bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wetland plant evolutionary history influences soil and endophyte microbial community composition
Authors: Szubryt Marisa B. , Skinner Kelly , O’Loughlin Edward J. , Koval Jason , Greenwald Stephanie M. , Owens Sarah M. , Kemner Kenneth M. , Weisenhorn Pamela B.
Published: June 2020

Methane is a microbially derived greenhouse gas whose emissions are highly variable throughout wetland ecosystems. Differences in plant community composition account for some of this variability, suggesting an influence of plant species on microbial community structure and function in these ecosystems. Given that closely related plant species have similar morphological and biochemical features, we hypothesize that plant evolutionary history is related to differences in microbial community composition. To examine species-specific patterns in microbiomes, we selected five monoculture-forming wetland plant species based on the evolutionary distances among them. We detected significant differences in microbial communities between sample types (unvegetated soil, bulk soil, rhizosphere soil, internal root tissues, and internal leaf tissues) associated with these plant species based on 16S relative abundances. We additionally found that differences in plant evolutionary history were correlated with variation in microbial communities across plant species within each sample type. Using qPCR, we observed substantial differences in overall methanogen and methanotroph population sizes between plant species and sample types. Methanogens tended to be most abundant in rhizosphere soils while methanotrophs were the most abundant in roots. Given that microbes influence methane flux and that plants affect methanogen and methanotroph populations, plant species contribute to variable degrees of methane emissions. Incorporating the influence of plant evolutionary history into future modeling efforts may improve predictions of wetland methane emission since microbial community differences correlate with differences in plant evolutionary history.
Activation of meiotic recombination by nuclear import of the DNA break hotspot-determining complex
Authors: Wintrebert Mélody , Nguyen Mai-Chi , Smith Gerald R.
Published: June 2020

Meiotic recombination forms crossovers important for proper chromosome segregation and viability of offspring. This process involves many proteins acting at each of the multiple steps of recombination. Recombination is initiated by formation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which in the several species examined often occur with high frequency at special sites (DSB hotspots). In the fission yeastSchizosaccharomyces pombeDSB hotspots are bound with high specificity and activated by linear element (LinE) proteins Rec25, Rec27, and Mug20 which form co-localized nuclear foci with Rec10, essential for all DSB formation and recombination. Here, we identify Rec10’s nuclear localization signal (NLS) and show it is important for coordinated nuclear entry after complex-formation with other LinE proteins. In NLS mutants, recombination is much reduced but not eliminated; nuclear entry of limited amounts of Rec10 can account for the residual recombination. LinEs are related to synaptonemal complex proteins of other species, suggesting that they also may share an as-yet-unidentified NLS and protein complex-formation before nuclear entry.
The Biomechanical Basis of Biased Epithelial Tube Elongation in Lung and Kidney Development
Authors: Conrad Lisa , Runser Steve , Gómez Harold , Lang Christine , Dumond Mathilde , Sapala Aleksandra , Kramps Laura , Michos Odysse , Vetter Roman , Iber Dagmar
Published: June 2020

During lung development, epithelial branches expand preferentially in longitudinal direction. This bias in outgrowth has been linked to a bias in cell shape and in the cell division plane. How this bias arises is unknown. Here, we show that biased epithelial outgrowth occurs independent of the surrounding mesenchyme, of preferential turn-over of the extracellular matrix at the bud tips, and of FGF signalling. There is also no evidence for actin-rich filopodia at the bud tips. Rather, we find epithelial tubes to be collapsed during early lung and kidney development, and we observe fluid flow in the narrow tubes. By simulating the measured fluid flow inside segmented narrow epithelial tubes, we show that the shear stress levels on the apical surface are sufficient to explain the reported bias in cell shape and outgrowth. We use a cell-based vertex model to confirm that apical shear forces, unlike constricting forces, can give rise to both the observed bias in cell shapes and tube elongation. We conclude that shear stress may be a more general driver of biased tube elongation beyond its established role in angiogenesis.

Summary Statement

We systematically analysed the requirements for biased elongating outgrowth of epithelial tubes during lung and kidney development, and provide evidence that fluid-flow induced shear stress drives their biased elongation.
Systematic review of health state utility values used in pharmacoeconomic evaluations for chronic hepatitis C: impact on cost-effectiveness results
Authors: Han Ru , François Clément , Toumi Mondher
Published: June 2020

Background

Health state utility values (HSUVs) identified from utility elicitation studies are widely used in pharmacoeconomic evaluations for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and are particularly instrumental in health technology assessment (HTA) evaluation like the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE).

Objective

The objective of this study is to identify HSUVs used in cost-utility analyses (CUAs) for CHC in Europe and evaluate the impact of HSUVs selection on cost-effectiveness results in terms of incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained (ICER).

