bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the magnetoionic environments of fast radio bursts
Authors: Wang Wei-Yang , Zhang Bing , Chen Xuelei , Xu Renxin
Published: September 2020

Observations of the Faraday rotation measure, combined with the dispersion measure, can be used to infer the magnetoionic environment of a radio source. We investigate the magnetoionic environments of fast radio bursts (FRBs) by deriving their estimated average magnetic field strengths along the line of sight 〈B∥〉 in their host galaxies and comparing them with those of Galactic pulsars and magnetars. We find that for those FRBs with RM measurements, the mean 〈B∥〉 are $1.77^{+9.01}_{-1.48}\, \rm \mu G$ and $1.74^{+14.82}_{-1.55}\, \rm \mu G$ using two different methods, which is slightly larger but not inconsistent with the distribution of Galactic pulsars, $1.00^{+1.51}_{-0.60}\, \rm \mu G$. Only six Galactic magnetars have estimated 〈B∥〉. Excluding PSR J1745–2900 that has an anomalously high value due to its proximity with the Galactic Centre, the other five sources have a mean value of $1.70\, \rm \mu G$, which is statistically consistent with the 〈B∥〉 distributions of both Galactic pulsars and FRBs. There is no apparent trend of evolution of magnetar 〈B∥〉 as a function of age or surface magnetic field strength. Galactic pulsars and magnetars close to the Galactic Centre have relatively larger 〈B∥〉 values than other pulsars/magnetars. We discuss the implications of these results for the magnetoionic environments of FRB 121102 within the context of magnetar model and the model invoking a supermassive black hole, and for the origin of FRBs in general.
Specific suppression of D-RNA G-quadruplex–protein interaction with an L-RNA aptamer
Authors: Umar Mubarak I , Kwok Chun Kit
Published: September 2020

G-quadruplexes (G4s) are nucleic acid structure motifs that are of significance in chemistry and biology. The function of G4s is often governed by their interaction with G4-binding proteins. Few categories of G4-specific tools have been developed to inhibit G4–protein interactions; however, until now there is no aptamer tool being developed to do so. Herein, we present a novel L-RNA aptamer that can generally bind to D-RNA G-quadruplex (rG4) structure, and interfere with rG4–protein interaction. Using hTERC rG4 as the target for in vitro selection, we report the shortest L-aptamer being developed so far, with only 25 nucleotides. Notably, this new aptamer, L-Apt.4-1c, adopts a stem–loop structure with the loop folding into an rG4 motif with two G-quartet, demonstrates preferential binding toward rG4s over non-G4s and DNA G-quadruplexes (dG4s), and suppresses hTERC rG4–nucleolin interactions. We also show that inhibition of rG4–protein interaction using L-RNA aptamer L-Apt.4-1c is comparable to or better than G4-specific ligands such as carboxypyridostatin and QUMA-1 respectively, highlighting that our approach and findings expand the current G4 toolbox, and open a new avenue for diverse applications.
STAB: a spatio-temporal cell atlas of the human brain
Authors: Song Liting , Pan Shaojun , Zhang Zichao , Jia Longhao , Chen Wei-Hua , Zhao Xing-Ming
Published: September 2020

The human brain is the most complex organ consisting of billions of neuronal and non-neuronal cells that are organized into distinct anatomical and functional regions. Elucidating the cellular and transcriptome architecture underlying the brain is crucial for understanding brain functions and brain disorders. Thanks to the single-cell RNA sequencing technologies, it is becoming possible to dissect the cellular compositions of the brain. Although great effort has been made to explore the transcriptome architecture of the human brain, a comprehensive database with dynamic cellular compositions and molecular characteristics of the human brain during the lifespan is still not available. Here, we present STAB (a Spatio-Temporal cell Atlas of the human Brain), a database consists of single-cell transcriptomes across multiple brain regions and developmental periods. Right now, STAB contains single-cell gene expression profiling of 42 cell subtypes across 20 brain regions and 11 developmental periods. With STAB, the landscape of cell types and their regional heterogeneity and temporal dynamics across the human brain can be clearly seen, which can help to understand both the development of the normal human brain and the etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. STAB is available at http://stab.comp-sysbio.org.
How Information about Inequality Impacts Belief in Meritocracy: Evidence from a Randomized Survey Experiment in Australia, Indonesia and Mexico
Authors: Mijs Jonathan J B , Hoy Christopher
Published: September 2020

Most people misperceive economic inequality. Learning about actual levels of inequality and social mobility, research suggests, heightens concerns but may push people’s policy preferences in any number of directions. This mixed empirical record, we argue, reflects the omission of a more fundamental question: under what conditions do people change their understanding of the meritocratic or non-meritocratic causes of inequality? To explore mechanisms of belief change we field a unique randomized survey experiment with representative populations in Australia, Indonesia, and Mexico—societies with varying levels of popular beliefs about economic inequality. Our results highlight the importance of information, perceived social position, and self-interest. In Indonesia, information describing (high) income inequality and (low) social mobility rocked our participants’ belief in meritocracy. The same information made less of a splash in Mexico, where unequal outcomes are commonly understood as the result of corruption and other non-meritocratic processes. In Australia, the impact of our informational treatment was strongest when it provided justification for people’s income position or when it corrected their perception of relative affluence. Our findings reveal asymmetric beliefs about poverty and wealth and heterogeneous responses to information. They are a call to rethink effective informational and policy interventions.
Rpg7: A New Gene for Stem Rust Resistance from Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum
Authors: Henningsen Eva , Sallam Ahmad H. , Matny Oadi , Szinyei Tamas , Figueroa Melania , Steffenson Brian J.
Published: September 2020

