bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Slogans and logos as brand signals within investment promotion
Authors: Wilson Rick T.
Published: October 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to understand how brand-building is used to lend credibility to investor information and to differentiate countries competing for foreign investment. Brand signals, such as slogans and logos, are frequently used by governments and their investment promotion agencies to enhance the presentation of information to potential investors interested in acquiring or establishing a business within their country. Yet, little is known about how governments use brand building to foster professionalism and convey their expertise in international expansion assistance and differentiate themselves from one another in an investment promotion context.

Design/methodology/approach

This research content analyzes the slogans and logos found in 55 months of print advertising and on the websites of 181 countries engaged in investment-seeking activities.

Findings

The research finds that slogans and logos are frequently used across both samples, but slogan use is greater in print advertising than on the Web, which is likely because of the greater effort required to develop an advertising campaign than to maintain a website. Regardless of medium, logo use is greater than slogan use. In the sample, slogans tended to be generic or undifferentiated and do not appear to facilitate brand credibility. However, logos were better designed than slogans and incorporated more territorial and cultural symbols and elements of expertise.

Originality/value

This study provides for a deeper understanding of investment promotion, especially, as it relates to brand building both on the Web and in print advertising. It also extends the author’s understanding of brand building within a specialized area of business-to-business organizational buying. From a managerial perspective, the research highlights the need for differentiated slogans and for logos using territorial and cultural symbols to better assist governments with appearing more professional, conveying expertise and differentiating their country from potential rivals.
Efficacy and safety of treatment with anti‐tumor necrosis factor‐α drugs for severe impetigo herpetiformis
Authors: Fukushima Hidehiko , Iwata Yohei , Arima Masaru , Tanaka Yoshihito , Sugiura Kazumitsu
Published: October 2020

Impetigo herpetiformis (IH) is a rare pustular dermatosis. It can be life‐threatening for both the mother and fetus and often causes therapeutic problems. However, there is no specific guideline for the treatment of IH and the evidence regarding the efficacy of treatments for IH has not been established. Herein, we report two cases of IH, which were successfully treated with anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α drugs. The serum levels of the drugs in the infants and mothers were examined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Case 1 was a 35‐year‐old, gravida 2, para 1, female patient in week 20 of pregnancy; she was treated with adalimumab (ADA) until delivery. Case 2 was a 26‐year‐old, gravida 1, para 0, female patient in week 30 of pregnancy; she was treated with certolizumab pegol (CZP) until delivery. In both cases, the skin lesions started regressing considerably after administration of the biologic agents. We examined the serum levels of the biologic agents in the mothers and infants using ELISA. In case 1, the ADA serum level in the infant was as high as that in the mother at birth; it then decreased below the lower limit of quantification at week 12 post‐delivery. In case 2, the CZP serum level in the infant was below the lower limit of quantification at birth. In this report, we revealed that biologic agents could be an effective treatment for severe IH and that CZP treatment can be considered safe for the mothers and fetuses.
A brain‐infecting parasite impacts host metabolism both during exposure and after infection is established
Authors: Nadler Lauren E. , Bengston Erik , Eliason Erika J. , Hassibi Cameron , Helland‐Riise Siri H. , Johansen Ida B. , Kwan Garfield T. , Tresguerres Martin , Turner Andrew V. , Weinersmith Kelly L. , Øverli Øyvind , Hechinger Ryan F.
Published: October 2020

Metabolic costs associated with parasites should not be limited to established infections. Even during initial exposure to questing and attacking parasites, hosts can enact behavioural and physiological responses that could also incur metabolic costs. However, few studies have measured these costs directly. Hence, little is known about metabolic costs arising from parasite exposure.

Furthermore, no one has yet measured whether and how previous infection history modulates metabolic responses to parasite exposure.

Here, using the California killifish Fundulus parvipinnis and its brain‐infecting parasite Euhaplorchis californiensis, we quantified how killifish metabolism, behaviour and osmoregulatory phenotype changed upon acute exposure to parasite infectious stages (i.e. cercariae), and with long‐term infection.

Exposure to cercariae caused both naïve and long‐term infected killifish to acutely increase their metabolic rate and activity, indicating detection and response to parasite infectious stages. Additionally, these metabolic and behavioural effects were moderately stronger in long‐term infected hosts than naïve killifish, suggesting that hosts may develop learned behavioural responses, nociceptor sensitization and/or acute immune mechanisms to limit new infections.

Although established infection altered the metabolic response to parasite exposure, established infection did not alter standard metabolic rate, routine metabolic rate, maximum metabolic rate, aerobic scope or citrate synthase enzyme activity.

Unexpectedly, established infection reduced lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activity in killifish brains and relative Na+/K+‐ATPase abundance in gills, suggesting novel mechanisms by which E. californiensis may alter its hosts' behaviour and osmoregulation.

