bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A closer look at superionic phase transition in (NH4)4H2(SeO4)3: impedance spectroscopy under pressure
Authors: Lindner Łukasz , Zdanowska-Frączek Maria , Czapla Zbigniew , Frączek Ziemowit
Published: April 2020

The proton-conducting material (NH4)4H2(SeO4)3 is examined to check whether its conductivity spectra are sensitive to subtle changes in the crystal structure and proton dynamics caused by external pressure. The AC conductivity was measured using impedance spectroscopy, in the frequency range from 100 Hz to 1 MHz, at temperatures 260 K < T < 400 K and pressures 0.1 MPa < p < 500 MPa. On the basis of the impedance spectra, carefully analyzed at different thermodynamic conditions, the p–T phase diagram of the crystal is constructed. It is found to be linear in the pressure range of the experiment, with the pressure coefficient value dT
s/dp = −0.023 K MPa−1. The hydrostatic pressure effect on proton conductivity is also presented and discussed. Measurements of the electrical conductivity versus time were performed at a selected temperature T = 352.3 K and at pressures 0.1 MPa < p < 360 MPa. At fixed thermodynamic conditions (p = 302 MPa, T = 352.3 K), the sluggish solid–solid transformation from low conducting to superionic phase was induced. It is established that the kinetics of this transformation can be described by the Avrami model with an effective Avrami index value of about 4, which corresponds to the classical value associated with the homogeneous nucleation and three-dimensional growth of a new phase.
Structural and thermodynamic analyses of interactions between death-associated protein kinase 1 and anthraquinones
Authors: Yokoyama Takeshi , Wijaya Peter , Kosaka Yuto , Mizuguchi Mineyuki
Published: April 2020

Death-associated protein kinase 1 (DAPK1) is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates apoptosis and autophagy. DAPK1 is considered to be a therapeutic target for amyloid-β deposition, endometrial adenocarcinomas and acute ischemic stroke. Here, the potent inhibitory activity of the natural anthraquinone purpurin against DAPK1 phosphorylation is shown. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that while the binding affinity of purpurin is similar to that of CPR005231, which is a DAPK1 inhibitor with an imidazopyridazine moiety, the binding of purpurin was more enthalpically favorable. In addition, the inhibition potencies were correlated with the enthalpic changes but not with the binding affinities. Crystallographic analysis of the DAPK1–purpurin complex revealed that the formation of a hydrogen-bond network is likely to contribute to the favorable enthalpic changes and that stabilization of the glycine-rich loop may cause less favorable entropic changes. The present findings indicate that purpurin may be a good lead compound for the discovery of inhibitors of DAPK1, and the observation of enthalpic changes could provide important clues for drug development.
Bond-valence analyses of the crystal structures of FeMo/V cofactors in FeMo/V proteins
Authors: Jin Wan-Ting , Yang Min , Zhu Shuang-Shuang , Zhou Zhao-Hui
Published: April 2020

The bond-valence method has been used for valence calculations of FeMo/V cofactors in FeMo/V proteins using 51 crystallographic data sets of FeMo/V proteins from the Protein Data Bank. The calculations show molybdenum(III) to be present in MoFe7S9C(Cys)(HHis)[R-(H)homocit] (where H4homocit is homocitric acid, HCys is cysteine and HHis is histidine) in FeMo cofactors, while vanadium(III) with a more reduced iron complement is obtained for FeV cofactors. Using an error analysis of the calculated valences, it was found that in FeMo cofactors Fe1, Fe6 and Fe7 can be unambiguously assigned as iron(III), while Fe2, Fe3, Fe4 and Fe5 show different degrees of mixed valences for the individual Fe atoms. For the FeV cofactors in PDB entry 5n6y, Fe4, Fe5 and Fe6 correspond to iron(II), iron(II) and iron(III), respectively, while Fe1, Fe2, Fe3 and Fe7 exhibit strongly mixed valences. Special situations such as CO-bound and selenium-substituted FeMo cofactors and O(N)H-bridged FeV cofactors are also discussed and suggest rearrangement of the electron configuration on the substitution of the bridging S atoms.
Capital structure dynamics: China and India (Chindia) perspective
Authors: Bajaj Yukti , Kashiramka Smita , Singh Shveta
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate the dynamics of capital structure for businesses in China and India. Whether and how they adjust their capital structures to witness the trade-off behaviour in the light of different macro-level factors.

Design/methodology/approach

Firms listed on the National Stock Exchange and Shanghai Stock Exchange over the period of 2009-2018 are used for the study. System generalized method of moments proposed by Blundell and Bond (1998) is deployed due to the use of dynamic short panel data.

Findings

Indian firms revert to their target leverage ratios at a higher rate as compared to Chinese firms (30 and 20 per cent, respectively). Further, the inflation rate, bond market and stock market development are significant factors impacting leverage in the case of India, whereas bond market development significantly impacts leverage in the case of China. These results are robust across various definitions of leverage and other firm and institutional control variables.