Wheat stem rust (causal organism: Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici) is an important fungal disease that causes significant yield losses in barley. The deployment of resistant cultivars is the most effective means of controlling this disease. Stem rust evaluations of a diverse collection of wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) identified two Jordanian accessions (WBDC094 and WBDC238) with resistance to a virulent pathotype (P. graminis f. sp. tritici HKHJC) from the United States. To elucidate the genetics of stem rust resistance, both accessions were crossed to the susceptible landrace Hiproly. Segregation ratios of F2 and F3 progeny indicated that a single dominant gene confers resistance to P. graminis f. sp. tritici HKHJC. Molecular mapping of the resistance locus was performed in the Hiproly/WBDC238 F2 population based on 3,329 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers generated by genotyping-by-sequencing. Quantitative trait locus analysis positioned the resistance gene to the long arm of chromosome 3H between the physical/genetic positions of 683.8 Mbp/172.9 cM and 693.7 Mbp/176.0 cM. Because this resistance gene is novel, it was assigned the new gene locus symbol of Rpg7 with a corresponding allele symbol of Rpg7.i. At the seedling stage, Rpg7 confers resistance against a number of other important P. graminis f. sp. tritici pathotypes from the United States (MCCFC, QCCJB, and TTTTF) and Africa (TTKSK) as well as an isolate (92-MN-90) of the rye stem rust pathogen (P. graminis f. sp. secalis) from Minnesota. The resistance conferred by Rpg7 can be readily transferred into breeding programs because of its simple inheritance and clear phenotypic expression.
A rat model of orthopedic injury-induced hypercoagulability and fibrinolytic shutdown
Authors: Carter Kristen T. , Palei Ana C. , Spradley Frank T. , Witcher Brycen M. , Martin Larry , Hester Robert L. , Kutcher Matthew E.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND

Postinjury hypercoagulability occurs in >25% of injured patients, increasing risk of thromboembolic complications despite chemoprophylaxis. However, few clinically relevant animal models of posttraumatic hypercoagulability exist. We aimed to evaluate a rodent model of bilateral hindlimb injury as a preclinical model of postinjury hypercoagulability.

METHODS

Forty Wistar rats were anesthetized with isoflurane: 20 underwent bilateral hindlimb fibula fracture, soft tissue and muscular crush injury, and bone homogenate injection intended to mimic the physiological severity of bilateral femur fracture. Twenty sham rats underwent anesthesia only. Terminal citrated blood samples were drawn at 0, 6, 12, and 24 hours (n = 5 per timed group) for analysis by native thromboelastography in the presence and absence of taurocholic acid to augment fibrinolysis. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and α-2 antiplasmin levels in plasma were assessed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Injured rats became hypercoagulable relative to baseline by 6 hours based on thromboelastography maximal amplitude (MA) and G (p < 0.005); sham rats became hypercoagulable to a lesser degree by 24 hours (p < 0.005). Compared with sham animals, injured rats were hypercoagulable by MA and G within 6 hours of injury, remained hypercoagulable by MA and G through at least 24 hours (all p < 0.01), and showed impaired fibrinolysis by taurocholic acid LY30 at 12 hours (p = 0.019) and native LY30 at 24 hours (p = 0.045). In terms of antifibrinolytic mediators, α-2 antiplasmin was elevated in trauma animals at 24 hours (p = 0.009), and plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 was elevated in trauma animals at 6 hours (p = 0.004) and 12 hours (p < 0.001) when compared with sham.

CONCLUSIONS

Orthopedic injury in rodents induced platelet and overall hypercoagulability within 6 hours and fibrinolytic impairment by 12 to 24 hours, mimicking postinjury hypercoagulability in injured patients. This rodent model of orthopedic injury may serve as a preclinical testing ground for potential therapies to mitigate hypercoagulability, maintain normal fibrinolysis, and prevent thromboembolic complications.
The Relationship Between Air Pollution and Cognitive Functions in Children and Adolescents: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lopuszanska Urszula , Samardakiewicz Marzena
Published: September 2020

