bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transformational leadership, trust, and follower outcomes: a moderated mediation model
Authors: Altunoğlu Ali Ender , Şahin Faruk , Babacan Sümeyra 
Published: November 2018

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to examine the influences of transformational leadership behaviors on followers’ task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors, the potential mediating role of affective trust and moderating effect of follower tenure with leader in these relationships.Design/methodology/approachThe authors collected survey data from 197 employees from various organizations in Turkey, operating in several sectors. To test the relationships among study variables, the authors followed the moderated mediation procedure suggested by Hayes (2013).FindingsThe findings indicated that transformational leadership behaviors have significant positive effects on both followers’ task performance and organizational citizenship behaviors. Furthermore, mediational analyses showed that affective trust mediated the relationship between transformational leadership behaviors and followers’ task performance. Moreover, the moderation analysis shows that the effect of transformational leadership behaviors on affective trust depended on leader–follower dyadic tenure, with the effect of transformational leadership behaviors being greater at high level of leader–follower dyadic tenure.Research limitations/implicationsThis study provides evidence of the positive relationship of transformational leadership behaviors with followers’ affective trust at work and task performance. Such knowledge suggests that improving leaders’ skills and capabilities in terms of transformational leadership through training might lead organizations to work more effectively.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the existing literature by showing the importance of affective trust, explaining why transformational leaders can motivate and influence followers to achieve a higher performance. In addition, this research provides knowledge about transformational leadership effectiveness in developing countries, mainly in Turkey.
Female–female competition leads to female‐biased sex allocation and dimorphism in brood sex composition in a gall‐forming aphid
Authors: Tong Xin , Akimoto Shin‐ichi 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Sex allocation in animals is predicted to be skewed from a 1:1 ratio if sons and daughters yield different marginal fitness returns per unit maternal investment.

We tested this prediction using the gall‐forming aphid Tetraneura sorini, in which lethal fighting is common among females, whereas male–male competition is moderate. Mothers (autumnal winged females) parthenogenetically produce females and males in their abdomen and can control their sizes and numbers. The females and males do not feed after birth. After mating, females produce single eggs, from which only females (foundresses) hatch and fight intensely with one another during the galling process.

Larger‐sized foundresses have overwhelming advantages in fighting. If mothers invest more in individual females, they can produce larger foundresses (granddaughters), which yields greater fitness returns. This situation is contrary to the original Trivers–Willard hypothesis. Thus, we predicted that more fecund mothers in this species would invest more in females.

The cost of producing one female was found to be 3.0–3.2 times the cost of producing one male. Population sex ratios were male‐biased (54.8%–58.2% male), but population sex allocation was highly female biased (68%–72% females). Larger mothers biased their progeny sex ratios more towards females and produced larger females, thus supporting our prediction.

Mothers produced two types of brood: all‐female broods and mixed‐sex broods. Mothers with an all‐female brood produced larger females than those with a mixed‐sex brood, thereby offering their granddaughters (foundresses) an advantage in fighting.

Local mate competition has been postulated to explain female‐biased population sex allocation in gall‐forming aphids. However, we concluded that competition among foundresses has led to the evolution of female‐biased sex allocation at the population level and dimorphism in brood sex composition.
Functional outcomes of mutualistic network interactions: A community‐scale study of frugivore gut passage on germination
Authors: Fricke Evan C. , Bender John , Rehm Evan M. , Rogers Haldre S. 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Current understanding of mutualistic networks is grounded largely in data on interaction frequency, yet mutualistic network dynamics are also shaped by interaction quality—the functional outcomes of individual interactions on reproduction and survival. The difficulty of obtaining data on functional outcomes has resulted in limited understanding of functional variation among a network's pairwise species interactions, of the study designs that are necessary to capture major sources of functional variation, and of predictors of functional variation that may allow generalization across networks.

