bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What makes excellence models excellent: a comparison of the American, European and Japanese models
Authors: Muhammad Din Asfa , Asif Muhammad , Awan Muhammad Usman , Thomas George
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper compares three business excellence models (BEMs): Baldrige criteria for performance excellence (BCPE), European Foundation for Quality Management (EFQM) model and Deming Prize (DP) model, representing American, European and Japanese excellence models, respectively. These models are compared in terms of contents, scope, orientation, emphasis and administration.

Design/methodology/approach

Using an inductive-deductive approach, the paper identifies and compares the contents, core values, unique features, points of emphasis and the overall approach of these models.

Findings

Significant differences exist in these models, and that none of these models is perfect. Overall, the BCPE is results-oriented, mainly economic-focused, explicit in presenting requirements and better structured. The EFQM model provides an augmented focus on sustainability, stakeholder engagement and inclusivity. The DP model is an internally oriented TQM model that focuses on processes improvement as a means to excellence.

Practical implications

The findings can guide managers regarding what they should expect from the application of excellence models and make better decisions regarding the choice of excellence models. Further, these findings can provide a foundation for updating the excellence models.

Originality/value

This paper stands alone as a qualitative comparison of BEMs in terms of contents, scope, administration and emphasis on excellence related matters.
Seismic dispersion and attenuation in Mancos shale – laboratory measurements
Authors: Mikhaltsevitch V. , Lebedev M. , Pervukhina M. , Gurevich B.
Published: November 2020

We present the results of a low‐frequency study of Mancos shale, where we first elaborate a stress–strain methodology of laboratory low‐frequency experiments to estimate the elastic moduli of shales, and then apply this methodology to investigate the influence of partial water saturation on the elastic and anelastic parameters, velocities and P‐wave anisotropy of Mancos shale. We also analyse the applicability of the anisotropic Gassmann theory for predictions of the stiffness tensor components of the water‐saturated shale with non‐expandable clay content presented in our case by illite (33%) and chamosite (9.1%) minerals. The effect of water saturation was studied using two samples drilled in vertical and parallel directions to the formation bedding. The experiments were carried out at a confining pressure of 10 MPa in the frequency range from 0.1 to 100 Hz. Prior to measurements, the samples were saturated in desiccators at six different values of relative humidity ranging from 9% to 97.5%. The results of our study demonstrate a reduction of Young's modulus and P‐wave anisotropy with saturation accompanied by a decrease in shear stiffnesses. The latter indicates the inapplicability of the anisotropic Gassmann theory to Mancos shale. Our measurements of attenuation carried out on the vertical and horizontal samples saturated at a relative humidity of 97.5% revealed prominent attenuation peaks associated with partial saturation. We showed that the measurement results of the attenuation and Young's modulus dispersion are consistent with the causality principle presented by the Kramers–Kronig relations.
An experimental test of the Allee effect range limitation hypothesis
Authors: Merker Samuel A. , Chandler Richard B.
Published: November 2020

Understanding how climate change impacts trailing‐edge populations requires information about how abiotic and biotic factors limit their distributions. Theory indicates that socially mediated Allee effects can limit species distributions by suppressing growth rates of peripheral populations when social information is scarce.

The goal of our research was to determine if socially mediated Allee effects limit the distribution of Canada warbler Cardellina canadensis at the trailing‐edge of the geographic range.

Using 4 years of observational data from 71 sites and experimental data at 10 sites, we tested two predictions of the socially mediated range limitation hypothesis: (a) local growth rates should be positively correlated with local density and (b) the addition of social cues immediately outside the trailing‐edge range boundary would result in colonization of formerly unoccupied habitat and increased growth rates. During the third breeding season, social cues were experimentally added at 10 formerly unoccupied sites within and beyond the species’ local range margin to determine if the addition of social information could increase density and effectively expand the species’ range.

No experimental sites were colonized after adding social cues and no evidence of Allee effects was found. Rather, temperature, precipitation and negative density dependence strongly influenced population growth rates.

Although theoretical models indicate that the presence of socially mediated Allee effects at species range boundaries could increase the rate of climate‐induced range shifts and local extinctions, empirical results from the first test of this hypothesis suggest that Allee effects play a minimal role in limiting species’ distributions.
Balanced stochastic versus deterministic assembly processes benefit diverse yet uneven ecosystem functions in representative agroecosystems
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Graham Emily B. , Dong Yang , Zhong Linghao , Zhang Jianwei , Qiu Chongwen , Chen Ruirui , Lin Xiangui , Feng Youzhi
Published: November 2020

Ecological assembly processes, by influencing community composition, determine ecosystem functions of microbiomes. However, debate remains on how stochastic versus deterministic assembly processes influence ecosystem functions such as carbon and nutrient cycling. Towards a better understanding, we investigated three types of agroecosystems (the upland, paddy, and flooded) that represent a gradient of stochastic versus deterministic assembly processes. Carbon and nutrient cycling multifunctionality, characterized by nine enzymes associated with soil carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and sulfur cycling, was evaluated and then associated with microbial assembly processes and co‐occurrence patterns of vital ecological groups. Our results suggest that strong deterministic processes favour microorganisms with convergent functions (as in the upland agroecosystem), while stochasticity‐dominated processes lead to divergent functions (as in the flooded agroecosystem). To benefit agroecosystems services, we speculate that it is critical for a system to maintain balance between its stochastic and deterministic assembly processes (as in the paddy agroecosystem). By doing so, the system can preserve a diverse array of functional traits and also allow for particular traits to flourish. To further confirm this speculation, it is necessary to develop a systematic knowledge beyond merely characterizing general patterns towards the associations among community assembly, composition, and ecosystem functions.
“If at First You don’t Succeed”: Why Žižek Failed in France but Succeeded in England
Authors: Bar‐El Eliran
Published: November 2020