Air pollution has a negative impact on one’s health and on the central nervous system. We decided to assess studies that evaluated the relationship between air pollution and cognitive functions in children and adolescents by reviewing studies that had been published between January 2009 and May 2019. We searched three major databases for original works (26 studies) and for studies using brain imaging methods based on MRI (six studies). Adverse effects of air pollutants on selected cognitive or psychomotor functions were found in all of the studies. Exposure to nitrogen dioxide, for example, was linked to impaired working memory, general cognitive functions, and psychomotor functions; particulate matter 2.5 was linked to difficulties in working memory, short-term memory, attention, processing speed, and fine motor function; black carbon was linked to poor verbal intelligence, nonverbal intelligence, and working memory; airborne copper was linked to impaired attentiveness and fine motor skills; isophorone was linked to lower mathematical skills; and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fetal life were linked to lower intelligence scores. The studies using MRI showed that high concentrations of air pollutants were linked to changes in the brain’s white matter or lower functional integration and segregation in children’s brain networks. In view of the global increase in air pollution, there is a need for further research to elucidate the relationship between air pollution and cognitive and motor development in children. According to some studies, neuroinflammation, the e4 allele of the apolipoprotein E gene, and gutathione-S-transferase gene polymorphism processes may play a role.
EEG Monitoring After Convulsive Status Epilepticus
Authors: Fung France W. , Abend Nicholas S.
Published: September 2020

After convulsive status epilepticus, patients of all ages may have ongoing EEG seizures identified by continuous EEG monitoring. Furthermore, high EEG seizure exposure has been associated with unfavorable neurobehavioral outcomes. Thus, recent guidelines and consensus statements recommend many patients with persisting altered mental status after convulsive status epilepticus undergo continuous EEG monitoring. This review summarizes the available epidemiologic data and related recommendations provided by recent guidelines and consensus statements.
Nasopharyngeal carriage and antimicrobial susceptibility profile of Haemophilus influenzae among patients infected with HIV in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Safari Dodi , Lestari Agatha Nabilla , Khoeri Miftahuddin Majid , Tafroji Wisnu , Giri-Rachman Ernawati A. , Harimurti Kuntjoro , Kurniati Nia
Published: September 2020

In this study, the prevalence of nasopharyngeal carriage and the antimicrobial susceptibility profile of

Haemophilus influenzae

were investigated in children and adults with HIV infection in Jakarta, Indonesia. Thirty-four

H. influenzae

isolates were identified in the children (n=16/90; 18%) and adults (n=18/200; 9%) infected with HIV. All isolates were nontypeable

H. influenzae

and were less susceptible to ampicillin (62%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (41%). In this study, the

H. influenzae

strains carried by patients infected with HIV were dominated by non-capsulated types.
A hospital-wide response to multiple outbreaks of COVID-19 in Health Care Workers Lessons learned from the field
Authors: Buising Kirsty , Williamson Deborah , Cowie Benjamin , MacLachlan Jennifer , Orr Liz , MacIsaac Chris , Williams Eloise , Bond Katherine , Muhi Stephen , McCarthy James , Maier Andrea B. , Irving Louis , Heinjus Denise , Kelly Cate , Marshall Caroline
Published: September 2020

Objective

To describe COVID-19 infections amongst healthcare workers at the Royal Melbourne Hospital from 1st July to 31st August 2020

Design

Prospective observational study

Setting

A 550 bed tertiary referral hospital in metropolitan Melbourne

Participants

All healthcare workers identified with COVID-19 infection in the period of interest

Results

262 healthcare worker infections were identified over 9 weeks. 68.3% of infected healthcare workers were nurses and the most affected locations were the geriatric and rehabilitation wards. Clusters of infection occurred in staff working in wards with patients known to have COVID-19 infection. Staff infections peaked when COVID-19 infected inpatient numbers were highest, and density of patients and certain patient behaviours were noted by staff to be linked to possible transmission events. Three small outbreaks on other wards occurred but all were recognised and brought under control. Availability of rapid turn-around staff testing, and regular review of local data and obtaining feedback from staff helped identify useful interventions which were iteratively implemented. Attention to staff wellbeing was critical to the response and a comprehensive support service was implemented.

Conclusion(s)

A comprehensive multimodal approach to containment was instituted with iterative refinement based on frontline workers observations and ongoing analysis of local data in real time.

The known: Healthcare workers are a group recognized to be at risk of acquisition of infection in the workplace during the current COVID-19 pandemic

The new: This describes the experience of the largest Australian outbreak to date of COVID- 19 infection amongst healthcare workers in a hospital environment

The implications: This paper should assist healthcare services to prepare for surges in COVID-19 infection to help limit future transmissions to healthcare workers
Peripheral regulatory CD8+CD28−KLRG1+ T cells as markers of disease and treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Thompson Charlotte , Beatson Richard , Davies Ruth , Greenhill Claire , Jones Simon A. , Williams Anwen S. , Jones Gareth W. , Choy Ernest HS
Published: September 2020

Objective

CD3+CD8+CD28− cells are increased in the periphery and tissues of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. The aim of this study was to characterise CD3+CD8+CD28− cells for the presence of cell surface receptors that regulate immune activation and function and to track their presence in a disease model of RA. Cell surface receptors expressed by CD3+CD8+CD28− cells were then related to serological and clinical disease parameters to establish whether these cells are prognostic of a clinical response to conventional DMARDs.