Research limitations/implications

This study has implications for various stakeholders. The study highlights that development in financial markets and economy impact the financing decisions and should be a cause for concern for the financial managers and policymakers. Thus, managers can use the findings of the study if they desire to maintain their target capital structures for better firm valuation and the policymakers can support them in achieving the same. Even, the investors can make informed investment decisions considering macro-level factors impacting firms’ financing choices.

Originality/value

It is believed to be the first piece of research effort to consider the novel paradigm of the macro-level factors impacting the target leverage to estimate the adjustment speed. Secondly, it is a pioneering study, which attempts to compare the trade-off behaviour of the top two emerging economies of the world.
It’s not all about price. The determinants of occupancy rates in peer-to-peer accommodation
Authors: Leoni Veronica , Figini Paolo , Nilsson Jan Olof William
Published: April 2020

Purpose

This paper aims to identify the key drivers of occupancy rates in peer-to-peer accommodation.

Design/methodology/approach

The applied methodology fits the specific characteristics of this market segment: the peculiar distribution of the occupancy rate (a ratio characterised by a large share of zeros) requires the adoption of a mixed discrete-continuous model; the insidious issue of price endogeneity is dealt with a control function approach; the econometric specification takes into account the monopolistic competition, the relevant market regime in the hospitality industry. The model is tested on Airbnb listings in the Balearic Islands (Spain).

Findings

The occupancy rate of peer-to-peer properties in the Balearic Islands strongly depends on their geographical location and online reputation. There is a qualitative difference between two groups: listings with positive occupancy rates, which demand tends to be inelastic, and listings with zero occupancy. The authors found that the price is a not a statistically significant determinant of the latter group membership.

Originality/value

This paper applies a zero-inflated beta model, never used in previous analyses of occupancy rates, to provide a benchmark for future studies. This procedure allows the estimation of unbiased marginal effects. It, thus, offers important technical and managerial implications, as a wrong understanding of how occupancy depends on price would deliver ineffective managerial decisions. This paper highlights the importance of methodological choices, as coefficients are highly sensitive to misspecifications of the model.
Fuel the service fire
Authors: Wu Long-Zeng , Ye Yijiao , Cheng Xuan-Mei , Kwan Ho Kwong , Lyu Yijing
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Drawing from self-determination theory, this study aims to examine the effect of leader humor on frontline hospitality employees’ service performance and proactive customer service performance (PCSP) via harmonious passion (HP) for work with employee neuroticism as the moderating mechanism.

Design/methodology/approach

This study controlled for the nested effect and tested all the hypotheses with Mplus 7.0 using a time-lagged three-wave survey of 232 Chinese supervisor–subordinate dyads.

Findings

The results indicated that leader humor promotes frontline hospitality employees’ service performance and PCSP by enhancing their HP. Furthermore, neuroticism was shown to strengthen the direct impact of leader humor on employee HP and its indirect impact on employee service performance and employee PCSP through HP.

Originality/value

First, this research contributes to the leader humor literature through exploring its impact on the service performance and PCSP of frontline hospitality employees. Second, this research develops a new framework to explain the leader humor-employee service outcomes relationship using self-determination theory. Finally, the focus on the moderating role of neuroticism helps to explain the “when” question of leader humor.
Consequences of corporate sustainability reporting: evidence from an emerging market
Authors: Swarnapali RMNC
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to discover whether corporate sustainability disclosure has a potential impact on the market value and earnings quality of firms in an emerging market.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were collected from 220 companies listed in the Colombo Stock Exchange (CSE) in Sri Lanka during the period 2012-2016. Firm value proxies by Tobin’s Q, while earnings quality proxies by discretionary accruals (DAC). The study is premised on value-enhancing theory for firm value and transparent financial reporting perspective for earnings quality. Regression analyses are executed on the panel data to achieve the study objectives.

Findings

The results reveal a positive relationship between sustainability reporting (SR) and firm market value, accepting the value-enhancing theory while rejecting the value-destroying theory. This finding suggests that investors pay a premium in the financial markets for firms that perform in an environmentally and socially responsible manner, compared to firms that do not perform in a similar manner. In the same vein, the results reveal that sustainability disclosure and DAC are negatively and significantly associated, resulting in high-quality earnings. The result is consistent with the transparent financial reporting hypothesis, which is also in line with the managers’ integrity motivation.

Originality/value

This is the first study investigating the consequences of SR that is specific to the Sri Lankan context. Owing to the sparse studies on consequences of SR, this study contributes significantly to the extant literature by broadening the geographical coverage to include a developing country setting.
Wine consumers in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Lembke Svan , Cartier Lee
Published: April 2020

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to redirect wine producer marketing strategies in British Columbia (BC) to better market their wine to the next generation of local consumers and compete against foreign imports.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted using representative data collected from BC wine consumers through a survey of 500 participants and subsequent focus groups to better understand and interpret the findings.

Findings

The findings confirm that the growth of wine sales in BC is driven by the Millennial generation. This generation shows some different wine purchasing and consumption behaviours than previous generations. BC wine producers compete against foreign imports by using their direct-to-consumer sales channel (s) and could also use their superior understanding for the next generation of wine consumers to better sell their local wines across multiple channels.

