bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Urbanization effects on Chinese mammal and amphibian richness: a multi-scale study using the urban-rural gradient approach
Authors: Lin Ping , Yang Lu , Zhao Shuqing
Published: December 2020

The scale and extent of global urbanization are unprecedented and increasing. As urbanization generally encroaches on natural habitats and the urban ecological footprint reaches far beyond the city limits, how urbanization affects biodiversity has received increasing attention from the scientific community. Nonetheless, the comprehensive syntheses of urbanization consequences for biodiversity, including diverse taxonomic groups, across multiple spatial scales and spanning a wide gradient range of urbanization intensity are still insufficient. Here, based on the urban-rural gradient approach, we assessed the effects of urbanization on Chinese mammal and amphibian richness across the entire urbanization gradient (i.e., urbanization level from 0 to 1) at the national, regional and urban agglomeration scales. We used the global mammal and amphibian distribution data along with corresponding background climate, habitat conditions and socioeconomic activities data for analysis. Our results revealed a detailed and diverse pattern of Chinese mammal and amphibian richness along the entire spectrum of urbanization gradient across three spatial scales. And an approximately monotonic decrease only existed in certain urban agglomerations. The imprint of urbanization on mammal and amphibian richness were largely masked by the overall primacy of background climate at the national and regional scales. As the scale of analysis shifting from the country to urban agglomerations, urbanization-associated variables and locally specific limiting factors started to play important roles in driving the richness patterns. Moreover, the environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis can explain the relationship between biodiversity pressure and urbanization activities in certain Chinese urban agglomerations. However, the findings of urbanization effects on biodiversity using the urban-rural gradient analysis should be interpreted with caution because many possible driving forces simultaneously present along the urban-rural gradient and are very challenging to attribute.
The Dual Erasure of Domestic Epistemic Labour
Authors: Wilson Emilia L
Published: December 2020

There is growing interest in a category of domestic labour frequently termed ‘emotional labour’. I argue that this labour is, in fact, primarily a form of epistemic labour. I argue that domestic epistemic labour is the target of dual erasure. Firstly, as invisible domestic labour, it is underrecognized and undervalued. Secondly, it is not recognized as epistemic, due to women’s epistemic oppression. ‘Emotional labour’, as a catch-all for feminized labour, perpetuates the dominant ideological conception of emotion as feminine and anti-epistemic. Consequently, popular usage of ‘emotional labour’ attempts to address the first layer of erasure but reinforces the second.
Current Upper Blepharoplasty and Ptosis Management Practice Patterns Among The Aesthetic Society Members
Authors: Vaca Elbert E , Bricker Jonathan T , Alghoul Mohammed S
Published: December 2020

Background

Patients presenting for upper blepharoplasty can exhibit different aging patterns and we have anecdotally observed wide variability in upper blepharoplasty approaches among surgeons. However, upper blepharoplasty practice patterns have not been systematically analyzed among members of The Aesthetic Society.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to report upper blepharoplasty practice patterns, the recognition of different patient presenting features, and to assess the incidence and management of ptosis as reported by members of The Aesthetic Society.

Methods

A 29-item electronic questionnaire was distributed to 1729 Aesthetic Society members with available email addresses.

Results

In total, 214 Aesthetic Society members submitted the questionnaire, for a response rate of 12.4%. There was a significantly increased rate of volume preservation among surgeons with greater experience (≥10 years in practice) and a high-volume (≥100 cases in past 12 months) of upper blepharoplasty cases. Furthermore, high-volume upper blepharoplasty surgeons were significantly more likely to perform concomitant upper lid fat grafting (P = 0.03), browlift (P = 0.02), and ptosis repair (P = 0.01). Ninety-five percent of respondents reported a mild/moderate ptosis (MRD1 2 to <4mm) incidence of <25%. Among surgeons who perform ptosis repair, 97.4% utilize levator advancement or plication as their most commonly used technique.

Conclusions

High-volume upper blepharoplasty surgeons are more likely to preserve upper lid volume and perform concomitant browlift and ptosis repair. Our data suggest that different upper eyelid aging patterns and mild/moderate ptosis are underrecognized.
Sensitivity Analysis of Conflicting Goals in the i* Goal Model
Authors: Sumesh Sreenithya , Krishna Aneesh
Published: December 2020

