bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does lesbian and gay friendliness pay off? A new look at LGBT policies and firm performance
Authors: Fatmy Veda , Kihn John , Sihvonen Jukka , Vähämaa Sami 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper examines the association between LGBT‐friendly corporate policies and firm performance. Using data on US firms from 2003 to 2016, we document that LGBT friendliness is positively associated with firm performance. Specifically, we find strong evidence that more LGBT‐friendly firms have higher profitability and higher stock market valuations. Our results further demonstrate that the positive effect of progressive LGBT policies on firm performance is more pronounced for firms located in more liberal states. Overall, our empirical findings provide support for the view that socially progressive corporate policies and diversity management may create value for the firm.
The effect of needle and syringe program and opioid agonist therapy on the risk of HIV, hepatitis B and C virus infection for people who inject drugs in Amsterdam, the Netherlands: findings from an emulated target trial
Authors: van Santen Daniela K. , Boyd Anders , Matser Amy , Maher Lisa , Hickman Matthew , Lodi Sara , Prins Maria 
Published: March 2021

Background and aimsMajor declines in HIV and hepatitis C and B virus (HCV/HBV) incidence among people who inject drugs (PWID) have been attributed to early implementation of harm‐reduction programs (HRP) in the Netherlands, but alternative factors such as selective mortality and demographic and drug market shifts over time probably contributed to observed incidence declines. We quantified and tested the effect of HRP participation on risk of these infections among PWID in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.DesignWe emulated the design of a hypothetical, ideal randomized trial using observational data from the Amsterdam Cohort Studies (1985–2014).SettingAmsterdam, the Netherlands.ParticipantsWe included PWID who ever used opioids, had a recent history of injecting drug use (IDU) and tested negative for HIV, HCV or HBV. Of 983 participants, 640, 137 and 308 were included for the HIV, HCV and HBV analyses and 59, 45 and 49 seroconversions were observed, respectively.InterventionsIntervention arms were: complete HRP participation [≥ 60 mg/day methadone and 100% needle and syringe program (NSP) coverage, or any methadone dose if no recent injection drug use] versus no HRP and partial HRP participation combined (< 60 methadone mg/day and/or < 100% NSP coverage).ConclusionsComplete participation in harm reduction programs appears to have led to substantial decreases in HIV and hepatitis C and B virus acquisition risk among people who inject drugs in the Netherlands.MeasurementsSeparately for each infection, we estimated the hazard ratios (HR) comparing HRP arms using marginal structural models.FindingsCompared with no/partial HRP participation, complete HRP participation led to lower risk of HIV [HR = 0.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.27–1.08], HCV (HR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.06–0.40) and HBV (HR = 0.28, 95% CI = 0.13–0.61) acquisition.
How Institutional Identity Shapes College Student Recruitment: The Relationship Between Religious Distinctiveness and Market Demand
Authors: Rine P. Jesse , Brown Joshua T. , Hunter James M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInstitutional diversity has long been recognized as a signature strength of the American system of higher education, yet the sector contributing most to this remarkable feature—small and midsized private colleges—currently finds itself under significant financial pressure as a result of recent social and economic disruptions. To overcome such challenges, campus leaders must understand the market positioning of the institutions they serve. This article investigates the relationship between market demand and organizational distinctiveness within one segment of the diverse private sector—religiously affiliated colleges. It draws upon longitudinal data from the membership of one national professional association, the Council for Christian Colleges & Universities, to develop an empirical typology of institutional religious distinctiveness and examine patterns of market demand over time. Results suggest that religious distinctiveness has a medium effect on student demand at both the application and matriculation phases of the admissions process. The article concludes by considering appropriate recruitment strategies for faith‐based colleges and universities depending on their degree of religious distinctiveness.
