bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Primed Adaptation in theEscherichia colitype I-E CRISPR-Cas System
Authors: Stringer Anne M. , Cooper Lauren A. , Kadaba Sujatha , Shrestha Shailab , Wade Joseph T.
Published: February 2020

CRISPR-Cas systems are bacterial immune systems that target invading nucleic acid. The hallmark of CRISPR-Cas systems is the CRISPR array, a genetic locus that includes short sequences known as “spacers”, that are derived from invading nucleic acid. Upon exposure to an invading nucleic acid molecule, bacteria/archaea with functional CRISPR-Cas systems can add new spacers to their CRISPR arrays in a process known as “adaptation”. In type I CRISPR-Cas systems, which represent the majority of CRISPR-Cas systems found in nature, adaptation can occur by two mechanisms: naïve and primed. Here, we show that, for the archetypal type I-E CRISPR-Cas system fromEscherichia coli, primed adaptation occurs at least 1,000 times more efficiently than naïve adaptation. By initiating primed adaptation on theE. colichromosome, we show that spacers can be acquired across distances of >100 kb from the initially targeted site, and we identify multiple factors that influence the efficiency with which sequences are acquired as new spacers. Thus, our data provide insight into the mechanism of primed adaptation.

[This paper has been peer reviewed, with Ailong Ke (Cornell University) serving as the editor. Reviews and point-by-point response, and a marked-up version of the edited manuscript are provided as supplementary files.]
Altered hippocampal place cell representation and theta rhythmicity following moderate prenatal alcohol exposure
Authors: Harvey Ryan E. , Berkowitz Laura E. , Savage Daniel D. , Hamilton Derek A. , Clark Benjamin J.
Published: February 2020

Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) leads to profound deficits in spatial memory and synaptic and cellular alterations to the hippocampus that last into adulthood. Neurons in the hippocampus, called place cells, discharge as an animal enters specific places in an environment, establish distinct ensemble codes for familiar and novel places, and are modulated by local theta rhythms. Spatial memory is thought to critically depend on the integrity of hippocampal place cell firing. We therefore tested the hypothesis that hippocampal place cell firing is impaired after PAE by performing in-vivo recordings from the hippocampi (CA1 and CA3) of moderate PAE and control adult rats. Our results show that hippocampal CA3 neurons from PAE rats have reduced spatial tuning. Secondly, CA1 and CA3 neurons from PAE rats are less likely to orthogonalize their firing between directions of travel on a linear track and between contexts in an open arena compared to control neurons. Lastly, reductions in the number of hippocampal place cells exhibiting significant theta rhythmicity and phase precession were observed which may suggest changes to hippocampal microcircuit function. Together, the reduced spatial tuning and sensitivity to context provides a neural systems-level mechanism to explain spatial memory impairment after moderate PAE.
DeepNano-blitz: A Fast Base Caller for MinION Nanopore Sequencers
Authors: Boža Vladimír , Perešíni Peter , Brejová Broňa , Vinař Tomáš
Published: February 2020

Motivation

Oxford Nanopore MinION is a portable DNA sequencer that is marketed as a device that can be deployed anywhere. Current base callers, however, require a powerful GPU to analyze data produced by MinION in real time, which hampers field applications.

Results

We have developed a fast base caller DeepNano-blitz that can analyze stream from up to two MinION runs in real time using a common laptop CPU (i7-7700HQ), with no GPU requirements. The base caller settings allow trading accuracy for speed and the results can be used for real time run monitoring (i.e. sample composition, barcode balance, species identification, etc.) or pre-filtering of results for more detailed analysis (i.e. filtering out human DNA from human–pathogen runs).

Availability and Implementation

DeepNano-blitz has been developed and tested on Linux and is available under MIT license athttps://github.com/fmfi-compbio/deepnano-blitz

Contact

vladimir.boza@fmph.uniba.sk
Longitudinal analysis of naturally acquired antibodies to PfEMP1 CIDR domain variants and their association with malaria protection
Authors: Obeng-Adjei Nyamekye , Larremore Daniel B. , Turner Louise , Ongoiba Aissata , Li Shanping , Doumbo Safiatou , Yazew Takele B. , Kayentao Kassoum , Miller Louis H. , Traore Boubacar , Pierce Susan K. , Buckee Caroline O. , Lavstsen Thomas , Crompton Peter D. , Tran Tuan M.
Published: February 2020

Malaria pathogenicity is determined, in part, by the adherence ofPlasmodium falciparuminfected erythrocytes to the microvasculature mediated via specific interactions between PfEMP1 variant domains to host endothelial receptors. Naturally acquired antibodies against specific PfEMP1 variants can play an important role in clinical protection against malaria. We evaluated IgG responses against a repertoire of PfEMP1 CIDR domain variants to determine the rate and order of variant-specific antibody acquisition and their association with protection against febrile malaria in a prospective cohort study conducted in an area of intense, seasonal malaria transmission. Using longitudinal data, we found that IgG to the pathogenic domain variants CIDRα1.7 and CIDRα1.8 were acquired the earliest. Furthermore, IgG to CIDRγ3 was associated with reduced prospective risk of febrile malaria and recurrent malaria episodes. Future studies will need to validate these findings in other transmission settings and determine the functional activity of these naturally acquired CIDR variant-specific antibodies.
Selection-driven tumor evolution involving non-cell growth promotion leads to patterns of clonal expansion consistent with neutrality interpretation
Authors: Edwards Jack , Marusyk Andriy , Basanta David
Published: February 2020

