bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A pipeline for effectively developing highly polymorphic SSR markers based on multi-sample genomic data
Authors: Wang Hui , Gao Shenghan , Liu Yu , Wang Pengcheng , Zhang Zhengwang , Chen De
Published: September 2021

Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) are widely used genetic markers in
ecology, evolution and conservation even in the genomics era, while a
general limitation to their application is the difficulty of developing
polymorphic SSR markers. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) offers the
opportunity for the rapid development of SSRs; however, previous studies
developing SSRs using genomic data from only one individual need
redundant experiments to test the polymorphisms of SSRs. In this study,
we designed a pipeline for the rapid development of polymorphic SSR
markers from multi-sample genomic data. We used bioinformatic software
to genotype multiple individuals using resequencing data, detected
highly polymorphic SSRs prior to experimental validation, significantly
improved the efficiency and reduced the experimental effort. The
pipeline was successfully applied to a globally threatened species, the
brown-eared pheasant (Crossoptilon mantchuricum), which showed very low
genomic diversity. The 20 newly developed SSR markers were highly
polymorphic, the average number of alleles was much higher than the
genomic average. We also evaluated the effect of the number of
individuals and sequencing depth on the SSR mining results, and we found
that ten individuals and ~10X sequencing data were
enough to obtain a sufficient number of polymorphic SSRs, even for
species with low genetic diversity. Furthermore, the genome assembly of
NGS data from the optimal number of individuals and sequencing depth can
be used as an alternative reference genome if a high-quality genome is
not available. Our pipeline provided a paradigm for the application of
NGS technology to mining and developing molecular markers for ecological
and evolutionary studies.
Climate-induced habitat suitability intensifies fishing-induced life-history variation of a migratory long-lived fish
Authors: Wang Ya , Zhou Xi Jie , Chen Jiajie , Xie Bin , Huang Lingfeng
Published: September 2021

Intense fishing pressure and climate change are major threats to coastal
fisheries. Larimichthys crocea (large yellow croaker) is a
long-lived fish, which performs seasonal migrations from its spawning
and nursery grounds along the coast of the East China Sea (ECS) to
overwintering grounds offshore. This study used length-based analysis
and habitat suitability index (HSI) model to evaluate current
life-history parameters and overwintering habitat suitability of
L. crocea, respectively. We compared both life-history parameters
and overwintering HSI between recent (2019) and historical (between 1971
to 1982) to analyze the fishing pressure and climate change effects on
the overall population and overwintering phase of L. crocea. In
the context of overfishing, the length-based analysis indicated serious
overfishing of L. crocea, characterized by reduced catch yield,
size truncation, constrained distribution, and advanced maturation in
the ECS, namely recruitment bottleneck. In the context of climate
change, the overwintering HSI modeling results indicated that climate
change has led to decreased sea surface temperature during L.
crocea overwintering phase over the last half-century, which in turn
led to area decrease and an offshore-oriented shifting of optimal
overwintering habitat. The fishing-caused size truncation may constrain
the migratory ability and distribution of L. crocea, subsequently
led to the mismatch of the optimal overwintering habitat against climate
change background, namely habitat bottleneck. Hence, while heavily
fishing was the major cause of L. crocea fishery collapse,
climate-induced overwintering habitat suitability may have intensified
the fishery collapse of L. crocea population. It is important for
management to take both overfishing and climate change issues into
consideration when developing stock enhancement activities and policy
regulations, particularly for migratory long-lived fish that share a
similar life history to L. crocea. Combined with China’s current
restocking and stock enhancement initiatives, we propose recommendations
for future restocking of L. crocea in China.
Optimization of Groundwater Pumping and River-Aquifer Exchanges for Management of Water Resources
Authors: Bajpai Mayank , Gaur Shishir , Ohri Anurag , Mishra Shreyansh , Piégay Hervé , Graillot Didier
Published: September 2021

Groundwater pumping influences the rate of River-Aquifer (R-A) exchanges
and alters the water budget of the aquifer. Therefore, fulfilling the
total water demand of the area, with an optimal pumping rate of wells
and optimal R-A exchanges rate, is important for the sustainable
management of water resources and aquatic ecosystems. Meanwhile,
comparison of the output of different simulation-optimization
techniques, which is used for the solution of water resource management
problems, is a very challenging task where different Pareto fronts are
compared to identify the best results. In the present work, mathematical
models were developed to simulate the R-A exchanges for the lower part
of the River Ain, France. The developed models were coupled with
optimization models in MATLAB environment and were executed to solve the
multi-objective optimization problem based on the maximization of
pumping rates of wells and maximization of groundwater input into the
river Ain through R-A exchanges. The Pareto front developed by different
simulation-optimization models was compared and analyzed. The Pareto
fronts were juxtaposed based on the convergence, total diversity, and
uniformity with the help of different performance metrics like
hypervolume, generational distance, inverted generational distance, etc.
The impact of different groundwater models based on domain size and
boundary conditions was also examined. Results show the dominance of
MOPSO over other optimization algorithms and concluded that the
maximization of pumping rates significantly changes after considering
the R-A exchanges-based objective function. It is observed that the
model domain also alters the output of simulation-optimization,
therefore the model domain and corresponding boundary conditions should
be selected carefully for the field application of management models.
ANN models were also developed to deal with the computationally
expensive simulation model by reducing the processing time and were
found efficient. Keywords: Simulation-Optimization, Multi-Objective
optimization, Artificial Neural Network, River-Aquifer exchanges.
The Use of Point-of-care Testing in Detecting Platelet Function Recovery in a Patient Treated with Prasugrel Undergoing Urgent Surgical Revascularization
Authors: Sef Alessandra Verzelloni , Caliandro Francesca , Sef Davorin , Raja Shahzad
Published: September 2021

