bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Choroidal structural changes in preterm children with and without retinopathy of prematurity
Authors: Lavric Alenka , Tekavcic Pompe Manca , Markelj Spela , Ding Jianbin , Mahajan Sarakshi , Khandelwal Neha , Agrawal Rupesh
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Evaluate choroidal structural changes in preterm children with and without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) using image binarization technique on swept‐source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) scans.

Methods

Prospective case–control study. Forty‐one (79 eyes) children aged 5–15 years with a history of preterm birth and 33 (63 eyes) age‐matched full‐term children were recruited. Demographics including gestational age at birth, birth weight and history of ROP were documented. All subjects had undergone complete eye examinations, including best‐corrected visual acuity and SS‐OCT imaging. Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was calculated, and images were binarized to obtain stromal and luminal areas (LA). The choroidal vascularity index (CVI) was derived from the proportion of LA to the total subfoveal choroidal area.

Results

There were no significant differences in SFCT between the preterm children with (286.63 ± 83.98 μm) or without (306.59 ± 77.29 μm) ROP and the full‐term children (311.82 ± 42.87; p = 0.20 and 0.67, respectively). The CVI was significantly reduced in the preterm children with ROP (68.66 ± 3.24%; p = 0.005) compared with the CVI in the full‐term control group (71.37 ± 3.63%); however, the CVI in the preterm children without ROP (71.68 ± 3.09%; p = 0.93) was not significantly affected.

Conclusion

The reduced CVI in preterm children with ROP may indicate compromised choroidal vascularity. The CVI was found to be a more sensitive OCT biomarker than the SFCT and may be helpful in evaluating associated choroidal structural changes in preterm children, especially those with a history of ROP.
Natural course of the intraretinal hyperreflective sign after macular haemorrhage absorption in eyes with pathologic myopia
Authors: Hung Kuo‐Chi , Wang Shih‐Wen , Hsia Yun , Chen Muh‐Shy , Tsai Chia‐Ying , Ho Tzyy‐Chang
Published: December 2019

Purpose

We investigated the natural course of the intraretinal hyperreflective (IRH) sign after macular haemorrhage (MHE) absorption in eyes with pathologic myopia.

Methods

This prospective observational cohort study evaluated 28 patients with pathologic myopia and MHE. The eyes were categorized into IRH and non‐IRH sign groups according to IRH sign development. All eyes were evaluated; follow‐up visits were scheduled at 1, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after MHE absorption.

Results

Of 28 patients (14 eyes each in the IRH and non‐IRH groups), nine (32.1%) were men and 19 (67.9%) were women. The average age (mean ± SD) was 46.64 ± 11.92 versus 52.71 ± 12.19 years in the IRH and non‐IRH groups. The IRH sign coincided with the MHE invasion site. The sign persisted for the entire follow‐up period in all but two eyes, in which it disappeared at 12 and 24 months, respectively. Maximal MHE thickness was significantly greater in the IRH sign group (162.9 ± 67.84 versus 104.2 ± 32.34 μm, p = 0.013). The mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity was significantly better in the non‐IRH sign group at 12 (p = 0.029) and 24 (p = 0.033) months. The incidence of myopic traction maculopathies (MTM) was significantly higher in the IRH (57.1%) than in the non‐IRH sign group (14.3%; p = 0.046).

Conclusion

The IRH sign can develop after MHE in pathologic myopia and can remain stable long after MHE absorption; furthermore, it is predictive of future MTM.
Systematic review with meta‐analysis: effectiveness of direct‐acting antiviral treatment for hepatitis C in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: He Sichan , Lockart Ian , Alavi Maryam , Danta Mark , Hajarizadeh Behzad , Dore Gregory J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is highly curative and tolerable. Among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), optimal timing of DAA therapy remains unclear. Data on efficacy of DAA therapy in patients with HCC would inform this decision‐making.

Aim

To evaluate response to DAA therapy among patients diagnosed with HCV infection and HCC.

Methods

Bibliographic databases and conference abstracts were searched. Meta‐analysis was conducted to pool sustained virologic response (SVR) estimates.

Results

Fifty‐six studies with 5522 patients with HCV and HCC were included. Overall SVR was 88.3% (95% CI 86.1‐90.4). Twenty‐seven studies included patients with prior or present HCC (n = 3126) and patients without HCC (n = 49 138), in which SVR was 88.2% (95% CI 85.0‐91.4) and 92.4% (95% CI 91.1‐93.7) among patients with and without HCC, respectively (odds ratio: 0.54, 95% CI 0.43‐0.68, P < .001). In the subgroup analyses, higher SVR was seen in patients who received curative HCC management (SVR 90.4%, 95% CI 88.3‐92.4), or treated with sofosbuvir + NS5A inhibitor DAAs (SVR 96.9%, 95% CI 94.3‐99.4), or in patients with HCV genotype 1 infection (SVR 92.0%, 95% CI 88.1‐95.6).