This article sociologically explains the initial phase of Slavoj Žižek's emergence as global public intellectual. Drawing on positioning theory, the article contributes to previous works on Žižek's performativity by focusing on his contextuality. It examines how his intellectual interventions depended on the context in which they were performed, and on the relations to other intellectuals positioned in that context. The article argues that (1) Žižek's first attempt to intervene internationally was in France; (2) this attempt was a failure; and (3) his second attempt in England was a success. It also demonstrates that vouching is paramount to intellectual positioning: while Jacques‐Alain Miller positioned Žižek along practico‐clinical lines in the French context, Ernesto Laclau positioned Žižek along politico‐philosophical lines in the English context. Consequently, the latter positioning facilitated a public resonance that would lead to Žižek's global success.
Brorphine—Investigation and quantitation of a new potent synthetic opioid in forensic toxicology casework using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry
Authors: Krotulski Alex J. , Papsun Donna M. , Noble Carolina , Kacinko Sherri L. , Logan Barry K.
Published: November 2020

New synthetic opioids continue to appear as novel psychoactive substances (NPS) on illicit drug markets. Isotonitazene emerged in mid‐2019, becoming the most prevalent NPS opioid in the United States within a few months. Notification by the Drug Enforcement Administration of its intent to schedule isotonitazene in mid‐2020 led to its decline in popularity and replacement with a new NPS opioid: brorphine. Brorphine is a potent synthetic opioid, but little information was previously available regarding its toxicity or involvement in impairment and death. Our laboratory developed an assay for the identification and quantitative confirmation of brorphine using standard addition. Quantitative analysis was performed using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS). In vitro and in vivo metabolism studies were performed using pooled human liver microsomes and authentic biological specimens, respectively, with analysis by liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS). Brorphine was confirmed in 20 authentic forensic cases, commonly found in combination with fentanyl (100%) and flualprazolam (80%). The average concentration of brorphine in blood was 2.5 ± 3.1 ng/mL (median: 1.1 ng/mL, range: 0.1–10 ng/mL). The average concentration of brorphine in urine was 4.6 ± 7.6 ng/mL (median: 1.6 ng/mL, range: 0.2–23 ng/mL). The majority of cases originated from Midwestern states. Metabolism was verified to included N‐dealkylation and hydroxylation. Detailed case histories and autopsy findings are presented herein. The prevalence of brorphine continues to increase in the United States. Forensic scientists should remain aware of the ongoing emergence of new opioids, especially those outside a standard scope of toxicology testing.
Profiling of cured residue of solvent‐based adhesives by attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy with chemometrics for forensic investigation
Authors: Saman Salmimi Azira , Chang Kah Haw , Abdullah Ahmad Fahmi Lim
Published: November 2020

Abuse of solvent‐based adhesives jeopardizes world population, especially the young generation. Adhesive‐related exhibits encountered in forensic cases might need to be determined if they could have come from a particular source or to establish link between cases or persons. This study was aimed to discriminate solvent‐based adhesives, especially to aid forensic investigation of glue sniffing activities. In this study, thirteen brands with three samples each, totaling at 39 adhesive samples, were analyzed using attenuated total reflectance–Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy followed by chemometric methods. Experimental output showed that adhesive samples utilized in this study were less likely to change in their ATR‐FTIR profiles over time, at least up to 2 months. No interference from plastic materials was noticed based on ATR‐FTIR profile comparison. Physical examination could differentiate the samples into two groups, namely contact adhesives and cement adhesives. A principal component analysis‐score linear discriminative analysis (PC‐score LDA) model resulted in 100% and 98.6% correct classification in discriminating the two groups of adhesive samples, forming seven discriminative clusters. Test set with adhesive samples applied glass slide and plastic substrates also demonstrated a 100% correct classification into their respective groups. As a conclusion, the method allowed for discrimination of adhesive samples based on the spectral features, displaying relationship among samples. It is hoped that this comparative information is beneficial to trace the possible source of solvent‐based adhesives, whenever they are recovered from a crime scene, for forensic investigation.
Consistency of seasonal patterns of insect succession on pig cadavers at Yeongdo Island in Busan, Korea
Authors: Park Sang‐Hyun , Moon Tae‐Young
Published: November 2020

