bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selecting the most effective DBS contact in essential tremor patients based on individual tractography
Authors: Petry-Schmelzer Jan Niklas , Dembek Till A. , Steffen Julia K. , Jergas Hannah , Dafsari Haidar S. , Fink Gereon R. , Visser-Vandewalle Veerle , Barbe Michael T.
Published: November 2020

Postoperative choice of the most effective DBS contact in patients with essential tremor (ET) so far relies on lengthy clinical testing. It has been shown that the postoperative effectiveness of DBS contacts depends on the distance to the dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT). Here, we investigated whether the most effective DBS contact could be determined from the stimulation overlap with the individual DRTT. Seven ET patients with bilateral thalamic deep brain stimulation were included retrospectively. Tremor control was assessed contact-wise during test stimulation with 2mA. The individual DRTTs were identified from diffusion tensor imaging. Contacts were ranked by their overlap of the test stimulation with the respective DRTT in relation to their clinical effectiveness. A linear mixed-effects model was calculated to determine the influence of the DRTT-overlap on tremor control. In 92.9 % of the cases, the contact with the best clinical effect was the contact with the highest or second-highest DRTT-overlap. On the group level, the DRTT-overlap explained 26.7% of the variance of the clinical outcome (p<0.001). To conclude, data suggest that the overlap with the DRTT based on individual tractography may serve as a marker to determine the most effective DBS contact in ET patients and reduce burdensome clinical testing in the future.
Safety, Tolerability, and Immunogenicity of COVID-19 Vaccines: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Yuan Ping , Ai Pu , Liu Yihan , Ai Zisheng , Wang Yi , Cao Weijun , Xia Xiaohuan , Zheng Jialin C.
Published: November 2020

We aimed to summarize reliable medical evidence by the meta-analysis of all published clinical trials that investigated the safety, tolerability, and immunogenicity of vaccine candidates against coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). The PubMed, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and medRxiv databases were used to select the studies. 7094 articles were identified initially and 43 were retrieved for more detailed evaluation. 5 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials were selected. A total of 1604 subjects with either vaccines or placebo infections were included in the meta-analysis within the scope of these articles. According to the results, there is an increase in total adverse events for subjects with either low (95% CI: 1.90-4.29) or high (CI: 2.65-5.63) dose vaccination. The adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccine are mainly local ones including pain, itching, and redness, and no significant difference was identified in the systemic reactions. All adverse effects were transient and resolved within a few days. Moreover, the neutralizing and IgG antibody levels post different dose vaccinations were all significantly increased at day 14/21 (P = 0.0004 and P = 0.0003, respectively) and day 28/35 (P < 0.00001) in vaccine groups compared to placebo controls. Besides, the levels of neutralizing and IgG antibodies were also elevated significantly at from day 14 to 35, versus day 0 (All P < 0.001). In conclusion, our analysis suggests that the current COVID-19 vaccine candidates are safe, tolerated, and immunogenic, which provides important information for further development, evaluation, and clinical application of COVID-19 vaccine.
The ACE2-binding interface of SARS-CoV-2 Spike inherently deflects immune recognition
Authors: Hattori Takamitsu , Koide Akiko , Panchenko Tatyana , Romero Larizbeth A. , Teng Kai Wen , Tada Takuya , Landau Nathaniel R. , Koide Shohei
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic remains a global threat, and host immunity remains the main mechanism of protection against the disease. The spike protein on the surface of SARS-CoV-2 is a major antigen and its engagement with human ACE2 receptor plays an essential role in viral entry into host cells. Consequently, antibodies targeting the ACE2-interacting surface (ACE2IS) located in the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the spike protein can neutralize the virus. However, the understanding of immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 is still limited, and it is unclear how the virus protects this surface from recognition by antibodies. Here, we designed an RBD mutant that disrupts the ACE2IS and used it to characterize the prevalence of antibodies directed to the ACE2IS from convalescent sera of 94 COVID19-positive patients. We found that only a small fraction of RBD-binding antibodies targeted the ACE2IS. To assess the immunogenicity of different parts of the spike protein, we performed in vitro antibody selection for the spike and the RBD proteins using both unbiased and biased selection strategies. Intriguingly, unbiased selection yielded antibodies that predominantly targeted regions outside the ACE2IS, whereas ACE2IS-binding antibodies were readily identified from biased selection designed to enrich such antibodies. Furthermore, antibodies from an unbiased selection using the RBD preferentially bound to the surfaces that are inaccessible in the context of whole spike protein. These results suggest that the ACE2IS has evolved less immunogenic than the other regions of the spike protein, which has important implications in the development of vaccines against SARS-CoV-2.
Retinal and cortical visual acuity in a common inbred albino mouse
Authors: Braha Michelle , Porciatti Vittorio , Chou Tsung-Han
Published: November 2020

