bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solving the Sample Size Problem for Resource Selection Analysis
Authors: Street Garrett M. , Potts Jonathan R. , Börger Luca , Beasley James C. , Demarais Stephen , Fryxell John M. , McLoughlin Philip D. , Monteith Kevin L. , Prokopenko Christina M. , Ribeiro Miltinho C. , Rodgers Arthur R. , Strickland Bronson K. , van Beest Floris M. , Bernasconi David A. , Beumer Larissa T. , Dharmarajan Guha , Dwinnell Samantha P. , Keiter David A. , Keuroghlian Alexine , Newediuk Levi J. , Oshima Júlia Emi F. , Rhodes Olin , Schlichting Peter E. , Schmidt Niels M. , Wal Eric Vander
Published: February 2021

Sample size sufficiency is a critical consideration for conducting Resource-Selection Analyses (RSAs) from GPS-based animal telemetry. Cited thresholds for sufficiency include a number of captured animalsM≥ 30 and as many relocations per animalNas possible. These thresholds render many RSA-based studies misleading if large sample sizes were truly insufficient, or unpublishable if small sample sizes were sufficient but failed to meet reviewer expectations.

We provide the first comprehensive solution for RSA sample size by deriving closed-form mathematical expressions for the number of animalsMand the number of relocations per animalNrequired for model outputs to a given degree of precision. The sample sizes needed depend on just 2 biologically meaningful quantities: habitat selection strength and a novel measure of landscape complexity, which we define rigorously. The mathematical expressions are calculable for any environmental dataset at any spatial scale and are applicable to any study involving resource selection (including sessile organisms). We validate our analytical solutions using globally relevant empirical data including 5,678,623 GPS locations from 511 animals from 10 species (omnivores, carnivores, and herbivores living in boreal, temperate, and tropical forests, montane woodlands, swamps, and arctic tundra).

Our analytic expressions show that the requiredMandNmust decline with increasing selection strength and increasing landscape complexity, and this decline is insensitive to the definition of availability used in the analysis. Our results contradict conventional wisdom by demonstrating that the most biologically relevant effects on the utilization distribution (i.e. those landscape conditions with the greatest absolute magnitude of resource selection) can often be estimated with far fewer data than is commonly assumed.

We identify several critical steps in implementing these equations, including (i) a priori selection of expected model coefficients, and (ii) sampling intensity for background (absence/pseudo-absence) data within a given definition of availability. We show that random sampling of background data violates the underlying mathematics of RSA, leading to incorrect values for necessaryMandNand potentially incorrect RSA model outputs. We argue that these equations should be a mandatory component for all future RSA studies.
Modeling Metallicity: Low Level Visual Features Support Robust Material Perception
Authors: Harvey Joshua S. , Smithson Hannah E.
Published: February 2021

The human visual system is able to rapidly and accurately infer the material properties of objects and surfaces in the world. Yet an inverse optics approach—estimating the bi-directional reflectance distribution function of a surface, given its geometry and environment, and relating this to the optical properties of materials—is both intractable and computationally unaffordable. Rather, previous studies have found that the visual system may exploit low-level spatio-chromatic statistics as heuristics for material judgment. Here, we present results from psychophysics and modelling that supports the use of image statistics heuristics in the judgement of metallicity—the quality of appearance that suggests an object is made from metal. Using computer graphics, we generated stimuli that varied along two physical dimensions: the smoothness of a metal object, and the evenness of its transparent coating. This allowed for the manipulation of low-level image statistics, whilst ensuring that each stimulus was a naturalistic, physically plausible image. A conjoint-measurement task decoupled the contributions of these dimensions to the perception of metallicity. Low-level image features, as represented in the activations of oriented linear filters at different spatial scales, were found to correlate with the dimensions of the stimulus space, and decision-making models using these activations replicated observer performance in judging metal smoothness, coating bumpiness, and metallicity. Importantly, the performance of these models did not deteriorate when objects were rotated within their simulated scene, with corresponding changes in image properties. We therefore conclude that low-level image features may provide reliable cues for the robust perception of metallicity.
At the Intersection Between SARS-CoV-2, Macrophages and the Adaptive Immune Response: A Key Role for Antibody-Dependent Pathogenesis But Not Enhancement of Infection in COVID-19
Authors: DeMarco Jennifer K. , Severson Wiliam E. , DeMarco Daniel R. , Pogue Gregory , Gabbard Jon , Palmer Kenneth E.
Published: February 2021

Since entering the world stage in December of 2019, SARS-CoV-2 has impacted every corner of the globe with over 1.48 million deaths and caused untold economic damage. Infections in humans range from asymptomatic to severe disease associated with dysregulation of the immune system leading to the development of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDs).