In this community‐scale study, we targeted a key functional outcome in plant–frugivore networks: the impact of frugivore gut passage on seed germination. We used captive frugivore feeding trials and germination experiments in an island ecosystem, attaining species‐level coverage across all extant native frugivores and the plants they consume to (a) assess sources of functional variation, (b) separate effects of pulp removal from those of scarification via gut passage, and (c) test trait‐based correlates of gut passage effect sizes.

We found antagonistic seed predation effects of a frugivore previously assumed to be a seed disperser, highlighting the need to consider functional outcomes rather than interaction frequency alone. The other frugivores each exhibited similar impacts for individual plant species, with benefits primarily caused by pulp removal rather than scarification, supporting the use of animal functional groups in this context. In contrast, plant species varied widely in impacts of gut passage on germination. Species with smaller seeds and more frugivore partners had larger benefits of gut passage, showing promise for network metrics and functional traits to predict functional variation among plants.

Synthesis. Combining network and demographic approaches, we assessed the degree and sources of variation in a key functional outcome of plant–frugivore interactions across an entire network. Using a detailed study design, our work shows how simpler study designs can capture primary sources of functional variation and that functional traits and network metrics may allow generalization across networks. Efficiently measuring and generalizing sources of functional variation within mutualistic networks will strengthen our ability to model network dynamics and predict mutualist responses to global change.
Reaching up and reaching out: The impact of competition on firms’ productivity and export decisions
Authors: Opoku Eric E. O. , Yan Isabel K. M. , Hynes Kate 
Published: November 2018

AbstractUsing firm‐level data from 139 countries, this paper investigates the effect of competition in both the domestic and foreign markets on firm productivity and export decisions. Applying a sample selection endogenous treatment (SSET) Poisson model that tackles both the issue of endogenous sample selection and endogenous treatment at the same time, we document robust evidence that strong competition in the domestic market propels firms to be more productive, and decreasing domestic competition increases firms’ propensity to export. However, firms’ export intensity (i.e. how much they export) is not directly influenced by competition in the domestic market. Moreover, lower competition in the foreign market increases the propensity of domestic firms to export, enlarging the set of exporting firms to include firms with relatively smaller export amounts.
Linguistic Information Quality in Customers' Forward‐Looking Disclosures and Suppliers' Investment Decisions
Authors: Chen Can , Kim Jeong‐Bon , Wei Minghai , Zhang Hao 
Published: November 2018

ABSTRACTThis study examines whether and how linguistic information quality (measured by readability) of customer firms' management earnings forecast reports (MEFRs) affects supplier firms' investment quality (measured by investment efficiency). Our analyses reveal that supplier investment efficiency is positively associated with the average linguistic information quality of customers' prior MEFRs, and the positive association between supplier investment efficiency and customer MEFRs' numerical information quality is stronger in supplier firms with more readable customer MEFRs. Our analyses also reveal that higher linguistic information quality of customer MEFRs improves the monitoring of supplier firms by their outside stakeholders, such as institutional investors and financial analysts, and ameliorates the negative impact of suppliers' customer‐dependence on their investment efficiency. Our results suggest that greater linguistic information quality of a customer firm's forward‐looking disclosures is associated with higher‐quality investments made by its suppliers along the supply chain.
Accuracy of identifications of mammal species from camera trap images: A northern Australian case study
Authors: Potter Larissa C. , Brady Christopher J. , Murphy Brett P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCamera traps are a powerful and increasingly popular tool for mammal research, but like all survey methods, they have limitations. Identifying animal species from images is a critical component of camera trap studies, yet while researchers recognize constraints with experimental design or camera technology, image misidentification is still not well understood. We evaluated the effects of a species’ attributes (body mass and distinctiveness) and individual observer variables (experience and confidence) on the accuracy of mammal identifications from camera trap images. We conducted an Internet‐based survey containing 20 questions about observer experience and 60 camera trap images to identify. Images were sourced from surveys in northern Australia and included 25 species, ranging in body mass from the delicate mouse (Pseudomys delicatulus, 10 g) to the agile wallaby (Macropus agilis, >10 kg). There was a weak relationship between the accuracy of mammal identifications and observer experience. However, accuracy was highest (100%) for distinctive species (e.g. Short‐beaked echidna [Tachyglossus aculeatus]) and lowest (36%) for superficially non‐distinctive mammals (e.g. rodents like the Pale field‐rat [Rattus tunneyi]). There was a positive relationship between the accuracy of identifications and body mass. Participant confidence was highest for large and distinctive mammals, but was not related to participant experience level. Identifications made with greater confidence were more likely to be accurate. Unreliability in identifications of mammal species is a significant limitation to camera trap studies, particularly where small mammals are the focus, or where similar‐looking species co‐occur. Integration of camera traps with conventional survey techniques (e.g. live‐trapping), use of a reference library or computer‐automated programs are likely to aid positive identifications, while employing a confidence rating system and/or multiple observers may lead to a collection of more robust data. Although our study focussed on Australian species, our findings apply to camera trap studies globally.
Cervico‐vaginal secretion cytokine profile: A non‐invasive approach to study the endometrial receptivity in IVF cycles
Authors: Zanotta Nunzia , Monasta Lorenzo , Skerk Kristina , Luppi Stefania , Martinelli Monica , Ricci Giuseppe , Comar Manola 
Published: November 2018

