bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Near-shoring versus far-shoring: effects on customer perceived quality and purchase intention
Authors: Colamatteo Annarita , Cassia Fabio , Sansone Marcello
Published: October 2021

Purpose

Driven by the disruptive effects of the Covid-19 pandemic, the ongoing debate about the international location of firms' manufacturing activities has increasingly highlighted the specific benefits and costs of near-shoring versus far-shoring. However, the effects of near-shoring versus far-shoring on customer perceived quality and purchase intention have not been examined. Thus, this study aims to develop a conceptual model and provide new evidence to fill this gap. In particular, the study explores the roles of brand familiarity and corporate social responsibility (CSR) to explain the different levels of perceived quality and purchase intention in relation to near-shoring versus far-shoring.

Design/methodology/approach

This study includes two analyses of data collected from a sample of Italian customers. The first analysis consists of a 2 (high/low brand familiarity) × 3 (domestic insourcing, near-shoring, far-shoring) factorial design, and data are assessed via analyses of variance (ANOVA). The second analysis evaluates the suggested model in the two scenarios (near-shoring and far-shoring) via partial least squares–structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) multigroup analysis.

Findings

Results showed that customer perceived quality and purchase intention were significantly higher for near-shoring than for far-shoring, but only when brand familiarity was low. No significant difference was found for participants with a high level of brand familiarity. In addition, the level of a brand's pre-offshoring perceived CSR was negatively related to perceived quality, and this was conceptually justified by the CSR-washing effect. Again, this effect was found only when brand familiarity was low.

Research limitations/implications

The findings contribute to advancing the current understanding of the multiple effects of the offshoring decision and clarify that near-shoring and far-shoring have different effects for customers with low brand familiarity. The findings also emphasise that the far-shoring decision can elicit the perception of decoupling between the firm's CSR claims and CSR actions, thus decreasing perceived quality.

Practical implications

This study provides managers with additional inputs to make more informed decisions regarding offshoring. While the post-pandemic scenario seems to favour near-reshoring over far-shoring due to agility considerations, this study also provides additional evidence of the superiority of near-reshoring from the customer's perspective.

Originality/value

This is the first study to examine and prove the differential effects of near-shoring versus far-shoring on the customer's perceptions and behaviours.
Endophytes shape the legacy left by the above‐ and below‐ground litter of the host affecting the establishment of a legume
Authors: Minás Alexia , García‐Parisi Pablo A. , Chludil Hugo , Omacini Marina
Published: October 2021

Plant litter is a key component of plant–soil feedback (PSF), given its strong potential impacts on plant establishment and growth, through chemical and physical pathways. Although PSF of the layer of dead plant material on the soil surface (above‐ground litter) has been widely studied, little is known about the role of dead roots (below‐ground litter) and the impact of plant symbionts on host litter legacy.

Here, we examined whether the fungal endophyte Epichloë occultans changed the effects of above‐ and below‐ground litter of Lolium multiflorum plants on the establishment of Trifolium repens. We hypothesized that both types of litter deposited by the grass‐endophyte symbiosis reduce the establishment of the legume due to the release of allelopathic compounds during the decomposition and leaching processes.

To test this, we performed two experiments with different quantities of litter produced by plants of the same grass population, with high and low levels of endophyte infection (E+ and E−). Seeds of T. repens were exposed to the above‐ground litter with or without the addition of below‐ground litter, or to their leachates, to separate the physical and chemical pathways.

We found that the treatments with the combination of the above‐ and below‐ground litter produced by E+ plants increased the germination speed and seedling emergence of T. repens by 56% compared with both types of litter produced by E− plants. A similar effect was also observed with only the above‐ground litter. However, the below‐ground litter of E+ plants reduced the germination speed, seedling emergence by 76% and establishment of T. repens by 73% compared with the below‐ground litter of E− plants. Besides, the below‐ground litter had positive effects on the root colonization by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and reduced the root nodulation of T. repens. The quantity of litter did not affect any of these responses.

Our results suggest that these litter legacy effects could be due to the release of endophyte‐induced secondary metabolites, such as phenolic and flavonoid compounds. Changes in host plant litter inputs may have consequences for the prevalence of legume plants in grasslands and pastures, affecting their quality and dynamics.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Lung squamous cell carcinoma with hemoptysis after vaccination with tozinameran (BNT162b2, Pfizer‐BioNTech)
Authors: Sumi Toshiyuki , Nagahisa Yuta , Matsuura Keigo , Sekikawa Motoki , Yamada Yuichi , Nakata Hisashi , Chiba Hirofumi
Published: October 2021

