bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate social responsibility performance and information asymmetry: The moderating role of analyst coverage
Authors: Naqvi Syeda Khiraza , Shahzad Faisal , Rehman Ijaz Ur , Qureshi Fiza , Laique Usama
Published: January 2021

The study investigates the moderating effect of analyst coverage on the relationship between corporate social responsibility performance and information asymmetry. Data for the period 2008–2018 encompass 208 listed firms from nine different sectors in China. The study employs the fixed effect regression to identify dynamic relationships. The findings suggest that firms engaged in corporate social responsibility activities confront a lower level of information asymmetry. The results also indicate that analyst coverage moderates the relationship between corporate social responsibility performance and information asymmetry and that analyst coverage may play an imperative role in reducing the level of information asymmetry for the firm. Our findings advance the understanding of the association between corporate social responsibility performance and information asymmetry with the moderating effect of analyst coverage. The study investigates the moderating effect of analyst coverage on the relationship between corporate social responsibility performance and information asymmetry. Data for the period 2008–2018 encompass 208 listed firms from nine different sectors in China. The study employs the fixed effect regression to identify dynamic relationships. The findings suggest that firms engaged in corporate social responsibility activities confront a lower level of information asymmetry. The results also indicate that analyst coverage moderates the relationship between corporate social responsibility performance and information asymmetry and that analyst coverage may play an imperative role in reducing the level of information asymmetry for the firm. Our findings advance the understanding of the association between corporate social responsibility performance and information asymmetry with the moderating effect of analyst coverage. Moreover, present study contributes to the corporate social responsibility practices in China, it provides a sound base for policymakers for adopting corporate social responsibility performance activities.
Demography_Lab, an educational application to evaluate population growth: Unstructured and matrix models
Authors: Arrontes Julio
Published: January 2021

Training in Population Ecology asks for scalable applications capable of embarking students on a trip from basic concepts to the projection of populations under the various effects of density dependence and stochasticity. Demography_Lab is an educational tool for teaching Population Ecology aspiring to cover such a wide range of objectives. The application uses stochastic models to evaluate the future of populations. Demography_Lab may accommodate a wide range of life cycles and can construct models for populations with and without an age or stage structure. Difference equations are used for unstructured populations and matrix models for structured populations. Both types of models operate in discrete time. Models can be very simple, constructed with very limited demographic information or parameter‐rich, with a complex density‐dependence structure and detailed effects of the different sources of stochasticity. Demography_Lab allows for deterministic projections, asymptotic analysis, the extraction of confidence intervals for demographic parameters, and stochastic projections. Stochastic population growth is evaluated using up to three sources of stochasticity: environmental and demographic stochasticity and sampling error in obtaining the projection matrix. The user has full control on the effect of stochasticity on vital rates. The effect of the three sources of stochasticity may be evaluated independently for each vital rate. The user has also full control on density dependence. It may be included as a ceiling population size controlling the number of individuals in the population or it may be evaluated independently for each vital rate. Sensitivity analysis can be done for the asymptotic population growth rate or for the probability of extinction. Elasticity of the probability of extinction may be evaluated in response to changes in vital rates, and in response to changes in the intensity of density dependence and environmental stochasticity.
3‐(4‐Carboxybenzoyl)quinoline‐2‐carboxaldehyde labeling for direct analysis of amino acids in plasma is not suitable for simultaneous quantification of tryptophan, tyrosine, valine, and isoleucine by CE/fluorescence
Authors: Ta Hai Yen , Perquis Lucie , Sarazin Cédric , Guiard Bruno , Meang Varravaddheay Ong , Collin Fabrice , Couderc François
Published: January 2021

Capillary electrophoresis coupled to LED‐induced fluorescence detection is a robust and sensitive technique used for amino acids (AA) analysis in biological media, after labeling with 3‐(4‐carboxybenzoyl)quinoline‐2‐carboxaldehyde (CBQCA). We wanted to quantitate in plasma tryptophan (Trp), tyrosine (Tyr), valine (Val), and isoleucine (Ile). Among the different labeled AA‐CBQCA, Trp has the lowest fluorescence yield, which makes its detection and quantification very difficult in biological samples such as plasma. We tried to improve Trp analysis by CE/LED‐induced fluorescence detection to its maximal sensitivity by using large volume sample stacking as a preconcentration step in our analytical protocol. At pH 9.5, this step caused a drop in resolution during the separation of the four AAs and it was therefore necessary to work at pH 10. We have found that Tyr, Val, Ile, and Trp are detected and well separated from the other AAs, but Trp cannot be quantified in plasma samples, mainly because of the low fluorescence yield of the Trp‐CBQCA derivative. The recorded LOD is 0.18 μM for Trp‐CBQCA in standard solution with a resolution between Trp and Tyr of 1.2, while the LOD is 6 μM in plasma with the same resolution.

