bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding DNA interactions in crowded environments with a coarse-grained model
Authors: Hong Fan , Schreck John S. , Šulc Petr
Published: June 2020

Nucleic acid interactions under crowded environments are of great importance for biological processes and nanotechnology. However, the kinetics and thermodynamics of nucleic acid interactions in a crowded environment remain poorly understood. We use a coarse-grained model of DNA to study the kinetics and thermodynamics of DNA duplex and hairpin formation in crowded environments. We find that crowders can increase the melting temperature of both an 8-mer DNA duplex and a hairpin with a stem of 6-nt depending on the excluded volume fraction of crowders in solution and the crowder size. The crowding induced stability originates from the entropic effect caused by the crowding particles in the system. Additionally, we study the hybridization kinetics of DNA duplex formation and the formation of hairpin stems, finding that the reaction ratekonis increased by the crowding effect, whilekoffis changed only moderately. The increase inkonmostly comes from increasing the probability of reaching a transition state with one base pair formed. A DNA strand displacement reaction in a crowded environment is also studied with the model and we find that rate of toehold association is increased, with possible applications to speeding up strand displacement cascades in nucleic acid nanotechnology.
Synchronized oscillations, metachronal waves, and jammed clusters in sterically interacting active filament arrays
Authors: Chelakkot Raghunath , Hagan Michael F. , Mahadevan L. , Gopinath Arvind
Published: June 2020

Autonomous active, elastic filaments that interact with each other to achieve cooperation and synchrony underlie many critical functions in biology. A striking example is ciliary arrays in the mammalian respiratory tract; here individual filaments communicate through direct interactions and through the surrounding fluid to generate metachronal traveling waves crucial for mucociliary clearance. The mechanisms underlying this collective response and the essential ingredients for stable synchronization remain a mystery. In this article, we describe Brownian dynamics simulations of multi-filament arrays, demonstrating that short-range steric inter-filament interactions and surface-roughness are sufficient to generate a rich variety of collective spatiotemporal oscillatory, traveling and static patterns. Starting from results for the collective dynamics of two- and three-filament systems, we identify parameter ranges in which inter-filament interactions lead to synchronized oscillations. We then study how these results generalize to large one-dimensional arrays of many interacting filaments. The phase space characterizing the multi-filament array dynamics and deformations exhibits rich behaviors, including oscillations and traveling metachronal waves, depending on the interplay between geometric spacing between filaments, activity, and elasticity of the filaments. Interestingly, the existence of metachronal waves is nonmonotonic with respect to the inter-filament spacing. We also find that the degree of filament surface roughness significantly affects the dynamics — roughness on scales comparable to the filament thickness generates a locking-mechanism that transforms traveling wave patterns into statically stuck and jammed configurations. Our simulations suggest that short-ranged steric inter-filament interactions are sufficient and perhaps even critical for the development, stability and regulation of collective patterns.
Rhythmic coordination of hippocampal-prefrontal ensembles for odor-place associative memory and decision making
Authors: Symanski Claire A. , Bladon John H. , Kullberg Emi T. , Miller Paul , Jadhav Shantanu P.
Published: June 2020

Memory-guided decision making involves long-range coordination across sensory and cognitive brain networks, with key roles for the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC). To investigate these coordination mechanisms, we monitored activity in hippocampus (CA1), PFC, and olfactory bulb in rats performing an odor-place associative memory guided decision task on a T-maze. During odor sampling, the beta (20-30 Hz) and respiratory (7-8 Hz) rhythms (RR) were prominent across the three regions, with CA1-PFC beta and RR coherence enhanced during the odor-cued decision making period. Beta phase modulation of CA1 and PFC neuronal activity during this period was linked to accurate decisions, suggesting that this temporal modulation influences sensory-cued decision making. Single neurons and ensembles in both CA1 and PFC encoded and predicted animals’ upcoming choices. Our findings indicate that rhythmic coordination within the hippocampal-prefrontal network supports utilization of odor cues for memory-guided decision making.
A single N6-methyladenosine site in lncRNA HOTAIR regulates its function in breast cancer cells
Authors: Porman Allison M. , Roberts Justin T. , Duncan Emily D. , Chrupcala Madeline L. , Levine Ariel A. , Kennedy Michelle A. , Williams Michelle M. , Richer Jennifer K. , Johnson Aaron M.
Published: June 2020