A recent administration of potent P2Y12 receptor inhibitor such as
prasugrel in patients undergoing cardiac surgery remains a dilemma and
little is known about its impact on platelet function recovery.
Guidelines recommend discontinuation of prasugrel 7 days before surgery
to reduce the risk of surgery-related bleeding. Patients at risk may
benefit from preoperative platelet function testing to guide
individualized preoperative waiting time. We present a rare case of
complete function recovery in a patient treated with prasugrel revealed
by preoperative platelet function monitoring before urgent coronary
artery bypass surgery (CABG). A complete platelet function recovery was
revealed by platelet function testing after discontinuation of prasugrel
for four days and patient underwent urgent CABG without increased risk
of postoperative bleeding. Our case with a review of literature
emphasized that the decision to proceed with urgent CABG in a patient
recently treated with prasugrel should be based on a personalized risk
assessment and might be supported by preoperative platelet function
monitoring to shorten the waiting time.
Approach to Echocardiography in ARDS Patients in the Prone Position: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ajam Mustafa , Drake Matthew , Ran Ran , Mukundan Srini , Masri Ahmad , Rahmouni Hind
Published: September 2021

Echocardiography is commonly utilized in patients with acute respiratory
distress syndrome (ARDS) for assessment of cardiac function, volume
status, and the potential development of acute cor pulmonale. In severe
ARDS, prone positioning is frequently used, which imposes technical
challenges during transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) image
acquisition. Moreover, prone positioning can affect cardiopulmonary
function in ways that are reflected on the echocardiographic findings in
this position. Historically, a transesophageal approach was recommended
when a patient is prone, with few studies reporting utility of TTE in
this setting. However, recent publications have begun to address this
knowledge gap. This review explores recent literature addressing the use
of TTE in prone patients with ARDS, with a special focus on the
cardiopulmonary effects of proning and potential solutions to the
technical difficulties that arise in this position.
Percutaneous Closure of Congenital Aortic--to--Right Atrial Fistula
Authors: Akyüz Abdurrahman , Çap Murat , Işık Ferhat , Aslan Burhan
Published: September 2021

Transthoracic and transesophageal imaging of the 30-year-old patient who
presented with palpitations and shortness of breath revealed flow from
the aorta to the right atrium. Aortic-right atrial fistula, which is a
rare anomaly, was evaluated. It was considered congenital, as there was
no acquired cause. Since the patient was symptomatic, it was closed
percutaneously with the Amplatzer Duct Occluder II device.
Something is in the wrong place.
Authors: Garcia Leonardo Rufino , Garzesi Andre , Porto Elvis , Pretel Diego , Martins Antonio , Sobreira Marcone , Brito Flavio , Felicio Marcello
Published: September 2021

Inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) embolization is not uncommon and can
reach 11,8%. However, device migration to the heart is not frequent and
occurs in cases after IVCF fracture. We show the case of a young woman
who was submitted to an unremarkable IVCF placement three days before
and presented with hemodynamic instability. Since the device was not
retrievable, the surgical team opted for an open cardiac surgery under
cardiopulmonary bypass to remove IVCF.
Evaluation of multisource precipitation input for hydrological modeling in an alpine basin: a case study from the Yellow River Source Region (China)
Authors: Gu Pengfei , WANG Gaoxu , Liu Guodong , Wu Yongxiang , Liu Hongwei , Jiang Xi , Liu Tao
Published: September 2021

Alpine basins are essential to the conservation of water resources.
However, they are typically poorly gauged and inaccessible, owing to the
harsh prevailing environment and complex terrain. To investigate the
influences of different precipitation inputs on hydrological modeling in
alpine basins, two representative satellite precipitation products
[Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) and Integrated
Multi-Satellite Retrievals for GPM (IMERG)] and two reanalysis
precipitation products [China Meteorological Assimilation Driving
Datasets for the SWAT model (CMADS) and Climate Forecast System
Reanalysis (CFSR)] in the Yellow River Source Region (YRSR) were
selected for evaluation and hydrological verification against
gauge-observed data (GO). Results indicates that the accuracy of these
precipitation products in the warm season is higher than that in the
cold season, and IMERG has the best performance, followed by CMADS,
CFSR, and TRMM. TRMM seriously overestimates high rainfall of greater
than 10 mm/day. CFSR overestimates moderate precipitation events of
1–10 mm/d, while CMADS underestimates the effects of precipitation
events of 1–20 mm/d. Models using the GO as input yielded satisfactory
performance during 2008–2013, and precipitation products have poor
simulation results. Although the model using IMERG as input yielded
unsatisfactory performance during 2014–2016, this did not affect the
use of IMERG as a potential data source for YRSR. After bias correction,
the quality of CFSR improves significantly with R2 and NSE increasing by
0.25 and 0.31 at Tangnaihai station, respectively. Model driven by the
combination of GO and CMADS precipitation performed the best in all
scenarios (R2 = 0.77, NSE = 0.72 at Tangnaihai station; R2 = 0.53, NSE =
0.48 at Jimai station). These results can provide reference data, and
research ideas, for improved hydrological modeling of alpine basins.
Hormone replacement therapy may increase the risk of early miscarriage during frozen embryo transfer cycles in patients with a history of cesarean section: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Gan Run-xin , Li Yuan , Song Juan , Wen Quan , Lu Guang-xiu , Lin Ge , Gong Fei
Published: September 2021

