bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The dissolution of strategic manufacturer–industrial supplier relationships: are insights from the investment model valid and predictive?
Authors: Chen Yi-Su , Shen Tsai-Shan S. , Rungtusanatham Manus J.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to assess the validity and predictability of insights from the investment model (IM) in the context of strategic manufacturer–industrial supplier relationships. IM is a theoretical model in social psychology pertaining to interpersonal relationship discontinuity. This formal empirical test of IM in a different context supports vertical theory borrowing and minimizes the risk of committing atomistic fallacy.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 256 sourcing professionals participating in a scenario-based role-playing experiment were analyzed via structural equation modeling. The authors also performed bootstrapping to assess indirect effects.

Findings

The IM is generally applicable to the context of interfirm relationship dissolution. Relative to the original context of interpersonal relationship dissolution, three nuances are detected: investment size as an antecedent has lowered prominence in influencing commitment; satisfaction level, quality of alternatives and investment size have non-orthogonal effects on commitment; and satisfaction level influences relationship continuity through and beyond commitment.

Research limitations/implications

The empirical findings broaden boundary conditions for IM insights. Beyond interpersonal relationship dissolution, the IM appears to also describe, explain and predict interfirm relationship dissolution.

Practical implications

Keeping the manufacturer satisfied is critical. Moreover, suppliers should be cautious when entering joint product development agreements.

Originality/value

This study appears to be among the first to formally validate the applicability of IM insights as they pertain to the dissolution of strategic manufacturer–industrial supplier relationships.
An enhanced eco-driving strategy based on reinforcement learning for connected electric vehicles: cooperative velocity and lane-changing control
Authors: Ding Haitao , Li Wei , Xu Nan , Zhang Jianwei
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study aims to propose an enhanced eco-driving strategy based on reinforcement learning (RL) to alleviate the mileage anxiety of electric vehicles (EVs) in the connected environment.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, an enhanced eco-driving control strategy based on an advanced RL algorithm in hybrid action space (EEDC-HRL) is proposed for connected EVs. The EEDC-HRL simultaneously controls longitudinal velocity and lateral lane-changing maneuvers to achieve more potential eco-driving. Moreover, this study redesigns an all-purpose and efficient-training reward function with the aim to achieve energy-saving on the premise of ensuring other driving performance.

Findings

To illustrate the performance for the EEDC-HRL, the controlled EV was trained and tested in various traffic flow states. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed technique can effectively improve energy efficiency, without sacrificing travel efficiency, comfort, safety and lane-changing performance in different traffic flow states.

Originality/value

In light of the aforementioned discussion, the contributions of this paper are two-fold. An enhanced eco-driving strategy based an advanced RL algorithm in hybrid action space (EEDC-HRL) is proposed to jointly optimize longitudinal velocity and lateral lane-changing for connected EVs. A full-scale reward function consisting of multiple sub-rewards with a safety control constraint is redesigned to achieve eco-driving while ensuring other driving performance.
The manufacturing adaptive capabilities of firms: the role of technology, market and management systems-related adaptive capabilities
Authors: Keskin Halit , Akgün Ali E. , Esen Emel , Yilmaz Tamer
Published: September 2022

Purpose

This study investigates the roles of market, technology, and management system-related adaptive capability variables on a firm’s manufacturing adaptive capability. In addition, the study examines the effects of a firm’s manufacturing adaptive capability on its effectiveness. Further, this study tests the moderating role of organizational redundancy on the relationship between the market, technology, and management system-related adaptive capabilities and the overall manufacturing adaptive capability of a firm.

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilizes questionnaire-based research to test the suggested hypotheses by gathering related data from 59 manufacturing firms.

Findings

This study determined that a firm’s technology and management system-related adaptive capability positively relates to firm's manufacturing adaptive capability. Further, market adaptive capability influences manufacturing adaptive capability via the levels of technology and management system-related adaptive capabilities. Manufacturing adaptive capability is also found to be positively associated with organizational effectiveness, and resource redundancy positively moderates the relationship between management systems adaptive capability and manufacturing adaptive capability. Conversely, resource redundancy negatively moderates the relationship between technology adaptive capability and manufacturing adaptive capability. Finally, this study demonstrates that information redundancy does not moderate the desired relationship between all the adaptive capability-related variables for firms.

Research limitations/implications

This study has some limitations inherent in survey design, mainly for both convenient sampling and country context.

Practical implications

This study suggests that management should improve firm’s manufacturing adaptive capability to enhance firm's overall effectiveness. For that purpose, managers should consider the interrelationships between the market and a firm’s technology, management system, and manufacturing-related adaptive capabilities. Management should also consider the importance of using resource-related redundancy to leverage the relationship between a firm’s management adaptive capability and manufacturing adaptive capability. At the same time, management should be aware of certain reverse effects of resource redundancy on both technology adaptive capability and the manufacturing adaptive capability linkage of a firm.

