bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective action in the Anti‐Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement in Hong Kong: Two integrative group identification models
Authors: Zhu Alex Yue Feng , Chou Kee Lee
Published: August 2021

The social identity model of collective action (SIMCA) is frequently used to explain collection action. This study conceptualized group identification as identification with militant protestors and tested two versions of the SIMCA model with cross‐sectional data collected toward the end of the anti‐extradition bill movement in Hong Kong. The first model incorporates democratic ideology as the mediator and hypothesizes that instrumental, emotional, and ideological paths explain the effect of identification with militant protestors on objectively measured collective action. The second model sets democratic ideology as the antecedent and describes a process whereby a democratic ideology independently and directly influences the same three paths and thus the collective action or else influences the collective action by developing identification with the militant protestors. The results support the validity of both these models, while the model‐data fitness is slightly better, and a slightly higher variance of collective action is explained with the second model.
The role of metacognitive competences in the development of school achievement among gifted adolescents
Authors: Tibken Catharina , Richter Tobias , von der Linden Nicole , Schmiedeler Sandra , Schneider Wolfgang
Published: August 2021

Gifted underachievers perform worse in school than would be expected based on their high intelligence. Possible causes for underachievement are low motivational dispositions (need for cognition) and metacognitive competences. This study tested the interplay of these variables longitudinally with gifted and non‐gifted students from Germany (N = 341, 137 females) in Grades 6 (M = 12.02 years at t1) and 8 (M = 14.07 years). Declarative and procedural metacognitive competences were assessed in the domain of reading comprehension. Path analyses showed incremental effects of procedural metacognition over and above intelligence on the development of school achievement in gifted students (β = .139). Moreover, declarative metacognition and need for cognition interactively predicted procedural metacognition (β = .169), which mediated their effect on school achievement.
Effect of interdental cleaning devices on proximal caries
Authors: Kim Seon‐Jip , Lee Jae‐Young , Kim Se‐Hee , Cho Hyun‐Jae
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To estimate the association between the use of interdental cleaning devices and proximal caries experience.

Methods

This study used a cross‐sectional data from the Sixth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013‐2015). A total of 13 525 adults aged 19‐64 years who participated in both the nutrition survey and the health examination survey were included. Data on sociodemographic factors (age and sex), socioeconomic factors (level of education and household income) and personal health practices (frequency of toothbrushing, visits to dental clinic, frequency of snacking and self‐rated oral health status), and number of proximal caries were collected. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using the multivariable Poisson generalized linear model according to use of dental floss or an interdental brush. The risk of proximal caries for dental floss following the stratification of participants into various subgroups related to oral health was assessed.

Results

While nonflossers had 1.46 times (PR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.16‐1.84) higher risk for proximal caries than flossers, the use of an interdental brush was not associated with proximal caries. In the nonflossers, the association for proximal caries was the strongest in those in their 40s (PR 2.28, 95% CI: 1.29‐4.03), followed by those in their 30s (PR 1.85, 95% CI: 1.18‐2.90). Although nonflossers with middle‐low household income had a 59% higher risk (PR 1.59, 95% CI: 1.24‐2.03) for proximal caries than those with high household income, there were no significant differences in household income in flossers.

Conclusions

The findings of the study suggest that flossing at home along with toothbrushing is one of the easiest ways to prevent proximal caries. Therefore, dental floss should not be excluded from oral healthcare products.
Effects of daily administration of melatonin before bedtime on fasting insulin, glucose and insulin sensitivity in healthy adults and patients with metabolic diseases. A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Lauritzen Esben S. , Kampmann Ulla , Smedegaard Stine B. , Støy Julie
Published: August 2021

Background

Melatonin is increasingly used as a pharmacological sleep aid but it is also emerging as a regulator of glucose homoeostasis. Yet, previous research has been ambiguous with reports of both positive and negative effects of melatonin on glucose metabolism.

Objectives

To assess the effect of daily treatment with melatonin on fasting glucose, insulin, insulin sensitivity and haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels.

Data Sources

MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, clinicaltrials.gov and clinicaltrialsregister.eu were systematically searched.

Eligibility Criteria, Participants and Interventions

All randomized, placebo‐controlled studies with melatonin treatment were assessed. We included studies with daily melatonin treatment (≥2 weeks) of healthy adults or patients with metabolic diseases.

Methods

Hedges' g differences were calculated for the metabolic parameters of the included studies, heterogeneity was assessed with χ2 and I2 tests and meta‐analyses were performed with the random‐effects model.

Results

Long‐term treatment with melatonin did not change fasting glucose significantly compared with placebo (g: −0.07 [−0.22 to 0.08], n = 603) but it reduced fasting insulin levels slightly (g: −0.27 [−0.50 to −0.04], n = 278) and trended towards reduced insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) (g: −0.20 [−0.44 to 0.03], n = 278). HbA1c levels were largely unaffected by melatonin treatment compared with placebo (g: 0.14 [−0.19 to 0.46], n = 142).