Trp, Tyr, Val, and Ile are, however, efficiently quantified when using a 3 M acetic acid electrolyte and CE associated with capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection, which also has the advantage of not requiring derivatization or large volume sample stacking. This article demonstrates, for the CE user, that quantitative analysis of these four AA in mouse plasma can be performed by CE‐fluorescence after CBQCA labeling, with the exception of Trp. It can be advantageously replaced by CE/capacitively coupled contactless conductivity detection, the only efficient one for Trp, Tyr, Val, and Ile quantification. In this case, the LOD for Trp is 2 μM. The four AAs are separated with resolution with neighbors above 1.5.
Clinical profile and treatment outcome of epilepsy syndromes in children: A hospital‐based study in Eastern Nepal
Authors: Poudel Prakash , Kafle Shyam Prasad , Pokharel Rita
Published: January 2021

Objective

It is often difficult to diagnose epilepsy syndromes in resource‐limited settings. This study was aimed to investigate the prospect of ascertaining the diagnosis, clinical profile, and treatment outcomes of epilepsy syndromes (ESs) among children in a resource‐limited setting.

Methods

This was a descriptive study done from 01/07/2009 to 15/06/2017 among children (1‐17 years of age) with unprovoked seizures presenting to the pediatric neurology clinic of a university hospital in eastern Nepal. Diagnosis, classification, and treatment of seizures were based upon International League Against Epilepsy guidelines.

Results

Of 768 children with unprovoked seizures, 120 (15.6%) were diagnosed as ES. The age of onset of seizure was unique for each ES. Developmental delay and cerebral palsy were present in 47.5% and 28.3% children, respectively. Common ESs were West syndrome (WS)‐26.7%, generalized tonic‐clonic seizures alone (GTCSA)‐21.7%, self‐limited childhood epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SLCECTS)‐12.5%, childhood absence epilepsy (CAE)‐10.0%, Lennox‐Gastaut syndrome (LGS)‐10.0%, other developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEE)‐5.8%, self‐limited familial infantile epilepsy (SLFIE)‐4.2%, and juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME)‐3.3%. Among children with known outcomes (87/120), overall response to pharmacotherapy and to monotherapy was observed in 72.4% (63/87) and 57.5% (50/87) children, respectively. All children with GTCSA, SLFIE, genetic epilepsy with febrile seizure plus (GEFS+), CAE, SLCECTS, and JME responded to pharmacotherapy and they had normal computerized tomography scans of the brain. Seizures were largely pharmaco‐resistant in progressive myoclonus epilepsy (PME)‐100.0%, LGS‐73.0%, WS‐52.0%, and other DEEs‐40%.

Significance

A reasonable proportion (15.6%) of unprovoked seizures could be classified into specific ES despite limited diagnostic resources. WS was the most common ES. GTCSA, SLCECTS, CAE, and LGS were other common ESs. GTCSA, SLFIE, CAE, SLCECTS, GEFS+, and JME were largely pharmaco‐responsive. PME, WS, and LGS were relatively pharmaco‐resistant. Electro‐clinical diagnosis of certain ES avoids the necessity of neuroimaging.
Structural connectivity of the human massa intermedia: A probabilistic tractography study
Authors: Borghei Alireza , Kapucu Irem , Dawe Robert , Kocak Mehmet , Sani Sepehr
Published: January 2021

The role of massa intermedia (MI) is poorly understood in humans. Recent studies suggest its presence may play a role in normal human neurocognitive function while prior studies have shown the absence of MI correlated with psychiatric disorders. There is growing evidence that MI is likely a midline white matter conduit, responsible for interhemispheric connectivity, similar to other midline commissures. MI presence was identified in an unrelated sample using the Human Connectome Project database. MI structural connectivity maps were created and gray matter target regions were identified using probabilistic tractography of the whole brain. Probabilistic tractography revealed an extensive network of connections between MI and limbic, frontal and temporal lobes as well as insula and pericalcarine cortices. Women compared to men had stronger connectivity via their MI. The presented results support the role of MI as a midline commissure with strong connectivity to the amygdala, hippocampus, and entorhinal cortex.
SOMAscan Proteomics Identifies Serum Biomarkers Associated With Liver Fibrosis in Patients With NASH
Authors: Luo Yi , Wadhawan Samir , Greenfield Alex , Decato Benjamin E. , Oseini Abdul M. , Collen Rebecca , Shevell Diane E. , Thompson John , Jarai Gabor , Charles Edgar D. , Sanyal Arun J.
Published: January 2021

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a major cause of liver-related morbidity and mortality worldwide. Liver fibrosis stage, a key component of NASH, has been linked to the risk of mortality and liver-related clinical outcomes. Currently there are no validated noninvasive diagnostics that can differentiate between fibrosis stages in patients with NASH; many existing tests do not reflect underlying disease pathophysiology. Noninvasive biomarkers are needed to identify patients at high-risk of NASH with advanced fibrosis. This was a retrospective study of patients with histologically proven NASH with fibrosis stages 0-4. The SOMAscan proteomics platform was used to quantify 1,305 serum proteins in a discovery cohort (n = 113). In patients with advanced (stages 3-4) versus early fibrosis (stages 0-2), 97 proteins with diverse biological functions were differentially expressed. Next, fibrosis-stage classification models were explored using a machine learning–based approach to prioritize the biomarkers for further evaluation. A four-protein model differentiated patients with stage 0-1 versus stage 2-4 fibrosis (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] = 0.74), while a 12-protein classifier differentiated advanced versus early fibrosis (AUROC = 0.83). Subsequently, the model’s performance was validated in two independent cohorts (n = 71 and n = 32) with similar results (AUROC = 0.74-0.78). Our advanced fibrosis model performed similarly to or better than Fibrosis-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase–to-platelet ratio index, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) fibrosis score–based models for all three cohorts. Conclusion: A SOMAscan proteomics-based exploratory classifier for advanced fibrosis, consisting of biomarkers that reflect the complexity of NASH pathophysiology, demonstrated similar performance in independent validation cohorts and performed similarly or better than Fibrosis-4 index, aspartate aminotransferase–to-platelet ratio index, and NAFLD fibrosis score. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the clinical utility of these biomarker panels in patients with NAFLD.
Metabolic Profiling of Bile Acids in the Urine of Patients with Alcohol-Associated Liver Disease
Authors: He Liqing , Vatsalya Vatsalya , Ma Xipeng , Zhang Jiayang , Yin Xinmin , Kim Seongho , Feng Wenke , McClain Craig J. , Zhang Xiang
Published: January 2021