Cadaver insects cause dead bodies to break down in ecological processes. Still, the knowledge has been accumulated slowly about the structure and role of the insect assemblages attending to death scenes. This study analysed the successional patterns of insects on pig cadavers in the spring, summer, and autumn from 2016 to 2019 at Yeongdo Island, Busan, South Korea. A sum of 71 insect species belonging to four orders and 21 families were sampled. Predominant insects were largely Diptera and Coleoptera. The majority of the flies were the calliphorids as Chrysomya pinguis (Walker) and Lucilia porphyrina (Walker). The most common beetles were Creophilus maxillosus (L.), Omosita japonica (Reitter), and Staphylinidae sp. regardless of seasons. Occurrence matrices were made from the successional patterns of insect species during 42 sampling intervals in the spring, 38 sampling intervals in the summer, and 26 sampling intervals in the autumn. Permutation analyses of the occurrence matrices showed that the patterns of succession were similar between spring 2016 and 2017 (P = 0.019), between summer 2016 and 2017 (P = 0.003), and between autumn 2016 and 2019 (P = 0.002). The result shows that there are clear patterns in succession between seasons, and provides the reference data to presume the death time, at least in the southeast part of South Korea.
Emerging Powers and Differentiation in Global Climate Institutions
Authors: Thompson Alexander
Published: November 2020

The Paris Agreement on climate change brought states from the North and South together under a common framework to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. This was a remarkable institutional adjustment for a regime that had always maintained a strict distinction between developed and developing countries and imposed meaningful obligations only on the former. To better understand this change, I look at the negotiations surrounding the issue of ‘differentiation’. The rising emissions of the emerging economies created a demand for institutional change on the part of key industrialized countries; however, they faced resistance from the increasingly assertive BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India and China). The challengers ultimately adopted strategic cooptation as their main negotiation strategy, offering compromises in the areas of climate finance and the legal form of new commitments. The climate case sheds light on the impact of power shifts in the domain of global environmental governance and illustrates that calls for change sometime comes from established rather than rising powers.
‘One Hand Washes the Other’ in EU’s Eastern Neighbourhood: What Policy Response?
Authors: Buscaneanu Sergiu , Stefes Christoph H.
Published: November 2020

The institutions of patronage, clientelism and nepotism are resilient and obstruct political liberalisation and democratic consolidation. This paper draws on historical (neo)institutionalism, democratisation research and studies in economic history to understand the reproduction mechanisms of informal institutions in EU’s Eastern neighbourhood, and to propose a policy response, which could have the potential to disrupt these mechanisms. Outsourcing national judiciary systems from EU’s Eastern neighbourhood to external rule of law missions might offer one solution as long as they satisfy at least two conditions: (1) they need to have a targeted executive mandate; and (2) they must be deployed with the support of an authoritative international actor, such as the EU or UN, under conditions of concerted international efforts and significant financial assistance. Local actors might oppose this infringement of national sovereignty. External rule of law missions should therefore be proposed during a democratic transition when reformers rely on external support.
What Accountants Need to Know about Blockchain*
Authors: Calderón Jesús , Stratopoulos Theophanis C.
Published: November 2020

Reports by professional organizations (e.g., AICPA, CPA Canada, and ICAEW) argue that blockchain adoption is likely to reduce the need for record‐keeping tasks and shift the accounting focus to higher‐level activities. To evaluate such expectations and form their own opinions, accounting professionals need to understand the way blockchain works in a business setting. The primary objective of this article is to provide the reader with the foundational knowledge needed to better understand reports such as those suggesting that blockchain will change the way auditors execute their engagements and generate new assurance opportunities for configuring policies in blockchain networks. Building on evidence indicating that the most promising use cases are from the logistics industry, we describe a blockchain implementation in a supply chain setting. Using a scaffolding approach, we start with a supply chain and describe how blockchain is implemented in one of its segments, before we show how a complete transaction is recorded on the ledger.
Subjective Effects of Alcohol Predict Alcohol Choice in Social Drinkers
Authors: Li Jingfei , Murray Conor H. , Weafer Jessica , de Wit Harriet
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Alcohol is among the most commonly used psychoactive drugs, yet it can produce markedly different subjective effects in different people. Certain effects, including both heightened stimulatory effects and lesser sedative effects, are thought to predict repeated or excessive use. However, we do not fully understand the nature of these individual differences or their relationships to alcohol consumption. This controlled laboratory study examined subjective and physiologic responses to a moderate dose of alcohol in social drinkers in relation to the subjects’ decision to consume alcohol.

Methods

Healthy adult volunteers (N = 95) participated in a 5‐session double‐blind alcohol choice study. On the first 4 sessions, they received alcohol (0.8 g/kg) and placebo in alternating order, and on the fifth session, they chose and consumed whichever of the 2 they preferred. During each session, participants completed the Profile of Mood States (POMS) and Biphasic Alcohol Effects Scale (BAES) questionnaires and had their vitals recorded every 30 minutes. We compared subjective and physiologic response to alcohol during the sampling sessions in participants who chose alcohol or placebo on session 5.

Results

Of the 95 participants, 55 chose alcohol (choosers) and 40 chose placebo (nonchoosers). In the full sample, alcohol produced its expected effects (e.g., increased friendliness, elation, and vigor (POMS), and stimulation and sedation (BAES)). The chooser and nonchooser groups did not differ in demographic characteristics, blood alcohol levels, or cardiovascular measures. However, the choosers experienced greater alcohol‐induced increases in positive mood (POMS) and liked the drug more, whereas the nonchoosers experienced greater anger, anxiety (POMS), and sedation (BAES) after alcohol.

