bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of nutrients and water level changes on submerged macrophytes along a temperature gradient: A pan‐European mesocosm experiment
Authors: Ersoy Zeynep , Scharfenberger Ulrike , Baho Didier L. , Bucak Tuba , Feldmann Tõnu , Hejzlar Josef , Levi Eti E. , Mahdy Aldoushy , Nõges Tiina , Papastergiadou Eva , Stefanidis Konstantinos , Šorf Michal , Søndergaard Martin , Trigal Cristina , Jeppesen Erik , Beklioğlu Meryem
Published: September 2020

Submerged macrophytes are of key importance for the structure and functioning of shallow lakes and can be decisive for maintaining them in a clear water state. The ongoing climate change affects the macrophytes through changes in temperature and precipitation, causing variations in nutrient load, water level and light availability. To investigate how these factors jointly determine macrophyte dominance and growth, we conducted a highly standardized pan‐European experiment involving the installation of mesocosms in lakes. The experimental design consisted of mesotrophic and eutrophic nutrient conditions at 1 m (shallow) and 2 m (deep) depth along a latitudinal temperature gradient with average water temperatures ranging from 14.9 to 23.9°C (Sweden to Greece) and a natural drop in water levels in the warmest countries (Greece and Turkey). We determined percent plant volume inhabited (PVI) of submerged macrophytes on a monthly basis for 5 months and dry weight at the end of the experiment. Over the temperature gradient, PVI was highest in the shallow mesotrophic mesocosms followed by intermediate levels in the shallow eutrophic and deep mesotrophic mesocosms, and lowest levels in the deep eutrophic mesocosms. We identified three pathways along which water temperature likely affected PVI, exhibiting (a) a direct positive effect if light was not limiting; (b) an indirect positive effect due to an evaporation‐driven water level reduction, causing a nonlinear increase in mean available light; and (c) an indirect negative effect through algal growth and, thus, high light attenuation under eutrophic conditions. We conclude that high temperatures combined with a temperature‐mediated water level decrease can counterbalance the negative effects of eutrophic conditions on macrophytes by enhancing the light availability. While a water level reduction can promote macrophyte dominance, an extreme reduction will likely decrease macrophyte biomass and, consequently, their capacity to function as a carbon store and food source.
Broad‐scale distribution of diazotrophic communities is driven more by aridity index and temperature than by soil properties across various forests
Authors: Zhao Wenqiang , Kou Yongping , Wang Xiaohu , Wu Yanhong , Bing Haijian , Liu Qing
Published: September 2020

Aim

Many studies have found that diazotrophic distribution is mainly determined by soil properties from field to regional scales. However, we lack strong evidence for the relative importance of different drivers controlling broad‐scale biogeography of forest diazotrophs, especially for soil multi‐nutrients.

Location

China’s forests.

Time period

2012−2013.

Major taxa studied

Diazotrophic communities.

Methods

We investigated the distribution of soil diazotrophic communities from 146 sites along a 3,900‐km south–north transect by sequencing N‐fixing nifH gene amplicons. The relative contributions of environmental variables were assessed using a combination of stepwise multiple regression, variation partitioning analysis, multiple regression on distance matrices and partial least squares path modelling.

Results

Overall, aridity index and temperature were the predominant parameters governing diazotrophic community diversity and structure, mainly through their indirect effects on soil pH, nutrient contents and plant productivity. Although soil multi‐nutrients (Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Na, Cu and Zn) were included in the statistical analysis, they still exhibited lower impacts on diazotrophic communities than climate. Intriguingly, the microelement Mo could not explain the diazotrophic community patterns, despite its significance in nitrogenase enzymes. This unexpected phenomenon was attributed to the relatively high Mo supply in our work. Moreover, the distinct responses of diazotroph taxa to climatic factors and large heterogeneity of diazotrophic diversity among forests in different climatic zones further support the dominant role of climatic variation. These results indicate the presence of differentiated climatic niches for diazotrophs, such as warm‐adapted Bradyrhizobium and cool‐adapted Azospirillum.

Main conclusions

Our findings suggest for the first time that unlike prior studies, the key roles of soil nutrient limitation (even for Mo) and pH‐dependent mechanisms in small‐scale diazotrophic communities can be surpassed by large‐scale climatic gradients. Future changes in drought severity and temperature might greatly shape diazotrophic distribution and its potential function in forest N2 fixation.
Megafauna extinctions have reduced biotic connectivity worldwide
Authors: Berti Emilio , Svenning Jens‐Christian
Published: September 2020

Aim

Connectivity among ecosystems is necessary to sustain ecological processes that promote biodiversity, community stability and ecosystem resilience, such as organism and nutrient dispersal. Along with human land use and habitat fragmentation, connectivity can also be affected by faunal changes. Here, we address this issue by studying how human‐driven late Quaternary extinctions and extirpations of terrestrial mammals have affected the movement capacity of assemblages, an estimate of the potential connectivity among ecosystems promoted by wildlife.

Location

Global.

Time period

Late Pleistocene to the Anthropocene.

Major taxa studied

All 4,395 (4,073 extant and 322 extinct) terrestrial mammals alive in the Late Pleistocene.

