bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the effects of perceived organizational support and high-performance work systems on health harm through sustainable HRM lens: a moderated mediated examination
Authors: Chillakuri Bharat , Vanka Sita
Published: May 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to provide an empirical investigation into the mediating effect of high-performance work systems (HPWS) on health harm (HH). The paper also examines the role of perceived organizational support (POS) and its indirect effect on work intensification (WI) and HH through HPWS. Further, the implications of the HH on individuals, organizations, families and societies are also presented. Recognizing the need for sustainable human resource management (HRM) practices that drive employee well-being and reducing HH is also highlighted.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study were collected using four established scales. The data collected from 345 executives were analyzed using the SPSS 25.0 Version and Amos 21.0.

Findings

The study confirmed that work intensification causes HH. The results also indicate the significant mediation of HPWS and the moderation of POS between WI and HH, thus suggesting the inevitability of HR intervention for implementing sustainable HRM practices, which reduce the negative harm of the work.

Research limitations/implications

Data were collected from executives working in IT organizations in India. However, IT work exhibits broadly similar technology/platforms across the world and hence, applicable to the other contexts as well.

Practical implications

The study suggests that organizations should formulate policies and initiate interventions toward the care of employees, motivating toward higher performance and support them to prevent HH of work. It is difficult to categorize what comprises the care of employees in the current context of HPWS and treating employees as an end in itself. Generally, it is seen in terms of health and safety, work–life balance, remuneration, workload, job role and job design. People are core to sustainable development, and the HR must design and develop systems so that the organization can retain a healthy and productive workforce from a sustainability perspective. Moreover, sustainable work performance is a function of high resource levels of employees (energy, time and competences) and the allocation of resources, leading to resource regeneration. Hence, organizations need to source from a variety of sources and balance it for the sustainable performance of employees.

Originality/value

The HRM literature reveals the positive effect of POS on employee health, but studies that investigated the adverse impact of POS are notably absent. The study bridges this gap and is novel, as it explores the moderating role of POS on HPWS and HH and reaffirms the need for building sustainable organizations and sustainable HRM practices. Moreover, the paper provides contextual support to the literature, where studies relating to sustainable HRM practices in developing countries like India are absent.
Digital marketing capabilities in international firms: a relational perspective
Authors: Wang Fatima
Published: May 2020

Purpose

Differences in digital adoption between firms call for a clearer conceptualization of digital marketing capabilities (DMCs). The purpose of this paper is twofold: (1) to offer a conceptualization of DMCs from a relational dynamic capabilities perspective and (2) to explore performance outcomes of DMCs for international firms, taking into account firm size and entrepreneurial orientation.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey on a sample of 167 international firms is used and analyzed using hierarchical regression.

Findings

DMCs contribute positively to performance. Firms with greater entrepreneurial orientation leverage DMCs more effectively and have better performance. Small firms with strong digital capabilities perform as well as medium-sized firms. Large firms perform marginally better than small and medium-sized firms.

Research limitations/implications

This paper complements previous IB studies that only study customer-related or supplier- and channel-related IT adoption. It is based on a more holistic conceptualization of DMCs, and draws on market sensing, customer-linking, customer retention, supplier relationship and channel bonding capabilities. It offers new empirical evidence for the positive impact of DMCs on firm performance. It also contributes to small and medium-sized enterprise and digital entrepreneurship literature by comparing the performance outcomes of DMCs for different size firms with varying degrees of entrepreneurial orientation.

Practical implications

This study provides implementable measures of DMCs. The findings encourage firms to develop entrepreneurial orientation alongside DMCs.

Originality/value

This paper presents DMCs as relational dynamic capabilities and shows the moderating effect of entrepreneurial orientation and firm size on the DMCs–performance relationship.
Market power and cost efficiency in the African banking industry
Authors: Asongu Simplice , Nting Rexon , Nnanna Joseph
Published: May 2020

Purpose

In this study, we test the so-called “Quiet Life Hypothesis” (QLH), which postulates that banks with market power are less efficient.

Design/methodology/approach

We employ instrumental variable Ordinary Least Squares, Fixed Effects, Tobit and Logistic regressions. The empirical evidence is based on a panel of 162 banks consisting of 42 African countries for the period 2001–2011. There is a two-step analytical procedure. First, we estimate Lerner indices and cost efficiency scores. Then, we regress cost efficiency scores on Lerner indices contingent on bank characteristics, market features and the unobserved heterogeneity.

Findings

The empirical evidence does not support the QLH because market power is positively associated with cost efficiency.

Originality/value

Owing to data availability constraints, this is one of the few studies to test the QLH in African banking.
Determinants of CSR disclosure: an evidence from India
Authors: P. Fahad , K.B. Nidheesh
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to undertake an empirical investigation on firm characteristics determining corporate social responsibility (CSR) disclosure and its subcategories such as environmental, social and governance disclosures.

Design/methodology/approach

The sample consisted of listed companies in BSE 500 index for a period of 10 years from 2007 to 2016. Panel data regression method is used for the analysis. Seven variables are analyzed, namely, firm age, financial leverage, firm size, foreign ownership, promoter ownership, export performance, innovation and firm popularity.