Conclusions

With the available literature, melatonin seems to be a glucose‐metabolic safe sleep aid in patients with metabolic diseases and in healthy adults. It may even have beneficial glucose‐metabolic effects as fasting insulin levels were reduced in this meta‐analysis, but the confidence intervals of the meta‐analyses are wide, underscoring the need for further research within this field.
Decomposing multiple β‐diversity reveals non‐random assembly of the waterbird communities across anthropogenic subsidence wetlands
Authors: Li Chunlin , Wang Xue , Zhang Baowei , Cui Peng , Feng Gang , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: August 2021

Aim

Understanding how biotic communities are spatially distributed is essential for biodiversity conservation in human‐modified landscapes. The large‐scale subsidence wetlands generated by underground coal mining in China have been increasingly used by large numbers of waterbirds, which remain understudied. We aimed to explore the role of non‐random assembly in shaping the regional waterbird diversity in non‐breeding seasons, providing insights for the conservation.

Location

The North China Plain.

Methods

Taxonomic β‐diversity and functional β‐diversity (both multiple‐site and pairwise) of the waterbird communities were quantified and decomposed into turnover (i.e. species replacement) and nestedness components (i.e. the poorer sites being subsets of the richer sites). Observed functional α‐diversity and pairwise β‐diversity, as well as the two components, were compared with simulated means under random assembly processes in null models, which maintained the species richness, pairwise taxonomic dissimilarity, and its turnover and nestedness components as the observed.

Results

The communities exhibited similar multiple‐site taxonomic and functional β‐diversity, which were primarily contributed by taxonomic and functional turnover, respectively. The pairwise functional β‐diversity, as well as its turnover and nestedness components, was positively correlated with their taxonomic counterparts. The pairwise functional β‐diversity was higher than the taxonomic β‐diversity, with the former mainly reflecting nestedness of functional strategies and the latter reflecting species replacement. The observed functional α‐diversities in most communities were lower, and most of the observed pairwise functional β‐diversities were higher than the simulated means in null models.

Main conclusions

The above patterns suggest the existence of non‐random assembly of the waterbird communities across the subsidence wetlands. To protect waterbirds in the subsidence wetlands, we suggest that most wetlands should be protected via increasing habitat diversity. Furthermore, considering the changing environmental conditions, changes in the multiple biodiversity metrics should be monitored to inform the ongoing management plans.
A full year of the COVID‐19 pandemic with two infection waves and its impact on ischemic stroke patient care in Germany
Authors: Richter Daniel , Eyding Jens , Weber Ralph , Bartig Dirk , Grau Armin , Hacke Werner , Krogias Christos
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

Many countries worldwide, including Germany, reported that the first wave of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic in early 2020 influenced the care of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients, but data are lacking for further pandemic wave periods.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide, retrospective, cross‐sectional study of all hospitalized patients with the main diagnosis of AIS in 2019 and 2020. Primary outcomes were the number of hospitalizations for AIS, the application of stroke unit care, intravenous thrombolysis (IVT), and mechanical thrombectomy (MT), as well as the in‐hospital mortality during the different pandemic periods in 2020 compared to the corresponding periods in 2019. Secondarily, we analyzed differences in outcomes between patients with and without concurrent COVID‐19.

Results

We included 429,841 cases with AIS, of which 1268 had concurrent COVID‐19. Hospitalizations for AIS declined during both pandemic wave periods in 2020 (first wave: −10.9%, second wave: −4.6%). MT rates were consistently higher throughout 2020 compared to 2019, whereas the IVT rate dropped during the second wave period (16.0% vs. 17.0%, p < 0.001). AIS patients with concurrent COVID‐19 frequently received recanalization treatments, with an overall MT rate of 8.4% and IVT rate of 15.9%. The in‐hospital mortality was high (22.8% vs. 7.5% in noninfected AIS patients, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate a smaller decline in hospitalizations for AIS in the more severe second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. AIS patients with and without concurrent COVID‐19 who did seek acute care continued to receive recanalization treatments in Germany.
Dolutegravir in the long term in children and adolescents: frequent virological failure but rare acquired genotypic resistance
Authors: Frange Pierre , Blanche Stephane , Veber Florence , Avettand‐Fenoel Veronique
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Although widely recommended, data about dolutegravir efficacy in HIV‐1‐infected children/adolescents are scarce, limited to short‐term follow‐up and mainly extrapolated from studies in adults with good adherence to treatment. This study aimed to provide long‐term data about the risk of virological failure (VF) and acquired genotypic resistance in children and adolescents receiving dolutegravir.

Methods

This retrospective monocentric study included 134 paediatric patients who received a dolutegravir‐based regimen for ≥ 12 months in 2014–2020. Virological failure was defined as not achieving a plasma viral load (pVL) < 50 copies/mL within 3 months of dolutegravir initiation or as experiencing virological rebound ≥ 50 copies/mL.

Results

Most of the subjects were antiretroviral therapy‐experienced (90.3%), naïve from integrase inhibitors (90.3%) and displayed virological suppression at baseline (63.4%). Their median (interquartile range, IQR) age was 12.0 (8.0–15.8) years. Genotypic susceptibility score of the new regimen was ≥ 2 in 96% of cases. Median (IQR) follow‐up was 34 (22–50) months. Virological failure occurred in 43 people (32.1%), more frequently where the baseline pVL was ≥ 50 copies/mL (67.4% vs. 22.0%, P < 0.01). M184V/I mutations in the reverse transcriptase gene were newly detected in three people with VF. Resistance to dolutegravir (mutations G118R and E138A in the integrase gene) emerged in one adolescent (0.7% of subjects, 2.3% of those with VF).