Cancers are the result of eco-evolutionary processes fueled by heritable phenotypic diversification and driven by environmentally dependent selection. As space represents a key growth-limiting ecological resource, the ability to gain and explore this resource is likely to be under strong selection. Using agent-based computational modeling, we explored the consequences of the interplay between phenotypic strategies centered on gaining access to new space through cell-extrinsic degradation of extracellular matrix barriers and the exploitation of this resource through maximizing cell proliferation. While cell proliferation is a cell-intrinsic property, newly accessed space represents a public good, which can benefit both producers and non-producers. We found that that this interplay results in ecological succession, enabling emergence of large, heterogenous, and highly proliferative populations. Even though in our simulations both remodeling and proliferation strategies were under strong positive selection, their interplay led to sub-clonal architecture that could be interpreted as evidence for neutral evolution, warranting cautious interpretation of inferences from sequencing of cancer genomes.
How does group differences in motion scrubbing affect false positives in functional connectivity studies?
Authors: Eklund Anders , Nichols Thomas E. , Afyouni Soroosh , Craddock Cameron
Published: February 2020

Analyzing resting state fMRI data is difficult due to a weak signal and several noise sources. Head motion is also a major problem and it is common to apply motion scrubbing, i.e. to remove time points where a subject has moved more than some pre-defined motion threshold. A problem arises if one cohort on average moves more than another, since the remaining temporal degrees of freedom are then different for the two groups. The effect of this is that the uncertainty of the functional connectivity estimates (e.g. Pearson correlations) are different for the two groups, but this is seldom modelled in resting state fMRI. We demonstrate that group differences in motion scrubbing can result in inflated false positives, depending on how the temporal auto correlation is modelled when performing the Fisher r-to-z transform.
Massively Parallel Analysis of Human 3′ UTRs Reveals that AU-Rich Element Length and Registration Predict mRNA Destabilization
Authors: Siegel David A. , Tonqueze Olivier Le , Biton Anne , Zaitlen Noah , Erle David J.
Published: February 2020

AU-rich elements (AREs) are 3′ UTR cis-regulatory elements that regulate the stability of mRNAs. Consensus ARE motifs have been determined, but little is known about how differences in 3′ UTR sequences that conform to these motifs affect their function. Here we use functional annotation of sequences from 3′ UTRs (fast-UTR), a massively parallel reporter assay (MPRA), to investigate the effects of 41,288 3′ UTR sequence fragments from 4,653 transcripts on gene expression and mRNA stability. The library included 9,142 AREs, and incorporated a set of fragments bearing mutations in each ARE. Our analyses demonstrate that the length of an ARE and its registration (the first and last nucleotides of the repeating ARE motif) have significant effects on gene expression and stability. Based on this finding, we propose improved ARE classification and concomitant methods to categorize and predict the effect of AREs on gene expression and stability. Our new approach explains 64±13% of the contribution of AREs to the stability of human 3′ UTRs in Jurkat cells and predicts ARE activity in an unrelated cell type. Finally, to investigate the advantages of our general experimental design for annotating 3′ UTR elements we examine other motifs including constitutive decay elements (CDEs), where we show that the length of the CDE stem-loop has a significant impact on steady-state expression and mRNA stability. We conclude that fast-UTR, in conjunction with our analytical approach, can produce improved yet simple sequence-based rules for predicting the activity of human 3′ UTRs containing functional motifs.
Customer aggression and service sabotage
Authors: Goussinsky Ruhama
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study aims to investigate the independent and combined moderating effects of social sharing and rumination on the relationship between customer aggression and service sabotage.

Design/methodology/approach

Two samples of service providers were recruited: a sample of face-to-face service employees from various organizations (N = 481) and a sample of call center employees (N = 122). Data were collected using self-reported questionnaires and the research hypotheses were tested using hierarchical regression analyses.

Findings

The impact of customer aggression on service sabotage was exacerbated by rumination in Sample 1 and although failing to reach significance (0.08), the same pattern of interaction was observed in Sample 2. The results lend support to the existence of a three-way interaction effect between customer aggression, social sharing and rumination. Specifically, the positive relationship between customer aggression and service sabotage was stronger for employees who reported high levels of both social sharing and rumination compared to employees who reported high levels of social sharing but low levels of rumination.

Practical implications

Implementing stress-management training intended to help service employees avoid using maladaptive coping strategies when confronted with mistreatment can serve to reduce employees’ engagement in retaliatory behaviors directed against customers.