Thus, we provide empirical evidence that parasites can disrupt the metabolism of their host both during parasite exposure and after infection is established. This response may be modulated by previous infection history, with probable knock‐on effects for host performance, brain energy metabolism, osmoregulation and ecology.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Native perennial and non‐native annual grasses shape pathogen community composition and disease severity in a California grassland
Authors: Kendig Amy E. , Spear Erin R. , Daws S. Caroline , Flory S. Luke , Mordecai Erin A.
Published: October 2020

The densities of highly competent plant hosts (i.e. those that are susceptible to and successfully transmit a pathogen) may shape pathogen community composition and disease severity, altering disease risk and impacts. Life history and evolutionary history can influence host competence; longer lived species tend to be better defended than shorter lived species and pathogens adapt to infect species with which they have longer evolutionary histories. It is unclear, however, how the densities of species that differ in competence due to life and evolutionary histories affect plant pathogen community composition and disease severity.

We examined foliar fungal pathogens of two host groups in a California grassland: native perennial and non‐native annual grasses. We first characterized pathogen community composition and disease severity of the two host groups to approximate differences in competence. We then used observational and manipulated gradients of native perennial and non‐native annual grass densities to assess the effects of each host group on pathogen community composition and disease severity in 1‐m2 plots.

Native perennial and non‐native annual grasses hosted distinct pathogen communities but shared generalist pathogens. Native perennial grasses experienced 26% higher disease severity than non‐native annuals. Only the observational gradient of native perennial grass density affected disease severity; there were no other significant relationships between host group density and either disease severity or pathogen community composition.

Synthesis. The life and evolutionary histories of grasses likely influence their competence for different pathogen species, exemplified by distinct pathogen communities and differences in disease severity. However, there was limited evidence that the density of either host group affected pathogen community composition or disease severity. Therefore, competence for different pathogens likely shapes pathogen community composition and disease severity but may not interact with host density to alter disease risk and impacts at small scales.
Relative effects of climate and litter traits on decomposition change with time, climate and trait variability
Authors: Canessa Rafaella , van den Brink Liesbeth , Saldaña Alfredo , Rios Rodrigo S. , Hättenschwiler Stephan , Mueller Carsten W. , Prater Isabel , Tielbörger Katja , Bader Maaike Y.
Published: October 2020

Climate and litter quality drive litter decomposition, but there is currently little consensus on their relative importance, likely because studies differ in the duration, the climatic gradients and variability in litter‐trait values. Understanding these drivers is important because they determine the direct and indirect (via vegetation composition) effects of climate change on decomposition and thereby on carbon and nutrient cycling.

We studied how microclimate (soil moisture and temperature) and litter traits interactively affect litter mass loss, by using a reciprocal litter translocation experiment along a large climatic gradient in Chile. We followed decomposition for 2 years and used 30 plant species with a wide spectrum of functional‐trait values.

Litter traits had a strong impact on litter decomposition across the gradient, while an increase in decomposition with soil moisture was observed only in the wettest climates. Overall, soil moisture increased considerably in importance, relative to trait effects, at later decomposition stages, from c. 15% of the importance of traits after 3 and 6 months to c. 110% after 24 months. Moreover, analysing subsets of the 30 species showed that trait effects on litter decomposition gained in importance when including a greater variation in trait values.

Synthesis. The relative effects of litter traits and climate on decomposition depend on the ranges in climate and litter traits considered and change with time. Our study emphasizes the critical role of representative ranges in climate and functional trait values for understanding the drivers of litter decomposition and for improving predictions of climate‐change effects on this important ecosystem process.
Extravalidation and reproducibility results of a commercial deep learning‐based automatic detection algorithm for pulmonary nodules on chest radiographs at tertiary hospital
Authors: Koo Young Hoon , Shin Kyung Eun , Park Jai Soung , Lee Jae Wook , Byun Seonghwan , Lee Heon
Published: October 2020

Introduction

To extra validate and evaluate the reproducibility of a commercial deep convolutional neural network (DCNN) algorithm for pulmonary nodules on chest radiographs (CRs) and to compare its performance with radiologists.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled 434 CRs (normal to abnormal ratio, 246:188) from 378 patients that visited a tertiary hospital. DCNN performance was compared with two radiology residents and two thoracic radiologists. Abnormality assessment (using the area under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC)) and nodule detection (using jackknife alternative free‐response ROC (JAFROC)) were compared among three groups (DCNN only, radiologist without DCNN and radiologist with DCNN). A subset of 56 paired cases, having two CRs taken within a 7‐day period, were assessed for intraobserver reproducibility using the intraclass correlation coefficient. Independent characteristics of pulmonary nodules detected by DCNN were assessed by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

The AUROC for abnormality detection for the three groups were 0.87, 0.93 and 0.96, respectively (P < 0.05), whereas the JAFROC analysis of nodule detection was 0.926, 0.929 and 0.964. Reproducibility for the three groups was 0.80, 0.67 and 0.80, which shows an increase in radiologists using DCNN (P < 0.05). Nodules detected by DCNN were more solid, round‐shaped and well marginated, not masked and laterally located (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Extra validation results of DCNN showed high ROC results and there was a significant improvement in the performance when radiologists used DCNN. Reproducibility by DCNN alone showed good agreement, and there was an improvement from moderate to good agreement for radiologists using DCNN.
Exploring Placer Gold Deposits through Integrated Geophysical and Geochemical Techniques at the Confluence of the Indus and Kabul Rivers, NW Pakistan
Authors: ALI Asghar , REHMAN Khaista , TAYYAB Owais , ZAMAN Tahir , JAMEEL Mahad , KHAN Azeem , AHMAD Rafique , IRFAN Muhammad
Published: October 2020

