bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Conditional violation of weak-form market efficiency
Authors: Jansen Benjamin
Published: March 2020

Purpose

Many prior tests of market efficiency, which occurred decades ago, were limited by data and did not employ methodology to correct for leptokurtosis in the stock return distribution. Furthermore, these studies did not test many aspects of conditional market efficiency. One aspect of a potential conditional violation of market efficiency is whether stock markets are efficient conditional on the level of stock return.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper uses quantile regressions to control for leptokurtosis in the stock return distribution and simultaneous quantile regressions to test whether markets are efficient conditional on the level of the market return. This paper uses market-level stock return data to bias against finding significant results in the efficiency tests. Furthermore, the author uses data from 1926 through 2018, providing the longest time period to date under which market efficiency is tested.

Findings

This paper presents evidence that the autoregressive coefficient decreases across return levels in stock market indices. The autoregressive coefficient is positive around highly negative returns and negative or insignificant around highly positive returns, which suggests that when stock returns are low they are more likely to continue lower, and when stock returns are high they are more likely to reverse. Results additionally suggest that market efficiency is not time-invariant and that stock markets have become more efficient over the sample period.

Originality/value

This paper extends the literature by finding evidence of a violation of weak-form market efficiency conditional on the level of stock returns. It further extends the literature by finding evidence that the stock market has become more efficient between 1926 and 2018.
The impact of leverage on the cost of capital and market value
Authors: Battisti Enrico , Bollani Luigi , Miglietta Nicola , Salvi Antonio
Published: March 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the impact of leverage on the cost of capital and market value in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX), where there are Sharīʿah and non-Sharīʿah compliant firms.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a mixed methods sequential exploratory design and is based on an empirical analysis undertaken with a sample of firms listed on the IDX. In particular, a qualitative analysis was conducted to identify the Sharīʿah-compliant firms and the qualitative study was designed to compare some financial elements in Sharīʿah and non-Sharīʿah compliant listed companies. The correlations among the main elements observed are considered and a principal component analysis describes the framework.

Findings

First, the results of the analysis show that for the Sharīʿah-compliant companies, identified as those that apply Islamic principles, the lower level of leverage that it is typical of these type of firms implies a higher cost of capital [cost of equity and weighted average cost of capital (WACC)] than non-Sharīʿah ones. Secondly, for the Sharīʿah-compliant companies, the lower level of leverage entails a higher market value measured by the multiples method (price/earning and enterprise value/operating profit) than for non-Sharīʿah ones.

Originality/value

This paper sheds new light on how leverage can affect the cost of capital and market value in the case of Sharīʿah and non-Sharīʿah compliant listed companies in the IDX. In particular, this research highlights the fact that Sharīʿah-compliant firms, despite having a higher WACC, create more market value compared to non-Sharīʿah compliant ones.
Gender, workplace support, and perceived job demands in the US and Indian context
Authors: Banerjee Dina , Doshi Vijayta
Published: March 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the under-researched dynamics of gender, workplace support, and perceived job demands in two different contexts, the United States and India.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws from two studies conducted in different contexts (the United States and India) via different methodological approaches (quantitative and qualitative, respectively). In Study I of this paper, data was collected using questionnaires from a nationally representative sample of adult workers in the United States. In Study II, interviews were conducted with 48 workers in India, selected using convenience sampling.

Findings

It was found that both in the United States and India, women perceived considerably greater job demands than men. In terms of workplace support, both the studies found that workplace culture and supervisors’ support influenced the perception of job demands, but the same was not true for coworkers’ support, which mainly helped in coping rather than actually reducing the perception of job demands.

Research implications

The article contributes to research by concluding that job demands as a construct are not clearly segregated from gender demands or expectations, especially in the way women “perceive” it. Women construct job demands as “job-family” demands and workplace support as “job-family” support. Moreover, being a woman in the workplace, women feel the “burden” of gender.

Practical implications

It would be useful for organizations and policy makers to understand that women remain “conscious” of their gender in the workplace, and for them, the meaning of job demands and workplace support are “job-family” demands and “work-family” support, respectively.

Social implications

This research intends to contribute toward thinking about gender relations and empowerment of people within organizational and work settings from a new light.

Originality/value

The present study provides an alternative way of thinking about gender, job demands, and workplace support. Its value underlies in the way it raises the voices of women workers.
An economic analysis of sheep flock structures for mixed enterprise Australian farm businesses
Authors: Young Michael , Kingwell Ross , Young John , Vercoe Phil
Published: March 2020

A strategic question facing many mixed enterprise broadacre farm businesses in Australia is, ‘What sheep flock size and structure is most profitable to complement the farm’s cropping enterprises?' This study answers this question for a typical large mixed enterprise farm business in a key production region of Australia. Whole‐farm bioeconomic modelling, combined with broad‐ranging sensitivity analysis, is used to examine the profitability of different sheep flock structures and sizes. We find the most profitable flock structure is to run Merino ewes and turn off finished Merino or first‐cross lambs. The profitable selection of these flocks is robust to commodity price variation but does require the farmer to give more attention to sheep management. The correct choice of flock structure greatly adds to farm profit. A farm based on cropping and a self‐replacing Merino flock using surplus ewes for first‐cross, meat lamb production earns 33 per cent more profit than a similar farm that runs a traditional self‐replacing Merino flock that emphasises wool production. Of far less importance than flock structure, as a source of additional profit, is to increase flock size or adjust cropping intensity.
Collusion with intertemporal price dispersion
Authors: de Roos Nicolas , Smirnov Vladimir
Published: March 2020