Conclusion

Both greater positive mood effects and lesser sedative effects after alcohol predicted preference under controlled conditions, suggesting that both factors can predict future consumption of alcohol.
Assessing the concurrent validity, inter‐rater reliability and test–re‐test reliability of the Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) in alcohol and opioid treatment populations
Authors: Deacon Rachel M. , Mammen Kristie , Bruno Raimondo , Mills Llewellyn , Dunlop Adrian , Holmes Jennifer , Jefferies Meryem , Hall Michelle , Shakeshaft Anthony , Farrell Michael , Graham Robert , Lintzeris Nicholas
Published: November 2020

Background and Aims

The Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile (ATOP) is a brief instrument measuring recent substance use, risk profile and general health and wellbeing among clients attending alcohol and other drug (AoD) treatment services. This study evaluates the ATOP for concurrent validity, inter‐rater and test–re‐test reliability among alcohol and opioid treatment groups.

Design

For concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability, participants completed an ATOP with a clinician and an ATOP plus standardized questionnaires (time‐line follow‐back, Opiate Treatment Index, Kessler‐10, 12‐item Short Form Survey, World Health Organization Quality of Life‐BREF, Personal Wellbeing Index) with a researcher within 3 days. For test–re‐test reliability, participants completed two ATOPs with a researcher within a 3‐day interval.

Setting

Outpatient AoD treatment centres in Australia.

Participants

For testing concurrent validity and inter‐rater reliability, 278 participants were recruited by advertisements in waiting‐rooms or clinician invitation during 2016 to 2018. A further 94 participants were recruited to examine test–re‐test reliability.

Measurements

Statistical tests used for concurrent validity and test–re‐test reliability were Pearson’s and Spearman’s rank order correlations for continuous variables, and Cohen’s κ for nominal variables. Inter‐rater reliability was assessed using Krippendorf’s α.

Findings

Most Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile items returned excellent or moderate validity and reliability. For the main substances used—alcohol, cannabis and benzodiazepines—concurrent validity, inter‐rater reliability and test–re‐test reliability all reached excellent or good agreement (0.72–0.96). Psychological health, physical health and quality of life showed fair to strong agreement with their comparator scales (0.47–0.85).

Conclusions

The Australian Treatment Outcomes Profile is a validated and reliable instrument for assessing recent substance use and clinical risk, health and welfare among alcohol and opioid clients in alcohol and other drug treatment settings. Its ability to reliably measure complex constructs, such as psychological and physical health, against longer scales makes it suitable for integration into routine clinical care, enabling regular monitoring of patient outcomes and safety parameters.
Ocular echobiometry and head measurements in Jersey cattle from different age groups
Authors: Neves Carla Amorim , Bittar Isabela Plazza , Prieto Leandro Arévalo , da Silva Luiz Antônio Franco , Arnhold Emmanuel , Lima Aline Maria Vasconcelos , Borges Naida Cristina
Published: November 2020

A longitudinal study was conducted to identify the morphological development of eyes and head of Jersey cattle at different ages. A total of 48 healthy Jersey cattle, 1 to 58 months of age, were included in the study. Ophthalmologic examinations were performed to identify healthy cattle to form the age groups: GI (1‐ to 11‐month‐old), GII (16‐ to 24‐month‐old) and GIII (25‐ to 58‐month‐old). The animals were physically restrained and examined by transcorneal ultrasound of both eyes; the axial length (AxL), corneal thickness (CO), lenticular thickness (L), depth of the anterior (AC) and vitreous (VC) chambers were evaluated. The cranial measurements obtained included the total, cranial, and nasal lengths and widths. Subsequently, the cephalic index (CI) was calculated. The AxL (GI: 2.83 cm; GII: 3.16 cm; GIII: 3.24 cm), AC (GI: 0.44 cm; GII: 0.53 cm; GIII: 0.53 cm), L (GI: 0.88 cm; GII: 1.01 cm; GIII: 1.04 cm) and VC (GI: 1.44 cm; GII: 1.55 cm; GIII: 1.59 cm) increased (p ≤ .001) according to age, but the CO (GI: 0.07 cm; GII: 0.08 cm; GIII: 0.08 cm) (p > .05) did not. The total length (GI: 30.83 cm; GII: 43.29 cm; GIII: 44.15 cm), cranial length (GI: 18.11 cm; GII: 23.82 cm; GIII: 22.69 cm), nasal length (GI: 12.72 cm; GII: 19.47 cm; GIII: 21.46 cm) and nasal width (GI: 26.22 cm; GII: 33.82 cm; GIII: 34.00 cm) increased (p < .001), and the CI (GI: 85.66 cm; GII: 78.15 cm; GIII: 77.02 cm) decreased (p < .001). The AxL correlated positively (p < .001) with the cranial length and width and negatively with the CI (p > .05). The ocular biometry of Jersey cattle correlates with their cranial measurements at different ages. With increasing age, the eyes and the head grow, establishing growth curves similar to those of other mammals.
Clinical and dermatoscopic characteristics of lichen planus‐like keratosis in a West‐Asian population
Authors: Ansari Mahshid Sadat , Akay Bengu Nisa , Cengiz Fatma Pelin , Rosendahl Nikita , Mahmoudi Hamidreza , Daneshpazhooh Maryam , Rosendahl Cliff
Published: November 2020

Background/Objective

The clinical and dermatoscopic features of lichen planus‐like keratosis have been described but the characteristics of this entity in a West‐Asian population are not known.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 82 histopathologically verified cases of lichen planus‐like keratosis from 81 patients from Iran and Turkey.