While albino mice are widely used in research which includes the use of visually guided behavioral tests, information on their visual capability is scarce. We compared the spatial resolution (acuity) of albino mice (BALB/c) with that of pigmented mice (C57BL/6J). We used a high-throughput pattern electroretinogram (PERG) and pattern visual evoked potential (PVEP) method for objective assessment of retinal and cortical acuity, as well as optomotor head-tracking response/ reflex (OMR). We found that PERG, PVEP, and OMR acuities of C57BL/6J mice were all in the range of 0.5-0.6 cycles/degree (cyc/deg). BALB/c mice had PERG and PVEP acuities in the range of 0.1-0.2 cyc/deg but were unresponsive to OMR stimulus. Results indicate that retinal and cortical acuity can be reliably determined with electrophysiological methods in BALB/c mice, although PERG/PVEP acuities are lower than those of C57BL/6J mice. The reduced acuity of BALB/c mice appears to be primarily determined at retinal level.
Reduced Nicotinamide Mononucleotide (NMNH) Potently Enhances NAD+, Suppresses Glycolysis, TCA Cycle and Cell Growth
Authors: Liu Yan , Luo Chengting , Li Ting , Zhang Wenhao , Zong Zhaoyun , Liu Xiaohui , Deng Haiteng
Published: November 2020

In the present study, we developed a chemical method to produce dihydro nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMNH), which is the reduced-form of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN). We demonstrated that NMNH was a better NAD+enhancer compared to NMN bothin vitroandin vivomediated by NMNAT. Additionally, NMNH increased the reduced NAD (NADH) levels in cells and in mouse liver. Metabolomic analysis revealed that NMNH inhibited glycolysis and TCA cycle.In vitroexperiments demonstrated that NMNH induced cell cycle arrest and suppressed cell growth. Nevertheless, NMNH treatment did not cause observable difference in mice. Taken together, our work demonstrates that NMNH is a potent NAD+enhancer, and suppresses glycolysis, TCA cycle and cell growth.
The effectiveness of sensory integration intervention on the emotional-behavioral problems of children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hemati Alamdarloo Ghorban , Mradi Hasan
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Autism spectrum disorder is a kind of neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction across multiple contexts, and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests or activities. The purpose of this paper is to determine the effectiveness of sensory integration intervention on emotional-behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Design/methodology/approach

This research was conducted in a pretest-posttest design with control group. The participants were 30 children with autism spectrum disorder (6–11 years old) who were selected through convenience sampling from among children with autism spectrum disorder in Zeinab center of Isfahan and were randomly divided into two groups of 15 subjects. The children of the experimental group received 14 sessions of sensory integration intervention while the control group did not receive this intervention. To measure emotional-behavioral problems, the Behavior Assessment System for Children-Second Edition was used. To analyze the data, ANCOVA and MANCOVA tests were used.

Findings

The results showed that sensory integration intervention improves emotional-behavioral problems and its subscales (hyperactivity, aggression, behavioral problems, anxiety, depression, somatization, attention problems, learning difficulties, atypicality and withdrawal) in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Research limitations/implications

Therefore, it can be concluded that sensory integration intervention can be a suitable treatment for reducing sensory problems and improving emotional-behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder.

Originality/value

The study of the effect of sensory integration on emotional-behavioral problems in children with autism spectrum disorder is necessary as a simple and non-side-effect educational and therapeutic method, both as a step to fill the research gap in this field, besides being a cheap and affordable way for improving the various skills of children with autism spectrum disorder for professionals, teachers, parents and educators.
Impact of marketization process on China's forestry economic growth – based on the statistical yearbook data from 1978 to 2016
Authors: Qiao Dan , Ke Shuifa , Zhang Xiaoxiao , Feng Qiya
Published: November 2020

Purpose

The paper aims to explore the impact of marketization on forestry economic growth. Firstly, the development process of forestry marketization was summarized. Secondly, from the three dimensions of forestry production factor marketization, production marketization and product marketization, the framework of marketization is constructed by the authors.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the yearbook data from 1978 to 2016, the relationship between forestry marketization and forestry growth was demonstrated through multiple regression and Granger test in this paper.

Findings

The results showed that forestry marketization was one of the important driving factors that impacted on China's forestry economic growth. Since the reform and opening up, China's forestry marketization degree has been constantly strengthened, but there is still room for improvement. China has provided an important model as forestry marketization reform and development sample for the world.

Social implications

Many useful references and inspirations have been provided from China such as gradually promoting market-oriented reforms; paying attention to the important role of reform and opening up in the construction of market mechanism; dynamic coordination of market and government relations; developing and connecting the relationship between domestic and international market; and coordinating the development of forestry state-owned economy, private economy and mixed ownership economy.