We develop a theory of optimal collusive intertemporal price dispersion. Dispersion clouds consumer price awareness, encouraging firms to coordinate on dispersed prices. Our theory generates a collusive rationale for price cycles and sales. Patient firms can support optimal collusion at the monopoly price. For less patient firms, monopoly prices must be punctuated with fleeting sales. The most robust structure involves price cycles that resemble Edgeworth cycles. Low consumer attentiveness enhances the effectiveness of price dispersion by reducing the payoff to deviations involving price reductions. However, for sufficiently low attentiveness, price rises are also a concern.
Enhanced glucose metabolism mediated by CD147 is associated with 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yufan , Liu Jianjing , Sun Yunchuan , Yu Xiaozhou , Wang Jian , Dai Dong , Zhu Yanjia , Song Xiuyu , Zhu Lei , Li Xiaofeng , Xu Wengui
Published: March 2020

Background

Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is one of the most deadly thoracic tumors. Reprogrammed glycolytic metabolism is a hallmark of cancer cells and significantly affects several cellular functions. In the current study, we aimed to investigate cluster of differentiation 147 (CD147)‐mediated glucose metabolic regulation in LUAD and its association with 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging.

Methods

The expression profile and prognostic potential of CD147 in LUAD were analyzed using UALCAN and a Kaplan‐Meier plotter. Tissue immunohistochemical analyses and PET metabolic parameters were used to identify the relationship between CD147 expression and reprogrammed glycolysis. The role of CD147 in glucose metabolic reprogramming was assessed by radioactive uptake of 18F‐FDG through γ‐radioimmunoassays in vitro and micro‐PET/CT imaging in vivo. Western blotting assays were used to determine the expression level of monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) and MCT4 in established human LUAD cell lines (ie, HCC827 and H1975) with different CD147 expression levels via lentiviral transduction.

Results

CD147 was highly expressed in LUAD. A significant positive correlation existed between CD147 expression and PET metabolic parameters(SUVmax,SUVmean, SUVpeak). CD147 could promote radioactive uptake of 18F‐FDG in vitro and in vivo, suggesting the ability of CD147 to enhance glycolytic metabolism. Furthermore, as an obligate chaperone for MCT1 and MCT4, CD147 positively correlated with MCT1 and MCT4 expression in LUAD tissues and established cell lines with different CD147 expression.

Conclusions

Our study revealed that CD147 is a promising novel target for LUAD treatment and CD147‐mediated glucose metabolism demonstrated its contribution to the predictive role of 18F‐FDG PET/CT imaging for targeted therapeutic efficacy.
Busy directors and firm performance: a replication and extension of Hauser (2018)
Authors: Daniliuc Sorin , Li Lingwei , Wee Marvin
Published: March 2020

We replicate the 2018 study by Hauser and examine whether director appointments impact firm performance by exploiting the exogenous reduction in board appointments generated by mergers that terminate target boards. Using an extended sample, we find increases in return on assets and Tobin’s q for firms with a reduction in board appointments (i.e., treated firms), confirming the results in Hauser’s study. In further analysis, we find greater improvements in firm performance when the target and treated firms are from different industries than if they are from the same industry. The results further demonstrate that director appointments influence firm performance via a workload channel.
The mating strategy and reproductive performance of Agriphila aeneociliella (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), a new insect pest of wheat in China
Authors: Zhan Yidi , Liu Jiahui , Liu Yong
Published: March 2020

The Eastern Grass‐veneer Agriphila aeneociliella (Eversmann) (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) is a serious stem‐feeding pest of wheat crops that has become established in China in recent years. A better understanding of the mating strategy and reproductive performance of A. aeneociliella could improve integrated pest management programmes against this newly established species by disturbing its behaviour and reducing its reproduction potential. Based on ethological and reproductive biological approaches, the mating and reproductive performances of A. aeneociliella were investigated.

Unlike the common nocturnal lepidopterans, the mating rhythm of A. aeneociliella moths showed a marked diurnal pattern. The female courtship rhythm and the mating rhythm reached peaks within the first 2 h after the onset of photocycle.

The mating success rate of monogamous pairs was 55.6%, whereas the male‐biased sex ratio (2♂:1♀) increased the mating rate (72.2%) and the female‐biased ratio (1♂:3♀) led to the lowest mating rate (27.8%).