Results

The majority of lichen planus‐like keratoses were macules (61% n = 50), clinically pigmented (67.1% n = 55) and dermatoscopically multi‐coloured (91.5% n = 75). The majority (63.4%) had a single dermatoscopic pattern, most frequently: structureless (35.4%), dots (14.6%) and angulated lines (8.5%). Of the lesions with more than one pattern (n = 30), the majority (n = 21) had asymmetry of pattern, the most common combinations being structureless plus dots (n = 8) and structureless plus angulated lines (n = 5). The most common structure was pigmented dots, most frequently grey and present in 70.7% of cases. Vessels were seen in 30.5% of lesions, being significantly more prevalent in non‐pigmented, than pigmented, lichen planus‐like keratoses (83.3% vs. 21.4% P < 0.001). When we compared lichen planus‐like keratosis in the current study to that entity in a large North American study, the statistically significant differences in a West‐Asian population included a greater frequency of pigmented variants, a lower incidence in females and a lower prevalence on the torso, in favour of the face.

Conclusions

Lichen planus‐like keratosis in a West‐Asian population has clinical and dermatoscopic similarities to that entity in another studied population. The significant differences in gender association and anatomical site may be secondary to cultural factors.
How to do laparoscopic subtotal fenestrating cholecystectomy
Authors: Srinivasa Sanket , Hammill Chet W. , Strasberg Steven M.
Published: November 2020

Laparoscopic subtotal fenestrating cholecystectomy can be performed when the hepatocystic triangle cannot be safely dissected. This article and Video S1 outline key decision points within the procedure and demonstrate how to do the operation safely in a stepwise fashion.
Relating latent class membership to external variables: An overview
Authors: Bakk Zsuzsa , Kuha Jouni
Published: November 2020

In this article we provide an overview of existing approaches for relating latent class membership to external variables of interest. We extend on the work of Nylund‐Gibson et al. (Structural Equation Modeling: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 2019, 26, 967), who summarize models with distal outcomes by providing an overview of most recommended modeling options for models with covariates and larger models with multiple latent variables as well. We exemplify the modeling approaches using data from the General Social Survey for a model with a distal outcome where underlying model assumptions are violated, and a model with multiple latent variables. We discuss software availability and provide example syntax for the real data examples in Latent GOLD.
A 725‐year integrated offshore terrestrial varve chronology for southeastern Sweden suggests rapid ice retreat ~15 ka BP
Authors: Avery Rachael S. , Greenwood Sarah L. , Schenk Frederik , Morén Björn M. , Armstrong Mckay David I. , Brunnberg Lars , Wohlfarth Barbara
Published: November 2020

The Swedish Varve Chronology is an unparalleled tool for linking the deglacial history of Sweden with associated palaeo‐environmental change at an annual time scale, and it forms part of Sweden's cultural heritage. A full deglacial chronology connected to the present day does not yet exist; a notable gap is in southeasternmost Sweden, where few varved records are successfully connected to reconstruct ice‐margin retreat. Deglaciation in southern Sweden covers both the climate transition to the Bølling warm period (~14.7 ka BP) and the ice‐margin transition from a subaqueous to terrestrial terminus. To facilitate investigations into the links between ice‐margin dynamics and abrupt climate change, we revisited the varve chronologies of southern Sweden. We digitized unpublished records, reanalysed existing varve thickness records, and obtained and analysed new varve series both on land and offshore. This combined approach has enabled us to refine and extend the existing south coast chronology east and 78 km northwards. Our new Skåne‐Småland chronology records 725 years of deglaciation, in addition to a younger floating chronology in parts. This chronology suggests that the glacial‐lake terminating Fennoscandian Ice Sheet in southern Sweden initially retreated northwards at ~110–160 m a−1 slowing to 60–70 m a−1 near the palaeo‐shoreline. Between today's mainland and the (now) island of Öland the retreat rates increase three‐ to fivefold. Ice‐margin retreat was initially oriented towards the north (as along the south coast), but later pivoted towards the northwest, signifying a landward retreat of terrestrial ‘Swedish’ ice that became divorced from the Baltic Sea ice‐sheet catchment. Our new 725‐year‐long varve thickness series reveals repeated multidecadal scale episodes of increased sedimentation. These likely signify phases of enhanced ice‐sheet melting that repeat and persist throughout the deglaciation of Skåne‐Småland.
To clean or not to clean: Cleaning open‐source data improves extinction risk assessments for threatened plant species
Authors: Panter Connor T. , Clegg Rosemary L. , Moat Justin , Bachman Steven P. , Klitgård Bente B. , White Rachel L.
Published: November 2020