Originality/value

This paper creates a measure index of forestry marketization from three dimensions of forestry production factor marketization, production marketization and product marketization.
Measuring user experiences with e-sourcing platforms: the development of the e-sourcing experience index
Authors: Li Xintong , Zhao Li , Lee Stacy H.
Published: November 2020

Purpose

Grounded in two primary theories such as (1) the triangular alignment model and (2) the technology–organization–environment framework, this paper aims to develop appropriate scales to measure the e-sourcing experience index (EEI).

Design/methodology/approach

The sample includes a total of 630 e-sourcing platform users in the US and India who have already utilized e-commerce platforms. Item response theory and factor analysis were used for the psychometric analysis. Measurement invariance was established between the Indian and US participants, indicating similar conceptualization of the items across the two cultures.

Findings

The study's results demonstrated that users have a better experience when online sourcing platforms provide adequate resources for making sourcing decisions, finding potential buyers and managing sourcing activities more efficiently. From the perspective of e-sourcing platforms, suppliers' performance and users' experiences can be improved when businesses address the concerns indicated in the five factors.

Research limitations/implications

The study's objective was to develop the EEI in order to assess suppliers' experiences with e-sourcing platforms. Due to the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI), different stages of adaptation may cause varied experiences and relationships with buyers.

Originality/value

From a theoretical perspective, this study is one of the few to combine triangular alignment model (TAM) and technology–organization–environment (TOE) theories and to develop a reliable and valid scale (EEI) for user experiences with online sourcing platforms. Based on the previous scales, the EEI was found to be well in line with the established theories on traditional apparel sourcing, and, at the same time, considered the particulars of e-sourcing practices.
Interactive research: concepts, contributions and challenges
Authors: Ellström Per-Erik , Elg Mattias , Wallo Andreas , Berglund Martina , Kock Henrik
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This paper introduces interactive research as an emerging approach within a broad family of collaborative research approaches in management and organization research. Interactive research is a way to contribute to the dual tasks of long-term theory development and innovation and change processes in organizations. One of the distinguishing features of interactive research is a focus on continuous joint learning processes between the researchers and the involved practitioners.

Design/methodology/approach

The basic concepts, contributions and challenges of the interactive research approach are presented and illustrated in the present paper through a practical case, the HELIX Centre.

Findings

Interactive research is a way to advance scientific knowledge about the development of new types of work organizations and the development of sustainable operations. The multi-disciplinary and interactive research approach at HELIX has made it possible to reach a high degree of both rigour and relevance in research questions and projects. The authors identified five principles from the HELIX case that were instrumental in accomplishing the dual tasks of interactive research.

Originality/value

The interactive research approach is a powerful method of collaboration between different stakeholders throughout the research process. This type of research makes it possible to interact at various levels of research, from the programme level, to research and development projects, to the individual level. The results from interactive research should not only be considered traditionally valid but also valid in relation to organizational and societal needs.
Humanizing practices in online learning communities during pandemics in the USA
Authors: Abdi Nimo M. , Gil Elizabeth , Marshall Stefanie LuVenia , Khalifa Muhammad
Published: November 2020

Purpose

In this reflective essay, the authors, four educators of color, explore the relevance of humanizing practices of community in teaching and learning, school leadership and the potential challenges for equity work in education, during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This reflective essay draws on lessons learned from the pedagogical practices of women of color, literature on teachers of color, as well as our experiences as educators of teachers and school leaders, as the authors think about new possibilities and challenges for anti-racist practice and living during the pandemic.

Findings

This essay describes community-oriented practice of women of color educators to be important in orienting teaching and learning toward more humanizing practice. The reflections highlight both possibilities and challenges that can be helpful reimagining the practice in teacher and leadership education, as the authors prepare educators for an uncertain future.

Originality/value

This essay offers valuable lessons from women of color educator practice that can offer humanizing approaches to teaching and learning as well as school leadership education.
Using inquiry-based learning in executive education programmes
Authors: Misra Debananda
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to examine managers’ considerations for leveraging management research for their work and the implications of such considerations on using inquiry-based learning (IBL) in customised executive education programmes (CEEPs) offered by business schools (b-schools).

Design/methodology/approach

The study proposes a conceptual framework that is validated using a single case study analysis. For the case study, semi-structured interviews were carried out with the top leadership of an organisation. Using the findings of the interviews, a survey was designed and administered to the managers of the organisation to further validate the findings.

Findings

This study identifies four considerations of the managers for leveraging management research. It analyses how faculty members can use IBL to design CEEPs to meet these considerations and link management research with managerial work.

Research limitations/implications

The single organisational context in which the study was carried out and the small sample size of the survey can be seen as a limitation of this article to produce generalisable considerations of managers.

Practical implications

The findings in this study have practical implications on the design and teaching practices of using IBL in CEEPs.