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification of RNA plays important roles in normal and cancer biology, but knowledge of its function on long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) remains limited. Here, we investigate whether m6A regulates the function of the human HOTAIR lncRNA, which contributes to multiple pro-tumor phenotypes in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. We identify at least 8 individual m6A sites within HOTAIR, with a single site (A783) consistently methylated. Mutation of A783 impairs cellular proliferation and invasion in HOTAIR-overexpressing TNBC cells. m6A at A783 regulates HOTAIR’s ability to localize to chromatin and induce gene pathways that affect tumor progression. In contrast, A783U mutant HOTAIR demonstrates loss-of-function and antimorph behaviors by impairing gene expression changes induced by WT HOTAIR and, in some cases, inducing opposite changes in gene expression. HOTAIR interacts with nuclear m6A reader YTHDC1 and high HOTAIR is significantly associated with shorter overall patient survival, particularly in the context of highYTHDC1. At the molecular level, YTHDC1-HOTAIR interactions are required for chromatin localization and regulation of gene repression. Our work demonstrates how modification of one base in a lncRNA can elicit a distinct gene regulation mechanism and drive disease-associated phenotypic changes such as proliferation and invasion.
Context sensitivity across multiple time scales with a flexible frequency bandwidth
Authors: Regev Tamar I. , Markusfeld Geffen , Deouell Leon Y. , Nelken Israel
Published: June 2020

Everyday auditory streams are complex, including spectro-temporal content that varies at multiple time scales. Using EEG, we investigate the sensitivity of human auditory cortex to the content of past stimulation in unattended sequences of equiprobable tones. In 3 experiments including 82 participants overall, we found that neural responses measured at different latencies after stimulus onset were sensitive to frequency intervals computed over distinct time scales. Importantly, early responses were sensitive to a longer history of stimulation than later responses. To account for these results, we tested a model consisting of neural populations with frequency-specific but broad tuning that undergo adaptation with exponential recovery. We found that the coexistence of neural populations with distinct recovery rates can explain our results. Furthermore, the adaptation bandwidth of these populations depended on spectral context – it was wider when the stimulation sequence had a wider frequency range. Our results provide electrophysiological evidence as well as a possible mechanistic explanation for dynamic and multi-scale context-dependent auditory processing in the human cortex.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

It has become clear that brain processing of sensory stimuli depends on their temporal context, but context can be construed at time scales from the recent millisecond to life-long. How do different contextual time scales affect sensory processing? We show that auditory context is integrated across at least two separate time scales, and that at both of these time scales responses dynamically adapt to a varying frequency stimulation range. Using computational modeling, we develop a rigorous methodology to estimate the time and frequency scales of context integration for separate response components. Our robust results replicated across 3 EEG experiments, and contribute to the understanding of neural mechanisms supporting complex and dynamic context integration.
Convergence of distinct subpopulations of mechanosensory neurons onto a neural circuit that elicits grooming
Authors: Hampel Stefanie , Eichler Katharina , Yamada Daichi , Kim Hyunsoo , Horigome Mihoko , Franconville Romain , Bock Davi D. , Kamikouchi Azusa , Seeds Andrew M.
Published: June 2020

Diverse subpopulations of mechanosensory neurons detect different mechanical forces and influence behavior. How these subpopulations connect with central circuits to influence behavior remains an important area of study. We previously discovered a neural circuit that elicits grooming of theDrosophila melanogasterantennae that is activated by an antennal mechanosensory chordotonal organ, the Johnston’s organ (JO) (Hampel et al., 2015). Here, we describe anatomically and physiologically distinct JO mechanosensory neuron subpopulations and define how they interface with the circuit that elicits antennal grooming. We show that the subpopulations project to distinct zones in the brain and differ in their responses to mechanical stimulation of the antennae. Each subpopulation elicits grooming through direct synaptic connections with a single interneuron in the circuit, the dendrites of which span the different mechanosensory afferent projection zones. Thus, distinct JO subpopulations converge onto the same neural circuit to elicit a common behavioral response.
Adverse Outcomes and Mortality in Users of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs tested positive for SARS-CoV-2: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Lund Lars Christian , Kristensen Kasper Bruun , Reilev Mette , Christensen Steffen , Thomsen Reimar W. , Christiansen Christian F. , Støvring Henrik , Johansen Nanna Borup , Brun Nikolai , Hallas Jesper , Pottegård Anton
Published: June 2020

Background

Concerns over the safety of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use during SARS-CoV-2 infection have been raised.

Objectives

To study whether use of NSAIDs is associated with adverse outcomes and mortality during SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Design

Population based cohort study

Setting

Danish administrative and health registries.

Participants Individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 during Feb 27, 2020 to Apr 29, 2020. Treated individuals (defined as a filled NSAID prescription up to 30 days before the SARS-CoV-2 test) were matched to up to 4 non-treated individuals on propensity scores based on age, sex, relevant comorbidities and prescription fills.

Outcome measures

The main outcome was 30-day mortality and treated individuals were compared to untreated individuals using risk ratios (RR) and risk differences (RD). Secondary outcomes included hospitalisation, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation and acute renal replacement therapy.