Both females and males were able to mate twice. The duration of copulation decreased substantially with male mating frequency, whereas, when a previously mated female was paired with a virgin male, fecundity significantly increased. Monogamous couples who mated only once in their lives have the highest hatchability (97.13 ± 0.49%).
Regulatory and health technology assessment advice on postlicensing and postlaunch evidence generation is a foundation for lifecycle data collection for medicines
Authors: Moseley Jane , Vamvakas Spiros , Berntgen Michael , Cave Alison , Kurz Xavier , Arlett Peter , Acha Virginia , Bennett Simon , Cohet Catherine , Corriol‐Rohou Solange , Du Four Emma , Lamoril Christelle , Langeneckert Anja , Koban Maren , Pasté Muriel , Sandler Susan , Van Baelen Karin , Cangini Agnese , García Sonia , Obach Mercè , Gimenez Garcia Emmanuel , Varela Lema Leonor , Jauhonen Hanna‐Mari , Rannanheimo Piia , Morrison Deborah , Van De Casteele Marc , Strömgren Anna , Viberg Anders , Makady Amr , Guilhaume Chantal
Published: March 2020

The understanding of the benefit risk profile, and relative effectiveness of a new medicinal product, are initially established in a circumscribed patient population through clinical trials. There may be uncertainties associated with the new medicinal product that cannot be, or do not need to be resolved before launch. Postlicensing or postlaunch evidence generation (PLEG) is a term for evidence generated after the licensure or launch of a medicinal product to address these remaining uncertainties. PLEG is thus part of the continuum of evidence development for a medicinal product, complementing earlier evidence, facilitating further elucidation of a product's benefit/risk profile, value proposition, and/or exploring broader aspects of disease management and provision of healthcare. PLEG plays a role in regulatory decision making, not only in the European Union but also in other jurisdictions including the USA and Japan. PLEG is also relevant for downstream decision‐making by health technology assessment bodies and payers. PLEG comprises studies of different designs, based on data collected in observational or experimental settings. Experience to date in the European Union has indicated a need for improvements in PLEG. Improvements in design and research efficiency of PLEG could be addressed through more systematic pursuance of Scientific Advice on PLEG with single or multiple decision makers. To date, limited information has been available on the rationale, process or timing for seeking PLEG advice from regulators or health technology assessment bodies. This article sets out to address these issues and to encourage further uptake of PLEG advice.
‘Democracy under Threat’: The Foundation of the Opposition in Venezuela
Authors: González Ybiskay
Published: March 2020

This article sheds new light on how the Venezuelan Opposition was created and, more widely, on contemporary Venezuelan politics. By focusing on the Opposition's articulation of democracy, the article examines how this movement became possible and how it succeeded in maintaining support. Opinion articles covering the period October 2001 to April 2002 were analysed using the theoretical framework of logics within discourse theory. The article argues that although the Opposition succeeded in maintaining its support throughout Chávez's government, it contributed to the polarised politics that currently characterises Venezuela.
Optimization of fermentation conditions for the production of epothilone B
Authors: Long Rong , Yang Wenjian , Huang Gangliang
Published: March 2020

Epothilone is a macrolide secondary metabolite which has the same anticancer effect as paclitaxel. Based on a series of single‐factor experiments, four factors, temperature, initial pH, rotation speed, and inoculum quantity, which have the greatest influence on yield, were determined. Four factors were designed and orthogonal experiments were carried out to optimize the fermentation conditions. Finally, the best experimental conditions were obtained as follows: 250 ml flapper triangular flask was used. The yield of epothilone B was 39.76 mg/L at 30℃, initial pH = 7.4, rotating speed 200 r/min, inoculation amount 10%, liquid loading amount 50 ml/250 ml, fermentation time 6 days and seed age 60 hr.
Clinical implications of experimental analyses of AID function on predictive computational tools: Challenge of missense variants
Authors: Abolhassani Hassan , Marcotte Harold , Fang Mingyan , Hammarström Lennart
Published: March 2020

Due to the increased usage of high throughput sequencing for the diagnosis of genetically inherited disorders, it is vital to evaluate the risk of new variants and novel genes before accepting them in clinical practice. However, discordant in silico and in vitro results, challenge estimations of the effect of an identified genetic variant. We aimed to comprehensively evaluate pathogenic and polymorphic variants using the activation‐induced‐cytidine‐deaminase (AICDA) gene as a model. We systematically searched and identified patients with confirmed AICDA‐mutations. Population‐based‐databases were screened for germline‐polymorphic‐AICDA‐variants. Activity of AICDA‐mutant and severity of the clinical and immunologic‐phenotype were showed comparing 108 population‐based‐variants with 48 pathogenic mutations (12 overlapping‐variants). Discordant predictions of different algorithms were observed on average in 38% of the population‐database variants, mainly for missense mutations. Functional activity in mutations observed only in patients was significantly lower than variants in the population databases and overlapping‐variants between patients and the general‐population. Surprisingly, overlapping‐variants had an even higher functional activity than the most common polymorphic‐variants; however, their pathogenicity was still distinguishable when their function was compared with wild‐type AICDA. Classifications of genetic variants cannot readily be translated into a clinical implication. Combined databases of functional and computational assays should therefore be developed for each specific gene.
Microtubule disrupting agent‐mediated inhibition of cancer cell growth is associated with blockade of autophagic flux and simultaneous induction of apoptosis
Authors: Hasanain Mohammad , Sahai Rohit , Pandey Praveen , Maheshwari Mayank , Choyal Kuldeep , Gandhi Deepa , Singh Akhilesh , Singh Kavita , Mitra Kalyan , Datta Dipak , Sarkar Jayanta
Published: March 2020

Objectives

Given that autophagy inhibition is a feasible way to enhance sensitivity of cancer cells towards chemotherapeutic agents, identifying potent autophagy inhibitor has obvious clinical relevance. Here, we investigated ability of TN‐16, a microtubule disrupting agent, on modulation of autophagic flux and its significance in promoting in vitro and in vivo cancer cell death.

