bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does idiosyncratic risk matter? Evidence from mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Nguyen Pascal , Ben Zaied Younes , Pham Thu Phuong
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate whether idiosyncratic volatility is a priced risk factor in the Australian stock market.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the change in idiosyncratic volatility around acquisition announcements and the related stock price revaluation to test whether the idiosyncratic risk is priced. If the idiosyncratic risk is priced, increases (decreases) in idiosyncratic volatility should be associated with decreases (increases) in the acquirer’s stock price, as the latter’s future cash flows are discounted at a higher (lower) rate. The sample consists of 2,656 completed acquisitions by Australian listed firms over the period January 1990 to October 2014 for which deal value represents more than 5 per cent of the acquirer’s market value.

Findings

Increases (decreases) in idiosyncratic risk are associated with significant decreases (increases) in firm value. This negative relationship is robust to the presence of outliers; is unaffected by the incidence of the 2007-2008 financial crisis; holds using alternative measures of idiosyncratic risk; and is more significant after excluding the resources sector. Firms with a higher idiosyncratic risk prior to the acquisition, and firms avoiding stock to pay for the acquisition, experience a more significant stock price increase in relation to a decrease in idiosyncratic risk.

Research limitations/implications

Considering the small size of the Australian economy, investors may have less scope to mitigate idiosyncratic risk. As a consequence, idiosyncratic risk is associated with the positive excess return, contrary to what standard asset pricing theory assumes. The results support Merton’s (1987) hypothesis that investors are exposed to idiosyncratic risk due to imperfect portfolio diversification and receive compensation for bearing that risk.

Practical implications

The pricing of idiosyncratic risk may also explain why the Australian stock market has historically offered a high equity risk premium. A practical implication would be for international investors to take advantage of the diversification constraints of local investors to capture higher risk premiums and achieve superior returns.

Originality/value

While prior studies demonstrate that stocks with higher idiosyncratic risk are associated with higher subsequent returns, the authors show that an increase in idiosyncratic risk is associated with a decrease in stock prices using acquisition announcements as shocks to a firm’s idiosyncratic risk. In other words, the results arise from within-firm variations rather than from cross-sectional differences in stock returns.
Numerical and experimental studies on sustainable alkali activated concretes at elevated temperatures
Authors: Yaragal Subhash , B. Chethan Kumar , Abhinav Manoj Uddavolu
Published: September 2019

Purpose

To reduce environmental impact caused by excessive use of ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and to mitigate scarcity of base materials such as natural coarse aggregate (NCA), industrial by-products can be carefully used as alternatives to OPC and NCA, in production of concrete. This paper aims to describe the performance of using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS), fly ash (FA) as a complete replacement to OPC and ferrochrome slag (FCS) as replacement to NCA in production of novel FCS based alkali activated slag/fly ash concretes (AASFC) and evaluate their performance at elevated temperatures.

Design/methodology/approach

Two control factors with three levels each i.e. FA (0, 25 and 50 per cent by weight) and FCS (0, 50 and 100 per cent by volume) as a GGBS and NCA replacement, respectively, were adopted in AASFC mixtures. Further, AASFC mixture specimens were subjected to different levels of elevated temperature, i.e. 200°C, 400°C, 600°C and 800°C. Compressive strength and residual compressive strength were considered as responses. Three different optimization techniques i.e. gray relational analysis, technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution and Desirability function approach were used to optimize AASFC mixtures subjected to elevated temperatures.

Findings

As FA replacement increases in FCS based AASFC mixtures, workability increases and compressive strength decreases. The introduction of FCS as replacement to NCA in AASFC mixture did not show any significant change in compressive strength under ambient condition. AASFC produced with 75 per cent GGBS, 25 per cent FA and 100 per cent FCS was found to have excellent elevated temperature enduring properties among all other AASFC mixtures studied.

Originality/value

Although several studies are available on using GGBS, FA and FCS in production of OPC-based concretes, present study reports the performance of novel FCS based AASFC mixtures subjected to elevated temperatures. Further, GGBS, FA and FCS used in the present investigation significantly reduces CO2emission and environmental degradation associated with OPC production and NCA extraction, respectively.
Recent advances and applications of abrasive processes for microelectronics fabrications
Authors: Zhong Zhao-Wei
Published: September 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to review recent advances and applications of abrasive processes for microelectronics fabrications.

Design/methodology/approach

More than 80 patents and journal and conference articles published recently are reviewed. The topics covered are chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) for semiconductor devices, key/additional process conditions for CMP, and polishing and grinding for microelectronics fabrications and fan-out wafer level packages (FOWLPs).