Requirements engineering (RE) has been developed as a discipline to identify and then translate stakeholders’ needs into system requirements. Hence, RE is used to produce a set of specifications for developing a software system. The specifications can be applied to satisfy stakeholders and can be implemented, deployed and maintained by using their alternative design options. The past several years have seen significant improvements in RE, whereby the discipline supports the modelling and analysis of stakeholders’ goals (objectives) beyond merely incorporating these goals. Goals further help in deriving functional and non-functional requirements (NFRs) of a system. Goals play an important role in the RE process by helping elaborate the requirements. Goal-oriented requirements engineering (GORE) refers to the use of goals in RE for eliciting requirements. GORE is then used in the process of elaboration, organization, specification, analysis, negotiation, documentation and evolution of the elicited requirements. To model the software system requirements, GORE is implemented by using goals in view of goal models. Stakeholders’ goals are then represented through these goal models to assess their non-functional needs. We developed a technique for analysing conflicting goals of inter-dependent actors in a goal model. In this proposal, to ascertain stakeholders’ NFRs, we applied the cost-effectiveness analysis (CEA) to a multi-objective optimisation model in the i* goal model. This optimisation model can handle large, sophisticated systems. The requirements analyst can use information derived from the input data. The CEA further facilitates the requirements analyst by including the sensitivity of conflicting goals in the i* goal model. Based on the inter-dependency relationships, the proposed approach includes the optimisation of each objective function. This approach also uses sensitivity analysis based on the economic evaluation of derived optimal values to prioritize design options. The most cost-effective design option can hence be chosen and used to further the aim of achieving conflicting goals. This proposal uses a Telemedicine System case study, making evaluations through a simulation-based analysis.
A case report of multisite arterial thrombosis in a patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Angelillis Marco , De Carlo Marco , Christou Andrea , Marconi Michele , Mocellin Davide M , Caravelli Paolo , De Caterina Raffaele , Petronio Anna S
Published: December 2020

Background

A systemic coagulation dysfunction has been associated with COVID-19. In this case report, we describe a COVID-19-positive patient with multisite arterial thrombosis, presenting with acute limb ischaemia and concomitant ST-elevation myocardial infarction and oligo-symptomatic lung disease.

Case summary

An 83-year-old lady with history of hypertension and chronic kidney disease presented to the Emergency Department with acute-onset left leg pain, pulselessness, and partial loss of motor function. Acute limb ischaemia was diagnosed. At the same time, a routine ECG showed ST-segment elevation, diagnostic for inferior myocardial infarction. On admission, a nasopharyngeal swab was performed to assess the presence of SARS-CoV-2, as per hospital protocol during the current COVID-19 pandemic. A total-body CT angiography was performed to investigate the cause of acute limb ischaemia and to rule out aortic dissection; the examination showed a total occlusion of the left common iliac artery and a non-obstructive thrombosis of a subsegmental pulmonary artery branch in the right basal lobe. Lung CT scan confirmed a typical pattern of interstitial COVID-19 pneumonia. Coronary angiography showed a thrombotic occlusion of the proximal segment of the right coronary artery. Percutaneous coronary intervention was performed, with manual thrombectomy, followed by deployment of two stents. The patient was subsequently transferred to the operating room, where a Fogarty thrombectomy was performed. The patient was then admitted to the COVID area of our hospital. Seven hours later, the swab returned positive for COVID-19.

Discussion

COVID-19 can have an atypical presentation with thrombosis at multiple sites.
An accurate reconstruction of CMB E-mode signal over large angular scales using prior information of CMB covariance matrix in ILC algorithm
Authors: Purkayastha Ujjal , Sudevan Vipin , Saha Rajib
Published: December 2020

Recently, the internal-linear-combination (ILC) method was investigated extensively in the context of reconstruction of Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature anisotropy signal using observations obtained by WMAP and Planck satellite missions. In this article, we, for the first time, apply the ILC method to reconstruct the large-scale CMB E mode polarization signal, which could probe the ionization history, using simulated observations of 15 frequency CMB polarization maps of future generation Cosmic Origin Explorer (COrE) satellite mission. We find that the clean power spectra, from the usual ILC, are strongly biased due to non-zero CMB-foregrounds chance correlations. In order to address the issues of bias and errors we extend and improve the usual ILC method for CMB E-mode reconstruction by incorporating prior information of theoretical E-mode angular power spectrum while estimating the weights for linear combination of input maps (Sudevan & Saha 2018b). Using the E-mode covariance matrix effectively suppresses the CMB-foreground chance correlation power leading to an accurate reconstruction of cleaned CMB E-mode map and its angular power spectrum. We compare the performance of the usual ILC and the new method over large angular scales and show that the later produces significantly statistically improved results than the former. The new E-mode CMB angular power spectrum contains neither any significant negative bias at the low multipoles nor any positive foreground bias at relatively higher mutltipoles. The error estimates of the cleaned spectrum agree very well with the cosmic variance induced error.
Clinical Assessment and Validation of a Rapid and Sensitive SARS-CoV-2 Test Using Reverse Transcription Loop-Mediated Isothermal Amplification Without the Need for RNA Extraction
Authors: Anahtar Melis N , McGrath Graham E G , Rabe Brian A , Tanner Nathan A , White Benjamin A , Lennerz Jochen K M , Branda John A , Cepko Constance L , Rosenberg Eric S
Published: December 2020

Background

Amid the enduring pandemic, there is an urgent need for expanded access to rapid, sensitive, and inexpensive coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing worldwide without specialized equipment. We developed a simple test that uses colorimetric reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) to detect severe acute resrpiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in 40 minutes from sample collection to result.

Methods

We tested 135 nasopharyngeal specimens from patients evaluated for COVID-19 infection at Massachusetts General Hospital. Specimens were either added directly to RT-LAMP reactions, inactivated by a combined chemical and heat treatment step, or inactivated then purified with a silica particle–based concentration method. Amplification was performed with 2 SARS-CoV-2-specific primer sets and an internal specimen control; the resulting color change was visually interpreted.