Conclusions

Whereas VF is relatively common on dolutegravir in the paediatric population, regimens associating dolutegravir with more than one fully active drug were associated with a low rate of emergent drug resistance. This result strengthens the recommendation of dolutegravir as part of preferred combinations in children/adolescents.
An analysis of the diagnostic accuracy and peer‐to‐peer health information provided on online health forums for heart failure
Authors: Farnood Annabel , Johnston Bridget , Mair Frances S.
Published: August 2021

Aims

To examine the accuracy of diagnostic responses and types of information provided on online health forums.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

This paper reports the findings of a thematic analysis of peer responses to posts included on heart failure online health forums, to understand the quality and types of information provided. Responses posted between March 2016 and March 2019 were screened, collected and analysed thematically using Braun & Clarke. Themes were conceptually underpinned by Normalization Process Theory. Responses were assessed for quality against the NICE and SIGN guidelines to determine whether they were evidence based or not.

Results

The total number of responses collected for analysis was 639. Five main themes were identified: diagnostic, experiential, informational, peer relations and relationships with healthcare professionals. Out of 298 diagnostic responses, 5% were guideline evidence‐based and 6% had information that were partly evidence‐based. Non‐evidence based and potentially dangerous responses were 10%. Experiential responses were 10%; 23% included advice that was not supported with any clinical evidence; and 46% signposted users to other online references/healthcare professionals.

Conclusion

Online health communication largely focuses on provision of experiential responses to assist those in need of pre‐ or post‐diagnosis advice and support. However, there is evidence of inaccurate information provision which suggests the use of a moderator would be beneficial.

Impact

This study suggests heart failure online health forums are a source of support, however, there are potential risks. Increasing nurses and other health care professional's awareness of online health forums will be important. Additional training is needed to help them learn more about patient's use of online health forums, to gain a better understanding about the types of information sought, and how best to address such knowledge deficits. Healthcare systems must ensure sufficient time and resources are available to meet information needs for people with heart failure.
Social class and wellbeing among staff and students in higher education settings: Mapping the problem and exploring underlying mechanisms
Authors: Dougall Isla , Weick Mario , Vasiljevic Milica
Published: August 2021

Within Higher Education (HE), staff and students from lower social class backgrounds often experience poorer wellbeing than their higher social class counterparts. Previous research conducted outside educational contexts has linked social class differences in wellbeing with differences in the extent to which low and high social class individuals feel respected (i.e., status), in control (i.e., autonomy), and connected with others (i.e., inclusion). However, to our knowledge, there has been no research that has investigated these psychosocial needs within HE settings. Furthermore, inclusion, status and autonomy are correlated, yet little is known about how these psychosocial needs contribute to wellbeing simultaneously, and independently, of one another. To fill these gaps, we report the results of two studies; firstly with HE students (Study 1; N = 305), and secondly with HE staff (Study 2; N = 261). Consistently across studies, reports of poor wellbeing were relatively common and more than twice as prevalent amongst lower social class staff and students compared to higher social class staff and students. Inclusion, status and autonomy each made a unique contribution and accounted for the relationship between social class and wellbeing (fully amongst students, and partially amongst staff members). These relationships held across various operationalizations of social class and when examining a range of facets of wellbeing. Social class along with inclusion, status and autonomy explained a substantial 40% of the variance in wellbeing. The present research contributes to the literature exploring how social class intersects with psychosocial needs to impact the wellbeing of staff and students within HE.
Long non‐coding RNA TMPO‐AS1 facilitates the progression of colorectal cancer cells via sponging miR‐98‐5p to upregulate BCAT1 expression
Authors: Ye Jinjun , Yan Yukuang , Xin Le , Liu Jidong , Tang Tao , Bao Xing
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

Colorectal cancer, as a common malignant carcinoma in the gastrointestinal tract, has a high mortality globally. However, the specific molecular mechanisms of long non‐coding RNA (lncRNA) thymopoietin antisense transcript 1 (TMPO‐AS1) in colorectal cancer were unclear.

Methods

We tested the expression level of TMPO‐AS1 via qRT‐PCR in colorectal cancer cells, while the protein levels of branched chain amino acid transaminase 1 (BCAT1) and the stemness‐related proteins were evaluated by western blot analysis. Colony formation, EdU staining, TUNEL, flow cytometry, and sphere formation assays were to assess the biological behaviors of colorectal cancer cells. Then, luciferase reporter, RIP, and RNA pull down assay were applied for confirming the combination between microRNA‐98‐5p (miR‐98‐5p) and TMPO‐AS1/BCAT1.

Results

TMPO‐AS1 was aberrantly expressed at high levels in colorectal cancer cells. Silenced TMPO‐AS1 restrained cell proliferation and stemness and promoted apoptosis oppositely, while overexpressing TMPO‐AS1 exerted the adverse effects. Furthermore, miR‐98‐5p was proven to a target of TMPO‐AS1 inhibit cell progression in colorectal cancer. Additionally, BCAT1 was proved to enhance cell progression as the target of miR‐98‐5p, and it offset the effect of silenced TMPO‐AS1 on colorectal cancer cells.