Analysis of the anomalous magnetic mineral intensities and geochemistry for placer gold deposits are presented for those of the Attock area at the confluence of the Indus and Kabul rivers in northwestern Pakistan. Two grids covering an area of 10×18 m2 and 8×10 m2 were analyzed using a G‐858 Cesium Vapor Magnetometer. The anomalous zones obtained were plotted on contour maps, 2D and 3D magnetic intensity maps. Based on the magnetic anomalies, grid‐1 of the study area was sampled at three different anomalous zones for geochemical analysis. These zones contain gold concentrations, ranging from 2.11 ppm to 6.109 ppm with an average of 4.01 ppm. Increase in gold concentration in the subsurface within the anomalous zones indicates that magnetometer survey followed by a geochemical analysis can potentially narrow down the gold‐bearing anomalous zones.
Focused ultrasound extraction (FUSE) for the rapid extraction of DNA from tissue matrices
Authors: Holmes Hal R. , Haywood Morgan , Hutchison Ruby , Zhang Qian , Edsall Connor , Hall Timothy L. , Baisch David , Holliday Jason , Vlaisavljevich Eli
Published: October 2020

Rapid DNA extraction is a critical barrier for routine and fieldable genetics tests for applications in conservation, such as illegal trafficking and fraudulent mislabelling.

Here, we develop a non‐thermal focused ultrasound extraction (FUSE) technique that creates a dense cloud of high‐pressure acoustic cavitation bubbles to disintegrate targeted tissues into an acellular debris, resulting in the rapid release of entrapped DNA.

In this work, we demonstrate the proof‐of‐concept of the FUSE technique by obtaining species identifiable sequences and shotgun sequencing reads from DNA extracted from Atlantic salmon Salmo salar tissues.

Having mitigated the key risks for this technique, we hypothesize future developments with this technology can be applied to accelerate and simplify DNA extraction from exceedingly difficult samples with complex tissue matrices (i.e. fibrous tissue and timber samples) in both laboratory and field settings.
Age is an independent predictor of outcome in endometrial cancer patients: An Israeli Gynecology Oncology Group cohort study
Authors: Hag‐Yahia Nasreen , Gemer Ofer , Eitan Ram , Raban Oded , Vaknin Zvi , Levy Tally , Leytes Sofia , Lavie Ofer , Ben‐Arie Alon , Amit Amnon , Namazov Ahmed , Volodarsky Michael , Ben‐Shachar Inbar , Atlas Ilan , Bruchim Ilan , Kadan Yfat , Helpman Limor
Published: October 2020

Introduction

Advanced age is considered an adverse factor in endometrial cancers but may be a surrogate for other conditions that impact outcomes. The study objective was to assess the association of age with endometrial cancer features, treatment and prognosis.

Material and methods

In this multicenter cohort study, consecutive women with endometrial cancer treated at 10 Israeli institutions between 2000 and 2014 were accrued in an assimilated database. Postmenopausal women were stratified into age groups with a cut‐off of 80. Clinical, pathological and treatment data were compared using t test or Mann‐Whitney test for continuous variables, and Chi‐square Test or Fisher’s Exact test for categorical variables. Main outcome measures included disease recurrence and disease‐specific and overall survival; these were plotted using the Kaplan‐Meier method and compared using the log‐rank test. The association between age and recurrence and survival, adjusted for other clinical and pathological factors, was assessed using multivariable Cox regression modeling.

Results

A total of 1764 postmenopausal women with endometrial cancer were identified. Adverse pathological features were more prevalent in older women, including high‐risk histologies (35% vs 27%, P = .025), deep myoinvasion (44% vs 29%, P = .001) and lymphovascular involvement (22% vs 15%, P = .024). Surgical staging was performed less frequently among older women (33% vs 56%; P < .001). Chemotherapy was less often prescribed, even for non‐endometrioid histologies (72% vs 45%; P < .001). On multivariable analysis, age remained a significant predictor for recurrence (HR = 1.75, P = .007), death of disease (HR = 1.89, P = .003) and death (HR = 2.4, P < .001).

Conclusions

Older age in women with endometrial cancer is associated with more adverse disease features, limited surgery and adjuvant treatment, and worse outcomes. On multivariable analysis, age remains an independent prognosticator in this population.
Determinants of Carbon Emission Disclosures and UN Sustainable Development Goals: The Case of UK Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Saha Anup Kumar , Al‐Shaer Habiba , Dixon Rob , Demirag Istemi
Published: October 2020

In recent years, organisational sustainability has become a topical issue in many institutional fields and a number of calls have been made to improve the disclosure of carbon information as part of sustainability efforts. This paper responds to these calls, chiefly examining the determinants of (CED) in the annual reports of UK higher education institutions (HEIs). It also aims to predict the relationship between the extent of CED and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) reporting by UK universities. We construct a disclosure index to capture the extent and type of CED in the annual reports of UK HEIs, finding that carbon reduction targets imposed by the Government, environmental audit, and the amount of actual carbon emissions are significant and positively associated with CED. However, we find no relationship between CED and the disclosure of SDGs. We argue that HEIs'. CED can be useful in developing relevant regulatory policies given the targets are carefully set. Our research has important implications for policymakers regarding carbon reduction targets and related non?mandatory guidance, as these can be utilised as an effective mechanism in increasing carbon emission disclosure voluntary CED that are integrated into SDG disclosures.
Recent advances in Bcr‐Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitors for overriding T315I mutation
Authors: Liu Juan , Zhang Yuan , Huang Honglin , Lei Xiaoyong , Tang Guotao , Cao Xuan , Peng Junmei
Published: October 2020