Methods

We combined macroecological estimates of home range size with range maps of current and natural geographical distributions of species to investigate how human pressure has modified natural movement capacity of terrestrial assemblages and how movement capacity will respond to future extinction and rewilding scenarios.

Results

Our results showed that 74% of average and 83% of maximum movement capacity of Late Pleistocene mammal assemblages has been lost owing to prehistorical and historical extinctions and extirpations. We also found that movement capacity will decrease further if current extinction trajectories are not averted. However, our results showed that current average and maximum movement capacity can be restored to twice their current values under a full rewilding scenario and that average, but not maximum movement capacity, will increase under a conservative rewilding scenario, that is, without restoring the largest megafauna most likely to cause major human–wildlife conflicts.

Main conclusions

Prehistorical and historical losses of megafauna have caused severe decreases in movement capacity of mammal assemblages, hence large reductions in ecosystem connectivity. Reintroductions can partly restore biotic connectivity, especially when the largest megafauna are also restored. However, natural levels of movement capacity cannot be recovered fully without including ecological replacements for extinct species in rewilding efforts.
Geriatric nutritional risk index and 100‐m walk achievement predict discharge to home in elderly patients with heart failure
Authors: Shimoyama Shota , Ono Tsuyoshi , Ebihara Satoru
Published: September 2020

Aim

The present study aimed to investigate factors relating to discharge to home of elderly patients with heart failure.

Method

After applying exclusion criteria and excluding patients with missing data, 110 of 165 elderly patients with heart failure aged at least 75 years admitted to our institution were divided into discharge to home (n = 85) and non‐discharge to home (n = 25) groups. Clinical characteristics, comorbidities, blood test data and echocardiographic data were retrospectively investigated and compared based on patients' medical records. Nutritional status was assessed using the Geriatric Nutritional Risk Index (GNRI) upon admission and at 2 weeks after admission (2‐week GNRI). Correlations with discharge to home were investigated using multiple logistic regression analysis with discharge to home as the dependent variable and parameters for which significant intergroup differences were observed as explanatory variables, when considering multicollinearity. Ratio scales selected by multiple logistic regression analysis were analyzed using a receiver operating characteristic curve and cut‐off values were calculated.

Results

Independent factors predicting discharge to home were 100‐m walk achievement (P = 0.037; odds ratio [OR], 3.057; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.418–8.751) and 2‐week GNRI (P = 0.006; OR, 1.083; 95% CI, 1.023–1.146). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for 2‐week GNRI was 0.735 (95% CI, 0.622–0.847) with a cut‐off value for 2‐week GNRI to determine discharge to home of 75.29 (sensitivity, 78.8%; specificity, 60.0%).

Conclusion

The present findings suggest that 100‐m walk achievement and 2‐week GNRI may be predictors for discharge to home in elderly patients with heart failure. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; 20: 1029–1035..
Acute exacerbation of hepatitis B with hepatic failure during the first trimester of pregnancy: Delivery of a healthy term baby after liver transplantation
Authors: Lee Jin‐Chiao , Li Pei‐Hua , Mok Tze‐Yee , You Shu‐Han , Hung Hao‐Chien , Lee Chen‐Fang , Chou Hong‐Shiue , Lee Wei‐Chen
Published: September 2020

The severe form of acute exacerbation of hepatitis B during pregnancy is a rare but life‐threatening condition for both the mother and the fetus. A 32‐year‐old pregnant woman at 10 weeks of gestation was diagnosed with acute decompensated liver failure due to acute exacerbation of hepatitis B. The Model for End‐stage Liver Disease score was up to 37. The patient was managed carefully with antiviral treatment, fluid resuscitation, correction of coagulopathy, close monitoring of hepatic function, and regular assessment of the fetus. She was transplanted with a deceased liver at 14 weeks and 1 day of gestation. With careful post‐transplant care and avoidance of medication with risk of miscarriage and teratogenicity, a healthy baby was delivered at 39 weeks and 1 day of gestation. Herein, we report this critical condition of pregnancy that was complicated with liver failure due to acute exacerbation of hepatitis B, but had favorable outcomes for both the mother and the baby after liver transplantation.
‘If we would change things outside we wouldn’t even need to go in…’ supporting recovery via community‐based actions: A focus group study on psychiatric rehospitalization
Authors: Cresswell‐Smith Johanna , Donisi Valeria , Rabbi Laura , Sfetcu Raluca , Šprah Lilijana , Straßmayr Christa , Wahlbeck Kristian , Ådnanes Marian
Published: September 2020

Background

Psychiatric rehospitalization is a complex phenomenon in need of more person‐centred approaches. The current paper aimed to explore how community‐based actions and daily life influence mental health and rehospitalization.

Design, setting and participants

The qualitative study included focus group data from six European countries including 59 participants. Data were thematically analysed following an inductive approach deriving themes and subthemes in relation to facilitators and barriers to mental health.

Results

Barriers consisted of subthemes (financial difficulty, challenging family circumstances and stigma), and facilitators consisted of three subthemes (complementing services, signposting and recovery). The recovery subtheme consisted of a further five categories (family and friends, work and recreation, hope, using mental health experience and meaning).

