bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of changes in bird community composition and species abundance on plant reproduction, through pollination and seed dispersal
Authors: Anderson Sandra H. , Ladley Jenny J. , Robertson Alastair W. , Kelly Dave
Published: March 2021

The consequences of global bird declines on ecosystem function are gaining increasing attention. Here we consider the effects of changes in bird community composition and species abundance on reproduction for two endemic plant species in New Zealand. Birds service a relatively high proportion of the New Zealand flora as both pollinators and seed dispersers, and bird losses have been extensive during the 700 years since human colonization. We compare fruit set and seed removal for plants in reserves free of introduced predators, where seven endemic flower and fruit visiting bird species were present and relatively abundant, with plants outside these reserves where endemic bird species were absent or at lower abundance. The study plants, Dysoxylum spectabile and Pittosporum crassifolium, have both flowers and fruit visited by birds. Both species are also dioecious (a characteristic that has not been commonly associated with bird‐pollinated plants) and despite having mixed pollination systems, bird visits are essential for successful seed production. Outside introduced predator‐free reserves, the winter‐flowering D. spectabile was still visited by endemic pollinators and maintained pollination levels, despite a 59% decrease in endemic bird abundance. However, reduced endemic bird abundance was associated with a halving of pollination levels in P. crassifolium, which flowers in spring, as do other native and introduced flowering plants attractive to birds. The effect of altered bird species composition and abundance on seed dispersal was associated with a 74% reduction in seed dispersal for P. crassifolium. Additionally, undispersed seeds of P. crassifolium had lower germination, and higher pre‐dispersal seed predation, compared with dispersed seeds. We stress three important aspects of these results: (1) for some plant species, the same bird species perform both pollination and seed dispersal, (2) dispersal reduces pre‐dispersal seed predation, so that dispersal failure secondarily increases losses to seed predators, and (3) the effects of mutualism loss are not even across all species. Our results highlight that introduced species do not adequately replace endemic mutualists, which may be a particular problem for plant species with both bird‐visited flowers and fruit.
Enhanced mechanical and thermal properties of AlN ceramics via a chemical precipitation process
Authors: Nie Guanglin , Sheng Pengfei , Li Yehua , Zuo Fei , Bao Yiwang , Wu Shanghua
Published: March 2021

A uniform dispersion of sintering additives is crucial to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of AlN ceramics. In this study, the Y2O3‐coated AlN composite powder was successfully prepared by the chemical precipitation (CP) process, thereby improving the homogenization of Y2O3 in AlN green compacts. The precipitation coating behavior of Y2O3 precursor was investigated by FTIR and TG‐DSC, and the corresponding reaction equation was proposed. The results of TEM, XRD, and XPS for the CP processed AlN powder indicated that a uniform amorphous Y2O3 layer was fully wrapped on the surface of AlN powder. The microstructures and phases of the sintered AlN samples prepared via the CP and conventional ball‐milling (BM) processes, respectively, were compared. The CP process can result in decreasing oxygen content in AlN grains, facilitating the formation of the desirable isolated second phases, and strengthening the grain and grain boundary of AlN ceramic. As a result, the thermal conductivity, bending strength and fracture toughness of the CP processed AlN ceramic are 9.43%, 10.56%, and 18.50% higher than those of the BM processed sample, respectively, illustrating the CP process is a pretty effective way to simultaneously improve the thermal and mechanical properties of AlN ceramics.
Preparation of Al2O3@CaCO3 aggregates and its effects on the thermal shock resistance of Al2O3‐MgO castables
Authors: Qu Jiaoyang , Ding Donghai , Xiao Guoqing , Lei Changkun , Luo Jiyuan , Chen Jianjun , Zang Yunfei
Published: March 2021