Originality/value

This study expands the understanding of the adaptive capability of firms by examining how manufacturing adaptive capability can be further enhanced. The study also offers a model for the potential relationships that develop between different aspects of organizational adaptive capability by applying the contingency role of organizational redundancy variables.
Building and rebuilding trust in higher education institutions (HEIs). Student's perspective
Authors: Lewicka Dagmara
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The importance of trust in student–university relations is relevant not only for the quality of the educational process and the satisfaction with studying achieved by students, but also for the importance of positive evaluation of HEIs to others. Therefore, the aim of this study is to identify the stages and mechanisms that build trust in student–university relations, the causes of trust violation and trust repair practices.

Design/methodology/approach

Public university students from Poland (16) and Germany (12) took part in the study based on semi-structured interviews. The research procedure followed an inductive approach. In addition, the critical events technique was used to identify trust violation and trust repair practices.

Findings

The study identifies the stages of the HEIs trust building process and the mechanisms upon which it is built. It attempts to catalogue trust violations, distinguishing three groups of “perpetrators” and categories of their differentiation in terms of their impact on trust. The study indicates ad hoc, informal methods of trust repair applied at HEIs and their conditions.

Practical implications

This study provides useful guidance for managers on how to build and maintain trust in HEIs.

Originality/value

The issue of trust building in HEIs is relatively new and therefore has not been sufficiently recognised to date. This study is the first to the author's knowledge to comprehensively address the problem of trust building, pointing out the mechanisms on which the formation of trust in HEIs is based. This study provides a novel contribution to the limited literature on trust violation and trust repair in HEIs.
Identifying the relative impact of process- and outcome-related team performance antecedents: a meta-analysis
Authors: Hindiyeh Ramy , Cross Jennifer
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to identify, through an exploratory meta-analysis, which process- and outcome-related antecedents have the strongest relationship to overall team performance. The secondary objective is to create an understanding of the extent to which relative research interest in each construct to date has aligned with its reported effects.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses a random-effects meta-analysis on studies that have measured the relationship between at least one process or outcome factor and overall team performance. The number of studies, effect size and between-study variances are captured and analyzed for each process/outcome factor. Prior literature has explored relationships between various process/outcome factors and overall team performance. This study expands on previous literature by examining a comprehensive set of process/outcome factors and their relative impact on overall team performance.

Findings

A meta-analysis of 190 effect sizes extracted from 52 empirical studies over the past two decades (1999–2020) showed the specific process and outcome factors that most strongly contributed to overall team performance were efficiency, schedule and innovation. In addition, only a weak correlation was found between process and outcome factors’ relationships with overall team performance and how often they are studied in the research community.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the body of knowledge on team performance by examining prior research to identify the relevant impact of various process and outcome factors on overall team performance. In addition, this study also assesses the extent to which research interest in these factors has appeared to match their relative impact. Analyzing the relative impact of various process and outcome factors allows researchers and practitioners to better identify methods to create improvement in overall team performance. Based on the findings, prioritizing efficiency, schedule and innovation may promote overall team performance.
“[It's] what you do after the mistake that counts”: Positive employment credentials, criminal record stigma, and potential pathways of mediation
Authors: Denver Megan , DeWitt Samuel E.
Published: September 2022

The findings from prior research indicate that positive credentials, or documentation of prosocial accomplishments, can vary in strength and perceived value in mitigating aversions to hiring individuals with criminal records. In the current study, we examine why certain types of positive credentials may be more influential in reducing stigma than others. Using data from a nationwide survey of American adults (N = 3,476), we combine a mediation analysis with content‐coding of open‐ended responses to identify key themes and patterns in decision processes. The results indicate the factors examined here—employee dependability, trustworthiness, recidivism risk, and workplace crime—explain a large proportion of the total effect across credentials and are the strongest for reference letters. Trustworthiness is the most influential mediator across credentials, whereas general recidivism risk is consistently the lowest. An analysis of open‐ended responses provides further context and insight into these patterns. Although policy strategies often target risk reduction on the employer's end, credentials that also relay information about skills, character, and the timeline of recent life events are especially influential.
The age of fuzzy bifurcation: Lessons from the pandemic and the Ukraine War
Authors: Higgott Richard , Reich Simon
Published: September 2022

Academics, decision‐makers and policy makers have suggested that COVID and the war in Ukraine represent an ‘inflection point’. The consequence will be ‘the end of globalisation’, ‘a bipolar Cold War 2.0’ and a return to Containment. In reality, the emerging world order is much messier. The logics of geoeconomics and geopolitics, largely aligned during the Cold War, are now in tension, ruptured by decades of globalisation, America's decline, and China's ascent. Consequently, US security allies now often wrestle with the fact that their economic ties link them to US rivals, notably China, or adversaries, like Russia. The pandemic and war have wrought geopolitical and economic adjustments, but any resemblance to Cold War blocs is superficial. What is consolidating is an era best described asfuzzy bifurcation. Unlike the Cold War, alliances will be tenuous across policy domains. With this greater latitude, even small and medium‐sized states may band‐wagon on security but willbalance,hedgeand even pursuestrategic autonomyin others. Terms like ‘allies’, ‘competitors’, ‘rivals’, and even ‘adversaries’ become contingent on the policy issue. It is a world that American and Chinese policy makers will find challenging, indeed frustrating, because of the inconstancy of allied behaviour.
The lysosomal proteome of senescent cells contributes to the senescence secretome
Authors: Rovira Miguel , Sereda Rebecca , Pladevall‐Morera David , Ramponi Valentina , Marin Ines , Maus Mate , Madrigal‐Matute Julio , Díaz Antonio , García Fernando , Muñoz Javier , Cuervo Ana María , Serrano Manuel
Published: September 2022