Discussion

Barriers to mental health largely related to social determinants of mental health, which may also have implications for psychiatric rehospitalization. Facilitators included community‐based actions and aspects of daily life with ties to personal recovery. By articulating the value of these facilitators, we highlight benefits of a person‐centred and recovery‐focused approach also within the context of psychiatric rehospitalization.

Conclusions

This paper portrays how person‐centred approaches and day‐to‐day community actions may impact psychiatric rehospitalization via barriers and facilitators, acknowledging the social determinants of mental health and personal recovery.

Patient or public contribution

The current study included participants with experience of psychiatric rehospitalization from six different European countries. Furthermore, transcripts were read by several of the focus group participants, and a service user representative participated in the entire research process in the original study.
Post‐exposure prophylaxis in the era of pre‐exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Atim M , Girometti N , Hyndman I , McOwan A , Whitlock G ,   the Dean Street Collaborative Group
Published: September 2020

Objectives

56 Dean Street (56DS), a sexual health clinic in London, provides a quarter of England's HIV post‐exposure prophylaxis following sexual exposure (PEPSE). Since the limited introduction of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) in 2015, PEPSE demand has fallen.

Methods

We performed a case‐note review of individuals who received PEPSE at 56DS in August 2018.

Results

Two hundred and forty three PEPSE were given; 97% (236) fitted recommended indications according to UK national guidance. Twenty‐eight (12%) had documented prior PrEP use; the most common reason for not taking PrEP was lack of supply (15/28; 54%). Up to 1st April 2020, of 215 who had not previously used PrEP, 106 (49%) re‐attended 56DS for PrEP initiation.

Conclusions

At 56DS, PEPSE is appropriately given for high‐risk HIV exposures. For those who use PrEP, It is important to support their adherence and ensure adequate supply. As PrEP uptake increases, the need for PEPSE may decrease.
A global comparison of DNA sequences of Pelopidas (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) reveals discordance between morphological and genetic data, and an insular ‘ghost’ population
Authors: Goonesekera Kshanika , Lee Patricia L. M. , Van Der Poorten George , Ranawaka Gaya
Published: September 2020

The Pelopidas are a widely distributed genus of hesperiids ranging from the Afrotropical to Australasia. Based on traditional classification, four species are recorded from Sri Lanka: Pelopidas agna, P. mathias, P. subochracea and P. conjuncta.

The aim is to test the taxonomic hypotheses of the Sri Lankan Pelopidas as they are currently recognised based on morphology. We achieve this by analysing the phylogenetic relationships among the Pelopidas as well as between the Pelopidas and tribe Baorini both inside and outside of Sri Lanka.

We used DNA sequence data from the cytochrome oxidase c subunit I (COI) “barcode” region and two nuclear DNA regions, elongation factor 1‐α (EF1‐α) and wingless (Wgl) collected for Sri Lankan Pelopidas and combined with all available Pelopidas sequence data from public databases.

The reconstructed phylogeny showed that P. mathias, P. agna and P. conjuncta were not monophyletic. Additionally, P. agna in Sri Lanka may now be a hybrid population that retains the P. agna morphology but possesses the mitochondrial DNA of P. mathias (termed a ‘ghost’ population). Finally, two lineages of P. conjuncta were identified in Sri Lanka, appearing more closely related to other species of Pelopidas than to each other.

This study demonstrates the phylogenetic complexity within the Pelopidas and the uniqueness of the Sri Lankan Pelopidas that have not been previously appreciated. This new knowledge is important in planning conservation management and may also guide future work on the potential mechanisms of evolutionary diversification of island butterflies.
Is light pollution driving moth population declines? A review of causal mechanisms across the life cycle
Authors: Boyes Douglas H. , Evans Darren M. , Fox Richard , Parsons Mark S. , Pocock Michael J. O.
Published: September 2020

The night‐time environment is increasingly being lit, often by broad‐spectrum lighting, and there is growing evidence that artificial light at night (ALAN) has consequences for ecosystems, potentially contributing to declines in insect populations.

Moths are species‐rich, sensitive to ALAN, and have undergone declines in Europe, making them the ideal group for investigating the impacts of light pollution on nocturnal insects more broadly. Here, we take a life cycle approach to review the impacts of ALAN on moths, drawing on a range of disciplines including ecology, physiology, and applied entomology.

We find evidence of diverse impacts across most life stages and key behaviours. Many studies have examined flight‐to‐light behaviour in adults and our meta‐analysis found that mercury vapour, metal halide, and compact fluorescent bulbs induce this more than LED and sodium lamps. However, we found that ALAN can also disrupt reproduction, larval development, and pupal diapause, with likely negative impacts on individual fitness, and that moths can be indirectly affected via hostplants and predators. These findings indicate that ALAN could also affect day‐flying insects through impacts on earlier life stages.

