques and Six Sigma discipline altogether has led various organizations towards implementation of simulation tools within Six Sigma methodology. The purpose of this study is to provide a more comprehensive literature review on the topic exploring how this amalgamation could work both in theory and practice. This precisely entailed finding dependable studies that shows how Six Sigma (DMAIC) Methodology can be enhanced by the three prevalent simulation techniques; Agent-Based (AB), Discrete-Events (DE), System Dynamics (SD).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review was considered more fitting in research because it involves rigorous and well-defined approach compared to other forms of literature review. In this case, the literature was comprehensive, well-encompassing and involved finding Six Sigma and Simulations literatures from reputable scholarly databases. The outcome of these reviews was the identification of a set of key finding compiled and classified by topics. The study follows an inductive approach and utilises a meta-synthesis review technique.

Findings

As numerous studies assert, simulation techniques including AB, DE and SD are applicable tools in almost every stage of DMAIC, especially the Analyse, Improve and Control phases, because of their capability to test and identify potential bottlenecks and improvement areas. Findings show that the simulation tools such as CLDs, Group Model Building, Dynamic Balance Scorecards and Cost of poor quality all have the potential to add value to a Six Sigma methodology.

Originality/value

The findings of this study highlight the importance of further inquiry in this area of study. The finding of this study suggests that although the study on the integration of Six Sigma and simulations is increasing, empirical evidence on its effectiveness is still limited. Therefore, this study suggests more roadmaps and investigations aimed at merging Six Sigma methodology and various simulation technique. Moreover, studies that centre on hybrid or multi-method simulations within Six Sigma are also urgently necessitated.
Stakeholder influence strategies in construction projects
Authors: Nguyen Tan Hai Dang , Chileshe Nicholas , Rameezdeen Raufdeen , Wood Anthony
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is twofold: first, to investigate strategies that external stakeholders can employ to affect construction project outcomes and, second, to identify essential requirements for utilising each strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

A new theoretical framework of stakeholder influence strategies was proposed and applied. The research design is a multi-case study, comprising four cases in the construction industry in Vietnam.

Findings

Seven specific strategies were found, including inputs withholding, inputs compromising, communication, direct action, coalition building, conflict escalation and credibility building. When possessing project inputs, stakeholders can affect a project directly via a withholding or compromising strategy. Communication is available to those who have basic communicating skills; however, direct action is only employed by groups that include a large number of members. Objectors must have common interests or goals with their potential allies for using coalition building. Conflict escalation is restricted to communities having distinctive characteristics which can be used to create new problems sensibly, while credibility building is used by parties possessing adequate resources and expertise.

Research limitations/implications

This study’s generalisability may be limited by the main source of data and the types of projects in the selected cases.

Practical implications

This study provides directions for project managers to predict stakeholder influence by taking project inputs and utilisation requirements of the strategies into consideration.

Originality/value

This study is one of the first investigations on stakeholder-attributes-related requirements for utilising influence strategies in projects.
Impactful engineering education through sustainable energy collaborations with public and private entities
Authors: Pacheco Lluís , Ningsu Luo , Pujol Toni , Gonzalez Jose Ramon , Ferrer Inès
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to report on a case study concerning the development of sustainable energy partnerships involving engineering faculty and undergraduate students at the University of Girona, Catalonia, Spain.

Design/methodology/approach

Faculty were motivated to seek partnerships with public and private entities in the local area for the purposes of realising mutually beneficial outcomes. The educational programmes of future engineers, when sustainability is considered, are analysed. Education for sustainable development has to include multidisciplinary active learning as a desirable competence. Active learning can be obtained when problems are based on real life because they are most motivating for students. Constructive alignment component is obtained because learning objectives are linked with learning activities related to the needs of public and private entities.

Findings

Through the provision of technical expertise, the adoption and success of renewable energy projects was facilitated on the one hand, while final year undergraduate students benefited in terms of hands-on experience in helping to bring these projects to life, drawing on the knowledge and skills they had acquired throughout their degree programmes. These works are addressed to students by faculty members with the aim of developing and promoting renewable energies. Outcomes from partnerships surpassed expectations; not only were different benefits realised as were initially hoped for, but this success led to partnerships being sustained over time.