Objective: To investigate the efficacies of three cycle regimens in
women receiving FET with a history of CS: natural cycle (NC) treatment,
hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and treatment with
gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) + HRT). Design:
Retrospective cohort study. Setting: University-affiliated center.
Population: Patients (N = 6,159) with a history of CS who fulfilled the
inclusion criteria were enrolled in the study from January 2014 to
December 2019. Methods: Reproductive outcomes of patients in the NC (n =
4,306) versus HRT (n = 1,007) versus GnRH-a + HRT groups (n = 846) were
compared. Main Outcome Measure: The main outcome measure was the live
birth rate per embryo transfer (ET). Results: The unadjusted odds of the
miscarriage rate of singleton pregnancies were also significantly higher
in the HRT-group compared with the NC-group (25.5% versus 20.4%,
respectively). After adjusting for possible confounding factors, the
early miscarriage rate and the miscarriage rate of singleton pregnancies
remained significantly higher in the HRT-group than the NC-group. The
clinical pregnancy rates in the NC-, HRT- and GnRH-a + HRT-groups of
women with a history of CS was 48.8%, 48% and 47.1%, respectively,
and the live birth rates were 37%, 34.1% and 35.7%, respectively.
Conclusion(s): In women undergoing FET with a history of CS, HRT for
endometrial preparation was associated with a higher early miscarriage
rate, albeit after statistical adjustment for confounding factors.
Funding: The National Science Foundation of China (81501328). Key Words:
Caesarean section, endometrial preparation, frozen embryo transfer,
miscarriage
Rapid screening of the SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 B.1.1.7 variant using three different assays
Authors: Riazzo Cristina , Pedraza-Merino Rosa , Merino Laura , Camacho Pedro , Lepe-Jimenez Jose A , Martinez-Martinez Luis , Rio Manuel Causse-del
Published: September 2021

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate three commercially
available methods (Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Assay, Allplex
SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB/RSV Assay and Novaplex SARS-CoV-2 Variants I Assay)
for screening of the SARS-CoV-2 VOC 202012/01 B.1.1.7 variant. Methods A
total of 160 nasopharyngeal samples (150 positive and 10 negative for
SARS-CoV-2) were tested with all three molecular assays. Next-generation
sequencing (NGS) was used as the reference method to determine
analytical performance. Results Total (100%) agreement was found for
SARS-CoV-2 detection with all three assays. For B.1.1.7 screening, the
sensitivity of the Allplex SARS-CoV-2 Assay, the Allplex
SARS-CoV-2/FluA/FluB/RSV Assay and the Novaplex SARS-CoV-2 Variants I
Assay (Seegene Inc.) were 94.5%, 98.7% and 100 %, respectively, while
the specificities of the assays were 98.6%, 81.7% and 100%,
respectively. Conclusions Although the best results for identifying the
B.1.1.7 variant in this study were achieved with the Novaplex Variants I
Assay, the three approaches evaluated can be considered cost-effective
primary screening tools to rapidly monitor the VOC 202012/01 B.1.1.7
variant.
Microinvasive Mitral Valve Surgery: A New Frontier to Tackle Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Seifu Solomon , Marchena Eduardo de
Published: September 2021

Microinvasive, catheter-based mitral valve repair of severe mitral
regurgitation utilizes less invasive approaches with less procedural
morbidity and mortality. The procedural steps and clinical benefits of
the transcatheter transapical mitral valve annuloplasty (AMEND mitral
repair implant) and transcatheter transapical chordal repair systems
(Neochord DS 1000 device and Harpoon Mitral Valve Repair System) are
reviewed in this manuscript.
Simulation of agro-ecosystem service value in oasis area of lower reaches of Tarim River
Authors: li hongwei , Chen yaning
Published: September 2021

Based on the relationship between the service value of each component of
agro-ecosystem and its corresponding land cover, the service value of
agro-ecosystem in oasis area of lower reaches of Tarim River was
analyzed. Using the land cover data of 2000, 2010 and 2020, and setting
two scenarios in the FLUS model to simulate the land cover change of the
study area in 2030. According to the forecast results of land cover, the
the value of agro-ecological service was calculated and the sensitivity
was analyzed. Results showed the following: (1) The Kappa coefficients
and overall accuracy of 2010 land cover models simulated by FLUS are
0.8429 and 92.55% , indicating that the model has appropriate
simulation accuracy. (2) The proportion of farmland, grassland, water
body and artificial surface increased from 4.28%, 22.26%, 2.18% and
1.16% in 2000 to 6.63%, 25.86%, 10.96% and 0.48% in 2030 benchmark
scenario, respectively. On the contrary, the shrub land and barren land
decreased from 1.07% and 70.75% in 2000 to 0.7% and 55.44% in 2030
benchmark scenario, respectively.(3) The agro-ecosystem service value of
benchmark scenario and ecological protection scenario are CN¥6.781×109
and CN¥6.937×109 in 2030, respectively. The practice has proved that the
ecological water conveyance project is very necessary to improve the
agricultural ecological environment in oasis area of lower reaches of
Tarim River. This study can provide reference for the research on the
agro-ecosystem service value of oases in inland river basins of China
and Central Asia.
DIAPHRAGMATIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY AS A PREDICTOR OF VENTILATORY WEANING: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW
Authors: Cordeiro André Luiz Lisboa , Soares Lucas , Oliveira Késsia , Jesus Amanda Maria
Published: September 2021