Bile acids (BAs) play important functions in the development of alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD). In the current study, urine BA concentrations in 38 patients with well-described alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) as characterized by Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD), 8 patients with alcohol-use disorder (AUD), and 19 healthy controls (HCs) were analyzed using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Forty-three BAs were identified, and 22 BAs had significant changes in their abundance levels in patients with AH. The potential associations of clinical data were compared to candidate BAs in this pilot proof-of-concept study. MELD score showed positive correlations with several conjugated BAs and negative correlations with certain unconjugated BAs; taurine-conjugated chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and MELD score showed the highest association. Cholic acid, CDCA, and apocholic acid had nonsignificant abundance changes in patients with nonsevere ALD compared to HCs but were significantly increased in those with severe AH. Receiver operating characteristic analysis showed that the differences in these three compounds were sufficiently large to distinguish severe AH from nonsevere ALD. Notably, the abundance levels of primary BAs were significantly increased while most of the secondary BAs were markedly decreased in AH compared to AUD. Most importantly, the amount of total BAs and the ratio of primary to secondary BAs increased while the ratio of unconjugated to conjugated BAs decreased as disease severity increased. Conclusion: Abundance changes of specific BAs are closely correlated with the severity of AH in this pilot study. Urine BAs (individually or as a group) could be potential noninvasive laboratory biomarkers for detecting early stage ALD and may have prognostic value in AH morbidity.

The abundance changes of bile acids (BAs) in urine are closely correlated with the severity of alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH). BAs (individually or as a group) could be potential noninvasive laboratory biomarkers for detecting early stage of alcohol-associated liver disease and may have prognostic value in AH morbidity.
Characterization of the changes in supine blood pressure with long‐term use of droxidopa in patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
Authors: Hewitt L. Arthur , Lindsten Annika , Gorny Stephen , Karnik‐Henry Meghana , Kymes Steven , Favit Antonella
Published: January 2021

Background and Aims

Patients with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension (nOH) due to autonomic dysfunction may also experience supine hypertension (defined as supine systolic blood pressure [SBP] ≥140 mmHg). Because pressor agents used to improve nOH symptoms by increasing standing blood pressure (BP) may exacerbate or cause supine hypertension, changes in supine BP with nOH treatments are of interest.

Methods

This post hoc study examined changes in SBP in patients receiving droxidopa (100‐600 mg, three times daily) during a 12‐month long‐term extension study based on whether patients had supine hypertension (ie, supine SBP ≥140 mmHg) at baseline. Shifts from baseline in supine hypertension categorization and mean supine and standing SBP after 6 and 12 months of treatment with droxidopa were determined.

Results

At baseline, 64 patients did not have supine hypertension (mean supine SBP, 120 mmHg) and 38 patients had supine hypertension (mean supine SBP, 157 mmHg). A similar percentage of patients shifted from their respective baseline supine hypertension categorization (ie, with or without supine hypertension) to the other category after receiving droxidopa for 6 or 12 months. After 12 months of droxidopa treatment, patients with supine hypertension at baseline had a mean supine SBP decrease of 3 mmHg and a mean standing SBP increase of 9 mmHg. Patients without supine hypertension at baseline had mean supine and standing SBP increases of 12 and 15 mmHg, respectively.

Conclusions

There was no consistent or progressive elevation in supine SBP over time during the 12‐month treatment with droxidopa in patients either with or without supine hypertension at baseline. These data suggest that long‐term droxidopa treatment for nOH does not adversely affect supine BP.
Radiative MHD flow of hybrid nanofluid past a porous stretching cylinder for heat transfer enhancement
Authors: Ismail Mohammed , David Maxim Gururaj A.
Published: January 2021

The current study investigates heat transfer enhancement due to the radiative magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) flow of a hybrid nanofluid past a porous stretching cylinder under the influence of variable viscosity as well as suction. The nonlinear partial differential equations governing the proposed physical model are transformed into nonlinear ordinary differential equations by applying suitable similarity transformation. The scaled‐down system is solved numerically by the fourth‐order Runge–Kutta method along with shooting technique for the achievement of asymptotic boundary condition. The velocity and temperature profiles are obtained for various physical factors of the problem, namely, magnetic interaction factor , Reynolds number , volume fraction factor of copper , variable viscosity , and radiation factor , together with suction , by fixing the Prandtl number of the core fluid (ethylene glycol) constant at 25.825. The numerical values of skin friction and the rate of heat transfer are obtained and tabulated. To validate the proposed physical model, numerical simulations are provided with comparison. The paper highlights the effects of physical factors, namely, radiation, variable viscosity, and suction parameters, on the flow of a hybrid nanoflluid for heat transfer enhancement.
A mouse seminal vesicle‐secreted lysozyme c‐like protein modulates sperm capacitation
Authors: Ou Chung‐Mao , Lee Robert Kuo‐Kuang , Lin Ming‐Huei , Lu Chung‐Hao , Yang Tsung‐Hsien , Yeh Ling‐Yu , Tsai Pei‐Shiue Jason , Li Sheng‐Hsiang
Published: January 2021