A 66‐year‐old man with squamous cell carcinoma had been receiving chemoradiation therapy after stereotactic radiotherapy for brain metastases. Atezolizumab was initiated as second‐line therapy, after which the patient became progression‐ and recurrence‐free. Four days after his second dose of tozinameran (BNT162b2, Pfizer‐BioNTech), the patient developed persistent hemoptysis. The patient had no thrombocytopenia or coagulation abnormalities. Bronchoscopy revealed active bleeding from the left lingual tracheal branch. The patient was intubated and admitted to the intensive care unit because of increased bleeding. Subsequently, left bronchial artery embolization was performed using a Serescue. Hemostasis was achieved after the procedure, and the patient was discharged 7 days after the onset of hemoptysis. Vaccination against coronavirus disease has been reported to be associated with thrombosis and cerebral hemorrhage, and the hemoptysis in this case was suspected to be induced by vaccination. In summary, the benefits of vaccination exceeded the risks of adverse events in a patient with cancer. However, in conditions such as after chemoradiation, especially in patients with radiation pneumonitis wherein the vasculature is vulnerable, patients should be carefully monitored for hemorrhagic events after vaccination.
Dramatic, significant metabolic response to a one‐time pembrolizumab treatment following a relapse of pre‐existing organizing pneumonia in a patient with advanced non‐small cell lung cancer: A case report
Authors: Kato Motoyasu , Mori Mikiko , Miura Keita , Asao Tetsuhiko , Motomura Hiroaki , Nishino Koichi , Ko Ryo , Koyama Ryo , Hayashi Takuo , Takahashi Kazuhisa
Published: October 2021

Immune checkpoint inhibitors can often trigger immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), such as relapse of pre‐existing interstitial pneumonia. Here, we report the case of an 88‐year‐Japanese man diagnosed with advanced lung adenocarcinoma with a high tumor proportion score of programmed death‐ligand 1. Six years earlier, he had developed organizing pneumonia (OP), a subtype of interstitial pneumonia, that was treated with steroid pulse therapy maintained with prolonged prednisolone administration. We initiated pembrolizumab as the first‐line treatment. One month after the first pembrolizumab administration, high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the chest demonstrated ground‐glass opacities and consolidations. We suspected pembrolizumab‐induced OP relapse, an irAE. His oxygenation was normal; therefore, we discontinued pembrolizumab without additional treatment for OP relapse. Four months after OP relapse, HRCT showed no new findings. After significant amelioration of OP, although the size of the tumor shadow remained the same on HRCT, positron emission tomography‐computed tomography demonstrated the disappearance of the standardized uptake value of the primary tumor, mediastinal lymph nodes, and pleural nodules. In conclusion, this is the first report of a dramatic, significant metabolic response after a single pembrolizumab treatment despite the relapse of pre‐existing OP in a patient with advanced lung adenocarcinoma.
Aging impairs human bone marrow function and cardiac repair following myocardial infarction in a humanized chimeric mouse
Authors: Marvasti Tina B. , Alibhai Faisal J. , Wlodarek Lukasz , Fu Anne , Li Shu‐Hong , Wu Jun , Weisel Richard D. , Cusimano Robert J. , Ouzounian Maral , Yau Terrence , Li Ren‐Ke
Published: October 2021

Ventricular remodeling following myocardial infarction (MI) is a major cause of heart failure, a condition prevalent in older individuals. Following MI, immune cells are mobilized to the myocardium from peripheral lymphoid organs and play an active role in orchestrating repair. While the effect of aging on mouse bone marrow (BM) has been studied, less is known about how aging affects human BM cells and their ability to regulate repair processes. In this study, we investigate the effect aging has on human BM cell responses post‐MI using a humanized chimeric mouse model. BM samples were collected from middle aged (mean age 56.4 ± 0.97) and old (mean age 72.7 ± 0.59) patients undergoing cardiac surgery, CD34+/− cells were isolated, and NOD‐scid‐IL2rγnull (NSG) mice were reconstituted. Three months following reconstitution, the animals were examined at baseline or subjected to coronary artery ligation (MI). Younger patient cells exhibited greater repopulation capacity in the BM, blood, and spleen as well as greater lymphoid cell production. Following MI, CD34+ cell age impacted donor and host cellular responses. Mice reconstituted with younger CD34+ cells exhibited greater human CD45+ recruitment to the heart compared to mice reconstituted with old cells. Increased cellular responses were primarily driven by T‐cell recruitment, and these changes corresponded with greater human IFNy levels and reduced mouse IL‐1β in the heart. Age‐dependent changes in BM function led to significantly lower survival, increased infarct expansion, impaired host cell responses, and reduced function by 4w post‐MI. In contrast, younger CD34+ cells helped to limit remodeling and preserve function post‐MI.
An empirical study of Chinese listed firms’ herd behaviour in cross‐border mergers and acquisitions
Authors: Liu HaiYue , Liu ShiYi , Li JiaTian , Wu Peng
Published: October 2021

Based on the sample of Chinese listed firms from 2003 to 2019, this paper investigated the herd behaviour in cross‐border mergers and acquisition (CB M&A) decisions using ordinary least‐squares (OLS) and feasible generalised least squares (FGLS) models. It was found that the Chinese listed firm CB M&A location decisions were similar to the choices made by other firms in the same industry in the previous year, with the bellwether firms in high industry market positions being the key reference objects. The herd behaviour was found to be more pronounced when the firms were younger and smaller, there was strong internal industry competition, estranged bilateral political distances, and poor host country governance. The quantification of the economic consequences of the herd behaviour revealed a negative effect on the short‐term performances after the CB M&As but improved firm performances over the long term, with these improvements being more significant when the herd behaviour was led by bellwether firms.
Palatogingival grooves associated with periodontal bone Loss of maxillary incisors in a Chinese population
Authors: Zhang Rui , Xiong Jie , Haapasalo Markus , Shen Ya , Meng Liuyan
Published: October 2021