Method

Using healthy donor peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) cell surface expression of > 50 candidate markers were tested using flow cytometry and compared against CD28 expression. The prevalence of cells expressing the most suitable candidate was investigated in the collagen induced arthritis (CIA) and the antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) models. Fifty RA patients were recruited from University Hospital of Wales (UHW) rheumatology outpatient clinic. Clinical and serological markers of inflammation were noted, and PBMC were analysed using flow cytometry +/− in vitro stimulation.

Results

CD3+CD8+CD28− T cells express CD244, CD57, CX3CR1 and KLRG1. The strongest inverse correlate of CD28 expression was KLRG1. CD3+CD8+CD28−KLRG1+ cells were elevated in experimental models of RA. Notably, Il-10-deficiency was linked with exacerbated arthritis and an increase in the number of CD3+CD8+CD28−KLRG1+ cells, suggesting a regulatory role for Il-10 in their development or survival. In RA patients, CD3+CD8+CD28−KLRG1+ cells correlate with ACPA, RF and ESR, and produce more IL-10 than controls. Finally, these cells are higher in early arthritis patients that do not respond to treatment with synthetic DMARDs at six months.

Conclusion

KLRG1 is a marker for regulatory CD3+CD8+CD28− cells. The presence of CD3+CD8+CD28-KLRG1+ cells increases with certain measures of disease, and is indicative of poor treatment response to DMARDs in early arthritis.

Key Messages

KLRG1 is a marker of CD28 negativity on CD8 T cells

CD3+CD8+CD28−KLRG1+ cells are increased in CIA mice and correlate with disease severity.

CD3+CD8+CD28−KLRG1+ cells positively correlate with ESR / ACPA and RF in patients.

CD3+CD8+CD28−KLRG1+ cells are increased in Il-10-deficient mice with inflammatory arthritis.

CD3+CD8+CD28−KLRG1+ cells produce more Il-10 than CD3+CD8+CD28+KLRG1−cells in RA patients.

CD3+CD8+CD28−KLRG1+ cells are higher in patients who do not respond to treatment with synthetic DMARDs after six months.
Break-induced replication promotes fragile telomere formation
Authors: Yang Zhe , Takai Kaori K. , Lovejoy Courtney A. , de Lange Titia
Published: September 2020

TRF1 facilitates the replication of telomeric DNA in part by recruiting the BLM helicase, which can resolve G-quadruplexes on the lagging-strand template. Lagging-strand telomeres lacking TRF1 or BLM form fragile telomeres—structures that resemble common fragile sites (CFSs)—but how they are formed is not known. We report that analogous to CFSs, fragile telomeres in BLM-deficient cells involved double-strand break (DSB) formation, in this case by the SLX4/SLX1 nuclease. The DSBs were repaired by POLD3/POLD4-dependent break-induced replication (BIR), resulting in fragile telomeres containing conservatively replicated DNA. BIR also promoted fragile telomere formation in cells with FokI-induced telomeric DSBs and in alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) cells, which have spontaneous telomeric damage. BIR of telomeric DSBs competed with PARP1-, LIG3-, and XPF-dependent alternative nonhomologous end joining (alt-NHEJ), which did not generate fragile telomeres. Collectively, these findings indicate that fragile telomeres can arise from BIR-mediated repair of telomeric DSBs.
Native molecule sequencing by nano-ID reveals synthesis and stability of RNA isoforms
Authors: Maier Kerstin C. , Gressel Saskia , Cramer Patrick , Schwalb Björn
Published: September 2020

Eukaryotic genes often generate a variety of RNA isoforms that can lead to functionally distinct protein variants. The synthesis and stability of RNA isoforms is poorly characterized because current methods to quantify RNA metabolism use short-read sequencing and cannot detect RNA isoforms. Here we present nanopore sequencing–based isoform dynamics (nano-ID), a method that detects newly synthesized RNA isoforms and monitors isoform metabolism. Nano-ID combines metabolic RNA labeling, long-read nanopore sequencing of native RNA molecules, and machine learning. Nano-ID derives RNA stability estimates and evaluates stability determining factors such as RNA sequence, poly(A)-tail length, secondary structure, translation efficiency, and RNA-binding proteins. Application of nano-ID to the heat shock response in human cells reveals that many RNA isoforms change their stability. Nano-ID also shows that the metabolism of individual RNA isoforms differs strongly from that estimated for the combined RNA signal at a specific gene locus. Nano-ID enables studies of RNA metabolism at the level of single RNA molecules and isoforms in different cell states and conditions.
Shared meaning at the intersection of NPO reputation and trust: a personification perspective
Authors: Türkel Selin , Uzunoğlu Ebru , Misci Kip Sema
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to unearth common perceptions of non-profit organization (NPO) trust and reputation, with a specific focus in their overlaps and intersections. Examining the two concepts in tandem allows a more comprehensive approach offering new insights.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is devoted to the analysis of the interplay of NPO trust and reputation combining semantic network analysis with a personification approach. The data are collected via semi-structured interviews with 482 individuals.