Overall, we found strong evidence for effects of artificial light on moth behaviour and physiology, but little rigorous, direct evidence that this scales up to impacts on populations. Crucially, there is a need to determine the potential contribution of ALAN to insect declines, relative to other drivers of change. In the meantime, we recommend precautionary strategies to mitigate possible negative effects of ALAN on insect populations.
A laboratory study to detect simulated pulpal blood flow in extracted human teeth using ultrasound Doppler flowmetry
Authors: Yoon M. J. , Kim D. H. , Jung I. Y. , Park S. H.
Published: September 2020

Aim

To develop a laboratory‐based tooth model of simulated blood flow in teeth and evaluate it using ultrasound Doppler flowmetry (UDF).

Methodology

A laboratory‐based tooth model for UDF was created based on a microfluidic experimental model proposed by Kim & Park (2016 a,b). Twenty‐one maxillary or mandibular anterior human teeth within 1 month of extraction were used. Four holes were made in each tooth to fit 1.6‐mm diameter polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubes: at the apical foramen, palatal surface in the centre of the crown, palatal surface apical to the cementoenamel junction (CEJ) and the root centre. Fluid mimicking pulsating blood was pumped (pressure range: 0–200 mbar, flow rate range: 0–80 μL min−1) into the apical foramen via the PTFE tubes, which exited the tooth through the palatal surface in the centre of the crown (control group), palatal surface below the CEJ (group 1) and the palatal surface at the mid‐root level (group 2). An UDF transducer of 20 MHz was placed at a 60° angle to the labial surface of tooth and was used to measure the fluid flow velocity (Vs, Vas, Vm, Vam, Vd, Vad and Vakd). The flow velocity of the different groups was compared using the Wilcoxon signed‐rank test, with a 95% confidence level.

Results

UDF facilitated the detection of the simulated pulpal blood flow in the control group and group 1, but not in group 2. The mean and standard deviations of Vas, Vam and Vakd were 0.921 ± 0.394, 0.479 ± 0.208 and 0.396 ± 0.220 cm s−1, respectively, in the control group, and 0.865 ± 0.368, 0.424 ± 0.215 and 0.487 ± 0.279 cm s−1, respectively, in group 1. The pulpal blood flow values of the control group and group 1 were not significantly different (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

This laboratory study revealed that ultrasound Doppler flowmetry enabled the detection of simulated blood flow below the level of the CEJ but not at the mid‐root level.
MiR‐484 suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion and induced apoptosis of gastric cancer via targeting CCL‐18
Authors: Liu Jin , Li Shi Meng
Published: September 2020

Gastric cancer is a common and high‐incidence malignant gastro‐intestinal cancer that seriously threatens human life. Evidence suggests that microRNAs (miRNAs) play an essential role in regulating the occurrence and development of gastric cancer, but the possible mechanisms and effects remain to be further explored. In the present study, a new tumour suppresser function of miR‐484 was identified in gastric cancer. The expression of miR‐484 was obviously decreased, and the expression of CCL‐18 was obviously increased in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines. In addition, upregulation of miR‐484 suppressed cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced cell cycle arrest in G1 phase and cell apoptosis in gastric cancer cells. Besides, miR‐484 mimics could block the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway. Moreover, CCL‐18 was confirmed as a direct target of miR‐484 by binding its 3′‐UTR, and over‐expression of CCL‐18 could restore the effects of miR‐484 on the growth and metastasis of gastric cancer. Finally, in vivo experiments showed that over‐expression of miR‐484 inhibited the subcutaneous tumorigenicity of gastric cancer cells, and the inhibition was blocked after over‐expression of CCL‐18. To conclude, miR‐484 expression was downregulated in gastric cancer tissues and cells and played an anti‐cancer role in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer, which may be achieved by inhibiting the expression of transcription factor CCL‐18 and blocking the PI3K/AKT pathway.
Indomethacin can induce cell death in rat gastric parietal cells through alteration of some apoptosis‐ and autophagy‐associated molecules
Authors: Gebril Sahar M. , Ito Yuko , Shibata Masa‐Aki , Maemura Kentaro , Abu‐Dief Eman E. , Hussein Mahmoud R. A. , Abdelaal Usama M. , Elsayed Hoda M. , Otsuki Yoshinori , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: September 2020