ProblemCytokines have a significant role in the process of embryo implantation, trophoblast growth, and differentiation by modulating the immune and endocrine system. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of a large set of cytokines in the cervico‐vaginal washing of women undergoing IVF, to explore the association of these proteins with a good receptive endometrium.Method of studyA cohort of 155 women scheduled for IVF cycle was recruited. All patients were asymptomatic for genitourinary infections and had been screened for chlamydia, mycoplasma, and other bacterial infections. All IVF subjects were treated according to standard clinical and laboratory protocols. A panel of 48 immune factors was analyzed on cervico‐vaginal washing, using magnetic bead‐based multiplex immunoassays (Bio‐Plex, BIO‐RAD Laboratories, Milano, Italy).ResultsA total of 99 patients reached embryo transfer, of which 31 had a clinical pregnancy. A pattern of four pro‐inflammatory immune molecules, IL‐12p40, IFN‐a, MIF, and MCP3 (P < 0.001), was found significantly up‐regulated in the cervico‐vaginal fluid of women with clinical pregnancy. A significantly increased expression of IL‐9, Groα, and SDF‐1α (P < 0.05) was observed in the presence of endometriosis, while high levels of IL‐13 and L‐15 were associated with ovulatory infertility factor (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn this pilot study, we demonstrated that the expression of specific cytokines in the cervico‐vaginal washing on the day of oocyte retrieval might have a positive correlation with the potential clinical pregnancy. Therefore, cervico‐vaginal secretion cytokine profiling might be a new, non‐invasive approach to study the endometrial receptivity in IVF management.
Effect of hormone modulations on donor‐derived spermatogenesis or colonization after syngeneic and xenotransplantation in mice
Authors: Shetty G. , Wu Z. , Lam T. N. A. , Phan T. T. , Orwig K. E. , Meistrich M. L. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundCytotoxic cancer treatments, such as irradiation, can cause permanent sterility in male mammals owing to the loss of spermatogonial stem cells. In animal models, spermatogenesis could be restored from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells. Previously, we showed that transient suppression of FSH, LH, and testosterone in the recipient with a gonadotropin‐releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH‐ant), given immediately after irradiation, enhanced spermatogenesis from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells in mice and monkeys.ObjectivesTo explore improvements in the preparation of the recipient for efficient and reliable spermatogenic recovery from spermatogonial stem cell transplantation, so that it can be used effectively in clinical practice.Materials and methodsIn mouse recipients, we evaluated the effects of hormone suppression given after germ cell depletion was complete, which is a more clinically relevant model, and also the importance of total androgen ablation and maintenance of FSH levels. Three regimens, GnRH‐ant, GnRH‐ant plus flutamide (androgen receptor antagonist), and GnRH‐ant plus FSH, were administered prior to and around the time of transplantation of testis cells from immature mice or from prepubertal monkeys.ResultsTreatment with GnRH‐ant resulted in a fourfold increase in spermatogenic recovery from GFP‐marked transplanted mouse cells. Total androgen ablation with the addition of flutamide, started two weeks before transplantation, did not further enhance recovery. Surprisingly, FSH supplementation, started around the time of transplantation, actually reduced spermatogenic recovery from transplanted spermatogonial stem cells in GnRH‐ant‐treated mice. When prepubertal monkey testicular cells were transplanted into nude mice that were given the same hormone treatments, the numbers of donor‐derived colonies were independent of hormone treatment.Discussion and ConclusionThe enhancements in spermatogenic recovery may only occur when syngeneic or closely related donor–recipient pairs are used. These results are useful in further investigations in choosing a hormone suppression regimen in combination with spermatogonial transplantation as a treatment to restore fertility in primates after cytotoxic therapy.
Clitellate worms (Annelida) in lateglacial and Holocene sedimentary DNA records from the Polar Urals and northern Norway
Authors: Lammers Youri , Clarke Charlotte L. , Erséus Christer , Brown Antony G. , Edwards Mary E. , Gielly Ludovic , Haflidason Haflidi , Mangerud Jan , Rota Emilia , Svendsen John Inge , Alsos Inger Greve 
Published: November 2018