Objectives: To review the evidence on Diaphragmatic Ultrasonography as a
predictor of success in ventilatory weaning. Methodology:Systematically
review using the PICO methodology and keywords: Ultrasound, Ultrasound,
Diagnostic imaging, Diaphragm, Weaning, Intensive Care Unit, Artificial
Respiration, Mechanical Ventilation, Ventilator Weaning. Published
cohort studies were used without language and year restrictions that
addressed the use of ultrasound to predict success in weaning and
ventilatory extubation. Studies with patients under 18 years of age,
case reports, literature reviews, results that do not bring a cutoff
value for thickness and diaphragmatic excursion and the definition of
failure in the weaning and extubation process were excluded. In
addition, the Boolean operators “and” and “or” were used.
Results:459 were found, which after exclusion due to duplication and
reading of titles and abstract, only 11 were selected by the inclusion
criteria. The samples ranged from 34 to 193 individuals. We can evidence
that the use of USG to assess the thickness and excursion of the
diaphragm in patients undergoing invasive ventilatory support is
effective in predicting success in the weaning and extubation process.
Conclusion: It is concluded that Diaphragmatic Ultrasonography has great
applicability to assess the ability to predict success or failure in
removing invasive ventilatory support.
An experimental/computational study of steric hindrance effects on CO2 absorption mechanism using nonaqueous/aqueous AMP
Authors: Luo Qinlan , Chen Mengjie , Dong Rui , Gao Hongxia , Liang Zhiwu
Published: September 2021

The reaction kinetics and molecular mechanisms of CO2 absorption using
nonaqueous and aqueous amine solutions were analyzed by the stopped-flow
technique and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations. Pseudo
first-order rate constants (k0) of reactions between CO2 and amines were
measured. A kinetic model was proposed to correlate the k0 to the amine
concentration, and was proved to perform well for predicting the
relationship between k0 and the amine concentration. The experimental
results showed that AMP/MDEA only took part in the deprotonation of
MEA-zwitterion in nonaqueous MEA+AMP/MEA+MDEA. In aqueous solutions, AMP
can also react with CO2 through base-catalyzed hydration mechanism
beside the zwitterion mechanism. The molecular mechanisms of CO2
absorption were also explored by AIMD simulations coupled with
metadynamics sampling. The predicted free-energy barriers of key
elementary reactions verified the kinetic model and demonstrated the
different molecular mechanisms for the reaction between CO2 and AMP in
nonaqueous and aqueous systems.
Different temporal trends in vascular plant and bryophyte communities along elevational gradients over four decades of warming
Authors: Scarpitta Antoine Becker , Lavoie Diane Auberson , Aussenac Raphael , Vellend Mark
Published: September 2021

Despite many studies showing biodiversity responses to warming, the
generality of such responses across taxonomic groups remains unclear.
Very few studies have tested for evidence of bryophyte community
responses to warming, even though bryophytes are major contributors to
diversity and functioning in many ecosystems. Here we report an
empirical study comparing long-term change of bryophyte and vascular
plant communities in two sites with contrasting long-term warming
trends, using “legacy” botanical records as a baseline for comparison
with contemporary resurveys. We hypothesized that ecological changes
would be greater in sites with a stronger warming trend, and that
vascular plant communities, with narrower climatic niches, would be more
sensitive than bryophyte communities to climate warming. For each
taxonomic group in each site, we quantified the magnitude of changes in
species’ distributions along the elevation gradient, species richness,
and community composition. We found contrasted temporal changes in
bryophyte vs. vascular plant communities, which only partially supported
the warming hypothesis. In the area with a stronger warming trend, we
found a significant increase of local diversity and beta-diversity for
vascular plants, but not for bryophytes. Presence absence data did not
provide sufficient power to detect elevational shifts in species
distributions. The patterns observed for bryophytes are in accordance
with recent literature showing that local diversity can remain unchanged
despite strong changes in composition. Regardless of whether one taxon
is systematically more or less sensitive to environmental change than
another, our results suggest that vascular plants cannot be used as a
surrogate for bryophytes in terms of predicting the nature and magnitude
of responses to warming. Thus, to assess overall biodiversity responses
to global change, abundance data from different taxonomic groups and
different community properties need to be synthesized.
Interactions of a small molecule configuration mimetic the interactions found in α-synuclein aggregation
Authors: Saraiva Marco A. , Florêncio M. Helena
Published: September 2021

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is an increasingly prevalent and currently
incurable neurodegenerative disorder. The aggregation of the amyloid
disordered protein α-synuclein (Syn) has been implicated in the
development of PD. Syn aggregation has been widely investigated but
information concerning the conformational alterations in the diverse
protein aggregated species at the molecular level is still scarce. To
address this issue, it was here developed a comparative study involving
the known parent N-acetyl-L-tyrosinamide (NAYA)
compound and the Syn protein by using spectroscopic techniques. At least
two different configurations of the NAYA compound were found to exist in
solution. One configuration, known as the NAYA closed shape
configuration, involves an amide intramolecular hydrogen-bonded
interaction and was found to be a model interaction for the hydrophilic
core of β-sheets, which are the most common conformational alteration
found in Syn aggregated species. Since the spectroscopic techniques used
herein also differentiate between tyrosyl and peptide bond groups and
both NAYA and Syn possess such groups it was possible to assign these
groups interactions in the β-sheets formed. This study retrieves the
importance of using model compounds with spectroscopic characteristics
similar to those found in proteins to access the complex interactions
network existing in the amyloid aggregated species.
LONGITUDINAL SYSTOLIC DYSFUNCTION IN HYPERTENSIVE CARDIOMYOPATHY WITH NORMAL EJECTION FRACTION
Authors: Salas Jose , Sanchez Oscar , González Oscar Baltazar , Soto Maria Elena
Published: September 2021