Results

A total of 9236 SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive individuals were eligible for inclusion. Of these, 248 (2.7%) had filled a prescription for NSAIDs and 535 (5.8%) died within 30 days. In the matched analyses, treatment with NSAIDs was not associated with 30-day mortality (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.82; RD 0.1%, −3.5% to 3.7%), increased risk of hospitalisation (RR 1.16, 0.87 to 1.53; RD 3.3%, −3.4% to 10%), ICU-admission (RR 1.04, 0.54 to 2.02; RD 0.2%, −3.0% to 3.4%), mechanical ventilation (RR 1.14, 0.56 to 2.30; RD 0.5%, - 2.5% to 3.6%), or renal replacement therapy (RR 0.86, 0.24 to 3.09; RD −0.2%, −2.0% to 1.6%).

Conclusion

Use of NSAIDs was not associated with 30-day mortality, hospitalisation, ICU-admission, mechanical ventilation or renal replacement therapy in Danish individuals tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

Registration

The European Union electronic Register of Post-Authorisation Studies, EUPAS-34734 (http://www.encepp.eu/encepp/viewResource.htm?id=34735)
Longitudinal Characterization of the Tumoral Microbiome during Radiotherapy in HPV-associated Oropharynx Cancer
Authors: Bahig Houda , Fuller Clifton D , Mitra Aparna , Solley Travis , Ng Sweet Ping , Abu-Gheida Ibrahim , Elgohari Baher , Delgado Andrea , Rosenthal David I , Garden Adam S , Frank Steven J , Reddy Jay P , Colbert Lauren , Klopp Ann
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To describe the baseline and serial tumor microbiome in HPV-associated oropharynx cancer (OPC) over the course of radiotherapy (RT).

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed HPV-associated OPC treated with definitive radiotherapy +/- concurrent chemotherapy were enrolled in this prospective study. Using 16S rRNA gene sequencing, dynamic changes in tumor microbiome during RT were investigated. Surface tumor samples were obtained before RT and at week 1, 3 and 5 of RT. Radiological primary tumor response at mid-treatment was categorized as complete (CR) or partial (PR).

Results

Ten patients were enrolled. Mean age was 63 years (range: 51-71). As per AJCC 8th Ed, 50%, 20% and 30% of patients had stage I, II and III, respectively. At 4-weeks, 7 patients had CR and 3 patients had PR; at follow-up imaging post treatment, all patients had CR. Baseline diversity of tumoral and buccal microbiomes was not statistically different. For the entire cohort, alpha diversity was significantly decreased over the course of treatment (p=0.02). There was a significant alteration in the bacterial community within the first week of radiation. Baseline tumor alpha diversity of patients with CR was significantly higher than those with PR (p=0.03). While patients with CR had significant reduction in diversity over the course of radiation (p=0.02), the diversity remained unchanged in patients with PR. Patients with history of smoking had significantly increased abundance of Granulicatella (p=0.04), and Kingella (0.05) and lower abundance of Alloprevotella (p=0.04) compared to never smokers.

Conclusions

The tumor microbiome of HPV-associated OPC exhibits reduced alpha diversity and altered taxa abundance over the course of radiotherapy. The baseline bacterial profiles of smokers vs. non-smokers were inherently different. Baseline tumor alpha diversity of patients with CR was higher than patients with PR, suggesting that the microbiome as a biomarker of radiation response deserves further investigation.
Weather variables impact on COVID-19 incidence
Authors: Corripio Javier G. , Raso Lorna
Published: June 2020

We test the hypothesis of COVID-19 contagion being influenced by meteorological parameters such as temperature or humidity. We analysed data at high spatial resolution (regions in Italy and counties in the USA) and found that while at low resolution this might seem the case, at higher resolution no correlation is found. Our results are consistent with a poor outdoors transmission of the disease. However, a possible indirect correlation between good weather and a decrease in disease spread may occur, as people spend longer time outdoors.
Temporal evolution of COVID-19 in the states of India using SIQR Model
Authors: Tiwari Alok
Published: June 2020

COVID 19 entered during the last week of April 2020 in India has caused 3,546 deaths with 1,13,321 number of reported cases. Indian government has taken many proactive steps, including strict lockdown of the entire nation for more than 50 days, identification of hotspots, app-based tracking of citizens to track infected. This paper investigated the evolution of COVID 19 in five states of India (Maharashtra, UP, Gujrat, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi) from 1st April 2020 to 20th May 2020. Variation of doubling rate and reproduction number (from SIQR) with time is used to analyse the performance of the majorly affected Indian states. It has been determined that Uttar Pradesh is one of the best performers among five states with the doubling rate crossing 18 days as of 20th May. Tamil Nadu has witnessed the second wave of infections during the second week of May. Maharashtra is continuously improving at a steady rate with its doubling rate reaching to 12.67 days. Also these two states are performing below the national average in terms of infection doubling rate. Gujrat and Delhi have reported the doubling rate of 16.42 days and 15.49 days respectively. Comparison of these states has also been performed based on time-dependent reproduction number. Recovery rate of India has reached to 40 % as the day paper is written.
SHELTER IN PLACE ORDER CONTAINED COVID-19 GROWTH RATE IN GREECE
Authors: Giannouchos T. , Giannouchos A. , Christodoulou I. , Steletou E. , Souliotis K.
Published: June 2020

Background

The Greek authorities implemented the strong social distancing measures within the first few weeks after the first confirmed case of the virus to curtail the COVID-19 growth rate.