Choosing Transformation Over Tradition: The Changing Perception of Online Education
Authors: Ronkowitz Kenneth , Ronkowitz Lynnette Condro 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite advancements in online education, misperceptions persist that create obstacles to the integration of online classes in higher education. This essay refutes misconceptions about online education and highlights key components of a strong online course. As a result of the pandemic, it became apparent that there is a conflation between “school” and “education” that has prompted contradistinction. This discussion provides insight into some of the social and economic implications of the culture of our education system.
Intention without action? Differences between whistleblowing intention and behavior on corruption and fraud
Authors: Oelrich Sebastian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhistleblowing is an effective tool against fraud and corruption in organizations. However, as researchers have struggled to acquire data on actual whistleblowers, research relies on hypothetical intention data and student samples, which is seen as a major limitation. Using a field study of 1,416 employees from China, Germany, and Russia, the purpose of this article is to identify differences and similarities between intention and actual whistleblowing decisions, thus aiding research and interpretation of prior and future studies. I also contribute by analyzing whether findings can be generalized across different cultures and whether status and power influence the whistleblowing process. My results reveal that the key difference between hypothetical and real decisions is not in variables that affect the process, but in effect sizes: Employees underestimate the effect of situational (retaliation) and organizational (compliance measures) variables in hypothetical compared to actual whistleblowing. Thus, reliance on intention research is not inherently problematic, when effect sizes are interpreted with caution. I also find that results are similar across countries and that status and power may not be decisive factors in whistleblowing. My findings should also be of interest to practitioners and policymakers, as they assist in designing effective whistleblowing systems and environments in organizations.
Upregulation of the pathogenic transcription factor SPI1/PU.1 in tuberous sclerosis complex and focal cortical dysplasia by oxidative stress
Authors: Zimmer Till S. , Korotkov Anatoly , Zwakenberg Susan , Jansen Floor E. , Zwartkruis Fried J. T. , Rensing Nicholas R. , Wong Michael , Mühlebner Angelika , van Vliet Erwin A. , Aronica Eleonora , Mills James D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a congenital disorder characterized by cortical malformations and concomitant epilepsy caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the mTOR suppressorsTSC1orTSC2. While the underlying molecular changes caused by mTOR activation in TSC have previously been investigated, the drivers of these transcriptional change have not been fully elucidated. A better understanding of the perturbed transcriptional regulation could lead to the identification of novel pathways for therapeutic intervention not only in TSC, but other genetic epilepsies in which mTOR activation plays a key role, such as focal cortical dysplasia 2b (FCD). Here, we analyzed RNA sequencing data from cortical tubers and a tsc2−/−zebrafish. We identified differential expression of the transcription factors (TFs) SPI1/PU.1, IRF8, GBX2, and IKZF1 of which SPI1/PU.1 and IRF8 targets were enriched among the differentially expressed genes. Furthermore, for SPI1/PU.1 these findings were conserved in TSC zebrafish model. Next, we confirmed overexpression of SPI1/PU.1 on the RNA and protein level in a separate cohort of surgically resected TSC tubers and FCD tissue, in fetal TSC tissue, and aTsc1GFAP−/−mouse model of TSC. Subsequently, we validated the expression of SPI1/PU.1 in dysmorphic cells with mTOR activation in TSC tubers. In fetal TSC, we detected SPI1/PU.1 expression prenatally and elevated RNA Spi1 expression inTsc1GFAP−/−mice before the development of seizures. Finally,in vitro, we identified that in astrocytes and neuronsSPI1transcription was driven by H2O2‐induced oxidative stress, independent of mTOR. We identified SPI1/PU.1 as a novel TF involved in the pro‐inflammatory gene expression of malformed cells in TSC and FCD 2b. This transcriptional program is activated in response to oxidative stress and already present prenatally. Importantly, SPI1/PU.1 protein appears to be strictly limited to malformed cells, as we did not find SPI1/PU.1 protein expression in mice nor in ourin vitromodels.