Conclusion

TMPO‐AS1 promotes the progression of colorectal cancer cells via sponging miR‐98‐5p to upregulate BCAT1 expression.
Drainage of pancreatic fluid collections using a lumen‐apposing metal stent with an electrocautery‐enhanced delivery system
Authors: Khan Saad , Chandran Sujievvan , Chin Jerry , Karim Shwan , Mangira Dileep , Nasr Mohamad , Ermerak Goktug , Trinh Andrew , Kia Christopher Y H , Mules Thomas , Zad Mohammadali , Ang Tiing Leong , Johns Estella , Tee Derrick , Kaul Abha , Ratanachu‐Ek Thawee , Jirathan‐Opas Jirat , Fisher Leon , Cameron Rees , Welch Christine , Lim Gary , Metz Andrew J , Moss Alan , Bassan Milan , Saxena Payal , Kaffes Arthur , St John Andrew , Hourigan Luke F , Tagkalidis Peter , Weilert Frank , Vaughan Rhys , Devereaux Benedict
Published: August 2021

Background and Aim

Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a lumen‐apposing metal stent with an electrocautery‐enhanced delivery system (EDS‐LAMS) for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)‐guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) in regular clinical practice.

Methods

A retrospective and subsequent prospective analysis was undertaken of all patients who underwent EUS‐guided drainage of their PFCs using the EDS‐LAMS at 17 tertiary therapeutic endoscopy centers.

Results

Two hundred eight cases of EDS‐LAMS deployment were attempted in 202 patients (mean age 52.9 years) at time of evaluation. Ninety‐seven patients had pancreatic pseudocysts (PPs), 75 walled‐off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN), 10 acute peripancreatic fluid collections (APFCs), 6 acute necrotic collections (ANCs), and 14 postoperative collections (POCs). Procedural technical success was achieved in 202/208 cases (97.1%). Maldeployment occurred in 7/208 cases (3.4%). Clinical success was achieved in 142/160 (88.8%) patients (PP 90%, WOPN 85.2%, APFC 100%, ANC 75%, POC 100%). Delayed adverse events included stent migration in 15/202 (7.4%), stent occlusion and infection in 16/202 (7.9%), major bleeding in 4/202 (2%), and buried EDS‐LAMS in 2/202 (1%). PFC recurrence occurred in 13/142 (9.2%) patients; 9/202 (4.5%) required surgical or radiological intervention for PFC management after EDS‐LAMS insertion.

Conclusions

This large international multicenter study evaluating the EDS‐LAMS for drainage of PFCs in routine clinical practice suggests that the EDS‐LAMS are safe and effective for drainage of all types of PFCs; however, further endoscopic therapy is often required for WOPN. Major bleeding was a rare complication in our cohort.
A framework to analyze the dynamics of the socioeconomic metabolism of countries: A Portuguese case study
Authors: Cunha Sónia , Ferrão Paulo
Published: August 2021

Socioeconomic metabolism dynamics are relevant to identify (un)sustainable development pathways in different economies, particularly if the evolution of resource productivity of critical economic sectors can be quantified. This paper offers a four‐step methodological framework to quantify these dynamics for an economy in a way that can be replicated for a series of years and countries. This methodological framework is based on the compilation of economic and physical flows in the form of input‐output tables in a time series, making use of publicly available data. The data download and processing were automatized using Python, creating an expedited analysis process. The results characterize the flows through and within a country and allow the user to identify structural changes in the economy by tracking both monetary and physical flows for 17 material groups and up to 37 economic sectors. The application of the methodological framework is illustrated in a case study covering the 2008 economic crisis in Portugal, in which the socioeconomic metabolism, the underlying structural changes, and the corresponding environmental impacts are characterized. The use of this information for the design of decoupling policies is discussed, in view of promoting sustainable dematerialization during periods of economic prosperity.
A survey study of the attitudes and experiences of adults with intellectual disability regarding participation in research
Authors: Conroy N. E. , McDonald K. E. , Olick R. S. ,   The Project ETHICS Expert Panel Members
Published: August 2021

Background

Historically, people with intellectual disability have been exploited in and excluded from scientific research. To facilitate greater representation of adults with intellectual disability as research respondents, we sought to understand their interest in research participation and factors affecting their willingness to volunteer to participate, such as the core value of trust.

Methods

Our survey measured attitudes of adults with intellectual disability towards research in general and research specifically involving adults with intellectual disability as respondents, as well as their prior research experiences, trust of researchers and interest in future research participation.