Originality/value

The study’s findings provide one potential explanation for the mixed findings in the literature on social sharing and suggest that sharing of emotions for coping with customer aggression may become a maladaptive strategy for individuals who tend to engage in ruminative thinking whereas it may be a helpful coping choice for individuals who do not.
Adapting a Lean leadership-training program within a health care organization through cocreation
Authors: Ingelsson Pernilla , Bäckström Ingela , Snyder Kristen
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe and evaluate a Lean leadership-training program within the health-care sector. A training program developed through a cocreative process with the intent of enhancing the possibilities for a context-specific adaption of Lean.

Design/methodology/approach

A cocreated leadership-training program, executed over a period of one year, is described both as a model development process and as the final training program. The program was evaluated through reflective discussions and feedback as well as a written final evaluation of the program from participants in the program.

Findings

The evaluation shows that the objectives of the training program were met, at least among the participants who attended the whole program. Using a cocreative process when developing and realizing a leadership-training program enhances the possibilities for an organization to adapt Lean to its own context. One condition for this approach to be successful is that the expectations of both the organization and the university need to be in focus through the whole process. In addition, the executive team needs to be continuously engaged and create conditions for the organization to realize the potential benefits of the training program.

Originality/value

This paper highlights the challenge when applying Lean in a health-care organization but also describes a way to address Lean training and learning in this context.
Optimal location of UPQC for power quality improvement: novel hybrid approach
Authors: Gaddala Kaladhar , Raju P. Sangameswara
Published: February 2020

Purpose

In general, the optimal reactive power compensation could drastically enhance the performance of distributed network by the reduction of power loss and by enhancement of line loadability and voltage profile. Till now, there exist various reactive power compensation models including capacitor placement, joined process of on-load tap changer and capacitor banks and integration of DG. Further, one of the current method is the allocation of distribution FACTS (DFACTS) device. Even though, the DFACTS devices are usually used in the enhancement of power quality, they could be used in the optimal reactive power compensation with more effectiveness.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper introduces a power quality enhancement model that is based on a new hybrid optimization algorithm for selecting the precise unified power quality conditioner (UPQC) location and sizing. A new algorithm rider optimization algorithm (ROA)-modified particle swarm optimization (PSO) in fitness basis (RMPF) is introduced for this optimal selections.

Findings

Through the performance analysis, it is observed that as the iteration increases, there is a gradual minimization of cost function. At the 40th iteration, the proposed method is 1.99 per cent better than ROA and genetic algorithm (GA); 0.09 per cent better than GMDA and WOA; and 0.14, 0.57 and 1.94 per cent better than Dragonfly algorithm (DA), worst solution linked whale optimization (WS-WU) and PSO, respectively. At the 60th iteration, the proposed method attains less cost function, which is 2.07, 0.08, 0.06, 0.09, 0.07 and 1.90 per cent superior to ROA, GMDA, DA, GA, WS-WU and PSO, respectively. Thus, the proposed model proves that it is better than other models.

Originality/value

This paper presents a technique for optimal placing and sizing of UPQC. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first work that introduces RMPF algorithm to solve the optimization problems.
An integrated approach for three-dimensional capacitated vehicle routing problem considering time windows
Authors: Ayough Ashkan , Khorshidvand Behrooz , Massomnedjad Negah , Motameni Alireza
Published: February 2020

Purpose

As a critical problem in sophisticated distribution systems, vehicle routing plays a pivotal role in dealing with time windows and capacities constraints. The purpose of this paper is to addresses a new integrated model to incorporate both three-dimensional and time windows aspects of the routing problem. First, capacitated vehicle routing decisions are made subject to a soft time interval to meet the customers’ demands. Afterward, these decisions are entered into the three-dimensional loading problem.

Design/methodology/approach

The problem is solved using generalized algebraic modeling system software in small-size problems. The problem is NP-hard and requires an efficient solution methodology. For this purpose, a hybrid algorithm has been proposed to solve the large-size problems. The efficiency of this algorithm is checked by making comparisons with exact solutions for small and medium size test problems, and with the related literature for large size problems.

Findings

The numerical experiments show that the proposed model covers more effectively the broader aspects of the transportation problem. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm supports competitive and satisfactory results by giving reasonable outputs in comparison with previous studies.

Originality/value

The main purpose of this integration is to achieve minimum total transportation costs, which cannot be guaranteed without applying two referred constraints, simultaneously.
Trust and dynamic governance mechanisms in the university-industry R&D alliances
Authors: Ruangpermpool Somchai , Igel Barbara , Siengthai Sununta
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine how the dynamic interplay of governance mechanisms of the university-firm R&D alliance reduces obstacles and enables the successful commercialization of research collaboration output.

Design/methodology/approach

A longitudinal case research and retrospective strategy were used to collect relevant data and information in the four university-and-firm alliance teams collaborating on R&D projects in Thailand during 2008-2014. In-depth interviews and meetings were conducted with representatives of all partners and R&D project teams.