Originality/value

Fossil fuel-based energy systems are associated with a myriad of negative environmental and social externalities. It is difficult to overstate the importance of transitioning towards alternative low carbon energy sources for climate change mitigation which are less centralised compared to the status-quo for energy security and energy independence. By actively facilitating the development of decentralised renewable energy sources in Catalonia, the projects reported herein are of significant value in social environmental and educational terms.
Applying an organizational effectiveness approach to measure family business performance
Authors: Williams Jr Ralph I. , Pieper Torsten , Kellermanns Franz , Astrachan Joe
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Current approaches to measuring family business performance have limitations: failing to acknowledge the entire family business holistically, and lacking recognition of the idiosyncratic nature of family business goals. By applying organizational effectiveness and the achievement of desired organizational outcomes, the purpose of this paper is to develop a scale to measure performance based on a family business’ idiosyncratic goals.

Design/methodology/approach

This study applies mixed methods, including qualitative research, two surveys and structural equation modeling.

Findings

The authors develop a scale employing 21 items, representing six goal dimensions, to measure the family business performance.

Originality/value

The family business performance measurement scale from this study responds to multiple calls for a scale gauging family business performance in a manner including both financial and non-financial outcomes.
Development of a model for maintenance performance measurement
Authors: Ku Sungtae , Kim Changeun
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to develop a model that can measure the equipment maintenance performance of the energy company K-company.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study method was adopted for the investigation of maintenance performance indicators (MPIs). The development of a model for measuring maintenance performance suggested new ways to apply the methodologies of existing papers to evaluate the level of maintenance.

Findings

Maintenance indicators, which are managed differently for each plant, were assessed for their performance relevance, applicability and data reliability and then standardized into five key MPIs. The MPI model, which enables comprehensive and quantitative measurement of maintenance performance using the five selected MPIs, was presented, and the criteria for assessing the maintenance level were presented in five stages.

Practical implications

The authors selected MPIs that match the characteristics of the company and proposed a model that can comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate maintenance performance. The model also standardizes maintenance indicators that are individually managed and provides a basis for comparing and indexing the level of maintenance indicators at each plant.

Originality/value

The criterion for selecting the key MPIs considering the characteristics of the company and a model that can comprehensively and quantitatively evaluate maintenance performance were presented. In addition, a standard for evaluating the level of maintenance at the global level of maintenance management was suggested.
Pension discount rate and investor sentiment
Authors: Sun Fang , Wei Xiangjing
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine how investor sentiment, proxied by Michigan consumer confidence index, affects the choice of defined benefit pension plan discount rates.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use multivariate analysis to test our hypotheses. The dependent variable is defined pension plan discount rate and the testing variables are investor sentiment and a dummy variable representing underfunded status.

Findings

The authors find a negative and significant relation between investor sentiment and pension plan discount rate. During high (low) sentiment periods, pension discount rate tends to be adjusted downward (upward) discretionarily. Further analysis indicates the relationship between pension discount rate and investor sentiment is more pronounced for firms with underfunded pension plans. The results can be explained by limited attention effects, capital budgeting strategy and earning smoothing.

Practical implications

The empirical results of this study have important implications for corporate governance and regulation. Specifically, the results suggest the need for increased attention from boards of directors, auditors and regulators to reported pension liabilities, especially during periods of high investor sentiment when pension plan sponsors are more likely to adjust down pension discount rate and accordingly to increase pension liabilities.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to the extant literature by identifying investor sentiment as a new incentive of pension discount rate manipulation. The empirical results of this study also have important implications for corporate governance and regulation.
Boundary integration, work/family enrichment and life satisfaction among female nursing staff
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Majid Abdul , Yasir Muhammad , Khan Najeebullah
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aims to propose a model based on boundary theory to provide information about how boundary integration (BI) promotes life satisfaction (LS) among female nursing staff. For the prediction of this relationship, this study also captures the mediation effect of family-to-work enrichment (FWE), work-to-family enrichment (WFE) and job satisfaction (JS).

Design/methodology/approach

Descriptive statistics, correlation, structural equation modelling (SEM), Baron and Kenny approach, PROCESS Macro and Sobel test approaches were used on a sample of 724 nurses.

Findings

The results of the study confirm the significant effects of BI on LS of female nursing staff. Moreover, the mediating roles of FWE, WFE and JS are also confirmed.