Mechanisms of endocannabinoid transport in the brain
Authors: Kaczocha Martin , Haj‐Dahmane Samir 
Published: March 2021

The endocannabinoids 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) and anandamide are among the best studied lipid messengers in the brain. By activating cannabinoid receptors in the CNS, endocannabinoids tune synaptic function, thereby influencing a variety of physiological and behavioural processes. Extensive research conducted over the last few decades has considerably enhanced our understanding of the molecular mechanisms and physiological functions of the endocannabinoid system. It is now well‐established that endocannabinoids are synthesized by postsynaptic neurons and serve as retrograde messengers that suppress neurotransmitter release at central synapses. While the detailed mechanisms by which endocannabinoids gate synaptic function and behavioural processes are relatively well characterized, the mechanisms governing endocannabinoid transport at central synapses remain ill defined. Recently, several studies have begun to unravel the mechanisms governing intracellular and intercellular endocannabinoid transport. In this review, we will focus on new advances in the mechanisms of intracellular and synaptic endocannabinoid transport in the CNS.LINKED ARTICLESThis article is part of a themed issue on New discoveries and perspectives in mental and pain disorders. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v179.17/issuetoc
Order and Atmospheric Memory: Cleaning Up the Past, Designing the Future
Authors: Schwabe Siri 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article is concerned with the relationship between atmosphere and memory in the context of rapid urban development. I explore this relationship by looking to the northeastern fringes of central Stockholm, where a new neighborhood is being constructed in extension of industrial and residential areas long established as integral albeit peripheral parts of the city. Known by its official English‐language moniker as Stockholm Royal Seaport, this neighborhood‐in‐the‐works occupies a unique location within the growing city. Meanwhile, the local environment is currently undergoing a process of cleaning up that allows for a multisensorial and imaginative engagement with both past and future. In interrogating this case, I argue that designing for the future has come to entail a curation of the past that obfuscates difference and creates order throughatmospheric memory: memory that shapes and is shaped by atmospheres.
Board reforms around the world: The effect on corporate social responsibility
Authors: Liao Chih‐Hsien , San Ziyao , Tsang Albert , Yu Li 
Published: March 2021

AbstractResearch Question/IssueThis study examines the effects of major board reforms on firms' corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance in countries around the world.Research Findings/InsightsUsing a difference‐in‐differences design, we find robust evidence that worldwide board reforms can have significant effects on various stakeholders, resulting in increased firm CSR performance in both the environmental and social dimensions. Relative to countries that have implemented comply‐or‐explain reforms, countries with rule‐based reforms tend to drive the increase in CSR performance post‐reform. Our results hold for both first board reforms and major reforms, across different types of reforms, and across various dimensions of CSR performance. In addition, the effect of reforms on CSR performance is more pronounced for firms with higher levels of institutional ownership or lower levels of insider ownership and in countries with weaker CSR awareness and more stringent legal and regulatory environments. Further analyses show that reforms strengthen the relationship between CSR performance and future financial performance. Finally, we explore the possible mechanism through which board reforms could have a significant effect on firms' CSR performance. We find that board reforms increase a firm's likelihood of integrating CSR criteria in executive compensation.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe findings of this study suggest that worldwide board reforms that aim to increase shareholders' value can also have significant effects on various stakeholders, resulting in increased firm CSR performance in both the environmental and social dimensions, a non‐financial dimension of firm performance.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsOur evidence suggests that increases in CSR performance are an important channel through which board reforms can increase shareholder value. In addition, our findings suggest that the effectiveness of reforms on CSR varies with both firm‐ and country‐level characteristics related to the relative influence of external shareholders. Thus, this study offers insights to policy makers interested in enhancing CSR performance in their country.