Findings

The result shows that firm age and financial leverage are positively influencing CSR, environmental and social disclosure score but both are negatively influencing governance score. Firm size is positively associated with all four disclosure scores. Among ownership variables, foreign ownership shows a positive influence and promoters ownership shows a negative influence towards CSR, environment and social disclosures. No association is found between both ownership variables and governance disclosure score. Further analysis also finds that there is a difference in this relationship during crisis period.

Research limitations/implications

The study focuses only on listed companies in Indian capital market. In terms of implication, theoretical bases discussed in the literature review and hypotheses development are mostly validated.

Practical implications

The findings are important for the firm, stakeholders and policymakers. A firm may think about appointing experts in CSR to spend the amount wisely and improve CSR disclosure to compete in the international market; stakeholders have to pressure the firm to provide more CSR disclosure and for policymakers this study study provides useful inputs to design legal framework on CSR.

Originality/value

The measurement of CSR disclosure using environmental, social and governance (ESG) score is novel in Indian context, even though the methodology is often used in literature.
Formal institutional uncertainty and equity sought on foreign market entry: does industry matter?
Authors: Ahmed Kashif , Bebenroth Ralf , Hennart Jean-François
Published: May 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine how the effect of host country formal institutional uncertainty on the percentage of equity sought in cross-border acquisitions (CBAs) is moderated by the host country industry (i.e. targets from the technology versus those from the non-technology industry).

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based upon the legitimacy perspective of institutional theory and uses Tobit regression analysis on a sample of 1,340 CBAs.

Findings

Results show that cross-border acquirers prefer a lower equity level for targets in institutionally less developed countries and that this negative effect of the host country institutional risk on the equity percentage sought is more pronounced for technology-based targets.

Research limitations/implications

Three major limitations of the study are as follows: The data were collected from only Japanese acquirers. The study measured formal institutional uncertainty by applying only secondary data. The study used the Bloomberg Industry Classification Systems, instead of the Standard Industry Classification that has been used widely in prior studies.

Practical implications

This study shows that the industry selected has a bearing on equity sought in CBAs. Investing in institutionally less developed countries is particularly challenging when the targets of acquisition are in the technology industry.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that investigates the moderating effects of an industry on the relationship between host country formal institutional uncertainty and the percentage of equity sought in CBAs.
The roseoflavin producer Streptomyces davaonensis has a high catalytic capacity and specific genetic adaptations with regard to the biosynthesis of riboflavin
Authors: Kißling Lena , Schneider Carmen , Seibel Katharina , Dorjjugder Nasanjargal , Busche Tobias , Kalinowski Jörn , Mack Matthias
Published: May 2020

The bacterium Streptomyces davaonensis synthesizes the antibiotic roseoflavin in the stationary phase of growth. The starting point for roseoflavin biosynthesis is riboflavin (vitamin B2) and four enzymes (RibCF, RosB, RosA and RosC) are necessary to convert a vitamin (riboflavin) into a potent, broad‐spectrum antibiotic (roseoflavin). In S. davaonensis, seven enzymatic functions are required to synthesize the roseoflavin precursor riboflavin from the central building blocks GTP and ribulose 5‐phosphate. When compared with other bacterial and in particular Streptomyces genomes the S. davaonensis genome contains an unusual high number (21) of putative riboflavin biosynthetic genes (rib genes), including a rib gene encoding an additional riboflavin synthase originating from an Archaeon. We show by complementation analyses and enzyme assays that 17 out of these 21 putative rib genes indeed encode for riboflavin biosynthetic enzymes. Biochemical analyses of selected enzymes support this finding. Transcriptome analyses show that all of the rib genes are expressed either in the exponential or in the stationary phase of growth and thus do not represent silent genes. We conclude that the Rib enzymes produced in the stationary phase represent a physiological adaptation to support roseoflavin biosynthesis.
Subclinical keratoconus detection with three‐dimensional (3‐D) morphogeometric and volumetric analysis
Authors: Toprak Ibrahim , Cavas Francisco , Velázquez José S. , Alio del Barrio Jorge L. , Alio Jorge L.
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To assess the efficacy of morphogeometric and volumetric characterization of the cornea based on three‐dimensional (3‐D) modelling in diagnosis of subclinical keratoconus (KC).

Methods

Cross‐sectional study. Ninety‐three eyes with subclinical KC with a best spectacle‐corrected distance visual acuity ≥20/20 (grade zero KC according to the RETICS classification) and 109 control eyes were included. Computer‐based 3‐D corneal morphogeometric model was generated using raw topographic data. Distance‐, area‐ and volume‐based parameters were used for statistical analysis. Distance parameters included deviation of anterior (Dapexant)/posterior (Dapexpost) apices and minimum thickness points (Dmctant, Dmctpost) from corneal vertex, and Dapexant‐Dapexpost difference. Areal variables were derived from anterior (Aant) and posterior (Apost) corneal surfaces, sagittal plane passing through corneal apices (Aapexant, Aapexpost) and thinnest point (Amctant, Amctpost). Total corneal volume (Vtotal) and volumetric distribution (with 0.1mm steps) centred to thinnest corneal point (VOLmct) and anterior (VOLaap)/posterior (VOLpap) apices comprised the volume‐based parameters.