The distinct shift in peripheral monocyte activation and infiltration of these cells into the respiratory tract in ARDs patients suggests severe COVID-19 may largely result from damage to the respiratory epithelia by improperly activated macrophages. Here, we present evidence that dysregulation of the immune response in COVID-19 begins with activation of macrophages by non-neutralizing antibodies and induction of ACE2 expression, rendering these cells susceptible to killing by SARS-CoV-2. Death of macrophages occurs independently of viral replication and leads to the release of inflammatory mediators and modulation of the susceptibility of downstream epithelial cells to SARS-CoV-2.
Broad influence of mutant ataxin-3 on the proteome of the adult brain, young neurons, and axons reveals central molecular processes and biomarkers in SCA3/MJD using knock-in mouse model
Authors: Wiatr Kalina , Marczak Łukasz , Perot Jean-Baptiste , Brouillet Emmanuel , Flament Julien , Figiel Maciej
Published: February 2021

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3/MJD) has a polyQ etiology but, the current knowledge on molecular processes and proteins involved in pathogenesis is not sufficient to fully determine the disease mechanism and find drug targets. Proteases and deubiquitinases, such as Ataxin-3, often have a profound impact on other proteins, yet the global model picture of SCA3 disease progression on the protein level, showing the most crucial proteins and pathways in the brain, and neurons, was not investigated previously. Here, we investigated molecular SCA3 mechanism using interdisciplinary research paradigm combining SCA3 knock-in model, behavior, MRI, brain proteomics, precise axonal proteomics, neuronal energy recordings, labeling of vesicles, and inclusions and focusing in axonal compartment. We have demonstrated that altered metabolic and mitochondrial proteins in the brain and the lack of weight gain in Ki91 SCA3/MJD mice is reflected by the failure of energy metabolism recorded in neonatal SCA3 cerebellar neurons. We have determined that further, during disease progression, proteins responsible for metabolism, cytoskeletal architecture, vesicular and axonal transport proteins are disturbed, revealing axons as one of the essential cell compartments in SCA3 pathogenesis. Therefore we focus on SCA3 pathogenesis in axonal and somatodendritic compartments revealing highly increased axonal localization of protein synthesis machinery, including ribosomes, translation factors, and RNA binding proteins, while the level of proteins responsible for cellular transport, and mitochondria was decreased. We demonstrate the accumulation of axonal vesicles in neonatal SCA3 cerebellar neurons and increased phosphorylation of SMI-312 positive adult cerebellar axons, which indicate axonal dysfunction in SCA3. In summary, the SCA3 disease mechanism is based on the broad influence of mutant ataxin-3 on the neuronal proteome. Processes central in our SCA3 model include disturbed localization of proteins between axonal and somatodendritic compartment, early neuronal energy deficit, altered neuronal cytoskeletal structure, an overabundance of protein synthetic machinery in axons.
Saturated Fat Impairs Circadian Transcriptomics through Histone Modification of Enhancers
Authors: Pillon Nicolas J. , Puig Laura Sardón , Altıntaş Ali , Kamble Prasad G. , Casaní-Galdón Salvador , Gabriel Brendan M. , Barrès Romain , Conesa Ana , Chibalin Alexander V. , Näslund Erik , Krook Anna , Zierath Juleen R.
Published: February 2021

Obesity and elevated circulating lipids may impair metabolism by disrupting the molecular circadian clock. We tested the hypothesis that lipid-overload may interact with the circadian clock and alter the rhythmicity of gene expression through epigenomic mechanisms in skeletal muscle. Palmitate reprogrammed the circadian transcriptome in myotubes without altering the rhythmic mRNA expression of core clock genes. Genes with enhanced cycling in response to palmitate were associated with post-translational modification of histones. Cycling of histone 3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac), a marker of active gene enhancers, was modified by palmitate treatment. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing confirmed that palmitate exposure altered the cycling of DNA regions associated with H3K27ac. Overlap of mRNA and DNA regions associated with H3K27ac and pharmacological inhibition of histone acetyl transferases revealed novel cycling genes associated with lipid exposure of primary human myotubes. Palmitate exposure disrupts transcriptomic rhythmicity and modifies enhancers through changes in histone H3K27 acetylation in a circadian manner. Thus, histone acetylation is responsive to lipid-overload and redirects the circadian chromatin landscape leading to reprogramming of circadian genes in skeletal muscle.
RGG-motif protein Sbp1 is required for Processing body (P-body) disassembly
Authors: Roy Raju , Kuttanda Ishwarya Achappa , Bhatter Nupur , Rajyaguru Purusharth I
Published: February 2021

RNA granules are conserved mRNP complexes that play an important role in determining mRNA fate by affecting translation repression and mRNA decay. Processing bodies (P-bodies) harbor enzymes responsible for mRNA decay and proteins involved in modulating translation. Although many proteins have been identified to play a role in P-body assembly, a bonafide disassembly factor remains unknown. In this report, we identify RGG-motif translation repressor protein Sbp1 as a disassembly factor of P-bodies. Disassembly of Edc3 granules but not the Pab1 granules (a conserved stress granule marker) that arise upon sodium azide and glucose deprivation stress are defective inΔsbp1. Disassembly of other P-body proteins such as Dhh1 and Scd6 is also defective inΔsbp1. Complementation experiments suggest that the wild type Sbp1 but not an RGG-motif deletion mutant rescues the Edc3 granule disassembly defect inΔsbp1. We observe that purified Edc3 forms assemblies, which is promoted by the presence of RNA and NADH. Strikingly, addition of purified Sbp1 leads to significantly decreased Edc3 assemblies. Although low complexity sequences have been in general implicated in assembly, our results reveal the role of RGG-motif (a low-complexity sequence) in the disassembly of P-bodies.
The chromatin reader Dido3 is a regulator of the gene network that controls B cell differentiation
Authors: Gutiérrez del Burgo Fernando , García-López María Ángeles , Pons Tirso , Vázquez de Luis Enrique , Martínez-A Carlos , Villares Ricardo
Published: February 2021