Senescent cells accumulate in tissues over time, favoring the onset and progression of multiple age‐related diseases. Senescent cells present a remarkable increase in lysosomal mass and elevated autophagic activity. Here, we report that two main autophagic pathways macroautophagy (MA) and chaperone‐mediated autophagy (CMA) are constitutively upregulated in senescent cells. Proteomic analyses of the subpopulations of lysosomes preferentially engaged in each of these types of autophagy revealed profound quantitative and qualitative changes in senescent cells, affecting both lysosomal resident proteins and cargo proteins delivered to lysosomes for degradation. These studies have led us to identify resident lysosomal proteins that are highly augmented in senescent cells and can be used as novel markers of senescence, such as arylsulfatase ARSA. The abundant secretome of senescent cells, known as SASP, is considered their main pathological mediator; however, little is known about the mechanisms of SASP secretion. Some secretory cells, including melanocytes, use the small GTPase RAB27A to perform lysosomal secretion. We found that this process is exacerbated in the case of senescent melanoma cells, as revealed by the exposure of lysosomal membrane integral proteins LAMP1 and LAMP2 in their plasma membrane. Interestingly, a subset of SASP components, including cytokines CCL2, CCL3, CXCL12, cathepsin CTSD, or the protease inhibitor SERPINE1, are secreted in a RAB27A‐dependent manner in senescent melanoma cells. Finally, proteins previously identified as plasma biomarkers of aging are highly enriched in the lysosomes of senescent cells, including CTSD. We conclude that the lysosomal proteome of senescent cells is profoundly reconfigured, and that some senescent cells can be highly active in lysosomal exocytosis.
Validation of the Good Spirit, Good Life quality‐of‐life tool for older Aboriginal Australians
Authors: Gilchrist Lianne , Hyde Zoë , Petersen Carina , Douglas Harry , Hayden Shondell , Bessarab Dawn , Flicker Leon , LoGiudice Dina , Ratcliffe Julie , Clinch Christine , Taylor Kevin , Bradley Kate , Smith Kate
Published: September 2022

Objective

Improving the quality of life (QoL) of older people is a key priority for governments, clinicians, researchers and service providers worldwide. However, the lack of culturally appropriate QoL tools for First Nations people is a major barrier to such efforts. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Good Spirit, Good Life (GSGL) QoL tool for older Aboriginal Australians.

Methods

One hundred and twenty older Aboriginal people living in Perth and Melbourne, Australia, were administered the GSGL tool, along with several other instruments assessing cognition (KICA‐Cog), depression (KICA‐Dep), anxiety (GAI‐SF), health and well‐being (EQ‐5D‐5L and ICECAP‐O) and resilience (ARRQ‐25). Associations between these instruments and the GSGL tool were explored to determine concurrent and known‐groups validity. Internal consistency was assessed with split‐half reliability and Cronbach's alpha. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to investigate construct validity.

Results

GSGL scores were positively correlated with ICECAP‐O and ARRQ‐25 scores, and negatively correlated with EQ‐5D‐5L score. GSGL scores differed significantly between participants with a probable anxiety disorder or depression, but not those with cognitive impairment. The Spearman–Brown prophecy estimate was 0.83 and Cronbach's alpha was 0.75. Principal component analysis identified two factors, which were labelled foundation and external.

Conclusions

The GSGL tool is a valid tool to assess quality of life in older Aboriginal Australians. The tool demonstrates acceptable convergent, concurrent and known‐groups validity. It was co‐designed at all stages with older Aboriginal people contributing to its strong face and content validity.
The precarious resilience of aged care employees enrolled in an Australian online dementia course: A cross‐sectional study of occupational health and well‐being
Authors: Elliott Kate‐Ellen J. , Stirling Christine M. , Johnstone Amber , Tierney Laura T. , Sanderson Kristy , Robinson Andrew L. , Scott Jennifer L. , Martin Angela J.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Australian aged care workforce surveys offer limited information about those who engage in online dementia education regarding their occupational health and well‐being. A salutogenic approach was applied to an aged care context to quantitatively assess both positive and negative aspects of health at work to inform the development of workplace interventions tailored to those interested in self‐development.

Methods

Physical, psychological and occupational health were measured in an online cross‐sectional survey of general health, chronic conditions, psychological distress, positive and negative affect, job satisfaction, access to workplace amenities and turnover intentions of aged care workers undertaking an online dementia course in October 2014.

Results

Participants (N = 662) rated their general physical health as good and a minority experienced chronic conditions such as obesity. Overall, workers had average levels of positive and negative affect and low distress. However, 25% were likely to have a mental health condition. While most were employed on a permanent basis (80%) and reported moderate job satisfaction, 18% were likely to leave their job. There were some gaps in workplace amenities to support health and well‐being: for example, 13% reported no access to lunch break areas.