Results

In the subclinical KC group, all D values, Dapexant‐Dapexpost difference, Aant, Apost and Aapexant values were higher (p < 0.001), while Aapexpost, Amctpost, Vtotal, VOLmct, VOLaap and VOLpap values were lower when compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Regression analysis‐based formula correctly classified 96.8% of the eyes with subclinical KC and 94.5% of the normal ones (p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

Eyes with subclinical KC seem to represent asymmetrically displaced anterior and posterior corneal apex, corneal thinning and volume loss. 3‐D morphogeometric and volumetric parameters and differentiation formula can be incorporated into topography software to detect subclinical KC with high sensitivity and specificity in clinical practice.
Venular oxygen saturation is increased in young patients with type 1 diabetes and mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: C.B.B. Veiby Nina , Simeunovic Aida , Heier Martin , Brunborg Cathrine , Saddique Naila , Moe Morten C. , Dahl‐Jørgensen Knut , Margeirsdottir Hanna D. , Petrovski Goran
Published: May 2020

Purpose

To clarify how early in the development of diabetic retinopathy (DR) can oxygen (O2) saturation changes be detected.

Methods

Retinal oximetry was performed in a cross‐sectional study, involving 14‐ to 30‐year‐old individuals: 185 with type 1 diabetes (T1D) and 94 controls. The subjects were divided into four groups according to the grade of DR. One‐way ANOVA and post hoc tests were used to test for differences in the mean O2 saturations between the groups.

Results

Fifty‐eight (31 %) of the T1D patients had nonproliferative DR. There was no significant difference in O2 saturations between controls and T1D patients with no DR. Arteriolar and venular O2 saturations in T1D patients were significantly higher in moderate/severe DR than in no DR (p = 0.009 and p > 0.001), while venular O2 saturation was significantly higher in mild DR than in no DR (p = 0.013).

Conclusion

Increase in venular O2 saturation could not be detected before mild retinopathy had developed, and the retinal O2 saturation increase was measurable on the venular side first. Our results suggest that the increase in O2 saturation is likely a consequence of DR.
Bilateral pheochromocytoma: Clinical characteristics, treatment and longitudinal follow‐up
Authors: Kittah Nana Esi , Gruber Lucinda M. , Bancos Irina , Hamidi Oksana , Tamhane Shrikant , Iñiguez‐Ariza Nicole , Babovic‐Vuksanovic Dusica , Thompson Geoffrey B. , Lteif Aida , Young William F. , Erickson Dana
Published: May 2020

Objective

Comprehensive data about patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma are limited. We aimed to describe the clinical presentation, genetic analysis, treatment and outcomes of patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma.

Design

A retrospective study at a tertiary care centre.

Patients

All patients with bilateral pheochromocytoma evaluated at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota between January 1951 and December 2015.

Measurements

Tumour size, genetic testing, plasma/urine metanephrines and catecholamines.

Results

A total of 94 patients (51% women) were diagnosed with bilateral pheochromocytoma at a median age at first presentation of 31 years (range, 4‐70). Bilateral disease was noted in 8.0% of pheochromocytoma patient overall and 37.5% of patients 18 years of younger. Most patients presented with synchronous tumours (80%). Median time to metachronous tumours was 4.5 years (range, 1‐38). Genetic disease was identified in 75 (80%) patients, including MEN 2A (42.6%), VHL (19.1%), MEN 2B (9.6%) and NF1 (8.5%). Excess catecholamines were present in 97% of patients. Patients with synchronous pheochromocytoma commonly underwent simultaneous bilateral adrenalectomy (99%), and 18 (24%) had cortical‐sparing surgery. Multicentric tumours were reported in 23 of 77 (30%) patients with available data. Recurrent disease was found in 9.6% of patients, and 8.5% developed metastatic disease. Median follow‐up was 8.5 years. At the study conclusion, 4 patients had died due to pheochromocytoma or adrenalectomy.

Conclusions

Bilateral pheochromocytoma occurred in 7.0% of adults with pheochromocytoma and 37.5% of paediatric patients. Genetic disease was identified in 80% of patients, predominantly MEN2A. Multicentric tumours were common, but most were still cured following adrenalectomy.
Ambulance dispatch calls attributable to influenza A and other common respiratory viruses in the Netherlands (2014‐2016)
Authors: Monge Susana , Duijster Janneke , Kommer Geert Jan , van de Kassteele Jan , Krafft Thomas , Engelen Paul , Valk Jens P. , de Waard Jan , de Nooij Jan , Riezebos‐Brilman Annelies , van der Hoek Wim , van Asten Liselotte
Published: May 2020

Background

Ambulance dispatches could be useful for syndromic surveillance of severe respiratory infections. We evaluated whether ambulance dispatch calls of highest urgency reflect the circulation of influenza A virus, influenza B virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, adenovirus, coronavirus, parainfluenzavirus and human metapneumovirus (hMPV).