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of palatogingival grooves (PGGs) in a Chinese population and the relationship between different types of PGGs and periodontal bone loss. CBCT images of 1715 patients were included in the study. The prevalence of PGGs of the maxillary incisors by sex and tooth type was analysed. The severity of alveolar bone loss in different types of PGGs was assessed. The reasons for taking the CBCT from patients with PGGs were collected. The frequency of PGGs in males (10.16%) was higher than that in females (7.05%) (P < 0.05). PGGs were present more often in maxillary lateral incisors (4.5%) than in maxillary central incisors (0.29%). Compared with other types of PGGs, the type I PGGs were the most prevalent configuration and accompanied with less severity of alveolar bone loss (P < 0.05). Less than half of PGGs cases (47.9%) were prescribed CBCT examination because of the PGGs observed or suspected clinically. The prevalence of PGGs in a Chinese population was higher in males than in females. The different types of PGGs might lead to different severity of periodontal bone destruction. Clinicians should be aware of the presence of PGGs in maxillary incisors, particularly maxillary lateral incisors.
Retinal haemorrhage in infants investigated for suspected maltreatment is strongly correlated with intracranial pathology
Authors: Thiblin Ingemar , Andersson Jacob , Wester Knut , Högberg Göran , Högberg Ulf
Published: October 2021

Aim

To test the two prevailing hypotheses regarding the aetiology of infant retinal haemorrhage: (a) traction forces exerted by the lens and/or corpus vitreum on the retina during infant shaking or (b) retinal vessel leakage secondary to intracranial pathology and raised intracranial pressure.

Methods

Comparison of medical findings and reported type of trauma in infants investigated for suspected physical abuse with presence (n = 29) or non‐presence of retinal haemorrhage (RH) (n = 119).

Results

Intracranial pathology was recorded in 15 (13%) of the non‐RH cases and in 27 (97%) of the RH cases (p < 0.0001). All 18 infants with bilateral RH had intracranial pathology. Of 27 infants subjected to witnessed or admitted shaking, two were in the group with RH. One had a single unilateral RH and no intracranial pathology. The other had bilateral RH and intracranial pathology with non‐specific white matter changes, acute subdural and subarachnoid haemorrhages, and suspected cortical venous thrombosis. In 15 RH cases, there was no trauma reported and no findings other than RH and intracranial pathology. Accidental blunt head trauma was reported in 7 RH cases.

Conclusion

The present study indicates that RH in infants is secondary to intracranial pathology of non‐specific aetiology.
Grief, trauma and mistaken identity: Ethically deceiving people living with dementia in complex cases
Authors: Carter Matilda
Published: October 2021

Across care settings, the practice of lying to or withholding the truth from people living with dementia is common, yet it is objected to by many. Contrary to this common discomfort, I have argued in previous work that respecting members of this group as moral equals sometimes requires deceiving them. In this paper, I test my proposed practice against complex, controversial cases, demonstrating both its theoretical strength and its practical value for those working in social care.
Validation of the Child version of the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire of repetitive negative thinking in young people with diagnosed depressive and anxiety disorders
Authors: Hitchcock Caitlin , Brown Renee L. , Cobham Vanessa E.
Published: October 2021

This paper sought to provide the first validation of a transdiagnostic measure of repetitive negative thinking – the Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire‐Child version (PTQ‐C) – in young people diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders. Participants (N = 114) were 11‐ to 17‐year‐olds with complex and comorbid presentations seeking treatment through Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services. Confirmatory factor analyses best supported a three‐factor model for the PTQ‐C; however, hypotheses of both perfect and close fit were rejected, and a subsequent bifactor model suggested minimal unique variance for each subscale. Results demonstrated good internal consistency, convergent validity and divergent validity for the total score and three PTQ‐S subscales: core characteristics, perceived unproductiveness, and consumed mental capacity of negative repetitive thinking. PTQ‐C scores did not account for additional variance in anxiety symptoms once worry was considered, indicating that retention of a content‐specific measure may be warranted in clinical samples. Findings emphasize the importance of validating clinically relevant measures which were developed with subclinical populations in samples with diagnosed mental health disorders.

Practitioner points

Validates Perseverative Thinking Questionnaire in anxious and depressed youth.

Support for convergent and divergent validity, and internal consistency.

Results suggest measure is appropriate for complex and comorbid presentations.
Religiosity as a moderator of the links between parental psychological control and children's prosociality
Authors: Davidov Maayan , Oren‐Gabai Maya , Abu‐Asaad Islam
Published: October 2021

Three studies examined the links between psychological control and prosociality in middle childhood, and the role of religiosity as a moderator. Study 1 (101 Israeli Jewish families, ages 6–9, 50% girls) found a significant interaction, with a negative association between maternal psychological control and children's prosociality in secular but not in religious families. Study 2 (161 Israeli Jewish families, ages 6–12, 48% girls) replicated this interaction for mothers using a continuous religiosity measure. Study 3 (64 Arab Muslim Israeli families, ages 6–8.5, 50% girls) also found a significant interaction, with a positive link between psychological control and prosociality seen at higher, but not at lower, religiosity levels. The findings suggest that religiosity may alter the meaning and consequences of parenting practices.
Investigating the causal relationship between allergic disease and mental health
Authors: Budu‐Aggrey Ashley , Joyce Sally , Davies Neil M. , Paternoster Lavinia , Munafò Marcus R. , Brown Sara J. , Evans Jonathan , Sallis Hannah M.
Published: October 2021

Background

Observational studies have reported an association between allergic disease and mental health, but a causal relationship has not been established. Here, we use Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate a possible causal relationship between atopic disease and mental health phenotypes.