Plants are under‐represented in conservation efforts, with only 9% of described species published on the IUCN Red List. Biodiversity aggregators including the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) and the more recent Botanical Information and Ecology Network (BIEN) contain a wealth of potentially useful occurrence data. We investigate the influence of these data in accelerating plant extinction risk assessments for 225 endemic, near‐endemic, and socioeconomic Bolivian plant species. Geo‐referenced herbarium voucher specimens verified by taxonomic experts comprised our control data set. Open‐source data for 77 species was subjected to a two‐stage cleaning protocol (using an automated R package followed by a manual clean) and threat categories were computed based on extent of occurrence thresholds. Accuracy was the highest using cleaned GBIF data (76%) and uncleaned BIEN data (79%). Sensitivity was the highest for cleaned GBIF (73%) and BIEN (80%) data suggesting our cleaning protocol was essential to maximize sensitivity rates. Comparisons between the control, GBIF and BIEN data sets revealed a paucity of occurrence data for 148 species (66%), 72% of which qualified for a threatened category. Balancing data quantity and accuracy must be considered when using open‐source data. Filling data gaps for threatened species is a conservation priority to improve the coverage of threatened species within biodiversity aggregators.
A global view on evidence‐based effectiveness of interventions used to protect livestock from wild cats
Authors: Khorozyan Igor , Waltert Matthias
Published: November 2020

Rapid population declines of wild cats (family Felidae) are often related to widespread conflicts with people over the livestock depredation they are causing. In spite of increasing literature on wild felids, there is no overview on the evidence‐based effectiveness of livestock protection interventions in reducing depredation inflicted by these animals. We collected and analyzed 92 cases from 57 publications describing the percentage of damage reduction from the application of 11 interventions to 10 felid species. We found that the effectiveness of interventions differed significantly between species. Interventions tested for cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus), Iberian lynx (Lynx pardinus) and snow leopards (Panthera uncia) were very effective, reducing damage by 70–100% due to species shyness, good fit of interventions to these species and local conditions, and strong social involvement. The most variable and often the lowest effectiveness of interventions was found for leopard (Panthera pardus), puma (Puma concolor) and caracal (Caracal caracal), which are more common and tolerant to humans. In other felids, interventions were generally effective, but some of them reportedly failed because of local contexts and intervention performance. Much more effort is required to invigorate the research of intervention effectiveness in little studied species and regions.
YH12852, a Potent and Selective Receptor Agonist of 5‐hydroxytryptamine, Increased Gastrointestinal Motility in Healthy Volunteers and Patients With Functional Constipation
Authors: Lee Hyun A. , Ju Moon Seol , Yoo Hyounggyoon , Kyung Kim Mi , Bok Jang Seong , Lee Seoungoh , Kim Sohee , Lee Howard
Published: November 2020

Gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorders are common, decreases quality of life, and imposes a substantial economic burden. YH12852 is a novel agonist of 5‐hydroxytryptamine for the treatment of GI motility disorders. This phase I/IIa study assessed the tolerability, pharmacodynamic (PD) and pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles of YH12852. In the multiple dose (MD) cohort, healthy subjects and patients with functional constipation were randomized and received orally YH12852 at 0.3, 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 mg or prucalopride 2 mg or their matching placebo, once daily for 14 days after breakfast. In the multiple low‐dose cohort (MLD), healthy subjects randomly received once‐daily oral doses of YH12852 at 0.05 or 0.1 mg for 14 days after breakfast. Questionnaires, gastric emptying breath test for PDs, and plasma samples for PKs were collected. In the MD cohort, a total of 56 subjects (29 healthy volunteers and 27 patients with functional constipation) were randomized, of whom 48 completed the study. In the MLD cohort, a total of 16 healthy subjects were randomized, and 15 subjects completed the study. YH12852 increased the average weekly frequency of spontaneous bowel movements and loosened the stool. In addition, YH12852 increased quality of life satisfaction, and decreased severity of constipation symptom and GI symptoms. YH12852 was safe and well‐tolerated up to 3 mg and showed nearly dose proportional PKs. In conclusion, YH12852 was safe and enhanced GI motility. YH12852 can be developed as an effective treatment option for GI motility disorders, including functional constipation. Further studies are warranted to confirm this possibility.
Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Cerliponase Alfa, Enzyme Replacement Therapy for CLN2 Disease by Intracerebroventricular Administration
Authors: Kim Aryun , Grover Anita , Hammon Kevin , de Hart Greg , Slasor Peter , Cherukuri Anu , Ajayi Temitayo , Jacoby David , Schulz Angela , Specchio Nicola , de Los Reyes Emily , Gissen Paul , Henshaw Joshua W.
Published: November 2020