Methods

We analysed calls from four ambulance call centres serving 25% of the population in the Netherlands (2014‐2016). The chief symptom and urgency level is recorded during triage; we restricted our analysis to calls with the highest urgency and identified those compatible with a respiratory syndrome. We modelled the relation between respiratory syndrome calls (RSC) and respiratory virus trends using binomial regression with identity link function.

Results

We included 211 739 calls, of which 15 385 (7.3%) were RSC. Proportion of RSC showed periodicity with winter peaks and smaller interseasonal increases. Overall, 15% of RSC were attributable to respiratory viruses (20% in out‐of‐office hour calls). There was large variation by age group: in <15 years, only RSV was associated and explained 11% of RSC; in 15‐64 years, only influenza A (explained 3% of RSC); and in ≥65 years adenovirus explained 9% of RSC, distributed throughout the year, and hMPV (4%) and influenza A (1%) mainly during the winter peaks. Additionally, rhinovirus was associated with total RSC.

Conclusion

High urgency ambulance dispatches reflect the burden of different respiratory viruses and might be useful to monitor the respiratory season overall. Influenza plays a smaller role than other viruses: RSV is important in children while adenovirus and hMPV are the biggest contributors to emergency calls in the elderly.
Evaluation of a mobile health approach to improve the Early Warning System of influenza surveillance in Cameroon
Authors: Monamele Chavely Gwladys , Messanga Essengue Loique Landry , Ripa Njankouo Mohamadou , Munshili Njifon Hermann Landry , Tchatchueng Jules , Tejiokem Mathurin Cyrille , Njouom Richard
Published: May 2020

Background

Rapid reporting of surveillance data is essential to better inform national prevention and control strategies.

Objectives

We compare the newly implemented smartphone‐based system to the former paper‐based and short message service (SMS) for collecting influenza epidemiological data in Cameroon.

Methods

Of the 13 sites which collect data from persons with influenza‐like illness (ILI), six sites send data through the EWS, while seven sites make use of the paper‐based system and SMS. We used four criteria for the comparison of the data collection tools: completeness, timeliness, conformity and cost.

Results

Regarding the different collection tools, data sent by the EWS were significantly more complete (97.6% vs 81.6% vs 44.8%), prompt (74.4% vs n/a vs 60.7%) and of better quality (93.7% vs 76.1% vs 84.0%) than data sent by the paper‐based system and SMS, respectively. The average cost of sending a datum by a sentinel site per week was higher for the forms (5.0 USD) than for the EWS (0.9 USD) and SMS (0.1 USD). The number of outpatient visits and subsequently all surveillance data decreased across the years 2017‐2019 together with the influenza positivity rate from 30.7% to 28.3%. Contrarily, the proportion of influenza‐associated ILI to outpatient load was highest in the year 2019 (0.37 per 100 persons vs 0.28 and 0.26 in the other 2 years).

Conclusion

All sentinel sites and even other disease surveillance systems are expected to use this tool in the near term future due to its satisfactory performance and cost.
A five‐microRNA signature for individualized prognosis evaluation and radiotherapy guidance in patients with diffuse lower‐grade glioma
Authors: Zhang Jian‐Hua , Hou Ruiqin , Pan Yuhualei , Gao Yuhan , Yang Ying , Tian Wenqin , Zhu Yan‐Bing
Published: May 2020

Despite the prognostic value of IDH and other gene mutations found in diffuse glioma, markers that judge individual prognosis of patients with diffuse lower‐grade glioma (LGG) are still lacking. This study aims to develop an expression‐based microRNA signature to provide survival and radiotherapeutic response prediction for LGG patients. MicroRNA expression profiles and relevant clinical information of LGG patients were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; the training group) and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA; the test group). Cox regression analysis, random survival forests‐variable hunting (RSFVH) screening and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used to identify the prognostic microRNA signature. ROC and TimeROC curves were plotted to compare the predictive ability of IDH mutation and the signature. Stratification analysis was conducted in patients with radiotherapy information. Gene ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed to explore the biological function of the signature. We identified a five‐microRNA signature that can classify patients into low‐risk or high‐risk group with significantly different survival in the training and test datasets (P < 0.001). The five‐microRNA signature was proved to be superior to IDH mutation in survival prediction (AUCtraining = 0.688 vs 0.607). Stratification analysis found the signature could further divide patients after radiotherapy into two risk groups. GO and KEGG analyses revealed that microRNAs from the prognostic signature were mainly enriched in cancer‐associated pathways. The newly discovered five‐microRNA signature could predict survival and radiotherapeutic response of LGG patients based on individual microRNA expression.
In situ liquid SEM imaging analysis revealing particle dispersity in aqueous solutions
Authors: YAO J. , OSSANA A. , CHUN J. , YU X.‐Y.
Published: May 2020

A quantitative description on dispersity of boehmite (γ‐AlOOH) particles, a key component for waste slurry at Hanford sites, can provide useful knowledge for understanding various physicochemical nature of the waste. In situ liquid scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the dispersity of particles in aqueous conditions using a microfluidic sample holder, System for Analysis at Liquid Vacuum Interface (SALVI). Secondary electron (SE) images and image analyses were performed to determine particle centroid locations and the distance to the nearest neighbour particle centroid, providing reliable rescaled interparticle distances as a function of ionic strength in acidic and basic conditions. Our finding of the particle dispersity is consistent with physical insights from corresponding particle interactions under physicochemical conditions, demonstrating delicate changes in dispersity of boehmite particles based on novel in situ liquid SEM imaging and analysis.