Conclusion

Response to DAA therapy was lower in patients with HCC compared to those without HCC, regardless of cirrhosis status. Among HCC patients, there was an impact of proportion with curative HCC management on DAA therapy response.
The power and potential of integrated diagnostics in acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Haferlach Torsten , Schmidts Ines
Published: December 2019

The field of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) diagnostics, initially based solely on morphological assessment, has integrated more and more disciplines. Today, state‐of‐the‐art AML diagnostics relies on cytomorphology, cytochemistry, immunophenotyping, cytogenetics and molecular genetics. Only the integration of all of these methods allows for a comprehensive and complementary characterisation of each case, which is prerequisite for optimal AML diagnosis and management. Here, we will review why multidisciplinary diagnostics is mandatory today and will gain even more importance in the future, especially in the context of precision medicine. We will discuss ideas and strategies that are likely to shape and improve multidisciplinary diagnostics in AML and may even overcome some of today's gold standards. This includes recent technical advances that provide genome‐wide molecular insights. The enormous amount of data obtained by these latter techniques represents a great challenge, but also a unique chance. We will reflect on how this increase in knowledge can be incorporated into the routine to pave the way for personalised medicine in AML.
Tracking tidal volume noninvasively in volunteers using a tightly controlled temperature‐based device: A proof of concept paper
Authors: Sathyamoorthy Madhankumar , Lerman Jerrold , Amolenda Patricia G. , Wilson Gerri A. , Feldman Ronen , Moser John , Feldman Uri , Abraham George E. , Feldman Doron
Published: December 2019

Introduction

There is a paucity of noninvasive respiratory monitors for patients outside of critical care settings. The Linshom respiratory monitoring device is a novel temperature‐based respiratory monitor that measures the respiratory rate as accurately as capnography.

Objectives

Determine whether the amplitude of the Linshom temperature profile was an accurate, surrogate and qualitative metric of the tidal volume (VT) that tracks VT in healthy volunteers.

Methods

Forty volunteers breathed room air spontaneously through a tight‐fitting continuous positive airway pressure mask with a Linshom device mounted in the mask. VT was measured contemporaneously using a standalone Maquet Servo‐i ICU ventilator. The amplitudes of the Linshom temperature profiles were paired with the contemporaneous VT measurements using least squares linear regression analysis and the coefficient of variation (R2) was determined.

Results

Forty volunteers completed the study. The data from 30 of the volunteers were analysed and are presented; data from 10 volunteers were not included due to protocol violations and/or technical issues unrelated to Linshom. The fluctuations in the amplitude of the Linshom temperature profiles mapped closely with the measured VT using least squares linear regression analyses yielding a mean R2 (95% CI) value of 0.87 (0.84‐0.90).

Conclusion

These results support the notion that the Linshom temperature profile is an accurate and reliable surrogate that tracks changes in VT in healthy volunteers. Further studies are warranted in patients in clinical settings to establish the effectiveness of this monitor.
Results in liver transplantation using grafts from donors after controlled circulatory death: A single‐center experience comparing donor grafts harvested after controlled circulatory death to those harvested after brain death
Authors: Otero Alejandra , Vázquez María Angeles , Suárez Francisco , Pértega Sonia , Rivas Jose Ignacio , Mosteiro Fernando , Gómez Manuel
Published: December 2019

Background

In recent years, interest in donation after cardiac death (DCD) has increased. Although DCD liver transplantation (LT) has demonstrated satisfactory long‐term outcomes, different studies have shown poorer patient and graft survival after DCD than after donation after brain death (DBD). This study aimed to evaluate the results of LT using controlled DCD (cDCD) donors, specifically the incidence of primary non‐function and ischemic cholangiopathy (IC), and to compare these results with those of LT using DBD in the same time period.

Methods

Between June 2012 and July 2018, we performed 66 transplants using cDCD and 258 with DBD grafts.

Results

The incidence of IC was similar in both groups (2% in DBD, 1.5% in DCD; P = .999). No significant differences were found for overall graft and patient survival rates between the groups at 1 and 2 years post‐transplantation.

Conclusions

This study provided evidence that cDCD donors exhibit excellent graft and patient survival outcomes. When the warm ischemia time is <30 minutes and cold ischemia time is <6 hours, the graft and patient survival rates and the incidence of IC in DCD are similar to those in DBD, even when using donors without age restrictions.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Intramuscular and Oral Betamethasone and Dexamethasone in Reproductive Age Women in India
Authors: Jobe Alan H. , Milad Mark A. , Peppard Thomas , Jusko William J.
Published: December 2019

High‐dose betamethasone and dexamethasone are standard of care treatments for women at risk of preterm delivery to improve neonatal respiratory and mortality outcomes. The dose in current use has never been evaluated to minimize exposures while assuring efficacy. We report the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (PDs) of oral and intramuscular treatments with single 6 mg doses of dexamethasone phosphate, betamethasone phosphate, or a 1:1 mixture of betamethasone phosphate and betamethasone acetate in reproductive age South Asian women. Intramuscular or oral betamethasone has a terminal half‐life of 11 hours, about twice as long as the 5.5 hours for oral and intramuscular dexamethasone. The 1:1 mixture of betamethasone phosphate and betamethasone acetate shows an immediate release of betamethasone followed by a slow release where plasma betamethasone can be measured out to 14 days after the single dose administration, likely from a depo formed at the injection site by the acetate. PD responses were: increased glucose, suppressed cortisol, increased neutrophils, and suppressed basophils, CD3CD4 and CD3CD8 lymphocytes. PD responses were comparable for betamethasone and dexamethasone, but with longer times to return to baseline for betamethasone. The 1:1 mixture of betamethasone phosphate and betamethasone acetate caused much longer adrenal suppression because of the slow release. These results will guide the development of better treatment strategies to minimize fetal and maternal drug exposures for women at risk of preterm delivery.
Adequate tumour cellularity is essential for accurate PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry assessment on cytology cell‐block specimens
Authors: Hendry Shona , Byrne David J. , Christie Michael , Steinfort Daniel P. , Irving Louis B. , Wagner Carrie‐Anne , Ellwood Timothy , Cooper Wendy A. , Fox Stephen B.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an essential predictive biomarker for patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), required to inform treatment decisions regarding anti‐PD‐1 immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. This study aims to investigate the concordance between PD‐L1 IHC assessed on NSCLC cytology and histology specimens and to determine the impactce of tumour cellularity.