Methods

A systematic search of pharmacoeconomic evaluations for CHC was updated in Medline and Embase from the period of 2012-2017 to the period of 2017-2020. Data on health states, HSUVs and utility elicitation studies were extracted. The difference in HSUVs of the same health state in different CUAs and the difference between HSUVs of one health state and of the interlink health state in the same CUAs were calculated. A quality assessment was performed to evaluate the selection of HSUVs in CUAs. Sets of HSUVs identified were used in a re-constructed CUA model to assess the impact on ICER.

Results

Twenty-six CUAs conducted in European countries and referring to 17 utility elicitation studies were included. The difference in HSUVs of the same health states in different CUAs ranged from 0.021 (liver transplant) to 0.468 (decompensated cirrhosis). The difference between HSUVs of one health state and of the interlink health state of next disease severity level was calculated between health state of F0-F1/mild and F2-F3/moderate (n=11, 0.040 to 0.110), F2-F3/moderate and F4/compensated cirrhosis (n=18, 0.027 to 0.130), compensated cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis (n=22, 0.020 to 0.100), decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (n=24, 0.000 to 0.200), hepatocellular carcinoma and liver transplant in the first year (n=17, −0.329 to 0.170) and liver transplant in the first year and in subsequent years (n=17, −0.340 to 0.000). The utility elicitation study selected by most CUAs (n=11)was recommended as the source of HSUVs, as least for the CUAs conducted in the UK, based on the results of quality assessment. Seven sets of HSUVs were generated to fit the re-constructed model and changed the results of incremental analysis from being cost-effective to not cost-effective (ICER raging from £2,460 to £24,954 per QALY gained), and to dominated in the UK setting.

Conclusions

The CUAs for CHC were found to apply various HSUVs from different utility elicitation studies in the same health state. This variability of HSUVs has the potential to significantly affect ICER and ICER-based reimbursement decision. A rigorous selection of HSUVs in CUAs to inform healthcare resource allocation is suggested for future studies of CUAs and guideline development.
Obesity during the COVID-19 pandemic: cause of high risk or an effect of lockdown? A population-based electronic health record analysis in 1 958 184 individuals.
Authors: Katsoulis Michail , Pasea Laura , Lai Alvina , Dobson Richard JB , Denaxas Spiros , Hemingway Harry , Banerjee Amitava
Published: June 2020

Background: Obesity is a modifiable risk factor for coronavirus(COVID-19)-related mortality. We estimated excess mortality in obesity, both 'direct', through infection, and 'indirect', through changes in healthcare, and also due to potential increasing obesity during lockdown.

Methods: In population-based electronic health records for 1 958 638 individuals in England, we estimated 1-year mortality risk('direct' and 'indirect' effects) for obese individuals, incorporating: (i)pre-COVID-19 risk by age, sex and comorbidities, (ii)population infection rate, and (iii)relative impact on mortality(relative risk, RR: 1.2, 1.5, 2.0 and 3.0). Using causal inference models, we estimated impact of change in body-mass index(BMI) and physical activity during 3-month lockdown on 1-year incidence for high-risk conditions(cardiovascular diseases, CVD; diabetes; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, COPD and chronic kidney disease, CKD), accounting for confounders.

Findings: For severely obese individuals (3.5% at baseline), at 10% population infection rate, we estimated direct impact of 240 and 479 excess deaths in England at RR 1.5 and 2.0 respectively, and indirect effect of 383 to 767 excess deaths, assuming 40% and 80% will be affected at RR=1.2. Due to BMI change during the lockdown, we estimated that 97 755 (5.4%: normal weight to overweight, 5.0%: overweight to obese and 1.3%: obese to severely obese) to 434 104 individuals (15%: normal weight to overweight, 15%: overweight to obese and 6%: obese to severely obese) individuals would be at higher risk for COVID-19 over one year.

Interpretation: Prevention of obesity and physical activity are at least as important as physical isolation of severely obese individuals during the pandemic.
LIFESTYLE CHANGES IN PATIENTS WITH NON-ALCOHOLIC FATTY LIVER DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW PROTOCOL
Authors: Fernández-Mincone Tiziana , Viñuela Morales Macarena , Jiménez Marco Arrese , Arab Verdugo Juan Pablo , Cabrera Daniel , Martínez Francisco Barrera
Published: June 2020

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a worldwide raising liver condition and it is expected to become the first cause of progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the next 5 years (Araújo 2018). At present, there are no pharmacological treatments approved. Weight loss is the first-line treatment (European Association for the Study of the Liver 2016) (Chalasani 2012) showing that 7 to 10% weight loss improves steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning and, in NASH patients, has an impact in fibrosis too (Romero-Gómez 2017). However, the reduction and maintenance of weight loss is often complex. To achieve this goal, it is recommended doing lifestyle changes including exercise and diet on daily living (Hannah 2016). However, it has been difficult to establish any conclusions regarding the best type of diet or exercise protocol to maximize improvements and to maintain its effects through time. Because of this, the objective of this review is assessing the efficacy and safety of diet, exercise, or a combination of these in patients with NAFLD.
Exchange Traded Funds and the likelihood of closure
Authors: Akhigbe Aigbe , Balasubramnian Bhanu , Newman Melinda
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Though exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are similar to mutual funds, we identify several reasons how they are different based on their structure and trading characteristics. Therefore, we argue that the determinants of fund closure decisions for ETFs will not be the same as the mutual funds. We systematically explore those factors.