Materials and methods

The effect of TN‐16 on cancer cell proliferation, cell division, autophagic process and apoptotic signalling was assessed by various biochemical (Western blot and SRB assay), morphological (TEM, SEM, confocal microscopy) and flowcytometric assays. In vivo anti‐tumour efficacy of TN‐16 was investigated in syngeneic mouse model of breast cancer.

Results

TN‐16 inhibited cancer cell proliferation by impairing late‐stage autophagy and induction of apoptosis. Inhibition of autophagic flux was demonstrated by accumulation of autophagy‐specific substrate p62 and lack of additional LC3‐II turnover in the presence of lysosomotropic agent. The effect was validated by confocal micrographs showing diminished autophagosome‐lysosome fusion. Further studies revealed that TN‐16–mediated inhibition of autophagic flux promotes apoptotic cell death. Consistent with in vitro data, results of our in vivo study revealed that TN‐16–mediated tumour growth suppression is associated with blockade of autophagic flux and enhanced apoptosis.

Conclusions

Our data signify that TN‐16 is a potent autophagy flux inhibitor and might be suitable for (pre‐) clinical use as standard inhibitor of autophagy with anti‐cancer activity.
von Willebrand factor D and EGF domains is an evolutionarily conserved and required feature of blastemas capable of multitissue appendage regeneration
Authors: Leigh Nicholas D. , Sessa Sofia , Dragalzew Aline C. , Payzin‐Dogru Duygu , Sousa Josane F. , Aggouras Anthony N. , Johnson Kimberly , Dunlap Garrett S. , Haas Brian J. , Levin Michael , Schneider Igor , Whited Jessica L.
Published: March 2020

Regenerative ability varies tremendously across species. A common feature of regeneration of appendages such as limbs, fins, antlers, and tails is the formation of a blastema—a transient structure that houses a pool of progenitor cells that can regenerate the missing tissue. We have identified the expression of von Willebrand factor D and EGF domains (vwde) as a common feature of blastemas capable of regenerating limbs and fins in a variety of highly regenerative species, including axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum), lungfish (Lepidosiren paradoxa), and Polpyterus (Polypterus senegalus). Further, vwde expression is tightly linked to the ability to regenerate appendages in Xenopus laevis. Functional experiments demonstrate a requirement for vwde in regeneration and indicate that Vwde is a potent growth factor in the blastema. These data identify a key role for vwde in regenerating blastemas and underscore the power of an evolutionarily informed approach for identifying conserved genetic components of regeneration.
Lean and keen: Microbial activity in soils from the Maritime Antarctic
Authors: Hopkins David W. , Dennis Paul G. , Rushton Steven P. , Newsham Kevin K. , O'Donnell Tony G.
Published: March 2020

The soils of the Maritime and sub‐Antarctic experience extreme environmental conditions but nonetheless host biological communities that can survive low temperatures, limited water availability and short day lengths or even the complete absence of solar radiation during the winter. We determined the soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (N), soil microbial biomass (SMB), labile carbon (LC) and respiration rate (RR) in soil samples from the longest latitudinal transect (approximately 2,000 km) ever sampled exclusively in the Maritime and sub‐Antarctic, comprising 69 sites located between South Georgia (54°S) and south‐eastern Alexander Island (72°S). With the exception of the most northerly location (South Georgia), the greatest SMB values occurred at 67–68°S, despite the harsh environmental conditions. This is consistent with the relative nutrient richness of the soils at these latitudes, as indicated by large SOC and total soil N concentrations, which are in turn probably linked to more abundant guano and excreta deposition by sea birds and seals, which have fewer and smaller areas of ice‐free terrain to land or haul out on further south. South of 68°S, SOC values declined with increasing latitude, which is probably due to increasingly extreme environmental conditions. We also found that the SOC and SMB values, the proportion of SOC considered labile (LC/SOC) and the carbon mineralization rates expressed as either RR/SOC or RR/SMB were all small compared with values from less extreme temperate and tropical regions. However, the proportion of the SOC in the microbial biomass (SMB/SOC) was substantially greater than that reported for non‐polar soils. We conclude that although the soils of the Maritime and sub‐Antarctic have small and relatively inactive microbial communities, they are characterized by efficient conversion of organic resources into microbial biomass and large affinities for added substrates.

Highlights

Soil carbon parameters are reported from sites along the longest latitudinal transect in Antarctica ever sampled.

The soil microbial biomass tended to peak at 67–68°S, coinciding with relative SOC and N abundance in the soil, probably arising from guano and excreta from sea birds and mammals.