Results

Direct RT-LAMP testing of unprocessed specimens could only reliably detect samples with abundant SARS-CoV-2 (>3 000 000 copies/mL), with sensitivities of 50% (95% CI, 28%–72%) and 59% (95% CI, 43%–73%) in samples collected in universal transport medium and saline, respectively, compared with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Adding an upfront RNase inactivation step markedly improved the limit of detection to at least 25 000 copies/mL, with 87.5% (95% CI, 72%–95%) sensitivity and 100% specificity (95% CI, 87%–100%). Using both inactivation and purification increased the assay sensitivity by 10-fold, achieving a limit of detection comparable to commercial real-time PCR-based diagnostics.

Conclusions

By incorporating a fast and inexpensive sample preparation step, RT-LAMP accurately detects SARS-CoV-2 with limited equipment for about US$6 per sample, making this a potentially ideal assay to increase testing capacity, especially in resource-limited settings.
An Ultrafast Ultrahigh-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Tandem Mass Spectrometry Method for Cannabidiol Monitoring in Pediatric Refractory Epilepsy
Authors: Pérez Montilla Carlos A. , Schaiquevich Paula S. , Cáceres Guido Paulo , Caraballo Roberto H. , Reyes Valenzuela Gabriela , Cruz Cintia V. , García Bournissen Facundo
Published: December 2020

Background:

Cannabidiol (CBD) is a nonpsychoactive natural product that has been increasingly used as a promising new drug for the management of neurological conditions such as refractory epilepsy. Development of rapid and sensitive methods to quantitate CBD is essential to evaluate its pharmacokinetics in humans, particularly in children. The objective of this work was to develop and validate an ultrafast ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for CBD quantitation that is capable of detecting major CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) metabolites in the plasma of pediatric refractory epilepsy patients.

Methods:

Eight-point CBD calibration curves were prepared using 60 µL of plasma from healthy volunteers. Samples were analyzed in a Shimadzu Nexera X2 UHPLC system, which was coupled to a Sciex QTRAP 6500 mass spectrometer. Chromatography was optimized in acetonitrile (ACN)/water with a 70%–90% gradient of ACN in 2 minutes. Multiple reaction monitoring transitions of major CBD and THC metabolites were optimized in patient plasma.

Results:

The optimized UHPLC-MS/MS method was validated for the linear range (1–300 ng/mL) of CBD (r2 = 0.996). The limit of quantification and limit of detection were 0.26 and 0.86 ng/mL, respectively. Accuracy and precision met the acceptable validation limits. CBD recovery and matrix effects were 83.9 ± 13.9% and 117.4 ± 4.5%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to quantify CBD and detect the major CBD and THC metabolites in clinical samples. 7-COOH-CBD was the most intensely detected metabolite followed by glucuronide conjugates.

Conclusions:

A simple and sensitive method for rapidly monitoring CBD and identifying relevant metabolites was developed. Its applicability in samples from children treated for epilepsy was demonstrated, making it an excellent alternative for performing pharmacokinetic studies.
Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Thiopurine Metabolite Levels and Biochemical Remission in Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: Bolia Rishi , Goel Akhil , Srivastava Anshu
Published: December 2020

Background:

The utility of measuring thiopurine metabolites (TM) to individualize therapy in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) has not been defined, and the evidence regarding its use in clinical practice is heterogeneous. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the mean concentration of TM between patients in biochemical remission and those not in remission.

Methods:

A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar for keywords related to TM and AIH. Two reviewers independently searched and selected studies comparing the levels of 6-methyl mercaptopurine (6-MMP) and 6-thioguanine nucleotide (6-TGN) and their ratio in cases of AIH in remission and otherwise. Meta-analysis was performed by calculating the weighted mean difference using the inverse variance heterogeneity model.

Results:

A total of 1066 records were identified through systematic search; of which, 7 (n = 3 pediatric, n = 4 adults) were considered for inclusion, and 442 TM measurements (n = 128 in children) were analyzed. Mean 6-TGN levels were significantly higher among patients in remission than in those who were not, with a pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) of 15.67 [95% confidence interval (CI), 6.68–24.66] pmol/8 × 108 red blood cells (RBC). The difference was higher in the pediatric age group (WMD, 56.11; 95% CI, 13.60–98.62) than in adults (WMD, 13.77; 95% CI, 4.58–22.97). There was no significant difference in the 6-MMP levels (WMD, −431.7; 95% CI, −1237.4 to 373.9 pmol/8 × 108 RBC; I2 = 82%; n = 3 studies) or 6-MMP/6-TGN ratio among the patients who were in biochemical remission and those who were not (WMD, −0.97; 95% CI, −5.77 to 3.84; I2 = 82%; n = 3 studies).