Findings

Many reviewed articles reported advanced CMP for semiconductor device fabrications and innovative research studies on CMP slurry and abrasives. The surface finish, sub-surface damage and the strength of wafers are important issues. The defects on wafer surfaces induced by grinding/polishing would affect the stability of diced ultra-thin chips. Fracture strengths of wafers are dependent on the damage structure induced during dicing or grinding. Different thinning processes can reduce or enhance the fracture strength of wafers. In the FOWLP technology, grinding or CMP is conducted at several key steps. Challenges come from back-grinding and the wafer warpage. As the Si chips of the over-molded FOWLPs are very thin, wafer grinding becomes critical. The strength of the FOWLPs is significantly affected by grinding.

Originality/value

This paper attempts to provide an introduction to recent developments and the trends in abrasive processes for microelectronics manufacturing. With the references provided, readers may explore more deeply by reading the original articles. Original suggestions for future research work are also provided.
Diversification of educational services in the conditions of industry 4.0 on the basis of AI training
Authors: Bogoviz Aleksei V. , Lobova Svetlana V. , Karp Marina V. , Vologdin Evgeny V. , Alekseev Alexander N
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The purpose of the paper is to determine the perspectives of diversification of educational services in the conditions of industry 4.0 on the basis of artificial intelligence (AI) training, determine the consequences of this process for academic and teaching staff and to develop recommendations for its practical implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

The methods of horizontal, trends and regression analysis are used for studying social consequences of digital modernization of the markets of higher education (for academic and teaching staff). The research is performed by the example of modern Russia on the basis of the statistical data of Federal State Statistics Service and the International Telecommunication Union. The timeframe of the research covers academic years 2000/2001-2018/2019.

Findings

It is determined that digital modernization of the sphere of higher education stimulates the reduction of the universities’ need for academic and teaching staff and growth of their unemployment. However, further digital modernization of economy on the basis of breakthrough technologies of industry 4.0 will lead to creation of a new type of educational services that are provided within entrepreneurship of universities – AI training of business. This will ensure development of university entrepreneurship (and reduction of dependence of universities on state financing), as well as growth of the employment opportunities for experts (academic and teaching staff) in the sphere of AI, which will not depend on the number of students, but will be connected to demand for AI training from digital business.

Originality/value

The role of AI training in the structure of production business processes of a university in the conditions of industry 4.0 is determined. The necessity for state stimulation of development of digital business in the modern economic systems is substantiated. It is shown that government has to pay close attention to the issues of support in the sphere of AI and mass distribution of their results. Because of this, it will be possible to control social risks in the sphere of higher education.
Mechanisms of institutional regulation of government policy building in the higher education system in the conditions of Industry 4.0
Authors: Vodenko Konstantin V. , Ivanchenko Olga S. , Tereshchenko Eleonora V. , Petrova Nina F. , Mishchenko Viktoria A.
Published: September 2019

Purpose

The article analyzes the mechanisms of institutional regulation of government policy on the establishment and development of the research-innovative potential of youth in the higher education system.

Design/methodology/approach

The concepts of this paper are focused on the research of innovation within transformation of education, studying youth as a subject of innovation, analyzing the socio-cultural points of youth innovation activity in the professional area and revealing the theoretical and methodological foundations of personal creative development.

Findings

The article provides analysis of research-innovative practices offering their own methodological basis for the research of public regulation of the establishment and development of the research-innovative potential of the person. The analysis made it possible to conclude that an important short-term objective is to create competitive and convenient conditions for scientific research, opportunities for self-development and self-control of the national scientific-technical system, forging relations between actors at all stages of the knowledge cycle.

Originality/value

It is substantiated that the young people who should provide an innovation breakthrough and development of an innovative economy plays a crucial role in taken development measures. We managed to identify three types of student attitudes to scientific and research-innovative activity and, respectively, support and stimulation measures for each type (young research workers, formalists (or officially involved in R&D), passive observers).
Intellectual capital efficiency and bank’s performance
Authors: Buallay Amina , Cummings Richard , Hamdan Allam
Published: September 2019

Purpose

Intellectual capital (IC) plays a pivotal role in the high-tech and knowledge-based economic sectors. With the emergence of FinTech, which, with respect to the banking sector, is merging high-tech with the k-economy, there is an emerging need to highlight the importance and understand the dynamics of bank IC. With respect to Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies, where FinTech has become de rigueur, banking is bifurcated into Islamic and banking sectors. Through comparative empirical analysis, the purpose of this paper is to examine IC efficiency in Islamic and conventional banks with a view to elucidating the impact of IC, in aggregate and decomposed into its components, on an operational, financial and market performance of Islamic banks juxtaposed with conventional banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Using data collected from 59 banks for five years (2012-2016) involving 295 observations, an independent variable derived from the modified value added IC (MVAIC) components are regressed against dependent bank performance indicator variables [Return on Assets (ROA), Return on Equity (ROE) and Tobin’s Q (TQ)]. Two types of control variables complete the regression analysis in this study: bank-specific and macroeconomic.