Background: The left ventricle (LV) journey in their transition from
hypertrophy to heart failure is marked by many subcellular events
partially understood yet. The moment in which the structural
abnormalities reach the umbral to induce myocardial dysfunction remains
elusive. Aims: To evaluate the anatomic-functional relationship between
LV wall thickness and longitudinal systolic dysfunction. Material and
Methods: We prospectively performed clinical history and transthoracic
echocardiogram on healthy individuals and patients with hypertension,
left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) ≥50%, and absence of heart
failure symptoms. Results: A total of 226 patients and 101 healthy
individuals were recruited. The distribution for sex was similar between
groups. The mean age was 67±13 years old in the patients, and 44% had
concentric LV hypertrophy. LVEF was identical in both groups (63±6%);
in contrast, global longitudinal strain (GLS) (-18.8±2.5% vs.
-20.4±2%) and mitral annulus plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) (13.8±2.8
vs. 15.5±2mm) were lower. ROC curve classified optimally decreased GLS
with LV septum thickness ≥13mm and decreased MAPSE with thickness ≥14mm.
Multivariable logistic regression found that LV septum thickness is the
only variable associated with longitudinal systolic dysfunction (OR=
1.1, CI95%= 1.05 – 1.15, p= 0.001, R squared= 0.38). Discussion: A
progressive increase in LV wall thickness due to myocyte hypertrophy and
interstitial expansion is associated with LV systolic longitudinal
dysfunction. Conclusions: Patients with moderate or severe ventricular
hypertrophy (septum ≥13mm) had longitudinal systolic dysfunction, GLS
decreases with minor structural change than MAPSE, and LVEF is
insensitive in detecting longitudinal myocardial dysfunction in patients
with hypertension.
Budget Ratcheting and Debtholders' Monitoring: Evidence from Private Colleges and Universities
Authors: Kuroki Makoto , Shuto Akinobu
Published: September 2021

This study examines whether budget ratcheting occurs in Japanese private colleges and universities (PC&Us) and how debtholders affect it. We predict that managers of Japanese PC&Us have incentives to increase their budgets to enhance their reputation from internal stakeholders; moreover, most of their stakeholders are less likely to strictly monitor the manager's behavior, which creates the opportunity for budget ratcheting. First, we find that the budget for program expense increases associated with prior year overspending is larger than for decreases associated with underspending of the same amount, consistent with the budget ratcheting hypothesis. Second, we also find that the extent of budget ratcheting is less pronounced in PC&Us with debtholders and earnings losses, suggesting that debtholders such as banks monitor budgetary practices. This study contributes to the budget ratcheting literature by adding new findings on the budget ratcheting practices of nonprofit organizations, namely, PC&Us.

JEL Classifications: I23; L31; M41; M48; H83.
CD8+ T Cells Variably Recognize Native versus Citrullinated GRP78 Epitopes in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Azoury Marie Eliane , Samassa Fatoumata , Buitinga Mijke , Nigi Laura , Brusco Noemi , Callebaut Aïsha , Giraud Matthieu , Irla Magali , Lalanne Ana Ines , Carré Alexia , Afonso Georgia , Zhou Zhicheng , Brandao Barbara , Colli Maikel L. , Sebastiani Guido , Dotta Francesco , Nakayama Maki , Eizirik Decio L. , You Sylvaine , Pinto Sheena , Mamula Mark J. , Verdier Yann , Vinh Joelle , Buus Soren , Mathieu Chantal , Overbergh Lut , Mallone Roberto
Published: September 2021

In
type 1 diabetes, autoimmune β-cell destruction may be favored by neo-antigens harboring
post-translational modifications
such as citrullination. We studied the recognition of native and citrullinated
glucose-regulated protein (GRP)78 peptides by CD8+ T cells. Citrullination modulated T-cell recognition
and, to a lesser extent, HLA-A2 binding. GRP78-reactive CD8+ T cells
circulated at similar frequencies in type 1 diabetic and healthy donors and preferentially
recognized either native or citrullinated versions, without cross-reactivity. Rather,
the preference for native GRP78 epitopes was associated with CD8+ T
cells cross-reactive with bacterial mimotopes. In the pancreas, a dominant
GRP78 peptide was instead preferentially recognized when citrullinated. To
further clarify these recognition patterns, we considered the possibility of
citrullination in the thymus. Citrullinating peptidyl-arginine deiminase
(Padi) enzymes were expressed in murine
and human medullary epithelial cells (mTECs), with citrullinated proteins
detected in murine mTECs. However, Padi2 and Padi4 expression was diminished in
mature mTECs from NOD mice versus C57BL/6 mice. We conclude that, on one hand, the CD8+ T-cell preference
for native GRP78 peptides may be shaped by cross-reactivity with bacterial mimotopes.
On the other hand, post-translational
modifications may not invariably favor loss of tolerance because thymic citrullination, although impaired in NOD
mice, may drive deletion of
citrulline-reactive T cells.
Slum an Urban Tourism Resource in Zambia. A case study of Kalingalinga Informal Settlement, Lusaka
Authors:   , Olatunbosun Sanusu L.
Published: September 2021