Cerliponase alfa is recombinant human tripeptidyl peptidase 1 (TPP1) delivered by i.c.v. infusion for CLN2, a pediatric neurodegenerative disease caused by deficiency in lysosomal enzyme TPP1. We report the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of cerliponase alfa, the first i.c.v. enzyme replacement therapy, characterized in a phase I/II study. Escalating doses (30–300 mg Q2W) followed by 300 mg Q2W for ≥ 48 weeks were administered in 24 patients aged ≥ 3 years. Concentrations peaked in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) at the end of ~ 4‐hour i.c.v. infusion and 8 hours thereafter in plasma. Plasma exposure was 300–1,000‐fold lower than in CSF, with no correlation in the magnitude of peak concentration (Cmax) or area under the concentration‐time curve (AUC) among body sites. There was no apparent accumulation in CSF or plasma exposure with Q2W dosing. Interpatient and intrapatient variability of AUC, respectively, were 31–49% and 24% in CSF vs. 59–103% and 80% in plasma. PK variability was not explained by baseline demographics, as sex, age, weight, and CLN2 disease severity score did not appear to impact CSF or plasma PK. No apparent correlation was noted between CSF or plasma PK and incidence of adverse events (pyrexia, hypersensitivity, seizure, and epilepsy) or presence of antidrug antibodies in CSF and serum. There was no relationship between magnitude of CSF exposure and efficacy (change in CLN2 score from baseline), indicating maximum benefit was obtained across the range of exposures with 300 mg Q2W. Data from this small trial of ultra‐rare disease were leveraged to adequately profile cerliponase alfa and support 300 mg i.c.v. Q2W for CLN2 treatment.
Risk Factors for Bleeding and Clinical Ineffectiveness Associated With Clopidogrel Therapy: A Comprehensive Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Nguyen Khoa A. , Eadon Michael T. , Yoo Ryan , Milway Evan , Kenneally Allison , Fekete Kevin , Oh Hyun , Duong Khanh , Whipple Elizabeth C. , Schleyer Titus K.
Published: November 2020

Although clopidogrel is a frequently used antiplatelet medication to treat and prevent atherothrombotic disease, clinicians must balance its clinical effectiveness with the potential side effect of bleeding. However, many previous studies have evaluated beneficial and adverse factors separately. The objective of our study was to perform a comprehensive meta‐analysis of studies of clopidogrel’s clinical effectiveness and/or risk of bleeding in order to identify and assess all reported risk factors, thus helping clinicians to balance patient safety with drug efficacy. We analyzed randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of maintenance use in four stages: search for relevant primary articles; abstract and full article screening; quality assessment and data extraction; and synthesis and data analysis. Screening of 7,109 articles yielded 52 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria. Twenty‐seven risk factors were identified. “Definite risk factors” were defined as those with aggregated odds ratios (ORs) > 1 and confidence intervals (CIs) > 1 if analyzed in more than one study. Definite risk factors for major bleeding were concomitant aspirin use (OR 2.83, 95% CI 2.04–3.94) and long duration of clopidogrel therapy (> 6 months) (OR 1.74, 95% CI 1.21–2.50). Dual antiplatelet therapy, extended clopidogrel therapy, and high maintenance dose (150 mg/day) of clopidogrel were definite risk factors for any bleeding. Reduced renal function, both mild and severe, was the only definite risk factor for clinical ineffectiveness. These findings can help clinicians predict the risks and effectiveness of clopidogrel use for their patients and be used in clinical decision support tools.
Predicting Resolvin D1 Pharmacokinetics in Humans with Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling
Authors: Yellepeddi Venkata K. , Parashar Kaustubh , Dean Spencer M. , Watt Kevin M. , Constance Jonathan E. , Baker Olga J.
Published: November 2020

Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is an autoimmune disease with no effective treatment options. Resolvin D1 (RvD1) belongs to a class of lipid‐based specialized pro‐resolving mediators that showed efficacy in preclinical models of SS. We developed a physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model of RvD1 in mice and optimized the model using plasma and salivary gland pharmacokinetic (PK) studies performed in NOD/ShiLtJ mice with SS‐like features. The predictive performance of the PBPK model was also evaluated with two external datasets from the literature reporting RvD1 PKs. The PBPK model adequately captured the observed concentrations of RvD1 administered at different doses and in different species. The PKs of RvD1 in virtual humans were predicted using the verified PBPK model at various doses (0.01–10 mg/kg). The first‐in‐human predictions of RvD1 will be useful for the clinical trial design and translation of RvD1 as an effective treatment strategy for SS.
Sea freshening may drive the ecological impacts of emerging and existing invasive non‐native species
Authors: Dickey James W. E. , Cuthbert Ross N. , Steffen Gregor T. , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Briski Elizabeta
Published: November 2020

Aim

The spread of invasive non‐native species (INNS) will pose major threats to global biodiversity over the coming decades. However, predicting how key effects of climate change will influence the abilities of INNS to establish and exert ecological impact is a major challenge. One overlooked aspect of global change is the expected freshening of certain marine systems, which may interact with INNS and lead to drastic effects on community structure and stability.

Location

Baltic Sea, Europe.

Methods

Here, using three predatory amphipod crustaceans, we experimentally assessed how salinity reduction may affect the impacts of the emerging INNS,Pontogammarus maeoticus, relative to an existing INNS,Gammarus tigrinusand a trophically analogous native,Gammarus salinus. We quantified per capita impacts of the three species via the comparative functional response method (prey consumption over a range of prey densities) under a predicted seawater freshening scenario. We then combined amphipod functional responses with their life history traits to compare population‐level relative impact potential (RIP) on prey of the three amphipod species across salinities.

Results

Freshening substantially altered the predicted relative ecological impacts of both the INNS compared with the native. First, the functional responses of invasiveP. maeoticusandG. tigrinusincreased under freshening, while that of the nativeG. salinusdecreased. Second, RIP became consistently higher for both the INNS compared to the native with increased freshening.