Findings

The findings elicited from the empirical results demonstrate that there is positive relationship between IC efficiency and financial performance (ROE) and market performance (TQ) in Islamic banks. In conventional banks, however, there is a positive relationship between IC and operational performance (ROE) and financial performance (ROE).

Originality/value

The model in this paper presents a valuable analytical framework for exploring IC efficiency as a driver of performance in dual-sector banking economies characterized by co-existence of Islamic and conventional financial institutions. In addition, this paper highlights bank management lacunae manifesting in terms of the weak nexus between: IC and asset efficiency (ROA) in Islamic banks and IC and market value (TQ) in conventional banks.
Remote sensing of ploidy level in quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides Michx.)
Authors: Blonder Benjamin , Graae Bente J. , Greer Burke , Haagsma Marja , Helsen Kenny , Kapás Rozália E. , Pai Henry , Rieksta Jolanta , Sapena Dillon , Still Christopher J. , Strimbeck Richard
Published: September 2019

Ploidy level in plants may influence ecological functioning, demography and response to climate change. However, measuring ploidy level typically requires intensive cell or molecular methods.

We map ploidy level variation in quaking aspen, a dominant North American tree species that can be diploid or triploid and that grows in spatially extensive clones. We identify the predictors and spatial scale of ploidy level variation using a combination of genetic and ground‐based and airborne remote sensing methods.

We show that ground‐based leaf spectra and airborne canopy spectra can both classify aspen by ploidy level with a precision‐recall harmonic mean of 0.75–0.95 and Cohen's kappa of c. 0.6–0.9. Ground‐based bark spectra cannot classify ploidy level better than chance. We also found that diploids are more common on higher elevation and steeper sites in a network of forest plots in Colorado, and that ploidy level distribution varies at subkilometer spatial scales.

Synthesis. Our proof‐of‐concept study shows that remote sensing of ploidy level could become feasible in this tree species. Mapping ploidy level across landscapes could provide insights into the genetic basis of species' responses to climate change.
Retracted: KIF20A silence inhibits the migration, invasion and proliferation of non‐small cell lung cancer and regulates the JNK pathway
Authors: Xie Feng , He Chengyan , Gao Shen , Yang Zhaowei , Li Lihong , Qiao Lu , Fang Ling
Published: September 2019

An increasing number of studies have shown that kinesin family member 20A (KIF20A) was overexpressed in several types of cancer, and its overexpression correlated with the oncogenesis and prognosis of cancers. However, little is known about the roles of KIF20A in human non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Thus, the aim of the present study was to demonstrate the expression of KIF20A in human NSCLC and reveal its biological functions and the underlying mechanisms. qRT‐PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to assess the expression of NSCLC patient specimens and NSCLC cell lines. The functions of KIF20A in migration and invasion were determined using Transwell assay. Cell proliferation capacity was performed by CKK‐8 assay. We demonstrated that KIF20A was overexpressed in NSCLC specimens compared with the adjacent non‐tumorous specimens, and high expression of KIF20A was associated with clinical stage and metastasis in NSCLC. Decreased expression of KIF20A inhibited NSCLC cells migration, invasion and proliferation. Most importantly, further experiments demonstrated that decreased the expression of KLF20A significantly downregulated expression of p‐JNK and MMP7, which indicated that knockdown of KIF20A alters lung cancer cell phenotype and regulates JNK pathways. These results suggest that KIF20A may act as a putative oncogene and a potential therapeutic target in NSCLC.
‘They think of a family only in their thirties’: gendered subfertility and emergent intimate modernities in India
Authors: Pathak Gauri
Published: September 2019

Recent anthropological scholarship on marriage in South Asia has chronicled a shift towards companionate marriage, with ideals of companionate conjugality becoming central to middle‐class self‐representations. However, the role of child‐bearing and fertility within these marriages, as emerging life projects related to new family ideals, has not received much attention, even as literature on India has recorded extensive family concern with fertility. In this article, I focus on the endocrine disorder polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – one of the leading causes of female infertility world‐wide – to examine emerging conceptions of fertility and intimate modernities among the urban middle class in India. I argue that a comparatively limited concern with fertility forms a part of this class's self‐representations and practices of distinction. Such attitudes to fertility, enabled by new orientations towards medical risk and ideals of companionate marriage, also function as markers of the emerging ‘modern’ subjectivity of this class.
Increasing eDNA capabilities with CRISPR technology for real‐time monitoring of ecosystem biodiversity
Authors: Phelps Michael
Published: September 2019