In clinical medicine, indomethacin (IND, a non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug) is used variously in the treatment of severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis or ankylosing spondylitis. A common complication found alongside the therapeutic characteristics is gastric mucosal damage. This complication is mediated through apoptosis and autophagy of the gastrointestinal mucosal epithelium. Apoptosis and autophagy are critical homeostatic pathways catalysed by caspases downstream of the gastrointestinal mucosal epithelial injury. Both act through molecular signalling pathways characterized by the initiation, mediation, execution and regulation of the cell regulatory cycle. In this study we hypothesized that dysregulated apoptosis and autophagy are associated with IND‐induced gastric damage. We examined the spectra of in vivo experimental gastric ulcers in male Sprague‐Dawley rats through gastric gavage of IND. Following an 18‐hour fast, IND was administered to experimental rats. They were sacrificed at 3‐, 6‐ and 12‐hour intervals. Parietal cells (H+, K+‐ATPase β‐subunit assay) and apoptosis (TUNEL assay) were determined. The expression of apoptosis‐signalling caspase (caspases 3, 8, 9 and 12), DNA damage (anti–phospho‐histone H2A.X) and autophagy (MAP‐LC3, LAMP‐1 and cathepsin B)‐related molecules in gastric mucosal cells was examined. The administration of IND was associated with gastric mucosal erosions and ulcerations mainly involving the gastric parietal cells (PCs) of the isthmic and upper neck regions and a time‐dependent gradual increase in the number of apoptotic PCs with the induction of both apoptotic (upregulation of caspases 3 and 8) cell death and autophagic (MAP‐LC3‐II, LAMP‐1 and cathepsin B) cell death. Autophagy induced by fasting and IND 3 hours initially prompted the degradation of caspase 8. After 6 and 12 hours, damping down of autophagic activity occurred, resulting in the upregulation of active caspase 8 and its nuclear translocation. In conclusion we report that IND can induce time‐dependent apoptotic and autophagic cell death of PCs. Our study provides the first indication of the interactions between these two homeostatic pathways in this context.
Psychometric testing of the Chinese version of Self‐Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory
Authors: Chen Zi , Chen Yuan , Geng Jing , Wang Mian , Yu Huidan
Published: September 2020

Aim

To psychometrically test the Chinese version of Self‐Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory.

Background

Self‐care is a significant step to impede the progression of coronary heart disease and serves as the primary outcome in self‐care interventions. In China, however, no instrument is available to measure self‐care in patients with coronary heart disease. To address this gap, we introduce the Self‐Care of Coronary Heart Disease Inventory into China.

Design

A cross‐sectional design.

Methods

We translated the inventory into Chinese using standardized methods. Then, it was psychometrically tested on a convenience sample of 301 patients with coronary heart disease (October 2017 to May 2018). Construct validity was evaluated via exploratory factor analysis and testing hypotheses. Internal consistency reliability was measured with Cronbach's alpha or composite reliability.

Results

Both self‐care maintenance and management subscales showed a two‐factor structure, whereas self‐care confidence subscale showed a one‐dimension structure. All subscales were significantly correlated with associated variables (disease‐related knowledge and perceived control). The internal consistency reliability for all three subscales was acceptable.

Conclusion

The Chinese version showed acceptable psychometric properties when applied to the sample group of this study. It is recommended for use in self‐care interventions targeting coronary heart disease.
Association between maternal smoking during pregnancy and offspring overweight in U.S.‐born children
Authors: Smart Shirley J. , Nikaj Aurela N. , Yu Lili , Li Hongxia , Yan Fei , Zhang Jian
Published: September 2020

Background

The criticism of the literature on smoking during pregnancy and offspring overweight was the confounding from postnatal factors. Interaction between gestational age and prenatal maternal smoking has not yet assessed.

Methods

We used the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1988‐1994), linked with natality files of US‐born singletons aged 2 to 6 years. A body mass index in the 85th percentile or higher were considered overweight, including obesity. Gestational age was dichotomized as preterm (<37 weeks, n = 240) or full‐term (n = 2125). Smoking status during pregnancy was ascertained by a questionnaire‐based interview during National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

Results

The prevalence of offspring overweight and obesity combined was 17.3% (SE = 1.3%). And 24.0% (1.3%) of mothers smoked while pregnant. A significant interaction was observed between maternal smoking and gestational age. In preterm children, a higher prevalence of overweight (34.3% [6.7%]) was found among the offspring of smoking mothers compared to non‐smoking mothers (15.8% [3.6%]). After adjustment for socio‐demographics, prenatal and postnatal factors, in preterm born offspring, the odds ratio of being born to smoking mothers was 2.46 (95% confidence intervals: 1.13‐5.37) among children with overweight/obesity compared to children with healthy weight born to non‐smoking mothers. In full‐term children, the OR of being born to smoking mothers was 0.72 (0.50‐1.03) among offspring with overweight/obesity relative to offspring with healthy weight born to non‐smoking mothers.

Conclusions

Maternal smoking during pregnancy was strongly associated with offspring overweight and obesity in preterm births after control for postnatal factors. Preterm children of smoking mothers should be prioritized for obesity prevention.
Impression management and overclaiming on job applications: Related to future sales performance?
Authors: Watts Logan L. , Kuzmich Irina , Leung Desmond W. , Gibson Carter , Barsa Andrew
Published: September 2020

Despite decades of research on the role of socially desirable responding (SDR) in hiring contexts, it remains unclear whether job applicant SDR is related to future employee performance. Drawing on a large sample of 1,084 retail sales employees and their original job application data, this study examined the predictive validity of two operationalizations of SDR: (a) impression management captured using a personality scale and (b) overclaiming familiarity with a list of products that were directly relevant to the job. Neither measure was used to inform the hiring decisions. Results showed that job applicant impression management and overclaiming were unrelated to four indicators of future sales performance as employees. Implications for organizational selection policies involving applicant SDR are discussed.
Impact of second transurethral resection on recurrence in patients with high‐grade Ta bladder cancer
Authors: Taoka Rikiya , Matsuoka Yuki , Kohashiguchi Kana , Miura Takayoshi , Tohi Yoichiro , Miyauchi Yasuyuki , Kato Takuma , Tsunemori Hiroyuki , Ueda Nobufumi , Kakehi Yoshiyuki , Sugimoto Mikio
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To clarify the potential therapeutic benefit of a second transurethral resection for high‐grade Ta bladder cancer.