Lay Description

In situ liquid scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to determine the interparticle distance of boehmite (γ‐AlOOH) particles, a key component for waste slurry at Hanford sites. This type of quantitative measurement is important to understand various physicochemical nature of the radiological waste containing boehmite. In situ liquid SEM was enabled by a unique vacuum compatible microfluidic cell, System for Analysis at Liquid Vacuum Interface (SALVI). We collected secondary electron (SE) images and performed image analyses to determine particle centroid locations and the distance to the nearest neighbour particle centroid to arrive at the interparticle distances in acidic and basic conditions. Our results show that delicate changes occur among boehmite particles under different pH conditions using novel in situ SEM imaging.
Robotic surgery for gynecologic cancers: indications, techniques and controversies
Authors: Clair Kiran H. , Tewari Krishnansu S.
Published: May 2020

Minimally invasive surgery for gynecologic cancers is associated with fewer postoperative complications including less blood loss and quicker recovery time compared to traditional laparotomy. The robotic platform has allowed patients access to minimally invasive surgery due to its increased utilization by gynecologic oncologists. Many surgeons have embraced the robotic platform due to its technological advances over traditional laparoscopy including high‐definition 3D optics, wristed instrumentation, camera stability and improved ergonomics. While robotic surgery continues as a mainstay in the management of gynecologic cancers, it remains controversial in regards to its cost effectiveness and more recently, its long‐term impact on clinical and oncologic outcomes. A strong component of the justification of this surgical platform is based on extrapolated data from traditional laparoscopy despite limited prospective randomized trials for robotic‐assisted surgery. In this review, we highlight the use of robotic surgery in the management of gynecologic cancers in special populations: fertility sparing patients, the morbidly obese, the elderly, and patients with a favorable response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
Treatment strategy for failed repair of uterine rupture: Cleansing an abscess via the cervical Canal
Authors: Fukuoka Yasunori , Katou Hiroki , Shibata Takashi , Tokuda Hisato , Iizuka Noriaki , Nakago Satoshi
Published: May 2020

We present a new, conservative treatment strategy for the cases in which an initial repair surgery of uterine rupture failed. In a case presented here, the patient underwent a repair surgery for the uterine rupture that became apparent 4 days after the cesarean delivery, but a part of the wound did not heal and an abscess formed in the surrounding area. The patient had purulent discharge from vagina, which led us to try to insert a Nelaton tube from vagina via cervical canal and to cleanse the abscess cavity. This procedure was successful and the abscess disappeared 38 days later, allowing the healing of the ruptured wound. The patient could deliver a baby 2 years later. Even if the initial repair treatment fails, a possibility of preserving the uterus should be considered for next pregnancy. One of the concrete treatment strategies for this purpose was presented.
Treatment with a Toll‐like Receptor 7 ligand evokes protective immunity against atherosclerosis in hypercholesterolaemic mice
Authors: Karadimou G. , Gisterå A. , Gallina A. L. , Caravaca A. S. , Centa M. , Salagianni M. , Andreakos E. , Hansson G. K. , Malin S. , Olofsson P. S. , Paulsson‐Berne G.
Published: May 2020

Background

The interplay between innate and adaptive immunity is central in life‐threatening clinical complications of atherosclerosis such as myocardial infarction and stroke. The specific mechanisms involved and their protective versus detrimental effects in the disease process remain poorly understood. We have previously shown that higher levels of Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR7) expression in human atherosclerotic lesions are correlated with better patient outcome.

Objective

In this study, we explored whether TLR7 activation can ameliorate disease in experimental atherosclerosis in mice.

Methods

Apolipoprotein E deficient mice (Apoe−/−) with established disease were injected for five weeks intraperitoneally with the TLR7 ligand R848. Local effects were evaluated by characterization of the lesion. Systemic effects of the treatment were investigated by immune composition analysis in the spleen and plasma measurements.

Results

The in vivo treatment arrested lesion progression in the aorta. We also detected expansion of marginal zone B cells and Treg in the spleen together with increased plasma IgM antibodies against oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (oxLDL) and reduced plasma cholesterol levels. These changes were accompanied by increased accumulation of IgM antibodies, decreased necrosis and fewer apoptotic cells in atherosclerotic lesions.