Adverse drug event risk assessment by the virtual addition of COVID‐19 repurposed drugs to Medicare and commercially insured patients’ drug regimens: A drug safety simulation study
Authors: Smith Matt K. , Bikmetov Ravil , Al Rihani Sweilem B. , Deodhar Malavika , Hafermann Matthew , Dow Pamela , Turgeon Jacques , Michaud Veronique 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDrug safety is generally established from clinical trials, by pharmacovigilance programs and during observational phase IV safety studies according to drug intended or approved indications. The objective of this study was to estimate the risk of potential adverse drug events (ADEs) associated with drugs repurposed for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) treatment in a large‐scale population. Drug claims were used to calculate a baseline medication risk score (MRS) indicative of ADE risk level. Fictitious claims of repurposed drugs were added, one at a time, to patients’ drug regimens to calculate a new MRS and compute a level of risk. Drug claims data from enrollees with Regence health insurance were used and sub‐payer analyses were performed with Medicare and commercial insured groups. Simulated interventions were conducted with hydroxychloroquine and chloroquine, alone or combined with azithromycin, and lopinavir/ritonavir, along with terfenadine and fexofenadine as positive and negative controls for drug‐induced Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). There were 527,471 subjects (56.6% women; mean [SD] age, 47 years [21]) were studied. The simulated addition of each repurposed drug caused an increased risk of ADEs (median MRS increased by two‐to‐seven points, p < 0.001). The increase in ADE risk was mainly driven by an increase in CYP450 drug interaction risk score and by drug‐induced LQTS risk score. The Medicare group presented a greater risk overall compared to the commercial group. All repurposed drugs were associated with an increased risk of ADEs. Our simulation strategy could be used as a blueprint to preemptively assess safety associated with future repurposed or new drugs.
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor predicts an unfavorable outcome after transarterial chemoembolization for hepatic malignancies
Authors: Wirtz Theresa H. , Loosen Sven H. , Schulze‐Hagen Max , Gorgulho Joao , Kandler Jennis , Joerdens Markus , Demir Münevver , Mohr Raphael , Bruners Philipp , Kuhl Christiane , Trautwein Christian , Berres Marie‐Luise , Tacke Frank , Luedde Tom , Roderburg Christoph 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTransarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a therapeutic option for patients with intermediate‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or metastatic liver cancers. Identifying those patients who particularly benefit from TACE remains challenging. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) represents is an inflammatory protein described in patients with liver cancer, but no data on its prognostic relevance in patients undergoing TACE exist. Here, we evaluate MIF serum concentrations as a potential biomarker in patients undergoing TACE for primary and secondary hepatic malignancies. MIF serum concentrations were measured by multiplex immunoassay in 50 patients (HCC: n = 39, liver metastases: n = 11) before and 1 day after TACE as well as in 51 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of MIF did not differ between patients and healthy controls. Interestingly, in the subgroup of patients with larger tumor size, significantly more patients had increased MIF concentrations. Patients with an objective tumor response to TACE therapy showed comparable concentrations of serum MIF compared to patients who did not respond. MIF concentrations at day 1 after TACE were significantly higher compared to baseline concentrations. Importantly, baseline MIF concentrations above the optimal cutoff value (0.625 ng/ml) turned out as a significant and independent prognostic marker for a reduced overall survival (OS) following TACE: patients with elevated MIF concentrations showed a significantly reduced median OS of only 719 days compared to patients below the cutoff value (median OS: 1430 days, p = 0.021). Baseline MIF serum concentrations are associated with tumor size of intrahepatic malignancies and predict outcome of patients with liver cancer receiving TACE.