Findings

The authors found that formal and informal control mechanisms act as complementary forms of governance. The informal control (trust) serves as the frame of intentions whether the formal control is interpreted as a guideline or a commitment. Both formal and informal control mechanisms must be put in place to successfully and sustainably develop collaborative research into a commercial product.

Research limitations/implications

This study investigated four Thai government-funded research collaboration teams from a single industry. It would be worth investigating such research collaboration in other industries and those without any government funding.

Originality/value

This study applied an exploratory case research method which is rarely used in research on R&D alliance teams. It generates cross-functional insights on how to build trust in such R&D context, especially in an emerging economy.
The role of ICT infrastructure, innovation and globalization on economic growth in OECD countries, 1996-2017
Authors: Kurniawati Meta Ayu
Published: February 2020

Purpose

The rapid development of information and communication technology (ICT) over the past decade has enabled heterogeneous economic sectors to be more integrated, leading to a significant effect on nation’s growth across OECD countries. The objective of this study is to estimate the short run and long run inter-linkages among ICT, innovation technology, globalization, and economic growth for the period 1996-2017 in OECD countries.

Design/methodology/approach

This research provides some sophisticated methodologies by using principal component analysis to construct ICT and innovation indices and follow up by employing the panel cointegration test, pooled mean group regression, fully modified ordinary least squares and dynamic ordinary least squares as sophisticated estimation techniques, panel Granger causality and forecast error variance decomposition to examine the robustness of the causal association in the findings.

Findings

The empirical results herein suggest that ICT, innovation and globalization positively contribute to economic growth, while the causality findings reveal strong endogenous relationships among both ICT mobile and internet use, innovation development, globalization and economic growth in both short and long run. The findings further imply that OECD countries have yet to promote economic growth from ICT infrastructure expansion, the enlargement of technology innovation and the spread of globalization.

Practical implications

The particular policy recommendation is to reinforce the investment and establishment of a reliable ICT infrastructure as well as innovation technology to create sustained economic growth in this progressively interconnected world.

Originality/value

This study is valuable from policy and decision-makers’ perspective, as it highlights the significance of ICT infrastructure development, innovation enlargement and globalization to elevate the economic growth in OECD countries.
The nexus between supply chain analytic, innovation and robustness capability
Authors: Shamout Mohamed Dawood
Published: February 2020

Purpose

By drawing on knowledge-based view, this paper aims to test causal model linking supply chain analytics, innovation, robustness capability and firm age. More specifically, the mediating role of supply chain innovation on supply chain analytics and robustness capability link and the moderating role of firm age.

Design/methodology/approach

Survey data were procured from companies operating in the United Arab Emirates using a simple random sampling technique. The obtained data were analyzed with variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

The findings from PLS-SEM revealed that supply chain innovation fully mediate supply chain analytics and robustness capability associations. Findings from multi-group analysis (MGA) denote that firm age did not moderate any of the paths of the research model. Suggesting that the associations are similar for old, mid-aged and younger firms.

Originality/value

This work demonstrates that supply chain analytic is valuable tool that can foster innovation and robustness in supply chain. This work is among the first to scrutinize the variation among old, mid-aged and younger firms in supply chain analytics research stream. The paper concludes with implications for theory and practice.
Knowledge management system design method with joint application design (JAD) adoption
Authors: Sensuse Dana Indra , Rochman Hadiyan Nur , Al Hakim Shidiq , Winarni Winarni
Published: February 2020

Purpose

This study proposes to adopt joint application design (JAD) in the requirement gathering process on developing a knowledge management system (KMS) using Fernandez methodology. It is proposed that Fernandez methodology produces only a list of KMS features and the requirement of the feature is still unclear. This study aims to produce KMS that meets the needs and expectations of users based on features of Fernandez's methodology.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using a combination methodology that combines Fernandez methodology to identify the feature needs of the organization and JAD to identify user requirements of KMS. The system prototype is evaluated by measuring user satisfaction using the Post Study System Usability Questionnaire.

Findings

The results of this study indicate that with the adoption of JAD it is possible to get the requirement in accordance with the expectations of the user. In addition, this study also shows that the level of user satisfaction with the prototype developed with the requirement is high at 84% of the maximum score.

Research limitations/implications

This study was used only in the education context, especially teaching assistant problems at the Faculty of Computer Science, University of Indonesia. For this reason, further research is needed for different contexts so that the implementation of this combination of methods can be generalized more broadly.

Practical implications

This paper provides practical implications for the development of KMS by identifying user requirements using JAD.