Conclusions

Results suggest precarious resilience in aged care workers enrolled in an Australian online dementia course. Workplace interventions that focus on preventative health strategies are required to address the health risks associated with higher than national averages of obesity and mental health, and reduce exposure of workers to physical and psychological harms.
Advances in the cellular immunological pathogenesis and related treatment of primary ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Gao Hongna , Gao Lingyun , Wang Wenjun
Published: September 2022

Purpose of review

To describe the immunological mechanism in the pathogenesis of premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), summarize the alternations in humoral immunity and cellular immunity in patients with POI, and review some associated treatment methods based on these immunological changes.

Recent findings

Symptoms of patients with POI are similar to that of menopause, such as amenorrhea, anovulation, early depletion of the ovarian reserve, decreased estrogen, and elevated follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Therefore, most previous research has focused on finding ovary‐related antibodies. In recent years, advances in the field of immunology have increased our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism of POI, which includes changed levels of cytokines and immunological cells especially Tregs cells and Th17 cells. Based on these advances, many associatedtreatment methods including DHEA supplementation, Traditional Chinese Medicine, adoptive transfer of Treg cells and stem cell transplantation have become research hotspots.

This review focuses on the current literature regarding alterations in cellular immunity in patients with POI, as well as the role in the pathogenesis of POI, and summarizes treatment methods based on these immunological alternations, which have a great application potential in the clinical practice.
Allergen recognition by specific effector Th2 cells enables IL‐2‐dependent activation of regulatory T‐cell responses in humans
Authors: Lozano‐Ojalvo Daniel , Tyler Scott R. , Aranda Carlos J. , Wang Julie , Sicherer Scott , Sampson Hugh A. , Wood Robert A. , Burks A. Wesley , Jones Stacie M. , Leung Donald Y. M. , de Lafaille Maria Curotto , Berin M. Cecilia
Published: September 2022

Type 2 allergen‐specific T cells are essential for the induction and maintenance of allergies to foods, and Tregs specific for these allergens are assumed to be involved in their resolution. However, it has not been convincingly demonstrated whether allergen‐specific Treg responses are responsible for the generation of oral tolerance in humans. We observed that sustained food allergen exposure in the form of oral immunotherapy resulted in increased frequency of Tregs only in individuals with lasting clinical tolerance. We sought to identify regulatory components of the CD4+ T‐cell response to food allergens by studying their functional activation over time in vitro and in vivo. Two subsets of Tregs expressing CD137 or CD25/OX40 were identified with a delayed kinetics of activation compared with clonally enriched pathogenic effector Th2 cells. Treg activation was dependent on IL‐2 derived from effector T cells. In vivo exposure to peanut in the form of an oral food challenge of allergic subjects induced a delayed and persistent activation of Tregs after initiation of the allergen‐specific Th2 response. The novel finding of our work is that a sustained wave of Treg activation is induced by the release of IL‐2 from Th2 effector cells, with the implication that therapeutic administration of IL‐2 could improve current OIT approaches.
State‐of‐the‐art management of the acutely unwell child
Authors: McCahill C. , Laycock H. C. , Guris R. J. Daly , Chigaru L.
Published: September 2022

Children make up around one‐fifth of all emergency department visits in the USA and UK, with an increasing trend of emergency admissions requiring intensive care. Anaesthetists play a vital role in the management of paediatric emergencies contributing to stabilisation, emergency anaesthesia, transfers and non‐technical skills that optimise team performance. From neonates to adolescents, paediatric patients have diverse physiology and present with a range of congenital and acquired pathologies that often differ from the adult population. With increasing centralisation of paediatric services, staff outside these centres have less exposure to caring for children, yet are often the first responders in managing these high stakes situations. Staying abreast of the latest evidence for managing complex low frequency emergencies is a challenge. This review focuses on recent evidence and pertinent clinical updates within the field. The challenges of maintaining skills and training are explored as well as novel advancements in care.
People exposed to proton‐pump inhibitors shortly preceding COVID‐19 diagnosis are not at an increased risk of subsequent hospitalizations and mortality: A nationwide matched cohort study
Authors: Kodvanj Ivan , Homolak Jan , Trkulja Vladimir
Published: September 2022

Aims

To assess whether exposure to proton‐pump inhibitors (PPIs) shortly preceding COVID‐19 diagnosis affected the risk of subsequent hospitalizations and mortality.

Methods

This population‐based study embraced first COVID‐19 episodes in adults diagnosed up to 15 August 2021 in Croatia. Patients were classified based on exposure to PPIs and burden of PPI‐requiring morbidities as nonusers (no issued prescriptions, no recorded treatment‐requiring conditions between 1 January 2019 and COVID‐19 diagnosis), possible users (no issued prescriptions, but morbidities present; self‐medication possible) and users (≥1 prescription within 3 months prior to the COVID‐19 diagnosis; morbidities present). Subsets were mutually exactly matched for pre‐COVID‐19 characteristics. The contrast between users and possible users informed about the effect of PPIs that is separate of the effect of PPI‐requiring conditions.