Results

Participants reported positive attitudes towards research and strong interest in future participation opportunities, and trust of researchers was positively correlated to both. The belief that ‘research about adults with intellectual disability is very important’ also predicted participants' interest in future research participation.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that adults with intellectual disability support the direct involvement of adults with intellectual disability in research as respondents. Trustworthy rapport with researchers and positive views about research foster greater inclusion of this population.
Thioredoxin interacting protein drives astrocytic glucose hypometabolism in corticosterone‐induced depressive state
Authors: Pan Shu‐Man , Pan Ying , Tang Ya‐Li , Zuo Na , Zhang Yan‐Xiu , Jia Ke‐Ke , Kong Ling‐Dong
Published: August 2021

Brain energetics disturbance is a hypothesized cause of depression. Glucose is the predominant fuel of brain energy metabolism; however, the cell‐specific change of glucose metabolism and underlying molecular mechanism in depression remains unclear. In this study, we firstly applied 18F‐FDG PET and observed brain glucose hypometabolism in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of corticosterone‐induced depression of rats. Next, astrocytic glucose hypometabolism was identified in PFC slices in both corticosterone‐induced depression of rats and cultured primary astrocytes from newborn rat PFC after stress‐level corticosterone (100 nM) stimulation. Furthermore, we found the blockage of glucose uptake and the decrease of plasma membrane (PM) translocation of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) in astrocytic glucose hypometabolism under depressive condition. Interestingly, thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), a glucose metabolism sensor and controller, was found to be over‐expressed in corticosterone‐stimulated astrocytes in vivo and in vitro. High TXNIP level could restrict GLUT1‐mediated glucose uptake in primary astrocytes in vitro. Adeno‐associated virus vector‐mediated astrocytic TXNIP over‐expression in rat medial PFC suppressed GLUT1 PM translocation, consequently developed depressive‐like behavior. Conversely, TXNIP siRNA facilitated GLUT1 PM translocation to recover glucose hypometabolism in corticosterone‐exposed cultured astrocytes. Notably, astrocyte‐specific knockdown of TXNIP in medial PFC of rats facilitated astrocytic GLUT1 PM translocation, showing obvious antidepressant activity. These findings provide a new astrocytic energetic perspective in the pathogenesis of depression and, more importantly, provide TXNIP as a promising molecular target for novel depression therapy.

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Experiences and perceptions of stroke patients living with dysphagia: A qualitative meta‐synthesis
Authors: Li Chen , Qiu Chunmei , Shi Ying , Yang Tao , Shao Xinmei , Zheng Dongxiang
Published: August 2021

Aims

To systematically review and synthesise the findings of qualitative research exploring experiences of dysphagia from stroke patients' perspectives.

Background

Poststroke patients with dysphagia are suffering from impaired physical functions and heavy psychological burden, and they are living with compromised quality of life. Through synthesising qualitative studies to fully portrait the experiences of poststroke patients living with dysphagia, we can care better for this population.

Design

A systematic review and synthesis of qualitative studies reported by following ENTREQ.

Review Methods

Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library) and three Chinese databases (CNKI, VIP and Wanfang) were searched from inception until January 2021. Qualitative studies were included if they were related to the experiences of poststroke patients with dysphagia. The Joanna Briggs Institute Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument (JBI‐QARI) was used to appraise study quality. Data were synthesised using the Thomas and Harden method thematic and content analysis.

Results

Five studies were included in the meta‐synthesis. Four analytical themes were identified: life changes after dysphagia, coping with social events, rebuilding a normal life and limited professional services.

Conclusions

More attention should be given to psychological health and social interaction in poststroke dysphagia patients. Healthcare professionals, especially nurses, should make joint efforts to provide patients with dysphagia‐related knowledge and long‐term individualised support. To improve the quality of life of dysphagia patients, further research should implement high‐quality interventions based on dysphagia experience and clinical treatment.

Relevance to clinical practice

These findings outline the changes in poststroke patients with dysphagia. Nurses as the first‐line force, should deliver comprehensive and individualised intervention for managing physiological and psychosocial symptoms of patients.
Valuing Private Equity Investments Strip by Strip
Authors: GUPTA ARPIT , VAN NIEUWERBURGH STIJN
Published: August 2021

We propose a new valuation method for private equity (PE) investments. It constructs a replicating portfolio using cash flows on listed equity and fixed‐income instruments (strips). It then values the strips using an asset pricing model that captures the risk in the cross‐section of bonds and equity factors. The method delivers a risk‐adjusted profit on each PE investment and a time series for the expected return on each fund category. We find negative risk‐adjusted profits for the average PE fund, with substantial heterogeneity and some persistence in the performance. Expected returns and risk‐adjusted profit decline in the later part of the sample.
International trade and Covid‐19: City‐level evidence from China's lockdown policy
Authors: Pei Jiansuo , de Vries Gaaitzen , Zhang Meng
Published: August 2021

This paper examines the impact of Covid‐19 lockdowns on exports by Chinese cities. We use city‐level export data at a monthly frequency from January 2018 through April 2020. Differences‐in‐differences estimates suggest cities in lockdown experienced a ceteris paribus 34 percentage points reduction in the year‐on‐year growth rate of exports. The lockdown impacted the intensive and extensive margin, with higher exit and lower new entry into foreign markets. The drop in exports was smaller in (i) coastal cities; (ii) cities with better‐developed ICT infrastructure; and (iii) cities with a larger share of potential teleworkers. Time‐sensitive and differentiated goods experienced a more pronounced decline in export growth. Global supply chain characteristics matter, with more upstream products and industries that had accumulated larger inventories experiencing a smaller decline in export growth. Also, products that relied more on imported (domestic) intermediates experienced a sharper (flatter) slowdown in export growth. The rapid recovery in cities' exports after lockdowns were lifted suggests the policy was cost‐effective in terms of its effects on trade.
Phylogenetic insights into chroococcus‐like taxa (Chroococcales, Cyanobacteria), describing Cryptochroococcus tibeticus gen. nov. sp. nov. and Limnococcus fonticola sp. nov. from Qinghai‐Tibet plateau
Authors: Wang Yilang , Jia Nannan , Geng Ruozhen , Yu Gongliang , Li Renhui
Published: August 2021