Slum settlements are often reviewed as urban spaces of social complexity where people are often ensnared in a poverty trap. Conversely, slum spaces are exploited as a resource by multiple stakeholders and poverty is an attraction. Pro-poor slum tourism is being utilised in slum settlements outside Zambia as a tool for capacity building, utilising slum dwellers’ resilience, ingenuity, uniqueness and entrepreneurial spirit. This explorative study adopts a qualitative approach in investigating Kalingalinga settlement in Lusaka, Zambia and begins by observing the space through participating in a slum tour. This is followed by interviews with multiple stakeholders, through which participants understanding and perception of the concept of slum tourism are reviewed. Investigation revealed that Kalingalinga is a space of poverty and basic infrastructure, threatened by demand for its location. The informal space is constantly changing and redefining its position within society, fighting for recognition and acceptance. Analysis revealed that this interaction leads to exploitation of slum resources that mainly benefit external stakeholders. A new approach is proposed; to redefine interactions and relationships, to address the root of poverty, and the slum’s informal status. This research, through a conceptual framework for slum tourism, identifies means through which poverty could be exploited by Kalingalinga slum dwellers as a resource for inclusion and, through a pro-poor approach, generate net benefit that satisfies all stakeholders. A key finding suggests that slum spaces could be navigated through a relative slum tourism approach (RST) rather than absolute slum tourism commonly adopted by slum tourists. RST allows the tourist to witness wider activities slum dwellers are involved in, extending the narrative beyond the confines of the settlement. To achieve sustainability, the framework suggests that the people, rather than the location, should be placed at the centre of pro-poor slum tourism and community development.
RESPON PERTUMBUHAN TANAMAN SAWI PAGODA ( Brassica narinosa L.) DENGAN SUBTITUSI POC SAMPAH RUMAH TANGGA SISTEM HIDROPONIK RAKIT APUNG
Authors: Dahlianah Inka , Emilia Ita , Utpalasri Rih Laksmi
Published: September 2021

Pupuk organik cair yang disubtitusi merupakan salah satu inovasi yang dilakukan secara hidroponik.  Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mendapatkan persentasi subtitusi pupuk organik cair yang tepat terhadap tanaman sawi pagoda.  Penelitian telah dilakukan pada bulan September - November 2020.  Penelitian ini menggunakan rancangan acak lengkap dengan satu faktor terdiri 5 perlakuan dan 4 ulangan.  Faktor perlakuan larutan Nutrisi adalah: N0: AB Mix 0 %   + POC 100 %. N1: AB Mix  20 %  + POC 80 %, N2: AB Mix  40 %  + POC 60 %, N3: AB Mix  60 %  + POC 40 %. N4: AB Mix  80 %  + POC 20 %   sehingga diperoleh 20 unit perlakuan, setiap unit perlakuan berisi 3 tanaman, jumlah seluruh tanaman adalah 60 tanaman.  Parameter tanaman adalah tinggi tanaman (cm), panjang akar (cm), dan bobot segar tanaman (g). Data dianalisis secara kuantitatif dengan sidik ragam (analysis of variance) pada alpha 5 %, untuk mengetahui apakah ada beda nyata antar perlakuan.  Jika ada beda Nyata, di uji dengan uji lanjut Least Significant Difference (LSD) pada alpha 5 %.  Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tinggi tanaman  tertinggi terdapat pada perlakuan N4 pada parameter N4 sebesar 11,50 cm, panjang akar tertinggi pada perlakuan N4 sebesar 15,25 cm, dan berat segar tanaman tertinggi sebesar 149,75 cm.
DETEKSI KEMUNDURAN BENIH KEDELAI (Glycine max L.) DENGAN METODE PENGUSANGAN CEPAT (Accelerated Aging Test) KIMIAWI
Authors: Putri Ria , Wahyuni Ari , Jumawati Riana
Published: September 2021

Kemunduran benih terjadi karena penurunan mutu fisiologi benih selama periode simpan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh intensitas pengusangan cepat kimiawi pada viabilitas dan vigor benih dua varietas kedelai. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dari bulan Januari sampai April 2021 di laboratorium analisis benih dan greenhouse Program Studi Teknologi Perbenihan, Politeknik Negeri Lampung. Penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAK) dengan dua faktor dan empat ulangan. Faktor pertama adalah varietas kedelai yang terdiri atas dua taraf yaitu varietas Dega (V1) dan varietas Deja (V2). Faktor kedua adalah waktu pengusangan (perendaman cairan etanol 20%) yang terdiri atas lima taraf yaitu 0 menit (T0), 15 menit (T1), 30 menit (T2), 45 menit (T3), dan 60 menit (T4). Hasil penelitian dapat disimpulkan bahwa (1) intensitas waktu pengusangan 0-60 menit menurunkaan viabilitas yang ditunjukkan dengan menurunnya persentase daya tumbuh benih (2) viabilitas dan vigor benih varietas Deja lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan varietas Dega pada peubah persentase daya tumbuh, jumlah daun, panjang akar primer dan laju asimilasi kecambah kedelai, dan (3) varietas Deja memiliki ketahanan lebih tinggi terhadap deraan etanol 20% dibandingkan dengan varietas Dega yang ditunjukkan dengan masih tumbuhnya benih varietas Deja pada waktu pengusangan 60 menit.Kata kunci: Metode pengusangan cepat, Kedelai, Kemunduran benih, Viabilitas benih
EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA EM CONTEXTOS ASSIMÉTRICOS NO BRASIL DE 2010 A 2020: política e gestão como objeto de pesquisa da pós-graduação
Authors: De Miranda Aranda Maria Alice , Martins Real Giselle Cristina , Perboni Fabio
Published: September 2021