The soil microbial community was small but highly efficient at converting organic resources into microbial biomass, as indicated by large microbial biomass/soil organic carbon ratios.
Can citation metrics predict the true impact of scientific papers?
Authors: Aroeira Rita I. , A.R.B. Castanho Miguel
Published: March 2020

Bibliometric quantification is frequently used as metrics for the evaluation of the scientific performance of researchers and institutions. The researchers’ merit is usually assessed by the analysis of quantitative parameters such as the number of publications, the impact factor of journals, the total number of citations, or the h‐index, although the limitations in translating these indicators into the impact of the outcome of scientific production are a matter of harsh criticism. To assess, based on factual evidences, the validity of traditional bibliometric analyses to conclude on the impact of papers to advance the state of the art, we carried out an innovative methodology on selected publications (test set). This methodology is based on identifying those citations of the test set papers that truly embed the methods, concepts, or hypotheses to build new knowledge and formulate conclusions. The results show that the percentage of citations that reflect the real impact of the papers of the test set has an average value of 12.4% of total citations and is not related to the impact factor of the journal where the test set papers were published. In conclusion, our analysis demonstrates factually, using experimental data, the total failure of using quantitative bulk citation analyses to conclude on the scientific impact of publications. Only a careful analysis of how the work described in papers was embedded on the subsequent work and/or conclusions of others can tell about the real contribution of a published work to the development of new knowledge and advancement of science.
New preparation techniques for molecular and in‐situ analysis of ancient organic micro‐ and nanostructures
Authors: Fadel Alexandre , Lepot Kevin , Nuns Nicolas , Regnier Sylvie , Riboulleau Armelle
Published: March 2020

Organic microfossils preserved in three dimensions in transparent mineral matrices such as cherts/quartzites, phosphates, or carbonates are best studied in petrographic thin sections. Moreover, microscale mass spectrometry techniques commonly require flat, polished surfaces to minimize analytical bias. However, contamination by epoxy resin in traditional petrographic sections is problematic for the geochemical study of the kerogen in these microfossils and more generally for the in situ analysis of fossil organic matter. Here, we show that epoxy contamination has a molecular signature that is difficult to distinguish from kerogen with time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS). This contamination appears pervasive in organic microstructures embedded in micro‐ to nano‐crystalline carbonate. To solve this problem, a new semi‐thin section preparation protocol without resin medium was developed for micro‐ to nanoscale in situ investigation of insoluble organic matter. We show that these sections are suited for microscopic observation of Proterozoic microfossils in cherts. ToF‐SIMS reveals that these sections are free of pollution after final removal of a <10 nm layer of contamination using low‐dose ion sputtering. ToF‐SIMS maps of fragments from aliphatic and aromatic molecules and organic sulfur are correlated with the spatial distribution of organic microlaminae in a Jurassic stromatolite. Hydrocarbon‐derived ions also appeared correlated with kerogenous microstructures in Archean cherts. These developments in analytical procedures should help future investigations of organic matter and in particular, microfossils, by allowing the spatial correlation of microscopy, spectroscopy, precise isotopic microanalyses, and novel molecular microanalyses such as ToF‐SIMS.
Great Recession and club convergence in Europe: A cross‐country, cross‐region panel analysis (2000–2015)
Authors: Mazzola Fabio , Pizzuto Pietro
Published: March 2020

The paper aims at investigating the impact of the Great Recession on per capita GDP convergence process across European regions and countries. Using the time‐varying factor model developed by Phillips and Sul for the period 2000–2015 and two different merging procedures to identify clubs, we provide evidence of the diverging impact of the Great Recession “between” the higher and the lower convergence clubs at both regional and country levels as well as of the strengthening of the convergence process “within” most clubs. In addition, we add further evidence to the common belief of a “multi‐speed” Europe by contrasting Eastern European countries' and regions' behavior vis‐à‐vis original European members' one, and by identifying the factors that affect club membership and resilience to the recent economic downturn. We find that the membership in the higher clubs and resilience to the Great Recession are positively affected by the presence of several local‐specific factors and macroeconomic characteristics.
Osmolyte accumulation in leaves and Na+ exclusion by roots in two salt–treated forage grasses
Authors: Alvarez‐Pizarro Juan Carlos , de Sousa Kleyton Chagas , Silva Johny de Souza , da Silva Antonia Almeida , Gomes‐Filho Enéas
Published: March 2020

The responses of Urochloa brizantha and Megathyrsus maximus young seedlings to salt stress with NaCl at 0 (control), 25, 50 and 100 mmol/L under hydroponic conditions were studied. The relative growth rate of U. brizantha leaves was reduced at 50 and 100 mmol/L NaCl, whereas that of M. maximus leaves was not affected. Moreover, high oxidative damages, low chlorophyll content and severe reduction of osmotic potential were observed in U. brizantha leaves when subjected to 100 mmol/L NaCl. This grass also showed high accumulation of proline and soluble sugars in leaves and roots. M. maximus efficiently regulated leaf K+ concentration and restricted Na+ transport by retention in roots. The leaf K+/Na+ ratio was higher in M. maximus than in U. brizantha at 50 and 100 mmol/L NaCl. Overall, both grasses displayed different mechanisms to reduce the deleterious effects of salinity, but the control of ion homeostasis exhibited by M. maximus contributed notably to improved performance of this grass when grown under saline conditions.
Involvement of the synaptotagmin/stonin2 system in vesicular transport regulated by semaphorins in Caenorhabditis elegans epidermal cells
Authors: Tanaka Hiroki , Kanatome Ayana , Takagi Shin
Published: March 2020