Originality/value

The main contribution of this study is the conceptual framework for deciding the teaching practices of IBL in CEEPs. Another contribution is its analysis at the level of individual managers, which provides novel insights about the relationship between management research and managerial work.
The influence of signal attributes on the willingness to pay for pasture-raised beef
Authors: Chini Juliana , Spers Eduardo Eugênio , Silva Hermes Moretti Ribeiro da , Oliveira Mirella Cais Jejcic de
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to identify the marginal impact of introducing a signal attribute of pasture-raised beef on consumer willingness to pay (WTP) for other independent attributes.

Design/methodology/approach

The study is divided into two steps. The first, qualitative, consisted of investigating the values consumers have regarding beef production. To this end, 52 interviews with Brazilian and US consumers were conducted using laddering. In the second, quantitative, six experiments, (face to face and online) with 267 consumers of beef were performed.

Findings

As a result, the main value found for the Brazilians was security, while for the Americans was self-direction. For consumers, the WTP for animal welfare was the most important in the choice experiments where this information was present.

Originality/value

These findings offer an alternate beef differentiation, enabling it to be sold with higher added value by integrating these.
Investigating organizational factors of social response activities and their effect on corporate social performance in MNE’s subsidiaries operating in Tunisia
Authors: Ghezal Rim , Khemakhem Romdhane
Published: November 2020

Purpose

This study aims to develop a conceptual model to examine the impact of four organizational factors (expatriate managers, stakeholder engagement, corporate social mission and demand management) on the social response activities and their subsequent effect on corporate social performance among subsidiaries of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in Tunisia, characterized as a small African economy.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses data collected from 115 subsidiaries established in an African country – Tunisia. It also applies a partial least square regression to test the hypotheses proposed in a comprehensive framework.

Findings

This study reveals that each of these factors, with the exception of expatriate managers, is found to positively influence the adoption of social response activities by MNE’s subsidiaries. In addition, involvement in such activities is also important in enhancing social performance concerning employees and customers.

Originality/value

Despite years of encouragement from scholars and theorists, studies across Africa have generally shown no interest in corporate social response as a strategic process that safeguards the well-being of host society. This paper proposes a comprehensive model for identifying the antecedents and one consequence of corporate social response activities of MNE’s subsidiaries. Stakeholder theory is used as a theoretical lens to develop a corporate social response framework.
Serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 levels in psoriatic patients under treatment with biologics
Authors: Iwata Hiroaki , Haga Naoya , Sugai Tatsuro , Fujita Yasuyuki
Published: November 2020

During biologic treatments, attention should be paid to adverse reactions, particularly infectious diseases. Furthermore, drug‐induced interstitial lung disease is also known to be associated with biologic therapies. We retrospectively reviewed serum Krebs von den Lungen‐6 (KL‐6) levels in psoriatic patients who underwent treatment with seven different biologics. A total of 67 patients who received 80 biologic treatments were evaluated. The 31 anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α treatments consisted of 17 infliximab (IFX) and 14 adalimumab. The 23 anti‐interleukin (IL)‐23 treatments consisted of 14 ustekinumab and nine guselkumab. The 26 anti‐IL‐17 treatments consisted of nine secukinumab, six ixekizumab and 11 brodalumab. The IFX showed significantly increased mean serum KL‐6 (170.9%), but none of the other treatments showed significant increases. Thirteen of the 17 (75.6%) patients in the IFX and 17 of the 31 (54.8%) patients in the total anti‐TNF‐α group demonstrated at least a 25% increase in serum KL‐6. Levels exceeding the cut‐off (500 U/mL) were detected in three patients before treatment and in seven patients after treatment. This study showed that anti‐IL‐17 and anti‐IL‐23 treatments have no significant impact on serum KL‐6 level. In addition to the influence of IFX, a significantly large number of patients in the IFX group had a history of methotrexate administration associated with psoriatic arthritis, which might have influenced the KL‐6 level. None of the patients with elevated serum KL‐6 showed pulmonary changes by computed tomography and/or X ray.
Patient reported experience of the burden of neuroendocrine tumors and impact of eSHINE Patient Support Program on patient quality of life
Authors: Wakelin Kate
Published: November 2020

Aim

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are an uncommon cancer and difficult to diagnose and treat. Treatment is complicated by debilitating side effects, impacting quality of life. This Australia‐wide survey aimed to increase our understanding of the impact and burden of NETs on patient quality of life (QoL) and to assess the benefit of a patient support program (eSHINE).

Method

Consented patients from the eSHINE mailing list (n = 267) were invited to participate in an electronic self‐reported survey comprising 29 questions on clinical characteristics, diagnosis, sociodemographics, impact of living with NETs and benefits of a patient support program. No formal sample size was calculated. All analyses were descriptive.