Design/methodology/approach

We use Cox Proportional Hazard model, which is considered a superior method, over the logistic regression models. All previous studies are based on logistic regressions.

Findings

We investigate the closure rate of ETFs over the 1995–2018 sample period. We find that the first three years are the most critical period for the survival of ETFs. Our full sample results show that early fund performance, the investment style of the fund, the expense ratio and fund family size are the most relevant factors influencing the likelihood of closure. When we consider equity-only funds, we find that key factors that influence fund closure are early fund performance, the expense ratio, failure to grow the fund's assets relatively quickly and the equity investment category of the fund.

Research limitations/implications

Tracking error could be a significant factor. However, we have several missing values in the data. Therefore, we are forced to drop that variable. However, we use the SD of daily returns in lieu of that. Similarly, we were constrained by the availability of data for the equity style box scores.

Practical implications

Our study suggests that individual investors will be better off by investing in ETFs that are at least three-year to four-year old. If individuals want to invest in ETFs from the date of inception, the probability of survival is higher for an ETF within a larger fund family.

Social implications

Hopefully, our research will attract the attention of CFPB and provide a warning to individual investors when they choose to invest in ETFs. More and more ETFs are getting included in retirement savings. So, abrupt ETF closures are likely to have large social implications for the future.

Originality/value

We are the first to use Cox Proportional Hazard model. We base our arguments from latest research on ETFs that the one earlier paper on ETF closure has missed. So, we examine the issue in a more systematic way.
Communicating philanthropic CSR versus ethical and legal CSR to employees: empirical evidence in Turkey
Authors: Wang Yijing , Pala Buket
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This study investigates the mechanism through which banks employ corporate social responsibility (CSR) commitment to engage in employees. The values of different types of CSR engagement (i.e. philanthropic CSR vs ethical and legal CSR) are distinguished and their influences on employee identification are analyzed. The moderation effect of CSR communication through corporate social media is examined in this context.

Design/methodology/approach

A sample of 254 respondents was collected through surveying the employees of one of the largest banks in Turkey.

Findings

Findings suggest that ethical and legal CSR is perceived more importantly than philanthropic CSR by employees in the banking industry. In addition, the level of transparency and frequency of CSR communication through corporate social media moderates the CSR types–employee identification relationship distinctively.

Practical implications

Special attention should be paid to the conditions under which CSR communication takes place effectively, as skeptics toward certain types of CSR initiatives may occur along with the disclosure of information about them.

Social implications

If organizations use social media communication in a way that would bring the CSR interests of their employees to light, it is likely that CSR initiatives will become more meaningful and have a greater societal impact.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the CSR literature through identifying the value of different types of CSR initiative and confirming the importance of transparent and proactive CSR communication on employee identification in the banking sector.
FDI determinants: dynamic extreme bounds analysis
Authors: Pham Linh Huyen , Wongsurawat Winai
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to develop a new analysis method, named dynamic extreme bounds analysis (DEBA), and to determine decisive determinants of foreign direct investment (FDI) by using this new method.

Design/methodology/approach

In econometrics, the extreme bounds analysis (EBA) method is a convincing way of examining the strength of independent variables. However, the results obtained when using the EBA method contain little information, since each variable is only either strong or fragile, and some strong variables may be omitted because their significance could be undermined by just one unreasonable regression. Therefore, in order to overcome these limitations, this paper proposes DEBA, a new analysis method.

Findings

The authors employ the DEBA method to determine the factors which impact FDI in 86 countries. The authors note that in developing countries, the level of previous FDI, a high degree of openness, large market size and development of infrastructure help to attract FDI, whereas the development of domestic industry deters it. In developed countries, FDI is lured by the level of previous FDI stock, a high degree of openness, large market size, macroeconomic instability and availability of energy.

Research limitations/implications

Although this study is expected to contribute a new methodological approach and define the strong determinants of FDI, the study is not without limitations, such as the unavailability of data. Further studies should improve the DEBA method by developing DEBA packages for use in popular statistical software, enhancing methods for other types of data and more accurately determining the estimation order of variables. In addition, further research should expand the study's FDI model, providing more potential variables for an in-depth overview of this model.

Originality/value

This study is to contribute a new methodological approach (DEBA method) for data analysis and defining of strong determinants of FDI. The study findings are useful for governments, policy-makers and economists in formulating more attractive FDI policies.
The influence of board directors' institutional and business relationships on philanthropic foundation performance
Authors: Zhang Yuting , Wu Jiebing , Chin Tachia , Yu Xiaofen , Cai Ning
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The effect of board intellectual capital on non-profit organizational performance in non-western, less developed economies has been an important yet under-researched area. Given that the institutional and business relationships of a board account for the majority of board intellectual capital, the purpose of this paper is to fill the previously mentioned research gap by addressing how the interactions of the two relationships of board directors influence Chinese philanthropic foundation performance.