The development of hematopoietic cell lineages is a highly complex process that is governed by a delicate interplay of various transcription factors. The expression of these factors is influenced, in part, by epigenetic signatures that define each stage of cell differentiation. In particular, the formation of B lymphocytes depends on the sequential silencing of stemness genes and the balanced expression of interdependent transcription factors, along with DNA rearrangement. We have investigated the impact that the deficiency of DIDO3, a protein involved in chromatin status readout, has on B cell differentiation within the hematopoietic compartment of mice. Our findings revealed significant impairments in the successive stages of B cell development. The absence of DIDO3 resulted in remarkable alterations in the expression of essential transcription factors and differentiation markers, which are crucial for orchestrating the differentiation process. In addition, the somatic recombination process, which is responsible for generation of antigen receptor diversity, was also adversely affected. These observations highlight the vital role of epigenetic regulation, in particular the involvement of DIDO3, in ensuring proper B cell differentiation. This study show new mechanisms underlying disruptive alterations which deepen our understanding of hematopoiesis and may potentially lead to insights that aid in the development of therapeutic interventions for disorders involving aberrant B cell development.
Resting-state theta oscillations and reward sensitivity in risk taking
Authors: Azanova Maria , Ruiz Maria Herrojo , Belianin Alexis V. , Klucharev Vasily , Nikulin Vadim V.
Published: February 2021

Females demonstrate greater risk aversion than males on a variety of tasks, but the underlying neurobiological basis is still unclear. We studied how theta (4-7 Hz) oscillations at rest related to three different measures of risk taking. Thirty-five participants (15 females) completed the Bomb Risk Elicitation Task (BRET), which allowed us to measure risk taking during an economic game. The Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale (DOSPERT) was used to measure self-assessed risk attitudes as well as reward and punishment sensitivities. In addition, the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS11) was included to quantify impulsiveness. To obtain measures of frontal theta asymmetry and frontal theta power, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) acquired prior to task completion, while participants were at rest. Frontal theta asymmetry correlated with average risk taking during the game but only in the female sample. By contrast, frontal theta power correlated with risk taking as well as with measures of reward and punishment sensitivity in the joint sample. Importantly, we showed that reward sensitivity mediated a correlation between risk taking and the power of theta oscillations localized to the anterior cingulate cortex. In addition, we observed significant sex differences in source- and sensor-space theta power, risk taking during the game, and reward sensitivity. Our findings suggest that sensitivity to rewards, associated with resting-state theta oscillations in the anterior cingulate cortex, is a trait that potentially contributes to sex differences in risk taking.
macroH2A2 shapes chromatin accessibility at enhancer elements in glioblastoma to modulate a targetable self-renewal epigenetic network
Authors: Nikolic Ana , Bobyn Anna , Maule Francesca , Ellestad Katrina , Lun Xueqing , Johnston Michael , Gafuik Christopher J , Zemp Franz J , Paik Seungil , Ninkovic Nicoletta , Marhon Sajid A , Mehdipour Parinaz , Shen Yaoqing , Berger N. Daniel , Brownsey Duncan K , Dirks Peter B , Derksen Darren J , Jones Steven JM , de Carvalho Daniel , Senger Donna L , Chan Jennifer A , Mahoney Douglas J , Gallo Marco
Published: February 2021

Self-renewal is a crucial property of glioblastoma cells and is enabled by the choreographed function of chromatin regulators and transcription factors. Identifying targetable epigenetic mechanisms of self-renewal could represent an important step toward developing new and effective treatments for this universally lethal cancer. Here we uncover a targetable epigenetic axis of self-renewal mediated by the histone variant macroH2A2. Using patient-derivedin vitroandin vivomodels, we show that macroH2A2 has a direct role in shaping chromatin accessibility at enhancer elements to antagonize transcriptional programs of self-renewal. Pharmaceutical inhibition of the chromatin remodeler Menin increased macroH2A2 levels and repressed self- renewal. Our results reveal a targetable epigenetic mechanism of self-renewal controlled by macroH2A2 and suggest new treatment approaches for glioblastoma patients.