Objectives

To estimate the effect of the two-stage strong social distancing measures, the closure of all non-essential shopping centers and businesses on March 16 and the shelter in place orders (SIPOs) on March 23 on the COVID-19 growth rate in Greece

Methods

We obtained data on COVID-19 cases in Greece from February 26th through May 4th from publicly available sources. An interrupted time-series regression analysis was used to estimate the effect of the measures on the exponential growth of confirmed COVID-19 cases, controlling for the number of daily testing, and weekly fixed-effects.

Results

The growth rate of the COVID-19 cases in the pre-policies implementation period was positive as expected (p=0.003). Based on the estimates of the interrupted time-series, our results indicate that the SIPO on March 23 significantly slowed the growth rate of COVID-19 in Greece (p=0.04). However, we did not find evidence on the effectiveness of standalone and partial measures such as the non-essential business closures implemented on March 16 on the COVID-19 spread reduction.

Discussion

The combined social distancing measures implemented by the Greek authorities within the first few weeks after the first confirmed case of the virus reduced the COVID-19 growth rate. These findings provide evidence and highlight the effectiveness of these measures to flatten the curve and to slow the spread of the virus.
Genomic relationships across psychiatric disorders including substance use disorders
Authors: Abdellaoui Abdel , Smit Dirk J.A. , van den Brink Wim , Denys Damiaan , Verweij Karin J.H.
Published: June 2020

Background and aims

A recent study investigated the genetic associations and latent genetic structure among eight psychiatric disorders using findings from genome-wide association studies (GWASs). No data from substance use disorders were included, while these represent an important category of mental disorders and could influence the latent genetic structure. We extended the original paper by recreating the genetic relationship matrix, graph, and latent genetic factor structure, including additional data from substance use disorders.

Methods

We used GWAS summary statistics of 11 psychiatric disorders, including alcohol dependence, nicotine dependence, and cannabis use disorder. We estimated genetic correlations between all traits in Linkage Disequilibrium-score regression. A graph was created to illustrate the network of genetic correlations. We then used the genetic relationships to model a latent genetic factor structure.

Results

Alcohol and nicotine dependence showed significant genetic correlations with several other psychiatric disorders, including ADHD, schizophrenia, and major depression. Cannabis use disorder was only significantly associated with ADHD. The addition of substance use disorders resulted in some changes in the latent structure of the factor model when compared to the original model including eight disorders. All substance use disorders contributed mostly to Factor 3, a heterogeneous factor with also loadings from ADHD, major depression, Autism Spectrum disorders, and Tourette Syndrome.

Conclusions

Alcohol and nicotine dependence show widespread genetic correlations with other psychiatric disorders. Including substance use disorders in the factor analysis results in some changes in the underlying genetic factor structure. Given the instability of such models, identified structures should be interpreted with caution.
Methyl 3-[(1-benzyl-4-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl)formamido]propanoate: crystal structure, Hirshfeld surface analysis and computational chemistry
Authors: Caracelli Ignez , Zukerman-Schpector Julio , Kwong Huey Chong , Tiekink Edward R. T.
Published: June 2020

The title compound, C20H20N4O3, is constructed about a tri-substituted 1,2,3-triazole ring, with the substituent at one C atom flanked by the C and N atoms being a substituted amide group, and with the adjacent C and N atoms bearing phenyl and benzyl groups, respectively; the dihedral angle between the pendant phenyl rings is 81.17 (12)°, indicative of an almost orthogonal disposition. In the crystal, pairwise amide-N—H...O(carbonyl) hydrogen bonds lead to a centrosymmetric dimer incorporating methylene-C—H...π(benzene) interactions. The dimers are linked into a supramolecular layer in theabplaneviamethylene-C—H...N(azo) and benzene-C—H...O(amide) interactions; the layers stack along thec-axis direction without directional interactions between them. The above-mentioned intermolecular contacts are apparent in the analysis of the calculated Hirshfeld surface, which also provides evidence for short inter-layer H...C contacts with a significant dispersion energy contribution.
Crystal structure and Hirshfeld surface analysis of 4-{2,2-dichloro-1-[(E)-(4-chlorophenyl)diazenyl]ethenyl}-N,N-dimethylaniline
Authors: Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet , Shikhaliyev Namiq Q. , Mukhtarova Sevinc H. , Suleymanova Gulnar T. , Toze Flavien A. A.
Published: June 2020