Practical implications

Work–family BI is essential for the enhancement of LS among nursing staff. Increasing the BI level along with WFE and FWE provides foundation for JS and LS. Moreover, the study in hand provides significant implications for nursing management; importantly, this study explores BI as an important predictor of FWE, WFE and JS in addressing the LS among nurses.

Originality/value

Nurses’ WFE and FWE are determined through various factors. In distinguishing from past studies in the relevant field, this study explores BI as an important predictor of WFE and FWE in addressing the JS and LS among female nursing staff.
Does bank competition promote economic growth? Empirical evidence from selected South Asian countries
Authors: Rakshit Bijoy , Bardhan Samaresh
Published: May 2019

Purpose

Bank competition and financial stability are often cited as important drivers of economic growth. Bank competition plays a very significant role in enhancing the efficiency and determining the stability of a financial system. However, a question of interest is whether bank competition enhances or hindrances the economic growth of a country. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of bank competition and financial stability on economic growth for selected South Asian economies over the period 1997–2016.

Design/methodology/approach

To investigate whether bank competition enhances or hinders economic growth, the author applies a two-step estimation technique. First, the author estimates bank competition using the Lerner index and adjusted Lerner index and, second, examines the joint effect of bank competition and financial stability on economic growth applying both panel regression model and system GMM techniques.

Findings

Empirical findings reveal that the banking sector in South Asian economies is competitive as indicated by the estimated values of Lerner and adjusted Lerner index. Moreover, the joint effect defined by the interaction between banking competition and banking stability also reveals a positive and significant impact on economic growth. This finding implies that both banking competition and banking stability are significant long-term determinants of economic growth in South Asian economies.

Practical implications

This paper suggests flexible banking regulation policies such as low net interest rate margins, lesser activity restrictions and entry of foreign banks along with few contestability measures to increase bank competition in South Asian countries. This is because as higher the competition, greater is the chance for efficient allocation of resources and hence economic growth.

Originality/value

This paper is the first of its kind that considers the joint role of bank competition and financial stability on economic growth. The application of a semi-parametric approach in the estimation of marginal cost is also a unique contribution to empirical literature.
Impact of exchange rates on exports from India’s sub-national economies
Authors: Tan Khee Giap , Gopalan Sasidaran , Sharma Jigyasa
Published: May 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the impact of real effective exchange rates (REER), both in terms of levels and volatility, on the export performance of India’s sub-national economies, given the recent slowdown in India’s exports.

Design/methodology/approach

India’s export distribution is highly asymmetric, with 90 percent of India’s exports concentrated in 11 sub-national economies. Exploiting this concentration, this paper constructs a panel data set using available data between 2002 and 2014 to understand the relationship between REER and exports from the top exporting cluster. Moreover, the paper constructs a sub-national competitiveness index to capture the supply capacity of the states.

Findings

The empirical findings of this paper reveal that a higher REER volatility deters exports and movements in REER do not matter as much as volatility. The most significant finding of the paper is that state competitiveness is the most crucial factor affecting trade. Therefore, policy makers at the state level must lay more emphasis on the supply side such as addressing logistical bottlenecks to help revive exports growth.

Originality/value

This study makes a departure from the plethora of extant aggregate-level studies by examining the relationship between REER and exports at the sub-national level for India. Considering the highly skewed distribution of India’s exports, the study provides important insights into the exporting patterns and determinants that are at play at the sub-national level.
Berry Jelly: Optimization Through Desirability‐Based Mixture Design
Authors: Schiassi Maria Cecília E. V. , Salgado Derlyene L. , Meirelles Beatriz S. , Lago Amanda M. T. , Queiroz Fabiana , Curi Paula N. , Pio Rafael , de Souza Vanessa R.
Published: May 2019

Berries are among the nutritionally richest fruits and the mixing of these fruits can originate products with peculiar characteristics and added value, since the fruit mixture allows adding nutritional and sensory value to the final product. Thus, in this study we aimed to optimize a mixed berry jelly formulation of red fruit (blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry), through the mixture design, desirability function, and response surface methodology. The fruit mixture influenced the physical–chemical, sensory, and nutritional characteristics of mixed jelly, and it was observed that the mixture of two or more fruits may increase the acceptance of the product and even its nutritional value. According to the contour curve graph for the sensory and nutritional desirability function, the ideal mixed berry jelly should contain 55% to 100% blackberry, 0% to 20% blueberry, and 0% to 40% strawberry. The exact proportion of fruit may depend on seasonality or the commercial value of the fruit.