BCR‐ABL is a gene produced by the fusion of the bcr gene and the c‐abl proto‐oncogene and is considered to be the main cause of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) production. Therefore, the development of selective Bcr‐Abl kinase inhibitors is an attractive strategy for the treatment of CML. However, in the treatment of CML with a Bcr‐Abl kinase inhibitor, the T315I gatekeeper mutant disrupts the important contact interaction between the inhibitor and the enzyme, resistant to the first‐ and second‐generation drugs currently approved, such as imatinib, bosutinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib. In order to overcome this special resistance, several different strategies have been explored, and many molecules have been studied to effectively inhibit Bcr‐Abl T315I. Some of these molecules are still under development, and some are being studied preclinically, and still others are in clinical research. Herein, this review reports some of the major examples of third‐generation Bcr‐Abl inhibitors against the T315I mutation.
Zinc provides neuroprotection by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome through autophagy and ubiquitination in a spinal contusion injury model
Authors: Lin Jia‐quan , Tian He , Zhao Xiao‐guang , Lin Sen , Li Dao‐yong , Liu Yuan‐ye , Xu Chang , Mei Xi‐fan
Published: October 2020

Aim

Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a serious disabling injury worldwide, and the excessive inflammatory response it causes plays an important role in secondary injury. Regulating the inflammatory response can be a potential therapeutic strategy for improving the prognosis of SCI. Zinc has been demonstrated to have a neuroprotective effect in experimental spinal cord injury models. In this study, we aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect of zinc through the suppression of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Method

Allen's method was used to establish an SCI model in C57BL/6J mice. The Basso Mouse Scale (BMS), Nissl staining were employed to confirm the protective effect of zinc on neuronal survival and functional recovery in vivo. Western blotting (WB), immunofluorescence (IF), and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were used to detect the expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy‐related proteins. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to confirm the occurrence of zinc‐induced autophagy. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and ATP polarized BV2 cells to a proinflammatory phenotype. 3‐Methyladenine (3‐MA) and bafilomycin A1 (BafA1) were chosen to explore the relationship between the NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy. A coimmunoprecipitation assay was used to detect the ubiquitination of the NLRP3 protein.

Results

Our data showed that zinc significantly promoted motor function recovery after SCI. In vivo, zinc treatment inhibited the protein expression level of NLRP3 while increasing the level of autophagy. These effects were fully validated by the polarization of BV2 cells to a proinflammatory phenotype. The results showed that when 3‐MA and BafA1 were applied, the promotion of autophagy by zinc was blocked and that the inhibitory effect of zinc on NLRP3 was reversed. Furthermore, co‐IP confirmed that the promotion of autophagy by zinc also activated the protein expression of ubiquitin and suppressed high levels of NLRP3.

Conclusion

Zinc provides neuroprotection by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome through autophagy and ubiquitination after SCI.
Are frailty and patient‐reported outcomes independent in subjects with asthma? A cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Kusunose Masaaki , Sanda Ryo , Mori Mio , Narita Ayumi , Nishimura Koichi
Published: October 2020

Introduction

This study examined the possible associations between frailty and patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in elderly patients with asthma.

Methods

Participants completed the Kihon Checklist for frailty screening as well as the following tools for measuring generic‐ and disease‐specific health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and asthma control; the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item short form (SF‐36), the Hyland Scale (global scale), the Asthma Quality of Life Questionnaire (AQLQ), the Asthma Control Test (ACT), and the Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ).

Results

Of 69 consecutive outpatients with asthma, 38 (55.1%), 21 (30.4%), and 10 (14.5%) were classified as robust, pre‐frail, and frail, respectively. Eight out of 52 patients with asthma in the elderly (AIE) (>65 years old) (15.4%) were considered as being frail. The Kihon Checklist total score was significantly correlated with all the scores obtained from the SF‐36, Hyland Scale, AQLQ, ACT, and ACQ. All these scores were significantly different between groups with and without frailty. From the viewpoint of correlation coefficient, SF‐36 Physical Functioning correlated most strongly with a coefficient of −0.68 (P < .01), and the Hyland Scale score was second (RS = −0.46, P < .01). The correlations between the Kihon Checklist total score and lung function parameters were weak or negative (|RS| < 0.35).