Methods

The observational relationship between allergic disease and mental health was investigated in UK Biobank. The direction of causality was investigated with bidirectional two‐sample MR using summary‐level data from published genome‐wide association studies. A genetic instrument was derived from associated variants for a broad allergic disease phenotype to test for causal relationships with various mental health outcomes. We also investigated whether these relationships were specific to atopic dermatitis (AD), asthma or hayfever. Given the multiple testing burden, we applied a Bonferroni correction to use an individual test p‐value threshold of .0016 (32 tests).

Results

We found strong evidence of an observational association between the broad allergic disease phenotype and depression (ORself‐report=1.45, 95% CI: 1.41–1.50, p = 3.6 × 10−130), anxiety (OR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.18–1.33, p = 6.5 × 10−13), bipolar disorder (ORself‐report=1.29, 95% CI: 1.12–1.47, p = 2.8 × 10−4) and neuroticism (β = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.36–0.41, p = 6.8 × 10−166). Similar associations were found between asthma, AD, hayfever individually with the mental health phenotypes, although the associations between AD and hayfever with bipolar disorder were weaker. There was little evidence of causality in either direction (all p‐values>.02).

Conclusion

Using MR, we were unable to replicate most of the phenotypic associations between allergic disease and mental health. Any causal effects we detected were considerably attenuated compared with the phenotypic association. This suggests that most comorbidity observed clinically is unlikely to be causal.
Biallelic TMEM260 variants cause truncus arteriosus, with or without renal defects
Authors: Pagnamenta Alistair T. , Jackson Adam , Perveen Rahat , Beaman Glenda , Petts Gemma , Gupta Asheeta , Hyder Zerin , Chung Brian Hon‐Yin , Kan Anita Sik‐Yau , Cheung Ka Wang , Kerstjens‐Frederikse Wilhelmina S. , Abbott Kristin M. ,   Genomics England Research Consortium, Elpeleg Orly , Taylor Jenny C. , Banka Siddharth , Ta‐Shma Asaf
Published: October 2021

Only two families have been reported with biallelic TMEM260 variants segregating with structural heart defects and renal anomalies syndrome (SHDRA). With a combination of genome, exome sequencing and RNA studies, we identified eight individuals from five families with biallelic TMEM260 variants. Variants included one multi‐exon deletion, four nonsense/frameshifts, two splicing changes and one missense change. Together with the published cases, analysis of clinical data revealed ventricular septal defects (12/12), mostly secondary to truncus arteriosus (10/12), elevated creatinine levels (6/12), horse‐shoe kidneys (1/12) and renal cysts (1/12) in patients. Three pregnancies were terminated on detection of severe congenital anomalies. Six patients died between the ages of 6 weeks and 5 years. Using a range of stringencies, carrier frequency for SHDRA was estimated at 0.0007–0.007 across ancestries. In conclusion, this study confirms the genetic basis of SHDRA, expands its known mutational spectrum and clarifies its clinical features. We demonstrate that SHDRA is a severe condition associated with substantial mortality in early childhood and characterised by congenital cardiac malformations with a variable renal phenotype.
Embedding QR Code onto Triangulated Meshes using Horizon Based Ambient Occlusion
Authors: Papp György , Hoffmann Miklós , Papp Ildikó
Published: October 2021

QR code is a widely used format to encode information through images that can be easily decoded using a smartphone. These devices play a significant role in most people's everyday lives, making the encoded information widely accessible. However, decoding the QR code becomes challenging when significant deformations occur in the label. An easy and quick solution to keep the deformation on a minimum level is to affix the label that contains the QR code onto a developable surface patch of a 3D model. The perspective distortion that can appear is efficiently dealt with during the decoding process. In recent years an alternative method has emerged. In the work of Kikuchi et al., the QR code is embedded onto B‐spline surfaces of CAD models to give more freedom in providing additional information. This method was further improved and extended by Peng et al. embed QR codes onto the surface of general meshes. This paper introduces a solution to embed QR codes onto the surface of general meshes without densely triangulating the selected area of the QR code. It uses the deferred shading technique to extract the surface normals and the depth values around the QR code's user‐given centre. We propose two methods for automatically finding the projection direction even when highly curved areas are selected based on the retrieved information while rendering the model. Besides, we introduce two methods needing a projection direction and a QR code centre to determine a size for automatically embedding the QR code. We propose patterns for decreasing the carving depth of the embedded QR codes, and we use the Horizon‐Based Ambient Occlusion to speed up the engraving process. We validate our method by comparing our results to the outcomes of Peng et al.
Testing the short‐term effectiveness of primary care referral to online weight loss programmes: A randomised controlled trial
Authors: Noreik Michaela , Madigan Claire D. , Astbury Nerys M. , Edwards Rhiannon M. , Galal Ushma , Mollison Jill , Ghebretinsea Fitsum , Jebb Susan A.
Published: October 2021