While there are extensive macro‐ and microfossil records of a range of plants and animals from the Quaternary, earthworms and their close relatives amongst annelids are not preserved as fossils and therefore the knowledge of their past distributions is limited. This lack of fossils means that clitellate worms (Annelida) are currently underused in palaeoecological research, even though they can provide valuable information about terrestrial and aquatic environmental conditions. Their DNA might be preserved in sediments, which offers an alternative method for detection. Here we analyse lacustrine sediments from lakes in the Polar Urals, Arctic Russia, covering the period 24 000–1300 cal. a BP, and NE Norway, covering 10 700–3300 cal. a BP, using a universal mammal 16S rDNA marker. While mammals were recorded using the marker (reindeer was detected twice in the Polar Urals core at 23 000 and 14 000 cal. a BP, and four times in the Norwegian core at 11 000 cal. a BP and between 3600–3300 cal. a BP), worm extracellular DNA ‘bycatch’ was rather high. In this paper we present the first reported worm detection from ancient DNA. Our results demonstrate that both aquatic and terrestrial clitellates can be identified in late‐Quaternary lacustrine sediments, and the ecological information retrievable from this group warrants further research with a more targeted approach.
Comparing severity scores in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Shafuddin Eskandarain , Chang Catherina L. , Hancox Robert J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIntroductionPrognostic scores help identify patients at a high risk of mortality in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The Dyspnoea, Eosinopaenia, Consolidation, Acidaemia and atrial Fibrillation (DECAF) score has been reported to perform better than other severity scores in predicting mortality from exacerbations of COPD in studies including patients with pneumonia.ObjectiveTo compare the performance of DECAF with other prognostic scores: CURB‐65, CRB‐65 and BAP‐65, in predicting 30‐day mortality in patients hospitalised with exacerbations of COPD without pneumonia.MethodsData from hospital admission of 423 patients from two cohorts of patients with exacerbations of COPD without consolidation on chest radiographs were used to compile the CURB‐65, CRB‐65, BAP‐65 and DECAF scores. The performance of each prognostic score in predicting 30‐day mortality was studied using receiver operating curve analysis.ResultsThirty‐one patients (7%) died within 30 days of hospital admission. One hundred patients (24%) did not have DECAF scores because of the incomplete laboratory data, while all 423 patients had the other scores available for analysis. All scores predicted mortality with similar areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (CURB‐65 = 0.69, CRB‐65 = 0.64, BAP‐65 = 0.64, DECAF = 0.65, P = 0.186).ConclusionIn patients hospitalised with exacerbations of COPD without pneumonia, simple clinical scores that rely on fewer laboratory measures perform at least as well as DECAF in predicting early mortality.
Screening system for epidermal growth factor receptor mutation detection in cytology cell‐free DNA of cerebrospinal fluid based on assured sample quality
Authors: Kawahara Akihiko , Abe Hideyuki , Murata Kazuya , Ishii Hidenobu , Azuma Koichi , Takase Yorihiko , Hattori Satoshi , Naito Yoshiki , Akiba Jun 
Published: November 2018