Findings

The present results reveal both common (e.g. charitable, credible) and unique (e.g. illuminating, nice) personality traits. Findings also demonstrate that reputation is a broader concept than trust, with more characteristics. Moreover, it is possible to state that NPOs deemed reputable have a 50% chance of being trusted.

Research limitations/implications

Clearly delineating the relationship between the concepts of NPO trust and reputation has certain conceptual significance and practical value. As traits are grouped in the existing taxonomy categories based on the analysis, it could contribute to improving understanding of these constructs, as well as a modification in the existing classification.

Practical implications

This study aims to assist NPO managers by providing a list of ideal traits for NPO reputation and trust. It can serve as a guide for managers to assess their own perceptions, for comparison with those of competitors.

Originality/value

To the authors' knowledge, this study is the first attempt to provide an interrelated perspective to the study of NPO trust and reputation through semantic network and personification approach.
Employment relations and perceived organizational performance: the moderating role of technological intensity
Authors: Harsh Harsh , Prasad Asha
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship of different dimensions of employment relation (ER) with perceived organizational performance. The study also attempts to analyze the role of technological intensity in determining the employment approaches adopted by the firm.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were gathered through the survey method and in-depth personal interviews were conducted in Indian manufacturing firms based in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Findings

The findings confirm that all dimensions of employment relation have profound and significant relationship with perceived organizational performance. It also revealed that technology intensity of the industry determines the way people are managed in the organization.

Originality/value

The study has contributed to the existing body of knowledge by understanding the impact of unique framework of ER (industrial relations and HRM) on organizational performance. The study represents the one of the fewest attempts to measure technology intensity as moderating variable in ER & Performance.
Why is the Nepalese labor force so strong in a global context of decline? Shedding light on the unexplored characteristics of Nepalese labor relations
Authors: Tulachan Bojindra Prasad
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the unexplored characteristics of labor relations in Nepal against the backdrop of social exchange theory as it relates to labor relations.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper considers the psychological contract of promises and expectations from the social exchange theory on the ground in Nepal. To do so, the paper adopts an inductive method of investigation and reviews dispersed and unstructured archival data.

Findings

In terms of the psychological contract of promises and expectations, Nepalese workers and trade unions appear to have constituted a pressure group since they aligned themselves with Nepal's political parties. Consequently, the legal labor framework and behaviors of trade unions have produced highly politicized labor relations; very high and dense union memberships; vocal unions; a labor-supportive legal framework; union-influenced government and union-driven enterprise-level collective bargaining and collective dispute settlement.

Originality/value

The paper claims that although the system framework has flimsy prospects elsewhere in the world, it is strong in Nepal as a result of the recent Labor Act of 2017. For this very reason, the paper argues that Nepal's trade unions are in their sturdiest position ever and, therefore, that the country has evaded the crisis experienced in advanced and emerging economies in other parts of world. In theoretical terms, the article contributes from the social exchange theoretical perspective to the literature on the psychological contract of promises and expectations. It also has a bearing on emerging discourses and debates about the revitalization or reshaping of traditional industrial relations.
Transformative education: towards a relational, justice-oriented approach to sustainability
Authors: Walsh Zack , Böhme Jessica , Lavelle Brooke D. , Wamsler Christine
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to increase related knowledge across personal, social and ecological dimensions of sustainability and how it can be applied to support transformative learning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides a reflexive case study of the design, content and impact of a course on eco-justice that integrates relational learning with an equity and justice lens. The reflexive case study provides a critical, exploratory self-assessment, including interviews, group discussions and surveys with key stakeholders and course participants.

Findings

The results show how relational approaches can support transformative learning for sustainability and provide concrete practices, pathways and recommendations for curricula development that other universities/training institutions could follow or learn from.

Originality/value

Sustainability research, practice and education generally focuses on structural or systemic factors of transformation (e.g. technology, governance and policy) without due consideration as to how institutions and systems are shaping and shaped by the transformation of personal agency and subjectivity. This presents a vast untapped and under-studied potential for addressing deep leverage points for change by using a relational approach to link personal, societal and ecological transformations for sustainability.
Moderating effect of perceived lecturer support on academic self-efficacy and study engagement: evidence from a Ghanaian university
Authors: Azila-Gbettor Edem M. , Abiemo Martin K.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationships between academic self-efficacy, study engagement and perceived lecturer support within a higher education setup.

Design/methodology/approach

A convenience sample of 376 respondents from a technical university in Ghana took part in the study by completing self-reported questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and partial least square-based structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM).

Findings

Findings suggest academic self-efficacy and perceived lecturer support are positive and significant predictors of study engagement. In addition, perceived lecturer support was a significant moderator between academic self-efficacy and study engagement.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to have tested a model including academic self-efficacy, study engagement and perceived lecturer support in a technical university setup from a developing country perspective.
Longitudinal trajectories of perceived organizational support: a growth mixture analysis
Authors: Caesens Gaëtane , Morin Alexandre J.S. , Stinglhamber Florence
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This research aims to identify trajectories of employees' perceptions of organizational support (POS) over the course of an eight-month period and to document associations between these longitudinal trajectories and several outcomes related to employees' well-being (i.e. job satisfaction), attitudes (i.e. turnover intentions, affective commitment) and behaviors (i.e. voice behaviors).