Practical implications

To onboard the next generation of Millennial consumers to BC wines, BC wine producers are advised to use the tasting room environment to learn more about their local consumers and also sell via other channels. Some gaps in consumer needs across generations are identified and BC producers are advised to further target this new consumer and meet the needs of the local Millennials better than the competition.

Originality/value

The study is unique in its location. BC wine producers have often used US research or anecdotal data from their own tasting rooms to inform marketing decisions. The researchers argue that this carries significant risk, especially as the next generation of BC wine consumers displays different purchasing behaviours than those reported in US research.
Parametric review of food supply chain performance implications under different aspects
Authors: Sharma Janpriy , Tyagi Mohit , Bhardwaj Arvind
Published: April 2020

Purpose

Presented work gives comparative review of food supply chain (FSC) under various notions related to its conceptualisation, operationality and technological advancements in lieu with Industry 4.0 revolution. In Indian scenario, the impression of FSC seems in a scattered way that cannot be directly useful for an organisation, to overcome this scattering, a framework has been developed to consolidate the previous research works and exploration of new trends in food supply chain management (FSCM) in context to Indian scenario.

Design/methodology/approach

This article encapsulates the essence of various research articles and reports retrieved from databases of Emerald and Elsevier's Science direct, clustering the various notions related to FSC in Indian context. To visualise the one-sight view of related works, a pictorial representations have also been appended.

Findings

This article explains the general aspect of FSC and its linkage in context to Indian system. Presented work outlays both empirical and theoretical approaches trending from last 15 years. As research count in context to Indian FSC is lacking, so this work will be a road map for expedition in direction of FSCM, in era of research.

Practical implications

Findings and suggestion in this work can expanded in various industries related to food, helping to turn their fortune and enrichment of Indian FSC.

Social implications

Food is binding word for all the commodities, and its effective supply chain management is a big boon for economy of country along with large employment generation for people directly/indirectly associated with this industry. This article covers a generalise approach from ground level framework to a level of advancement which fulfil technological aspects, future needs and upcoming trends in lieu to need of developing nation.

Originality/value

As limited research is done in Indian FSCM, this work to bridge this gap along with a well-defined framework which going to explore FSC. This work is going to be facilitation for researchers of this area as no major review for Indian context has not been published.
Reverse genetics system for human rotaviruses
Authors: Komoto Satoshi , Fukuda Saori , Murata Takayuki , Taniguchi Koki
Published: April 2020

A reverse genetics technology is an incredibly useful technique both for a proper understanding of different aspects of virus biology and for the generation of complementary DNA (cDNA)‐derived infectious viruses, which can act as safe and effective vaccines and viral vectors. Rotaviruses (RVAs), especially human RVAs (HuRVAs), had been very refractory to this technology until very recently. Here, we describe the historical background of the development of a long‐awaited HuRVA reverse genetics system, culminating in the generation of replicative HuRVAs entirely from cloned cDNAs.
Perilipin LDP1 coordinates lipid droplets formation and utilization for appressorium‐mediated infection in Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Cai Xuan , Yan Jingjing , Liu Caiyun , Xing Junjie , Ren Zhiyong , Hendy Ahmed , Zheng Lu , Huang Junbin , Chen Xiao‐Lin
Published: April 2020

Lipid droplets (LDs) serve as one of the major reservoirs in conidia of Magnaporthe oryzae and are quickly utilized during appressorium formation. Here, we identified a gene, LDP1, encoding a perilipin that is important for LD formation and utilization during appressorium maturation. LDP1 is highly expressed in conidium and immature appressorium. Disruption mutants of LDP1 were significantly reduced in virulence, due to appressorial turgor reduction and difficulty in penetration. LDs were significantly reduced in the Δldp1 mutant, indicating LDP1 was required for LDs formation. LDP1 was colocalized with the LDs in conidium and immature appressorium but was gradually separated during appressorium maturation. A typical intracellular triacylglycerol lipase, TGL1‐2, was clearly separated with LDs in conidium and immature appressorium but was well colocalized with LDs during appressorium maturation. The subcellular localization of TGL1‐2 was affected by LDP1. These data suggested that LDP1 was bound to LDs for protecting from utilization in conidia and at the early appressorium stage but was separated from LDs for lipase entering and degradation. LDP1 was phosphorylated by CPKA at Thr96, which was essential for its localization and functions. These data indicate perilipin LDP1 can coordinate LD formation and utilization for appressorium‐mediated infection of M. oryzae.
The novel and transferable erm(51) gene confers macrolides, lincosamides and streptogramins B (MLSB) resistance to clonal Rhodococcus equi in the environment
Authors: Huber Laura , Giguère Steeve , Slovis Nathan M. , Álvarez‐Narváez Sonsiray , Hart Kelsey A. , Greiter Maggie , Morris Ellen Ruth A. , Cohen Noah D.
Published: April 2020