Guidelines ask health professionals to offer brief advice to encourage weight loss for people living with obesity. We tested whether referral to one of three online programmes could lead to successful weight loss. A total of 528 participants aged ≥18 years with a body mass index of ≥30 kg/m2 were invited via a letter from their GP. Participants were randomised to one of three online weight loss programmes (NHS Weight Loss Plan, Rosemary Online or Slimming World Online) or to a control group receiving no intervention. Participants self‐reported weight at baseline and 8 weeks. The primary outcome was weight change in each of the active intervention groups compared with control. We also compared the proportion of participants losing ≥5% or ≥10% of body weight. For Rosemary, Online mean weight loss was modestly greater than control (−1.5 kg [95% confidence interval (CI) −2.3 to −0.6]) and more than three times as many participants in this group lost ≥5% (relative risk [RR] = 3.64, 95% CI: 1.63–8.1). For Slimming World, mean weight loss was not significantly different from control (−0.8 kg [95%CI −1.7 to 0.1]), twice as many participants lost ≥5% (RR = 2.70, 1.17–6.23). There was no significant difference in weight loss for participants using the NHS Weight Loss Plan (−0.4 kg, [95% CI −1.3 to 0.5]), or the proportion losing ≥5% (RR = 2.09, 0.87–5.01). Only one of three online weight loss programmes was superior to no intervention and the effect size modest among participants living with obesity.
Effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors on serum uric acid in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Xiaodong , Yang Yue , Hu Xiaona , Jia Xiaomeng , Liu Hongzhou , Wei Minjie , Lyu Zhaohui
Published: October 2021

Aims

The present study aims to determine the effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors on the serum uric acid (SUA) levels of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Asia.

Methods

PubMed, CENTRAL, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were searched for randomized controlled trials of SGLT‐2 inhibitors in patients with T2DM up to 15 July 2021, without language or date restrictions.

Results

In total, 19 high‐quality studies (4218 participants) were included in the present network meta‐analysis. All of the included SGLT‐2 inhibitors (empagliflozin, dapagliflozin, canagliflozin, ipragliflozin, luseogliflozin and tofogliflozin) significantly decreased SUA levels compared with those of the control [total standard mean difference –0.965, 95% CI (−1.029, −0.901),p = .000, I2 = 98.7%] in patients with T2DM. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression showed that the combined analysis of different inhibitors might lead to heterogeneity of the results. Therefore, among the SGLT‐2 inhibitors, the results of the subsequent network meta‐analysis revealed that luseogliflozin and dapagliflozin ranked the highest in terms of lowering SUA levels among the SGLT‐2 inhibitors. Moreover, the network meta‐analysis declared that luseogliflozin (1 and 10 mg) and dapagliflozin (5 mg) led to a superior reduction in SUA in patients with T2DM.

Conclusions

SGLT‐2 inhibitors could significantly reduce SUA levels in patients with T2DM, particularly luseogliflozin (1 and 10 mg) and dapagliflozin (5 mg) possess the best effects. Therefore, SGLT‐2 inhibitors look extremely promising as an antidiabetes treatment option in patients with T2DM with high SUA.
Are enhanced index funds enhanced?
Authors: Elton Edwin J. , Gruber Martin J. , Souza Andre de
Published: October 2021

One of the major trends in the mutual fund industry is the rising importance of passive investing. One of the responses of the investment community to this challenge has been the creation of enhanced return index funds. In this paper, we examine the performance of enhanced index funds and find that they outperform index funds when we analyze both pre‐expense performance (management ability) and post‐expense performance (investor returns). However, when we use any of several criteria that have been proposed for picking the best fund from among those following some index, index funds outperform enhanced index funds.
A framework for quantifying deviations from dynamic equilibrium theory
Authors: Kalyuzhny Michael , Flather Curtis H. , Shnerb Nadav M. , Kadmon Ronen
Published: October 2021

Aim

In an age of increased anthropogenic changes, it is crucially important to understand how and why ecological communities change. Community assembly is governed by colonization and extinction processes, and the simplest model describing it is dynamic equilibrium (DE), which assumes that communities are shaped solely by stochastic colonization and extinction events. Deviations from this model can point to the role of species life histories, niches or human stressors acting on communities. Despite its potential to serve as a null model for community dynamics, there is currently no accepted methodology for identifying and measuring such deviations.

Innovation

Here we propose a new, easily applicable methodology for testing and quantifying deviations of empirically observed time series of community dynamics from the predictions and assumptions of the classical DE model, in which assemblages of independent species undergo stochastic colonization–extinction dynamics with constant rates. The methodology consists of a novel randomization‐based null model to generate synthetic time series (PARIS) and a set of statistics that quantify and test how different facets of community dynamics deviate from DE. These statistics are designed to test the assumptions of the theory, namely species independence and constancy of colonization and extinction rates, and the predictions of the theory regarding the magnitude of changes in species richness and composition.