Originality/value

This paper provides a combination method to generate KMS that meets user requirements.
Role of BP230 autoantibodies in bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Shih Yen-chi , Wang Bo , Yuan Huijie , Zheng Jie , Pan Meng
Published: February 2020

Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is an autoimmune disease associated with subepidermal blistering due to autoantibodies directed against BP180 and BP230. BP180 is currently considered as the major pathogenic autoantigen. However, previous clinical findings suggested that anti‐BP230 autoantibodies alone can cause skin lesions in animal models and many BP patients. The characteristics of BP230 and the pathogenic roles of anti‐BP230 antibodies have been proposed. First, at the molecular level, BP230 mediates the attachment of keratin intermediate filaments to the hemidesmosomal plaque and interacts with other constituents of hemidesmosomes. Second, the presence of BP230 autoantibodies may correlate with specific clinical features of BP. The immunoglobulin (Ig)G autoantibodies from BP patients react mainly against the C‐terminus of BP230, while the IgE autoantibodies are still inconclusive. Third, in vivo, autoantibodies against BP230 involved in the disease may not only induce the inflammatory response but also impair the structural stability of hemidesmosomes. This article reviews recently published work about the role of BP230 and its antibodies, including IgG and IgE, aiming to find clues of its clinical association and lay the foundation for the research on the pathogenicity of antibodies against BP230.
LncRNA XLOC_003810 modulates thymic Th17/Treg balance in myasthenia gravis with thymoma
Authors: Niu Li , Jiang Jun , Yin Ying , Hu Bo
Published: February 2020

Imbalance of T helper 17 (Th17)/regulatory T (Treg) cells is involved in the pathogenesis of myasthenia gravis with thymoma (MG‐T). Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are implicated in the regulation of Th17/Treg balance. This study was designed to explore the role of XLOC_003810, a novel lncRNA, in regulating the Th17/Treg balance in MG‐T. The thymic CD4+ T cells were isolated from control subjects and MG‐T patients. The Th17/Treg balance was evaluated by determining proportions of Th17 and Treg cells and expression of Th17‐ and Treg‐ associated molecules. Lentivirus‐mediated silencing and overexpression of XLOC_003810 in CD4+ T cells were performed. The results showed that XLOC_003810 expression was higher in MG‐T thymic CD4+ T cells than that in the control group. Furthermore, the ratio of Th17/Treg cells, proportion of Th17 cells and levels of Th17‐associated molecules were significantly increased, whereas the proportion of Treg cells and levels of Treg‐associated molecules were decreased in MG‐T thymic CD4+ T cells. Importantly, the Th17/Treg imbalance in MG‐T thymic CD4+ T cells was aggravated by XLOC_003810 overexpression, whereas it was attenuated by XLOC_003810 silencing. Collectively, XLOC_003810 modulates thymic Th17/Treg balance in MG‐T patients, providing the scientific basis for the clinical targeted therapy of MG‐T.
Insights into determinants of health
Authors: Papageorghiou Aris T.
Published: February 2020

Deputy Editor‐in‐Chief, Prof Aris T. Papageorghiou, discusses the latest thinking in women’s health and highlights articles from this issue in an audio podcast available at: https://soundcloud.com/bjog/march-editorial-2020
Parkinson's disease, aging and adult neurogenesis: Wnt/β‐catenin signalling as the key to unlock the mystery of endogenous brain repair
Authors: Marchetti Bianca , Tirolo Cataldo , L'Episcopo Francesca , Caniglia Salvatore , Testa Nunzio , Smith Jayden A. , Pluchino Stefano , Serapide Maria F.
Published: February 2020

A common hallmark of age‐dependent neurodegenerative diseases is an impairment of adult neurogenesis. Wingless‐type mouse mammary tumor virus integration site (Wnt)/β‐catenin (WβC) signalling is a vital pathway for dopaminergic (DAergic) neurogenesis and an essential signalling system during embryonic development and aging, the most critical risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD). To date, there is no known cause or cure for PD. Here we focus on the potential to reawaken the impaired neurogenic niches to rejuvenate and repair the aged PD brain. Specifically, we highlight WβC‐signalling in the plasticity of the subventricular zone (SVZ), the largest germinal region in the mature brain innervated by nigrostriatal DAergic terminals, and the mesencephalic aqueduct‐periventricular region (Aq‐PVR) Wnt‐sensitive niche, which is in proximity to the SNpc and harbors neural stem progenitor cells (NSCs) with DAergic potential. The hallmark of the WβC pathway is the cytosolic accumulation of β‐catenin, which enters the nucleus and associates with T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer binding factor (TCF/LEF) transcription factors, leading to the transcription of Wnt target genes. Here, we underscore the dynamic interplay between DAergic innervation and astroglial‐derived factors regulating WβC‐dependent transcription of key genes orchestrating NSC proliferation, survival, migration and differentiation. Aging, inflammation and oxidative stress synergize with neurotoxin exposure in “turning off” the WβC neurogenic switch via down‐regulation of the nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2/Wnt‐regulated signalosome, a key player in the maintenance of antioxidant self‐defense mechanisms and NSC homeostasis. Harnessing WβC‐signalling in the aged PD brain can thus restore neurogenesis, rejuvenate the microenvironment, and promote neurorescue and regeneration.
A Survey of Recent Evidence on Boards of Directors and CEO Incentives
Authors: Masulis Ronald W.
Published: February 2020