O artigo aprofunda a relação entre a educação básica e a pós-graduação em educação, em virtude da prospecção comum em contribuir com a melhoria da educação básica e, ainda, por ser pouco referenciada. Tem como objetivo revelar os temas que se constituem como objeto de estudo da pós-graduação em educação ao tratar das políticas e da gestão para a educação básica em período recente, especificamente entre 2010 e 2020. Esta última década foi marcada por intensos debates e disputas em torno das políticas educacionais. Destacam-se as discussões em torno do Plano Nacional de Educação e as múltiplas questões que envolvem sua efetivação. O levantamento e a análise da produção científica permitem captar alguns desses movimentos, permitindo situar a produção de um programa de pós-graduação no contexto mais amplo da área da política e gestão da educação. Para tanto, elege-se o PPPGEdu/UFGD como um estudo de caso, representativo das políticas constituidoras da focalização educação básica-pós-graduação. Foram levantadas 65 produções, sendo 60 Dissertações de Mestrado e 5 Teses de Doutorado na Linha de Pesquisa “Políticas e Gestão da Educação Básica”. Foi possível constatar um conjunto de desafios para a pesquisa educacional, na perspectiva da política e da gestão, no internacional, nacional e local, com a notificação das problemáticas, ainda, presentes na educação básica, foco das pesquisas educacionais nesses espaços de síntese assimétrica, podendo iluminar os processos de decisão para a melhoria, ainda necessária, da educação básica para todas as regiões brasileiras.
ELECTROCARDIOGRAM INDICATORS IN 7 YEAR OLDS LIVING IN THE CONDITIONS OF THE MIDDLE PRIOBIY
Authors:   South Ural State Medical University (National Research University), Chelyabinsk, Russia, Litovchenko O.G. , Saitova E.N. ,   Surgut Rehabilitation Center for Children and Adolescents with Disabilities, Surgut, Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug - Yugra, Russia
Published: September 2021

The aim of the study is to determine the features of time and amplitude indicators of the electrocardiogram (ECG) in 7 years olds, born and living in the Northern region. Materials and methods of research: 252 7-year-old children from various educational institutions of Surgut were examined. Time and amplitude indicators of the ECG, the position of the electrical axis of the heart (EAH) were determined in 12 standard leads, the comparative analysis of the ECG indicators was carried out by gender identity. Results: all study participants had a sinus heart rate. Dysfunctions of cardiac automatism in the form of sinus tachycardia and bradycardia were found in 52,8% of 7-year-old children living in the Middle Ob river basin. A deviation of the QRS wave for more than 90 ms in 28,5% of the examined children was revealed.
BLAU SYNDROME OR MONOGENOUS SARCOIDOSIS WITH EARLY ONSET: RUSSIAN COHORT OF PATIENTS
Authors:   V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia, Fedorov E.S. , Salugina S.O. ,   V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia, Shapovalenko A.N. ,   V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia, Zakharova E.Yu. ,   Academician N.P. Bochkov Research Centre of Medical Genetics (RCMG) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Kamenets E.A. ,   Academician N.P. Bochkov Research Centre of Medical Genetics (RCMG) of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia, Radenska-Lopovok S.G. ,   I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia, Nikishina I.P. ,   V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia, Matkava V.G. ,   V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology, Moscow, Russia
Published: September 2021

Blau syndrome (BS) is a rare monogenic granulomatous autoinflammatory disease (a variant of genetically determined sarcoidosis) caused by a mutation of the NOD2/CARD15 gene, transmitted in an autosomal dominant manner and manifested by a triad of signs: dermatitis, granulomatous arthritis with pronounced exudative component and involvement of periarticular tissues, uveitis. Objective of the study: to present the variants of the clinical picture and the type of pathogenic variants (mutations) in patients with a rare monogenic granulomatous autoinflammatory disease – BS – in the Russian Federation, the clinical picture of which can mimic juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Materials and methods of research: the observational study included patients with BS who were observed in the children's department of the V.A. Nasonova Research Institute of Rheumatology from 2014 to 2021, the diagnosis of which was confirmed by the detection of a pathogenic mutation in the NOD2/CARD15 gene. Results: the study included 8 children: 6 boys and 2 girls. Ethnic Russians were 5 patients, 1 Jew, 1 of mixed origin (peoples of Dagestan/Russians), 1 Tatar female. The age of onset of the disease is from the first days of life to 2,5 years. Skin lesions were observed in 6 (75%) patients. Atypical arthritis (boggy arthritis) was observed in all patients, in all cases the wrist, ankle and knee joints were involved in the pathological process. Uveitis developed after all other manifestations and was detected in 6 (75%) patients. At the onset, 5 patients had anterior uveitis, 2 of them with subsequent involvement of the posterior segment; in 1 child, the first ophthalmic manifestation was posterior uveitis. In 5 patients, there was no increase in acute phase markers (ESR, C-reactive protein). 5 (62,5%) patients had variant p.R334Q (c.1001G>A), 2 (25%) had variant p.R334W (c.1001G>A), 1 patient had variant p.M513T (c.1538T>C) of the NOD2/CARD15 gene. Conclusions: BS can be encountered in the practice of a pediatric rheumatologist in Russia and requires differentiation from polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Identification of the pathogenic variant of the NOD2/CARD15 gene plays a decisive role in the diagnosis.
The use of the dynamic time warping (DTW) method to describe the COVID-19 dynamics in Poland
Authors: Landmesser Joanna
Published: September 2021

Research background: In recent times, the whole world has been severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The influence of the epidemic on the society and the economy has caused a great deal of scientific interest. The development of the pandemic in many countries was analyzed using various models. However, the literature on the dissemination of COVID-19 lacks econometric analyzes of the development of this epidemic in Polish voivodeships.