Results

A total of 144 participants (54%) responded. A total of 129 (48%) completed all questions. Approximately half of respondents were female, from metropolitan and rural areas, aged over 65 years and had a primary diagnosis of gastrointestinal NETs. Fifty‐eight percent had been diagnosed over 5 years ago. Twenty‐seven percent reported seeing four or more healthcare professionals prior to being diagnosed.

Living with NETs had a large impact on patients’ QoL. 83.5% reported fatigue, 76% felt their emotional health was impacted by NETs and 75% reported reduced ability to participate in leisure activities.

Access to a supportive network to manage and treat NETs was extremely important to participants. Eighty‐five percent of respondents reported the eSHINE program had a positive impact on their QoL.

Conclusion

Patients value support from healthcare professionals and patient support programs such as eSHINE in managing NETs. The eSHINE Patient Support Program has a positive impact on patient QoL.
Optimizing first trocar access for robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy: Optical trocar access through the upper abdominal quadrant using the Kii Fios First Entry trocar
Authors: Shimbo Masaki , Endo Fumiyasu , Tominaga Koki , Sano Masayuki , Nishino Takato , Kyono Yoko , Komatsu Kenji , Ohyama Takehiro , Sakurai Masato , Narimoto Kazutaka , Matsushita Kazuhito , Hattori Kazunori
Published: November 2020

Objectives

A pre‐equipped metal trocar is required to use as a camera trocar due to a specification change in the da Vinci X/Xi system (Intuitive Surgical). We observed slight slippage of a trocar placed by the open method. With optical trocar access (OTA), the initial trocar is viewed directly with a laparoscope during placement. Reports regarding OTA for robotic surgery are limited, particularly for robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). We modified the OTA procedure such that it was appropriate for RARP.

Patients and Methods

A total of 158 patients were enrolled in this study. The first trocar placement time (FTPT) was compared between the open and OTA groups. In the OTA group, the trocar was mainly placed through the upper abdominal quadrant. We also analyzed the differences between the conventional and modified OTA procedures using the Kii Fios First Entry trocar (Applied Medical). We examined the factors affecting the FTPT using linear regression models. A P value <.05 was considered significant.

Results

The FTPT was significantly shorter in the OTA group than the open group (P < .0001). The modified method was associated with a shorter FTPT (P = .0001). None of the patient characteristics affected the FTPT in either group. No major complications were observed.

Conclusions

OTA was applied successfully during RARP. Use of the Kii Fios First Entry trocar with upper abdominal quadrant placement was suitable for RARP.
Facial action units, activity and time spent with dam are effective measures of pain in response to mulesing of Merino lambs
Authors: Hancock S , Inglis L , Laurence M , Miller D , Thompson A
Published: November 2020

Repeatable measures of pain in ruminants following husbandry procedures are required to validate responses to pain relief. This study tested the hypotheses that facial action units, activity and time spent with dam can be used to assess the efficacy of pain relief in lambs following mulesing. Merino lambs (n = 120) were allocated to one of six treatments implemented at mulesing: (1) lambs that were not mulesed or lambs that were mulesed and administered (2) no pain relief, (3) meloxicam 15 min before mulesing, (4) Tri‐Solfen®, (5) a combination of meloxicam 15 min before mulesing and Tri‐Solfen after mulesing and (6) meloxicam at mulesing. Facial action units detected a difference in pain between mulesed and non‐mulesed lambs at 1 and 5 h post‐mulesing (P = 0.005 and <0.001) but not at 26 h post‐mulesing. Lambs that were not mulesed were more active and spent more time with their dams than mulesed lambs (P < 0.001). No differences were observed between lambs that were mulesed with or without pain relief. Therefore, facial action units, activity of the lamb and time spent with dam can detect pain in response to mulesing in Merino lambs but cannot detect any changes associated with pain relief.
From a ‘Moral Commentator’ to a ‘Determined Actor’? How the International Labour Organization (ILO) Orchestrates the Field of International Industrial Relations
Authors: Thomas Huw , Turnbull Peter
Published: November 2020

Collective action on the part of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has always been dependent on the ability of the International Labour Office, the permanent secretariat of the ILO, to orchestrate a consensus between the Organization's tripartite constituents of Government, Employer and Worker representatives. This consensus fell with the Berlin Wall, prompting the Office to bypass states by engaging with external interactants in order to promote international labour standards and decent work. Most recently, in order to shift the emphasis from ‘moral commentary’ to ‘determined action’, the Office has reverted to managing states, albeit in the face of determined Employer counter‐framing. Employer opposition, supported by several member States, cannot be underestimated, as any orchestration within the international industrial relations field is contingent on concerted action.
Mobile Application's Quality and Pricing Decisions under Competition
Authors: Katewa Sunanda , Jain Tarun
Published: November 2020