Conclusions:

This meta-analysis suggests a link between 6-TGN levels and biochemical remission in AIH. Further high-quality studies are required to determine the therapeutic cutoff of 6-TGN.
High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere
Authors: Jess D. B. , Keys P. H. , Stangalini M. , Jafarzadeh S.
Published: December 2020

The magnetic and convective nature of the Sun’s photosphere provides a unique platform from which generated waves can be modelled, observed and interpreted across a wide breadth of spatial and temporal scales. As oscillations are generatedin-situor emerge through the photospheric layers, the interplay between the rapidly evolving densities, temperatures and magnetic field strengths provides dynamic evolution of the embedded wave modes as they propagate into the tenuous solar chromosphere. A focused science team was assembled to discuss the current challenges faced in wave studies in the lower solar atmosphere, including those related to spectropolarimetry and radiative transfer in the optically thick regions. Following the Theo Murphy international scientific meeting held at Chicheley Hall during February 2020, the scientific team worked collaboratively to produce 15 independent publications for the current Special Issue, which are introduced here. Implications from the current research efforts are discussed in terms of upcoming next-generation observing and high-performance computing facilities.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere’.
Oscillations observed in umbra, plage, quiet-Sun and the polarity inversion line of active region 11158 using Helioseismic Magnetic Imager/Solar Dynamics Observatory data
Authors: Norton A. A. , Stutz R. B. , Welsch B. T.
Published: December 2020

Using data from the Helioseismic Magnetic Imager, we report on the amplitudes and phase relations of oscillations in quiet-Sun, plage, umbra and the polarity inversion line (PIL) of an active region NOAA#11158. We employ Fourier, wavelet and cross-correlation spectra analysis. Waves with 5 min periods are observed in umbra, PIL and plage with common phase values of
ϕ
(
v
,
I
) = 
π
/2,
ϕ
(
v
,
B
los
) = −(
π
/2). In addition,
ϕ
(
I
,
B
los
) = 
π
in plage are observed. These phase values are consistent with slow standing or fast standing surface sausage wave modes. The line width variations, and their phase relations with intensity and magnetic oscillations, show different values within the plage and PIL regions, which may offer a way to further differentiate wave mode mechanics. Significant Doppler velocity oscillations are present along the PIL, meaning that plasma motion is perpendicular to the magnetic field lines, a signature of Alvènic waves. A time–distance diagram along a section of the PIL shows Eastward propagating Doppler oscillations converting into magnetic oscillations; the propagation speeds range between 2 and 6 km s
−1
. Lastly, a 3 min wave is observed in select regions of the umbra in the magnetogram data.

This article is part of the Theo Murphy meeting issue ‘High-resolution wave dynamics in the lower solar atmosphere’.
CERES: a cryo-EM re-refinement system for continuous improvement of deposited models
Authors: Liebschner Dorothee , Afonine Pavel V. , Moriarty Nigel W. , Poon Billy K. , Chen Vincent B. , Adams Paul D.
Published: December 2020

The field of electron cryomicroscopy (cryo-EM) has advanced quickly in recent years as the result of numerous technological and methodological developments. This has led to an increase in the number of atomic structures determined using this method. Recently, several tools for the analysis of cryo-EM data and models have been developed within the Phenix software package, such as phenix.real_space_refine for the refinement of atomic models against real-space maps. Also, new validation metrics have been developed for low-resolution cryo-EM models. To understand the quality of deposited cryo-EM structures and how they might be improved, models deposited in the Protein Data Bank that have map resolutions of better than 5 Å were automatically re-refined using current versions of Phenix tools. The results are available on a publicly accessible web page (https://cci.lbl.gov/ceres). The implementation of a Cryo-EM Re-refinement System (CERES) for the improvement of models deposited in the wwPDB, and the results of the re-refinements, are described. Based on these results, contents are proposed for a `cryo-EM Table 1', which summarizes experimental details and validation metrics in a similar way to `Table 1' in crystallography. The consistent use of robust metrics for the evaluation of cryo-EM models and data should accompany every structure deposition and be reported in scientific publications.
Public procurement in Malaysia: objectives and procurement principles
Authors: Abul Hassan Sitti Hasinah , Ismail Suhaiza , Ahmad @ Abdul Mutalib Hawa
Published: December 2020

Purpose

The objectives of this paper are twofold. Firstly, to examine the importance of Malaysian public procurement objectives and secondly, to investigate the extent to which government suppliers adhere to public procurement principles.

Design/methodology/approach

For achieving the objectives, a questionnaire survey was used. A total of 250 questionnaires were distributed to government suppliers involved in the government tendering process. In return, a total of 107 useable questionnaires were received, representing a response rate of 42.8%. Descriptive statistics of the means score, standard deviation and mean score ranking were used to analyse the data.