Practical Application

In Brazil, there are many blackberry, blueberry, and strawberry cultivars grown in subtropical regions and high perishability hinders the fruit consumption in fresh form. In this context, through this study it was possible to verify which fruits are more suitable for processing in the form of jelly, as well as to optimize, based on sensory and nutritional characteristics, a mixed berry jelly formulation with greater attractiveness to consumers.
The impact of strengthening agricultural extension services on women farmers: Evidence from Ethiopia
Authors: Buehren Niklas , Goldstein Markus , Molina Ezequiel , Vaillant Julia
Published: May 2019

This paper evaluates the effect of the Rural Capacity Building Project (RCBP), which aimed at promoting growth by strengthening the agricultural service systems in Ethiopia, and by making them more responsive to smallholders’ needs, in particular women farmers. We examine the gender‐differentiated impact of the RCBP using panel data on 1,485 geographically dispersed households in project and control kebeles. We find that women farmers’ access and satisfaction with extension services increased significantly immediately after the start of the project, but that effect did not last into the medium term. The project led to an increase in the adoption of high‐value crop farming, area of land cultivated, and economic participation of household members, benefiting male‐ and female‐headed households equally. Results point to the positive impact of incorporating women's needs and constraints in the design of the agricultural extension system. However, the project was not able to reduce the preexisting gender gap in agricultural outcomes.
Midostaurin abrogates CD33‐directed UniCAR and CD33‐CD3 bispecific antibody therapy in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Fasslrinner Frederick , Arndt Claudia , Koristka Stefanie , Feldmann Anja , Altmann Heidi , von Bonin Malte , Schmitz Marc , Bornhäuser Martin , Bachmann Michael
Published: May 2019

Combinatory therapeutic approaches of different targeted therapies in acute myeloid leukaemia are currently under preclinical/early clinical investigation. To enhance anti‐tumour effects, we combined the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) midostaurin and T‐cell mediated immunotherapy directed against CD33. Clinically relevant concentrations of midostaurin abrogated T‐cell mediated cytotoxicity both after activation with bispecific antibodies and chimeric antigen receptor T cells. This information is of relevance for clinicians exploring T‐cell mediated immunotherapy in early clinical trials. Given the profound inhibition of T‐cell functionality and anti‐tumour activity, we recommend specific FLT3 TKIs for further clinical testing of combinatory approaches with T‐cell based immunotherapy.
In vivo effects of chemotherapy on oncogenic pathways in colorectal cancer
Authors: Spartalis Christoph , Schmidt Eva Marina , Elmasry Manal , Schulz Gerald Bastian , Kirchner Thomas , Horst David
Published: May 2019

Patients with advanced colorectal cancer often are treated with systemic cytotoxic therapy using fluorouracil (5‐FU), oxaliplatin, irinotecan, and FOLFOX or FOLFIRI combination protocols. Additionally, signaling pathways that are active in colorectal cancer can be therapeutically targeted. Herein, we examined whether chemotherapy impacts on WNT, MAPK and NOTCH signaling pathways in xenograft models of colon cancer. Furthermore, we tested whether combining chemotherapy with MAPK and NOTCH inhibition has superior therapeutic effects. We show that colon cancer cells with high WNT, MAPK and NOTCH activity are variably affected but generally persist in xenograft tumors under different chemotherapeutic regimens, indicating limited effects of cytotoxic therapy on oncogenic signaling pathways. Although these results provided a rationale to additionally target pathway activity, we found no significant increase in therapy response when combining MAPK and NOTCH inhibition with fluorouracil chemotherapy. We attribute this finding to a decrease in tumor cell proliferation upon MAPK and NOTCH inhibition, resulting in reduced effectiveness of cytotoxic treatment. Therapeutic benefits of combining chemotherapy with targeting of oncogenic signaling pathways must therefore be critically evaluated for patients with colorectal cancer.
Cervical spondylotic internal jugular venous compression syndrome
Authors: Ding Jia‐Yue , Zhou Da , Pan Li‐Qun , Ya Jing‐Yuan , Liu Cheng , Yan Feng , Fan Chun‐Qiu , Ding Yu‐Chuan , Ji Xun‐Ming , Meng Ran
Published: May 2019

Aims

This study aimed to identify the clinical profiles of cervical spondylosis‐related internal jugular vein stenosis (IJVS) comprehensively.