Design/methodology/approach

Following Creswell's (2014) explanatory sequential mixed-methodology, a qualitative study (Study 1) was first conducted to pre-test the assumptions, and then a quantitative study (Study 2) was carried out based on a secondary database of 1,405 Chinese philanthropic foundations to further examine the hypotheses. Several regression models were built for analyzing the results.

Findings

Study 1 confirmed that Chinese philanthropic foundations gained greater revenues and hosted more public welfare activities by leveraging the reinforcing or complementary effects of board directors' intellectual capital to improve organizational performance. Study 2 further examined the hypotheses that the interactions of intellectual capital increased the total revenue and public welfare expenditure of the foundations; however, significant positive relationships were only identified in foundations at the local level, and no significant associations were found in those at the national level.

Practical implications

The research indicates that the intellectual capital of board directors may influence the performance of their philanthropic foundations. Thus, Chinese philanthropic foundations should be more aware of the importance of this influence when determining which candidates will join the board.

Originality/value

The study makes significant contributions to the existing knowledge of the development of non-governmental organizations; it incorporates the resource dependence theory and agency theory into understanding how the intricate interactions between the institutional and business relationships of board directors affect foundation performance and how the jurisdiction affiliations act as a boundary condition for such relationships in a non-western setting such as China.
The need for more research on the Asian real estate markets
Authors: Newell Graeme
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The Asian real estate markets have grown considerably in recent years and have taken on increased investment importance, particularly with significant developments in the emerging markets in Asia. This paper assesses the opportunities for more research on the Asian real estate markets, by highlighting the significance of Asia real estate, the drivers behind this growth and the unique opportunities this presents for high-quality real estate research, by both local researchers and their international colleagues. Strategies for delivering this research agenda are also identified.

Design/methodology/approach

This research is based on a thorough understanding of the Asian real estate markets, based on my own research agenda, personal interactions, insights and extensive discussions with real estate leaders in the Asian markets. This is supported by a clear understanding of the real estate research opportunities in the Asian markets and the strategies needed to deliver this research agenda in an effective manner.

Findings

A range of real estate research areas are identified to increase the level of Asian real estate research. This sees research opportunities around key areas such as market dynamics, real estate investment vehicles, alternate real estate sectors, infrastructure and sustainability. Strategies for expanding this level of research for both local and international real estate researchers are also identified.

Practical implications

With the Asian real estate markets taking on more importance with many international real estate investors, it is important to see more high-quality research into these dynamic real estate markets. This research will see a fuller understanding of these Asian real estate markets to enable more informed real estate investment decision-making.

Originality/value

The need for more high-quality research into the Asian real estate markets is clearly presented, with enabling strategies to achieve this agenda identified. This will see expanded research opportunities to critically research these unique real estate markets and produce high-quality research publications.
A novel fuzzy hybrid multi-criteria decision-making approach for evaluating maintenance strategies in petrochemical industry
Authors: Aghaee Asghar , Aghaee Milad , Fathi Mohammad Reza , Shoa'bin Shirin , Sobhani Seyed Mohammad
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate maintenance strategies based on fuzzy decision-making trial evaluation and laboratory (DEMATEL) and fuzzy analytic network process (ANP) in the petrochemical industry.

Design/methodology/approach

This study proposes a hybrid-structured multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) method based on fuzzy Delphi, fuzzy DEMATEL and fuzzy ANP as a structured methodology to assist decision makers in strategic maintenance. The fuzzy Delphi method (FDM) is applied to refine the effective criteria, fuzzy DEMATEL is applied for defining the direction and relationships between criteria and Fuzzy ANP is used for the selection of optimized maintenance strategy.

Findings

The results identify “strategic management complexity” as the top criterion. The predictive maintenance (PdM) with the highest priority is the best strategy. It is followed by reliability-centered (RCM), condition-based (CBM), total productive (TPM), predictive (PM) and corrective maintenance (CM).

Originality/value

Today, companies act in an atmosphere that is known with the features of uncertainty. In this atmosphere, only those companies can survive that have a strategy based on presenting the quality services and products to their customers. Similarly, maintenance as a system plays a vital role in availability and the quality of products, which creates value for customers. The selection of maintenance strategy is a kind of MCDM problem, which includes consideration of different factors. This article considers a broad category of alternates, including CM, PM, TPM, CBM, RCM and PdM.
A mathematical framework on Cattaneo–Christov model over an incessant moving needle
Authors: Reddy M. Gnaneswara , Vijaya Kumari P. , Upender Reddy G. , Ganesh Kumar K. , Prasannakumara B. C.
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The main theme of this paper is the effect of viscous dissipation Darcy–Forchheimer flow and heat transfer augmentation of a viscoelastic fluid over an incessant moving needle.