Main conclusions

Tested against simulated data and a case study, the proposed methodology is shown to have good statistical properties: acceptable type I error rates, good statistical power and robustness against errors in the data. We discuss alternative methods and present guidelines for practical use of the methodology, hoping it will enhance the applicability of DE as a reference for studying changes in ecological communities.
PERSEPT 3: A phase 3 clinical trial to evaluate the haemostatic efficacy of eptacog beta (recombinant human FVIIa) in perioperative care in subjects with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors
Authors: Escobar Miguel , Luck James , Averianov Yevhenii , Ducore Jonathan , Fernández Maria Fernanda López , Giermasz Adam , Hart Daniel P. , Journeycake Janna , Kessler Craig , Leissinger Cindy , Mahlangu Johnny , Martinez Laura Villarreal , Miesbach Wolfgang , Mitha Ismail Haroon , Quon Doris , Reding Mark T. , Schved Jean‐François , Stasyshyn Oleksandra , Vilchevska Kateryna V. , Wang Michael , Windyga Jerzy , Alexander W. Allan , Al‐Sabbagh Ahmad , Bonzo Daniel , Mitchell Ian S. , Wilkinson Thomas A. , Hermans Cédric
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Surgical procedures in persons with haemophilia A or B with inhibitors (PwHABI) require the use of bypassing agents (BPA) and carry a high risk of complications. Historically, only two BPAs have been available; these are reported to have variable responses.

Aim

To prospectively evaluate the efficacy and safety of a new bypassing agent, human recombinant factor VIIa (eptacog beta) in elective surgical procedures in PwHABI in a phase 3 clinical trial, PERSEPT 3.

Methods

Subjects were administered 200 µg/kg (major procedures) or 75 µg/kg eptacog beta (minor procedures) immediately prior to the initial surgical incision; subsequent 75 µg/kg doses were administered to achieve postoperative haemostasis and wound healing. Efficacy was assessed on a 4‐point haemostatic scale during the intra‐ and postoperative periods. Anti‐drug antibodies, thrombotic events and changes in clinical/laboratory parameters were monitored throughout the perioperative period.

Results

Twelve subjects underwent six major and six minor procedures. The primary efficacy endpoint success proportion was 100% (95% CI: 47.8%–100%) for minor procedures and 66.7% (95% CI: 22.3%–95.7%) for major procedures; 81.8% (95% CI: 48.2%–97.7%) of the procedures were considered successful using eptacog beta. There was one death due to bleeding from a nonsurgical site; this was assessed as unlikely related to eptacog beta. No thrombotic events or anti‐eptacog beta antibodies were reported.

Conclusion

Two eptacog beta dosing regimens in PwHABI undergoing major and minor surgical procedures were well‐tolerated, and the majority of procedures were successful based on surgeon/investigator assessments. Eptacog beta offers clinicians a new potential therapeutic option for procedures in PwHABI.
SEQUENTIAL SEARCH WITH ADAPTIVE INTENSITY
Authors: Lee Joosung , Li Daniel
Published: October 2021

This article studies sequential search problems, where a searcher chooses search intensity adaptively in each period. We fully characterize the optimal search rule and value, decomposing the intertemporal change of search intensity into the fall‐back value effect and the deadline effect. We show that the optimal search intensity (value) is submodular (supermodular) in fall‐back value and time. It follows that the fall‐back value effect increases when the deadline approaches, and the deadline effect decreases when a searcher's fall‐back value gets higher. We further investigate the connection between search with full and no recall to quantify the value of recall.
THE MINIMUM WAGE AND OCCUPATIONAL MOBILITY
Authors: Liu Andrew Yizhou
Published: October 2021

This article quantifies the effect of minimum wages on workers' occupational mobility. I show that minimum wages decrease younger, less‐educated workers' occupational mobility and are associated with more mismatch. A search‐and‐matching model highlights two channels by which the minimum wage decreases occupational mobility. First, it compresses wages and reduces the gain from switching, leading to lower occupational mobility and more mismatch. Second, it decreases vacancy posting. Calibrating the model to the U.S. economy, the results suggest that a 15 dollar minimum wage can damp aggregate output by 0.4%, of which the wage compression channel accounts for 80%.
Development of a risk score to predict peripherally inserted central catheter thrombosis in active cancer
Authors: Yuen Hiu L. A. , Zhao Jessie , Tran Huyen , Chunilal Sanjeev Daya
Published: October 2021

Background

Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) thrombosis is common.

Aims

To explore the prevalence of symptomatic PICC thrombosis and pulmonary embolism (PE)/deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in cancer and non‐cancer cohorts. In active cancer, we assessed the Khorana risk score (KRS) and Michigan risk score (MRS) for predicting PICC thrombosis and modifications to improve discriminative accuracy.

Methods

We reviewed consecutive cancer patients receiving chemotherapy through a PICC inserted April 2017 to July 2018. For each case, we identified a contemporaneous non‐cancer control.