SIGNIFICANCE

Glioblastoma is an incurable brain cancer. Malignant self-renewing cells have been shown to drive tumor growth, to be refractory to current treatment approaches and to seed relapses, which ultimately prove lethal. Identifying new and targetable mechanisms associated with self-renewal could be a fundamental first step in designing effective therapies that slow or prevent glioblastoma relapses. Using patient-derived models of glioblastoma, we deployed epigenomic approaches and functional assays to define the role of the histone variant macroH2A2 in repressing self-renewal. We identified compounds that increase macroH2A2 levels and repress self-renewal, including a Menin inhibitor. As Menin inhibitors are being tested in clinical trials, these compounds could be used in new therapeutic paradigms to target self-renewing cell populations in glioblastoma.
SARS-CoV-2 causes brain inflammation and induces Lewy body formation in macaques
Authors: Philippens Ingrid H.C.H.M. , Böszörményi Kinga P. , Wubben Jacqueline A. , Fagrouch Zahra C. , van Driel Nikki , Mayenburg Amber Q. , Lozovagia Diana , Roos Eva , Schurink Bernadette , Bugiani Marianna , Bontrop Ronald E. , Middeldorp Jinte , Bogers Willy M. , de Geus-Oei Lioe-Fee , Langermans Jan A.M. , Stammes Marieke A. , Verstrepen Babs E. , Verschoor Ernst J.
Published: February 2021

SARS-CoV-2 may cause acute respiratory disease, but the infection can also initiate neurological symptoms. Here we show that SARS-CoV-2 infection causes brain inflammation in the macaque model. An increased metabolic activity in the pituitary gland of two macaques was observed by longitudinal positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT). Post-mortem analysis demonstrated infiltration of T-cells and activated microglia in the brain, and viral RNA was detected in brain tissues from one animal. We observed Lewy bodies in brains of all rhesus macaques. These data emphasize the virus’ capability to induce neuropathology in this nonhuman primate model for SARS-CoV-2 infection. As in humans, Lewy body formation is an indication for the development of Parkinson’s disease, this data represents a warning for potential long-term neurological effects after SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Teaser

SARS-CoV-2 causes brain inflammation and Lewy bodies, a hallmark for Parkinson, after an asymptomatic infection in macaques.
A Cambodian smallholder farmer's choice between microfinance institutes and informal commercial moneylenders: the role of risk attitude
Authors: Possner Annkathrin , Bruns Selina , Musshoff Oliver
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the extent to which individual risk attitude determines a Cambodian smallholder's choice between a commercial informal loan and a credit from a licensed microfinance institution.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper analyzes a sample of smallholder farmers in the Ratanakiri province in northeastern Cambodia, a country with a long history of microfinance and a saturated microcredit market. Employing a binary and a multinomial logit model, this paper assesses the effect of individual risk attitude on the choice of a financial instrument.

Findings

The results reveal a statistically significant relationship between the choice of a credit source and an individual's risk attitude: On average (c.p.) the less risk averse the smallholder is, the more they tend to prefer an unlicensed commercial lender.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that less risk-averse individuals tend to take up riskier and generally more expensive informal loans. Measures to increase the safe access to financial services for less risk-averse borrowers as well as improvements in financial literacy should be undertaken to protect smallholders from taking risky choices.

Originality/value

Although existing studies have examined the importance of risk attitudes between credit provider and borrower, they focus mainly on the lender's perspective. This paper provides new insights on how risk attitude influences the borrower's choice in Cambodia. Thus, this study is relevant for policymakers in countries with oversaturated microcredit markets and a high prevalence of informal lenders.
Strategic framework for implementing smart devices in the construction industry
Authors: Silverio-Fernández Manuel Alexander , Renukappa Suresh , Suresh Subashini
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The decentralisation of information and high rate of mobile content access in the construction industry provide an ideal scenario for improvement of processes via the implementation of the paradigm of the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart devices are considered as the objects interconnected in the IoT; therefore, they play a fundamental role in the digital transformation of the construction industry. Currently, there is a lack of guidelines regarding the implementation of smart devices for digitalisation in the construction industry. Consequently, this paper aims to provide a set of guidelines for implementing smart devices in the construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

An empirical study was performed in the UK and the Dominican Republic (DR). Following a systematic approach, qualitative data collection and analysis was performed based on semi-structured interviews involving professionals from construction companies in the UK and the DR. Interviews were recorded and subsequently transcribed using Microsoft Word and exported to the software NVivo, where the software was used to find common thematic nodes across all interviews.

Findings

The findings encompass drivers, challenges and critical success factors (CSFs) for implementing smart devices in construction project. For both countries, the top five CSFs were leadership, staff training, culture, technology awareness and cost of implementation. These findings were used to develop a strategic framework for implementing smart devices in construction companies. The framework establishes the actors, elements and actions to be considered by construction companies when implementing smart devices.

Originality/value

This paper provides a richer insight into the understanding and awareness of implementing smart devices. A strategic framework for implementing smart devices in the construction industry and providing guidelines for adopting smart devices in construction projects was developed and validated. This study provides a better understanding of the key factors to be considered by construction companies when embedding smart devices into their projects.
“Recruiting the right research associate for case research center”
Authors: Najam Sonia , Solangi Rukhman , Umrani Waheed Ali , Rajput Sheraz Mustafa
Published: February 2021

Learning outcomes

After practicing the case students will be able to; understand the importance of recruiting the right person in retaining employees. Understand the underlying causes of employees’ turnover. Formulate retention strategies.