Findings

The results revealed that the most important public procurement objective is “to ensure a continuous supply of material and services to meet the government needs from the best and reliable sources”. On the other hand, the objectives “to expand the local industrial sector by means of transfer of technology and expertise to suit the nation's needs” and “to promote alternative and multiple sourcing through supplier development according to the aspirations and vision of the government” are perceived as not important by the government suppliers. The findings also discovered a moderate level of adherence to Malaysia's public procurement principles, which consist of public accountability, transparency, open and fair competition, fair dealing and value for money. Amongst these principles, the most adhered to is the open and fair competition principle and the least adhered to is the transparency principle.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies that assess the government suppliers' perceptions of public procurement in Malaysia. More importantly, this study may give some ideas to various parties concerning the areas in which improvement is required to ensure that equal importance is given to the public procurement objectives and better adherence to the public procurement principles in Malaysia.
Security risk management: a case of Qalhat liquefied natural gas terminal
Authors: Mokhtari Kambiz , Abdul Rahman Noorul Shaiful Fitri , Soltani Hamid Reza , Al Rashdi Salim Ahmed , Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Balushi Kawkab
Published: December 2020

Purpose

At the substantive level, there exists a gap in knowledge about the position of security risk management (i.e. SRM) during the terminals’ operations and management; particularly when there is potential for deliberate anti-security acts. Correspondingly, the purpose of this paper is a need for more practical research to find out the justification for the existence of the SRM and different techniques for its appropriate execution on these logistics infrastructures principally with due regard to the potential requirements in the near future.

Design/methodology/approach

Both qualitative and quantitative techniques are used in this study incorporating fuzzy set theory and risk assessment matrix to achieve the research objective.

Findings

A designed SRM framework tailored for Qalhat liquefied petroleum gas (LNG) terminal in Sultanate of Oman was established to manage the security threats which can be resulted from any probable terrorist attacks.

Research limitations/implications

The limited numbers of experts for the purpose of the addressed SRM are causing challenges in data collection.

Practical implications

The pressures for enhanced attention to critical infrastructure security have fostered new challenges for petrochemical seaports and terminals (PSTs). These tendencies dictate to maintain comprehensive security regimens that can be integrated with national and international strategies to support the country’s security against terrorism.

Originality/value

The development of the security risk factor table model in the case of Qalhat LNG Terminal.
Motivating workers: how leaders apply self-determination theory in organizations
Authors: Forner Vivien W. , Jones Michael , Berry Yoke , Eidenfalk Joakim
Published: December 2020

Purpose

Self-determination theory (SDT), offers a theoretical framework for enhancing employee motivation and stimulating positive outcomes such as commitment, well-being and engagement, in organizations. This paper aims to investigate the application of SDT among leaders and delineate practical managerial approaches for supporting basic psychological needs in the workplace.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 51 leaders who had personally applied SDT with their own followers. Data were collected via free-listing method and analysed to extrapolate examples of SDT-application that are both practically salient and aligned to theoretic tenets of SDT.

Findings

The findings reveal how SDT is operationalized by leaders to support basic psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness in the workplace. The SDT-informed management strategies are discussed in relation to the literature and alongside case scenarios to illustrate approaches for integrating elements of SDT into day-to-day management activities.

Originality/value

Despite extensive literature support for SDT, very little empirical attention has been paid to examining how the theory is applied, interpreted and/or used by practitioners in real world settings. This research is the first to draw on the lived-experience of practitioners who have applied SDT, contributes previously unexplored strategies for supporting workers’ basic psychological needs and responds to calls for SDT research to identify a broader range of managerial behaviours that support employee motivation.
Analyse du différentiel de performances scolaires dans les pays PASEC sur la base de la régression quantile contrefactuelle
Authors: Foueka Romuald
Published: December 2020

Le développement humain s'apparente à la liberté de réaliser le plein potentiel de chaque vie humaine. Notre étude décompose le différentiel de performances scolaires dans l'optique de trouver les éléments clivants pouvant être éliminés afin d'assurer l'objectif d'apprentissage pour tous dans les pays PASEC. L'analyse statistique révèle que l’écart de performance est grand selon le milieu de résidence ou le type d’école. Les estimations portent sur la régression quantile inconditionnelle (contrefactuelle) du modèle de Firpo et al. (2018). L'estimation des fonctions d'influence recentrée suivant chaque distinction montrent que les ressources scolaires agissent variablement sur les quantiles. Les effets positifs portent davantage sur les élèves faibles. En décomposant, nous trouvons que l'effet composition explique mieux le différentiel de scores par rapport à l'effet structurel selon le milieu ou le type d’école. Suivant le genre, l'effet caractéristique prime uniquement en lecture. La décomposition contrefactuelle révèle qu'une éventuelle permutation de caractéristiques entre les groupes entrainerait une baisse de l'effet caractéristique selon le type d’école et une hausse de cet effet selon le lieu et le genre. Agir davantage sur les ressources scolaires permettrait de lutter contre les écarts de performances et de relever le niveau d'apprentissage des plus faibles.
Conceptualizing cyber crises
Authors: Backman Sarah
Published: December 2020