Results

Among 147 cancer patients, median age 64 years, PICC duration 70 days (range, 2–452), 7% developed PICC thrombosis (95% confidence interval (CI) 3.6–12.2) and 4% (95% CI 2–9) PE/DVT. Among 147 controls, median age 68 years, PICC duration 18.3 days (range, 0.5–210), 0.7% (95% CI 0–4) developed PICC thrombosis and 2% (95% CI 0.4–6) PE/DVT. In our cancer cohort, no KRS < 1 patients developed PICC thrombosis (95% CI 0–11) compared with 9% (95% CI 5–16) in KRS ≥ 1 (P = 0.12). PICC thrombosis occurred in 4.7% (95% CI 1.5–11.7) MRS ≤ 3 compared with 10.9% (95% CI 4.1–22.2) MRS > 3 (P = 0.32). The addition of thrombocytosis, a variable from KRS, to MRS (modified MRS (mMRS)) improved discriminative value for PICC thrombosis (c‐statistic MRS 0.63 (95% CI 0.44–0.82), mMRS 0.72 (95% CI 0.58–0.85)). PICC thrombosis occurred in 1.4% (95% CI 0–8.3) mMRS ≤ 3 and 11.8% (95% CI 6.1–21.2) mMRS > 3 (P = 0.02). More patients were categorised as low risk using mMRS ≤ 3 (47%) than KRS < 1 (22%).

Conclusion

Cancer patients had longer PICC durations and higher PICC thrombosis rates than those without (7% vs 0.7%). mMRS more accurately classified low PICC thrombosis risk than KRS <1(47% vs 22%). Prospective validation of mMRS is warranted.
Artificial intelligence in cardiology: fundamentals and applications
Authors: Watson Xavier , D'Souza Joshua , Cooper Daniel , Markham Ryan
Published: October 2021

Artificial intelligence (AI) is an overarching term that encompasses a set of computational approaches that are trained through generalised learning to autonomously execute specific tasks. AI is a rapidly expanding field in medicine. In particular cardiology, with its high reliance on numerical patient data in decision making, has great potential to benefit from AI. Types of AI, including neural networks and computer vision, can dramatically change the day‐to‐day workflow of cardiologists, primarily through integration in diagnostic imaging modalities, periprocedural planning, electronic health record analysis and patient monitoring. Healthcare systems will undoubtedly become more automated and shift to more AI‐driven methods to improve efficiency and reduce cost. Patients in the end will benefit from these changes with improved diagnostic accuracy, better tailored treatments resulting in a greater quality and quantity of life. In this article, we will describe some of the fundamental principles underlying AI that physicians should have an understanding of, along with current clinical applications.
Ecomechanics of black corals (Cnidaria: Anthozoa: Hexacorallia: Antipatharia): A comparative approach
Authors: Dugauquier Jean‐Marc , Godefroid Mathilde , M'Zoudi Saloua , Terrana Lucas , Todinanahary Gildas , Eeckhaut Igor , Dubois Philippe
Published: October 2021

Mechanical properties of the skeleton of four antipatharians (the whip species Cirrhipathes anguina and Stichopathes cf. maldivensis, and the branched species Cupressopathes abies and Cupressopathes cf. pumila) living in shallow waters off the southwestern coast of Madagascar were investigated using a three‐point bending test. The Young's modulus did not differ according to species but was significantly higher in the distal segment of colonies, compared with the basal and median segments. By contrast, the flexural stiffness was significantly higher in whip species compared with branched ones, and in the whip species, flexural stiffness was higher in the basal segment compared with the other two segments, an observation consistent with a specific adaptation of the species to a strong current environment. Although both species cohabit identical flow conditions, whip species are able to maintain their stalk in vertical position, whereas branched species can readily bend over. This suggests that the specific flexural stiffness is linked to contrasting feeding strategies of species with different morphologies in a similar strong current environment.
Microstructure and Faraday effect of Tb2O3‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐B2O3 glasses for fiber‐based magneto‐optical applications
Authors: Zhang Yeming , Murai Shunsuke , Maeno Ayaka , Kaji Hironori , Shimizu Masahiro , Shimotsuma Yasuhiko , Ma Zhijun , Qiu Jianrong , Tanaka Katsuhisa
Published: October 2021

For the fiber‐based magneto‐optical (MO) devices, like Faraday optical isolator, the target MO glasses are supposed to strike a balance among the following properties: high Verdet constant, chemical and physical stabilities, compatibility with the fiber drawing process, and the connectivity to the silica glass fiber networks. In this work, we report on the MO application of Tb2O3‐Al2O3‐SiO2‐B2O3 (TASB) glasses as a derivative of the yttrium aluminum silicate (YAS) glass fiber systems which have been intensively studied for their huge potential in the context of all‐fiber lasers. We found that MO properties of the obtained TASB glasses vary systematically with the B2O3 contents. The effects of B2O3 on the local glass structures and the valence state of Tb ions were clarified via nuclear magnetic resonance, electron spin resonance, X‐ray photoemission spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. B2O3 content in TASB glasses leads to a certain degree of depolymerization in glass network and most of Tb4+ ions from the raw material of Tb4O7 are reduced to Tb3+ ions even in air, resulting in an improved MO properties. Due to the relatively high Verdet constant (∼70 rad/T/m) and suitable rheology of the glass melt speculated from the thermal analysis, TASB glass system in this work is adaptable to stable fiber‐based Faraday effect devices.
Cancer testis antigen PRAME: An anti‐cancer target with immunomodulatory potential
Authors: Naik Adviti , Thomas Remy , Al‐Khadairi Ghaneya , Bacha Rim , Hendrickx Wouter , Decock Julie
Published: October 2021