Design/methodology/approach

The governing partial differential equations of the current problem are diminished into a set of ordinary differential equations using requisite similarity transformations. Energy equation is extended by using Cattaneo–Christov heat flux model with variable thermal conductivity. By applying boundary layer approximation system of equations is framed.

Findings

Convective condition is also introduced in this analysis. Obtained set of similarity equations are then solved with the help of efficient numerical method four–fifth-order RKF-45.

Originality/value

The outcomes of various pertinent parameters on the velocity, temperature distributions are analysed by using portraits.
Business networking and internationalization: testing the mediation role of organizational learning
Authors: Sendawula Kasimu , Ngoma Muhammed , Bananuka Juma , Kimuli Saadat Nakyejwe Lubowa , Kabuye Frank
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to establish the mediation role of organizational learning in the relationship between business networking and internationalization of manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) using evidence from Uganda.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is cross sectional and correlational. Data were collected through a questionnaire survey of 96 manufacturing SMEs. Data were analyzed through correlation coefficients, hierarchical regression and mediation analysis using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences and MedGraph - Excel Version.

Findings

Findings indicate that organizational learning partially mediates the relationship between business networking and internationalization of SMEs. Results further reveal that business networking and organizational learning significantly predict internationalization of SMEs.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the already existing literature on internationalization of SMEs as it provides initial empirical evidence on the mediating role of organizational learning in the relationship between business networking and internationalization of SMEs using evidence from a developing country – Uganda.
Phosphatase‐associated protein MoTip41 interacts with the phosphatase MoPpe1 to mediate crosstalk between TOR and cell wall integrity signalling during infection by the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Qian Bin , Liu Xinyu , Ye Ziyuan , Zhou Qikun , Liu Peng , Yin Ziyi , Wang Wenhao , Zheng Xiaobo , Zhang Haifeng , Zhang Zhengguang
Published: June 2020

The type 2A (PP2A) and type 2A‐like (PP4 and PP6) serine/threonine phosphatases participate in a variety of cellular processes, such as cell cycle progression, signal transduction and apoptosis. Previously, we reported that the PP6 catalytic subunit MoPpe1, which interacts with and is suppressed by type 2A associated protein of 42 kDa (MoTap42), an essential protein involved in the target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling pathway, has important roles in development, virulence and activation of the cell wall integrity (CWI) pathway in the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Here, we show that Tap42‐interacting protein 41 (MoTip41) mediates crosstalk between the TOR and CWI signalling pathways; and participates in the TOR pathway via interaction with MoPpe1, but not MoTap42. The deletion of MoTIP41 resulted in disruption of CWI signalling, autophagy, vegetative growth, appressorium function and plant infection, as well as increased sensitivity to rapamycin. Further investigation revealed that MoTip41 modulates activation of the CWI pathway in response to infection by interfering with the interaction between MoTap42 and MoPpe1. These findings enhance our understanding of how crosstalk between TOR and CWI signalling modulates the development and pathogenicity of M. oryzae.
Introduction: Swift's Queerness
Authors: Kavanagh Declan , Klein Ula Lukszo
Published: June 2020

In raising the topic of Jonathan Swift and queerness, we might just as plausibly ask: what is not queer about Swift? From the strangely erotic spectacle of libidinous Yahoos in Gulliver's Travels (1726) to his gruesome suggestion to cannibalise Irish children in A Modest Proposal (1729), Swift's satire singularly bristles with queer potential. The six articles in this supplement variously offer queer theoretical and pedagogical engagements with Swift's work, while also, importantly, foregrounding how Swift's writing was queer and queering in its own time. This introduction presents a brief case study in queering Swift before surveying the articles that feature in this 'Queer Swift' supplement.
Cybersecurity Disclosure by the Companies on the S&P/TSX 60 Index
Authors: Héroux Sylvie , Fortin Anne
Published: June 2020

Cybersecurity has become a topic of great interest since 2010. Accounting issues surrounding cybersecurity governance, management, and disclosure have gained attention from accounting standard setters, large accounting firms, and professional associations, but only a limited number of studies have looked at cybersecurity disclosure. In this study, we examine whether the content of cybersecurity disclosures of Canadian firms comprising the S&P/TSX 60 index is aligned with best practices—that is, financial regulators' guidelines in that matter. A content analysis was performed of documents issued between January 2017 and mid‐2018, consisting of recent annual information forms (AIFs), annual and quarterly management's discussion and analysis (MD&As), proxy circulars, material change reports, and news releases. To assess the nature and extent of cybersecurity disclosure, we developed a scoring grid featuring 40 items based on financial regulators' guidelines. Results show that cybersecurity disclosure levels are low. Companies vary widely in the amount of detail they provide, and the information is often not company‐specific. The variations among industrial sectors involve the categories related to cybersecurity risk, cybersecurity risk mitigation, and other items. Most of the companies provided cybersecurity disclosures in the annual MD&A, and several reiterated some disclosure items in the AIF and proxy circular. The results of this study highlight some areas where cybersecurity disclosures have evolved and others where they could be improved. They suggest that some firms strive to avoid boilerplate language and be more company‐specific. The findings also suggest that financial regulators could issue more stringent requirements.
Overconfidence and Resistance to Abandoning Unprofitable Capital Budgeting Projects: The Effects of Autonomy, Internal Audit, and Accountability
Authors: Jermias Johnny , Hoi Hu Billy Kin
Published: June 2020