The accelerating pace of scientific discovery is being driven by the development of transformative technologies that are expanding traditional scientific boundaries. In ecology, the concept that ecosystem structure can be monitored through the stew of genetic material released into the environment by local organisms is now a highly active area of research. At the same time that the use of environmental DNA (eDNA) has gained popularity in ecology, CRISPR genome editing technology has been revolutionizing organismal biology and the biomedical sciences. In a From the Cover article in this issue of Molecular Ecology Resources, Williams et al. (2019) report about the fusion of CRISPR technology with molecular ecology to improve the in situ processing capabilities of eDNA applications. Piloting this new CRISPR technology on aquatic systems, the authors describe tools to accurately identify the presence of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) from eDNA, using conditions that are highly amenable to implementation in the field. This overcomes a major barrier restricting the use of eDNA, opening a door to expanded use of the technology in ecological research.
Five Reasons Why Export Credit Institutions Should Measure and Report their Social Impact
Authors: Groth Allon
Published: September 2019

Export credit agencies (ECAs) are facing similar challenges when branding and marketing their services to small businesses. Communicating the social impact of ECAs is beneficial when reaching out to new customers, building a stronger internal culture or responding to government policies.
Public/Private Sector Collaboration Can Promote Trade Growth
Authors: Riordan Daniel
Published: September 2019

As risk and uncertainty arise, there is a bright spot of hope for mitigating Political and Credit Risks: Public Private Partnerships. As evidenced through multiple successful collaborations, the public and private sectors are able to align the complementarity of their competitive advantages to promote trade and economic growth.
Will OECD Governments Avoid the Path Towards a New Credit War?
Authors: Søndergaard‐Jensen Mariane
Published: September 2019

After 50 years of successfully avoiding a costly credit war, OECD governments find themselves back at a “race to the bottom” crossroad. Will OECD governments succeed in maintaining a level playing field? Or will the allure of promoting national interests in this new world order with new global political priorities, increasing competition and a complex globalized world lead governments to restart a race to the bottom and ultimately towards a new credit war? To avoid the path towards a credit war not seen since the 1970s, a renewed commitment is required. Securing a level playing field for OECD exporters and business should have high‐level political priority. The OECD Arrangement for export credits is in need of modernization, but governments must also recognize that securing a level playing field in terms of government financing goes beyond export credits and export finance. Official government involvement in international finance can be trade distortive regardless of the primary purpose of financing. A whole‐of‐government approach to the provision of official international financing, regardless of whether the primary purpose of financing is exports, development or climate, is necessary if OECD governments wish to avoid starting down a costly and destructive path.
Early‐life exposure to high‐fat diet influences brain health in aging mice
Authors: Di Meco Antonio , Praticò Domenico
Published: September 2019

Epidemiological studies have suggested a link between exposure to environmental factors early in life and susceptibility to neurodegenerative diseases in adulthood. In the short term, maternal diet is important for the growth and development of the fetus; however, it may also have long‐term effects on the health status of the offspring. Here, we investigate the effect that maternal high‐fat diet during gestation has on brain health of the offspring later in life. B6129SF2/J dams were fed a high‐fat diet during the 3 weeks’ gestation, then switched to standard chow diet after delivery. Offspring were always fed regular diet for the entire study and assessed in learning, memory, and brain pathology when 18 months old. Compared with offspring from control mothers, the ones from mothers exposed to high‐fat diet had significant better performance in learning and memory tests, which associated with an amelioration of synaptic integrity. Additionally, they had a significant reduction in total tau, a decrease in its pathological conformational changes and lower levels of caspase‐3‐cleaved isoforms. Our findings demonstrate that in utero exposure to high‐fat diet plays a protective role for offspring brain health later in life. They support the novel hypothesis that targeted dietary intervention specifically restricted to the gestation period could be implemented as preventative strategy for the age‐dependent decline in brain health.
Demethylation and derepression of genomic retroelements in the skeletal muscles of aged mice
Authors: Min Byungkuk , Jeon Kyuheum , Park Jung Sun , Kang Yong‐Kook
Published: September 2019

Changes in DNA methylation influence the aging process and contribute to aging phenotypes, but few studies have been conducted on DNA methylation changes in conjunction with skeletal muscle aging. We explored the DNA methylation changes in a variety of retroelement families throughout aging (at 2, 20, and 28 months of age) in murine skeletal muscles by methyl‐binding domain sequencing (MBD‐seq). The two following contrasting patterns were observed among the members of each repeat family in superaged mice: (a) hypermethylation in weakly methylated retroelement copies and (b) hypomethylation in copies with relatively stronger methylation levels, representing a pattern of “regression toward the mean” within a single retroelement family. Interestingly, these patterns depended on the sizes of the copies. While the majority of the elements showed a slight increase in methylation, the larger copies (>5 kb) displayed evident demethylation. All these changes were not observed in T cells. RNA sequencing revealed a global derepression of retroelements during the late phase of aging (between 20 and 28 months of age), which temporally coincided with retroelement demethylation. Following this methylation drift trend of “regression toward the mean,” aging tended to progressively lose the preexisting methylation differences and local patterns in the genomic regions that had been elaborately established during the early period of development.
The role of lipid metabolism in aging, lifespan regulation, and age‐related disease
Authors: Johnson Adiv A. , Stolzing Alexandra
Published: September 2019