Results

Among 433 609 patients, users and possible users were matched 41 195 (of 55 098) to 17 334 (of 18 170) in the primary and 33 272 to 16 434 in the sensitivity analysis. There was no relevant difference between them regarding mortality (primary: relative risk [RR] = 0.93 [95% confidence interval 0.85–1.02; absolute risk difference [RD] = −0.34% [−0.73, 0.03]; sensitivity: RR = 0.88 [0.78–0.98]; RD = −0.45% [−0.80, −0.11]) or hospitalizations (primary: RR = 1.04 [0.97–1.13]; RD = 0.29% [−0.16, 0.73]; sensitivity: RR = 1.05 [0.97–1.15]; RD = 0.32% [−0.12, 0.75]). The risks of both were slightly higher in possible users or users than in nonusers (absolutely by ~0.4–1.6%) indicating the effect of PPI‐requiring morbidities.

Conclusion

Premorbid exposure to PPIs does not affect the risk of death or hospitalization in adult COVID‐19 patients, but PPI‐requiring morbidities seemingly slightly increase the risk of both.
Less tension leads to less scarring
Authors: Lear William
Published: September 2022

Linked Article:  Eshagh et al. Br J Dermatol 2022; 187:318–323.
Collateral rostral thalamic projections to prelimbic, infralimbic, anterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortices in the rat brain
Authors: Yanakieva Steliana , Mathiasen Mathias L. , Amin Eman , Nelson Andrew J. D. , O'Mara Shane M. , Aggleton John P.
Published: September 2022

As the functional properties of a cortical area partly reflect its thalamic inputs, the present study compared collateral projections arising from various rostral thalamic nuclei that terminate across prefrontal (including anterior cingulate) and retrosplenial areas in the rat brain. Two retrograde tracers, fast blue and cholera toxin B, were injected in pairs to different combinations of cortical areas. The research focused on the individual anterior thalamic nuclei, including the interanteromedial nucleus, nucleus reuniens and the laterodorsal nucleus. Of the principal anterior thalamic nuclei, only the anteromedial nucleus contained neurons reaching both the anterior cingulate cortex and adjacent cortical areas (prefrontal or retrosplenial), though the numbers were modest. For these same cortical pairings (medial prefrontal/anterior cingulate and anterior cingulate/retrosplenial), the interanteromedial nucleus and nucleus reuniens contained slightly higher proportions of bifurcating neurons (up to 11% of labelled cells). A contrasting picture was seen for collaterals reaching different areas within retrosplenial cortex. Here, the anterodorsal nucleus, typically provided the greatest proportion of bifurcating neurons (up to 15% of labelled cells). While individual neurons that terminate in different retrosplenial areas were also found in the other thalamic nuclei, they were infrequent. Consequently, these thalamo‐cortical projections predominantly arise from separate populations of neurons with discrete cortical termination zones, consistent with the transmission of segregated information and influence. Overall, two contrasting medial‐lateral patterns of collateral projections emerged, with more midline nuclei, for example, nucleus reuniens and the interoanteromedial nucleus innervating prefrontal areas, while more dorsal and lateral anterior thalamic collaterals innervated retrosplenial cortex.
Role of autoantibody levels as biomarkers in the management of patients with myasthenia gravis: A systematic review and expert appraisal
Authors: Meisel Andreas , Baggi Fulvio , Behin Anthony , Evoli Amelia , Kostera‐Pruszczyk Anna , Mantegazza Renato , Morales Raul Juntas , Punga Anna Rostedt , Sacconi Sabrina , Schroeter Michael , Verschuuren Jan , Crathorne Louise , Holmes Kris , Leite Maria‐Isabel
Published: September 2022

Background and purpose

Although myasthenia gravis (MG) is recognized as an immunoglobulin G autoantibody‐mediated disease, the relationship between autoantibody levels and disease activity in MG is unclear. We sought to evaluate this landscape through systematically assessing the evidence, testing the impact of predefined variables on any relationship, and augmenting with expert opinion.

Methods

In October 2020, a forum of leading clinicians and researchers in neurology from across Europe (Expert Forum for Rare Autoantibodies in Neurology in Myasthenia Gravis) participated in a series of virtual meetings that took place alongside the conduct of a systematic literature review (SLR).

Results

Forty‐two studies were identified meeting inclusion criteria. Of these, 10 reported some correlation between a patient's autoantibody level and disease severity. Generally, decreased autoantibody levels (acetylcholine receptor, muscle‐specific kinase, and titin) were positively and significantly correlated with improvements in disease severity (Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis score, Myasthenia Gravis Composite score, Myasthenia Gravis Activities of Daily Living score, Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America classification). Given the limited evidence, testing the impact of predefined variables was not feasible.