Vesicular transport serves as an important mechanism for cell shape regulation during development. Although the semaphorin signaling molecule, a well‐known regulator of axon guidance, induces endocytosis in the growth cone and the axonal transport of vertebrate neurons, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unclear. Here, we show that the Caenorhabditis elegans SNT‐1/synaptotagmin‐UNC‐41/stonin2 system, whose role in synaptic vesicle recycling in neurons has been studied extensively, is involved in semaphorin‐regulated vesicular transport in larval epidermal cells. Mutations in the snt‐1/unc‐41 genes strongly suppressed the cell shape defects of semaphorin mutants. The null mutation in the semaphorin receptor gene, plx‐1, altered the expression and localization pattern of endocytic and exocytic markers in the epidermal cells while repressing the transport of SNT‐1‐containing vesicles toward late endosome/lysosome pathways. Our findings suggest that the nematode semaphorins regulate the vesicular transport in epidermal cells in a manner distinct from that of vertebrate semaphorins in neurons.
Complement and human T cell metabolism: Location, location, location
Authors: West Erin E. , Kunz Natalia , Kemper Claudia
Published: March 2020

The complement system represents one of the evolutionary oldest arms of our immune system and is commonly recognized as a liver‐derived and serum‐active system critical for providing protection against invading pathogens. Recent unexpected findings, however, have defined novel and rather “uncommon” locations and activities of complement. Specifically, the discovery of an intracellularly active complement system—the complosome—and its key role in the regulation of cell metabolic pathways that underly normal human T cell responses have taught us that there is still much to be discovered about this system. Here, we summarize the current knowledge about the emerging functions of the complosome in T cell metabolism. We further place complosome activities among the non‐canonical roles of other intracellular innate danger sensing systems and argue that a “location‐centric” view of complement evolution could logically justify its close connection with the regulation of basic cell physiology.
The effects of therapeutic activity kits in emergency department patients with dementia: Study protocol for a pragmatic randomized control trial
Authors: Higgs Leonie , Atkinson Diane , Brown Nathan J. , Schnitker Linda , Lock Caitlin , Merlo Gregory , Kramer David , Bennett Leanne , Hughes James A.
Published: March 2020

Aim

To determine the effectiveness of therapeutic activity kits on health service use and treatment delivered in the emergency department (ED) in patients with pre‐morbid dementia.

Design

Pragmatic randomized control trial with equal parallel groups.

Methods

Participants with dementia will be randomly assigned to the control group (N = 56) or the intervention group (N = 56). The intervention group will be given access to a therapeutic activity kit containing several different activities and sensory stimuli to engage the person with dementia during their ED stay in addition to usual care, and the control group will be given usual care only. A research nurse will observe participants at 30–60‐min intervals throughout their ED stay for responsive behaviours, one‐on‐one nursing, and the use of chemical and physical restraint. This study has received Research Ethics Committee approval from the institutional review board and funding from the Rosemary Bryant Foundation (May 2019).

Discussion

Emergency departments are busy and noisy environments and can be intimidating and disorientating for patients with dementia, which can result in responsive behaviours. Responsive behaviours are often managed with restrictive interventions, such as chemical or physical restraint, or with constant bedside nursing (one‐on‐one nursing) to ensure patient safety. Alternatively, non‐restrictive and non‐pharmacological interventions that divert or occupy the attention of patients such as those contained in the therapeutic activity kit can be considered as a more person‐centred strategy. Therapeutic activity kits have been reported as feasible for the use in ED; however, there is limited quality evidence at present to support the implementation of such interventions in the ED.

Impact

If this study is successful, it will demonstrate that a therapeutic activity kit containing activities (puzzles, colouring, music, and tactile activities) is inexpensive, easily implemented intervention that can prevent this patient group from demonstrating unsafe behaviours and requiring one‐on‐one nursing and restraints.
Persuasive social features that promote knowledge sharing among tertiary students on social networking sites: An empirical study
Authors: Wiafe Isaac , Koranteng Felix N. , Owusu Ebenezer , Ekpezu Akon O. , Gyamfi Samuel A.
Published: March 2020

Persuasive system features have been widely adopted to encourage attitude and behaviour change. Recently, most social networking sites (SNS) adopt some form of persuasive system features that leverage social influence to deliberately induce prescribed behaviours in their users. However, studies on how these features can be used to promote knowledge sharing are inadequate; particularly, regarding how SNS that have been developed solely for academic purposes can adopt these features to promote knowledge sharing. To address this knowledge gap, this study integrates constructs from the social capital theory and persuasive systems design model to investigate the impact of persuasive social features on knowledge sharing among students of tertiary institutions on academic social networking sites. Data are quantitatively gathered from 218 respondents from tertiary institutions and statistically analyzed. The results suggest that perceived dialogue support and perceived social support have strong influences on knowledge sharing behaviour.
The long‐term therapeutic effects of His‐Purkinje system pacing on bradycardia and cardiac conduction dysfunction compared with right ventricular pacing: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sun Jin‐Yu , Sha Ye‐Qin , Sun Qing‐Yang , Qiu Yue , Shao Bo , Ni Yi‐Hong , Mei Yu‐Kun , Zhang Chang‐Ying , Wang Ru‐Xing
Published: March 2020

Aims

His‐Purkinje system pacing has been demonstrated as a synchronized ventricular pacing strategy via pacing His‐Purkinje system directly, which can decrease the incidence of adverse cardiac structure alteration compared with right ventricular pacing (RVP). The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to compare the effects of His‐Purkinje system pacing and RVP in patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction dysfunction.