Discussion

There were significant associations between frailty and PROs, particularly generic perception of HRQOL. Since the Kihon Checklist and PROs such as the HRQOL overlap somewhat in their evaluation of the patients’ condition, there might be some similarities in the conceptual frameworks of frailty and quality of life.
The role of climate, foliar stoichiometry and plant diversity on ecosystem carbon balance
Authors: Fernández‐Martínez Marcos , Sardans Jordi , Musavi Talie , Migliavacca Mirco , Iturrate‐Garcia Maitane , Scholes Robert J. , Peñuelas Josep , Janssens Ivan A.
Published: October 2020

Global change is affecting terrestrial carbon (C) balances. The effect of climate on ecosystem C balance has been largely explored, but the roles of other concurrently changing factors, such as diversity and nutrient availability, remain elusive. We used eddy‐covariance C‐flux measurements from 62 ecosystems from which we compiled information on climate, ecosystem type, stand age, species abundance and foliar concentrations of N and P of the main species, to assess their importance in the ecosystem C balance. Climate and productivity were the main determinants of ecosystem C balance and its stability. In P‐rich sites, increasing N was related to increased gross primary production and respiration and vice versa, but reduced net C uptake. Our analyses did not provide evidence for a strong relation between ecosystem diversity and their productivity and stability. Nonetheless, these results suggest that nutrient imbalances and, potentially, diversity loss may alter future global C balance.
Greater microbial carbon use efficiency and carbon sequestration in soils: Amendment of biochar versus crop straws
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Wu Xiulan , Liu Wei , Bian Rongjun , Ge Tida , Zhang Wei , Zheng Jufeng , Drosos Marios , Liu Xiaoyu , Zhang Xuhui , Cheng Kun , Li Lianqing , Pan Genxing
Published: October 2020

While high soil carbon stability had been well known for biochar‐amended soils, how conversion of crop residues into biochar and subsequent biochar amendment (BA) would favor microbial carbon use and carbon sequestration had not been clearly understood. In this study, topsoil samples were collected from an upland soil and a paddy soil, both previously amended with straw and straw‐derived biochar. These samples were incubated with 13C‐labeled maize residue (LMR) for 140 days to compare carbon mineralization, metabolic quotient (qCO2), and microbial carbon use efficiency (CUE) under laboratory incubation. 13C‐phospholipid fatty acid (13C‐PLFA) was used to trace the use of substrate carbon by soil microorganisms. Comparing to straw amendment (SA), BA significantly decreased the native soil organic carbon (SOC) mineralization rates by 19.7%–20.1% and 9.2%–12.0% in the upland and paddy soils, respectively. Meanwhile, total carbon mineralization from the newly added LMR was significantly decreased by 12.9% and 11.1% in the biochar‐amended soils, compared with the straw‐amended soils from the upland and paddy sites, respectively. Furthermore, compared to non‐amended soils, the qCO2 value was unchanged in straw‐amended soils, but was notably decreased by 15.2%–18.6% and 8.9%–12.5% in biochar‐amended upland and paddy soils, respectively. Microbial CUE was significantly greater in biochar‐amended soils than in straw‐amended soils due to the increasing dominance of fungi in carbon utilization. Compared to SA, BA increased CUE by 23.0% in the upland soil and 21.2% in the paddy soil. This study suggests that BA could outperform SA in the long term to enhance the biological carbon sequestration potential of both upland and paddy soils. This could be due mainly to biochar input as a special substrate to promote microbial community evolution and increase the fungal utilization of carbon substrates, especially for the soil with lower SOC levels.
Confidence regions of two‐stage stochastic linear complementarity problems
Authors: Liu Yongchao , Yan Wuwenqing , Zhao Shengchao
Published: October 2020

Two‐stage stochastic linear complementarity problems (TSLCP) model a large class of equilibrium problems subject to data uncertainty, and are closely related to two‐stage stochastic optimization problems. The sample average approximation (SAA) method is one of the basic approaches for solving TSLCP and the consistency of the SAA solutions has been well studied. This paper focuses on building confidence regions of the solution to TSLCP when SAA is implemented. We first establish the error‐bound condition of TSLCP and then build the asymptotic and nonasymptotic confidence regions of the solutions to TSLCP by error‐bound approach, which is to combine the error‐bound condition with central limit theory, empirical likelihood theory, and large deviation theory.
Managerial discretion to delay the recognition of goodwill impairment: The role of enforcement
Authors: Filip Andrei , Lobo Gerald J. , Paugam Luc
Published: October 2020

Under International Financial Reporting Standards, managers can use two approaches to increase the estimated fair value of goodwill in order to justify not recognizing impairment: (1) make overly optimistic valuation assumptions, and (2) increase future cash flow forecasts by inflating current cash flows. Because enforcement constrains the use of optimistic valuation assumptions, we hypothesize that enforcement influences the relative use of these two choices. We test this hypothesis by comparing a sample of 1,958 firms from 36 countries that are likely to delay recognizing goodwill impairment (suspect firms) to a sample of control firms. First, we find that firms in high‐enforcement countries use a higher discount rate to test goodwill for impairment than firms in low‐enforcement countries. We also find a more positive association between discount rate and upward cash flow management for suspect firms than for control firms. This result is consistent with suspect firms substituting optimistic valuation assumptions with inflated current cash flows. Second, we find that, relative to control firms, suspect firms exhibit higher upward cash flow management in high‐enforcement countries than in low‐enforcement countries. Third, we show that suspect firms in high‐enforcement countries are more likely to eventually impair goodwill.
Partnering with Local Hospitals and Public Health to Manage COVID‐19 Outbreaks in Nursing Homes
Authors: Montoya Ana , Jenq Grace , Mills John P. , Beal Jennifer , Diviney Chun Erin , Newton Duane , Gibson Kristen , Mantey Julia , Hurst Kristen , Jones Karen , Mody Lona
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

Almost half of deaths related to COVID‐19 in the United States are linked to nursing homes (NHs). We describe among short‐term and long‐term residents at three NHs in Michigan the outbreak identification process, universal testing, point prevalence of COVID‐19, and subsequent containment efforts, outcomes, and challenges.