Methods

From January 2009 to August 2019, 521 patients with bladder tumors underwent initial transurethral resection procedures at Kagawa University Hospital. Patients diagnosed with high‐grade Ta bladder cancer considered to have been resected completely were included in this study. Recurrence and progression rates were compared between patients who received a second transurethral resection and those who did not.

Results

We identified 97 eligible patients, including 22 patients who received a second transurethral resection. In terms of clinical characteristics, the proportion of patients with bladder cancer and upper urinary tract tumor history was lower in the second transurethral resection group than in the no second transurethral resection group (P < 0.01 and P = 0.03, respectively). The histopathological findings of 22 transurethral resection procedures were no cancer in 13 (59.2%), Ta in six (27.2%) and carcinoma in situ in three patients (13.6%). After the second transurethral resection, one patient (4.6%) had recurrent high‐grade T1 bladder cancer. The no second transurethral resection group showed a 44% recurrence rate (33 patients), including five patients (6.7%) with progression, and consequently, had a higher rate of recurrence than in the second transurethral resection group (P < 0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that no second transurethral resection was the independent predictive factor influencing recurrence (hazard ratio 8.662, P = 0.04). The Kaplan–Meier curve showed that a second transurethral resection significantly decreased the recurrence rate than that of patients without a second transurethral resection (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

A second transurethral resection can reduce the recurrence rate in high‐grade Ta bladder cancer, showing a possible therapeutic benefit of this procedure.
Variation in genes implicated in B‐cell development and antibody production affects susceptibility to pemphigus
Authors: Calonga‐Solís Verónica , Amorim Leonardo M. , Farias Ticiana D. J. , Petzl‐Erler Maria Luiza , Malheiros Danielle , Augusto Danillo G.
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is an autoimmune blistering skin disease characterized by the presence of pathogenic autoantibodies against desmoglein 1, a component of intercellular desmosome junctions. PF occurs sporadically across the globe and is endemic in some Brazilian regions. Because PF is a B‐cell‐mediated disease, we aimed to study the impact of variants within genes encoding molecules involved in the different steps of B‐cell development and antibody production on the susceptibility of endemic PF. We analysed 3,336 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 167 candidate genes genotyped with Illumina microarray in a cohort of 227 PF patients and 193 controls. After quality control and exclusion of non‐informative and redundant SNPs, 607 variants in 149 genes remained in the logistic regression analysis, in which sex and ancestry were included as covariates. Our results revealed 10 SNPs within or nearby 11 genes that were associated with susceptibility to endemic PF (OR >1.56; p < 0.005): rs6657275*G (TGFB2); rs1818545*A (RAG1/RAG2/IFTAP);rs10781530*A (PAXX), rs10870140*G and rs10781522*A (TRAF2); rs535068*A (TNFRSF1B); rs324011*A (STAT6);rs6432018*C (YWHAQ); rs17149161*C (YWHAG); and rs2070729*C (IRF1). Interestingly, these SNPs have been previously associated with differential gene expression, mostly in peripheral blood, in publicly available databases. For the first time, we show that polymorphisms in genes involved in B‐cell development and antibody production confer differential susceptibility to endemic PF, and therefore are candidates for possible functional studies to understand immunoglobulin gene rearrangement and its impact on diseases.
A splice acceptor variant in HLA‐DRA affects the conformation and cellular localization of the class II DR alpha‐chain
Authors: Didonna Alessandro , Damotte Vincent , Shams Hengameh , Matsunaga Atsuko , Caillier Stacy J. , Dandekar Ravi , Misra Maneesh K. , Mofrad Mohammad R. K. , Oksenberg Jorge R. , Hollenbach Jill A.
Published: September 2020

Class II human leucocyte antigen (HLA) proteins are involved in the immune response by presenting pathogen‐derived peptides to CD4+ T lymphocytes. At the molecular level, they are constituted by α/β‐heterodimers on the surface of professional antigen‐presenting cells. Here, we report that the acceptor variant (rs8084) in the HLA‐DRA gene mediates the transcription of an alternative version of the α‐chain lacking 25 amino acids in its extracellular domain. Molecular dynamics simulations suggest this isoform undergoes structural refolding which in turn affects its stability and cellular trafficking. The short HLA‐DRA isoform cannot reach the cell surface, although it is still able to bind the corresponding β‐chain. Conversely, it remains entrapped within the endoplasmic reticulum where it is targeted for degradation. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the short isoform can be transported to the cell membrane via interactions with the peptide‐binding site of canonical HLA heterodimers. Altogether, our findings indicate that short HLA‐DRA functions as a novel intact antigen for class II HLA molecules.
Predictive Inference Based on Markov Chain Monte Carlo Output
Authors: Krüger Fabian , Lerch Sebastian , Thorarinsdottir Thordis , Gneiting Tilmann
Published: September 2020