Despite its rising relevance, the cyber crisis is a largely unexplored phenomenon empirically and conceptually. This article suggests that cyber crises can be understood specifically as transboundary crises. Through the comparative analysis of two cases of cyber crises, Estonia 2007 and UK 2017, the study investigates whether the time gap and the difference in cyberattack type between the cases (untargeted ransomware vs. targeted DDoS) correlate with variation in transboundary crisis features and crisis management challenges during the performance of central crisis management tasks in the national settings of the cases. The analysis identifies some variation between the cases in terms of transboundary crisis features but finds that the cases entailed similar prominent crisis management challenges during the performance of central crisis management tasks. Implications are discussed in terms of how to advance our understanding of cyber crises and the practical strategic management requirements they entail.
Comprehensive mapping of immune tolerance yields a regulatory TNF receptor 2 signature in a murine model of successful Fel d 1‐specific immunotherapy using high‐dose CpG adjuvant
Authors: Leonard Cathy , Montamat Guillem , Davril Caroline , Domingues Olivia , Hunewald Oliver , Revets Dominique , Guerin Coralie , Blank Simon , Heckendorn Justine , Jardon Gauthier , Hentges François , Ollert Markus
Published: December 2020

Background

The prevalence of allergy to cat is expanding worldwide. Allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT) has advantages over symptomatic pharmacotherapy and promises long‐lasting disease control in allergic patients. However, there is still a need to improve cat AIT regarding efficacy, safety, and adherence to the treatment. Here, we aim to boost immune tolerance to the major cat allergen Fel d 1 by increasing the anti‐inflammatory activity of AIT with the established immunomodulatory adjuvant CpG, but at a higher dose than previously used in AIT.

Methods

Together with CpG, we used endotoxin‐free Fel d 1 as therapeutic allergen throughout the study in a BALB/c model of allergy to Fel d 1, thus mimicking the conditions of human AIT trials. Multidimensional immune phenotyping including mass cytometry (CyTOF) was applied to analyze AIT‐specific immune signatures.

Results

We show that AIT with high‐dose CpG in combination with endotoxin‐free Fel d 1 reverts all major hallmarks of allergy. High‐dimensional CyTOF analysis of the immune cell signatures initiating and sustaining the AIT effect indicates the simultaneous engagement of both, the pDC‐Treg and B‐cell axis, with the emergence of a systemic GATA3+ FoxP3hi biTreg population. The regulatory immune signature also suggests the involvement of the anti‐inflammatory TNF/TNFR2 signaling cascade in NK and B cells at an early stage and in Tregs later during AIT.

Conclusion

Our results highlight the potential of CpG adjuvant in a novel formulation to be further exploited for inducing allergen‐specific tolerance in patients with cat allergy or other allergic diseases.
Near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT) on cholangiocarcinoma using a novel catheter device with light emitting diodes
Authors: Hirata Hajime , Kuwatani Masaki , Nakajima Kohei , Kodama Yuki , Yoshikawa Yasuo , Ogawa Mikako , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: December 2020

Near‐infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR‐PIT) is a novel therapy for cancers that uses NIR light and antibody‐photosensitizer (IR700) conjugates. However, it is difficult to deliver NIR light into the bile duct for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) from the conventional extracorporeal apparatus. Thus, in this study, we developed a dedicated catheter with light emitting diodes (LEDs) that supersedes conventional external irradiation devices; we investigated the therapeutic effect of NIR‐PIT for CCA using the novel catheter. The new catheter was designed to be placed in the bile duct and a temperature sensor was attached to the tip of the catheter to avoid thermal burn. An anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, Panitumumab‐IR700 conjugate or anti‐human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (HER2) antibody, Trastuzumab‐IR700 conjugate, was used with EGFR‐ or HER2‐expressing cell lines, respectively. The in vitro efficacy of NIR‐PIT was confirmed in cultured cells; the capability of the new catheter for NIR‐PIT was then tested in a mouse tumor model. NIR‐PIT via the developed catheter treated CCA xenografts in mice. NIR‐PIT had an effect in Panitumumab‐IR700 conjugate‐ and Trastuzumab‐IR700 conjugate‐treated CCA cells that depended on the receptor expression level. Tumor growth was significantly suppressed in mice treated with NIR‐PIT using the novel catheter compared with controls (P < .01). NIR‐PIT was an effective treatment for EGFR‐ and HER2‐expressing CCA cells, and the novel catheter with mounted LEDs was useful for NIR‐PIT of CCA.
Treatment with an Angiopoietin‐1 mimetic peptide promotes neurological recovery after stroke in diabetic rats
Authors: Venkat Poornima , Ning Ruizhuo , Zacharek Alex , Culmone Lauren , Liang Linlin , Landschoot‐Ward Julie , Chopp Michael
Published: December 2020

Aim

Vasculotide (VT), an angiopoietin‐1 mimetic peptide, exerts neuroprotective effects in type one diabetic (T1DM) rats subjected to ischemic stroke. In this study, we investigated whether delayed VT treatment improves long‐term neurological outcome after stroke in T1DM rats.

Methods

Male Wistar rats were induced with T1DM, subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo) model of stroke, and treated with PBS (control), 2 µg/kg VT, 3 µg/kg VT, or 5.5 µg/kg VT. VT treatment was initiated at 24 h after stroke and administered daily (i.p) for 14 days. We evaluated neurological function, lesion volume, vascular and white matter remodeling, and inflammation in the ischemic brain. In vitro, we evaluated the effects of VT on endothelial cell capillary tube formation and inflammatory responses of primary cortical neurons (PCN) and macrophages.