An emerging body of data suggests that lipid metabolism has an important role to play in the aging process. Indeed, a plethora of dietary, pharmacological, genetic, and surgical lipid‐related interventions extend lifespan in nematodes, fruit flies, mice, and rats. For example, the impairment of genes involved in ceramide and sphingolipid synthesis extends lifespan in both worms and flies. The overexpression of fatty acid amide hydrolase or lysosomal lipase prolongs life in Caenorhabditis elegans, while the overexpression of diacylglycerol lipase enhances longevity in both C. elegans and Drosophila melanogaster. The surgical removal of adipose tissue extends lifespan in rats, and increased expression of apolipoprotein D enhances survival in both flies and mice. Mouse lifespan can be additionally extended by the genetic deletion of diacylglycerol acyltransferase 1, treatment with the steroid 17‐α‐estradiol, or a ketogenic diet. Moreover, deletion of the phospholipase A2 receptor improves various healthspan parameters in a progeria mouse model. Genome‐wide association studies have found several lipid‐related variants to be associated with human aging. For example, the epsilon 2 and epsilon 4 alleles of apolipoprotein E are associated with extreme longevity and late‐onset neurodegenerative disease, respectively. In humans, blood triglyceride levels tend to increase, while blood lysophosphatidylcholine levels tend to decrease with age. Specific sphingolipid and phospholipid blood profiles have also been shown to change with age and are associated with exceptional human longevity. These data suggest that lipid‐related interventions may improve human healthspan and that blood lipids likely represent a rich source of human aging biomarkers.
Clinical and demographic correlates of stigma in first‐episode psychosis: the impact of duration of untreated psychosis
Authors: Mueser K. T. , DeTore N. R. , Kredlow M. A. , Bourgeois M. L. , Penn D. L. , Hintz K.
Published: September 2019

Objective

To evaluate the relationships between perceived stigma and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), demographic characteristics, and clinical and psychosocial functioning in persons with a first episode of psychosis (FEP).

Method

A total of 399 participants with FEP presenting for treatment at 34 sites in 21 states throughout the United States were evaluated using standardized instruments to assess diagnosis, symptoms, psychosocial functioning, perceived stigma, wellbeing, and subjective recovery.

Results

Perceived stigma was correlated with a range of demographic and clinical variables, including DUP, symptoms, psychosocial functioning, and subjective experience. After controlling for symptom severity, perceived stigma was related to longer DUP, schizoaffective disorder diagnosis, more severe depression, and lower wellbeing and recovery. The associations between stigma and depression, wellbeing, and recovery were stronger in individuals with long than short DUP, suggesting the effects of stigma on psychological functioning may be cumulative over the period of untreated psychosis.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that independent of symptom severity, perceived stigma may contribute to delay in seeking treatment for FEP, and this delay may amplify the deleterious effects of stigma on psychological functioning. The results point to the importance of reducing DUP and validating interventions targeting the psychological effects of stigma in people with FEP.
Why Underachievers Dominate Secret Police Organizations: Evidence from Autocratic Argentina
Authors: Scharpf Adam , Gläßel Christian
Published: September 2019

Autocrats depend on a capable secret police. Anecdotal evidence, however, often characterizes agents as surprisingly mediocre in skill and intellect. To explain this puzzle, this article focuses on the career incentives underachieving individuals face in the regular security apparatus. Low‐performing officials in hierarchical organizations have little chance of being promoted or filling lucrative positions. To salvage their careers, these officials are willing to undertake burdensome secret police work. Using data on all 4,287 officers who served in autocratic Argentina (1975–83), we study biographic differences between secret police agents and the entire recruitment pool. We find that low‐achieving officers were stuck within the regime hierarchy, threatened with discharge, and thus more likely to join the secret police for future benefits. The study demonstrates how state bureaucracies breed mundane career concerns that produce willing enforcers and cement violent regimes. This has implications for the understanding of autocratic consolidation and democratic breakdown.
Recent developments and highlights in drug hypersensitivity
Authors: Mayorga Cristobalina , Fernandez Tahia D. , Montañez Maria Isabel , Moreno Esther , Torres María José
Published: September 2019

Drug hypersensitivity reactions (DHRs) are nowadays the third cause of allergy after rhinitis and asthma with a significant increase in prevalence in both adults and paediatric population with new drugs included as culprit. For this, DHRs represent not only a health problem but also a significant financial burden for affected individuals and health systems. Mislabelling DHRs is showing to be a relevant problem for both, false label of drug allergic and false label of nonallergic. All this reinforces the need to improve accurate diagnostic approaches that allow an appropriate management. Moreover, there is a need for training both, nonallergist stakeholders and patients to improve the reaction identification and therefore decrease the mislabelling. The use of allergy cards has shown to be relevant to avoid the induction of DHRs due to the prescription of wrong medication.