Case overview/synopsis

The case presents the situation of high turnover in Case Research Center (CRC), Sukkur IBA University. The protagonist, Dr. Waheed Ali Umrani, Head CRC was concerned about the retention of Research Associates in the CRC. The case also highlights the reasons for the turnover of early-career female research associates in an academic setup of Sukkur IBA University. This case will involve students to critically think and come up with retention strategies and measures that recruiters, in this case, should consider before and after the selection of Research Associates.

Complexity academic level

Graduate.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 6: Human Resource Management.
Student loan debt and first-time home buying in USA
Authors: Scott III Robert H. , Bloom Steven
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the relationship between student loan debt and first-time home buying among college graduates aged 23 to 40 years old in the USA.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use the Federal Reserve’s 2019 Survey of Consumer Finances data on American households to present descriptive statistics and run logistic regressions that measure the effects of student loan debt on first-time home buying. The authors also present original survey data of mortgage lenders that provides an industry-level perspective.

Findings

The authors find that having student loan debt does not by itself prohibit first-time home buyers. On the contrary, having student loan debt increases the likelihood of homeownership by 15.1%. People with student loan debt, however, buy homes that are 39.2% less expensive and have 58% less home equity compared to first-time home buyers without student loans. In addition, it is found that the amount of student loan debt is important. People with student loan debt above the median amount among people with student loan debt ($35,000) are 27% less likely to be first-time home buyers.

Practical implications

This paper provides public policy analysts and other researchers a different perspective on the correlation between student loan debt and home buying. This study focuses narrowly on first-time home buyers who are college graduates between 23 and 40 years. Thus, capturing the youngest cohort of first-time home buyers and examine the primary factors that influence their home buying decisions.

Originality/value

First-time homebuyers are historically the largest segment of home buyers making them an important subcategory to study. The rise in student loan debt is posited to explain declining homeownership among younger people. The current literature on student loan debt and home buying often studies samples that are too heterogeneous resulting in mixed findings. This paper adds to the existing literature by filtering the sample to study the effects of student loan debt and first-time home buying among people with at least a college degree who are between 23 and 40 years.
Using blockchain technology in credit rating industry to promote an innovative bond-pays model
Authors: Iyer Krishna Vishwanath , Ravi Kumar V.V.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose an innovative blockchain-based system enabling implementation of a bond-pays model in credit rating industry. Issuer-pays model has led to conflict of interest resulting in rating shopping and inflation. Alternative business models have their own problems, e.g. investor-pays model suffers from “free rider” and public dissemination challenges, whereas government-controlled business models can lead to market distortion. Bond-pays model has been difficult to implement owing to operational difficulties in managing co-ordination amongst multiple entities involved, often with conflicting goals. Blockchain technology enables inter-organizational systems that foster trust amongst non-trusting entities, facilitating business functions such as credit rating to be carried out.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper outlines current processes in credit rating business that has led to repeated rating failures and proposes a new set of processes, leveraging capabilities of blockchain technology to enable implementation of an arms-length bond-pays model.

Findings

A proof-of-concept system, namely, rating chain has been designed to implement a small part of the proposed model to establish technical feasibility in a blockchain environment.

Practical implications

A fully functional blockchain-based system on bond-pays business model, if built and adopted, could impact how credit rating market functions currently and could contribute to a reduction in rating-related challenges.

Originality/value

The proposal to adopt blockchain technologies in implementing a bond-pays model in credit rating industry is a novel contribution.
The moderating effect of network power on relational risks and knowledge flow in R&D network
Authors: Yang Naiding , Guo Min , Wang Jingbei , Zhang Yanlu
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of two dimensions of relational risks, namely, opportunism behavior and interest conflict, on knowledge flow and to explore the moderating effect of network power among these untested relationships and to examine the positive effect of opportunism behavior and interest conflict.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper adopts survey data collected from 180 enterprises in China's high-technology industry and examines the relationship between relational risks, network power and knowledge flow.

Findings

This research empirically shows that opportunism behavior and interest conflict significantly and negatively impact on knowledge flow. Those relationships are positively moderated by network power.

Research limitations/implications

To be more generalized to the high-technology industry, future research should adopt the quantitative research, which can obtain more comprehensive information to explore the nature of phenomenon. The future research can also combine with other variables. In addition, this research extends the current literature by investigating the relationship of so far understudied theorized antecedents.

Originality/value

This research enriches the related network perspective literature by providing new insight combining relational risks and knowledge flow. Especially, the moderating effect of network power is empirically examined.
Female directors and risk-taking behavior of Indian firms
Authors: Biswas Shreya
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study examines whether female directorship on board is related to firm's risk-taking behavior in India.

Design/methodology/approach

The study considers the top 500 listed companies in India during the period 2013 to 2018 for the analysis. The paper employs fixed effects as well as a dynamic panel data model to address the bias in the fixed effects model when the lagged risk outcome is included as an explanatory variable.