Conclusions

This first SLR to assess whether a correlation exists between autoantibody levels and disease activity in patients with MG has indicated a potential positive correlation, which could have clinical implications in guiding treatment decisions. However, in light of the limited and variable evidence, we cannot currently recommend routine clinical use of autoantibody level testing in this context. For now, patient's characteristics, clinical disease course, and laboratory data (e.g., autoantibody status, thymus histology) should inform management, alongside patient‐reported outcomes. We highlight the need for future studies to reach more definitive conclusions on this relationship.
Antidiabetic omarigliptin dilates rabbit aorta by activating voltage‐dependent K+ channels and the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase pump
Authors: Heo Ryeon , Kang Minji , Mun Seo‐Yeong , Park Minju , Han Eun‐Taek , Han Jin‐Hee , Chun Wanjoo , Park Hongzoo , Jung Won‐Kyo , Choi Il‐Whan , Park Won Sun
Published: September 2022

We investigated the vasodilatory effect of omarigliptin, an oral antidiabetic drug in the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor class, and its related mechanisms using phenylephrine (Phe)‐induced pre‐contracted aortic rings. Omarigliptin dilated aortic rings pre‐constricted with Phe in a dose‐dependent manner. Pretreatment with the voltage‐dependent K+ channel inhibitor 4‐aminopyridine significantly attenuated the vasodilatory effect of omarigliptin, whereas pretreatment with the inwardly rectifying K+ channel inhibitor Ba2+, ATP‐sensitive K+ channel inhibitor glibenclamide, and large‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel inhibitor paxilline did not alter its vasodilation. Pretreatment with the sarco/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase (SERCA) pump inhibitors thapsigargin and cyclopiazonic acid significantly reduced the vasodilatory effect of omarigliptin. Neither cAMP/PKA‐related signaling pathway inhibitors nor cGMP/PKG‐related signaling pathway inhibitors modulated the vasodilatory effect of omarigliptin. Removal of endothelium did not diminish the vasodilatory effect of omarigliptin. Furthermore, pretreatment with the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor L‐NAME or small‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel inhibitor apamin, together with the intermediate‐conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ channel inhibitor TRAM‐34, did not influence the vasodilatory effect of omarigliptin. In conclusion, omarigliptin induced vasodilation in rabbit aortic smooth muscle by activating voltage‐dependent K+ channels and the SERCA pump independently of other K+ channels, cAMP/PKA‐ and cGMP/PKG‐related signaling pathways, and the endothelium.
Garfield, SLA gold medalist: Examining the investments of an exceptional US language learner/hyperpolyglot
Authors: Anderson Roger W.
Published: September 2022

The Challenge

What inspires a man to study 65 languages? Hyperpolyglots are mysteries, but do they hold insights for our understanding and practice of second language education? A veteran, US intelligence officer, and now an adjunct instructor, Garfield has seemingly done it all with the language skills he acquired. His story of resilience will inspire learners and instructors.
Exploring the secondary mineral products generated by microbial iron respiration in Archean ocean simulations
Authors: Nims Christine , Johnson Jena E.
Published: September 2022

Marine chemical sedimentary deposits known as Banded Iron Formations (BIFs) archive Archean ocean chemistry and, potentially, signs of ancient microbial life. BIFs contain a diversity of iron‐ and silica‐rich minerals in disequilibrium, and thus many interpretations of these phases suggest they formed secondarily during early diagenetic processes. One such hypothesis posits that the early diagenetic microbial respiration of primary iron(III) oxides in BIFs resulted in the formation of other iron phases, including the iron‐rich silicates, carbonates, and magnetite common in BIF assemblages. Here, we simulated this proposed pathway in laboratory incubations combining a model dissimilatory iron‐reducing (DIR) bacterium, Shewanella putrefaciens CN32, and the ferric oxyhydroxide mineral ferrihydrite under conditions mimicking the predicted Archean seawater geochemistry. We assessed the impact of dissolved silica, calcium, and magnesium on the bioreduced precipitates. After harvesting the solid products from these experiments, we analyzed the reduced mineral phases using Raman spectroscopy, electron microscopy, powder x‐ray diffraction, and spectrophotometric techniques to identify mineral precipitates and track the bulk distributions of Fe(II) and Fe(III). These techniques detected a diverse range of calcium carbonate morphologies and polymorphism in incubations with calcium, as well as secondary ferric oxide phases like goethite in silica‐free experiments. We also identified aggregates of curling, iron‐ and silica‐rich amorphous precipitates in all incubations amended with silica. Although ferric oxides persist even in our electron acceptor‐limited incubations, our observations indicate that microbial iron reduction of ferrihydrite is a viable pathway for the formation of early iron silicate phases. This finding allows us to draw parallels between our experimental proto‐silicates and the recently characterized iron silicate nanoinclusions in BIF chert deposits, suggesting that early iron silicates could possibly be signatures of iron‐reducing metabolisms on early Earth.
Comparison of platelet count results on the Sysmex XN between citrate or MgSO4 and K2 EDTA anticoagulants
Authors: Soulard Michel , Croix Pascale , Cohen Patrick
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The aim of this study performed on Sysmex XN is to compare platelet values on citrate and MgSO4 (TBX) in patients with K2EDTA‐induced platelet clusters and to identify platelet biases of these matrices compared to K2EDTA.

Methods

Sixty patients with K2EDTA‐induced platelet clusters were re‐sampled with K2EDTA, citrate and TBX. Platelet results were then compared, and smears were analysed for clumping. Platelet results from 120 patients without K2EDTA‐induced platelet clusters were compared between K2 EDTA, citrate, and MgSO4 with impedance and fluorescence modes. Biases from regressions were analysed.