DESIGN

Outbreak investigation.

SETTING

Three NHs in southeast Michigan.

PARTICIPANTS

All residents (N = 215) at three NHs (total beds = 356) affiliated with a large academic healthcare system.

METHODS

Upon detection of confirmed cases within the facility, each NH in collaboration and consultation with local hospital, public health officials, and parent corporation implemented immediate facility‐wide testing and the following intervention measures: cohorting of COVID‐19 positive residents; communication regarding testing and results with residents, healthcare professionals, and families; personal protective equipment reeducation and use throughout facilities; and dedicated staffing for infected patients cohorted in a dedicated COVID‐19 wing. We collected patient data regarding demographics, symptoms, comorbidities, hospitalization, and 14‐day outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 29 cases of COVID‐19 were identified at three participating NHs. Nineteen cases of COVID‐19 were identified through symptom‐triggered testing from March 23 to April 23, 2020; 10 (4.7%) additional cases were identified through universal testing of 215 residents conducted from April 7 to 15, 2020. The hospitalization rate was 37.9%. The case fatality rate was 20.7% (6/29); these patients had multiple comorbidities. No residents who tested positive through the point‐prevalence survey required hospitalization, and five were discharged home within 14 days.

CONCLUSION

Proactive and coordinated steps between NH medical directors and administrators, referral hospitals including their laboratories, and local public health officials are necessary to rapidly respond to an outbreak and limit the transmission of COVID‐19. This coordinated public health approach may save lives, minimize the burden to the healthcare system, and reduce healthcare costs.
Law against the Rule of Law: Assaulting Democracy
Authors: ERMAKOFF IVAN
Published: October 2020

This article examines how authoritarian contenders use law to advance an agenda geared to exclusive state power in light of a paradigmatic case: the National Socialists’ takeover of the German state apparatus in spring 1933. This case highlights two ways in which an office holder is able to expand his power in an authoritarian fashion through legal dispositions. A conjunctural use of law for authoritarian purposes draws on legal statutes to undercut the political capacity of opponents and competitors, hollow out institutional checks, and crucially hamper civil freedoms. Taking advantage of constitutional provisions that make institutional subversion from within possible (‘constitutional Trojan horses’), a structural use of legal statutes reorders the power structure by reallocating decisional rights. In both cases, law serves as a weapon against the rule of law. These considerations raise the question of the standards by which we are to judge the legality of such acts. Contemporary instances of democratic backsliding are cases in point.
A pilot study on the effect offat loadingon the gastrointestinal tract of healthy dogs
Authors: Palerme J.‐S. , Silverstone A. , Riedesel E. A. , Simone K. M. , Pomrantz J. S.
Published: October 2020

Objective

To assess the effect of a high fat meal (fat loading) on gastrointestinal motility and the appearance of intestinal villi using video capsule endoscopy and ultrasound.

Materials and Methods

Four healthy staff‐owned dogs were included in a prospective blinded crossover study. Dogs had initial baseline video capsule endoscopy to measure gastrointestinal transit times and allow for visual assessment of intestinal mucosa. Abdominal ultrasound was also performed to obtain intestinal wall measurements and assess for the presence of mucosal hyperechoic speckling. All dogs had diagnostics repeated twice between one and two hours after ingestion of either corn oil or dairy cream for a total of four control and 16 fat loaded studies.

Results

Dogs in the corn oil group had greater mean gastric emptying times (740.3 ± 187.6 minutes vs. 237.9 ± 155 minutes) and total transit times (54.50 ± 22.2 hours vs. 23.25 ± 6.1 hours) than controls. Feeding of a fatty meal resulted in substantial retention of the capsules (10 of 16) within the stomach. While intestinal wall thickness of fat loaded dogs did not differ from control dogs, mucosal hyperechoic speckling scores of the duodenum of dairy cream dogs were greater when compared to control dogs (1.625 ± 0.518 vs. 0.500 ± 0.577).