Methods

A total of 46 patients, who were diagnosed as IJVS induced by cervical spondylotic compression were recruited. The clinical manifestations and imaging features of IJVS were presented particularly in this study.

Results

Vascular stenosis was present in 69 out of the 92 internal jugular veins, in which, 50.7% (35/69) of the stenotic vessels were compressed by the transverse process of C1, and 44.9% (31/69) by the transverse process of C1 combined with the styloid process. The transverse process of C1 compression was more common in unilateral IJVS (69.6% vs 41.3%, P = 0.027) while the transverse process of C1 combined with the styloid process compression had a higher propensity to occur in bilateral IJVS (52.2% vs 30.4%, P = 0.087). A representative case underwent the resection of the elongated left lateral mass of C1 and styloid process. His symptoms were ameliorated obviously at 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

This study proposes cervical spondylotic internal jugular venous compression syndrome as a brand‐new cervical spondylotic subtype. A better understanding of this disease entity can be of great relevance to clinicians in making a proper diagnosis.
Gender diversity and say‐on‐pay: Evidence from UK remuneration committees
Authors: Alkalbani Nasser , Cuomo Francesca , Mallin Christine
Published: May 2019

Research question/issue

We examine whether the presence of women on the remuneration committee has an influence on say‐on‐pay voting.

Research findings/insights

Based on panel data from the UK's FTSE 350 firms from 2003 to 2015, we find that firms with women on the remuneration committee reduce shareholders' dissent via say‐on‐pay. However, only firms with a critical mass of more than 30% women on this committee are more likely to have less shareholders' dissent via say‐on‐pay (i.e., the presence of 30% women or less on this committee is not sufficient).

Theoretical/academic implications

Our results provide empirical evidence that the gender diversity of directors on the remuneration committee plays a significant role in shaping shareholders' dissent via say‐on‐pay in the United Kingdom. Our results also provide empirical support for some of the previous studies that draw on critical mass theory that imply that women are more effective monitors when they make up a critical mass of more than 30%.

Practitioner/policy implications

Our results could provide regulators with evidence in favor of improving women's representation on UK remuneration committees. In addition, our results could help shareholders and nomination committee members understand the importance of having women on UK remuneration committees, as they are more likely to avoid suboptimal pay and align directors' remuneration packages more closely with shareholders' expectations. Finally, our results could also attract the attention of main stakeholders and the media, especially given their increasing attention both to gender diversity and say‐on‐pay.
Interactive apps prevent gender discrepancies in early‐grade mathematics in a low‐income country in sub‐Sahara Africa
Authors: Pitchford Nicola J. , Chigeda Antonie , Hubber Paula J.
Published: May 2019

Globally, gender differences are reported in the early acquisition of reading and mathematics as girls tend to outperform boys in reading, whereas boys tend to outperform girls in mathematics. This can have long‐term impact resulting in an under‐representation of girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics subjects. Recent research suggests that sociocultural factors account for differences across genders in the acquisition of these foundational skills. In this study, we investigated whether a new technology‐based intervention, that included activities accessible to both boys and girls, can reduce gender differences from emerging during the early primary school years. The novel instructional method used in this study employed apps developed by onebillion© delivered individually through touch‐screen tablets. Over a series of experiments conducted in Malawi, a low‐income country in sub‐Sahara Africa, we found that when children were exposed to standard pedagogical practice typical gender differences emerged over the first grade (Experiment 1). In contrast, boys and girls learnt equally well with the new interactive apps designed to support the learning of mathematics (Experiment 2) and reading (Experiment 3). When implemented at the start of primary education, before significant gender discrepancies become established, this novel technology‐based intervention can prevent significant gender effects for mathematics. These results demonstrate that different instructional practices influence the emergence of gender disparities in early mathematics. Digital interventions can mitigate gender differences in countries where standard pedagogical instruction typically hinders girls from acquiring early mathematical skills at the same rate as boys.