In this article, we investigate the pricing and quality decisions of mobile applications (apps) by the platform owner and third‐party app developer. The third‐party app developer shares some fraction of revenue with the platform owner. We investigate the impact of revenue sharing fraction on quality enhancement and pricing decisions. One would expect that, as the revenue sharing fraction earned by the platform increases, the platform's effort toward enhancing the quality of her app should increase. However, our analysis reveals that when the third‐party app developer's cost structure is high (/low), and the difference between initial app quality valuation of the platform's app and developer's app is high (/low), then the platform decreases the quality improvement efforts. Similarly, we also find that if the developer's revenue‐sharing fraction increases, he may also decrease the quality efforts. Later, we also analyze the scenario where a platform can influence the competing developer's app quality. We find that if the platform's effort only influences the competing third‐party developer's app quality, then the platform reduces the rival's app quality. Finally, in our analysis, we find that if the platform's effort toward the rival's app also enhances her app's quality, she may increase the rival's app quality.
How do we know if interventions in developmental disability are effective?
Authors: Rosenbaum Peter
Published: November 2020

Video Podcast: https://youtu.be/Kr9QEhNCEDc
Long‐term efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin in patients with inadequately controlled type 1 diabetes: pooled 52‐week outcomes from the DEPICT‐1 and ‐2 studies
Authors: Phillip Moshe , Mathieu Chantal , Lind Marcus , Araki Eiichi , di Bartolo Paolo , Bergenstal Richard , Heller Simon , Hansen Lars , Scheerer Markus Florian , Thoren Fredrik , Arya Niki , Xu John , Iqbal Nayyar , Dandona Paresh ,   DEPICT‐1 and DEPICT‐2 Investigators
Published: November 2020

Aim

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of adjunct dapagliflozin therapy in patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Materials and Methods

DEPICT‐1 and ‐2 were randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group, 24‐week studies, with 28‐week extension periods. Adults with T1D and HbA1c 7.5%‐10.5% were randomized (1:1:1) to receive dapagliflozin 5 mg, 10 mg or placebo. The short‐ and long‐term efficacy and safety of dapagliflozin were examined in an exploratory pooled analysis of both studies.

Results

Efficacy analyses included 530, 529 and 532 and safety analysis included 548, 566 and 532 patients in the dapagliflozin 5 mg, 10 mg and placebo groups, respectively. Baseline characteristics were similar between treatment groups. At week 24, reductions were seen with dapagliflozin 5 and 10 mg compared with placebo in HbA1c (−0.40%, −0.43% vs. 0.00%) and body weight (−2.45, −2.91 vs. 0.11 kg). HbA1c and body weight reductions versus placebo were also seen after 52 weeks of treatment. There was no imbalance in occurrence of severe hypoglycaemic events between groups. The proportion of patients experiencing definite diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) was higher with dapagliflozin 5 mg (4.0%) and 10 mg (3.5%) compared with placebo (1.1%) over 52 weeks; most events were of mild or moderate severity, and all resolved with treatment.

Conclusions

Over 52 weeks, dapagliflozin provided glycaemic and weight benefits, with no increased frequency of severe hypoglycaemia compared with placebo. More DKA events were reported with dapagliflozin than placebo, highlighting the importance of appropriate patient selection, education and risk‐mitigation strategies.
The future of public service broadcasting and the funding and ownership of the BBC
Authors: Booth Philip
Published: November 2020

The BBC has been financed by a hypothecated tax levied on the use of television sets since 1946. For most of the subsequent period, there has been substantial governmental control of both broadcast content and platforms. The economic arguments for different types of intervention in public service broadcasting were discussed in the 1986 Peacock Report, which proposed radical change. This article uses a similar methodology to that of the Peacock Committee and concludes that the case for government support for public service broadcasting has been undermined by technological developments which the Committee anticipated. It is further argued that the BBC should be financed largely by subscription and should adopt a mutual governance structure.
Understanding the effects of growing central bank balance sheets on investment
Authors: Michael Bryane
Published: November 2020

What role does unconventional monetary policy – and particularly unconventional policies such as private asset purchases under quantitative easing or lender of last resort scheme – play in influencing economic growth directly? The literature looks at the effects of post‐2007 central bank asset purchases on GDP growth and – in limited cases – on investment. Yet academics and central bankers have not tried to understand the effects of private securities purchases alone, while controlling for broader macroeconomic effects. This article summarises the existing literature, documenting the widespread use of private securities purchases by central banks across the world. The literature shows the potentially beneficial effects of these purchases, pointing the way for further scholarly work about central banks' private securities purchases.
Do regional trade agreements increase trade? Empirical evidence from the Asia–Pacific region
Authors: Gharleghi Behrooz , Shafighi Najla
Published: November 2020