Design/methodology/approach

POS ratings provided each four months by a sample of 747 employees were analyzed using person-centered growth mixture analyses.

Findings

Results revealed that longitudinal heterogeneity in POS trajectories was best captured by the identification of four distinct profiles of employees. Two of these profiles followed stable high (67.2%) and low (27.3%) POS trajectories, whereas the remaining profiles were characterized by increasing (2.2%) or decreasing (3.3%) POS trajectories. Our results showed that, by the end of the follow-up period, the most desirable outcome levels were associated, in order, with the increasing, high, low and decreasing trajectories.

Practical implications

This research has important implications by showing that perceptions of organizational support fluctuate over time for some employees and help better predicting valuable work-related outcomes.

Originality/value

These findings shed a new perspective on organizational support theory by adopting a dynamic perspective, and revealing that changes over time in POS are more potent predictors of valuable work-related outcomes than stable POS levels.
Relationship of immediate workspace and environmental workplace with organizational citizenship behaviors
Authors: Carter Kameron M. , Harman David M. , Walter Sheryl L. , Gruca Thomas S.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship of immediate workspace satisfaction (IWS) and environmental workplace quality (EWQ) on perceived organizational support (POS), engagement and organizational citizenship behaviors (OCBs). In this paper, we draw on social exchange theory and environmental psychology to propose IWS and EWQ as drivers of employee OCBs.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted with 1,206 full-time employees. The EWQ measure was assessed with a randomly selected calibration sample (n = 603). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the hypothesized model (n = 603).

Findings

IWS and EWQ both are positively related to employees’ OCBs. For IWS, the effect was fully mediated by POS while POS and engagement partially mediated the EWQ–OCB relationship.

Research limitations/implications

The survey was conducted at one point in time and may introduce common method variance.

Practical implications

High-quality, satisfying workspace and workplace environments motivate employee OCBs through POS and work engagement.

Originality/value

This study introduces a scale for measuring EWQ. Empirical evidence provided to support the effects of two contextual perceptions—IWS and EWQ—on employee discretionary behaviors.
The effect of novelty on travel intention: the mediating effect of brand equity and travel motivation
Authors: Zhang Yucheng , Li Jing , Liu Chih-Hsing , Shen Yimo , Li Guiquan
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Research on the relationship between novelty and travel intention is lacking. This study attempts to fill this gap by developing a theoretical model to explain how novelty influences travel intention through two mediating paths: brand equity and tourist motivation.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, data were collected from 466 foreign visitors to Taiwanese night markets. To test the model, the authors applied structural equation modeling (SEM) to identify the critical attributes that predicted foreign tourists' travel intentions.

Findings

The SEM analysis indicated that novelty in tourism management was related to brand equity and intrinsic motivation, which increased foreign tourists' travel intentions and offered advantages for highly competitive, high-density night markets in Taiwan. In addition, brand equity was an important mediator that connected novelty and tourists' travel intentions. Finally, novelty indirectly affected travel intention and intrinsic motivation through brand equity.

Research limitations/implications

There may exist potential moderators in the relationships among the brand equity and travel intention categories. Future research studies could explore whether any moderators influence the relationship mechanisms examined in this study.

Originality/value

This research expands on previous research studies that have focused on the value of travel intention. Furthermore, the study uses brand equity theory (BET) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) to examine the mediating effect of intrinsic motivation on the relationship between novelty and travel intention.
Thermal performance and fatigue life prediction of POP stacked chip assembly under thermal cycling load
Authors: Li Dongbo , Wang Jianpei , Yang Bing , Hu Yongle , Yang Ping
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to perform experimental test on fatigue characteristics of package on package (POP) stacked chip assembly under thermal cycling load. Some suggestions for design to prolong fatigue life of POP stacked chip assembly are provided.

Design/methodology/approach

The POP stacked chip assembly which contains different package structure mode and chip position was manufactured. The fatigue characteristics of POP stacked chip assembly under thermal cycling load were tested. The fatigue load spectrum of POP stacked chip assembly under thermal cycling load was given. The fatigue life of chips can be estimated by using the creep–fatigue life prediction model based on different stress conditions.

Findings

The solder joint stress of top package is significantly less than that of bottom solder joints, and the maximum value occurs in the middle part of the solder joints inner ring.

Originality/value

This paper fulfils useful information about the thermal reliability of POP stacked chip assembly with different structure characteristics and materials parameters.
Sustainable development: an adaptive re-use solution for the hospitality industry
Authors: Liang Tonglin Chelsea , Wong Elena Suen Fei
Published: September 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to explore how adaptive re-use (AR) could be used more frequently and extensively in the hospitality industry as a viable strategy to help achieve the United Nations sustainable development goals (UN SDGs) agenda for 2030. In particular, the paper discusses the benefits and drawbacks of AR and further investigates the appeal of AR over rebuilding, in both a general sense and specific to hospitality settings.