Results

Treatment of T1DM‐stroke with 3 µg/kg VT but not 2 µg/kg or 5.5 µg/kg significantly improves neurological function and decreases infarct volume and cell death compared to control T1DM‐stroke rats. Thus, 3 µg/kg VT dose was employed in all subsequent in vivo analysis. VT treatment significantly increases axon and myelin density, decreases demyelination, decreases white matter injury, increases number of oligodendrocytes, and increases vascular density in the ischemic border zone of T1DM stroke rats. VT treatment significantly decreases MMP9 expression and decreases the number of M1 macrophages in the ischemic brain of T1DM‐stroke rats. In vitro, VT treatment significantly decreases endothelial cell death and decreases MCP‐1, endothelin‐1, and VEGF expression under high glucose (HG) and ischemic conditions and significantly increases capillary tube formation under HG conditions when compared to non‐treated control group. VT treatment significantly decreases inflammatory factor expression such as MMP9 and MCP‐1 in macrophages subjected to LPS activation and significantly decreases IL‐1β and MMP9 expression in PCN subjected to ischemia under HG conditions.

Conclusion

Delayed VT treatment (24 h after stroke) significantly improves neurological function, promotes vascular and white matter remodeling, and decreases inflammation in the ischemic brain after stroke in T1DM rats.
Agricultural soils: A sink or source of methane across the British Isles?
Authors: Cowan Nicholas , Maire Juliette , Krol Dominika , Cloy Joanna M. , Hargreaves Paul , Murphy Rachael , Carswell Alison , Jones Stephanie K. , Hinton Nicola , Anderson Margaret , Famulari Daniela , Bell Madeleine J. , Stack Philip , Levy Peter , Skiba Ute , Drewer Julia
Published: December 2020

This study summarizes a large diverse dataset of methane (CH4) fluxes measured from agricultural sites across the British Isles. A total of 53,976 manual static chamber measurements from 27 different sites were investigated to determine the magnitude of CH4 fluxes from a variety of agricultural fields across the UK and Ireland. Our study shows that contrary to some studies, agricultural soils (both arable and grassland) are small net emitters of CH4 rather than sinks. Mean fluxes measured from arable and grassland sites (excluding fertiliser and tillage events) were 0.11 ± 0.06 and 0.19 ± 0.09 nmol m−2 s−1, respectively, and were not found to be significantly different (Welch t‐test, p = 0.17). Using the values reported in this study, we estimate that an annual emission of 0.16 and 0.09 Mt of CO2‐eq is expected from arable and grassland agricultural soils in the UK and Ireland (comparable to 0.3 and 0.7% of the current annual CH4 emission inventories, respectively). Where CH4 uptake occurs in soils, it is negligible compared to expected emissions of the application of animal manures and tillage events, which were both found to significantly increase CH4 emissions in the immediate few days to months after events. Our study highlights that there are significant differences in CH4 uptake and emissions between sites, and that these differences are partially the result of the moisture content of the soil (i.e., the aerobic status of the soil). We expect uptake of CH4 to be more prevalent in drier soils where volumetric water content does not exceed 35% and emissions to be exponentially greater where agricultural fields become waterlogged.

Highlights

This study investigated 53,976 CH4 flux measurements from 27 sites across the UK

Our study shows both arable and grassland soils are small net emitters of CH4

We estimate annual CH4 emissions of 0.16 Mt of CO2‐eq from agricultural soils in the UK

We estimate annual CH4 emissions of 0.09 Mt of CO2‐eq from agricultural soils in Ireland
Non‐banked curved tracks influence movement symmetry in two‐year‐old Standardbred trotters
Authors: Kallerud Anne S. , Hernlund Elin , Byström Anna , Persson‐Sjodin Emma , Rhodin Marie , Hendrickson Eli H.S. , Fjordbakk Cathrine T.
Published: December 2020

Background

Little is known regarding how trotting through curves affects locomotion symmetry in Standardbred trotters.

Objectives

To investigate differences in objectively measured Standardbred trotter vertical motion symmetry between straight and non‐banked, curved sections of oval trotting tracks during exercise warm‐up, using a wireless inertial measurement unit (IMU) system.

Study design

Cross‐sectional, observational study.

Methods

Sixteen horses were included. Mixed models were used to assess associations between symmetry, track segment (straight vs curve) and stride duration.

Results

Significant results for forelimb parameters were dependent on interactions between track segments and stride duration. At mean stride duration (0.611 second), during the curved track segment horses showed a lower maximum vertical position of the head after push‐off of the outside forelimb (estimate −2.3 mm, P < 0.0001, 95% CI −1.7 to −2.9) and higher minimum vertical position of the head during stance of the outside forelimb (estimate −1.8 mm, P < 0.0001, 95% CI −1.2 to −2.5) compared to straight track, mimicking outside forelimb impact and push‐off asymmetry during track curves. For hindlimb parameters, during the curve there was a decreased downward motion of the pelvis during outer hindlimb stance (estimate−0.7 mm, P < 0.0001, 95% CI −0.4 to −1.0), mimicking outside hindlimb impact asymmetry.