BackgroundThe cobas® epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) Mutation Test v2 designed for cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) is approved as a companion diagnostic for osimertinib therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the concordance of EGFR mutation detection between paired primary or recurrent samples, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytology samples of lung cancer patients.MethodsIn total, 26 lung cancer patients with supernatant cytology cfDNA in CSF were analysed for EGFR mutations using the cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2.0 designed for cfDNA, and the concordance rates between CSF cfDNA and primary or recurrent samples were investigated.ResultsOf the 26 CSF cytology cfDNA samples, 46.1% (12/26) were valid and 53.9% (14/26) were invalid. Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy between the valid CSF cfDNA samples and primary or recurrent samples for detection of EGFR mutation, including T790M were 87.5%, 100.0% and 91.7%, respectively. Amounts of both inflammatory cells and tumour cells in CSF cytology were higher in the valid evaluation samples than in the invalid samples (P < .05), and mutant EGFR was detected in 80.0% (4/5) of the valid CSF cytology cfDNA samples with a negative cytology diagnosis.ConclusionsThe cobas® EGFR Mutation Test v2.0 can accurately detect EGFR mutations, including T790M, from supernatant cfDNA of CSF cytology samples. Utilisation of supernatant cytology cfDNA in CSF will allow us to perform both EGFR mutation analysis and cytopathological diagnosis at the same time. This represents a new role of cytology in patient treatment, based on assured sample quality.
Motor function in Rett syndrome: comparing clinical and parental assessments
Authors: Rodocanachi Roidi Marina L , Isaias Ioannis U , Cozzi Francesca , Grange Francesca , Scotti Fabrizia M , Gestra Valentina F , Gandini Alessandra , Ripamonti Enrico 
Published: November 2018

AimTo describe a new clinical tool, the Rett Syndrome Motor Evaluation Scale (RESMES) and to assess (loco‐)motor function in people with Rett syndrome (RTT).MethodFormal assessment provided by physicians was followed by parents’ direct observation at home using theRESMES. Sixty females (mean [SD] age 12y 5mo [8y 9mo], range 3–40y) with a clinical diagnosis and genetically determinedRTTparticipated in the study. Spearman's/Pearson's coefficients assessed the correlation between the clinicians’ and caregivers’ evaluations, as well as the correlation ofRESMESscores with other scales, namely the Pain Assessment in Advanced Dementia, the Rett Assessment Rating Scale, the Modified Ashworth Scale, and hand function (assessed with a scale of evaluation of purposeful hand function). Scores provided by parents and clinicians were tested statistically by Mann–WhitneyUtest.ResultsApproximately 88% of patients had moderate to severeRTTsymptoms and, on average, moderate motor impairment based on theRESMES.RESMEStotal scores provided by clinicians and caregivers were highly correlated (r=0.91), as were the subscale scores. Postural transition was a critical area of theRESMES, where parents systematically provided lower scores than clinicians, indicating milder degrees of disability. Severity of scoliosis and mutation type emerged as significant predictors of motor function.InterpretationTheRESMEScharacterized the (loco‐)motor impairments of the patients withRTTwell. It also showed a close correlation between the evaluations of clinicians and caregivers, with the possible exception of postural transition tasks, which should be carefully addressed in a clinical setting. The type of mutation and presence of scoliosis should be evaluated, as they predicted the ability to walk.What this paper addsCaregivers at home can reliably assess motor function in Rett syndrome using the Rett Syndrome Motor Evaluation Scale (RESMES).RESMES scores provided by clinicians and parents were highly correlated.The severity of scoliosis and the genetic mutation predicted standing and walking abilities.