This article surveys the recent literature on boards of directors and the interplay between director incentives and CEO incentives. The primary focus is on how the incentives and other characteristics of directors, boards, and CEOs interact to affect firm performance. The article reviews the recent evidence documenting a causal relationship between board independence and measures of firm performance. It also discusses the major limitations of the current measure of director independence. Finally, the article highlights how board independence provides strong incentives for CEOs to create firm value and examines the recent evidence on what other director characteristics improve board effectiveness.
Bankers on the Board and CEO Turnover
Authors: Kang Min Jung , Kim Andy (Y. Han) , Chang Jeung‐Yoon
Published: February 2020

The governance literature finds that independent directors from lending banks (commercial bank directors or CBDs) bring both financial expertise and conflict of interest between shareholders and debt holders. We examine how the presence of CBDs affects the implicit incentive of CEO turnover. Using BoardEx and DealScan data, we hypothesize and find that CBDs make the CEO turnover more sensitive to both performance and risk. Post‐CEO turnover analysis reveals that firm performance improves and risk decreases in the presence of CBDs.
Process measure aimed at reducing time to haemorrhage control: outcomes associated with Code Crimson activation in exsanguinating truncal trauma
Authors: Tovmassian David , Hameed Ahmer M. , Ly Jessie , Pathmanathan Nimalan , Devadas Michael , Gomez David , Hsu Jeremy M.
Published: February 2020

Background

Major trauma activation is a process that mobilizes personnel and resources required to care for severely injured patients. Exsanguinating truncal trauma patients require an additional response beyond major trauma activation aimed at expediting haemorrhage control. To address this requirement, ‘Code Crimson’ (CC) activation was developed. Our aim was to examine the performance of CC activation as a process measure in the identification and management of patients with exsanguinating truncal trauma.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study (2010–2015) of all adult patients who underwent operative intervention within 6 h of arrival for truncal trauma was performed. Patients were classified into: (i) major haemorrhage (assessment of blood consumption score ≥2, base deficit ≥5 and/or transfusion ≥5 U of red blood cells pre‐/intra‐operatively), or (ii) no major haemorrhage. We evaluated the proportion of patients with/without major haemorrhage in which a CC was activated as well as time to operating theatre across groups.

Results

A total of 210 patients were included with a median Injury Severity Score of 20 (interquartile range (IQR) 9–29) and overall mortality of 13%. Eighty‐nine patients were classified as major haemorrhage and 61 patients underwent CC activation. The majority of CC activations (92%) fulfilled major haemorrhage criteria (sensitivity 63%, specificity 96%). Time to theatre was lower in those with CC activation with median time of 23 min (IQR 15–39.5) versus non‐CC with median of 95 min (IQR 43–180, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

CC was primarily activated in patients with major haemorrhage and led to a decrease in time to theatre for patients with operative truncal trauma.
Feasibility and safety of two different surgical routes for the eradication of recto‐vaginal endometriosis with vaginal mucosa infiltration (Endo‐Vag‐r study)
Authors: Raimondo Diego , Turco Luigi C. , Cosentino Francesco , Mabrouk Mohamed , Mastronardi Manuela , Borghese Giulia , Giaquinto Ilaria , Vargiu Virginia , Fagotti Anna , Meriggiola Maria C. , Chiantera Vito , Scambia Giovanni , Seracchioli Renato
Published: February 2020

Introduction

Recto‐vaginal endometriosis surgical management needing partial colpectomy is a surgically challenging condition and has been associated with a notable risk of major postoperative complications. In the present study we sought to compare feasibility and safety of total laparoscopic (TL) and vaginal‐assisted (VA) routes in women affected by symptomatic recto‐vaginal endometriosis with vaginal mucosa infiltration scheduled for minimally invasive surgery.

Material and methods

Multi‐centric, retrospective cohort study on medical records of consecutive reproductive age women submitted to complete macroscopic eradication of symptomatic recto‐vaginal endometriosis with vaginal mucosa infiltration between March 2013 and November 2017. The two groups were compared in terms of preoperative data and surgical outcomes.

Results

84 women were included in the study (TL = 57 and VA = 27). The two groups were comparable in terms of preoperative, surgical and postoperative data. The major postoperative complications rate was 5.3% (3 of 57) in the TL group and 7.4% (2 of 27) in the VA group, without a significant difference. In the TL group we reported one case of bowel anastomosis dehiscence and two cases of pelvic abscess. In the VA group, one case of small bowel perforation after extensive adhesiolysis treated with ileal resection and one case of rectal sub‐occlusion after segmental resection and mechanical anastomosis were noticed.