Conclusions

Our findings show that TLR7 stimulation could ameliorate atherosclerotic lesion burden and reduce plasma cholesterol in Apoe−/− mice. TLR7 stimulation was associated with an atheroprotective B‐cell and Treg response, which may have systemic and local effects within lesions that could prevent arterial lipid accumulation and inflammation.
From new hires to their supervisors: The influence of newcomer race/ethnicity on the leader–member exchange conveyance
Authors: Zhang Lu , Goldberg Caren B. , McKay Patrick F.
Published: May 2020

The present study explored whether the leader–member exchange (LMX) transmission process from new hires to their supervisors varies by new hires' race/ethnicity on the basis of LMX, racial stereotyping literature and role theory. Data were collected from 336 new hires and their supervisors over their first 4 months of working for a financial services firm. We hypothesized that role clarity would mediate the linkage between new hires' early LMX and supervisors' later SLMX. We further posited a moderated mediation effect such that the indirect effect of newcomers' early LMX on supervisors' later SLMX through role clarity would be stronger among minority than among White new hires. Study results were largely supportive of our hypotheses. The hypothesized mediated pathway extended to job performance, indicating that early high‐quality relationship was associated with enhanced job performance as rated 4 months later. The research and practical implications of these findings are discussed.

Practitioner points

Our work demonstrates that the LMX conveyance process has greater influence on minority than White newcomers. Hence, managers should invest early in developing rapport with their new hires, especially minority newcomers.

Our findings suggest that organizations need to foster a positive climate to help newcomers feel comfortable seeking role clarity.

Diversity training for managers can bring unconscious biases to the fore. Accordingly, minority and White newcomers receive equal opportunity to adjust to and thrive in their new work roles.
Stochastic loss reserving: A new perspective from a Dirichlet model
Authors: Sriram Karthik , Shi Peng
Published: May 2020

Forecasting the outstanding claim liabilities to set adequate reserves is critical for a nonlife insurer's solvency. Chain–Ladder and Bornhuetter–Ferguson are two prominent actuarial approaches used for this task. The selection between the two approaches is often ad hoc due to different underlying assumptions. We introduce a Dirichlet model that provides a common statistical framework for the two approaches, with some appealing properties. Depending on the type of information available, the model inference naturally leads to either Chain–Ladder or Bornhuetter–Ferguson prediction. Using claims data on Worker's compensation insurance from several U.S. insurers, we discuss both frequentist and Bayesian inference.
On the limit theory of mixed to unity VARs: Panel setting with weakly dependent errors
Authors: Stauskas Ovidijus
Published: May 2020

In this article, we re‐visit a recent idea of Phillips and Lee (2015. Econometric Reviews 34: 1035 ‐ 1056). They examine an empirically relevant situation when two time series exhibit different degrees of non‐stationarity and one need to learn whether their persistence properties are the same. By bridging the asymptotic theory of local to unity and mildly explosive processes, they construct a Wald test for the commonality of the long‐run behavior of the series. However, inference is complicated by the fact that their statistic does not converge in distribution under the null and diverges under the alternative. This is true if the parameters of the data generating process are known and a re‐normalizing function can be constructed. If the parameters are unknown, which will be the case in practice, the test statistic may be divergent even under the null. We solve this problem by converting the original setting of vector time series into a panel setting with N individual vector series. We show that the proposed panel Wald test statistics converge to chi‐squared distribution which is free of nuisance parameters under the null hypothesis of common local to unity behavior. The result is an extreme example of simplified asymptotics brought about by panel data.
High discontinuation rate of azathioprine in autoimmune hepatitis, independent of time of treatment initiation
Authors: Pape Simon , Gevers Tom J. G. , Vrolijk Jan Maarten , van Hoek Bart , Bouma Gerd , van Nieuwkerk Carin M. J. , Taubert Richard , Jaeckel Elmar , Manns Michael P. , Papp Maria , Sipeki Nora , Stickel Felix , Efe Cumali , Ozaslan Ersan , Purnak Tugrul , Nevens Frederik , Kessener Dominik J. N. , Kahraman Alisan , Wedemeyer Heiner , Hartl Johannes , Schramm Christoph , Lohse Ansgar W. , Heneghan Michael A. , Drenth Joost P. H.
Published: May 2020

Background

Guidelines regarding treatment for autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) favour two strategies for azathioprine (AZA) introduction: concurrent with steroids at induction or delayed by 2‐4 weeks. The safety and efficacy of both strategies have been unexplored.

Methods

We established a cohort of 900 AIH patients from 12 centres in 7 European countries. There were 631 patients who used AZA as part of the therapeutic regimen. We distinguished two groups: patients with early AZA (<2 weeks) or delayed AZA initiation (≥2 weeks). Primary outcome was discontinuation of AZA in the first year of treatment. Cox regression and propensity score matching was performed to determine difference in outcomes between groups.

Results

Patients with early AZA initiation had significantly lower transaminases and bilirubin at baseline. Discontinuation rates of AZA did not differ between early and delayed starters (16.6% vs 14.2%), which did not reach statistical significance (hazard ratio 0.97, 95% confidence interval 0.61‐1.55, P = .90). Stratification according to baseline disease activity or propensity score matching did not alter the results. Main reason for AZA discontinuation was intolerance to treatment (14.0% vs 13.2%, P = .78) with nausea and vomiting as main side effects. AIH remission rates were comparable among groups.