Findings

The study finds that the presence of female directors on board is unrelated to the firm's risk-outcomes and the risk-adjusted return earned by the shareholders. The results are in line with the tokenism theory of board diversity. Having a higher share of female independent directors is also unrelated to the risk-taking behavior of firms. The findings are in contrast to the critical mass theory and the agency theory of gender diversity. The study does not rule out the possibility of female directors' risk-preferences being similar to those of male directors.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that regulations related to having independent female directors may not add value for the shareholders in the short run. The business case for such stringent regulations in India on the gender diversity of boards remains unclear.

Originality/value

This is the first study to analyze the relationship between gender diversity of boards and firm-level risk in India. Most of the studies have focused on gender diversity and firm performance in India. However, modern portfolio theory suggests that both risk and return are important as shareholders care about risk-adjusted returns.
Correlates of motivation for treatment among alcohol service users in Uganda
Authors: Kalema David , Van Damme Lore , Vindevogel Sofie , Derluyn Ilse , Baguma Peter , Vanderplasschen Wouter
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Given the scarce literature on alcohol use disorders (AUD) and their treatment in developing countries, this paper aims to explore motivation levels and their correlates among alcohol service users in two residential treatment centres in Kampala, Uganda. This study how motivation levels of Ugandan alcohol service users compare with those from American studies; and the specific factors affecting internal and external motivation in the Ugandan context.

Design/methodology/approach

The motivation for treatment was measured among 100 individuals entering AUD treatment using the Texas Christian University (TCU) Treatment needs and Motivation scale. The WHOQoL–BREF, Addiction Severity Index–6 and Hopkins Symptoms Check List–37 were used to measure addiction severity, quality of life (QoL) and psychopathology, respectively. Correlates of motivation were identified using linear regression analyses.

Findings

Ugandan service users demonstrated low treatment motivation in the treatment needs a domain. While addiction severity (recent heavy alcohol use) and participating in private treatment were associated with higher internal and external motivation, deterioration in physical and environmental QoL, depressive symptoms and lower education were linked with higher internal motivation.

Research limitations/implications

Different elements affect domains of treatment motivation, requiring attention for clients’ unique needs as influenced by their background, addiction severity, QoL, psychological needs and contextual factors (e.g. treatment setting). Further studies are needed to explore additional correlates of motivation for treatment among alcohol service users in Uganda and to assess the longitudinal impact of motivation on treatment outcomes.

Originality/value

Although motivation has been extensively studied, clinicians are challenged in understanding and explaining motivational dynamics given the multiplicity of factors influencing change-related decisions and behaviours and the diversity in substance-using populations. This need is even bigger in non-Western societies as cultural differences may require differential therapeutic management. This is one of the first studies measuring motivation for AUD treatment in a low-income country and offers insight for understanding motivation dynamics in similar settings.
Coûts/gains commerciaux de l'intégration monétaire dans la Zone Franc africaine: Une analyse à partir de 5 scenarii
Authors: Mignamissi Dieudonné
Published: February 2021

Cet article évalue, sur la base de cinq scénarii, les gains/coûts commerciaux de l'intégration monétaire dans la Zone Franc africaine (ZFA). Fondés sur la spécification de la variable Franc CFA à travers le relâchement de certains piliers de fonctionnement de la Zone Franc, les scénarii adoptés à partir du Statu quo sont la Coopération, l'Agrégation, la Consolidation et l'Élargissement. Les principaux résultats obtenus sur la base d'un modèle de gravité estimé sur la période 1995–2019 indiquent que les conjectures les plus prometteuses sont la Consolidation pour la CEMAC et la Coopération pour l'UEMOA. Toutefois, l'analyse globale montre que le “Statu quo” n'est pas toujours le scénario le plus désiré, ce qui invite à une réflexion profonde sur l'avenir de la Zone Franc. Les tests de robustesse effectués confortent cette conclusion.
The unique contribution of vocabulary in the reading development of English as a foreign language
Authors: Krepel Alexander , de Bree Elise H. , Mulder Evelien , van de Ven Marco , Segers Eliane , Verhoeven Ludo , de Jong Peter F.
Published: February 2021

The opaque English orthography complicates learning to read, as irregular words, such as the word pint, cannot be Addread accurately by decoding. Studies with first language (L1) English children show that vocabulary facilitates word reading, especially in the case of irregular words. It is unclear whether this influence of vocabulary extends to children learning to read English as a foreign language (EFL). When learning EFL, words are often encountered in print first, potentially making orthographic knowledge especially important. Orthographic knowledge might partially account for the effect of vocabulary on irregular word reading. In this study, 455 Dutch students in their first year of formal English education (11–13 years, Grade 7) were followed. Their English vocabulary, orthographic knowledge, and irregular, regular and pseudoword reading skills were assessed in fall and spring. Commonality analyses showed that vocabulary contributed more to irregular than to regular or pseudoword reading, even when controlling for orthographic knowledge. Additionally, orthographic knowledge was related to irregular word reading concurrently, independent of vocabulary. Longitudinal analyses showed that vocabulary and orthographic knowledge also had independent effects on the development of irregular word reading, but not on regular or pseudoword reading. Overall, the predictors for EFL word reading were in line with previous L1 findings. Both EFL and L1 learners use vocabulary and orthographic knowledge to read irregular words. This suggests that the relationship between vocabulary and word reading is related to aspects of the English orthography itself. To enable EFL learners to read irregular words, it is important to teach the other constituents of word knowledge, that is, vocabulary and orthography.
Lipoteichoic acid from Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BPL1: a novel postbiotic that reduces fat deposition via IGF‐1 pathway
Authors: Balaguer Ferran , Enrique María , Llopis Silvia , Barrena Marta , Navarro Verónica , Álvarez Beatriz , Chenoll Empar , Ramón Daniel , Tortajada Marta , Martorell Patricia
Published: February 2021