Clinical Significance

Data from this pilot study provides further evidence that feeding of a small high fat meal results in ultrasonographic as well as visual changes to the intestinal mucosa of healthy dogs. This data suggests that previous recommendations to feed fatty meals to dogs with lymphangiectasia might not allow differentiation with healthy individuals. In addition, due to the marked effect on gastric emptying time, video capsule endoscopy should be avoided in dogs fed a high fat meal.
Effects of three methionine sources in diets on temporal B0AT1 and ASCT2 mRNA expression in different intestinal segments of cobia, Rachycentron canadum
Authors: He Yuanfa , Chi Shuyan , Tan Beiping , Dong Xiaohui , Yang Qihui , Liu Hongyu , Zhang Shuang
Published: October 2020

A 4‐week feeding trial was conducted using five groups of hybrid grouper (61.15 ± 0.15 g) to explore the potential effects of three methionine (Met) sources. Five isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets were formulated that included a fishmeal (FM) diet; nonsupplemented (NS) diet; or NS diets with the addition of the L‐methionine (L‐Met), DL‐methionine (DL‐Met), or coated Met (Co‐Met) to obtain the same Met level as the FM diet. Fish were randomly distributed into sea cages (30 fish per cage). Weight gain and specific growth rate in the DL‐Met group and FM group were significantly higher than those in all other groups (p < .05). In the proximal and distal intestines, of the 20 gene and time combinations (10 per gene), there were 14 combinations (70%) in which there were no significant differences in gene expression levels between the FM and DL‐Met groups (p > .05). The main reason for the same growth effect between the DL‐Met and FM groups may be attributed to the synchronized absorption at most time points after feeding, which had similar expression patterns of B0AT1 and ASCT2 of the proximal and distal intestines between two groups.
Hepatitis E seroprevalence and viremia rate in immunocompromised patients: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Buescher Gustav , Ozga Ann‐Kathrin , Lorenz Eva , Pischke Sven , May Jürgen , Addo Marylyn M. , Horvatits Thomas
Published: October 2020

Background and Aims

Hepatitis E is an infectious disease of the liver caused by the hepatitis E virus (HEV). Immunocompromised patients present a particular risk group, as chronification of hepatitis E leading to life‐threatening cirrhosis occurs when these patients are infected. Therefore, this study aims to estimate and compare the anti‐HEV seroprevalence and the rate of HEV RNA positivity in transplant recipients and patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

Methods

This systematic review and meta‐analysis involved a literature search (PubMed, Scopus; 1,138 studies) including 120 studies from 1996 to 2019, reporting anti‐HEV seroprevalence and/or HEV‐RNA positivity. Statistical analysis was performed using a linear mixed‐effects meta regression model.

Results

Anti‐HEV seroprevalence in 14 626 transplant recipients ranged from 6% (95% CI: 1.9‐17.2) to 29.6% (95% CI: 21.6‐39.) in different commercially available assays and did not differ significantly compared to 20 825 HIV positive patients (range: 3.5% (95% CI: 0.9‐12.8) – 19.4% (95% CI: 13.5‐26.9). In contrast, HEV‐RNA positivity rate was significantly higher in transplant recipients than in HIV positive patients (1.2% (95% CI: 0.9‐1.6) vs 0.39% (95% CI: 0.2‐0.7); P‐value = 0.0011).

Conclusion

Anti‐HEV seroprevalence did not differ significantly between transplant recipients and HIV positive patients. Interestingly, rates of HEV‐RNA positivity, indicating ongoing infection, were significantly higher in transplant recipients. These findings demonstrate that transplant patients have an elevated risk of chronic infection in comparison to HIV patients at comparable risk of HEV‐exposure.
Globalization and the labor share in China: Firm‐level evidence
Authors: Yang Chih‐Hai , Tsou Meng‐Wen
Published: October 2020

This study examines the relationship between economic globalization (measured by exports and foreign direct investment) and the labor share in China's manufacturing sector. Using a large firm‐level panel dataset for 2001–2007, we find that the labor shares are significantly higher in exporting firms and foreign‐invested enterprises (FIEs), where the export status is more important than foreign ownership. The origins of the FDI and export types do matter. The aforementioned positive associations are primarily driven by ordinary exports and FIEs from Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, whereas processing exports exhibit a negative association with the labor share. Our baseline results are about the between‐firm variations within industries. When controlling for firm fixed effects, the labor share remains to be higher for a firm becoming an exporter or increasing export intensity, while the labor share is lower when a firm get a foreign investor or increase their exports. Finally, total factor productivity and innovation are negatively correlated with the labor share, suggesting that technological progress may play a role in the decline of the labor share in China.
Signaling pathways involved in environmental sensing in Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Lander Noelia , Chiurillo Miguel A. , Docampo Roberto
Published: October 2020

Trypanosoma cruzi is a unicellular parasite and the etiologic agent of Chagas disease. The parasite has a digenetic life cycle alternating between mammalian and insect hosts, where it faces a variety of environmental conditions to which it must adapt in order to survive. The adaptation to these changes is mediated by signaling pathways that coordinate the cellular responses to the new environmental settings. Major environmental changes include temperature, nutrient availability, ionic composition, pH, osmolarity, oxidative stress, contact with host cells and tissues, host immune response, and intracellular life. Some of the signaling pathways and second messengers potentially involved in the response to these changes have been elucidated in recent years and will be the subject of this review.
Staphylococcus aureus lacking a functional MntABC manganese import system has increased resistance to copper
Authors: Al‐Tameemi Hassan , Beavers William N. , Norambuena Javiera , Skaar Eric P. , Boyd Jeffrey M.
Published: October 2020