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of managers' autonomy in choosing a capital budgeting project has on their confidence in managing the project. Furthermore, this study examines the role that internal audit reports and accountability play in mitigating the impact of autonomy on managers' resistance to abandoning unprofitable capital budgeting projects. Building on motivated reasoning theory, we hypothesize and find that managers who are given autonomy to choose their own projects are more confident that their projects will be successful than managers who are assigned the projects by their superiors. This study also shows that internal audit reports and accountability are effective mechanisms for reducing the influence of prior decisions on managers' resistance to abandoning unprofitable projects.
baRcodeR: An open‐source R package for sample labelling
Authors: Wu Yihan , Lougheed David R. , Lougheed Stephen C. , Moniz Kristy , Walker Virginia K. , Colautti Robert I.
Published: June 2020

Repeatable experiments with accurate data collection and reproducible analyses are fundamental to the scientific method but may be difficult to achieve in practice. Open‐source tools aid the reproducibility of data analysis, but analogous tools are generally lacking for sample collection and other early stages of scientific inquiry.

We introduce the R package baRcodeR for generating informative identifier (ID) codes with digitally encoded linear or 2D barcodes. Codes can be imported from an existing dataset (e.g. CSV file) or generated rapidly in baRcodeR, producing scannable barcodes with customizable page layouts for printing and scanning with consumer‐grade printers and scanners.

User‐defined ID codes may contain a simple sequence (e.g. SAMPLE‐0427) or encode more meaningful sample information such as individual subjects, treatment groups, sample populations, time points, spatial coordinates, subsamples or other associations (e.g. Pop22‐Ind08‐Time40). In addition to command‐line functions, a graphical‐user‐interface (GUI) is available from the ‘Addins’ menu of R Studio or online at https://bit.ly/baRcodeR to assist with ID code and barcode label creation.

baRcodeR can help biologists apply principles of open and reproducible science to collect and manage biological samples.
Risk of psychiatric diagnoses in children and adolescents of parents with torture trauma and war trauma
Authors: Bager L. , Agerbo E. , Skipper N. , Høgh Thøgersen M. , Laursen Thomas Munk
Published: June 2020

Objective

Evidence point to intergenerational effects of trauma in refugee populations. This study estimates the risk of psychiatric diagnoses in children of severely traumatized refugees. The unique clinical sample consisted of refugee parents treated for torture trauma and war trauma, and outcomes were investigated using population‐level data.

Method

A nationwide register study, following all children residing in Denmark. The exposure was parental torture trauma and war trauma, and outcomes were any psychiatric disorder, mood, neurotic, behavioural and emotional disorders and disorders of psychological development. Children’s hazard of being diagnosed was estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Study participants were followed from the date of birth or immigration to their 18th birthday.

Results

The cohort included 3 346 993 children of which 19 294 were identified as offspring to traumatized refugees. During the study period, 205 610 children were diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. Children with parents from the Middle East and Northern Africa had a hazard ratio of 0.78 (95% CI: 0.72, 0.84) for those treated for parental trauma and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.76, 0.81) for those not treated compared with children of non‐traumatized Danish‐born parents. For children of parents from former Yugoslavia, the corresponding estimates were 0.69 (95% CI: 0.58, 0.81) and 0.69 (95% CI: 0.65, 0.73).

Conclusion

The results suggest that children of parents with and without registered torture trauma and war trauma have a lower risk of being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder compared to children of Danish‐born parents. These findings contradict research done on the transmission of trauma but supports evidence suggesting mental health services underutilization by refugee and ethnic minority populations.
Effect of intra‐operative intravenous lidocaine on opioid consumption after bariatric surgery: a prospective, randomised, blinded, placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Plass F. , Nicolle C. , Zamparini M. , Al Issa G. , Fiant A. L. , Le Roux Y. , Gérard J. L. , Fischer M. O. , Alvès A. , Hanouz J.‐L.
Published: June 2020