Methods

Matched cytology and histology NSCLC specimens were retrieved from the archives of the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. PD‐L1 IHC was performed concurrently on both specimens at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre using the SP263 assay kit on the Ventana Benchmark Ultra staining platform and scored by two experienced pathologists.

Results

Overall agreement between matched cytology and histology specimens was good (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.653, n = 58); however, markedly increased when the analysis was limited to cell‐blocks with >100 tumour cells (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.957, n = 29). Specificity at both 1% and 50% cut‐offs was high regardless of cellularity; however, sensitivity decreased in samples with <100 tumour cells.

Conclusions

PD‐L1 IHC on cytology cell‐block specimens in NSCLC is an acceptable alternative to histological specimens, provided adequate tumour cells are present. Clinicians and pathologists should be mindful of the risk of false negative PD‐L1 IHC in samples with low tumour cellularity, to avoid excluding patients from potentially beneficial treatment.
Effects of nitrogen enrichment on tree carbon allocation: A global synthesis
Authors: Li Weibin , Zhang Hongxia , Huang Guozhu , Liu Ruixue , Wu Hongjing , Zhao Chuanyan , McDowell Nate G.
Published: December 2019

Aim

Increased atmospheric nitrogen deposition may have profound effects on tree carbon allocation dynamics. However, a comprehensive understanding of how nitrogen (N) enrichment influences carbon (C) allocation across plant functional processes and tree organs in individual trees remains elusive.

Location

Global forest ecosystems.

Time period

1990–2018.

Major taxa studied

Trees.

Methods

We compiled data from 75 N addition experiments and conducted a meta‐analysis to evaluate the responses of C source (photosynthesis), sinks (growth and respiration) and storage (non‐structural carbohydrate concentrations) in different tree organs (foliage, above‐ground wood and roots) to N enrichment.

Results

N enrichment significantly enhanced C supply via photosynthesis (+39.6%, n = 128). C allocation to growth (biomass increment/production) significantly increased in foliage (+15.9%, n = 68) and above‐ground wood (+31.8%, n = 64; bole, branch, stem and/or twig) with increasing N availability, but not in roots, whereas allocation increased in roots via increasing fine root turnover rate (+22.6%, n = 11). N fertilization significantly increased C allocation to respiration in above‐ground wood (+46.6%, n = 12) and roots (+5.5%, n = 57), but not in foliage. N addition decreased non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) concentrations in foliage (−5.4%, n = 16) and roots (−5.0%, n = 21), but increased NSC in above‐ground wood (+6.1%, n = 22). In addition, N enrichment effects were strongly affected by moderator variables.

Main conclusions

Our results demonstrate that N addition increased C allocation to growth and respiration more strongly than C allocation to NSC storage, and increased C allocation to above‐ground parts more strongly than to below‐ground parts. Our results are useful for better understanding the response of tree functional processes at organ level to N enrichment. The existing data also reveal that more long‐term experimental studies on mature trees in tropical and boreal forests are urgently needed to provide a basis for forecasting tree responses to N enrichment at the global scale.
Association between sarcopenia and pneumonia in older people
Authors: Okazaki Tatsuma , Ebihara Satoru , Mori Takashi , Izumi Shinichi , Ebihara Takae
Published: December 2019

Pneumonia is a major cause of death in older people, and the number of such deaths is increasing. Present guidelines for pneumonia management are based on a pathogen‐oriented strategy that relies on the optimal application of antibiotics. Older pneumonia inpatients show the high incidence of aspiration pneumonia. The main cause of aspiration pneumonia is an impairment in the swallowing and cough reflexes. These facts suggest a limitation of present management strategies and a requirement for new strategies for aspiration pneumonia. Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle strength and mass, and declining physical function with aging. Recently, a decrease in the mass or strength of the swallowing muscles was suggested to be associated with reduced swallowing function. Accordingly, dysphagia caused by sarcopenia of the systemic and swallowing‐related muscles was named sarcopenic dysphagia. Presently, few studies have shown associations between aspiration pneumonia and sarcopenic dysphagia. As for the cough reflex, strong cough prevents aspiration pneumonia, and its strength is regulated by respiratory muscles. A few studies have reported a relationship between muscles and pneumonia in older people. Sarcopenia is a risk factor for pneumonia in older people, and aspiration pneumonia inpatients with low muscle mass show high mortality rates. Aspiration pneumonia induced muscle atrophy in respiratory, swallowing, and skeletal muscles in an animal model and humans. Associations between respiratory muscle strength and pneumonia are currently under investigation. Evaluation and management of sarcopenia could potentially become a new strategy to prevent and treat pneumonia in older patients, and research has only recently been launched. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 7–13.
Regional economic resilience of resource‐based cities and influential factors during economic crises in China
Authors: Tan Juntao , Lo Kevin , Qiu Fangdao , Zhang Xinlin , Zhao Hongbo
Published: December 2019