Recent developments over the last 2 years and highlights about risk factors, diagnostic approaches, mechanisms involved as well as prevention actions, and management have been reviewed. In these papers, it has been outlined the need for correct diagnosis and de‐labelling of patients previously false‐reported as allergic, which will improve the management and treatment of patients with DHRs.
Risk of nonarteritic ischaemic optic neuropathy with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Penedones Ana , Alves Carlos , Batel Marques Francisco
Published: September 2019

The development of nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy has been described to phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to assess the risk of nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy associated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors exposure. A literature search was performed at MEDLINE, EMBASE, Toxline and VigiBase. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case reports and spontaneous reports describing nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy associated with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors exposure were included. The risk of bias was assessed according to Centre for Reviews and Dissemination's (CRD) guidance. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and meta‐analysis. Four observational studies, 50 case reports and 608 spontaneous reports were identified. All observational studies evaluated males treated for erectile dysfunction. Treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors is not associated with an increased risk of definitive nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy [odds ratio (OR) 1.16; 95% CI 0.89, 1.52, p = 0.046; I2 = 62.6%]. The methodological quality was assessed as good for three studies. Among case reports, 12 (23%) patients did not have risk factors to develop nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Thirty‐nine (78%) patients were treated for erectile dysfunction. A regular administration of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors was observed in 24 (48%) case reports. All case reports were assessed as higher risk of bias. According to the available evidence, the treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors was not found to be associated with nonarteritic anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy. Further research is needed to study such association, including possible confounding factors.
When Do Leaders Initiate Changes? The Roles of Coping Style and Organization Members’ Stability‐Emphasizing Values
Authors: Sverdlik Noga , Oreg Shaul , Berson Yair
Published: September 2019

We explore the roles of leaders’ coping style and organization members’ emphasis on stability in predicting leaders’ initiation of changes in their organizations. Specifically, we hypothesized that leaders’ problem‐focused style will be positively, and emotion‐focused style negatively, related to the initiation of change. We further proposed that organization members' emphasis on stability will moderate the effect of leaders’ problem‐focused style. We tested our model using time‐lagged data from 75 school principals and 495/409 (Time 1/Time 2) teachers. Our results support the moderating role that the emphasis on stability has on the effect of problem‐focused coping on leaders’ initiation of changes and provide some support for the negative effect of emotion‐focused coping. Our findings complement the psychological literature on recipients of change with psychological insights about the factors that make leaders become change agents.
In-vivo assessment of T cell kinetics in individuals at risk for type 1 diabetes
Authors: Hao W , Bahnson H T , Speake C , Cerosaletti K , Greenbaum C J
Published: September 2019

We previously assessed the kinetics of T cell turnover in vivo by labeling cells with 2H-H2O over 42 days in individuals with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and demonstrated an increased turnover of CD4 memory T cells. We have now tested T cell turnover in individuals at risk for T1D using a 3–4-day labeling protocol with 2H-glucose. We studied 30 relatives with T1D with and without autoantibodies, and 10 healthy controls. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were flow-sorted into T cell subsets of interest; 2H-DNA enrichment was measured by mass spectrometry and in-vivo turnover was calculated as maximum fractional enrichment of deuterated adenosine (Fmax). Among CD4+ cells, Fmax was highest in regulatory T cells (Treg), followed by effector and central memory T cells and lowest in naive cells. Similarly, CD8+ central and effector memory T cells had a higher turnover than CD8+ terminally differentiated effector memory T cells (TEMRA) and CD8+-naive T cells. Relatives as a group showed significantly increased Treg turnover by Fmax compared to controls (1·733 ± 0·6784% versus 1·062 ± 0·3787%, P = 0·004), suggesting pre-existing immune dysfunction within families with T1D. However, there was no significant difference in Fmax between groups according to autoantibody or glucose tolerance status. Repeat testing in 20 subjects 1 year later demonstrated relatively higher within-subject compared to between-subject variability for the measurement of Fmax in various T cell subsets. The short labeling protocol with 2H-glucose should be applied in the context of a clinical trial in which the therapy is expected to have large effects on T cell turnover.
MicroRNA‐130a controls bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell differentiation towards the osteoblastic and adipogenic fate
Authors: Lin Zhangyuan , He Hongbo , Wang Min , Liang Jieyu
Published: September 2019

Objectives

With age, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) have reduced ability of differentiating into osteoblasts but have increased ability of differentiating into adipocytes which leads to age‐related bone loss. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play major roles in regulating BMSC differentiation. This paper explored the role of miRNAs in regulating BMSC differentiation swift fate in age‐related osteoporosis.

Material and methods

Mice and human BMSC were isolated from bone marrow, whose miR‐130a level was measured. The abilities of BMSC differentiate into osteoblast or fat cell under the transfected with agomiR‐130a or antagomiR‐130a were analysed by the level of ALP, osteocalcin, Runx2, osterix or peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptorγ (PPARγ), Fabp4. Related mechanism was verified via qT‐PCR, Western blotting (WB) and siRNA transfection. Animal phenotype intravenous injection with agomiR‐130a or agomiR‐NC was explored by Micro‐CT, immunochemistry and calcein double‐labelling.