Methods

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were systematically searched from the establishment of databases up to 15 December 2019. Studies on long‐term clinical outcomes of His‐Purkinje system pacing and RVP were included. Chronic paced QRS duration, chronic pacing threshold, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end‐diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end‐systolic volume (LVESV), all‐cause mortality, and heart failure hospitalization were collected for meta‐analysis.

Results

A total of 13 studies comprising 2348 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. Compared with RVP group, patients receiving His‐Purkinje system pacing showed improvement of LVEF (mean difference [MD], 5.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.38‐6.92), shorter chronic paced QRS duration (MD, − 39.29; 95% CI, − 41.90 to − 36.68), higher pacing threshold (MD, 0.8; 95% CI, 0.71‐0.89) and lower risk of heart failure hospitalization (odds ratio [OR], 0.65; 95% CI, 0.44‐0.96) during the follow‐up. However, no statistical difference existed in LVEDV, LVESV and all‐cause mortality between the two groups.

Conclusion

Our meta‐analysis suggests that His‐bundle pacing is more suitable for the treatment of patients with bradycardia and cardiac conduction dysfunction.
The effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone on alpha‐2‐macroglobulin in osteoblasts derived from human mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Sadeghi Faezeh , Vahednia Elham , Naderi Meshkin Hojjat , Kerachian Mohammad Amin
Published: March 2020

Nowadays, alpha‐2‐macroglobulin (A2M) gene has allocated escalating interest among several genes involved in the pathogenesis of avascular necrosis of the femoral head (ANFH). This molecule could interact with several osteogenic‐related proteins. It was reported that adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) affects bones through its receptor located on osteoblasts, suggesting it as a potential target in ANFH treatment. In this study, the effect of ACTH on A2M expression was investigated in osteoblasts as well as during the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into osteoblasts. In this study, MSCs derived from bone marrow were isolated and purified using Ficoll gradient and several passaging. MSCs were characterized by induction with osteogenic and adipogenic medium followed by Oil Red O, Alizarin Red and alkaline phosphatase staining. Besides, MSCs were exposed to various concentrations of ACTH to evaluate the cell variability by MTT assay. MSCs and differentiated osteoblasts were treated with 10−8 molar ACTH for 16 and 26 days, respectively. Then, the total RNA was extracted and A2M expression was quantified by real‐time qPCR. The protein expression levels of osteoblast markers including alkaline phosphatase (ALPL) and bone gamma‐carboxyglutamate protein (BGLAP) were also measured. The results showed that A2M expression in cells treated with ACTH was up‐regulated significantly compared to the control group. Similarly, the expression of osteoblast gene markers including ALPL and BGLAP was significantly increased. ACTH, as an osteoblastic differentiation enhancer, up‐regulates A2M, which promotes osteoblastic differentiation probably through TGF‐β induction.
Ozone therapy promotes the differentiation of basal keratinocytes via increasing Tp63‐mediated transcription of KRT10 to improve psoriasis
Authors: Gao Lihua , Dou Jianhua , Zhang Bo , Zeng Jinrong , Cheng Qingmei , Lei Li , Tan Lina , Zeng Qinghai , Ding Shu , Guo Aiyuan , Cheng Haipeng , Yang Caifeng , Luo Ziqiang , Lu Jianyun
Published: March 2020

Psoriasis is a chronic immune‐mediated inflammatory dermatosis. Recently, ozone therapy has been applicated to psoriasis treatment; however, the mechanism by which ozone therapy improves psoriasis remains unclear. The excessive proliferation and the differentiation of basal keratinocytes have been considered critical issues during pathological psoriasis process, in which keratin 6 (KRT6) and KRT10 might be involved. In the present study, KRT6, IL‐17 and IL‐22 protein within psoriasis lesions was decreased, while KRT10 and Tp63 protein in psoriasis lesions was increased by ozone treatment in both patient and IMQ mice psoriatic tissues. In the meantime, ozone treatment down‐regulated KRT6 mRNA and protein expression while up‐regulated KRT10 mRNA and protein expression within IL‐22 treated primary KCs; the cell viability of KCs was suppressed by ozone treatment. Moreover, Tp63 bound to KRT10 promoter region to activate its transcription in basal keratinocytes; the promotive effects of ozone on Tp63 and KRT10 were significantly reversed by Tp63 silence. Both TP63 and KRT10 mRNA expression were significantly increased by ozone treatment in psoriasis lesions; there was a positive correlation between Tp63 and KRT10 expression within tissue samples, suggesting that ozone induces the expression of Tp63 to enhance the expression of KRT10 and the differentiation of keratinocytes, therefore improving the psoriasis. In conclusion, the application of ozonated oil could be an efficient and safe treatment for psoriasis; ozone promotes the differentiation of keratinocytes via increasing Tp63‐mediated transcription of KRT10, therefore improving psoriasis.
Body size and sperm quality in queen‐ And worker‐produced ant males
Authors: Giehr Julia , Wallner Jennifer , Krüger Theresa , Heinze Jürgen
Published: March 2020