Resource‐based cities (RBCs) whose economies depend primarily on exploiting and processing natural resources usually have rigid, singular, and low‐end industrial structures, which often cripples their ability to cope with external disturbances such as international resource price fluctuations and economic downturns. This paper quantitatively analyzes the economic resilience of RBCs in China in terms of resistance and recoverability during the Asian financial crisis and the global financial crisis. Furthermore, it identifies the main factors affecting resilience. There are four main findings: First, RBCs were quickly and negatively impacted by the Asian financial crisis, which suggests that economic resistance was generally low during this period. In the recovery period, while the rate of recovery was slow at the beginning, economic recoverability improved after 2002. Economic resistance and recoverability were found to have a strong negative correlation. Second, at the beginning of the global financial crisis, the economic resistance of RBCs was generally high. However, after 2012, the number of cities that were severely affected by the economic crisis increased rapidly. Third, economic resistance varied across different types of RBCs. Coal‐based and forestry‐based cities had lower economic resistance, while oil & gas‐based cities were more resistant. RBCs in the Eastern region generally had low economic resistance, while the economic resilience of recessionary cities was also low. Finally, while factors affecting the economic resilience varied across the two economic cycles, we found that economic development, labor conditions and, most of all, the industrial structure had a statistically significant negative effect on economic resilience.
Epidemiology, symptomatology and treatment of patients with myasthenia gravis in an Australian hospital
Authors: Li Vivien , Jasinarachchi Mahi , Butler Ernest
Published: December 2019

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disorder affecting neuromuscular transmission with heterogeneous manifestations and treatments. This study describes clinical features and management of MG patients at a metropolitan hospital in Australia. Overall findings were consistent with previously published data. However, frequency of intravenous immuno‐globulin use was higher, reasons for which are explored. Management is best conducted through specialist clinics with necessary expertise and standardised treatment protocols.
Memory T‐cell exhaustion and tolerance in transplantation
Authors: Hartigan Christina R. , Sun He , Ford Mandy L.
Published: December 2019

One of the biggest barriers to achieving allograft tolerance is the presence of immunological memory within the recipient, which confers a faster, more robust immune response that is in most cases more resistant to pharmacologic immunosuppression. This review will identify the mechanisms by which alloreactive T cells arise within hosts prior to transplantation, and explore the properties of immunological memory that contribute to allograft rejection. In doing so we will also illuminate how targeting pathways that induce memory T cell exhaustion can promote allograft tolerance. Recent studies demonstrating the impact of the allograft microenvironment on memory cell survival and activation, as well as new therapeutic strategies that are being explored to mitigate memory driven allograft rejection, will also be reviewed.
Achieving single domain in rhombohedral and tetragonal Mn‐doped Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)‐Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)‐PbTiO3 crystals for infrared detecting applications
Authors: Zhu Rongfeng , Zhao Jing , Liu Fei , Zhang Zhang , Fang Bijun , Chen Jianwei , Xu Haiqing , Wang Xi’an , Luo Haosu
Published: December 2019

The [111]‐oriented rhombohedral Mn‐doped 0.15Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)‐0.55Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.30PbTiO3 (Mn:PIMNT(15/55/30)) crystal and the [001]‐oriented tetragonal Mn‐doped 0.29Pb(In1/2Nb1/2)‐0.29Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3‐0.42PbTiO3 (Mn:PIMNT(29/29/42)) crystal were poled under different conditions. The pyroelectric performance of the two crystals as a function of poling temperature, as well as the relationship with ferroelectric domain configuration and phase structure was investigated systematically. The pyroelectric properties of the two crystals enhance with rising the poling temperature, which can be attributed to the improvement of the single state. And for the rhombohedral Mn:PIMNT(15/55/30) crystal locating near morphotropic phase boundary (MPB), the increase of tetragonal phase induces the deterioration of pyroelectric properties. Due to more residual tetragonal phase, the pyroelectric coefficient of the Mn:PIMNT(15/55/30) crystal poled at 150°C is lower than that poled at 100°C. In general, both the crystals poled above TC achieve nearly single state, exhibiting the best pyroelectric properties with relatively high Curie temperature (TC), where P = 9.71 × 10−4 C m−2 K−1, Fi = 3.88 × 10−10 m V−1, Fv = 0.068 m2 C−1 and Fd = 29.7 × 10−5 Pa−1/2 for the rhombohedral Mn:PIMNT(15/55/30) crystal (TC = 171°C) and P = 6.78 × 10−4 C m−2 K−1, Fi = 2.71 ×10−10 mV−1, Fv = 0.1 m2 C−1, Fd = 23.54 × 10−5 Pa−1/2 for the tetragonal Mn:PIMNT(29/29/42) single crystal (TC = 251°C), meeting the stable operation of infrared detector at relatively high environmental temperatures.
Heat‐driven Tailored for Eliminating Nd3+ Re‐clusters in Nd3+,Gd3+‐codoped SrF2 Laser Ceramic
Authors: Jiang Yiguang , Jiang Benxue , Jiang Nan , Li Jiang , Su Liangbi , Zhang Long
Published: December 2019