PReferentially expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer testis antigen with restricted expression in somatic tissues and re‐expression in poor prognostic solid tumours. PRAME has been extensively investigated as a target for immunotherapy, however, its role in modulating the anti‐tumour immune response remains largely unknown. Here, we show that PRAME tumour expression is associated with worse survival in the TCGA breast cancer cohort, particularly in immune‐unfavourable tumours. Using direct and indirect co‐culture models, we found that PRAME overexpressing MDA‐MB‐468 breast cancer cells inhibit T cell activation and cytolytic potential, which could be partly restored by silencing of PRAME. Furthermore, silencing of PRAME reduced expression of several immune checkpoints and their ligands, including PD‐1, LAG3, PD‐L1, CD86, Gal‐9 and VISTA. Interestingly, silencing of PRAME induced cancer cell killing to levels similar to anti‐PD‐L1 atezolizumab treatment. Comprehensive analysis of soluble inflammatory mediators and cancer cell expression of immune‐related genes showed that PRAME tumour expression can suppress the expression and secretion of multiple pro‐inflammatory cytokines, and mediators of T cell activation, differentiation and cytolysis. Together, our data indicate that targeting of PRAME offers a potential, novel dual therapeutic approach to specifically target tumour cells and regulate immune activation in the tumour microenvironment.
Development and performance evaluation of grape debunching machine for production of raisins and stemless table grapes
Authors: Pawar Dilip A. , Giri Saroj K. , Sharma Ajay K.
Published: October 2021

Chemical pretreatment before drying is a practice in raisin making which has many limitations and use of chemical shall be discouraged. A new process is being developed with physical pretreatment. The process requires intact grape berries for further processing. Therefore, a grape debunching machine has been developed for separation of intact berries from the bunch. The machine consists of central rotor with helical fingers. The rotor assembly is surrounded by perforated trough through which the detached berries drop. The performance of the machine was evaluated with “Thompson Seedless” table grape for debunching efficiency and damage to berries. The rotor speed (80–120 rpm) and concave clearance (5–25 mm) were selected as independent parameters. The debunching efficiency and percentage of damaged berry were in the range of 77.17–98.73% and 5.75–11.82%, respectively. The maximum debunching efficiency (94.33%) and minimum berry damage (7.10%) was obtained at rotor speed of 100 rpm and concave clearance of 15 mm. The capacity of grape debunching machine was found to be 145.2–150.2 kg/hr for different grape varieties, namely Thompson Seedless, Manik Chaman, and Fantasy Seedless. The developed machine will be useful in production of raisins without use of chemicals and stemless table grapes.

Practical applications

The conventional process of raisin making involves intensive use of chemicals right from dipping of harvested grape bunch in a solution of ethyl oleate (1.5%) and potassium carbonate (2.5%), intermittent sprays, and further use of booster and sulfur dioxide for color improvement. The intensive use of chemicals triggers the food safety issues. Furthermore, the process requires longer drying time, involves more number of unit operations, and fetches losses of grapes. To address these issues, an alternative chemical‐free process has been developed by the authors of this investigation for the production of raisins. This process requires the grape berries to be individualized before further processing which is tedious and time consuming if done manually. Therefore a grape de‐bunching machine has been developed for separation of intact grape berries which can be further processed into raisins at industrial scale without use of chemicals. The developed machines will find applications in the minimally processed/individual quick freezing (IQF) of table grapes for which there is an increasing market especially in super market.
Institutional Investors and Corporate Governance: The Incentive to Be Engaged
Authors: LEWELLEN JONATHAN , LEWELLEN KATHARINA
Published: October 2021

This paper studies institutional investors’ incentives to be engaged shareholders. In 2017, the average institution gains an extra $129,000 in annual management fees if a stockholding increases 1% in value, considering both the direct effect on assets under management and the indirect effect on subsequent fund flows. The estimates range from $19,600 for investments in small firms to $307,600 for investments in large firms. Institutional shareholders in one firm often gain when the firm's competitors do well, by virtue of institutions’ holdings in those firms, but the impact of common ownership is modest in the most concentrated industries.
Barriers, Enablers, and Possible Solutions for Student Wellness: A Qualitative Analysis of Student, Administrators, and Staff Perspectives
Authors: Mann Georgianna , Kaiser Kimberly , Trapp Noah , Cafer Anne , Grant Khyla , Gupta Kritika , Bolden Candace
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUND

Child well‐being, which includes physical, mental, and social health, has a critical effect on academic performance. Schools face many challenges in meeting needs for child well‐being. Schools in low‐resource areas, including the Mississippi Delta, face greater challenges when meeting student needs.

METHODS

Eleven focus groups with middle school students and 12 interviews with teachers, staff, and administration in one Mississippi Delta middle school were completed in 2019. The Social Ecological Model and Theory of Organizational Readiness for Change were used as a framework for the study.

RESULTS

Focus group data with middle school students and interviews with teachers, staff, and administrators show that academic stressors play a major role in student well‐being; yet, teachers, staff, and administrators face immense pressure to achieve high test scores. However, students seem to be encouraged by a positive school environment, which could help minimize some stressors.

CONCLUSIONS

It seems that small improvements to the school environment could have a significant effect on student well‐being, especially when school infrastructure and limited resources do not support comprehensive changes.