The title compound, C16H14Cl3N3, comprises three molecules of similar shape in the asymmetric unit. The crystal cohesion is ensured by intermolecular C—H...N and C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds in addition to C—Cl...π interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis and two-dimensional fingerprint plots reveal that Cl...H/H...Cl (33.6%), H...H (27.9%) and C...H/H...C (17.6%) are the most important contributors towards the crystal packing.
Reusing qualitative video data: matching reuse goals and criteria for selection
Authors: Kim Jihyun , Suzuka Kara , Yakel Elizabeth
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This research investigated the reuse of Video Records of Practice (VRPs) – i.e. a type of qualitative data documenting teaching and learning in educational settings. It studied how reusers' purposes and experience-level with VRP reuse influence the importance of various VRP selection criteria and how these differ depending on whether the main goal for reuse was research or teaching. It also examined whether two different dimensions of qualitative research – reflexivity and context – were factors in VRP reuse.

Design/methodology/approach

The study reports on surveys of reusers at four VRP repositories. Questions were based on the literature and interviews with VRP reusers. The response rate was 20.6% (180 of 872 distributed surveys). This paper focused on 126 respondents who affirmatively responded they reused VRPs from a repository.

Findings

Researchers using VRPs were primarily interested in examining a broad range of processes in education and studying/improving ways to measure differences and growth in education. Reusers with teaching goals were commonly interested in VRPs to engage learners in showing examples/exemplars of – and reflecting on – teaching and learning. These differences between research and teaching led to varied expectations about VRPs, such as the amount of content needed and necessary contextual information to support reuse.

Research limitations/implications

While repositories focus on exposing content, understanding and communicating certain qualities of that content can help reusers identify VRPs and align goals with selection decisions.

Originality/value

Although qualitative data are increasingly reused, research has rarely focused on identifying how qualitative data reusers employ selection criteria. This study focused on VRPs as one type of qualitative data and identified the attributes of VRPs that reusers perceived to be important during selection. These will help VRP repositories determine which metadata and documentation meet reusers' goals.
Earnings opacity and corporate governance for Chinese listed firms: the role of the board and external auditors
Authors: Yeung Wing Him , Lento Camillo
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between corporate governance and earnings opacity in China.

Design/methodology/approach

Two corporate governance mechanisms form the basis of the analysis: 1) the board of directors and 2) the external audit function. OLS regression analysis is employed on a large sample from 2000 to 2014 with 20,235 firm-year observations.

Findings

Corporate governance is found to be associated with reduced levels of earnings opacity for Chinese listed companies. Furthermore, the association between corporate governance and reduced levels of earnings opacity strengthened after the implementation of various key reforms.

Practical implications

Chinese regulators are advised to proceed with caution as not all Western approaches to corporate governance are transferrable to the Chinese setting.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by analyzing broad latent constructs of corporate governance in addition to individual observable dimensions in order to reveal that various key reforms have been successful in strengthening the link between governance and reporting quality for Chinese listed companies.
Discussion of commercial lender judgment and fair-value recognition: an investigation into the impact of future accounting standards
Authors: Hwang Nen-Chen (Richard)
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss the study by Warne (2020), which investigates whether disclosure or recognition of fair value information for nonfinancial assets influences commercial lenders’ judgment on interest rates and the dollar amounts of business loans.

Design/methodology/approach

Provides a discussion of research design and general issues related to behavioral/experimental studies.

Findings

Identifies issues that should be carefully thought out and properly addressed by behavioral researchers in order to improve the robustness of the empirical evidence.

Originality/value

This discussion highlights issues that should be carefully thought out and properly addressed by behavioral researchers in order to improve the robustness of the empirical evidence.
Risk disclosure, income smoothing and firm risk
Authors: Monjed Hend , Ibrahim Salma
Published: June 2020

Purpose

Evidence on whether firms with higher risk choose a more transparent or more opaque risk reporting strategy in their annual reports is mixed. A potential explanation is that firms choose an alternative reporting strategy to risk disclosure, namely income smoothing. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the association between both strategies in relation to firm risk levels.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors use a balanced sample of 74 non-financial UK firms from the FTSE100 index over the period 2005–2015, examining the association between firm risk measures and both risk disclosure and income smoothing using a seemingly unrelated regression methodology.

Findings

The authors find that firm financial risk measures are positively associated with both risk disclosure and income smoothing, implying a complementary association. Furthermore, non-risk-related factors are associated with both lower levels of risk disclosure and higher income smoothing, implying a substitutive effect.

Research limitations/implications

The authors do not consider other factors such as managerial optimism, managerial financial incentives and analysts' earnings forecasts which might influence the association between risk disclosure and income smoothing, and hence, this may be a limitation of the current study.

Practical implications

These results are important to regulators, investors and boards of directors who are interested in understanding the alternative reporting strategies that managers select when faced with high risk. The findings signal a need for closer regulatory scrutiny on not only the level of risk disclosure but also the financial reporting choices.