Results

MiR‐130a was dramatically decreased in BMSC of advanced subjects. Overexpression of miR‐130a increased osteogenic differentiation of BMSC and attenuated adipogenic differentiation in BMSC, conversely, Inhibition of miR‐130a reduced osteogenic differentiation and facilitated lipid droplet formation. Consistently, overexpression of miR‐130a in elderly mice dropped off the bone loss. Furthermore, the protein levels of Smad regulatory factors 2 (Smurf2) and PPARγ were regulated by miR‐130a with an negative effect through directly combining the 3'UTR of Smurf2 and PPARγ.

Conclusions

The results indicated that miR‐130a promotes osteoblastic differentiation of BMSC by negatively regulating Smurf2 expression and suppresses adipogenic differentiation of BMSC by targeting the PPARγ, and supply a new target for clinical therapy of age‐related bone loss.
Reshaping Global Order in the 21st Century: G‐Plus Leadership in a Multiplex World
Authors: Acharya Amitav , Estevadeordal Antoni , Goodman Louis W.
Published: September 2019

This article identifies divergent views on the nature of the changing order and argues that collaborative rather than hegemonic leadership is necessary to sustain global peace, prosperity and justice. This collaborative leadership would increase the number of actors with effective voice. It calls the evolving order “multiplex” because of the overlapping yet divergent interests of the actors involved and “G‐Plus” signaling the importance of the increasing number and diversity of actors. It does so in the context of two of the many challenges facing this multiplex G‐Plus world: sustaining economic prosperity and coordinating global trade.
Pharmacological treatment initiation for type 2 diabetes in Australia: are the guidelines being followed?
Authors: Wood S. J. , Magliano D. J. , Bell J. S. , Shaw J. E. , Keen C. S. , Ilomäki J.
Published: September 2019

Aim

To determine the patterns and predictors of pharmacological treatment initiation for type 2 diabetes and whether treatment initiation is consistent with Australian clinical practice guidelines that recommend metformin monotherapy.

Methods

Individuals aged 40–99 years initiating a non‐insulin type 2 diabetes medication between July 2013 and February 2018 were identified from a 10% random national sample of pharmacy dispensing data. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the predictors of initiating sulfonylurea monotherapy, non‐guideline monotherapy and combination therapy compared with metformin monotherapy. Predictors included age, sex, initiation year and comorbidities determined using the Rx‐Risk comorbidity index.

Results

Of the 47 860 initiators, [47% women, mean age 60.7 (sd 12.1) years], 85.8%, 4.6%, 1.9% and 7.7% received metformin monotherapy, sulfonylurea monotherapy, non‐guideline monotherapy and combination therapy, respectively. Increasing age was associated with increasing odds of initiating sulfonylurea monotherapy and non‐guideline monotherapy. Combination therapy initiation was less likely in women (OR 0.74, 95% CI 0.69–0.79) and people with more comorbidities (e.g. OR 0.36, 95% CI 0.29–0.44 for seven or more comorbidities vs. no comorbidities) but more likely in congestive heart failure (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.22–1.65), cerebrovascular disease (OR 1.50, 95% CI 1.32–1.69) and dyslipidaemia (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.19–1.40).

Conclusion

Treatment initiation in Australia is largely consistent with clinical practice guidelines, with 86% of individuals initiating metformin monotherapy. Initiation on combination therapy was more common in men and in those with fewer comorbidities.
Temporal partitioning of activity: rising and falling top‐predator abundance triggers community‐wide shifts in diel activity
Authors: Cunningham Calum X. , Scoleri Vince , Johnson Christopher N. , Barmuta Leon A. , Jones Menna E.
Published: September 2019

Top predators cause avoidance behaviours in competitors and prey, which can lead to niche partitioning and facilitate coexistence. We investigate changes in partitioning of the temporal niche in a mammalian community in response to both the rapid decline in abundance of a top predator and its rapid increase, produced by two concurrent natural experiments: 1) the severe decline of the Tasmanian devil due to a transmissible cancer, and 2) the introduction of Tasmanian devils to an island, with subsequent population increase. We focus on devils, two mesopredators and three prey species, allowing us to examine niche partitioning in the context of intra‐ and inter‐specific competition, and predator–prey interactions. The most consistent shift in temporal activity occurred in devils themselves, which were active earlier in the night at high densities, presumably because of heightened intraspecific competition. When devils were rare, their closest competitor, the spotted‐tailed quoll, increased activity in the early part of the night, resulting in increased overlap with the devil's temporal niche and suggesting release from interference competition. The invasive feral cat, another mesopredator, did not shift its temporal activity in response to either decreasing or increasing devil densities. Shifts in temporal activity of the major prey species of devils were stronger in response to rising than to falling devil densities. We infer that the costs associated with not avoiding predators when their density is rising (i.e. death) are higher than the costs of continuing to adopt avoidance behaviours as predator densities fall (i.e. loss of foraging opportunity), so rising predator densities may trigger more rapid shifts. The rapid changes in devil abundance provide a unique framework to test how the non‐lethal effects of top predators affect community‐wide partitioning of temporal niches, revealing that this top predator has an important but varied influence on the diel activity of other species.
Patient participation in dialysis care—A qualitative study of patients’ and health professionals’ perspectives
Authors: Årestedt Liselott , Martinsson Caroline , Hjelm Carina , Uhlin Fredrik , Eldh Ann Catrine
Published: September 2019