Results

Out of the 60 patients with K2EDTA‐induced platelet clusters, none showed platelet clusters with MgSO4 whereas 50% still showed clusters with citrate. Among those without platelet clusters on citrate, the mean relative difference between (citrate‐ MgSO4)/MgSO4 was −12.7% in impedance and −9.8% in fluorescence. Among the 120 patients without K2EDTA‐induced platelet clusters, in fluorescence the mean relative bias with respect to K2EDTA was −2.06% for MgSO4 and −10.3% for Citrate. For the MgSO4 versus K2 EDTA regressions, the maximum absolute values of the 95% CI of the relative biases at 150 × 109/L (5.45%) and 450 × 109/L (3.56%) were below the desirable analytical objectives of the EFLM.

Conclusion

In patients with K2EDTA‐induced platelet clusters, MgSO4 is preferable to citrate. MgSO4 provides a bias with XN in fluorescence when compared to EDTA which is within analytical tolerance.
Enhanced photoluminescence quantum yield of Ce3+‐doped aluminum–silicate glasses for scintillation application
Authors: Wu Tao , Hua Zhehao , Tang Gao , Ban Huiyun , Cai Hua , Han Jifeng , Liu Hui , Liu Shan , Qian Sen , Qin Laishun , Ren Jing , Sun Xilei , Sun Xin‐Yuan , Wen Yufeng , Zhu Yao
Published: September 2022

Ce3+‐doped 20Gd2O3–20Al2O3–60SiO2 (GAS:xCe3+) glasses (x = 0.3, 0.7, 1.1, 1.5, 1.9 mol%) with Si3N4 as a reducing agent were prepared. The density of the glasses is around 4.2 g/cm3. With the increase in the Ce3+ concentration, both the photoluminescence (PL) and PL excitation peaks of GAS:xCe3+ glasses show a redshift because the 4f–5d energy levels of Ce3+ ions are narrowed. PL quantum yield and PL decay time of GAS:xCe3+ glasses are 28.32–50.59% and 43–64 ns, respectively. In addition, they both first increases and then decreases with the Ce3+ concentration increasing, reached the maximum when x = 1.1 mol%. The integrated X‐ray excited luminescence (XEL) intensity of the GAS:1.1Ce3+ glass is 23.86% of that of Bi4Ge3O12 (BGO) crystal, and the light yield reaches 1200 ph/MeV with an energy resolution of 22.98% at 662 keV when exposed to γ‐rays. The PL and XEL thermal activation energies of GAS:xCe3+ glasses are independent of Ce3+ ions concentration. Scintillating decay time of the glasses exhibits two components consisting of nanosecond and microsecond levels, and the scintillating decay time gradually decreases with the Ce3+ concentration increasing. The difference between PL and scintillating decay time is discussed regarding the different luminescent mechanisms.
Semi‐automatic coding of open‐ended text responses in large‐scale assessments
Authors: Andersen Nico , Zehner Fabian , Goldhammer Frank
Published: September 2022

Background

In the context of large‐scale educational assessments, the effort required to code open‐ended text responses is considerably more expensive and time‐consuming than the evaluation of multiple‐choice responses because it requires trained personnel and long manual coding sessions.

Aim

Our semi‐supervised coding method eco (exploring coding assistant) dynamically supports human raters by automatically coding a subset of the responses.

Method

We map normalized response texts into a semantic space and cluster response vectors based on their semantic similarity. Assuming that similar codes represent semantically similar responses, we propagate codes to responses in optimally homogeneous clusters. Cluster homogeneity is assessed by strategically querying informative responses and presenting them to a human rater. Following each manual coding, the method estimates the code distribution respecting a certainty interval and assumes a homogeneous distribution if certainty exceeds a predefined threshold. If a cluster is determined to certainly comprise homogeneous responses, all remaining responses are coded accordingly automatically. We evaluated the method in a simulation using different data sets.

Results

With an average miscoding of about 3%, the method reduced the manual coding effort by an average of about 52%.

Conclusion

Combining the advantages of automatic and manual coding produces considerable coding accuracy and reduces the required manual effort.
The Politics of Free Movement of People in the United Kingdom: Beyond Securitization and De‐securitization?
Authors: Parker Owen
Published: September 2022

In the decade after 2007 eurosceptic actors in the UK successfully deployed securitizing narratives to portray the free movement of people (FMoP) and EU citizens as a threat to the ‘ontological security’ of national citizens. The ensuing exclusionary policies (up to and beyond the end of FMoP) were normatively problematic, particularly given the absence of evidence in support of those narratives. However, the paper argues that a response aimed at de‐securitizing the issue—in this case, a return to the status‐quo‐ante – is not without its own normative problems. Indeed, the permissive pre‐2007 New Labour government's approach to FMoP was not inclusive of all EU citizens. In valorizing EU citizens as ‘independent post‐national entrepreneurs’, the marginalization of economically vulnerable EU citizens, particularly via tough welfare conditionality, was legitimated. The paper concludes by reflecting on the theoretical and political implications of the argument.
Compliance with EU Law from 1989 to 2018: The Commission's Shift from a Normative to a Regulative Approach
Authors: Pircher Brigitte
Published: September 2022