In Bayesian inference, predictive distributions are typically in the form of samples generated via Markov chain Monte Carlo or related algorithms. In this paper, we conduct a systematic analysis of how to make and evaluate probabilistic forecasts from such simulation output. Based on proper scoring rules, we develop a notion of consistency that allows to assess the adequacy of methods for estimating the stationary distribution underlying the simulation output. We then provide asymptotic results that account for the salient features of Bayesian posterior simulators and derive conditions under which choices from the literature satisfy our notion of consistency. Importantly, these conditions depend on the scoring rule being used, such that the choices of approximation method and scoring rule are intertwined. While the logarithmic rule requires fairly stringent conditions, the continuous ranked probability score yields consistent approximations under minimal assumptions. These results are illustrated in a simulation study and an economic data example. Overall, mixture‐of‐parameters approximations that exploit the parametric structure of Bayesian models perform particularly well. Under the continuous ranked probability score, the empirical distribution function is a simple and appealing alternative option.
Clinical significance of SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific IgG detection with a rapid antibody kit for COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Chong Yong , Ikematsu Hideyuki , Tani Naoki , Arimizu Yoko , Watanabe Haruka , Fukamachi Yukako , Yonekawa Akiko , Iwasaka Sho , Nishida Ruriko , Eriguchi Yoshihiro , Miyake Noriko , Shimoda Shinji , Nagasaki Yoji , Shimono Nobuyuki , Akashi Koichi
Published: September 2020

Background

The longitudinal observation of the detection of antibody responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 using antibody kits during the clinical course of COVID‐19 is not yet fully investigated.

Objectives

To understand the significance of the detection of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies, particularly IgG, using a rapid antibody kit, during the clinical course of COVID‐19 patients with different severities.

Methods

Sixty‐three serum samples from 18 patients (5 asymptomatic and 13 symptomatic patients) were retrospectively examined using a commercial SARS‐CoV‐2 IgM/IgG antibody kit. PCR positivity of patient samples was also examined as a marker of current SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Results

IgG antibodies were detected in all cases in this study. The IgG detection rates reached 100.0% in samples collected on day 13 or later. IgG seropositivity after an initial negative status was observed in 13 patients (3/5 asymptomatic and 10/13 symptomatic cases). Interestingly, the persistence of both PCR and IgG positivity was detected in seven cases, of which three were asymptomatic. The longest overlap duration of the PCR and IgG positivity was 17 days in asymptomatic status.

Conclusions

SARS‐CoV‐2‐specific IgG production can be detected in all infected individuals, using a rapid antibody kit, irrespective of clinical status. However, these findings suggest that, in some infected individuals, particularly those with asymptomatic status, the presence of virus‐specific IgG antibodies does not imply prompt viral clearance.
Optimal routing of multimodal mobility systems with ride‐sharing
Authors: Yu Xiao , Miao Huimin , Bayram Armagan , Yu Meigui , Chen Xi
Published: September 2020

Multimodal transportation systems are a combination of more environmentally friendly shared transport modes including public transport, ride‐sharing, shuttle‐sharing, or even completely carbon‐free modes such as cycling to better meet customer needs. Multimodal mobility solutions are expected to contribute in mitigating traffic congestion and carbon emissions, and to result in savings in costs. They are also expected to improve access to transportation, more specifically for those in rural or low‐populated communities (i.e., difficult to serve by public transportation only). Motivated by its benefits, in this study, we consider the combination of the ride‐sharing and public transportation services and formulate a mixed integer programming model for the multimodal transportation planning problem. We propose a heuristic approach (i.e., angle‐based clustering [AC] algorithm) and compare its efficiency with the exact solution for different settings. We find that the AC algorithm works well in both small and large settings. We further show that the multimodal transportation system with ride‐sharing can yield significant benefits on travel distances and travel times.
The impact of global climate change on the freezing tolerance of winter cereals in Western Canada
Authors: Willick Ian R. , Tanino Karen K. , Gusta Lawrence V.
Published: September 2020

Due to global climate change in Western Canada, winter cereals will be exposed to a higher frequency of winter thaws which will increase crown water and thereby reduce freezing tolerance. Cold‐acclimated winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and fall rye (Secale cereale L.) were held at −4°C under a snow cover for up to 120 days and periodically subjected to a dry or wet thaw for 3 days. Freezing tolerance was monitored by either the conventional freezing test (LT50) or the durational freeze test (LD50). There was a gradual loss in LT50 and LD50 in crowns held at −4°C, with the greatest loss after 120 days. The LT50 test could only identify species differences in freezing tolerance whereas LD50 identified cultivar‐specific differences. Rehardened plants previously subjected to a 4°C dry thaw regained an LT50 comparable to non‐thawed plants. Whereas plants exposed to a wet thaw could only partially reharden. The more freezing tolerant fall rye cultivars maintained a lower LT50 under thawing and rehardening conditions as compared with winter wheat. A short winter thaw dramatically reduced crown freezing tolerance. The selection of superior germplasm to tolerate warming winter conditions is an important goal for future winter wheat breeding efforts.
Validation of single‐step GBLUP genomic predictions from threshold models using the linear regression method: An application in chicken mortality
Authors: Bermann Matias , Legarra Andres , Hollifield Mary Kate , Masuda Yutaka , Lourenco Daniela , Misztal Ignacy
Published: September 2020