Transparent Nd3+,Gd3+‐codoped SrF2 laser ceramic was fabricated by a single‐crystal ceramization (SCC) technique, and the fluorescence properties were also characterized. The results indicated that the SCC process would lead to reducing fluorescence properties of ceramic by re‐clustering small amount of Nd3+ ions. In this study, the re‐clustering of Nd3+ ions were addressed by a simple thermal drive‐induced grains regrowth (TDIGR) treatment. The properties of the Nd3+,Gd3+‐codoped SrF2 laser ceramic undergo the TDIGR were improved and close to precursor Nd3+, Gd3+‐codoped SrF2 single crystal. Meanwhile, the transmittance of ceramic (Taverage@400‐1400nm ~ 92%) was hardly affected by the TDIGR treatment. Therefore, we have reasons to believe that the combination of SCC and TDIGR is a suitable approach to obtain high optical quality neodymium, buffer ion‐codoped alkaline‐earth fluoride (Nd3+,B3+‐codoped MF2) laser ceramics.
Role of family caregivers regarding sexual and reproductive health for women and girls with intellectual disability: A scoping review
Authors: Powell R. M. , Parish S. L. , Mitra M. , Rosenthal E.
Published: December 2019

Background

While people with intellectual disability (ID) face disparities relating to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, little is known about the role of family caregivers who assist women and girls with ID access SRH services. This scoping review examined the findings of studies to elucidate the role of family caregivers with regard to SRH for women and girls with ID.

Method

We used Arksey and O'Malley's six‐stage scoping framework, with Levac, Colquhoun and O'Brien's revisions, to evaluate identified sources. We searched three electronic databases, six ID journals and reference lists in full‐text articles. Inclusion criteria included (1) primary and secondary source research studies in peer‐reviewed journals; (2) published in English; (3) all research methodologies (i.e. qualitative, quantitative, mixed methods and systematic reviews or commentaries); (4) published between 2000 and 2016; and (5) studies from any country.

Results

The search yielded 2062 studies; 57 articles met inclusion criteria. Most studies employed purposive, convenience or criterion sampling. Participants included people with ID, family caregivers, paid caregivers and health‐care professionals. Findings were summarised thematically: (1) menstruation and menopause; (2) vaccinations and preventive screenings; (3) supporting sexuality and healthy relationships; (4) coordinating with health‐care providers and (5) contraception and sterilisation.

Conclusions

Findings from this scoping review underscore the need for more and better‐quality research, including how family caregivers assist women and girls with ID access perinatal and preventive SRH services and sexual abuse education. Family caregivers, women and girls with ID and health‐care providers need increased access to information about SRH.
BANKING SECTOR PERFORMANCE, PROFITABILITY, AND EFFICIENCY: A CITATION‐BASED SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Ahmad Nisar , Naveed Amjad , Ahmad Shabbir , Butt Irfan
Published: December 2019

This study presents a citation‐based systematic literature review on banking sector performance, particularly in terms of profitability, productivity, and efficiency. Specifically, the study aims to identify the leading sources of knowledge in terms of the most influential journals, authors, and papers. The paper presents a content analysis of the 100 most cited papers. In total, 1996 peer‐review papers were found relevant in the Scopus database by using a comprehensive list of keywords. The results show that the Journal of Banking & Finance appears to be the leading journal in terms of publication count and citations. Based on total citations, Allen Berger is the most prolific author. The most cited paper is “Problem loans and cost efficiency in commercial banks” by Allan Berger and Robert DeYoung. The content analysis of the top 100 papers identifies five essential themes: determinants of efficiency, methodology, ownership, financial crises, and scale economies. In terms of estimation approaches, 74% of papers employed frontier analysis, which includes 34% parametric and 40% nonparametric methods, and remaining 26% have used financial ratio analysis. Additionally, stochastic frontier and data envelopment analysis are widely used in parametric and nonparametric methods, respectively. An intermediate approach is extensively adopted for the specification of inputs and outputs.
CORPORATE TAX AVOIDANCE: A LITERATURE REVIEW AND RESEARCH AGENDA
Authors: Wang Fangjun , Xu Shuolei , Sun Junqin , Cullinan Charles P.
Published: December 2019

Tax avoidance can range from reduction of the corporate tax burden by legitimate use of tax rules to violation of tax laws. In this paper, we endeavor to synthesize the major findings of tax avoidance research from the accounting and finance literatures over the past ten years. We consider theoretical developments and the related empirical findings about the interconnected issues of measuring tax avoidance, and the possible causes and outcomes of corporate tax avoidance. We present some ideas for further research to examine underexplored topics regarding tax avoidance.
Navigating the New Normal: Political Affinity and Multinationals’ Post‐Acquisition Performance
Authors: Hasija Dinesh , Liou Ru‐Shiun , Ellstrand Alan
Published: December 2019