Obesity and its related metabolic disorders, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease, are major risk factors for morbidity and mortality in the world population. In this context, supplementation with the probiotic strain Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BPL1 (CECT8145) has been shown to ameliorate obesity biomarkers. Analyzing the basis of this observation and using the pre‐clinical model Caenorhabditis elegans, we have found that lipoteichoic acid (LTA) of BPL1 is responsible for its fat‐reducing properties and that this attribute is preserved under hyperglycaemic conditions. This fat‐reducing capacity of both BPL1 and LTA‐BPL1 is abolished under glucose restriction, as a result of changes in LTA chemical composition. Moreover, we have demonstrated that LTA exerts this function through the IGF‐1 pathway, as does BPL1 strain. These results open the possibility of using LTA as a novel postbiotic, whose beneficial properties can be applied therapeutically and/or preventively in metabolic syndrome and diabetes‐related disorders.
Reward drinking and naltrexone treatment response among young adult heavy drinkers
Authors: Roos Corey R. , Bold Krysten W. , Witkiewitz Katie , Leeman Robert F. , DeMartini Kelly S. , Fucito Lisa M. , Corbin William R. , Mann Karl , Kranzler Henry R. , O'Malley Stephanie S.
Published: February 2021

Aims

Theory‐driven, exploratory study to: (i) identify a reward drinking phenotype in young adults; (ii) evaluate this phenotype as a predictor of naltrexone response; and (iii) examine mechanisms of naltrexone in reward drinkers.

Design

Secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial.

Setting

USA.

Participants

A total of 128 young adult (ages 18–25) heavy drinkers.

Interventions

Naltrexone versus placebo.

Measurements

Daily surveys assessed affect, urge, drinking, and context. The Drinking Motives Questionnaire was used to identify phenotypes based on reward (enhancement motives) and relief (coping motives) drinking.

Findings

We identified three profiles: “Low reward/Low relief” (14.1%; low enhancement/low coping motives); “Reward drinkers” (62.2%; high enhancement/low coping motives); and “High reward/High relief” (22.7%; high enhancement/high coping motives). Among reward drinkers (versus low profile), naltrexone significantly reduced percent days drinking to intoxication (blood alcohol concentration [BAC] ≥0.08) (PDI) (d = 0.56; 95% CI [0.17, 0.96]) and percent high intensity drinking days (PHID) (8/10 drinks for women/men) (d = 0.32; 95% CI [0.01, 0.68]). Among the high reward/high relief profile drinkers (versus low profile), naltrexone reduced PHID (d = 0.69; 95% CI [0.02, 1.50]). Using profile‐informed cutoffs and observed scores (for clinical applicability): (i) among cutoff‐derived reward drinkers, we found a medium‐to‐large (d = 0.66; 95% CI [0.24, 1.16]) and small effect (d = 0.28; 95% CI [0.04, 0.72]) of naltrexone in reducing PDI and PHID, respectively; and (ii) among the cutoff‐derived high reward/high relief subgroup, we found a medium‐to‐large effect (d = 0.63; 95% CI [0.05, 1.1]) of naltrexone in reducing PHID. Among reward drinkers (not other profiles), naltrexone reduced drinking on days a drinking event occurred by weakening the within‐day association between positive affect and urges (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Naltrexone has pronounced effects in reducing risky drinking among young adult reward drinkers (high reward/low relief) by reducing urges on days when individuals have higher positive affect and are exposed to a drinking event. Naltrexone also appears to reduce risky drinking among young adult high reward/high relief drinkers, but not via the same mechanism.
A loss‐based prior for Gaussian graphical models
Authors: Hinoveanu Laurenţiu Cătălin , Leisen Fabrizio , Villa Cristiano
Published: February 2021

Gaussian graphical models play an important role in various areas such as genetics, finance, statistical physics and others. They are a powerful modelling tool, which allows one to describe the relationships among the variables of interest. From the Bayesian perspective, there are two sources of randomness: one is related to the multivariate distribution and the quantities that may parametrise the model, and the other has to do with the underlying graph,G, equivalent to describing the conditional independence structure of the model under consideration. In this paper, we propose a prior onGbased on two loss components. One considers the loss in information one would incur in selecting the wrong graph, while the second penalises for large number of edges, favouring sparsity. We illustrate the prior on simulated data and on real datasets, and compare the results with other priors onGused in the literature. Moreover, we present a default choice of the prior as well as discuss how it can be calibrated so as to reflect available prior information.
Monitoring of gene expression in tacrolimus‐treated de novo renal allograft recipients facilitates individualized immunosuppression: Results of the IMAGEN study
Authors: Sommerer Claudia , Brunet Mercè , Budde Klemens , Millán Olga , Guirado Perich Lluis , Glander Petra , Meuer Stefan , Zeier Martin , Giese Thomas
Published: February 2021