The objective of this study was to determine whether the linear regression (LR) method could be used to validate genomic threshold models. Statistics for the LR method were computed from estimated breeding values (EBVs) using the whole and truncated data sets with variances from the reference and validation populations. The method was tested using simulated and real chicken data sets. The simulated data set included 10 generations of 4,500 birds each; genotypes were available for the last three generations. Each animal was assigned a continuous trait, which was converted to a binary score assuming an incidence of failure of 7%. The real data set included the survival status of 186,596 broilers (mortality rate equal to 7.2%) and genotypes of 18,047 birds. Both data sets were analysed using best linear unbiased predictor (BLUP) or single‐step GBLUP (ssGBLUP). The whole data set included all phenotypes available, whereas in the partial data set, phenotypes of the most recent generation were removed. In the simulated data set, the accuracies based on the LR formulas were 0.45 for BLUP and 0.76 for ssGBLUP, whereas the correlations between true breeding values and EBVs (i.e. true accuracies) were 0.37 and 0.65, respectively. The gain in accuracy by adding genomic information was overestimated by 0.09 when using the LR method compared to the true increase in accuracy. However, when the estimated ratio between the additive variance computed based on pedigree only and on pedigree and genomic information was considered, the difference between true and estimated gain was <0.02. Accuracies of BLUP and ssGBLUP with the real data set were 0.41 and 0.47, respectively. This small improvement in accuracy when using ssGBLUP with the real data set was due to population structure and lower heritability. The LR method is a useful tool for estimating improvements in accuracy of EBVs due to the inclusion of genomic information when traditional validation methods as k‐fold validation and predictive ability are not applicable.
Out of the Mediterranean Region: Worldwide biogeography of snapdragons and relatives (tribe Antirrhineae, Plantaginaceae)
Authors: Gorospe Juan Manuel , Monjas David , Fernández‐Mazuecos Mario
Published: September 2020

Aim

The tribe Antirrhineae, including snapdragons, toadflaxes and relatives, is widely distributed across the Northern Hemisphere and the Neotropics. It displays an uneven distribution of diversity, with more than 50% of species and subspecies in the Mediterranean Region. Here we conducted the first detailed, worldwide biogeographic analysis of the Antirrhineae and tested two alternative hypotheses (time‐for‐speciation versus diversification rate differences) to explain the uneven distribution of diversity.

Location

Worldwide, with a focus on the Mediterranean Region.

Taxon

Tribe Antirrhineae (Plantaginaceae).

Methods

A phylogenetic biogeographic approach was taken, accounting for area connections through time. Ancestral ranges, dispersal events, speciation and lineage accumulation within areas were estimated. Diversification rates for taxa present and absent in the Mediterranean Region were compared, accounting for the effect of a floral key innovation (nectar spur).

Results

A proto‐Mediterranean origin in the Late Eocene was estimated, and the Mediterranean Region stood out as the main centre for speciation and dispersal. Congruent patterns of long‐distance dispersal from the Mediterranean Region to North America were recovered for at least two amphiatlantic clades. A significant floristic exchange between the Mediterranean and south‐western Asia was detected. We found no evidence of different diversification rates between lineages inside and outside the Mediterranean Region.

Main conclusions

The Mediterranean Region played a key role in the origin of the current distribution of the Antirrhineae. However, the higher species richness found in this region appears to be the result of a time‐for‐speciation effect rather than that of increased diversification rates. The establishment of current Mediterranean climates in the Northern Hemisphere appears to have contributed to the recent diversification of the group, in combination with colonization of adjacent regions with arid and semi‐arid climates.
Noise does not equal bias in assessing the evolutionary history of the angiosperm flora of China: A response to Qian (2019)
Authors: Lu Li‐Min , Hu Hai‐Hua , Peng Dan‐Xiao , Liu Bing , Ye Jian‐Fei , Yang Tuo , Li Hong‐Lei , Sun Miao , Smith Stephen A. , Soltis Pamela S. , Soltis Douglas E. , Chen Zhi‐Duan
Published: September 2020

In response to our paper on the evolutionary history of the Chinese flora, Qian suggests that certain features of the divergence time estimation employed might have led to biased conclusions in Lu et al (2018). Here, we consider Qian's specific criticisms, explore the extent of uncertainty in the data and demonstrate that (i) no systematic bias toward dates that are too young or too old is detected in Lu et al.; (ii) constraint of the crown age of angiosperms does not bias the generic ages estimated by Lu et al.; and (iii) ages derived from the Chinese regional phylogeny do not bias the conclusions reported by Lu et al. All these analyses confirm that the conclusions reported previously are robust. We argue that, like many large‐scale biodiversity analyses, sources of noise in divergence time estimation are to be expected, but these should not be confused with bias.