Originality/value

The authors extend the literature on the reporting versus recognition decisions made by managers.
Timeliness and persistence of conservative earnings in an emerging market
Authors: P. Afsheena , Santhakumar Shijin
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The asymmetric effect of conservatism on earnings and its other components serves as a contrivance to incorporate transparency and timeliness in financial reporting. This study aims to explore cash flow-return association, which provides insight into the accruals’ contribution that traverses through conservatism-earnings persistence liaison and its associated effects on stock returns.

Design/methodology/approach

The study used asymmetric timeliness (AT) model and two firm-year measures, namely, C-Score and conservatism ratio, to capture conservatism. The firm-year measures of conservatism, in addition to the AT measure, facilitate a better understanding of the persistence of reported earnings that branch out the study from the existing literature. Further, the study used panel regression analysis to evaluate the timeliness and persistence of earnings under the conservative approach with a sample of Indian corporate data from 2000 to 2017.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that conservative earnings are less persistent and the accruals recognize bad news timelier than good news. The unfavorable change in earnings shows a lower earnings response coefficient in contrast to favorable earnings variations. However, the appropriate loss recognition nature of conservative reporting has little or no influence on stock returns in an emerging market such as India.

Research limitations/implications

Accounting conservatism is a captivating feature accounting information, especially pertinent to many decision-makers. Thus, the study has implications for the investors while evaluating the adverse and positive changes in accounting earnings; also, the results are helpful for the standard setters in ongoing debate related to accounting conservatism vs fair evaluation. The present study focuses exclusively on ex-post conservatism, while the ex post and ex ante conservatism are having a significant role in accounting practices. Future research on the differential effects of ex post and ex ante conservatism on accounting information in an emerging market, is worth promising.

Originality/value

The study reveals the first Indian evidence on accounting conservatism and earnings persistence relationship, which would bring a different dimension to investors’ perception in evaluating the characteristic variations of reported earnings. The findings add value to the accounting standard setters concerning the asymmetric verification as Indian Accounting standards are on the verge of convergence with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).
The moderating role of trust and the theory of reasoned action
Authors: Ng Keith Yong Ngee
Published: June 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to examine the role of trust in colleagues and its relationships with the factors of the theory of reasoned action (TRA). Specifically, this study examines the relationships among perceived social pressure about knowledge sharing, attitude toward knowledge sharing, behavioural intent to share knowledge, trust in colleagues and knowledge-sharing behaviour.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology adopted was a questionnaire survey of employees working in 34 member institutions of the Singapore Association for Private Education (SAPE). These institutions form the entire member list of the SAPE as of 2020. A total of 297 employees completed a self-administered and anonymous survey using a cross-sectional design. Multiple linear regression was used to test the conceptual framework.

Findings

On the mediation effects, full mediation was found to affect attitude toward knowledge sharing on knowledge-sharing behaviour, and partial mediation was found to affect perceived social pressure on knowledge-sharing behaviour. On the moderation effects, trust in colleagues moderates both perceived social pressure and knowledge-sharing behaviour and attitude toward knowledge sharing and knowledge-sharing behaviour positively. Specifically, as the level of trust in colleagues increases, the impact of direct relationships also increases.

Research limitations/implications

Data for the current study were obtained at a single point in time and self-reported. The findings may be biased because of common method variance. Furthermore, this study was conducted in a specific industry in Singapore, i.e. the private education institutions, which limits the generalisability of the research.

Practical implications

The results of this study indicate that managers need to encourage a higher level of trust between employees. Policies and processes could be enacted to promote building quality and trusting relationships between employees.

Originality/value

This study contributes to knowledge-sharing behaviour by integrating the role of trust with the TRA. This study extends the conceptual model of the TRA by providing a new theoretical perspective that takes into account the position of trust in knowledge sharing.
Relating deformation parameters test research of mortar and limestone cooled to cryogenic temperatures
Authors: Shen Zihao , Li Yang , Liu Kuizhou , Zhang Jin , Su Yu
Published: June 2020

Purpose

The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and modulus of elasticity (ME) values of mortar and stone from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures provide an experimental basis for the design of liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage tanks.

Design/methodology/approach

The CTE and ME of mortar and limestone were measured by resistance strain gauge testing technology at cryogenic temperatures.

Findings

The test results showed that CTE values of mortar and stone decreased with the decrease of temperature and CTE values of mortar was greater than that of stone from 0 °C to −165 °C. The ME values of mortar increased significantly at cryogenic temperatures, and less change in stone.