Purpose of the article: The aim of the study is to find similarities in time series for infected with and those who died of COVID-19 in Polish voivodeships using the method of dynamic time warping.

Methods: The dynamic time warping method allows to calculate the distance between two time series of different lengths. This feature of the method is very important in our analysis because the coronavirus epidemic did not start in all voivodeships at the same time. The dynamic time warping also enables an adjustment of the timeline to find similar, but shifted, phases. Using this method, we jointly analyze the number of infected and deceased people in each province. In the next step, based on the measured similarity of the time series, the voivodeships are grouped hierarchically.

Findings & value added: We use the dynamic time warping to identify groups of voivodeships affected by the epidemic to a different extent. The classification performed may be useful as it indicates patterns of the COVID-19 disease evolution in Polish voivodeships. The results obtained at the regional level will allow better prediction of future infections. Decision makers should formulate further recommendations for lockdowns at the local level, and in the long run, adjust the medical infrastructure in the regions accordingly. Policymakers in other countries can benefit from the findings by shaping their own regional policies accordingly.
Electrical Strength Estimation for Support Insulators under Pollution and Moistening Conditions
Authors:   All-Russian Electrotechnical Institute – Branch of FSUE ”RFNC – VNIITF named after academ. E.I. Zababakhin”, KORYAVIN Aleksey R. , VOLKOVA Ol'ga V. ,   All-Russian Electrotechnical Institute – Branch of FSUE ”RFNC – VNIITF named after academ. E.I. Zababakhin”
Published: September 2021

Based on the known theoretical concepts about the partial arc discharge development process and the data on the main design features of support insulators, numerical studies of their electrical strength under pollution and moistening conditions were carried out. The conditions under which the electrical strength of insulators can or cannot achieve its maximum possible value were analyzed. It is shown that the highest electrical strength of contaminated insulators is obtained at the optimal value of the ratio of the creepage distance to the height of the insulators along their insulating part (L/H)opt. The value of (L/H)opt is determined by the edge profile design features. As a rule, for insulators with a simple edge profile, the value of (L/H)opt = 2.45, and for insulators with a complex edge profile (L/H)opt = 3.1. In the region L/H ≤ (L/H)opt the effective use of the creepage distance by the discharge channel is ensured. It is shown that excessive increasing of the L/H ratio above the optimal value leads to inefficient use of the creepage distance by the discharge channel, which entails a noticeable decrease in the electrical strength of insulators. By using the proposed calculation estimates, it becomes possible to a priori determine the expediency of applying a particular insulator for being used in areas with various normalized pollution degrees.
Innovative Solutions for Partial Discharge Measurements
Authors:   Prysmian Electronics Srl, Milan, Italy, GOLUBTSOV Sergey A. , CANDELA Roberto ,   Prysmian Electronics Srl, Milan, Italy
Published: September 2021

The article discusses systems developed using an innovative approach to measuring partial discharges, their advantages over traditional methods of monitoring cable lines and electrical equipment, as well as the principles of their operation. The design of the systems is based on a special broadband sensor-antenna which provides remote recording of both partial discharge pulses and the phase of alternating current flowing in the object of measurement without taking the equipment under test out of operation. Due to the wireless nature and system compact dimensions, partial discharge measurements can perform in previously inaccessible conditions, significantly expanding the capabilities of this diagnostic method. The partial discharge measurements are an up-to-date method for predictive diagnostics of cable systems and are necessary for the condition-based maintenance.
Companies’ Perspectives on Factors Affecting Consumer Satisfaction in Fast-Food Restaurant using Fuzzy AHP
Authors: Abu Hassan Suzanawati , Nur Aqilah Hassan  , Teoh Yeong Kin  , Norpah Mahat  , Anas Fathul Ariffin
Published: September 2021

In today's world, the fast-food restaurant has become a popular sort of eatery. The fast-food industry's expansion is always changing in response to customer requests in order to meet their needs. As a result, clients have a wide range of fast-food restaurants to choose from in order to satiate their hunger. Clients' contentment with restaurants will influence not just the image of the establishments, but also the services offered by their employees as they strive to entertain and deliver the best possible service to their paying customers. However, the competition between the restaurants have caused certain restaurants to gain lower profits as the customers’ satisfaction is not fulfilled for certain factors. Price, food quality, service quality, restaurant atmosphere, promotion, customer expectations, and brand are all elements to consider. This study was conducted to analyse the importance of factors in customer satisfaction in a fast-food restaurant in Perlis. In this study, the method applied is the Fuzzy Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to rank the factors that have a high impact on customer satisfaction. The selected fast-food restaurants were McDonald (McD), Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC), Pizza Hut, Domino’s Pizza, Marrybrown, and Subway. The primary data collected through the questionnaire were analysed by experts, the manager of the fast-food restaurant selected. The findings show that in a fast-food restaurant, the quality of service with 0.2188 of normalized weight is the most important factor in customer satisfaction, and the price with 0.0436 of normalized weight is the least significant. The role of the manager and the staffs were thus evidently more important in customer satisfaction than the price offered.