Lysozyme (LYZ) c‐like proteins are primarily present in the testis and epididymis of male reproductive tissues. Here, we report a novel member of the c‐type LYZ family, the seminal vesicle‐secreted LYZ c‐like protein (SVLLP). Three forms of SVLLP were purified from mouse seminal vesicle secretions and characterized as glycoproteins with the same protein core but different N‐linked glycans. SVLLP is structurally similar to c‐type LYZ proteins. Only one of the 20 invariant residues was altered in the consensus sequence of c‐type LYZs; however, the changed residue (N53S) is one of two essential catalytic residues. LYZ activity assays demonstrated that the three glycoforms of SVLLP lacked enzyme activity. SVLLP is primarily expressed in seminal vesicles. Immunohistochemistry revealed that it occurs in the luminal fluid and mucosal epithelium of the seminal vesicles. Testosterone is not the primary regulator for its expression in the seminal vesicle. SVLLP binds to sperm and suppresses bovine serum albumin‐induced sperm capacitation, inhibits the acrosome reaction, and blocks sperm–oocyte interactions in vitro, suggesting that SVLLP is a sperm capacitation inhibitor.
Sensilla on antennae and mouthparts of adult spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Shi Xia , Zhang Su‐Fang , Liu Fu , Zhang Zhen , Xu Fang‐Ying , Yin Shu‐Yan , Kong Xiang‐Bo
Published: January 2021

The spruce bark beetle, Ips typographus, is an invasive forest pest that occurs across Eurasia. To further understand the mechanism of insect–host chemical communication and the feeding choices of adult I. typographus, we examined the sensilla on the antennae and mouthparts of I. typographus using scanning electron microscopy. No sexual dimorphism in sensilla type or distribution was observed. Ten subtypes of antennal sensilla were identified: sensilla trichodea Types I–III (TR1, TR2, and TR3); sensilla chaetica Types I and II (CH1 and CH2); sensilla basiconica Types I–III (BA1, BA2, and BA3); sensilla coeloconica (CO); and Böhm sensilla (BS). BA2 were the most abundant among the antennal sensilla in both sexes. Thirteen mouthpart sensilla subtypes were observed: sensilla trichodea Types I–IV (TR1, TR2, TR3, and TR4); sensilla chaetica Types I–III (CH1, CH2, and CH3); sensilla digitiformia (DI); sensilla basiconica Types I–II (BA1 and BA2); and sensilla styloconica Types I–III (ST1, ST2, and ST3). Among these, TR4 were the most abundant in both sexes. The apex of each maxillary and labial palp carried the same sensilla (BA2, ST1, ST2, and ST3), although the apex of the maxillary palp contained more total sensilla. The functional roles of each sensilla type are discussed based on their external structure and distribution. The results provide a theoretical basis for further studies on the olfactory and feeding behaviors and electrophysiology of adult I. typographus.
Bimodal expression of RHOH during myelomonocytic differentiation: Implications for the expansion of AML differentiation therapy
Authors: Galiègue‐Zouitina Sylvie , Fu Qiangwei , Carton‐Latreche Céline , Poret Nicolas , Cheok Meyling , Leprêtre Frédéric , Figeac Martin , Quesnel Bruno , El Bouazzati Hassiba , Shelley Carl S
Published: January 2021

RhoH is an unusual member of the Rho family of small GTP‐binding proteins in that it lacks GTPase activity. Since the RhoH protein is constantly bound by GTP, it is constitutively active and controlled predominantly by changes in quantitative expression. Abnormal levels of RHOH gene transcripts have been linked to a range of malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). One of the hallmarks of AML is a block in the normal program of myeloid differentiation. Here we investigate how myeloid differentiation is controlled by the quantitative expression of RHOH. Our analysis demonstrates that increasingly mature myeloid cells express progressively lower levels of RHOH. However, as monocytic myeloid cells terminally differentiate into macrophages, RHOH expression is up‐regulated. This up‐regulation is not apparent in AML where myeloid differentiation is blocked at stages of low RHOH expression. Nevertheless, when the up‐regulation of RHOH is forced, then terminal macrophage differentiation is induced and the Cdc42 and Wnt intracellular signalling pathways are repressed. These results indicate that RHOH induction is a driver of terminal differentiation and might represent a means of effecting AML differentiation therapy. The potential of this therapeutic strategy is supported by forced up‐regulation of RHOH reducing the ability of AML cells to produce tumours in vivo.
Morphology and composition of Goldeye (Hiodontidae; Hiodon alosoides) otoliths
Authors: Long James M. , Snow Richard A. , Pracheil Brenda M. , Chakoumakos Bryan C.
Published: January 2021