The use of mass antimicrobial treatment has been linked to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in human and animal pathogens. Using whole‐genome single‐molecule real‐time (SMRT) sequencing, we characterized genomic variability of multidrug‐resistant Rhodococcus equi isolated from soil samples from 100 farms endemic for R. equi infections in Kentucky. We discovered the novel erm(51)‐encoding resistance to MLSB in R. equi isolates from soil of horse‐breeding farms. Erm(51) is inserted in a transposon (TnErm51) that is associated with a putative conjugative plasmid (pRErm51), a mobilizable plasmid (pMobErm51), or both enabling horizontal gene transfer to susceptible organisms and conferring high levels of resistance against MLSB in vitro. This new resistant genotype also carries a previously unidentified rpoB mutation conferring resistance to rifampicin. Isolates carrying both vapA and erm(51) were rarely found, indicating either a recent acquisition of erm(51) and/or impaired survival when isolates carry both genes. Isolates carrying erm(51) are closely related genetically and were likely selected by antimicrobial exposure in the environment.
Vacuolar H+‐ATPase is involved in preventing heavy metal‐induced oxidative stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Techo Todsapol , Jindarungrueng Supat , Tatip Supinda , Limcharoensuk Tossapol , Pokethitiyook Prayad , Kruatrachue Maleeya , Auesukaree Choowong
Published: April 2020

In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, vacuolar H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) involved in the regulation of intracellular pH homeostasis has been shown to be important for tolerances to cadmium, cobalt and nickel. However, the molecular mechanism underlying the protective role of V‐ATPase against these metals remains unclear. In this study, we show that cadmium, cobalt and nickel disturbed intracellular pH balance by triggering cytosolic acidification and vacuolar alkalinization, likely via their membrane permeabilizing effects. Since V‐ATPase plays a crucial role in pumping excessive cytosolic protons into the vacuole, the metal‐sensitive phenotypes of the Δvma2 and Δvma3 mutants lacking V‐ATPase activity were supposed to result from highly acidified cytosol. However, we found that the metal‐sensitive phenotypes of these mutants were caused by increased production of reactive oxygen species, likely as a result of decreased expression and activities of manganese superoxide dismutase and catalase. In addition, the loss of V‐ATPase function led to aberrant vacuolar morphology and defective endocytic trafficking. Furthermore, the sensitivities of the Δvma mutants to other chemical compounds (i.e. acetic acid, H2O2, menadione, tunicamycin and cycloheximide) were a consequence of increased endogenous oxidative stress. These findings, therefore, suggest the important role of V‐ATPase in preventing endogenous oxidative stress induced by metals and other chemical compounds.
Microbial community development on model particles in the deep sulfidic waters of the Black Sea
Authors: Suominen Saara , Doorenspleet Karlijn , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Villanueva Laura
Published: April 2020

Microorganisms attached to particles have been shown to be different from free‐living microbes and to display diverse metabolic activities. However, little is known about the ecotypes associated with particles and their substrate preference in anoxic marine waters. Here, we investigate the microbial community colonizing particles in the anoxic and sulfide‐rich waters of the Black Sea. We incubated beads coated with different substrates in situ at 1000 and 2000 m depth. After 6 h, the particle‐attached microbes were dominated by Gamma‐ and Alpha‐proteobacteria, and groups related to the phyla Latescibacteria, Bacteroidetes, Planctomycetes and Firmicutes, with substantial variation across the bead types, indicating that the attaching communities were selected by the substrate. Further laboratory incubations for 7 days suggested the presence of a community of highly specialized taxa. After incubation for 35 days, the microbial composition across all beads and depths was similar and primarily composed of putative sulfur cycling microbes. In addition to the major shared microbial groups, subdominant taxa on chitin and protein‐coated beads were detected pointing to specialized microbial degraders. These results highlight the role of particles as sites for attachment and biofilm formation, while the composition of organic matter defined a secondary part of the microbial community.
The Effect of Credit Ratings on Disclosure: Evidence from the Recalibration of Moody's Municipal Ratings
Authors: GILLETTE JACQUELYN R. , SAMUELS DELPHINE , ZHOU FRANK S.
Published: April 2020

This paper examines how credit rating levels affect municipal debt issuers’ disclosure decisions. Using exogenous upgrades in credit rating levels caused by the recalibration of Moody's municipal ratings scale in 2010, we find that upgraded municipalities significantly reduce their disclosure of required continuing financial information, relative to unaffected municipalities. Consistent with a reduction in debtholders’ demand for information driving these results, the reduction in disclosure is greater when municipal bonds are held by investors who relied more on disclosure ex ante. However, we also find that the reduction in disclosure does not manifest when issuers are monitored by underwriters with greater issuer‐specific expertise and when issuers are subject to direct regulatory enforcement through the receipt of federal funding. Overall, our results suggest that higher credit rating levels lower investor demand for disclosure in the municipal market, and highlight the role of underwriters and direct regulatory enforcement in maintaining disclosure levels when investor demand is low.
Novel alternative splicing of GABA receptor RDL exon 9 from Laodelphax striatellus modulates agonist potency
Authors: Jiang Jie , Huang Li‐Xin , Chen Feng , Sheng Cheng‐Wang , Huang Qiu‐Tang , Han Zhao‐Jun , Zhao Chun‐Qing
Published: April 2020