Several coccoid cyanobacterial strains, morphologically similar to typical characteristics of Chroococcus, from the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau were isolated and characterized using a polyphasic approach including morphological and molecular information. Morphological characteristics, the phylogeny based on 16S rRNA gene, and 16S–23S internal transcribed spacer secondary structures support establishing a novel Chroococcus‐like genus, Cryptochroococcus gen. nov., as well as Limnococcus fonticola sp. nov. Limnococcus is phylogenetically included in Chroococcaceae and has irregularly arranged thylakoids. Therefore, it should no longer be a member of Merismopediaceae (Synechococcales). The phylogeny based on the 16S rRNA gene revealed that Chroococcus‐associated genera were monophyletic.
Clinical characterization of NTCP deficiency in paediatric patients : A case‐control study based on SLC10A1 genotyping analysis
Authors: Deng Li‐Jing , Ouyang Wen‐Xian , Liu Rui , Deng Mei , Qiu Jian‐Wu , Yaqub Muhammad‐Rauf , Raza Muhammad‐Atif , Lin Wei‐Xia , Guo Li , Li Hua , Chen Feng‐Ping , Ouyang Ying , Huang Yu‐Ge , Huang Yue‐Jun , Long Xiao‐Ling , Huang Xiao‐Ling , Li Shuang‐Jie , Song Yuan‐Zong
Published: August 2021

Na+‐taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide deficiency (NTCPD) is a newly described disorder arising from biallelic mutations of the SLC10A1 gene. As a result of a lack of compelling evidence from case‐control studies, its genotypic and phenotypic features remain open for in‐depth investigation. This study aimed to explore the genotypic and clinical phenotypic characteristics of paediatric patients with NTCPD. The SLC10A1 genotypes of all NTCPD patients were confirmed by screening for the prevalent variant c.800C>T and Sanger sequencing when necessary. The clinical presentations and laboratory changes were collected, reviewed and analysed, and then qualitatively and quantitatively compared with the relevant controls. A total of 113 paediatric NTCPD patients were diagnosed while c.374dupG and c.682_683delCT were detected as two novel pathogenic mutations. Hypercholanemia was observed in 99.12% of the patients. Indirect hyperbilirubinemia in affected neonates exhibited higher positive rates in comparison to controls. Moreover, transient cholestatic jaundice, elevated liver enzymes and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (Vit D) deficiency during early infancy were more commonly observed in patients than in controls. All NTCPD patients exhibited favourable clinical outcomes as a result of symptomatic and supportive treatment. The findings enriched the SLC10A1 mutation spectrum and provided comprehensive insights into the phenotypic characteristics of NTCPD. NTCPD should be considered and SLC10A1 gene should be analysed in patients with above age‐dependent clinical features. Furthermore, over investigation and intervention should be avoided in the management of NTCPD patients.
ILK regulates osteogenic differentiation of Human Periodontal Ligament Stem Cells through YAP‐mediated Mechanical Memory
Authors: He Chuan , Wang Tairan , Wang Yijie , Xu Tongtong , Zhao Shuyang , Shi Haoyu , Zou Rui
Published: August 2021

Mechanical memory meant the mechanical properties of the matrix could influence the cell fate even after the matrix was changed and has been justified in many kinds of cells. To utilize the phenomenon to improve periodontal tissue engineering, we studied whether mechanical memory existed in human periodontal ligament stem cells and testified if ILK plays a role in this process. The substrate of different stiffness was fabricated by gelatin methacrylate hydrogel. Two groups of hPDLSCs with stiff (St) and soft (So) matrix, respectively, were cultivated. Then, half of the cells exchanged their matrix stiffness in the fourth passage and therefore So, St, So‐St, and St‐So were formed. Morphology of hPDLSCs and intracellular location of YAP was observed via fluorescence staining, osteogenic differentiation of hPDLSCs was assessed by real‐time PCR, ALP staining, and Western blot. Then, all these were reassessed after the ILK gene had been knocked down. The results showed that morphology and YAP location of hPDLSCs were different between matrix changed and unchanged groups; osteogenic genes expression, ALP staining, and Western blot also varied. After the ILK gene had been knocked down, the YAP location and osteogenic activity of hPDLSCs were significantly influenced. Thus, it could be concluded that mechanical memory exists in hPDLSCs; ILK is involved in this process.
Pricing in Service Systems with Rational Balking and Abandonment of Time‐Sensitive Customers
Authors: Abouee‐Mehrizi Hossein , Ghareaghaji Zare Ata , Konrad Renata A.
Published: August 2021