Workers of many species of social Hymenoptera have functional ovaries and are capable of laying haploid, unfertilized eggs, at least in the absence of a queen. Except for honeybees, it remains largely unknown whether worker‐produced males have the same quality as queen‐produced males and whether workers benefit in direct fitness by producing their sons. Previous studies in the monogynous ant Temnothorax crassispinus revealed that a high proportion of males in natural and laboratory colonies are worker offspring. Here, we compare longevity, body size, sperm length and sperm viability between queen‐ and worker‐produced males. We either split queenright colonies into queenright and queenless halves or removed the queen from a fraction of the queenright colonies and then examined the newly produced males. Male quality traits varied considerably among colonies but differed only slightly between queen‐ and worker‐produced males. Worker‐produced males outnumbered queen‐produced males and also had a longer lifespan, but under certain rearing conditions sperm from queen‐produced males had a higher viability.
‘We need to share our stories’: the lives of Pakistanis with intellectual disability and their guardians
Authors: Patka M. , Wallin‐Ruschman J. , Al Rahma B. A. , Zar A. , bin Nauman H. , Sharif J. M. , Ikram S. , Ul Hasan T. , Naeem A. , Sharif G. M. , Mehboob N. , Azim T. , Khanam Z.
Published: March 2020

Introduction

The experiences of Pakistanis with intellectual disabilities (IDs) and their family members have been underexplored empirically.

Method

The present study sought to address this gap by understanding the lives of five Special Olympics Pakistan athletes and their guardians through PhotoVoice.

Findings

Through thematic analysis, we present the primary theme concerning Pakistan's cultural context that provides an empirical exploration of cultural beliefs about intellectual disability, cultural expectations and support received by people with intellectual disabilities and their guardians.

Discussion

We discuss implications for research and practice.
New actors in optic neuritis pathogenesis
Authors: Rosenstein Ruth E.
Published: March 2020

The aim of the present report was to analyze the involvement of glutamate neurotoxicity in retinal ganglion cell loss and optic nerve damage induced by experimental optic neuritis. For this purpose, the authors used an optic neuritis model induced by immunisation with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (AON). The authors describe a correlation in the timing of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss with alterations in the optic nerve actin cytoskeleton dynamic, and visual dysfunction. In addition, they show that an intravitreal injection of glutamate mimics, and an NMDA receptor antagonist avoids the effect of pre‐clinical AON on visual functions and RGC number, as well as on optic nerve actin cytoskeleton. Taken together, their results support that avoiding glutamate neurotoxicity could become a new therapeutic approach for optic neuritis treatment.

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Incidence and characteristics of neurotoxicity in immune checkpoint inhibitors with focus on neuromuscular events: Experience beyond the clinical trials
Authors: Bruna Jordi , Argyriou Andreas A. , Anastopoulou Garifallia G. , Alemany Montse , Nadal Ernest , Kalofonou Foteini , Piulats Josep M. , Simó Marta , Velasco Roser , Kalofonos Haralabos P.
Published: March 2020

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with various neurological adverse events (NAEs). We herein explored the incidence and clinical phenotype of immune‐related NAEs in cancer patients. Medical records of ICI‐treated cancer patients were reviewed between the years 2010 and 2018, with an aim to characterize immuno‐related NAEs. A total of 1185 ICIs‐treated patients were identified, 63.7% of which were males and 36.3% were females, with a mean age of 63.4 ± 7.3 years. Twenty‐four from the overall ICIs‐treated patients (2%) developed NAEs. No differences were identified in terms of age, sex, tumor type and class of ICIs between the patients who developed NAEs and those who did not. The median number of cycles of ICI treatment before NAEs onset were 4.5 (1‐10), and the median time was 102 days. Peripheral nervous system (PNS) involvement was present in 14 patients (58.4%) and central nervous system (CNS) involvement in 10 (33.3%), including 2 patients with aseptic meningitis and polyradicular involvement. Amongst PNS complications, there were five (20.8%) with axonal sensory neuropathies, four (16.7%) with Guillain‐Barre‐like syndromes, and four (16.7%) with myositis and/or myasthenic syndromes. The majority of patients with PNS‐related NAEs (n = 11; 78.6%) improved after ICIs discontinuation and treatment with immune‐modulating therapies. The time to neuromuscular toxicities onset was significantly shorter, compared to CNS NAEs (median 70 vs 119 days, P = .037). Immune‐related NAEs mostly present with neuromuscular complications. Discontinuation of ICIs and appropriate treatment should be commenced early throughout the process, in order to maximize a favorable outcome.