The New Normal in the international business landscape reflects a world challenged by economic volatility and political hostilities. This suggests increased political risk, even for MNEs operating in developed markets. We use the legitimacy‐based view of political risk to examine how political affinity between host and home markets may contribute to an MNE’s post‐acquisition performance in a developed market. A high degree of political affinity signifies aligned national interests thus reducing legitimacy concerns faced by MNEs during post‐acquisition integration. Based on cross‐border M&A deals focused on U.S. targets completed by MNEs representing 45 countries between 2004 and 2012, we find that MNEs from countries with greater political affinity to the U.S. experience better post‐acquisition performance. We also investigate two country‐level factors that intensify the threat to legitimacy; the MNEs’ home market economic status and the presence of a financial crisis in the host market. Our findings indicate that political affinity mitigates risk for MNEs originated from emerging economies much more than for MNEs originated from developed economies, whereas a financial crisis reduces the benefit of political affinity.
Wisdom and value orientations: Just a projection of our own beliefs?
Authors: Glück Judith , Gussnig Bianca , Schrottenbacher Sarah M.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

This paper investigated which value orientations (1) people associate with wisdom and (2) are actually correlated with measures of wisdom. Conceptions of wisdom suggest benevolence and universalism as likely candidates.

Method

In Study 1, 160 university students reported their political orientation and completed a value survey for themselves and a very wise person; Study 2 used the same approach with a more diverse sample (N = 187). In Study 3, 170 participants completed a value survey and six measures of wisdom. In Study 4, 356 participants completed a wisdom measure and filled out a value survey for themselves and a very wise person.

Results

People consistently believed that wise individuals value benevolence, universalism, and self‐direction most; they also imagined wise individuals to be more universalistic but also more respectful of tradition than themselves. Several wisdom measures were uncorrelated with values; the positive correlations that were found were with benevolence, universalism, self‐direction, and respect for traditions.

Conclusions

Most people believe that wise individuals are concerned about the well‐being of others, have respect for cultural, religious, and individual differences and traditions, and care deeply about self‐direction, fairness, and equality as fundamentals of human society. Whether these relationships are also found empirically depends on which measure of wisdom is used.
Carbonic anhydrase, obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension: Effects of intervention
Authors: Hoff Erik , Zou Ding , Schiza Sophia , Demir Yeliz , Grote Ludger , Bouloukaki Izolde , Beydemir Şükrü , Eskandari Davoud , Stenlöf Kaj , Hedner Jan
Published: December 2019

Whole blood carbonic anhydrase activity (CAa) is increased in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Our study investigated the influence of positive airway pressure (PAP) or CA inhibitor acetazolamide (ACT) therapy on CAa, OSA and blood pressure. Thirty‐three OSA patients (21 hypertensive, body mass index (BMI) 37 ± 7 kg/m2 and apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) of 47 ± 31 events/hr) were followed‐up after PAP treatment (compliance, 4.7 ± 1.5 hr/day; duration, median 6 [IQR 6,6] months) (Cohort A). A second OSA Cohort (B) contained nine hypertensive patients (BMI, 29 ± 4 kg/m2; AHI, 39 ± 20 events/hr) with 2‐week treatment of ACT, PAP or ACT + PAP in an open crossover study. CAa was assessed at baseline and at the end of each treatment period. In Cohort A, baseline CAa was higher in hypertensive, compared with normotensive, patients (1,033 ± 204 versus 861 ± 201 units, p = .028). PAP treatment reduced systolic/diastolic blood pressure but not CAa (−9 ± 11/−5 ± 7 mmHg and −20 ± 289 units, p < .001, <.001 and .70). In Cohort B, blood pressure was reduced in both ACT‐treated groups (−10 ± 10/−5 ± 7 mmHg, p = .043 and .019; and −5 ± 5/−13 ± 13 mmHg, p < .001 and .009). AHI was reduced in both groups: ACT only, −17 ± 9 events/hr p = .001; and ACT + PAP, −39 ± 19 events/hr, p < .001. PAP did not change CAa (p = .98) but activity tended to decrease after ACT with or without PAP (p = .081 and .056). CAa is elevated in hypertensive OSA patients. Long‐term PAP reduced blood pressure without affecting CAa. ACT reduced blood pressure and CAa. Increased CAa may constitute a physiological characteristic in OSA, contributing to comorbid hypertension.
Indicators of the ecological stress and environmental susceptibility of Keenjhar Lake, Sindh, Pakistan
Authors: Qamar Nazia , Panhwar Sher Khan , Wang Ping
Published: December 2019

Keenjhar Lake, mega storage of drinking water for the residents of Karachi metropolis, agriculture cultivation and a well‐known recreational place, has been steadily contaminated. This study was aimed to understand the level of pollution and the reasons for a decrease in fish production over the past decade based on the available datasets. Focusing on some heavy metals such as Fe, Zn, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd and Pb, beyond limit can cause of human health risk, here we provide a critical review of the previous studies conducted to findout reasonable solutions to cope with rapid environmental changes. A multivariate approach of principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to test the relationships among physicochemical parameters in relation to the heavy metals. The first component PCI revealed 88.09%, variability in the loaded dataset and PCII II 6.05% of the total variations. A cluster analysis was established to delineate heavy metal intensity in the corresponding years. Results indicated that since 2012, there has been a steady increase in heavy metal concentration, which can subsequently pose a significant threat to human health. Therefore, it is emphasized that carcinogenic health effects of such contamination on human health need to be investigated. However, over a decade datasets can solely fill knowledge gaps associated with framework conservation and management strategies.
Morphology of the vertebral centra in dolphins from the southwestern South Atlantic: A 3D morphometric approach and functional implications
Authors: Marchesi María C. , Boy Claudia C. , Dans Silvana L. , Mora Matías S. , González‐José Rolando
Published: December 2019