The current literature on pricing in service systems with time‐sensitive customers predominately ignores the rational abandonment of customers with mixed‐risk attitude. The goal of this study is to address this gap. We consider an unobservable queueing system with a nonlinear waiting cost function, which is concave up to a certain point and then becomes convex, capturing the mixed‐risk attitude of customers observed in empirical studies. We assume that customers are sensitive with respect to waiting time (delay) and strategic regarding their balking and abandonment decisions. We characterize the optimal pricing policy that maximizes the service provider's revenue. We show that the pricing policies studied in the literature, including the joint service and cancellation (entrance) fee policy, are suboptimal and cannot induce the socially optimal behavior. We demonstrate that while the cancellation fee can regulate a customer's balking strategy, the service fee cannot effectively control a customer's abandonment decision. We then provide conditions under which the joint service and cancellation fee policy is optimal. We finally prove that the service provider should compensate customers for their waiting in order to efficiently control the abandonment of customers. We propose a pricing policy, which includes entrance, service, and wait time (delay) fees, that maximizes the provider's revenue. We derive the optimal fees and show that, under the proposed optimal pricing policy, customers pay service and cancellation fees while they are partially compensated for the time spent waiting for service.
The kinetic profile of clinical and laboratory findings and treatment outcome of patients with toxocariasis
Authors: Phuc Le Dinh Vinh , Hai Tang Xuan , Loi Cao Ba , Quang Huynh Hong , Vinh Le Duc , Le Tran‐Anh
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Human toxocariasis is a widespread zoonosis for which a chemotherapy decision and therapy effectiveness are difficult to determine. We aimed to investigate the kinetic profile of clinical and laboratory findings and treatment outcome of patients with toxocariasis in Vietnam.

Methods

The prospective study was conducted between October 2017 and June 2019. The diagnosis of toxocariasis was established based on clinical, laboratory (eosinophilia, raised IgE concentration) and serological (positive Toxocara IgG ELISA) evaluation as well as the exclusion of another helminthic co‐infection. The patients were followed up after seven days, then one, three and six months after chemotherapy by thiabendazole.

Results

The study involved 80 patients with a mean age of 41.6 ± 15.2 years of whom 58.8% were female. At three and six months after chemotherapy, most patients demonstrated resolution of clinical signs and symptoms, eosinophil count and IgE concentration but not in the proportion of IgG seropositivity. Skin lesions and eosinophilia resolved earlier than the other symptoms (one month after treatment). About four‐fifths of the patients were “cured” after three and six months of follow‐up; 33.8% showed side effects to thiabendazole therapy but no severe events were reported. The most common adverse reaction was neurologic symptoms followed by gastrointestinal or skin manifestations which lasted as long as 4 days.

Conclusions

In toxocariasis patients, cutaneous manifestations and eosinophilia resolve more rapidly than other clinical and laboratory findings while IgG titre has a very slow kinetic after therapy. Thiabendazole seems to be a potential alternative for the treatment of human toxocariasis.
The Phyllotis xanthopygus complex (Rodentia, Cricetidae) in central Andes, systematics and description of a new species
Authors: Jayat J. Pablo , Teta Pablo , Ojeda Agustina A. , Steppan Scott J. , Osland Jared M. , Ortiz Pablo E. , Novillo Agustina , Lanzone Cecilia , Ojeda Ricardo A.
Published: August 2021

Phyllotis Waterhouse 1837 is one of the most studied genera of South American cricetid rodents. As currently understood, it includes 20 small to medium‐sized species of predominantly rocky habitats. Among them, populations of the yellow‐rumped leaf‐eared mouse, traditionally referred to P. xanthopygus (Waterhouse 1837), are the most widely distributed, extending from central Peru to southern Chile and Argentina. Based mostly on molecular evidence, previous studies suggested that P. xanthopygus constitutes a species complex, being characterized by geographically structured and genetically divergent clades. In this work, we compare the molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for populations distributed on the eastern slopes of the central Andes with morphometric evidence using univariate and multivariate analyses. Quantitative morphological and molecular evidence suggests that at least four nearly cryptic species of the P. xanthopygus complex occur from southern Bolivia to west‐central Argentina. Three of these taxa have available names; one of them, P. caprinus, is currently recognized to the species level; the other two, the clades of P. x. posticalis‐P. x. rupestris and P. vaccarum, are both recognized as subspecies of P. xanthopygus. The remaining taxon represents a new species distributed in the west‐central Andes of Argentina. We discuss our morphological results in the light of other sources of evidence (e.g. qualitative and quantitative state characters, genetic and phylogenetic studies, and cytogenetic data) and name the new species as P. pehuenche, honouring the original native people that historically inhabited west‐central Andes of Argentina.
Study on the Applicability of URANS, Large Eddy Simulations, and Hybrid Large Eddy Simulations/RANS Models for Prediction of Hydrodynamics of Cyclone Separator
Authors: Jakkala Sai Guruprasad , Vengadesan S.
Published: August 2021

Cyclone separators are an integral part of many industrial processes. A good understanding of the flow features is paramount to efficiently use them. The turbulent fluid flow characteristics are modeled using unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes (URANS), large eddy simulations (LES), and hybrid LES/Reynolds–averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) turbulent models. The hybrid LES/RANS approaches, namely, detached eddy simulation (DES), delayed detached eddy simulation (DDES), and improved delayed detached eddy simulation (IDDES) based on the k−ω SST RANS approaches are explored. The study is carried out for three different inlet velocities (v = 8, 16.1, and 32 m/s). The results from hybrid LES/RANS models are shown to be in good agreement with the experimental data available in the literature. Reduction in computational time and mesh size are the two main benefits of using hybrid LES/RANS models over the traditional LES methods. The Reynolds stresses are observed in order to understand the redistribution of turbulent energy in the flow field. The velocity profiles and vorticity quantities are explored to obtain a better understanding of the behavior of fluid flow in cyclone separators.
High Strain Rate Mechanical Properties of SAC-Q Solder for Extreme Temperatures After Exposure to Isothermal Aging Up to 90 Days
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Mehta Vishal , Suhling Jeff , Blecker Ken
Published: August 2021