Design/methodology/approach

The study provides a literature review and thematic analysis based on semi-structured interviews about AR projects and its application in hospitality settings. In so doing, the article draws on knowledge and insights from experts and practitioners involved in AR projects globally. The professional interviewees’ expertize ranges from urban planning, sustainable development, architecture to sustainable hospitality solutions.

Findings

The results illustrate how AR is a mindset not only applicable to specific buildings or environments but also how it is a vital solution to sustainable development in hospitality. The social, environmental and economic benefits of AR outweigh the challenges and extend to being of regional and even national importance.

Practical implications

AR projects have the ability to stimulate improvement in the use of space and to transform entire communities – especially if there is more and improved support from local government and the relevant authorities. With sufficient incentives to make the projects economically viable, the outcome would be increased presence of cultural and historic preservation, more conservation of construction materials, energy and other resources relevant to the demolition and construction process. The application of AR contributes to attaining UN SDGs’ targets and the future will see more culturally rich, inclusive, sustainable cities and architecture.

Originality/value

There seems to be a lack of research in the field of AR in the hospitality context, particularly in relation to achieving the UN SDGs 2030. This paper aims to bridge this gap in knowledge, as well as to provide a starting point for a greater vision and coordination between governments, architects, hospitality professionals and all other involved stakeholders to boost sustainable development through AR.
EGF+61 A>G polymorphism does not predict response to first‐generation EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in lung cancer patients
Authors: Leal Leticia F. , Laus Ana C. , Cavagna Rodrigo , de Paula Flavia E. , de Oliveira Marco A. , Ribeiro Dayana M. , Hassan Fernanda M. , Miziara José E. , da Silva Eduardo C. Albino , da Silva Vinicius D. , De Marchi Pedro , Reis Rui M.
Published: September 2020

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor (EGFR) play a paramount role in lung carcinogenesis. The polymorphism in the EGF promoter region EGF+61A>G (rs4444903) has been associated with cancer susceptibility, but its role in lung cancer patients treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) remains unknown. Here, we aimed to evaluate the predictive and prognostic role of EGF+61A>G SNP in lung cancer from Brazilian EGFR‐mutated TKI‐treated patients. Herein, patients carrying EGFR‐sensitizing mutations submitted to TKI treatment (gefitinib/erlotinib) were analyzed (n = 111) for EGF+61A>G genotype by TaqMan genotyping assay. TKI treatment was classified as partial response (PR), stable disease (SD), and disease progression (DP), according to RECIST1.1. Association analysis was assessed by chi‐square and Fisher's test (univariate) and multinomial model (multivariate) and survival analysis by Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test. The EGF+61A>G genotype frequencies observed were: AA = 31.5% (n = 35), AG = 49.6% (n = 55) and GG = 18.9% (n = 21). The allelic frequencies were 56.3% for A, and 43.7% for G and the population was in Hardy‐Weinberg equilibrium (P = 0.94). EGF+61A>G codominant model (AA vs. AG vs. GG) was associated with a response to TKIs (P = 0.046), as well as a recessive model (AA vs. AG + GG; P = 0.023). The multinomial regression showed an association between the codominant model (AG) and recessive model (AG + GG) with SD compared with DP (P = 0.01;OR = 0.08; 95% CI = 0.01–0.60 and P = 0.02;OR = 0.12; 95% CI = 0.20–0.72, respectively). No association between genotypes and progression‐free or overall survival was observed. In conclusion, the EGF+61 polymorphism (AG and AG + GG) was independently associated with stable disease in lung cancer patients although it was not associated with the overall response rate to first‐generation TKIs or patient outcome.
Tympanoblissus ecuatorianus Dellapé & Minghetti, gen. et sp. nov, a new apterous genus of chinch bug (Hemiptera: Blissidae) from Ecuador: the only known blissid with an abdominal mechanism for sound production
Authors: Minghetti Eugenia , Braun Holger , Matt Felix , Dellapé Pablo M
Published: September 2020

Tympanoblissus ecuatorianus Dellapé & Minghetti, gen. et sp. nov. from the Amazon slope of the Eastern Andean Cordillera in southern Ecuador is described. This constitutes the second apterous genus known in the family Blissidae and the first with a tymbal‐like mechanism of sound production. The tiny males hide in bamboo branches where they produce a faint drumming sound. The observed vertical vibration of the abdomen and the fused first two tergites folding on both sides of the midline are consistent with the presence of a tymbal‐like organ involving the first abdominal segments. Diagnoses, descriptions and illustrations of adult males and other characters, including the genitalia, as well as oscillograms of the acoustic signal are provided.
Frailty and risk of re‐hospitalisation and mortality for aged care residents following a fall injury hospitalisation
Authors: Mitchell Rebecca , Ting Hsuen P. , Draper Brian , Close Jacqueline , Harvey Lara , Brodaty Henry , Driscoll Timothy R. , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To examine the role of frailty in risk of re‐hospitalisation and mortality for aged care residents following a fall injury hospitalisation.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of linked hospitalisation and aged care data of adults aged ≥65 years residing in aged care. A semi‐competing risk analysis examined risk of hospital readmission.