We provide up‐to‐date morphological and compositional data on otoliths of the osteoglossomorph Goldeye (Hiodon alosoides). Using computed tomography (CT) X‐ray, we documented the location of each of the three pairs of otoliths (lapilli, sagittae, and asterisci) in relation to the swim bladder, which extended forward in close proximity to the sagittae and asterisci. The lappili were the largest otoliths in terms of surface area and volume, but the sagittae were highly modified, appearing spiral in shape when viewed dorsally, with a surface area to volume ratio more than double that of the lapilli. Using scanning electron microscopy, the surface of each otolith was viewable in great detail, and small otoconia (~10.5 μm diameter) were observed on each, but were most numerous on the sagittae. On scanning electron micrographs, the sagittae appeared to be bi‐lobed, with asymmetrical lobes each oriented in the same general direction. Using neutron and X‐ray diffraction methods, we found three polymorphs of calcium carbonate crystals (aragonite, vaterite, and calcite), sometimes all within the same otolith. However, in general, lapilli and sagittae were composed predominately of aragonite whereas asterisci were composed chiefly of vaterite. With these results, we provide information on a unique species, whose inclusion in future studies would benefit our understanding of fish hearing, fish evolution, and fisheries ecology.
Incidence of outflow tract ventricular tachycardia long after surgical aortic valve replacement
Authors: Goto Kentaro , Ono Yuichi , Osaka Yuki , Nomoto Hidetsugu , Miyazaki Toru , Suzuki Asami , Kurihara Ken , Someya Takeshi , Takahashi Yoshihide , Otomo Kenichiro , Goya Masahiko , Sasano Tetsuo
Published: January 2021

Background

The peri‐outflow tract region could be the origin of ventricular tachycardia (VT) after aortic valve replacement (AVR). However, the clinical characteristics of outflow tract ventricular tachycardias (OTVTs) after AVR are yet to be clarified. This study investigated the incidence, risk factors, and clinical characteristics of patients with OTVTs after AVR.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the clinical course of 120 patients who had undergone surgical AVR (SAVR) between April 1980 and October 2018. The patients had no ischemic or diagnosed cardiomyopathies other than primary aortic valve diseases.

Results

Six patients (5.0%) developed OTVTs after SAVR. The average onset was at 10.8 ± 5.7 years after SAVR. All cases of VT arose from the inferior axis and included left and right bundle branch block configuration. Two patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) had late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) in the midlayer of the left ventricle basal anteroseptal wall. Patients with periaortic VTs had significantly larger left ventricular (LV) diameter at systole, lower LV ejection fraction, higher positive rates of signal‐averaged electrocardiogram (SAECG), and nonsustained VTs on Holter monitoring. On ablation, local fragmented potentials with low voltage zones were observed in accordance with the LGE distribution. Multiple VTs originating from the periaortic region were provoked in the sessions.

Conclusions

Acute OTVT was found in 5% of patients after SAVR. Arrhythmia risk stratification by SAECG, Holter ECG, and cardiac MRI should be considered for a long period in patients after SAVR.
Assessment of the potential changes in low flow projections estimated by Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 climate models at monthly and seasonal scales
Authors: Ghafouri‐Azar Mona , Kim Jeong‐Bae , Bae Deg‐Hyo
Published: January 2021

This study assesses changes in low flow seasonality in response to climate change using Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) climate models. The precipitation‐runoff modelling system (PRMS) model was applied to project future streamflow using 13 global climate models (GCMs) under two emissions scenarios (representative concentration pathway [RCP] 4.5 and RCP8.5). Then, daily projected streamflows for each month in the reference and future periods were used to assess the monthly variation in low flows in Korean river basins. The results showed that high seasonal variation exists in low flows during the wet and dry seasons, including increasing low flows during the dry season and decreasing low flows during the wet season. The low flows are projected to decrease during the wet season by −6.48% in the 2025 period and by −2.59% in the 2085 period under RCP4.5. Under RCP8.5, the low flow is projected to decline in the wet season by −1.72% in 2025 and −4.35% in 2085. However, during the dry season, the low flow is projected to decrease slightly in the 2025 period (−0.49%) but increase significantly in the 2085 period (12.87%) under RCP4.5. Additionally, the low flow is projected to increase in the near future under RCP8.5 (1.87%). The results reveal that under RCP4.5, most Korean river basins are projected to shift from winter low flows to summer low flows. However, under RCP8.5, except for the Han River basin, which is projected to shift from winter low flows to summer low flows, other basins are expected to retain winter low flows. The findings of this study reveal that more consideration of future low flow conditions is needed, and a robust need exists for the preparation of an adaptation plan to ensure a sustainable water supply to prevent severe water shortages during low flows.
A review of phosphate oxygen isotope values in global bedrocks: Characterising a critical endmember to the soil phosphorus system
Authors: Smith Andrew C. , Pfahler Verena , Tamburini Federica , Blackwell Martin S. A. , Granger Steven J.
Published: January 2021