Conclusion

The discontinuation rate of AZA in AIH treatment is ~15% in the first year of treatment. Early or delayed AZA initiation does not differ in remission and discontinuation rates in AIH induction therapy. Our data suggest that either strategy may be used as part of AIH treatment.
EP2 and EP3 receptors as therapeutic targets for underactive bladder/detrusor underactivity due to diabetic cystopathy in a type 1 diabetic rat model
Authors: Sekido Noritoshi , Otsuki Takeya , Kida Jun , Mashimo Hiroko , Wakamatsu Daisuke , Okada Hiroki , Matsuya Hidekazu
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Diabetic cystopathy (DC) is recognized as one of the major etiologies of underactive bladder (UAB)/detrusor underactivity (DU). Although DC was first reported about three decades ago, there is a distinct lack of effective pharmacological management methods for UAB/DU due to DC with a robust certainty of evidence. In this study, we investigated whether EP2 and EP3 receptors are promising targets of pharmacological management of UAB/DU due to DC.

Methods

We used streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic Sprague‐Dawley rats with postvoid residual urine (PVR) greater than 0.1 mL. Sixteen weeks after induction of diabetes, we performed awake single cystometry after oral administration of the vehicle, an α‐blocker (tamsulosin [TAM], 0.1 and 0.3 mg/kg), a cholinesterase inhibitor (distigmine [DIS], 0.3 and 1.0 mg/kg), or an EP2/3 dual agonist (ONO‐8055, 0.01 and 0.03 mg/kg). We compared cystometric parameters after administration of the vehicle and drugs using a paired t test. P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant.

Results

Compared with the vehicle, TAM significantly decreased maximum intravesical pressure during voiding (Pmax), while DIS significantly increased it. However, neither drug significantly affected PVR or the residual urine rate (RUR). On the other hand, ONO‐8055 significantly decreased PVR and tended to decrease RUR, although it did not significantly affect Pmax.

Conclusion

The present study was unable to demonstrate that stimulation of EP2 and EP3 receptors caused major improvements in UAB/DU due to DC. However, this equivocal result could arise from inherent limitations of the STZ‐induced diabetic rat as a UAB/DU model.
Sodium plays an important role in the absorption of intravesical fluid
Authors: Morizawa Yosuke , Torimoto Kazumasa , Hori Shunta , Gotoh Daisuke , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Tanaka Nobumichi , Hirayama Akihide , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: May 2020

Objectives

To investigate the role of sodium in intravesical absorption of water in the bladder and the sodium pathway in the urothelium.

Methods

Adult female Sprague‐Dawley rats received either saline or a 5% glucose solution injection into their bladders. The changes in intravesical fluid volume; concentrations of sodium and chlorine and osmolality; and expression of aquaporin‐2, epithelial sodium channel, and claudins were compared after 3 hours.

Results

Intravesical volume decreased significantly in the saline group compared to that in the 5% glucose solution group. The expression of claudin‐3 and ‐6 was higher in the saline group than in the glucose group. There was a significant correlation between changes in the intravesical saline volume and the concentration of sodium and chlorine. Intravesical administration of amiloride did not affect changes in the fluid volume and concentration of sodium.

Conclusions

The presence of sodium is important for the absorption of intravesical fluid through aquaporin‐2 in the urinary bladders of rats. Claudin‐3 and ‐6 may be associated with the transport of sodium through the bladder urothelium.
LA‐ICP‐MS Pb isotope test of meteorite provenance: A terrestrial origin for Lovina
Authors: Charles Christopher R. J. , McCausland Phil J. A. , Davis Donald W.
Published: May 2020

Lovina, classified as an ungrouped ataxite, is controversial and its identity as a meteorite has been questioned. In this work, we use Pb isotopes on targeted troilite nodules in Lovina as a test of its antiquity and provenance. Although precise ages cannot be obtained, LA‐ICP‐MS offers a rapid, straightforward procedure to establish the source of lead, whether ancient (meteoritic) or modern (terrestrial). For nine pristine, unweathered nodules in Lovina, we find a lead isotopic composition of: 206Pb/208Pb = 0.492 ± 0.003 (2σ, MSWD 0.79; 95%) and 207Pb/206Pb = 0.852 ± 0.003 (2σ, MSWD 1.09; 95%) with no detectable uranium. All lead compositions of the troilite fall in the range expected for modern environmental and mantle lead and are distinctly different from the primordial Canyon Diablo Troilite (CDT) composition of ancient meteoritic troilite. Although the origin of Lovina remains unknown, we conclude that lead in the Lovina troilite is unsupported by U decay and originated from a terrestrial source.
Goodness-of-fit Testing in High Dimensional Generalized Linear Models
Authors: Janková Jana , Shah Rajen D. , Bühlmann Peter , Samworth Richard J.
Published: May 2020

We propose a family of tests to assess the goodness of fit of a high dimensional generalized linear model. Our framework is flexible and may be used to construct an omnibus test or directed against testing specific non-linearities and interaction effects, or for testing the significance of groups of variables. The methodology is based on extracting left-over signal in the residuals from an initial fit of a generalized linear model. This can be achieved by predicting this signal from the residuals by using modern powerful regression or machine learning methods such as random forests or boosted trees. Under the null hypothesis that the generalized linear model is correct, no signal is left in the residuals and our test statistic has a Gaussian limiting distribution, translating to asymptotic control of type I error. Under a local alternative, we establish a guarantee on the power of the test. We illustrate the effectiveness of the methodology on simulated and real data examples by testing goodness of fit in logistic regression models. Software implementing the methodology is available in the R package GRPtests.
Race, Immigration, and Support for Donald Trump: Evidence From the 2018 North Carolina Election
Authors: Perrin Andrew J. , Adesina Ifatunji Mosi
Published: May 2020