Conclusions

In women affected by recto‐vaginal endometriosis with vaginal mucosal infiltration, perioperative outcomes do not seem to be influenced by the surgical route adopted.
Letter: the perilous road to a functional cure for hepatitis B infection
Authors: Yilmaz Yusuf
Published: February 2020

LINKED CONTENT

This article is linked to Smolders et al paper. To view this article, visit
https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15581.
Equitable access to ectogenesis for sexual and gender minorities
Authors: Kimberly Laura L. , Sutter Megan E. , Quinn Gwendolyn P.
Published: February 2020

As the technology for ectogenesis continues to advance, the ethical implications of such developments should be thoroughly and proactively explored. The possibility of full ectogenesis remains hypothetical at present, and myriad concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the technology must be evaluated and addressed, while pressing moral considerations should be fully deliberated. However, it is conceivable that the technology may become sufficiently well established in the future and that eventually full ectogenesis might be deemed ethically acceptable as a reproductive alternative to gestation within a human womb under certain circumstances. If the safety and efficacy of full ectogenesis are established, if ethical dilemmas are sufficiently well addressed, and if the technology is offered as a reproductive option to cisgender heterosexual individuals or couples desiring to become parents, there is a moral obligation grounded in social justice to ensure that full ectogenesis be made available to individuals or couples identifying as members of sexual‐ or gender‐minority groups who likewise seek to pursue parenthood. We examine the history of access to current family‐building options, including assisted reproductive technology, surrogacy and adoption, for these populations and conclude that in the absence of robust empirical evidence suggesting an increased risk of harm to children of individuals and couples who identify as members of sexual‐ or gender‐minority groups, equitable access to ectogenesis as a pathway to parenthood for sexual and gender minorities must be assured as a matter of reproductive justice.
Planting Seeds for Social Dialogue: An Institutional Work Perspective
Authors: Gansemans Annelien , Louche Céline , D'Haese Marijke
Published: February 2020

How to get workplace social dialogue started at the bottom of Global Value Chains remains a difficult question. Drawing from institutional work literature, we investigate how local unions, supplier and buyer worked together to start the process of social dialogue in the anti‐union context of pineapple plantations in Costa Rica. The process unfolds along four phases each involving specific sets of institutional work. The study highlights the evolving brokerage role of the international buyer and the importance of balancing compliance and commitment approaches to build the foundation for workplace social dialogue.
The role of psychosocial factors and treatment need in dental service use and oral health among adults in Norway
Authors: Jönsson Birgitta , Holde Gro Eirin , Baker Sarah R.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to explore whether population characteristics were associated with the use of dental services, individual's personal oral health practices, dental caries and oral health‐related impacts using the revised Andersen's behavioural model as the theoretical framework.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included participants from a Norwegian general population (N = 1840; 20‐79 years) included in the Tromstannen—Oral Health in Northern Norway (TOHNN) study. The variables included in the model were social structure (income, education, urbanization), sense of coherence (SOC), enabling resources (difficulties accessing the dentist, declined treatment, dental anxiety), treatment need, use of dental services, toothbrushing frequency, sugary soda drink consumption, decayed teeth and oral health‐related impacts (OHIP‐14). Structural equation modelling was used to test the direct and indirect effects within Andersen's behavioural model of access and health outcomes.

Results

Andersen's behavioural model fit the data well and explained a large part of the variance in use of dental services (58%), oral health‐related impacts (48%) and, to a lesser extent, decayed teeth (12%). More social structures and a stronger SOC was associated with more enabling resources, which in turn, was associated with more use of dental services. Social structures were not directly associated with use of dental services or decayed teeth but were predictive of oral health‐related impacts. A stronger SOC was associated with more frequent toothbrushing, less soda drink consumptions, fewer decayed teeth and less oral health‐related impacts. Self‐perceived need did not predict dental attendance but was associated with decayed teeth. A less frequent use of dental services, less frequent toothbrushing and more frequent sugary soda drink consumption were associated with more decayed teeth. Decayed teeth were not associated with oral health‐related impacts.

Conclusion

The findings suggests that, in addition to focusing on reducing socioeconomic inequalities in relation to oral health in the Norwegian population, it is also important to consider how people perceive their own resources (eg financial, psychological, social) as well as their access to dental care in order to support regular dental attendance and potentially, in turn, enhance oral health.
Evaluation of green and sustainable building project based on extension matter‐element theory in smart city application
Authors: Li Ming , Xu Kang , Huang Sheng
Published: February 2020

The postoccupancy performance and operation management level of green building largely determines the overall sustainability level of green buildings. It is necessary to evaluate the degree of success of green buildings in the operation stage to ensure the implementation effect of the whole life cycle. However, the current green building evaluation system is incomplete, and the research on the degree of success evaluation of green buildings is very lacking. It is necessary to establish a scientific and effective evaluation index system to evaluate the degree of success of green buildings. This article applies the extension matter‐element theory and entropy method to evaluate the degree of success of green building projects, taking a green building project in Nanchang as an example, and seven experts were invited to score and evaluate the project's degree of success by calculating the relevance degree of each evaluation index. The results show that this green building's degree of success emerged as at level II, that is, the “generally successful” level, and each first‐level indicator, respectively, lay at level III, level II, level II, and level II. The case study proves that the evaluation method of green building determined in this article is scientific and reliable.
Use of a predictive colour model for managing the colour appearance of two‐colour woven fabrics
Authors: Dimitrovski Krste , Grmek Andreja , Gabrijelčič Tomc Helena
Published: February 2020