Aims

Calcineurin inhibitors (CNI) have a small therapeutic window, and drug monitoring is required. Pharmacokinetic monitoring does not correlate sufficiently with clinical outcome. Therefore, the expression of nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT)‐regulated genes in the peripheral blood has been suggested as a potentially useful immune monitoring tool to optimize CNI therapy. NFAT‐regulated gene expression (RGE) was evaluated in renal allograft recipients as predictive biomarker to detect patients at risk of acute rejection or infections.

Methods

NFAT‐RGE (interleukin‐2, interferon‐γ, granular‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor) was evaluated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction in whole blood samples at day 7, day 14, month 1, 3, and 6 after transplantation in 64 de novo renal allograft recipients from 3 European centres. Immunosuppression consisted of tacrolimus (Tac), mycophenolic acid, and corticosteroids.

Results

Tac concentrations (C0 and C1.5) correlated inversely with NFAT‐RGE (P < .01). NFAT‐RGE showed a high interindividual variability (1–61%). Patients with high residual gene expression (NFAT‐RGE ≥30%) were at the increased risk of acute rejection in the following months (35 vs. 5%, P = .02), whereas patients with low residual gene expression (NFAT‐RGE <30%) showed a higher incidence of viral complications, especially cytomegalovirus and BK virus replication (52.5 vs. 10%, P = .01).

Conclusions

NFAT‐RGE was confirmed as a potential noninvasive early predictive biomarker in the immediate post‐transplant period to detect patients at risk of acute rejection and infectious complications in Tac‐treated renal allograft recipients. Monitoring of NFAT‐RGE may provide additional useful information for physicians to achieve individualized Tac treatment.
Upregulation of glucocorticoid receptor‐mediated glucose transporter 4 in enzalutamide‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Hoshi Seiji , Meguro Satoru , Imai Hitomi , Matsuoka Yuta , Yoshida Yuki , Onagi Akihumi , Tanji Ryo , Honda‐Takinami Ruriko , Matsuoka Kanako , Koguchi Tomoyuki , Hata Junya , Sato Yuichi , Akaihata Hidenori , Kataoka Masao , Ogawa Soichiro , Kojima Yoshiyuki
Published: February 2021

Enzalutamide (Enz) is a second‐generation androgen receptor (AR) antagonist for castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) therapy, and it prolongs survival time in these patients. However, during Enz treatment, CRPC patients usually acquire resistance to Enz and often show cross‐resistance to other AR signaling inhibitors. Although glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is involved in this resistance, the role of GR has not yet been clarified. Here, we report that chronic Enz treatment induced GR‐mediated glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) upregulation, and that upregulation was associated with resistance to Enz and other AR signaling inhibitors. Additionally, inhibition of GLUT4 suppressed cell proliferation in Enz‐resistant prostate cancer cells, which recovered from Enz resistance and cross‐resistance without changes in GR expression. Thus, a combination of Enz and a GLUT4 inhibitor could be useful in Enz‐resistant CRPC patients.
Impedance‐pH monitoring profile of patients with reflux and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A controlled study
Authors: Bobin Francois , Auregan Guy , Muls Vinciane , Cammaroto Giovanni , Hans Stéphane , Saussez Sven , Lechien Jerome R.
Published: February 2021

Objective

To study the profile of patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and laryngopharyngeal reflux (LPR) at the hypopharyngeal‐oesophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance‐pH monitoring (HEMII‐pH) and to compare their reflux findings with LPR patients without OSAS.

Design

Prospective controlled study.

Methods

Patients with LPR and OSAS were prospectively recruited from August 2019 to June 2020. The profile of hypopharyngeal reflux events (HREs) of patients was studied through a breakdown of the HEMII‐pH findings over the 24 hours of testing. Reflux symptom score (RSS), and gastrointestinal and HEMII‐pH outcomes were compared between LPR patients and patients with LPR and OSAS. Multivariate analysis was used to study the relationship between reflux data and the following sleep outcomes: Apnea Hypopnea Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and paradoxical sleep data.

Results

A total of 89 patients completed the study. There were 45 patients with LPR and 44 subjects with both OSAS and LPR. The numbers of upright and daytime HREs and the otolaryngological RSS were significantly higher in patients with LPR compared with those with OSAS and LPR. There was a significant positive association between RSS quality‐of‐life score and ESS (P = .001). The occurrence of HREs in the evening was associated with higher ESS (P = .015). Patients with OSAS, LPR and GERD had higher number of nocturnal HREs compared with those without GERD (P = .001).

Conclusion

The presence of OSAS in LPR patients is associated with less severe HEMII‐pH and ear, nose and throat symptoms. There may have different OSAS patient profiles according to the occurrence of GERD.