Understanding the phosphate oxygen isotope (δ18O‐PO4) composition of bedrock phosphate sources is becoming ever more important, especially in areas of soil research which use this isotope signature as a proxy for biological cycling of phosphorus (P). For many of these studies, obtaining a sample of the source bedrock or applied mineral fertiliser for isotope analysis is impossible; meaning there is now a demand for a comprehensive characterisation of global bedrock δ18O‐PO4 to support this work. Here we compile δ18O‐PO4 data from a wide range of global bedrocks, including 56 new values produced as part of this study and a comprehensive overview of those within the previously existing literature. We present δ18O‐PO4 data from the range of major phosphatic lithologies alongside as much metadata for the samples as could be gathered. Much of the data comes from bedrocks of marine sedimentary origin (< 1 Ma = > +22‰, > 540 Ma = ≈ +12‰), but we also present data from bedrocks associated with guano (range: +19.5 to +15‰) and igneous deposits (range: +12 to –0.8‰), both of which have distinct δ18O‐PO4 signatures due to their formation mechanisms. We show that where repeat measurements of the same formation have been undertaken, regardless of method or exact sample location, there is an average within formation error of ± 1.25‰. This is important, as is constitutes a reasonable level of uncertainty for phosphorus cycling studies which need to estimate bedrock δ18O‐PO4 composition based on the literature. In combination, this data set presents 284 δ18O‐PO4 values from 56 countries; a comprehensive starting point for researchers interested in understanding bedrock end member δ18O‐PO4.
Simultaneous determination of five alkaloids from Rauvolfia vomitoria in rat plasma by LC‐MS/MS: Application to a comparative pharmacokinetic study in normal and type 2 diabetic rats
Authors: Wang Ning , Xie Yue‐Wu , Li Meng‐Yu , Li Fei‐Fei , Zhang Li‐Yuan , You Yu‐Lin , Wang Shu‐Qi
Published: January 2021

Rauvolfia vomitoria is widely distributed in the tropical regions of Africa and Asia, and has been used in traditional folk medicine in China. Indole alkaloids were found to be major bioactive components, while the effects of diabetes mellitus on the pharmacokinetic parameters of the components have not been reflected in vivo. In this study, an efficient and sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of five ingredients of R. vomitoria in rats. Detection was implemented in multiple‐reaction‐monitoring mode with an electrospray positive‐ionization source. Validation parameters were all in accordance with the current criterion. The established method was effectively employed to compare the pharmacokinetic behaviors of five alkaloids (reserpine, yohimbine, ajmaline, ajmalicine, and serpentine) between normal and type 2 diabetic rats. The single‐dose pharmacokinetic parameters of the five alkaloids were determined in normal and diabetic rats after oral administration of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The results indicated that diabetes mellitus significantly altered the pharmacokinetic characteristics of yohimbine, ajmaline, and ajmalicine after oral administration in rats. This is an attempt to provide some evidence for clinicians that may serve as a guide for the use of antidiabetic medicine in clinical practice.
How does land use/cover influence gully head retreat rates? An in‐situ simulation experiment of rainfall and upstream inflow in the gullied loess region, China
Authors: Kang Hongliang , Wang Wenlong , Guo Mingming , Li Jianming , Shi Qianhua
Published: January 2021

Land use/cover plays a crucial role in gully head retreat (GHR). However, little is known about how land use/cover influences GHR rates. An in situ simulation experiment of rainfall and upstream inflow was conducted in a gullied loess region to investigate hydraulic erosion, mass movements, and linear GHR processes under three types of land use/cover (bare land, grassland, and shrub‐grass land). The results showed that the average linear GHR rates on grassland and shrub‐grass land were 87–89% and 72–81% lower than that on bare land (0.99–2.06 cm min−1), respectively. Gully heads retreat by hydraulic and gravitational erosion. In the case of hydraulic erosion, upstream runoff incision is dominant on bare land, while undercutting by on‐wall and jet flow dominates on grassland and shrub‐grass land. In the case of mass movement, collapse dominates with a frequency of 62–100%, of which gully sidewall collapse is most common, especially on bare land and it acts to widen the gully. Gully headwall collapse dominates on grassland and shrub‐grass land to cause retreat of the gully head. Overall, on bare land, upstream runoff incision dominates GHR. However, on grassland/shrub‐grass land GHR is mainly driven by the undercutting of on‐wall and jet flow and subsequent gully headwall collapses. As a consequence, the GHR length on bare land exponentially increases over time, while on grassland or shrub‐grass land, it discretely increases as an analogous step function. Moreover, the average linear GHR rate on grassland was considerably lower than that on shrub‐grass land, implying that an optimized vegetation restoration pattern enhances GHR control.
Seasonal variability in planktonic food web structure and function of the Northeast U.S. Shelf
Authors: Marrec Pierre , McNair Heather , Franzè Gayantonia , Morison Françoise , Strock Jacob P. , Menden‐Deuer Susanne
Published: January 2021

Herbivorous consumption of primary production is a key transformation in global biogeochemical cycles, directing matter and energy either to higher trophic levels, export production, or remineralization. Grazing by microzooplankton is often poorly constrained, particularly in dynamic coastal systems. Temperate coastal areas are seasonally and spatially variable, which presents both challenges and opportunities to identify patterns and drivers of grazing pressure. Here we report on two winter and one summer week‐long cruises (2018–2019), as part of the new Northeast U.S. Shelf Long‐Term Ecological Research program. During both seasons, coastal waters were colder and fresher, and had higher phytoplankton biomass than waters at the shelf break. The phytoplankton community was dominated by large cells in winter and by small cells in summer. Phytoplankton growth rates ranged from < 0.5 d−1 in winter and up to 1.4 d−1 in summer and were strongly correlated to temperature, to light availability, and to phytoplankton community size‐structure. Grazing rates were not correlated with total chlorophyll a, which points to other biological drivers, including species composition in predator‐prey interactions at the first trophic level. The percentage of primary production consumed (%PP) indicated higher trophic transfer in winter (%PP > 50%) than during summer (%PP < 20%), highlighting seasonal shifts in planktonic food web structure and function. These results imply that predictable shifts in environmental conditions can be linked to ecosystem shifts in net primary production. Hierarchies of variability, from localized to interannual and long‐term climate driven, can be understood within the context of sustained measurements of ecosystem properties and function.
Diatom response to alterations in upwelling and nutrient dynamics associated with climate forcing in the California Current System
Authors: Closset Ivia , McNair Heather M. , Brzezinski Mark A. , Krause Jeffrey W. , Thamatrakoln Kimberlee , Jones Janice L.
Published: January 2021