One of the longest standing debates in political sociology and political science concerns how people deploy identities and social cues to form political opinions. This debate turns on questions such as, is opinion formation essentially about social class, racial identification, or about other forms of identity or interest? Using original polling data from North Carolina, we model approval for President Trump in the run‐up to the 2018 midterm elections. Our findings show that support for Trump and the policies associated with his administration were highly connected to support for one policy that was particularly salient during that campaign—that is, the border wall. Among White respondents, support for the wall is strongly connected with perceptions of group threat; however, among Black respondents, group threat is unconnected with support for the wall and therefore for Trump and Trump‐related policies. Consistent with prior work on identity and political views, we theorize that cultural identification as a Trump supporter through one key issue serves as a learning mechanism through which voters develop support for other associated policies.
Outstanding questions in flower metabolism
Authors: Borghi Monica , Fernie Alisdair R.
Published: May 2020

The great diversity of flowers, their color, odor, taste, and shape, is mostly a result of the metabolic processes that occur in this reproductive organ when the flower and its tissues develop, grow, and finally die. Some of these metabolites serve to advertise flowers to animal pollinators, other confer protection towards abiotic stresses, and a large proportion of the molecules of the central metabolic pathways have bioenergetic and signaling functions that support growth and the transition to fruits and seeds. Although recent studies have advanced our general understanding of flower metabolism, several questions still await an answer. Here, we have compiled a list of open questions on flower metabolism encompassing molecular aspects, as well as topics of relevance for agriculture and the ecosystem. These questions include the study of flower metabolism through development, the biochemistry of nectar and its relevance to promoting plant‐pollinator interaction, recycling of metabolic resources after flowers whiter and die, as well as the manipulation of flower metabolism by pathogens. We hope with this review to stimulate discussion on the topic of flower metabolism and set a reference point to return to in the future when assessing progress in the field.
Isoagglutinin reduction in intravenous immunoglobulin (IgPro10, Privigen) by specific immunoaffinity chromatography reduces its reporting rates of hemolytic reactions: an analysis of spontaneous adverse event reports
Authors: Shebl Amgad , Gabriel Susie , Van Dinther Kristy , Hubsch Alphonse , Lawo John‐Philip , Hoefferer Liane , Welsh Susan
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Hemolysis is an infrequent but recognized and potentially serious adverse effect of intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). Relatively elevated hemolysis reporting rates were seen with some IVIG products with high anti‐A/B isoagglutinin content, among which IgPro10 (Privigen, CSL Behring). For IgPro10, two isoagglutinin reduction measures were successively implemented: 1) anti‐A donor screening and 2) immunoaffinity chromatography (IAC; Ig IsoLo)–based isoagglutinin reduction step included in the production process. The aim of this analysis was to investigate the effects of these isoagglutinin reduction measures on the reporting rates of IgPro10 hemolysis worldwide.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Between February 2008 and December 2018, hemolysis reports from the CSL Behring Global Safety Database were analyzed in relationship to changes in IVIG IgPro10 production methods. Further analysis classified hemolysis reports by indication and blood group.

RESULTS

Median (minimum‐maximum) anti‐A/anti‐B titers were 32 (8‐64)/16 (8‐32) at baseline, 32 (8‐64)/16 (8‐32) after donor screening, and 8 (8‐32)/4 (2‐8) after implementation of IAC. The reporting rate of hemolytic reactions per 1000 kg IgPro10 sold was 4.05 cases at baseline, 2.00 after donor screening, and 0.50 after implementation of IAC. In 2018, there were seven reports of hemolytic reactions; representing 0.18 cases per 1000 kg IgPro10 sold, with a reduction of 95.6% versus baseline.

CONCLUSION

Following implementation of the IAC isoagglutinin reduction step, spontaneous reports of hemolytic events with IgPro10 were significantly and consistently reduced versus IgPro10 without isoagglutinin reduction, offering patients a more favorable benefit‐risk profile.
Optimizing pump operations in water distribution systems: energy cost, greenhouse gas emissions and water quality
Authors: Güngör‐Demirci Gamze , Lee Juneseok , Keck Jonathan
Published: May 2020

In this study, a multiobjective optimization approach was adopted to optimize pumping operations by minimizing energy cost and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while considering water quality either as an additional objective or as a constraint. When water quality was not included, a trade‐off between energy cost and GHG was found. Including water quality as a constraint led to an overall increase in energy cost and GHG emissions while keeping trade‐offs between the objectives. When water quality was included as a third objective, there was a positive correlation between energy cost and GHG emissions, but a negative correlation was found between water quality and the other two quantities (energy cost and GHG). The three‐objective formulation enabled a deeper understanding of each individual solution, while also providing a wider range of possible alternatives to consider.