This study analyses the European Commission's strategies to counteract Member States' non‐compliance with EU law between 1989 and 2018. Based on a theoretical framework that distinguishes between a normative and a regulative approach in the Commission's strategies, the study conducts a semi‐automatic content analysis of all annual reports on monitoring the application of EU law and further supports this analysis with other EU sources. The results demonstrate that the Commission shifted from a normative approach based on management tools in the late 1980s and early 1990s to a more regulative approach with enhanced enforcement four decades later. Moreover, the Commission's role as driver for European integration has changed. In times of crisis and increased domestic contestation, the Commission has become a more authoritarian prosecutor of European policies.
Assessment of gingival thickness in multi‐ethnic subjects with different gingival pigmentation levels
Authors: Nik‐Azis Nik‐Madihah , Razali Masfueh , Goh Victor , Ahmad Shuhaimi Nurul Nadia , Mohd Nazrin Nur Aqilah Syuhada
Published: September 2022

Aim

Assessment of the thickness of gingival tissues using the probe visibility test is regarded as the method of choice during routine examinations. However, the probe visibility test has not been validated for patients with gingival pigmentation and its accuracy in populations with physiological gingival pigmentation is yet unknown. This study aims to evaluate different methods for the clinical assessment of gingival thickness in participants with varying levels of gingival pigmentation.

Materials and Methods

Buccal mucosa of the maxillary right central incisor teeth of 171 participants was evaluated using four methods, which were direct measurements using calliper, transgingival probing method using an endodontic probe, and probe visibility method using Colorvue biotype probe (CBP) and UNC‐15 probe. The pigmentation of the gingiva was assessed using the Dummett–Gupta oral pigmentation lesion index.

Results

The average gingival thickness of the selected population was 1.22 ± 0.38 mm with a distribution of 70% thick and 30% thin gingiva. Transgingival and calliper methods showed good agreement and significant correlation (r = 0.229; p = .003). Visual assessment using CBP and UNC‐15 probe showed poor agreement with the direct measurement methods. Gingival pigmentation significantly affected the probe visibility assessment, reducing the visibility of both the CBP (odds ratio [OR] = 4.00; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.83–8.74) and UNC‐15 probe (OR = 1.84; 95% CI, 1.05–3.23) while controlling for thickness of the gingiva.

Conclusion

The probe visibility method using either CBP or the UNC‐15 probe is affected by the degree of gingival pigmentation. Direct measurements using either a calliper or transgingival probing are recommended as methods to measure the gingival thickness in populations with gingival pigmentation.
On sellers' cooperation in hybrid marketplaces
Authors: Bisceglia Michele , Padilla Jorge
Published: September 2022

Hybrid marketplaces, such as Amazon's and Zalando's stores or Apple's and Google's app stores, which distribute their own products and services in competition with those of third‐party sellers, play a significant and growing role in the Internet economy. This paper shows that, other things equal, such platforms would maximize their profits if they lowered the fees charged to sellers and the prices charged to consumers in response to cooperation agreements between third‐party sellers: horizontal mergers or collusive agreements. It also shows that such cooperation can be pro‐competitive when the platform is a vertically integrated gatekeeper, adopts the agency business model, is a close competitor to the third‐party sellers it hosts, and observes (or correctly anticipates) the third‐party sellers' agreement. The discussion here is of significant policy relevance, since third‐party sellers in online marketplaces may find it easier to collude and may respond to the bargaining power of certain gatekeeper platforms by merging their activities.
Impact of food restriction on the medio‐basal hypothalamus of intact ewes as revealed by a large‐scale transcriptomics study
Authors: Dardente Hugues , Lomet Didier , Desmarchais Alice , Téteau Ophélie , Lasserre Olivier , Gonzalez Anne‐Alicia , Dubois Emeric , Beltramo Massimiliano , Elis Sébastien
Published: September 2022

In mammals, the medio‐basal hypothalamus (MBH) integrates photoperiodic and food‐related cues to ensure timely phasing of physiological functions, including seasonal reproduction. The current human epidemics of obesity and associated reproductive disorders exemplifies the tight link between metabolism and reproduction. Yet, how food‐related cues impact breeding at the level of the MBH remains unclear. In this respect, the sheep, which is a large diurnal mammal with a marked dual photoperiodic/metabolic control of seasonal breeding, is a relevant model. Here, we present a large‐scale study in ewes (n = 120), which investigated the impact of food restriction (FRes) on the MBH transcriptome using unbiased RNAseq, followed by RT‐qPCR. Few genes (~100) were impacted by FRes and the transcriptional impact was very modest (<2‐fold increase or < 50% decrease for most genes). As anticipated, FRes increased expression of Npy/AgRP/LepR and decreased expression of Pomc/Cartpt, while Kiss1 expression was not impacted. Of particular interest, Eya3, Nmu and Dio2, genes involved in photoperiodic decoding within the MBH, were also affected by FRes. Finally, we also identified a handful of genes not known to be regulated by food‐related cues (e.g., RNase6, HspA6, Arrdc2). In conclusion, our transcriptomics study provides insights into the impact of metabolism on the MBH in sheep, which may be relevant to human, and identifies possible molecular links between metabolism and (seasonal) reproduction.