Main limitations

Horses were evaluated going in one direction only on the track (clockwise).

Conclusions

Systematic differences between straight and curved track segments were found but did not fully correspond to previously described findings for horses lunged in circles. Effect sizes were overall small. Data in our study were collected from horses trotting on 1000 m tracks with curve radii of 80‐85 m. On non‐banked tracks of this size, collecting IMU symmetry data at jogging speeds without distinguishing between straight and curved parts is unlikely to adversely affect clinical decision‐making.
Cervical pregnancy management: An updated stepwise approach and algorithm
Authors: Albahlol Ibrahim A.
Published: December 2020

The aim of this short review was to present and categorizes most of updated successful interventions for cervical pregnancy (CP) management in a simple designed easily recognized diagram together with a proposed algorithm of these interventions beside author clinical experience. A comprehensive literature search was carried out in the following electronic databases, PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals and Cochrane electronic databases. Keywords including cervical ectopic pregnancy, medical treatment, conservative management, successful interventions, uterine artery embolization and hysteroscopy were used to search these various databases. There are different successful CP management interventions reported in the literature varied from simple to complex regimens according to the patient situation, obstetrician experience and availability of health services. These approaches were categorized in a stepwise diagram and a proposed algorithm. Up till now, there is no consensus regarding the optimal CP management. To the best of knowledge, this review was unprecedented in organizing and categorizing the different successful CP management interventions. The proposed currently undertaken stepwise approach diagram and algorithm highlights the rapidly changing management of CP and open the door for further meta‐analysis.
Impact of flow and temperature on non‐dyspnoeic dogs' tolerance undergoing high‐flow oxygen therapy
Authors: Harduin C. , Allaouchiche B. , Nègre J. , Goy‐Thollot I. , Barthélemy A. , Fougeray A. , Baudin F. , Bonnet‐Garin J. M. , Pouzot‐Nevoret C.
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To prospectively describe the impact of gas flow rate and temperature on dog's tolerance of high‐flow nasal oxygen therapy during recovery from anaesthesia, hypothesizing that higher flow rates and temperatures will decrease tolerance.

Materials and Methods

Twelve non‐dyspnoeic client‐owned dogs recovering from general anaesthesia were included in this study. After extubation, a nasal cannula was positioned and high‐flow nasal oxygen therapy was initiated. Two flow rates (two or four time the theoretical minute ventilation: HF2 and HF4), each of them combined with two temperatures (31 and 37°C: T31 and T37), were randomly applied (four conditions per dog). For each condition, cardiovascular and respiratory parameters (heart rate, respiratory rate, systolic arterial blood pressure and pulse oximeter oxygen saturation), sedation score and tolerance score were recorded at initiation (T0) and after 10 minutes of accommodation (T10).

Results

Sedation scores were not significantly different between the four conditions. Cardiovascular and respiratory parameters were not significantly different between any condition at both T0 and T10. Tolerance scores were good and not significantly different between any flow rate or temperature (HF2‐T31: 4 (2‐4), HF4‐T31: 4 (2‐4), HF2‐T37: 4 (2‐4), HF4‐T37: 4 (1‐4)).

Clinical Significance

The gas flow rates and temperatures studied have no impact on tolerance during the recovery period of non‐dyspnoeic dogs, and high‐flow nasal cannula is well tolerated. Further studies are required to confirm these results in dyspnoeic dogs.
The sudden stops of debt‐led capital inflows, credit crunch, and exchange rate regimes
Authors: Guo Feng , Li Jie , Li Ming
Published: December 2020

Based on the data of 70 developing countries during 1970–2015, we empirically study the relationship between international capital flows and domestic credit. We find that the sudden stop of debt‐led net capital inflows is significantly associated with a domestic credit crunch in developing countries. Moreover, we use the method of event analysis to discover that a flexible exchange rate regime offsets the severity of the credit crunch. These empirical findings are robust to different measures of sudden stops and endogeneity tests.
El dilema de la ética del revisor fiscal que actúa bajo contrato laboral: El caso colombiano
Authors: Olaya Martha , Ortíz Olson
Published: December 2020

El propósito de este artículo es analizar esa delgada línea que limita el cumplimiento de los principios básicos de la ética profesional del contador público que trabaja bajo la figura del revisor fiscal, conforme a lo establecido en el artículo 37 de la Ley 43 de 1990 y el artículo 211 del Código de Comercio de Colombia, en concordancia con el artículo 41 de la Ley 43 de 1990 y el Código de Ética para Profesionales de la Contabilidad emitido por la Federación Internacional de Contadores; más específicamente, en relación con el principio de independencia que está desfigurado por los efectos del tipo de contrato de trabajo por el cual está vinculado a las empresas donde presta sus servicios profesionales. La gestión correcta de esta relación laboral muestra que el contador público sigue estando facultado para cumplir con la ley para dar fe pública; o que, por el contrario, está deshabilitado por la dependencia mental que impide que su trabajo se realice con la objetividad que establecen las normas que rigen la profesión.