S. aureus USA300 isolates utilize the copBL and copAZ gene products to prevent Cu intoxication. We created and examined a ΔcopAZ ΔcopBL mutant strain (cop‐). The cop‐ strain was sensitive to Cu and accumulated intracellular Cu. We screened a transposon (Tn) mutant library in the cop‐ background and isolated strains with Tn insertions in the mntABC operon that permitted growth in the presence of Cu. The mutations were in mntA and they were recessive. Under the growth conditions utilized, MntABC functioned in manganese (Mn) import. When cultured with Cu, strains containing a mntA::Tn accumulated less Cu than the parent strain. Mn(II) supplementation improved growth when cop‐ was cultured with Cu and this phenotype was dependent upon the presence of MntR, which is a repressor of mntABC transcription. A ΔmntR strain had an increased Cu load and decreased growth in the presence of Cu, which was abrogated by the introduction of mntA::Tn. Over‐expression of mntABC increased cellular Cu load and sensitivity to Cu. The presence of a mntA::Tn mutation protected iron‐sulfur (FeS) enzymes from inactivation by Cu. The data presented are consistent with a model wherein defective MntABC results in decreased cellular Cu accumulation and protection to FeS enzymes from Cu poisoning.
Visceral hypersensitivity is together with psychological distress and female gender associated with severity of IBS‐like symptoms in quiescent ulcerative colitis
Authors: Mavroudis Georgios , Strid Hans , Jonefjäll Börje , Simrén Magnus
Published: October 2020

Background

A subset of ulcerative colitis (UC) patients in remission demonstrate IBS‐like symptoms. Visceral hypersensitivity is a key pathophysiological mechanism in IBS, but its relevance to IBS‐like symptoms in inactive UC remains unclear.

Methods

UC patients in remission (UCR) were screened for IBS‐like symptoms. Rectal sensitivity was assessed with rectal balloon distensions, with determination of sensory thresholds and unpleasantness/pain intensity ratings. Patients completed questionnaires evaluating gastrointestinal (GI) and psychological symptoms. Age‐ and gender‐matched IBS subjects and healthy controls (HC) also underwent a rectal sensitivity test.

Key Results

We included 36 UCR patients (18 with IBS‐like symptoms (UCR + IBS) and 18 without (UCR − IBS)), 36 IBS subjects, and 14 HC. UCR and IBS patients were more sensitive to rectal balloon distensions than HC, but no differences between UCR and IBS patients were observed. UCR + IBS patients had lower sensory thresholds and higher unpleasantness ratings than UCR − IBS. In UCR patients, the overall GI symptom severity, pain, and bloating, but not diarrhea, constipation or satiety, were associated with rectal sensitivity. In multivariate analyses, rectal sensitivity, psychological distress, and female gender were identified as factors independently associated with GI symptom severity. 61% of UCR patients demonstrated rectal hypersensitivity, and these patients more commonly reported at least mild bloating and pain, and overall GI symptoms, compared to those with normal rectal sensitivity.

Conclusion & Inferences

Visceral hypersensitivity was associated with IBS‐like symptoms, in particular pain and bloating, in inactive UC. Together with psychological factors and female gender, visceral hypersensitivity seems to be involved in GI symptom generation in quiescent UC.
Host–virus interactions and defense mechanisms for giant viruses
Authors: Chelkha Nisrine , Levasseur Anthony , La Scola Bernard , Colson Philippe
Published: October 2020

Giant viruses, with virions larger than 200 nm and genomes larger than 340 kilobase pairs, modified the now outdated perception of the virosphere. With virions now reported reaching up to 1.5 μm in size and genomes of up to 2.5 Mb encoding components shared with cellular life forms, giant viruses exhibit a complexity similar to microbes, such as bacteria and archaea. Here, we review interactions of giant viruses with their hosts and defense strategies of giant viruses against their hosts and coinfecting microorganisms or virophages. We also searched by comparative genomics for homologies with proteins described or suspected to be involved in defense mechanisms. Our search reveals that natural immunity and apoptosis seem to be crucial components of the host defense against giant virus infection. Conversely, giant viruses possess methods of hijacking host functions to counteract cellular antiviral responses. In addition, giant viruses may encode other unique and complex pathways to manipulate the host machinery and eliminate other competing microorganisms. Notably, giant viruses have evolved defense mechanisms against their virophages and they might trigger defense systems against other viruses through sequence integration. We anticipate that comparative genomics may help identifying genes involved in defense strategies of both giant viruses and their hosts.
Exploring the potential of using priority effects during ecological restoration to resist biological invasions in the neotropics
Authors: Weidlich Emanuela W. A. , de Dechoum Michele de Sá
Published: October 2020

Manipulating plant order of arrival, a process that creates priority effects, may be an unexplored powerful tool to hinder the establishment of invasive non‐native plants in sites under restoration. Knowledge and experimental studies on priority effects in the neotropics are scarce. Here, we propose a research agenda that investigates whether manipulating plant order of arrival can create priority effects in the neotropics, and if this strategy can be used to avoid the spread of undesired species in restoration projects. We also describe our view on expanding existing knowledge on priority effects to the neotropics and identifying key questions for future research.
The novel HLA‐B*15:554 allele identified in four Brazilian individuals
Authors: Cita Rafael F. , Mendes Maristela F. , Nogueira Diones P. , Souza Tonny L. , Stelet Vinícius N.
Published: October 2020

Identification of the novel HLA‐B*15:554 allele that differs from HLA‐B*15:01:01 at one position in exon 3.