In dolphins, centrum shape is one of the features that allows determination of stable and flexible regions in the vertebral column. The Commerson's (Cephalorhynchus commersonii; n = 37), Peale's (Lagenorhynchus australis; n = 24), dusky (Lagenorhynchus obscurus; n = 29), and hourglass dolphins (Lagenorhynchus cruciger; n = 10) are closely related species inhabiting the Southern Hemisphere that have diverse prey and habitat preferences. We applied 3D geometric morphometrics to describe differences in centrum shape along the vertebral columns of these species, and hypothesize how these differences may affect swimming. On each column, we chose a maximum of eight vertebrae and digitized 18 landmarks on each centrum with a Microscribe G2X. We explored shape differences amongst regions employing principal components analyses and computing Mahalanobis distances. We describe differences in centrum shape in relation to functional regions and among species; and analyze shape changes in relation to particular biomechanical requirements. The species studied here may be partially sympatric in the Southern Hemisphere, but they have important differences in foraging ecology and habitat preferences that could be related to differences in centrum shape along the vertebral column.
Predictors of successful ultrasound‐guided lead implantation
Authors: Ahmed Asim S. , Gilge Jasen L. , Clark Brad A. , Shah Ankur , Bagga Shiv , Padanilam Mathew S. , Prystowsky Eric N. , Joshi Sandeep A. , Nair Girish V. , Patel Parin J.
Published: December 2019

Background

Technical advances have improved the safety of cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) insertion, but periprocedural complications persist. Despite ultrasound (US) guidance for vascular access being feasible and exhibiting shorter fluoroscopy times, it is not widely adopted for insertion of CIEDs. Thus, we studied the use of US for CIED insertion to (1) quantify the success rate of venous cannulation, (2) identify predictors of failed cannulation, and (3) quantify the rate of complications using US guidance.

Methods

We studied 166 consecutive patients who underwent US‐guided CIED implantation. Anatomic parameters of the axillary vein were measured. The primary outcome was success (group 1) or failure (group 2) to obtain vascular access utilizing US guidance. Secondary outcomes included pneumothorax and hematoma.

Results

Successful US‐guided cannulation occurred in 154 of 166 patients (93%). No patient had a pneumothorax. Hematoma occurred in 1 of 166 patients (0.01%). Group 2 exhibited higher male proportion at 11 of 12 (92%) compared with 94 of 154 (61%) in group 1 (P = .03), increased vein depth at 3.84 versus 2.85 cm (P = .003), more right‐sided implants (P = .03), higher weight at 104.6 versus 85.3 kg (P = .017), higher body mass index at 35.6 versus 29.2 kg/m2 (P = .049), and higher body surface area at 2.24 versus 1.99 m2 (P = .013). Other parameters were statistically nonsignificant. In multivariate analysis, vein depth remained significantly associated with failure.

Conclusion

Using US guidance for CIED implantation is successful in the vast majority (93%) of patients. Rare cases of unsuccessful cannulation were associated with right‐sided implants and increased venous depth.
On a vector long wave‐short wave‐type model
Authors: Li Ruomeng , Geng Xianguo
Published: December 2019

A new vector long wave‐short wave‐type model is proposed by resorting to the zero‐curvature equation. Based on the resulting Riccati equations related to the Lax pair and the gauge transformations between the Lax pairs, multifold Darboux transformations are constructed for the vector long wave‐short wave‐type model. This method is general and is suitable for constructing the Darboux transformations of other soliton equations, especially in the absence of symmetric conditions for Lax pairs. As an illustrative example of the application of the Darboux transformations, exact solutions of the two‐component long wave‐short wave‐type model are obtained, including solitons, breathers, and rogue waves of the first, second, third, and fourth orders. All the solutions derived by the Darboux transformations involve square roots of functions, which is not observed in the investigation of other nonlinear integrable equations. This model describes new nonlinear phenomena.
Bifurcations of autoresonant modes in oscillating systems with combined excitation
Authors: Sultanov Oskar A.
Published: December 2019

A mathematical model describing the capture of nonlinear systems into the autoresonance by a combined parametric and external periodic slowly varying perturbation is considered. The autoresonance phenomenon is associated with solutions having an unboundedly growing amplitude and a limited phase mismatch. The paper investigates the behavior of such solutions when the parameters of the excitation take bifurcation values. In particular, the stability of different autoresonant modes is analyzed and the asymptotic approximations of autoresonant solutions on asymptotically long time intervals are proposed by a modified averaging method with using the constructed Lyapunov functions.
Lyme disease prevention: A content analysis of Canadian patient group and government websites
Authors: Journault Audrey‐Ann , Richard Lucie , Aenishaenslin Cécile
Published: December 2019