Background and objective

End‐stage renal disease (ESRD) affects a multitude of aspects in the patient's daily life, often entailing their own involvement in various aspects of the treatment. Although patient participation is a core health‐care value, what the concept signifies is not yet fully known. The purpose of this paper is to conceptualize patient participation in dialysis care, depicting patients’ and health‐care professionals’ perspectives.

Design

This explorative study employed qualitative interviews and content analysis.

Setting and participants

Seven focus group discussions engaging 42 key informants were performed, including patients, staff and managers with experience of dialysis care.

Results

In dialysis care, patient participation connotes a sharing of information and knowledge, the learning of and planning of care, including partaking in shared decisions with regards to treatment and management, and being involved in the management of one's own health‐care treatment and/or self‐care activities. Although these attributes were illustrated by all stakeholders, their significance varied: patients suggested that their preferences regarding primary aspects of participation vary, while staff considered patients’ performance of dialysis to be the ultimate form of participation. Further, while patients considered multiple ways to execute participation, staff suggested that aspects such as sharing information were a route to, rather than actual, involvement.

Conclusions

Without a common understanding to denote the idea of patient participation, staff and patients are exposed to a potential deficit in terms of facilitating patient participation in everyday encounters of dialysis treatment. Further studies and means to serve a mutual understanding are needed.
Understanding the decision to screen for lung cancer or not: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Draucker Claire Burke , Rawl Susan M. , Vode Emilee , Carter‐Harris Lisa
Published: September 2019

Background

Although new screening programmes with low‐dose computed tomography (LDCT) for lung cancer have been implemented throughout the United States, screening uptake remains low and screening‐eligible persons' decisions to screen or not remain poorly understood.

Objective

To describe how current and former long‐term smokers explain their decisions regarding participation in lung cancer screening.

Design

Phone interviews using a semi‐structured interview guide were conducted to ask screening‐eligible persons to describe their decisions regarding screening with LDCT. The interviews were transcribed and analysed with conventional content analytic techniques.

Setting and participants

A subsample of 40 participants (20 who had screened and 20 who had not) were drawn from the sample of a survey study whose participants were recruited by Facebook targeted advertisements.

Results

The sample was divided into the following five groups based on their decisions regarding lung cancer screening participation: Group 1: no intention to be screened, Group 2: no deliberate consideration but somewhat open to being screened, Group 3: deliberate consideration but no definitive decision to be screened, Group 4: intention to be screened and Group 5: had been screened. Reasons for screening participation decisions are described for each group. Across groups, data revealed that screening‐eligible persons have a number of misconceptions regarding LDCT, including that a scan is needed only if one is symptomatic or has not had a chest x‐ray. A physician recommendation was a key influence on decisions to screen.

Discussion and conclusions

Education initiatives aimed at providers and long‐term smokers regarding LDCT is needed. Quality patient/provider communication is most likely to improve screening rates.
Functional properties and structural characteristics of phosphorylated pea protein isolate
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Wang Dezhen , Wang Jiahao , Yang Yang , Zhang Lingling , Li Jia , Wang Shuo
Published: September 2019

In order to expand the application of pea proteins in the food industry, pea protein isolate (PPI) was chemically phosphorylated to improve its functional properties. Based on the comprehensive membership value (CMV) degree, the optimal condition for PPI phosphorylation modification was as follows: pH 12, modification temperature at 70 °C and an addition of 7.0% (w/v) sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). Under this condition, the solubility, emulsifying property, emulsifying stability, foaming property and oil absorption capacity of the modified PPI were improved substantially. In addition, the structure of modified PPI was characterised by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results showed that the modified PPI had a smooth and uniform lamellar structure, where the content of α‐helix and β‐sheet structure increased, but the content of β‐corner and random coil structure decreased. The thermodynamic properties were analysed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the results showed that ∆H of the modified PPI increased significantly. Finally, the optimum phosphorylated PPI was mixed with 0.4% (w/v) xanthan gum to form PPI fat mimics (PPI‐FM). PPI‐FM was added into mango mousse cake to reduce the amount of light cream, and the result showed up to 20% of light cream could be substituted.