The resistance to dieldrin gene (RDL) encodes the primary subunit of the insect ionotropic γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor (GABAR), which is the target of phenylpyrazole and isoxazoline insecticides. The splice variants in exons 3 and 6 of RDL, which have been widely explored in many insects, modulate the agonist potency of the homomeric RDL GABAR and potentially play an important role in the development of insects. In the present study, four splice variants of exon 9 were identified in RDL of the small brown planthopper, Laodelphax striatellus (LsRDL), resulting in LsRDL‐9a, LsRDL‐9a’, LsRDL‐9b, and LsRDL‐9c. LsRDL‐9a has one more amino acid (E, glutamic acid) compared with LsRDL‐9a’, and LsRDL‐9b lacked two amino acids and had seven different amino acids compared with LsRDL‐9c. Two‐electrode voltage‐clamp recording on LsRDLs expressed in Xenopus oocytes showed that alternative splicing of exon 9 has significant impact on LsRDL sensitivity to the agonists GABA and β‐alanine, whereas no significant difference was observed in the potencies of the non‐competitive antagonists (NCAs) ethiprole and fluralaner on the splice variants. Our results suggest that alternative splicing of RDL exon 9 broadens functional capabilities of the GABAR in L. striatellus by influencing the action of GABA.
Response of native and exotic longhorn beetles to common pheromone components provides partial support for the pheromone‐free space hypothesis
Authors: Rassati Davide , Marchioro Matteo , Flaherty Leah , Poloni Riccardo , Edwards Sara , Faccoli Massimo , Sweeney Jon
Published: April 2020

Longhorn beetles are among the most important groups of invasive forest insects worldwide. In parallel, they represent one of the most well‐studied insect groups in terms of chemical ecology. Longhorn beetle aggregation‐sex pheromones are commonly used as trap lures for specific and generic surveillance programs at points of entry and may play a key role in determining the success or failure of exotic species establishment. An exotic species might be more likely to establish in a novel habitat if it relies on a pheromone channel that is different to that of native species active at the same time of year and day, allowing for unhindered mate location (i.e., pheromone‐free space hypothesis). In this study, we first tested the attractiveness of single pheromone components (i.e., racemic 3‐hydroxyhexan‐2‐one, racemic 3‐hydroxyoctan‐2‐one, and syn‐2,3‐hexanediol), and their binary and tertiary combinations, to native and exotic longhorn beetle species in Canada and Italy. Second, we exploited trap catches to determine their seasonal flight activity. Third, we used pheromone‐baited “timer traps” to determine longhorn beetle daily flight activity. The response to single pheromones and their combinations was mostly species specific but the combination of more than one pheromone component allowed catch of multiple species simultaneously in Italy. The response of the exotic species to pheromone components, coupled with results on seasonal and daily flight activity, provided partial support for the pheromone‐free space hypothesis. This study aids in the understanding of longhorn beetle chemical ecology and confirms that pheromones can play a key role in longhorn beetle invasions.
Environmental DNA analysis shows high potential as a tool for estimating intraspecific genetic diversity in a wild fish population
Authors: Tsuji Satsuki , Maruyama Atsushi , Miya Masaki , Ushio Masayuki , Sato Hirotoshi , Minamoto Toshifumi , Yamanaka Hiroki
Published: April 2020

Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis has recently been used as a new tool for estimating intraspecific diversity. However, whether known haplotypes contained in a sample can be detected correctly using eDNA‐based methods has been examined only by an aquarium experiment. Here, we tested whether the haplotypes of Ayu fish (Plecoglossus altivelis altivelis) detected in a capture survey could also be detected from an eDNA sample derived from the field that contained various haplotypes with low concentrations and foreign substances. A water sample and Ayu specimens collected from a river on the same day were analysed by eDNA analysis and Sanger sequencing, respectively. The 10 L water sample was divided into 20 filters for each of which 15 PCR replications were performed. After high‐throughput sequencing, denoising was performed using two of the most widely used denoising packages, unoise3 and dada2. Of the 42 haplotypes obtained from the Sanger sequencing of 96 specimens, 38 (unoise3) and 41 (dada2) haplotypes were detected by eDNA analysis. When dada2 was used, except for one haplotype, haplotypes owned by at least two specimens were detected from all the filter replications. Accordingly, although it is important to note that eDNA‐based method has some limitations and some risk of false positive and false negative, this study showed that the eDNA analysis for evaluating intraspecific genetic diversity provides comparable results for large‐scale capture‐based conventional methods. Our results suggest that eDNA‐based methods could become a more efficient survey method for investigating intraspecific genetic diversity in the field.
A newly developed genetic sex marker and its application to understanding chemically induced feminisation in roach (Rutilus rutilus)
Authors: Lange Anke , Paris Josephine R. , Gharbi Karim , Cézard Timothée , Miyagawa Shinichi , Iguchi Taisen , Studholme David J. , Tyler Charles R.
Published: April 2020