Originality/value

The material at cryogenic temperatures may continue to work in the elastic phase due to the continuous increase of elastic modulus. Therefore, the study of material in the elastic stage may be more important than in the ultimate bearing capacity stage, and it is necessary to carry out further study surrounding the deformation properties of materials at cryogenic temperatures. The CTE and ME values of mortar and stone from room temperature to cryogenic temperatures provide an experimental basis for the design of LNG storage tanks.
Multiple and flexible roles of facultative anaerobic bacteria in microaerophilic oleate degradation
Authors: Duarte M. Salomé , Salvador Andreia F. , Cavaleiro Ana J. , Stams Alfons J. M. , Pereira M. Alcina , Alves M. Madalena
Published: June 2020

Anaerobic degradation of long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) involves syntrophic bacteria and methanogens, but facultative anaerobic bacteria (FAB) might have a relevant role as well. Here we investigated oleate degradation by a syntrophic synthetic co‐culture of Syntrophomonas zehnderi (Sz) and Methanobacterium formicicum (Mf) and FAB (two oleate‐degrading Pseudomonas spp. I1 + I2). Sz + Mf were first cultivated in a continuous bioreactor under strict anaerobic conditions. Thereafter, I1 + I2 were inoculated and microaerophilic conditions were provided. Methane and acetate were the main degradation products by Sz + Mf in anaerobiosis and by Sz + Mf + I1 + I2 in microaerophilic conditions. However, acetate production from oleate was higher in microaerophilic conditions (5% O2) with the four microorganisms together (0.41 ± 0.07 mmol day−1) than in anaerobiosis with Sz + Mf (0.23 ± 0.05 mmol day−1). Oleate degradation in batch assays was faster by Sz + Mf + I1 + I2 (under microaerophilic conditions) than by Sz + Mf alone (under strict anaerobic conditions). I1 + I2 were able to grow with oleate and with intermediates of oleate degradation (hydrogen, acetate and formate). This work highlights the importance of FAB, particularly Pseudomonas sp., in anaerobic reactors treating oleate‐based wastewater, because they accelerate oleate conversion to methane, by protecting strict anaerobes from oxygen toxicity and also by acting as alternative hydrogen/formate and acetate scavengers for LCFA‐degrading anaerobes.
Comparison of larval performance and oviposition preference of Spodoptera frugiperda among three host plants: Potential risks to potato and tobacco crops
Authors: Guo Jing‐Fei , Zhang Meng‐Di , Gao Zu‐Peng , Wang Deng‐Jie , He Kang‐Lai , Wang Zhen‐Ying
Published: June 2020

Fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is a major polyphagous pest with the potential to seriously damage various crops. A better understanding of FAW's performance on different hosts may help to predict which plants will be attacked when the preferred host is absent, and facilitate the development of effective pest management practices. We compared the larval performance of FAW fed on maize with that of FAW fed on potato and tobacco, which are important crops in China, using an age‐stage two‐sex life table and adult female oviposition preference experiments. In cage experiments with potato, tobacco, or maize as the host, FAW reared on maize exhibited the strongest performance with shorter developmental time in the larval stage, longer longevity, and a higher reproductive rate in adults. Females oviposited on maize in preference to potato or tobacco. Compared with larvae fed on maize, those fed on potato and tobacco exhibited significantly lower survival, with only 31.61% and 8.13% developing to the adult stage, respectively. Several life table parameters, including the mean generation time (T), net reproductive rate (R0), finite rate of increase (λ), and intrinsic rate of natural increase (r) were negatively affected in FAW fed on potato and tobacco. Our results support the preference–performance hypothesis, that is, that herbivore females maximize fitness by choosing host plants associated with strong larval performance. Although larvae and adults performed poorly on potato and tobacco, their offspring will be capable of establishing populations on them, posing a potential threat to these crops in China.
Gray whale transcriptome reveals longevity adaptations associated with DNA repair and ubiquitination
Authors: Toren Dmitri , Kulaga Anton , Jethva Mineshbhai , Rubin Eitan , Snezhkina Anastasia V. , Kudryavtseva Anna V. , Nowicki Dmitry , Tacutu Robi , Moskalev Alexey A. , Fraifeld Vadim E.
Published: June 2020

One important question in aging research is how differences in genomics and transcriptomics determine the maximum lifespan in various species. Despite recent progress, much is still unclear on the topic, partly due to the lack of samples in nonmodel organisms and due to challenges in direct comparisons of transcriptomes from different species. The novel ranking‐based method that we employ here is used to analyze gene expression in the gray whale and compare its de novo assembled transcriptome with that of other long‐ and short‐lived mammals. Gray whales are among the top 1% longest‐lived mammals. Despite the extreme environment, or maybe due to a remarkable adaptation to its habitat (intermittent hypoxia, Arctic water, and high pressure), gray whales reach at least the age of 77 years. In this work, we show that long‐lived mammals share common gene expression patterns between themselves, including high expression of DNA maintenance and repair, ubiquitination, apoptosis, and immune responses. Additionally, the level of expression for gray whale orthologs of pro‐ and anti‐longevity genes found in model organisms is in support of their alleged role and direction in lifespan determination. Remarkably, among highly expressed pro‐longevity genes many are stress‐related, reflecting an adaptation to extreme environmental conditions. The conducted analysis suggests that the gray whale potentially possesses high resistance to cancer and stress, at least in part ensuring its longevity. This new transcriptome assembly also provides important resources to support the efforts of maintaining the endangered population of gray whales.
Expansion of the geographic range of the eucalypt pest Paropsisterna cloelia (Stål) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) through synonymy and invasion
Authors: Nahrung Helen F , Lewis Aymee S R , Ridenbaugh Ryan D , Allen Geoff R , Reid Chris A M , McDougal Rebecca L , Withers Toni M
Published: June 2020