Electronic components are subject to high strain, during shock and vibration in many applications such as the automobile and aerospace. In many cases, this kind of electronic components will also be exposed to harsh temperatures of –65 °C to 200 °C. Electronic devices in harsh environments are often subject to strain rates of 1–100 per second. A large number of doped SAC solder alloys have emerged including SAC-Q, SAC-R, Innolot for electronic component interconnection. SAC-Q consists of inclusion of the Bi composition in Sn–Ag–Cu. For maximizing electronic package stability and high temperature storage and strain rates, the mechanical characteristic results and data for lead-free solder alloys are extremely significant. Thermal aging has been previously shown to cause modification of the mechanical properties at low strain rates. High strain-rate SAC-Q solder alloy data are not available for high temperature aging and testing at very low to high operating temperatures. For this analysis, the SAC-Q solder material was measured and analyzed at operating temperatures between –65 °C and 200 °C, at strain rates of up to 75 per second. Comparison with solder material SAC305, which has been tested under similar conditions, has also been made. When tensile experiments were carried out at various working temperatures, specimens for isothermal aging were preserved at 100 °C for up to 90 days after production and reflowing. The stress–strain curves are developed and described in this paper for a wide range of strain rates and test temperatures. Furthermore, the test results and data measured have been matched to the Anand viscoplasticity model and Anand constants have been determined by estimation of the high strain rate behavior measured in the broad range of working temperatures and stress levels.
Figure of Merit-Based Optimization Approach of Phase Change Material-Based Composites for Portable Electronics Using Simplified Model
Authors: Singh Ayushman , Rangarajan Srikanth , Choobineh Leila , Sammakia Bahgat
Published: August 2021

This work presents an approach to optimally designing a composite with thermal conductivity enhancers infiltrated with phase change material based on figure of merit (FOM) for thermal management of portable electronic devices. The FOM defines the balance between effective thermal conductivity and energy storage capacity. In this study, thermal conductivity enhancers are in the form of a honeycomb structure. Thermal conductivity enhancers are often used in conjunction with phase change material to enhance the conductivity of the composite medium. Under constrained heat sink volume, the higher volume fraction of thermal conductivity enhancers improves the effective thermal conductivity of the composite, while it reduces the amount of latent heat storage simultaneously. This work arrives at the optimal design of composite for electronic cooling by maximizing the FOM to resolve the stated tradeoff. In this study, the total volume of the composite and the interfacial heat transfer area between the phase change material and thermal conductivity enhancers are constrained for all design points. A benchmarked two-dimensional direct computational fluid dynamics model was employed to investigate the thermal performance of the phase change material and thermal conductivity enhancer composite. Furthermore, assuming conduction-dominated heat transfer in the composite, a simplified effective numerical model that solves the single energy equation with the effective properties of the phase change material and thermal conductivity enhancer has been developed. The effective properties like heat capacity can be obtained by volume averaging; however, effective thermal conductivity (required to calculate FOM) is unknown. The effective thermal conductivity of the composite is obtained by minimizing the error between the transient temperature gradient of direct and simplified model by iteratively varying the effective thermal conductivity. The FOM is maximized to find the optimal volume fraction for the present design.
Etest ECVs/ECOFFs for Detection of Resistance in Prevalent and Three Nonprevalent
Candida
spp. to Triazoles and Amphotericin B and Aspergillus spp. to Caspofungin: Further Assessment of Modal Variability
Authors: Espinel-Ingroff A. , Sasso M. , Turnidge J. , Arendrup M. , Botterel F. , Bourgeois N. , Bouteille B. , Canton E. , Cassaing S. , Dannaoui E. , Dehais M. , Delhaes L. , Dupont D. , Fekkar A. , Fuller J. , Garcia-Effron G. , Garcia J. , Gonzalez G. M. , Govender N. P. , Guegan H. , Guinea J. , Houzé S. , Lass-Flörl C. , Pelaez T. , Forastiero A. , Lackner M. , Magobo R.
Published: August 2021

Susceptibility testing is an important tool in the clinical setting; its utility is based on the availability of categorical endpoints, breakpoints (BPs), or epidemiological cutoff values (ECVs/ECOFFs). CLSI and EUCAST have developed antifungal susceptibility testing, BPs, and ECVs for some fungal species.
The LiaFSR Transcriptome Reveals an Interconnected Regulatory Network in Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Sanson Misu A. , Vega Luis Alberto , Shah Brittany , Regmi Shrijana , Cubria M. Belen , Horstmann Nicola , Shelburne Samuel A. , Flores Anthony R.
Published: August 2021

The mechanisms by which bacteria sense the host environment and alter gene expression are poorly understood. LiaFSR is a gene regulatory system unique to Gram-positive bacteria, including group A
Streptococcus
(GAS), and responds to cell envelope stress.