Oestrogenic wastewater treatment works (WwTW) effluents discharged into UK rivers have been shown to affect sexual development, including inducing intersex, in wild roach (Rutilus rutilus). This can result in a reduced breeding capability with potential population level impacts. In the absence of a sex probe for roach it has not been possible to confirm whether intersex fish in the wild arise from genetic males or females, or whether sex reversal occurs in the wild, as this condition can be induced experimentally in controlled exposures to WwTW effluents and a steroidal oestrogen. Using restriction site‐associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq), we identified a candidate for a genetic sex marker and validated this marker as a sex probe through PCR analyses of samples from wild roach populations from nonpolluted rivers. We also applied the sex marker to samples from roach exposed experimentally to oestrogen and oestrogenic effluents to confirm suspected phenotypic sex reversal from males to females in some treatments, and also that sex‐reversed males are able to breed as females. We then show, unequivocally, that intersex in wild roach populations results from feminisation of males, but find no strong evidence for complete sex reversal in wild roach at river sites contaminated with oestrogens. The discovered marker has utility for studies in roach on chemical effects, wild stock assessments, and reducing the number of fish used where only one sex is required for experimentation. Furthermore, we show that the marker can be applied nondestructively using a fin clip or skin swab, with animal welfare benefits.
Involvement of membrane vesicles in long‐chain‐AHL delivery in Paracoccus species
Authors: Morinaga Kana , Nagakubo Toshiki , Nomura Nobuhiko , Toyofuku Masanori
Published: April 2020

Bacteria are known to communicate with each other through signalling molecules that regulate gene expression within the population. However, the way in which hydrophobic signals are released and transmitted among bacterial population is not well understood. Recent studies show that membrane vesicles (MVs) are involved in delivering hydrophobic signals, such as in N‐hexadecanoyl‐l‐homoserine lactone (C16‐HSL) signalling in Paracoccus denitrificans Pd1222. In this study, we identified the AHLs produced in Paracoccus aminophilus JCM7686, Paracoccus aminovorans NBRC16711, Paracoccus thiocyanatus JCM20756, Paracoccus versutus JCM20754 and Paracoccus yeei ATCC BAA‐599, and show that the main AHL produced in all the strains is C16‐HSL. Our results show that these Paracoccus species also release MVs that carry C16‐HSL, but at different proportions. Most of the strains carry C16‐HSL in MVs, while in P. aminophilus JCM7686, very little C16‐HSL was detected in MVs, but was found in other fractions of the supernatant. Given the utilization of a common signal, we showed that these Paracoccus species can share signals with P. denitrificans Pd1222, and examined the role of MVs in signalling. Our study provides new insights into the way in which bacteria communicate using hydrophobic signals.
Recommendations of individualized medical treatment and common adverse events management for lung cancer patients during the outbreak of COVID‐19 epidemic
Authors: Zhao Zhe , Bai Hua , Duan Jianchun , Wang Jie
Published: April 2020

Since its outbreak in December 2019 in China, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has rapidly spread and affected several countries. It has resulted in a difficult situation for cancer patients owing to the risks of the epidemic situation outbreak as well as cancer. Patients with cancer are more likely than the general population to contract COVID‐19 because of the systemic immunosuppressive status caused by malignant diseases or anticancer treatment. Lung cancer has the highest morbidity and mortality in China and the world. Most patients with lung cancer are smokers with poor underlying lung conditions and low immunity, thus it is vital to protect them from epidemic diseases during cancer treatment. It is necessary to provide individualized medical treatment and management of treatment‐related adverse events for patients with lung cancer based on patients' conditions and regional epidemic patterns.

Key points

Significant findings of the study During the outbreak of COVID‐19, taking patients' conditions and regional epidemic patterns into consideration, providing appropriate individualized treatment strategies for lung cancer patients with different stages is an urgent requirement.

What this study adds Based on the characteristics of lung cancer, this article aims to provide recommendations and suggestions of individualized treatment strategies and management of common adverse events for patients with lung cancer during the epidemic period of COVID‐19.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in a Southeastern County of the United States: Child Characteristics and Maternal Risk Traits
Authors: May Philip A. , Hasken Julie M. , Stegall Julie M. , Mastro Heather A. , Kalberg Wendy O. , Buckley David , Brooks Marita , Hedrick Dixie M. , Ortega Marian A. , Elliott Amy J. , Tabachnick Barbara G. , Abdul‐Rahman Omar , Adam Margaret P. , Robinson Luther K. , Manning Melanie A. , Jewett Tamison , Hoyme H. Eugene
Published: April 2020

Objective

To detail the characteristic traits of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and maternal risk factors in a southeastern U.S. County.

Methods

Independent samples were drawn from 2 different cohorts of first‐grade students. All consented children (49.8%) were measured for height, weight, and head circumference, and those ≤ 25th centile entered the study along with a random sample drawn from all enrolled students. Study children were examined for physical growth, dysmorphology, and neurobehavior, and their mothers were interviewed.