The California Current System displays a strong seasonal cycle in water properties, circulation, and biological production. Interactions of the alongshore current with coastal and topographic features lead to high spatial variability forced by seasonal winds that displace surface coastal water offshore. This process also supplies nutrients to the euphotic zone by Ekman transport and eventually supports phytoplankton blooms typically dominated by diatoms. Here, we investigate the relationship between biogenic silica production and mesoscale upwelling dynamics along the central region of the California Current System between 2013 and 2015, a period affected by a warm anomaly known as “the Blob.” Changes in the upwelling phenology along California caused by this marine heatwave are investigated using an innovative index and related to patterns of diatom production during upwelling events to evaluate diatom resilience. Based on this new index, we estimated that the nutrient supply to the euphotic zone declined by 50% during the Blob, but the Blob had little impact on local production during individual upwelling events. A statistical analysis evaluating the relationship between production and environmental conditions reveals persistent biological hotspots characterized by high biomass, depleted nutrients, and high specific production rates (up to 0.7 d−1) throughout the study period. Lower observed biogenic silica to Chlorophyll a ratios during the Blob suggested a taxonomic shift from siliceous to nonsiliceous phytoplankton and/or lightly silicified diatoms signaling a change at the base of the food chain that could have ramifications for productivity in this eastern boundary coastal upwelling system.
Sampling, separation, and quantification of N‐acyl homoserine lactones from marine intertidal sediments
Authors: Stock Frederike , Cirri Emilio , Nuwanthi Samarasinghe Gunasekara Liyanage Ishari , Stock Willem , Ueberschaar Nico , Mangelinckx Sven , Pohnert Georg , Vyverman Wim
Published: January 2021

N‐acyl homoserine lactones (AHLs) are molecules produced by many Gram‐negative bacteria as mediators of cell‐cell signaling in a mechanism known as quorum sensing (QS). QS is widespread in marine bacteria regulating diverse processes, such as virulence or excretion of polymers that mediate biofilm formation. Associated eukaryotes, such as microalgae, respond to these cues as well, leading to an intricate signaling network. To date, only very few studies attempted to measure AHL concentrations in phototrophic microbial communities, which are hot spots for bacteria‐bacteria as well as microalgae‐bacteria interactions. AHL quantification in environmental samples is challenging and requires a robust and reproducible sampling strategy. However, knowing about AHL concentrations opens up multiple perspectives from answering fundamental ecological questions to deriving guidelines for manipulation and control of biofilms. Here, we present a method for sampling and AHL identification and quantification from marine intertidal sediments. The use of contact cores for sediment sampling ensures reproducible sample surface area and volume at each location. Flash‐freezing of the samples with liquid nitrogen prevents enzymatic AHL degradation between sampling and extraction. After solvent extraction, samples were analyzed with an ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography‐high resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐HRMS) method that allows to baseline‐separate 16 different AHLs in less than 10 min. The sensitivity of the method is sufficient for detection and quantification of AHLs in environmental samples of less than 16 cm3.
Alexa, she's not human but… Unveiling the drivers of consumers' trust in voice‐based artificial intelligence
Authors: Pitardi Valentina , Marriott Hannah R.
Published: January 2021

With the development of deep connections between humans and Artificial Intelligence voice‐based assistants (VAs), human and machine relationships have transformed. For relationships to work it is essential for trust to be established. Although the capabilities of VAs offer retailers and consumers enhanced opportunities, building trust with machines is inherently challenging. In this paper, we propose integrating Human–Computer Interaction Theories and Para‐Social Relationship Theory to develop insight into how trust and attitudes toward VAs are established. By adopting a mixed‐method approach, first, we quantitatively examine the proposed model using Covariance‐Based Structural Equation Modeling on 466 respondents; based on the findings of this study, a second qualitative study is employed to reveal four main themes. Findings show that while functional elements drive users' attitude toward using VAs, the social attributes, being social presence and social cognition, are the unique antecedents for developing trust. Additionally, the research illustrates a peculiar dynamic between privacy and trust and it shows how users distinguish two different sources of trustworthiness in their interactions with VAs, identifying the brand producers as the data collector. Taken together, these results reinforce the idea that individuals interact with VAs treating them as social entities and employing human social rules, thus supporting the adoption of a para‐social perspective.
Milk and Dairy Products Intake Is Related to Cognitive Impairment at Baseline in Predimed Plus Trial
Authors: Muñoz‐Garach Araceli , Cornejo‐Pareja Isabel , Martínez‐González Miguel Ángel , Bulló Monica , Corella Dolores , Castañer Olga , Romaguera Dora , Vioque Jesús , Alonso‐Gómez Ángel M. , Wärnberg Julia , Martínez J. Alfredo , Serra‐Majem Luís , Estruch Ramon , Bernal‐López M. Rosa , Lapetra José , Pintó Xavier , Tur Josep A. , López‐Miranda José , Bueno‐Cavanillas Aurora , Delgado‐Rodríguez Miguel , Matía‐Martín Pilar , Daimiel Lidia , Sánchez Vicente Martín , Vidal Josep , Prieto Lucia , Ros Emilio , Fernández‐Aranda Fernando , Camacho‐Barcia Lucía , Ortega‐Azorin Carolina , Soria María , Fiol Miquel , Compañ‐Gabucio Laura , Goicolea‐Güemez Leire , Pérez‐López Jessica , Goñi Nuria , Pérez‐Cabrera Judith , Sacanella E. , Fernández‐García Jose Carlos , Miró‐Moriano Leticia , Gimenez‐Gracia M. , Razquin C. , Paz‐Graniel Indira , Guillem Patricia , Zomeño María Dolors , Moñino Manuel , Oncina‐Canovas Alejandro , Salaverria‐Lete Itziar , Toledo Estefanía , Salas‐Salvadó Jordi , Schröder Helmut , Tinahones Francisco J. ,   Predimed‐Plus Investigators
Published: January 2021