The accidental introduction of the eucalypt‐feeding paropsine beetle Paropsisterna cloelia (Paropsisterna variicollis) into New Zealand (NZ) in 2016 prompted investigation of the species complex to which the invasive species belongs. Two mitochondrial gene regions, Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 and Cytochrome b, were sequenced from field‐collected specimens superficially resembling P. cloelia collected in Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia (WA) and NZ. Four distinct Paropsisterna species groups were found, and representatives from each clade were identified with named species using morphology. P. cloelia was confirmed via sequencing and morphology to occur in all sampled geographic regions. The WA and NZ populations showed no diversity at the gene regions studied and hence represent invasive populations. The invasive WA haplotype was shared with both Tasmania and Victoria, whereas the NZ haplotype was unique, but most similar to one shared between WA, Tasmania and Victoria. The melanistic colour variant of P. cloelia was only found in eastern mainland Australian populations and was absent from Tasmania and invasive populations. Implications for pest management, including biological control, are discussed.
Additive treatment considerations in COVID‐19—The clinician’s perspective on extracorporeal adjunctive purification techniques
Authors: Swol Justyna , Lorusso Roberto
Published: June 2020

The aim of this document was to inform the scientific community of sparse preliminary results regarding advanced supportive therapies and technology‐driven systems in addition to highlighting the benefits and possibilities of performing concise research during challenging times. Advanced organ support for lung and heart offers the possibility to buy the time needed for recovery. However, remaining a bridging strategy, extracorporeal life support cannot act as the ultimate treatment for the underlying COVID‐19 disease. Appropriate patient selection criteria addressed by experts and scientific organizations, such as Extracorporeal Life Support Organization and World Health Organization, may provide significant help in the difficult decision‐making and to reduce mortality in patients with profound respiratory and/or cardiac failure due to COVID‐19. Severe, systemic cytokine‐mediated inflammation associated with the SARS‐CoV‐2 has also been described. Effects of crosstalk between coagulation and inflammatory pathways appear to significantly affect disease progression and lead to poor outcomes. Multiple therapeutic strategies, including antibody therapies (such as Tocilizumab, Sarilumab, Siltuximab), therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE), and blood purification techniques for direct removal of cytokines, including filtration, dialysis (diffusion), and adsorption are available. Further, we believe, that research should be facilitated and promoted, particularly under the guidance of recognized scientific societies or expert‐based multicenter investigation, with rapid communication of critical and relevant information to enhance better appraisal of patient profiles, complications, and treatment modalities.
Effects of oocyte‐derived paracrine factors on release of extracellular vesicles by murine mural granulosa cells in vitro
Authors: Matsuno Yuta , Maruyama Natsumi , Fujii Wataru , Naito Kunihiko , Sugiura Koji
Published: June 2020

Both oocytes and extracellular vesicles (EV) have emerged as critical regulators of mammalian follicular development; however, the possible interaction between the oocyte‐derived paracrine factor (ODPF) and EV signals has never been examined. Therefore, to explore the possibility of an interaction between oocyte and EV signals, the effects of ODPFs on the biogenesis of EVs as well as the expression levels of transcripts related to EV biogenesis in mural granulosa cells (MGCs) were examined using mice. The results showed that, while oocyte coculture has some effects on the expression levels of transcripts related to EV biogenesis, the number of EV particles present in the conditioned medium were not significantly different between ODPF‐treated and non‐treated MGCs. Therefore, oocytes have no effects on the EV biogenesis by MGCs, at least with respect to the numbers of EV particles.
Amalgamating Isatin/Indole/Nitroimidazole with 7‐chloroquinolines via azide‐alkyne cycloaddition: Synthesis, anti‐plasmodial, and cytotoxic evaluation
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Saini Anu , Legac Jenny , Rosenthal Philip J. , Raj Raghu , Kumar Vipan
Published: June 2020

The present paper describes the synthesis, anti‐plasmodial, and cytotoxic evaluation of 7‐chloroquinoline‐based conjugates with isatins/indoles/ nitroimidazoles, obtained via Cu‐promoted 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions. On contemplating SAR of the synthesized series, the inclusion of indole and nitroimidazole‐core improved the anti‐plasmodial activities while the isatin seemed to have a lesser effect. The conjugate with a nitroimidazole‐core and hexyl chain length as a spacer between the two pharmacophores was found to be most potent among the synthesized series and displayed an IC50 of 0.12 µM and a selectivity index of 1748.