Results

Total dysmorphology scores discriminated well the physical traits of children across the FASD continuum: fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) = 15.8, partial FAS (PFAS) = 10.8, alcohol‐related neurobehavioral disorder (ARND) = 5.2, and typically developing controls = 4.4. Additionally, a neurobehavioral battery distinguished children with each FASD diagnosis from controls. Behavioral problems qualified more children for FASD diagnoses than cognitive traits. Significant proximal maternal risk variables were as follows: reports of prepregnancy drinking, drinking in any trimester, and comorbid use of other drugs in lifetime and during pregnancy, especially alcohol and marijuana (14.9% among mothers of children with FASD vs. 0.4% for controls). Distal maternal risks included reports of other health problems (e.g., depression), living unmarried with a partner during pregnancy, and a lower level of spirituality. Controlling for other drug use during pregnancy, having a child diagnosed with a FASD was 17.5 times greater for women who reported usual consumption of 3 drinks per drinking day prior to pregnancy than for nondrinking mothers (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 5.1 to 59.9). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of FASD by race, Hispanic ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The prevalence of FASD was not lower than 17.3 per 1,000, and weighted estimated prevalence was 49.0 per 1,000 or 4.9%.

Conclusion

This site had the second lowest rate in the CoFASP study, yet children with FASD are prevalent.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in a Midwestern City: Child Characteristics, Maternal Risk Traits, and Prevalence
Authors: May Philip A. , Hasken Julie M. , Baete Amy , Russo Jaymi , Elliott Amy J. , Kalberg Wendy O. , Buckley David , Brooks Marita , Ortega Marian A. , Hedrick Dixie M. , Tabachnick Barbara G. , Abdul‐Rahman Omar , Adam Margaret P. , Jewett Tamison , Robinson Luther K. , Manning Melanie A. , Hoyme H. Eugene
Published: April 2020

Objective

To determine the characteristics of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and their mothers in a Midwestern city.

Methods

Case–control samples were drawn from 2 separate first‐grade cohorts (combined N = 4,047) in every city school using different methods. In Cohort Sample 1, all consented small children (≤25th centile on height, weight, and/or head circumference) entered the study along with a random sample from all enrolled students. Cohort Sample 2 was drawn totally at random. Child growth, dysmorphology, and neurobehavior were assessed using the Collaboration on FASD Prevalence (CoFASP) criteria, and mothers were interviewed.

Results

For the samples combined, 891 children received dysmorphology examinations, and 692 were case‐conferenced for final diagnosis. Forty‐four children met criteria for FASD. Total dysmorphology scores differentiated diagnostic groups: fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), 16.7; partial FAS, 11.8; alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), 6.1; and typically developing controls, 4.2. Neurobehavioral tests distinguished children with FASD from controls, more for behavioral problems than cognitive delay. Children with ARND demonstrated the poorest neurobehavioral indicators. An adjusted regression model of usual prepregnancy drinking indicated that maternal reports of 3 drinks per drinking day (DDD) were significantly associated with a FASD diagnosis (p = 0.020, OR = 10.1, 95% CI = 1.44 to 70.54), as were 5 or more DDD (p < 0.001, OR = 26.47, 95% CI = 4.65 to 150.62). Other significant maternal risk factors included the following: self‐reported drinking in any trimester; smoking and cocaine use during pregnancy; later pregnancy recognition and later and less prenatal care; lower maternal weight, body mass index (BMI), and head circumference; and unmarried status. There was no significant difference in FASD prevalence by race, Hispanic ethnicity, or socioeconomic status at this site, where the prevalence of FASD was 14.4 to 41.2 per 1,000 (1.4 to 4.1%).

Conclusion

This city displayed the lowest prevalence of FASD of the 4 CoFASP sites. Nevertheless, FASD were common, and affected children demonstrated a common, recognizable, and measurable array of traits.
Financial statement comparability and managers’ use of corporate resources
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Bon , Li Leye , Lu Louise Yi , Yu Yangxin
Published: April 2020

We examine the impact of financial statement comparability on managers’ use of corporate resources. Using the comparability measures of De Franco, Kothari, and Verdi as proxies for financial statement comparability, we find that, as comparability increases, corporate cash holdings are worth more to outside shareholders, capital expenditure contributes more to shareholder value, and corporate acquisitions made by the firm have a more favourable impact on shareholder value. We also find that higher comparability leads to both lower under‐ and overinvestment. Our results suggest that comparability facilitates investor monitoring of managers’ use of corporate resources, which enhances shareholder value.
Secondary tropical forests recover dung beetle functional diversity and trait composition
Authors: Davies R. W. , Edwards D. P. , Edwards F. A.
Published: April 2020