Peri‐operative lidocaine infusion warrants investigation in bariatric surgery because obese patients present different physiological and pharmacological risks. This single‐centre, prospective, randomised double‐blind placebo‐controlled study enrolled obese patients scheduled for laparoscopic bariatric surgery using an enhanced recovery protocol. Patients received either lidocaine (bolus of 1.5 mg.kg−1, then a continuous infusion of 2 mg.kg−1.h−1 until the end of the surgery, then 1 mg.kg−1.h−1 for 1 h in the recovery area) or identical volumes and rates of 0.9% saline. The primary outcome was the consumption of the equivalent of oxycodone consumption over the first 3 postoperative days. Secondary outcomes were: postoperative pain; incidence of nausea and vomiting; bowel function recovery; and lengths of stay in the recovery area and in hospital. Plasma concentrations of lidocaine were measured. On the 178 patients recruited, data were analysed from 176. The median (IQR [range]) equivalent intravenous oxycodone consumption was 3.3 mg (0.0–6.0 [0.0–14.5]) and 5.0 mg (3.3–7.0 [3.3–20.0]) in the lidocaine and saline groups, respectively (difference between medians (95%CI): 1.7 (0.6–3.4) mg; p = 0.004). Length of stay in the recovery area, postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, day of recovery of bowel function, and length of stay in hospital were not different between groups. Mean (SD) lidocaine plasma concentrations were 2.44 (0.70) µg.ml−1 and 1.77 (0.51) µg.ml−1 at the end of surgery and 1 hour after the end of infusion, respectively. Lidocaine infusion during bariatric surgery resulted in a clinically non‐relevant difference in postoperative oxycodone consumption.
Design and establishment of a cancer registry: a literature review
Authors: Wormald Jamie S. , Oberai Tarandeep , Branford‐White Harriet , Johnson Luke J.
Published: June 2020

Background

Establishment of a cancer registry is a complex process that requires substantial resources and careful planning. There are numerous resources available to provide guidance for this, which include guidelines and frameworks of varying quality. It is the authors' goal to identify evidence‐based recommendations within the literature to help guide the process of designing a new registry with optimal efficiency, workability and data use. The objective of this study is to examine the primary literature for evidence‐based recommendations on how to design and establish a cancer registry, with a focus on literature which analyses the performance and usefulness of already established registries or guidelines.

Methods

An electronic search was completed in MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMCARE, SCOPUS and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Recommendations were extracted from the identified articles and collated as themes.

Results

Nine articles of varying quality were included in the review. Recommendations obtained from the literature included broad themes of the importance of clinician involvement, establishment of clear data definitions, number of variables used, inbuilt strategies to improve quality and completeness of data, considerations of costs, an ‘opt‐out’ strategy for ethics and privacy and flexibility of the system.

Conclusion

This review concluded that there is a large gap in the primary literature for evidence‐based recommendations on the design and establishment of cancer registries. The included articles established a small scope of relevant themes, which were largely non‐specific. This area of deficiency provides an opportunity for future research, which would further strengthen the quality of current or new guidelines in cancer registry establishment.
Prediction of response to anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment in diabetic macular oedema using an optical coherence tomography‐based machine learning method
Authors: Cao Jing , You Kun , Jin Kai , Lou Lixia , Wang Yao , Chen Menglu , Pan Xiangji , Shao Ji , Su Zhaoan , Wu Jian , Ye Juan
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To predict the anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) therapeutic response of diabetic macular oedema (DME) patients from optical coherence tomography (OCT) at the initiation stage of treatment using a machine learning‐based self‐explainable system.

Methods

A total of 712 DME patients were included and classified into poor and good responder groups according to central macular thickness decrease after three consecutive injections. Machine learning models were constructed to make predictions based on related features extracted automatically using deep learning algorithms from OCT scans at baseline. Five‐fold cross‐validation was applied to optimize and evaluate the models. The model with the best performance was then compared with two ophthalmologists. Feature importance was further investigated, and a Wilcoxon rank‐sum test was performed to assess the difference of a single feature between two groups.

Results

Of 712 patients, 294 were poor responders and 418 were good responders. The best performance for the prediction task was achieved by random forest (RF), with sensitivity, specificity and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.900, 0.851 and 0.923. Ophthalmologist 1 and ophthalmologist 2 reached sensitivity of 0.775 and 0.750, and specificity of 0.716 and 0.821, respectively. The sum of hyperreflective dots was found to be the most relevant feature for prediction.

Conclusion

An RF classifier was constructed to predict the treatment response of anti‐VEGF from OCT images of DME patients with high accuracy. The algorithm contributes to predicting treatment requirements in advance and provides an optimal individualized therapeutic regimen.
Epidemiology and management of appendicular fractures occurring in neonatal intensive care patients
Authors: Williams Brendan A. , Makarewich Christopher A. , Montoya‐Williams Diana C. , Krakow Arielle , Lioy Janet , Horn B. David
Published: June 2020

Aim

To describe the epidemiology and management of appendicular fractures occurring in the neonatal ICU in a large series of patients treated a single, quaternary care neonatal intensive care unit.

Methods

Patients <1 years old with appendicular fractures treated from 2012 to 2016 at a quaternary‐level NICU were identified. Bivariate testing compared fractures, work‐up and management based on designated mechanism (presumed birth‐related vs unknown). In patients with unknown mechanism, factors with potential fracture association were analysed in a descriptive fashion.