This article examines the effects of regional trade agreements. The augmented gravity model of international trade is used to test for trade creation and diversion in the context of trade agreements in the Asia‐Pacific region. The results of the estimated model indicate that trade has increased among the members of AFTA and APTA but not among the AANZFTA members. Differences in the levels of development appear to have a significant impact on trade flows, suggesting that there can be no general presumption about the extent of trade creation and trade diversion.
Speckle tracking stress echocardiography: A valuable diagnostic technique or a burden for everyday practice?
Authors: Mandoli Giulia Elena , Pastore Maria Concetta , Vasilijevaite Kristina , Cameli Paolo , D'Ascenzi Flavio , Focardi Marta , Mondillo Sergio , Cameli Matteo
Published: November 2020

Non‐invasive screening for early diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD) represents a key element in the never‐ending challenge to reduce cardiac death. Stress/rest electrocardiogram often lacks diagnostic accuracy, especially in asymptomatic patients, in fact the latest guidelines for the diagnosis and management of chronic coronary syndromes (CCS) stated the superiority of functional imaging techniques for the detection of subtle myocardial ischemia and the evaluation of myocardial viability (MV). Stress echocardiography is the most accessible and inexpensive imaging method for the study of CAD, either with pharmacological or with exercise provocative stress, based on visual wall‐motion assessment. However, in some cases, such as small coronary lesions or microvascular angina, it loses its diagnostic power, therefore requiring a more sensitive approach. Accordingly, in the last years many authors investigated the possible additive value provided by the integration of an advanced but easy‐to‐obtain technique, that is speckle tracking imaging, to stress echocardiography, reaching promising results; nevertheless, its use is not included in the latest recommendations for CCS. The present review discusses the potential benefits from using a combination of speckle tracking and stress echocardiography for the early detection of myocardial ischemia and the assessment of MV and its suitability in different clinical scenarios, basing on the available evidence.
Prognostic impact of impaired left ventricular midwall function during progression of aortic stenosis
Authors: Cramariuc Dana , Bahlmann Edda , Egstrup Kenneth , Rossebø Anne B. , Ray Simon , Kesäniemi Yrjö Antero , Nienaber Christoph A. , Gerdts Eva
Published: November 2020

Objective

In hypertension, indexes of midwall left ventricular (LV) function may identify patients at higher cardiovascular (CV) risk independent of normal LV ejection fraction (EF). We analyzed the association of baseline and new‐onset LV midwall dysfunction with CV outcome in a large population of patients with asymptomatic aortic stenosis (AS).

Methods

One thousand four hundred seventy‐eight patients with asymptomatic AS and normal EF (≥50%) at baseline in the Simvastatin Ezetimibe in Aortic Stenosis (SEAS) study were followed for a median of 4.3 years. LV systolic function was assessed by biplane EF and midwall shortening (MWS, low if <14% in men/16% in women) at baseline and annual echocardiographic examinations.

Results

One hundred twenty‐three CV deaths and heart failure hospitalizations occurred during follow‐up. In Cox analyses, adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, EF, AS severity, LV hypertrophy and systemic arterial compliance, low baseline MWS predicted 61% higher risk of a major CV event and a twofold higher risk of death and heart failure hospitalization (P < .05). New‐onset low MWS developed in 574 patients, particularly in elderly women with higher blood pressure and more severe AS (P < .05). In time‐varying Cox analysis, new‐onset low MWS was associated with a twofold higher risk of CV death and heart failure hospitalization, independent of changes over time in EF, AS severity, LV hypertrophy and systemic arterial compliance (P < .05).

Conclusions

Low MWS develops in a large proportion of patients with AS and normal EF during valve disease progression and is a marker of increased CV risk.
Species interactions have predictable impacts on diversification
Authors: Zeng Yichao , Wiens John J.
Published: November 2020

A fundamental goal of ecology is to reveal generalities in the myriad types of interactions among species, such as competition, mutualism and predation. Another goal is to explain the enormous differences in species richness among groups of organisms. Here, we show how these two goals are intertwined: we find that different types of species interactions have predictable impacts on rates of species diversification, which underlie richness patterns. On the basis of a systematic review, we show that interactions with positive fitness effects for individuals of a clade (e.g. insect pollination for plants) generally increase that clade’s diversification rates. Conversely, we find that interactions with negative fitness effects (e.g. predation for prey, competition) generally decrease diversification rates. The sampled clades incorporate all animals and land plants, encompassing 90% of all described species across life. Overall, we show that different types of local‐scale species interactions can predictably impact large‐scale patterns of diversification and richness.
Top‐down regulation of filamentous cyanobacteria varies among a raptorial versus current feeding copepod across multiple prey generations
Authors: Leitão Ewaldo , Panosso Renata , Molica Renato , Ger Kemal Ali
Published: November 2020

Although considered a key functional trait, little is known about how zooplankton feeding mode affects top‐down regulation of phytoplankton communities. Indeed, copepods are expected to promote the dominance of toxic phytoplankton by selective removal of their edible competitors; however, empirical evidence comparing the effect among calanoid and cyclopoid copepods is lacking.