The quality of information presented on health‐related websites—in terms of comprehensiveness, accuracy and consistency—is a public health concern. To date, the consistency of information across Canadian websites devoted to Lyme disease (LD) prevention has not been evaluated. The first aim of this study was to describe the contents and recommendations of LD prevention websites provided by two types of Canadian organizations: government (n = 3) and patient groups (n = 3). A second objective was to analyse the level of convergence among these websites in terms of their prevention‐related content. Initial coding of the content resulted in information segments grouped into 114 subthemes related to nine overarching themes: tick habitat suitability, risk period, transmission, personal protection, peridomestic environmental management, tick identification and removal, early symptoms, testing and diagnosis and preventive treatment. Comparative content analyses were performed both within and between the content of websites of the two organization types. The themes most frequently addressed by both organization types were personal protection (20% of the prevention‐related content in patient group websites and 22% of the prevention‐related content in government websites), transmission (12% and 16%, respectively) and tick identification and removal (19% and 15%, respectively). Government websites’ information was generally convergent with that of patient group websites (four highly convergent themes, three moderately convergent and two divergent). Nevertheless, of particular concern were divergent messages and inaccurate information found on 11 subthemes out of 103. Examples included other possible modes of transmission and the ineffectiveness of DEET insect repellent. These results suggest the need for public health and health communications research on the issue of the quality of LD prevention information found on the Internet.
Professional Competence Is a Condition Precedent to Effective Management-An Argument for Practice Leaders in Legal Service Organizations
Authors: Jimenez Manuel
Published: December 2019

There is an unstated argument with an unsettling currency in today’s organizations: Those that can’t do, lead. The concept of management has devolved from a position that facilitates productivity and navigates workplace challenges, to a type of “bullshit job.” To adherents of this philosophy, competence in one’s vocation, profession or business is unnecessary in order to excel as a manager in that vocation, profession or business.In professional environments technical competence in one’s occupation is a condition precedent to good management. Technically competent managers come to positions of leadership with occupational gravitas. Occupational gravitas is forged from experience and imbues those who possess it with the confidence to effectively navigate the challenges confronting their organization. It is earned from experience dealing with the particular challenges of one’s occupation.Leadership skills are an adjunct to the occupational competence necessary for good management in professional environments. The concept that leadership skills are separate and apart from occupational competence, rather than ancillary to it, in the execution of good management is herein explicitly rejected.People placed in positions of authority who lack experience, or are otherwise incompetent, bring with them not gravitas, but fear. Fear is the primary element from which springs management failures, and through which such failures are expressed. Incompetent leadership is not only dangerous to legal service provider organizations and their employees, but also exposes clients to dire consequences. In a legal services environment, bad management really is a public protection issue.The model of a “practice leader,” is the paradigm through which legal service organizations can model their management style. A practice leader is both an accomplished attorney as well as a leader. Practice leaders understand the work and the environment in which it is produced. This is important because it is they and the organization that are ultimately responsible for the work of their subordinates. Failure of leadership in a legal service environment can not only lead to litigation but could also lead to professional discipline when subordinates engage in misconduct.
Projection-Based Continuous 3D Printing Process With the Grayscale Display Method
Authors: Wang Yancheng , Xue Dai , Mei Deqing
Published: December 2019

The printing resolution and scale of projection-based 3D printing are affected by the pixel size and projected light power. An effective and versatile method to print complex constructs with high resolution and large area is still required since light distribution in printing systems is generally non-uniform. Here, we propose a projection-based continuous 3D printing with the grayscale display method to serve as an effective and precise way to improve printing resolution and area. The light characterization results demonstrated that the power density presented a non-uniform distribution, and the power values are linear to the excitation power. After modifying the masks into grayscale according to the duty cycle of the digital micro-mirror device (DMD) display, projected light exhibited improved uniformity along with expected light power and uniform ratio. To validate this developed printing process, the grayscale continuous printing of mesh and hexahedron frame constructs enabled a remarkable increase in the printing area and alleviation of under/over curing. This work reveals significant progress in printing of constructs at larger area and higher resolution in projection-based continuous 3D printing under non-uniform light.
Assessment of Data-Inherited Uncertainty in Extreme Wave Analysis
Authors: Wada Ryota , Waseda Takuji
Published: December 2019

Accurate estimation of extreme wave condition is desired for the rational design of offshore structures, but the estimation results are known to have uncertainty from various sources. The quality and quantity of the available extreme wave data differ among ocean regions since the atmospheric causes of extreme waves are not identical. This paper provides insight into how the different extreme wave behaviors influence the uncertainty of extreme wave estimation at each location. A review of extreme waves in four regions, namely the Gulf of Mexico, North West Pacific, Adriatic Sea, and the North Sea, revealed the difference in data uncertainty, shape parameter, and frequency of occurrence. The likelihood-weighted method was introduced to quantitatively assess the impact of each parameter on the uncertainty of extreme wave analysis. Case study based on representative parameters of the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea revealed the large epistemic uncertainty for a region dominated by tropical cyclones. The assessment conducted in this paper is unique as it evaluates the epistemic uncertainty inherited in the extreme sample data. When the epistemic uncertainty is large, such as the case illustrated for the Gulf of Mexico, the variance from different approaches may not be significant against the epistemic uncertainty inherited in the sample data.