A video abstract of this article can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55x-6hhAY9M&feature=youtu.be
Context‐dependent biotic interactions control plant abundance across altitudinal environmental gradients
Authors: Lynn Joshua S. , Kazenel Melanie R. , Kivlin Stephanie N. , Rudgers Jennifer A.
Published: May 2019

Many biotic interactions influence community structure, yet most distribution models for plants have focused on plant competition or used only abiotic variables to predict plant abundance. Furthermore, biotic interactions are commonly context‐dependent across abiotic gradients. For example, plant–plant interactions can grade from competition to facilitation over temperature gradients. We used a hierarchical Bayesian framework to predict the abundances of 12 plant species across a mountain landscape and test hypotheses on the context‐dependency of biotic interactions over abiotic gradients. We combined field‐based estimates of six biotic interactions (foliar herbivory and pathogen damage, fungal root colonization, fossorial mammal disturbance, plant cover and plant diversity) with abiotic data on climate and soil depth, nutrients and moisture. All biotic interactions were significantly context‐dependent along temperature gradients. Results supported the stress gradient hypothesis: as abiotic stress increased, the strength or direction of the relationship between biotic variables and plant abundance generally switched from negative (suggesting suppressed plant abundance) to positive (suggesting facilitation/mutualism). For half of the species, plant cover was the best predictor of abundance, suggesting that the prior focus on plant–plant interactions is well‐justified. Explicitly incorporating the context‐dependency of biotic interactions generated novel hypotheses about drivers of plant abundance across abiotic gradients and may improve the accuracy of niche models.
In vivo and in vitro developmental profiling of Asobara japonica, a larval endoparasitoid of drosophilid flies
Authors: Amano Saori , Akada Tatsuya , Takahashi Kazuo H.
Published: May 2019

The relationship between host and parasitoid has been examined in terms of either the effects of infestation on host growth and development, or the growth and development of parasitoid larvae in response to the physiological and nutritional status of their hosts. Although a wide range of host–parasitoid interactions has been studied, detailed developmental profiles of parasitoid larvae and environmental effects on them have remained unclear in many cases because the parasitoid larvae are relatively inaccessible inside their hosts. Here, we used Drosophila melanogaster Meigen (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and Asobara japonica Belokobylskij (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) as a model system to describe developmental profiles of hosts and endoparasitoid wasps, and investigated environmental factors that affect the developmental profiles in in vivo and in vitro culture experiments. As a result, we successfully identified six morphologically distinct developmental stages (I–VI) of pre‐adult A. japonica. The current approach based on qualitative and quantitative assessment of wasp morphology may be an effective approach for estimating the instar number of endoparasitoids lacking sclerotized structures in general. The finding that the development of A. japonica from stage III to stage IV is constrained by host developmental stage regardless of the environmental conditions in this study suggests that developmental mismatch may be an important factor in the evolution of host selection in endoparasitoid wasps.
Effects of heat shock on survival and predation of an important whitefly predator,Serangium japonicum
Authors: Yao Feng‐Luan , Zheng Yu , Ding Xue‐Ling , Zhao Jian‐Wei , Lu Xue‐Song , Desneux Nicolas , He Yu‐Xian , Weng Qi‐Yong
Published: May 2019

Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of periods of extreme weather events, including heat waves that are harmful to arthropod natural enemies. We studied the thermotolerance of the ladybeetleSerangium japonicumChapin (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), an important native predator of the whiteflyBemisia tabaci(Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) in China.Serangium japonicumeggs, first‐ and fourth‐instar larvae, pupae, and adults were subjected to a range of high temperatures (36, 39, 42, 43.5, and 45 °C) at intervals between 15 and 720 min. Survival was compromised and declined sharply for all life stages at temperatures of 42 °C and higher. First instars were the least heat tolerant, and eggs were typically the most resistant. Egg predation byS. japonicumdid not differ whether the adult beetles were subjected to either heat shock or starvation first. Heat shock treatments at 36 °C did not impede adult egg consumption, treatments at 39 °C crippled ladybeetle's egg consumption for 8 h following treatment but recovered predatory capacity within 24 h after treatment. However, treatments at 42 °C greatly impaired ladybeetle's predatory capacity. After experiencing heat shock at 39 and 42 °C, adults significantly increased the amount of time they spent resting, which is the probable cause of predation decline after heat exposure. These results demonstrate that short periods of extreme heat exposures have a detrimental impact onS.japonicumsurvival and predation, but the effect was dependent on duration and life stage. Overall, these findings can help predict population dynamics and success of biological control of whitefly byS. japonicumin a warming world.