Results

Residents who had intermediate or high frailty, who were aged 70‐79 or 80‐89 years, who had 1‐2 or ≥3 comorbidities, sustained a hip fracture, and who had either low, moderate or high complex health‐care requirements had a higher risk of being readmitted to hospital. Frailty was not associated with mortality for those with no hospital readmission or mortality after readmission.

Conclusion

Frailty is an important prognostic factor associated with readmission for residents of aged care hospitalised for a fall injury. Frailty screening could assist to identify people at a high risk of re‐hospitalisation following a fall injury.
Implication of TRPC3 channel in gustatory perception of dietary lipids
Authors: Murtaza Babar , Hichami Aziz , Khan Amira S. , Plesnik Jiri , Sery Omar , Dietrich Alexander , Birnbaumer Lutz , Khan Naim A.
Published: September 2020

Aim

The pathogenesis of obesity has been associated with high intake of dietary fat, and some recent studies have explored the cellular mechanisms of oro‐sensory detection of dietary fatty acids. We further assessed the role of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels in oro‐sensory perception of dietary lipids.

Methods

We determined by RT‐qPCR and western blotting the expression of TRPC3/6/7 channels in mouse fungiform taste bud cells (mTBC). Immunocytochemistry was used to explore whether TRPC3 channels were co‐expressed with fatty acid receptors. We employed wild‐type (WT) mTBC, and those transfected with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) against TRPC3 or STIM1. Ca2+ signalling was studied in TBC from TRPC3−/− mice and their WT littermates.

Results

We demonstrate that mouse fungiform taste bud cells (mTBC) express TRPC3, but not TRPC6 or TRPC7 channels, and their inactivation by siRNA or experiments on TBC from TRPC3−/− mice brought about a decrease in fatty acid‐induced gustatory Ca2+ signalling, coupled with taste bud CD36 lipid sensor. TRPC3 channel activation was found to be under the control of STIM1 in lingual mTBC. Behavioural studies showed that spontaneous preference for a dietary long‐chain fatty acid was abolished in TRPC3−/− mice, and in mice wherein lingual TRPC3 expression was silenced by employing siRNA.

Conclusion

We report that lingual TRPC3 channels are critically involved in fat taste perception.
Paediatric Burkitt lymphoma patient‐derived xenografts capture disease characteristics over time and are a model for therapy
Authors: Forde Sorcha , Matthews Jamie D. , Jahangiri Leila , Lee Liam C. , Prokoph Nina , Malcolm Tim I.M. , Giger Olivier T. , Bell Natalie , Blair Helen , O'Marcaigh Aengus , Smith Owen , Kenner Lukas , Bomken Simon , Burke Gladstone A. A. , Turner Suzanne D.
Published: September 2020

Burkitt lymphoma (BL) accounts for almost two‐thirds of all B‐cell non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (B‐NHL) in children and adolescents and is characterised by a MYC translocation and rapid cell turnover. Intensive chemotherapeutic regimens have been developed in recent decades, including the lymphomes malins B (LMB) protocol, which have resulted in a survival rate in excess of 90%. Recent clinical trials have focused on immunochemotherapy, with the addition of rituximab to chemotherapeutic backbones, showing encouraging results. Despite these advances, relapse and refractory disease occurs in up to 10% of patients and salvage options for these carry a dismal prognosis. Efforts to better understand the molecular and functional characteristics driving relapse and refractory disease may help improve this prognosis. This study has established a paediatric BL patient‐derived xenograft (PDX) resource which captures and maintains tumour heterogeneity, may be used to better characterise tumours and identify cell populations responsible for therapy resistance.
Survival benefit of renal transplantation in octogenarians
Authors: Ravichandran Bharath R. , Sparkes Tracy M. , Masters Brian M. , Thomas Beje , Demehin Moses , Bromberg Jonathan S. , Haririan Abdolreza
Published: September 2020

Background

Elderly patients are the fastest growing population requiring renal replacement therapy. As previous studies have shown a survival benefit of kidney transplantation compared to dialysis for end‐stage renal disease, we sought to evaluate if this survival benefit extends to octogenarians.

Methods

This was a single‐center retrospective cohort study of renal allograft recipients ≥80 years transplanted from 1999 to 2014 who were compared to patients listed during the same period that did not proceed to transplantation. A secondary matched group was selected from the UNOS transplant waitlist database. The primary outcome was patient survival. Secondary outcomes included graft survival and rejection incidence.

Results

Thirty‐three transplanted patients were compared to 71 patients waitlisted at our center and 66 patients from the UNOS database. Patients in the study group were transplanted 20.8 ± 16.1 months after listing. Patient survival was 87.8% at 6 months and 1 year and 71.4% at 3 years. Kidney transplantation was associated with a significant decrease in the risk of death after listing (HR: 0.22, CI: 0.11‐0.45, P < .001).

Conclusion

With escalating life expectancy, kidney transplantation is a suitable treatment option in eligible octogenarians.