The aim of this study was to implement a two‐dimensional colour appearance model for prediction of the colour values of weft threads when the optical mixing of a two‐colour woven structure had to match the colour appearance of a single‐colour reference woven fabric. Five single‐colour woven fabrics were woven from five threads of similar hue. One of the samples was chosen as a reference, for which the colour appearance was the goal to be achieved in the two‐colour woven fabrics prepared with the other available warp threads and newly dyed weft threads. The colour values of dyed weft threads were predicted by a two‐dimensional colour appearance model. With dyed weft threads, managing the colour appearance of the two‐colour woven fabric was enabled to achieve the colour values of the reference. In the results, colour deviations between the predicted and measured colour values of weft threads revealed some limitations to the colour appearance model and performance of the dyeing process. After the production of the two‐colour woven fabric, the colour appearance matched the appearance of the reference, resulting in deviations of ΔECMC(2:1) = 1.2‐7.8. Moreover, the differences between theoretically predicted and measured colour values of the two‐colour woven fabric were evaluated as small, ranging from ΔECMC(2:1) = 1.5‐1.9. The results demonstrated the efficiency of implementing the colour appearance model and the dyeing process of weft threads as an approach to achieve the defined colour appearance of two‐colour woven fabrics, which with small colour deviations matches the colour of a single‐colour reference.
Scleromyxedema histopathologically mimicking hypercellular fibrous papules (angiofibomas): Case report of an unusual histopathological presentation
Authors: Kazlouskaya Viktoryia , Khan Neelam , Heilman Edward
Published: February 2020

Scleromyxedema (SMX) is an inflammatory condition of unknown etiology strongly associated with monoclonal gammopathy. Classical histopathology of SMX is characterized with the triad of diffuse mucin deposits, increased amount of collagen, and presence of stellate fibroblasts. Herein, we report an unusual histopathological variant of SMX in a 41‐year‐old female with lesions of the nose histopathologically mimicking cellular angiofibromas. The dome‐shaped papules were characterized by increased collagen bundles and fascicles of spindle cells. Widened vessels were seen at the periphery of the proliferation. Cells expressed CD68. Factor XIIIa was expressed only by dendritic cells. The mucin was highlighted with colloidal iron. In sum, we draw attention to this unusual variant of SMX, which should be suspected in a setting of multiple “angiofibromas/fibrous papules” on the face with presence of mucin.
Aortic valve cusp aneurysm as a result of blood culture‐negative infective endocarditis, interesting echocardiographic and surgical images
Authors: Hajsadeghi Shokoufeh , Pazoki Mahboubeh , Pakbaz Marziyeh , Zeraatian Sam , Zaeim Mohammad Amin
Published: February 2020

Compared to mitral valve aneurysms, aortic valve (AV) aneurysm is a more rare and serious complication of infective endocarditis (IE). Early surgical intervention and valve replacement are required in order to prevent further complications such as embolization and rupture of aneurysm. We described a case of severe aortic regurgitation (AR) as a result of an aortic valve aneurysm in a patient with history of end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) in whom the hemodialysis catheter had not been changed for a year.
Odontogenic Myxoma: Systematic review and bias analysis
Authors: Dotta Jéssica Helena , Miotto Larissa Natiele , Spin‐Neto Rubens , Ferrisse Túlio Morandin
Published: February 2020

Background

Odontogenic myxoma (OM) is a rare neoplasm, which originates from odontogenic ectomesenchyme. There is no study in the literature that analyses the best standards for OM diagnosis and how the treatment modalities may influence the recurrence rates.

Objective

To evaluate the best standards for odontogenic myxoma (OM) diagnosis and treatment, and how these may influence the recurrence rates.

Study design

Two independent researchers performed a systematic review in many databases. Fifty‐two eligible studies were included for qualitative analysis. Bias analysis was conducted according to Oxford Centre for Evidence‐Based Medicine.

Results

A total of 1363 OM cases were reported on, and female gender with average age of 27 years is the most common patient profile. Conventional microscopic findings were observed in 93.43% of the reported cases. In 57.49% of the cases, multilocular radiographic appearance was present, followed by unilocular appearance (32.87%). Posterior mandible was the site with the major prevalence, while surgical resection was the most common treatment modality, followed by enucleation. Recurrence rates for both treatment modalities were approximately close (13.04% and 25.0%, respectively).

Conclusion

The correct diagnosis of OM relies on the association of clinical, radiographic and microscopic findings. About imaging examinations, panoramic radiography and computed tomography are sufficient for the evaluation of OM. Recurrence rates were closely among the two most used surgery treatments. So according to some clinical‐radiological aspects, conservative surgery may be preferred than aggressive surgery modalities.