Successful induction of lactation, foal grafting and maintenance of pregnancy in a nonparturient Thoroughbred mare
Authors: Podico G. , Migliorisi A. C. , Wilkins P. A. , Canisso I. F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAn 8‐year‐old mare was presented for induction of lactation and adoption of a 30‐day‐old twin filly. In each of the two seasons prior to presentation, the mare had delivered a foal that died shortly after birth. The mare had been bred by live cover ˜25 days prior to presentation to the Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital, but no pregnancy diagnosis was yet performed. Upon arrival at the hospital, pregnancy diagnosis confirmed a viable singleton gestational vesicle. Lactation was induced with dopamine D2 agonists. Immediately before grafting, the mare was started on altrenogest to provide exogenous hormonal support for the pregnancy. After two consecutive days of PGF2αadministration on Day 30 of gestation, the mare began to accept the foal, but by the next day, the mare had insufficient milk production and began to show signs of foal rejection. The mare was treated with acepromazine for sedation and stimulation of lactation, with concurrent analgesic support provided by flunixin meglumine and butorphanol. One ovulation was confirmed on Day 40, and a second ovulation was confirmed on Day 45 of gestation. On Day 47 of gestation, 11 days after adoption, serum progesterone concentration was 13.2 ng/mL. As this value was above the minimum level (≥4 ng/mL) deemed necessary to maintain pregnancy in the mare, altrenogest administration was tapered and ultimately discontinued on Day 50 of gestation. The pair remained at the hospital for treatment of leucopenia in the filly. On Day 61 of gestation, 25 days after adoption, continued maintenance of pregnancy was confirmed in the mare, full lactation had been achieved, and strong bonding between mare and foal was apparent. The pair was discharged from the hospital to the care of the owner.
Development of fly ash cenosphere‐based composite for thermal insulation application
Authors: Nithyanandam Anitha , Deivarajan Thenmuhil 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCenosphere‐based composite was developed with addition of clay and other additives, by dry processing route. The performance of cenosphere as high‐temperature insulating material was studied. Cenosphere stands unique among the constituents found in fly ash due to its hollow spherical structure. Cenosphere is utilized in numerous modern applications due to its unique properties such as lightness, high compressive strength, enhanced flow characteristics, less water absorption, chemical inertness, and good thermal resistance. Keeping cenosphere as major component, three different mix recipes for insulating brick were made. The recipes were blended and shaped by pressing, followed by drying and sintering at 1000°C. The prepared samples were analyzed for their physical, mechanical, and thermal properties. The surface and pore distribution are analyzed by scanning electron microscope. Results from the analysis shows that cenosphere can be used as high temperature insulating material.
Screening, confirmation, and treatment rates of hepatitis C virus infection in a tertiary academic medical center in South Korea
Authors: Lee Jae Seung , Choi Hong Jun , Lee Hye Won , Kim Beom Kyung , Park Jun Yong , Kim Do Young , Ahn Sang Hoon , Kim Seung Up 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground and AimSeveral barriers prevent the proper screening, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We aimed to evaluate the status of HCV screening, confirmation, and treatment rates in a tertiary academic medical center in Korea.MethodsPatients who visited Severance Hospital between 2015 and 2019 were eligible in this retrospective study. The testing and positivity rates for anti‐HCV antibodies and HCV RNA were sequentially analyzed.ResultsBetween 2015 and 2019, 252 057 patients (117 131 men, 46.5%) who underwent anti‐HCV antibody testing were retrospectively reviewed. The median age of the study population was 51.0 years. Patients with positive anti‐HCV antibody test results (n = 2623, 1.0%) showed a higher proportion of liver cirrhosis (17.6% vs 2.0%) and unfavorable laboratory test results (all P < 0.05). The positivity rates were 1.3% and 0.8% in the medical and surgical departments, respectively. HCV RNA was tested in 1628 (62.1%) patients, with a 57.4% (n = 928) positivity rate. The medical department had a higher HCV RNA testing rate than the surgical department (75.4% vs 40.8%). Among the 928 patients who showed positivity for HCV RNA, 847 (90.7%) underwent genotype testing (mostly 1 and 2 [95.4%]). The treatment rate was 66.9% (n = 567); it was higher in the gastroenterology department (70.8%) than in the non‐gastroenterology departments (62.3%).ConclusionsA considerable proportion of patients testing positive for anti‐HCV antibodies were not referred for proper management. Systematic and automated screening and referral systems, which may help identify patients requiring treatment for HCV infection, are necessary even in tertiary academic medical centers.