Main conclusions

Our methods thus reveal potential for climate change via seawater freshening to drive large shifts in dominance and ecological impacts of INNS compared with natives. With the number of INNS introductions unlikely to saturate in the near future, we highlight the need to assess the impacts of potential future INNS, alongside established non‐natives and native species, in combination with abiotic changes associated with climate change.
Proteomic profiles of the acquired enamel pellicle formed in vitro, in situ, or in vivo
Authors: Pelá Vinícius T. , Lunardelli João G.Q. , Ventura Talita M.O. , Camiloti Gabriel D. , Baumann Tommy , Carvalho Thiago S. , Lussi Adrian , Buzalaf Marília A.R.
Published: November 2020

This study compared the protein profile of the acquired enamel pellicle (AEP) formed under three conditions: in vitro, in situ, and in vivo. Nine volunteers participated in all procedures. In the in vitro condition, the volunteers donated saliva, in which specimens were incubated to form the AEP. In the in situ condition, the volunteers used an oral device containing specimens where the AEP was formed. In the in vivo condition, the AEP was collected from the volunteers own teeth. All AEPs were formed for 120 min, collected and processed by mass spectrometry. Overall, a total of 321 proteins were identified, among which 37 proteins are commonly considered typical in the AEP. For each of the in vitro, in situ, and in vivo conditions, respectively, 66, 174, and 170 proteins were identified. For the in vitro condition, 17 pellicle‐typical proteins were not identified. Furthermore, several proteins with important functions within the AEP presented differences in expression in the three conditions. The qualitative profile of the proteins, especially the typical ones, is different in the in vitro condition. In addition, there are important quantitative differences that may interfere when attempting to extrapolate in vitro results to an in situ and in vivo condition.
Structural models of mitochondrial uncoupling proteins obtained in DPC micelles are not functionally relevant
Authors: Piel Mathilde S. , Masscheleyn Sandrine , Bouillaud Frédéric , Moncoq Karine , Miroux Bruno
Published: November 2020

Uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) is found in the inner mitochondrial membrane of brown adipocytes. In the presence of long‐chain fatty acids (LCFAs), UCP1 increases the proton conductance, which, in turn, increases fatty acid oxidation and energy release as heat. Atomic models of UCP1 and UCP2 have been generated based on the NMR backbone structure of UCP2 in dodecylphosphocholine (DPC), a detergent known to inactivate UCP1. Based on NMR titration experiments on UCP1 with LCFA, it has been proposed that K56 and K269 are crucial for LCFA binding and UCP1 activation. Given the numerous controversies on the use of DPC for structure–function analyses of membrane proteins, we revisited those UCP1 mutants in a more physiological context by expressing them in the mitochondria of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Mitochondrial respiration, assayed on permeabilized spheroplasts, enables the determination of UCP1 activation and inhibition. The K56S, K269S, and K56S/K269S mutants did not display any default in activation, which shows that the NMR titration experiments in DPC detergent are not relevant to UCP1 function.
Cyclic fatigue characteristics of rock failure using infrared radiation as precursor to violent failure: Experimental insights from loading and unloading response
Authors: Cao Kewang , Ma Liqiang , Wu Yu , Khan Naseer Muhammad , Spearing A.J.S.(Sam) , Hussain Sajjad , Yang Jie
Published: November 2020

In this research paper, a new method is developed that can be used as a precursor of violent rock failure. It is based on measuring the characteristics of rock failure using infrared radiation (IR) under uniaxial cyclic loading and unloading. The loading–unloading response ratio (LURR) is determined based on IR indexes such as average infrared radiation temperature (AIRT) and infrared radiation temperature rate (IRTR). The results show that the LURR based on AIRT revealed an overall rising trend and mutation that occurred in the last cycle, which can be used as a precursor of the imminent rock failure. By contrast, the LURR based on IRTR has a noticeable ‘mutation‐rapid decrease’ in the middle and later periods of cyclic loading and unloading, which can also be considered as an early precursor of rock failure. Combined with the precursors of the imminent rock failure, the categorized warning of rock failure is recognized.
Comparative analyses of the Pan lineage reveal selection on gene pathways associated with diet and sociality in bonobos
Authors: Kovalaskas Sarah , Rilling James K. , Lindo John
Published: November 2020

Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) diverged into distinct species approximately 1.7 million years ago when the ancestors of modern‐day bonobo populations were separated by the Congo River. This geographic boundary separates the two species today and the associated ecological factors, including resource distribution and feeding competition, have likely shaped the divergent social behavior of both species. The most striking behavioral differences pertain to between group interactions in which chimpanzees behave aggressively towards unfamiliar conspecifics, while bonobos display remarkable tolerance. Several hypotheses attempt to explain how different patterns of social behavior have come to exist in the two species, some with specific genetic predictions, likening the evolution of bonobos to a process of domestication. Here, we utilize 73 ape genomes and apply linkage haplotype homozygosity and structure informed allele frequency differentiation methods to identify positively selected regions in bonobos since their split from a common pan ancestor to better understand the environment and processes that resulted in the behavioral differences observed today. We find novel evidence of selection in genetic regions that aid in starch digestion (AMY2) along with support for two genetic predictions related to self‐domestication processes hypothesized to have occurred in the bonobo. We also find evidence for selection on neuroendocrine pathways associated with social behavior including the oxytocin, serotonin, and gonadotropin releasing hormone pathways.