Scope

To examine the association between milk and dairy products intake and the prevalence of cognitive decline among Spanish individuals at high cardiovascular risk.

Methods and results

Cross‐sectional analyses are performed on baseline data from 6744 adults (aged 55–75 years old). Intake of milk and dairy products is estimated using a food frequency questionnaire grouped into quartiles. The risk of developing cognitive impairment is based on the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE).

A higher prevalence of cognitive decline was found in subjects who consumed more grams. Patients with worse MMSE score (10–24) consumed a mean of 395.14 ± 12.21 g, while patients with better MMSE score (27–30) consumed a mean of 341.23 ± 2.73 g (p < 0.05). Those subjects with the lower milk consumption (<220 g/day) had a higher MMSE score (28.35 ± 0.045). Higher intake of fermented dairy products was observed in participants with a lower MMSE score (OR 1.340, p = 0.003). A positive correlation was found between the consumption of whole milk and the MMSE score (r = 0.066, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that greater consumption of milk and dairy products could be associated with greater cognitive decline according to MMSE. Conversely, consumption of whole‐fat milk could be linked with less cognitive impairment in the cross‐sectional study.
Non‐uniform sampling for NOESY? A case study on spiramycin
Authors: Wieske Lianne H.E. , Erdélyi Máté
Published: January 2021

To date, most nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)‐based 3‐D structure determinations of both small molecules and of biopolymers utilize the nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) via NOESY spectra. The acquisition of high‐quality NOESY spectra is a prerequisite for quantitative analysis providing accurate interatomic distances. As the acquisition of NOE build‐ups is time‐consuming, acceleration of the process by the use of non‐uniform sampling (NUS) may seem beneficial; however, the quantitativity of NOESY spectra acquired with NUS has not yet been validated. Herein, NOESY spectra with various extents of NUS have been recorded, artificial NUS spectra with two different sampling schemes created, and by using two different NUS reconstruction algorithms the influence of NUS on the data quality was evaluated. Using statistical analyses, NUS is demonstrated to influence the accuracy of quantitative NOE experiments. The NOE‐based distances show an increased error as the sampling density decreases. Weak NOE signals are affected more severely by NUS than more intense ones. The application of NUS with NOESY comes at two major costs: the interatomic distances are determined with lower accuracy and long‐range correlations are lost.
Genome‐wide chromatin occupancy of BRDT and gene expression analysis suggest transcriptional partners and specific epigenetic landscapes that regulate gene expression during spermatogenesis
Authors: Her Yoon Ra , Wang Li , Chepelev Iouri , Manterola Marcia , Berkovits Binyamin , Cui Kairong , Zhao Keji , Wolgemuth Debra J.
Published: January 2021

BRDT, a member of the BET family of double bromodomain‐containing proteins, is essential for spermatogenesis in the mouse and has been postulated to be a key regulator of transcription in meiotic and post‐meiotic cells. To understand the function of BRDT in these processes, we first characterized the genome‐wide distribution of the BRDT binding sites, in particular within gene units, by ChIP‐Seq analysis of enriched fractions of pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. In both cell types, BRDT binding sites were mainly located in promoters, first exons, and introns of genes. BRDT binding sites in promoters overlapped with several histone modifications and histone variants associated with active transcription, and were enriched for consensus sequences for specific transcription factors, including MYB, RFX, ETS, and ELF1 in pachytene spermatocytes, and JunD, c‐Jun, CRE, and RFX in round spermatids. Subsequent integration of the ChIP‐seq data with available transcriptome data revealed that stage‐specific gene expression programs are associated with BRDT binding to their gene promoters, with most of the BDRT‐bound genes being upregulated. Gene Ontology analysis further identified unique sets of genes enriched in diverse biological processes essential for meiosis and spermiogenesis between the two cell types, suggesting distinct developmentally stage‐specific functions for BRDT. Taken together, our data suggest that BRDT cooperates with different transcription factors at distinctive chromatin regions within gene units to regulate diverse downstream target genes that function in male meiosis and spermiogenesis.
“Why don't you have a look?” The value of incorporating neuromuscular ultrasound in routine clinical practice
Authors: Remmers Angelique , van Alfen Nens
Published: January 2021

See article on pages 467–471 in this issue.