We compared the top‐down effects of two copepods with contrasting feeding modes—the calanoid Notodiaptomus iheringi (current feeder) and the cyclopoid Thermocyclops decipiens (ambush feeder) — on the relative and absolute biomass of the filamentous cyanobacterium Raphidiopsis raciborskii co‐cultured with the nutritious eukaryotic phytoplankton Cryptomonas obovata in a week‐long laboratory assay.

The current feeder had a stronger top‐down effect on the biomass of both prey throughout the experiment, with mass‐specific clearance rates 3–5× higher than ambush feeder. By the end of the experiment, the current feeder significantly reduced cyanobacteria biomass compared to controls while the ambush feeder did not. During the week‐long experiment, the current feeder switched from grazing on edible prey to cyanobacteria as the former became less abundant.

Contrary to expectation, neither of the copepod species promoted cyanobacterial dominance by the end of the experiment. This is because both grazers, but especially the current feeder, initially increased but subsequently decreased the relative contribution of cyanobacteria to total phytoplankton biomass. Moreover, both copepods decreased the length of cyanobacteria filaments by c. 70%

Current feeders can switch from edible prey to cyanobacteria when the abundance of shortened filaments surpasses the abundance of edible prey. While top‐down regulation of phytoplankton can be stronger for current feeding copepods, ambush feeding copepods can have a significant role during blooms by shortening cyanobacterial filaments. Hence, the broader role of contrasting copepod feeding traits on phytoplankton communities merits further study.
Temperature‐driven harvest decisions amplify US winter wheat loss under climate warming
Authors: Zhu Peng , Burney Jennifer
Published: November 2020

Most studies quantifying the impacts of climatic variability and warming on crop production have focused on yields and have overlooked potential areal and frequency responses, potentially biasing future projections of food security in a warming world. Here we analyze US winter wheat production from 1970 to 2017 and find that harvest area ratio (harvested area/planted area, HAR) has declined while yields have risen, standing in stark contrast to other US staple crops. Although lower profitability due to declining wheat prices appears to explain the HAR trend, fluctuating wheat yields—largely explained by temperature exposure—drive the interannual variation of HAR. Our analysis suggests that warming‐induced declines in HAR are comparable in magnitude to heat‐related yield losses, and lower wheat prices amplify the sensitivity of HAR to warming and yield variation. Although irrigation mitigates some temperature‐driven yield effects, it does little to change HAR, likely due to infrastructure cost and limited influence on relative profitability. Our results suggest that an accurate quantification of climate impacts on crop production must account for harvested area response, and that future adaptation strategies should not only target crop choice and management but also harvest incentives.
Interests over institutions: Political‐economic constraints on public debt management in developing countries
Authors: Cormier Ben
Published: November 2020

Some use the model of independent central banks to posit that independent Debt Management Offices (DMOs) can enhance public debt sustainability. This study argues this is unlikely in developing countries. Developing country DMOs have limited space to apolitically manage (a) debt levels and (b) borrowing strategies. A comparison of South Africa and Botswana, using in‐depth interviews and primary sources, traces public debt processes to argue DMOs are unlikely to significantly affect the link between political interests and these two key public debt outcomes over time. This argument has three implications. First, it gives rise to questions about the role of institutions in the governance of public debt. Second, it adds to recent literature on developing country external borrowing preferences by highlighting ideological effects. Third, it reinforces the idea that political economy theories of the relationship between interests, institutions, and policy outcomes should vary by policy area and national income level.
Gateways or backdoors to development? Filtering mechanisms and territorial embeddedness in the Chilean copper GPN’s urban system
Authors: Atienza Miguel , Arias‐Loyola Martín , Phelps Nicholas
Published: November 2020

This paper analyses the role played by different urban nodes in the Chilean copper mining Global Production Network (GPN), and how filtering mechanisms act in favour of the capital city, limiting the territorial embeddedness of extractive industry in resource peripheries. In doing so, we make three contributions to the literature. First, in addition to observing gateway cities (those connecting the mining hinterlands to the global economy), we propose an intermediate category in urban hierarchies which we label the “backdoor city” (those that can perform one or more functions of a gateway city but lack chances for value capture and sustainable development outcomes). Second, we analyse the filtering mechanisms that work to the detriment of resources peripheries. Third, we analyse how these mechanisms reduce the territorial embeddedness of mining activity across the Chilean urban hierarchy. Our main results show that the capital city of Santiago stands out as the only gateway city in the country, and Antofagasta acts as a backdoor city for the Chilean resource peripheries where the extractive activity is weakly embedded, limiting their development opportunities.