Secondary forests dominate some human‐modified tropical biomes, and this is expected to increase via both abandonment of marginal agricultural land as well as forest and landscape restoration programmes. A key question is whether promoting the recovery and protection of secondary tropical forests will return invertebrate functional diversity and associated functional traits. Dung beetles are ideal for assessing functional diversity as they play vital roles in several ecosystem functions, including seed dispersal, nutrient cycling and bioturbation. We examined how taxonomic and functional diversity, and the functional trait composition of native dung beetle species recovers in naturally regenerating secondary forests in comparison to both cattle pastures and primary forest in the Colombian Choco‐Andes, a global hotspot of threatened biodiversity. Using a space‐for‐time approach, we found that taxonomic and functional diversity recovered to levels comparable to primary forest within approximately 30 years of secondary forest regrowth. Functional richness and FD, measures of the diversity of traits present in a community, were similar in secondary and primary forest, but significantly lower in pasture. Rolling dung beetle species were positively associated with forest habitats, particularly primary, while dwelling species were more common in pasture. Thus, the functional trait composition of secondary forests was more similar to primary forest than to pasture. The ability of secondary forests to rapidly accumulate primary‐forest dung beetle functional diversity, and a representative suite of functional traits, provides an opportunity to protect biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, especially in regions where marginal agricultural land allows cost‐effective conservation actions.
Moderate levels of serum hepatitis B virus DNA are associated with the highest risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Kim Gi‐Ae , Han Seungbong , Choi Gwang Hyeon , Choi Jonggi , Lim Young‐Suk
Published: April 2020

Background

Studies have shown a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with higher baseline serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, the association between very high HBV DNA levels (>6 log10 IU/mL) and HCC risk remains unclear, especially in middle‐aged and old HBeAg‐positive patients.

Aim

To identify the association between broad‐range HBV DNA levels and HCC risk.

Methods

We conducted a historical cohort study in Korea involving 6949 non‐cirrhotic, treatment‐naïve CHB patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) <2× upper limit of normal for >1 year. HBV DNA was >6 log10 IU/mL in 2029 (29.2%) patients. Follow‐up was censored when the antiviral therapy was initiated.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 45 years. During 8.0 years of median follow‐up, 363 patients (5.2%) developed HCC. By multivariable Cox regression analysis, HCC risk was highest with baseline HBV DNA levels of 6‐7 log10 IU/mL (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.98; P < 0.001), and lowest with >8 log10 IU/mL (aHR 0.90; P = 0.71) and ≤4 log10 IU/mL (aHR 1.00; reference), which was independent of other predictive factors. The similar association between HBV DNA levels and HCC risk was consistently observed in all age subgroups (age <40, 40‐49 and ≥ 50 years).

Conclusions

HCC risk was highest with moderate serum HBV DNA levels of 6‐7 log10 IU/mL in CHB patients without significant ALT elevation. Extending treatment indication to CHB patients with moderate levels of HBV DNA may be considered to further prevent HCC, regardless of ALT levels.
Weed control, large seeds and deep roots: Drivers of success in direct seeding for savanna restoration
Authors: Passaretti Raquel A. , Pilon Natashi A. L. , Durigan Giselda
Published: April 2020

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the performance of native tree species in the restoration of savanna vegetation by direct seeding, to assess whether weed control and intercropping with native grasses can contribute to the success of this method and to determine whether species performance can be explained by functional traits.

Location

Cerrado biome, southeastern Brazil. Old fields abandoned after decades of land use as pasture or croplands, occupied by ruderal plants and invasive grasses.

Methods

We established a direct seeding experiment with ten tree species native to the cerrado (Brazilian savanna) region. We used a factorial design in five blocks, with the following factors: (a) species; (b) weed control and (c) intercropping with native grasses. We evaluated the emergence, survival and growth of plants, and through multiple regressions we sought to explain the success of the species in direct seeding based on their functional traits.

Results

Emergence and survival in the field varied widely among species but with little or no difference between treatments. Growth was compromised by weed competition in all species. Intercropping with native grasses did not decrease weed competition. We found a functional pattern associated with species performance in direct seeding, where survival in the field is positively associated with seed mass, root depth and a greater root:shoot ratio.

Conclusion

Weed competition impairs seedling growth more than survival, considerably delaying restoration by direct seeding. The success of this method in the savanna will depend on the use of species that are best adapted to environments where water stress is the main obstacle to overcome and have large seeds and seedlings with a large and deep root system. Characterizing underground seedling systems is essential for predicting the success of cerrado species in direct seeding.
Inscription: Taxi Work Relations, the Ficha, and the Political Economy of a Market Device
Authors: del Nido Juan Manuel
Published: April 2020

By indexing several key variables in the industry to the “ficha,” the taxi fare multiplier, Buenos Aires’ taxi union recreated economic, fiscal, and legal relations emerging from taxi work. In principle a perfect example of a market device, an actant facilitating economic exchange, the ficha consistently transformed the taxi industry’s income uncertainties into certainties for the union, abstracting its income from wages, contracts, and the amount or value of work. Examining this case study from a political economy approach, I propose the trope of inscription to understand how structural inequalities can be written into the market devices that reproduce them. The political economy approach is a powerful complement to market devices as emergent technologies revolutionize the nature, quality, and management of work in ways shown to reproduce and naturalize hierarchies.