Results

Eighty‐five fractures (54 patients) were included. Mechanistic cohorts differed by birthweight (P < .001) and gestational age at birth (P < .001). Presumed birth‐related fractures were more commonly upper extremity (P < .001), solitary (P = .001) and radiographically diagnosed in the acute state (<.001). The biochemical profile of the cohorts differed significantly. The prevalence of factors with potential fracture association was high in patients with unknown mechanism. Only one patient required surgery, while all others resolved with minimal orthopaedic intervention.

Conclusion

Findings indicate these injuries rarely require operative intervention and that two distinct injury profiles appear to exist based on fracture mechanism. Steroid use, ventilation use, diuretic use, nutritional supplementation and recent bedside procedures were common among patients without known fracture mechanism.

Level of Evidence

Level III—Retrospective Cohort Study.
Intestinal epithelial ablation of Pit‐2/Slc20a2 in mice leads to sustained elevation of vitamin D3 upon dietary restriction of phosphate
Authors: Pastor‐Arroyo Eva M. , Knöpfel Thomas , Imenez Silva Pedro H. , Schnitzbauer Udo , Poncet Nadège , Biber Jürg , Wagner Carsten A. , Hernando Nati
Published: June 2020

Aim

Several Na+‐dependent phosphate cotransporters, namely NaPi‐IIb/SLC34A2, Pit‐1/SLC20A1 and Pit‐2/SLC20A2, are expressed at the apical membrane of enterocytes but their contribution to active absorption of phosphate is unclear. The aim of this study was to compare their pattern of mRNA expression along the small and large intestine and to analyse the effect of intestinal depletion of Pit‐2 on phosphate homeostasis.

Methods

Intestinal epithelial Pit‐2‐deficient mice were generated by crossing floxed Pit‐2 with villin‐Cre mice. Mice were fed 2 weeks standard or low phosphate diets. Stool, urine, plasma and intestinal and renal tissue were collected. Concentration of electrolytes and hormones, expression of mRNAs and proteins and intestinal transport of tracers were analysed.

Results

Intestinal mRNA expression of NaPi‐IIb and Pit‐1 is segment‐specific, whereas the abundance of Pit‐2 mRNA is more homogeneous. In ileum, NaPi‐IIb mRNA expression is restricted to enterocytes, whereas Pit‐2 mRNA is found in epithelial and non‐epithelial cells. Overall, their mRNA expression is not regulated by dietary phosphate. The absence of Pit‐2 from intestinal epithelial cells does not affect systemic phosphate homeostasis under normal dietary conditions. However, in response to dietary phosphate restriction, Pit‐2‐deficient mice showed exacerbated hypercalciuria and sustained elevation of 1,25(OH)2 vitamin D3.

Conclusions

In mice, the intestinal Na+/phosphate cotransporters are not coexpressed in all segments. NaPi‐IIb but not Pit‐2 mRNA is restricted to epithelial cells. Intestinal epithelial Pit‐2 does not contribute significantly to absorption of phosphate under normal dietary conditions. However, it may play a more significant role upon dietary phosphate restriction.
Trace element deficiency is highly prevalent and associated with infection and mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Dhanda Ashwin , Atkinson Stephen , Vergis Nikhil , Enki Doyo , Fisher Andrew , Clough Robert , Cramp Matthew , Thursz Mark
Published: June 2020

Background

Malnutrition is common in patients with alcohol‐related liver disease and is associated with outcome in patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Trace elements (cobalt, copper, iron, selenium and zinc) are micronutrients essential for many cellular processes including antioxidant pathways. The prevalence and relevance of trace element deficiency is unknown in alcoholic hepatitis.

Aim

To determine the prevalence of trace element deficiency and its association with clinical outcomes in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.

Methods

Serum was obtained from patients with alcoholic hepatitis, alcohol‐related cirrhosis and healthy volunteers as part of clinical trials, cohort studies and a biobank. Trace element concentration was measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Association of trace element levels with development of infection within 90 days and mortality within 28 and 90 days was evaluated by multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Sera from 302 patients with alcoholic hepatitis, 46 with alcohol‐related cirrhosis and 15 healthy controls were analysed for trace element concentration. The prevalence of zinc deficiency (85%) and selenium deficiency (67%) in alcoholic hepatitis was higher than in alcohol‐related cirrhosis (72% [p=0.04] and 37% [p<0.001], respectively). Zinc, selenium, copper and chromium were significantly different between groups. Iron deficiency was a predictor of development of infection within 90 days. Zinc deficiency was a predictor of mortality within 28 and 90 days.

Conclusion

Trace element deficiency in patients with alcoholic hepatitis is highly prevalent and associated with infection and mortality. Supplementation with selected trace elements may improve clinical outcomes in this patient group but further insight is required of their biological and clinical effects.