Al2O3@CaCO3 aggregates were prepared by impregnating corundum aggregates (particle sizes with 3‐1 and 5‐3 mm) in precursor solutions (Calcium hydrogen citrate, CaHC6H5O7) followed by heat treatment at 430°C. The phase composition and microstructure of the coatings were characterized via X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope, respectively. The novel aggregates were used in Al2O3‐MgO castables. The effects of the Al2O3@CaCO3 aggregates on the physical properties and thermal shock resistance (TSR) of castables were investigated. The results show that uniform CaCO3 coating of aggregates (C15) with thickness about 10 µm can be attained when the concentration of Ca2+ in solution was 0.15 mol L−1. There was a strong bonding between the aggregates and coating that was constituted by particles with size about 0.2 µm. Both improving physical and TSR properties of the castables are related with the unique layer structure, calcium hexaluminate (CA6) layer in‐situ formed at the aggregate‐matrix interface, of added Al2O3@CaCO3 aggregates. There is a mass of multi‐deflection of cracks along with the CA6 layer which consumes more fracture surface energy. The castables with C15 exhibit optimal TSR and the residual strength ratio after the thermal shock test is 29.5%, which is 12.8% higher than the castables with corundum aggregates.
Influences of Bi0.75Y0.25O1.5 addition on the microstructure and ionic conductivity of Ce0.8Y0.2O1.9 ceramics
Authors: Liang Wenke , Meng Bin , Xiao Qingfei , Ping Xinyu , Zheng Qian , Li Chen , Xia Zhidong
Published: March 2021

A second phase of Y2O3‐stabilized Bi2O3 (Bi0.75Y0.25O1.5,YSB) is introduced into Y2O3‐doped CeO2 (Ce0.8Y0.2O1.9,YDC) as a sintering additive and the composite ceramics of YDC‐xYSB (x = 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 wt%) are prepared through sintering at 1100°C for 6 h in air atmosphere. The YDC‐xYSB ceramics are composed of both YDC and YSB with cubic fluorite structure, and no other impurity phases are detected in XRD patterns. The relative density of YDC‐xYSB rises firstly for x ≤5 wt%, and then it declines with YSB addition from 5 to 40 wt%. The average grain size of YDC decreases from 270 nm to 85.7 nm with YSB addition from 0 to 40 wt%. The YSB phase segregates at the grain boundaries of YDC based on the TEM analysis result. The ionic conductivity of YDC‐xYSB (x ≥5 wt%) is lower than that of YDC in the test temperature of 200°C–500°C, while it gradually exceeds that of YDC in 500°C–750°C. At 750°C, the conductivity of YDC‐30%YSB (6.22 × 10−2 S/cm) is 1.35 times higher than that of YDC (4.6 × 10−2 S/cm). The YSB addition can improve the ionic conductivity of YDC in 500°C–750°C and decrease its sintering temperature.
Classical CD4 T cells as the cornerstone of antimycobacterial immunity
Authors: Morgan Jeffrey , Muskat Kaylin , Tippalagama Rashmi , Sette Alessandro , Burel Julie , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S.
Published: March 2021

Tuberculosis is a significant health problem without an effective vaccine to combat it. A thorough understanding of the immune response and correlates of protection is needed to develop a more efficient vaccine. The immune response against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) is complex and involves all aspects of the immune system, however, the optimal protective, non‐pathogenic T cell response against Mtb is still elusive. This review will focus on discussing CD4 T cell immunity against mycobacteria and its importance in Mtb infection with a primary focus on human studies. We will in particular discuss the large heterogeneity of immune cell subsets that have been revealed by recent immunological investigations at an unprecedented level of detail. These studies have identified specific classical CD4 T cell subsets important for immune responses against Mtb in various states of infection. We further discuss the functional attributes that have been linked to the various subsets such as upregulation of activation markers and cytokine production. Another important topic to be considered is the antigenic targets of Mtb‐specific immune responses, and how antigen reactivity is influenced by both disease state and environmental exposure(s). These are key points for both vaccines and immune diagnostics development. Ultimately, these factors are holistically considered in the definition and investigations of what are the correlates on protection and resolution of disease.
Optimal pricing and ordering decisions with reference effect and quick replenishment policy
Authors: Zhao Nenggui , Wang Qiang , Wu Jie
Published: March 2021

This paper considers a revenue management problem in which a retailer determines joint pricing and ordering decisions for a single product over a two‐period selling horizon. The goal is to investigate the single and combined influences of reference effect (RE) and quick replenishment (QR) policy on the customers' purchasing behaviors, the retailer's optimal decisions, and the total profit of two periods. We first propose a discrete‐time joint pricing and ordering model with RE and QR policy in the presence of strategic customers. Then we extend to the other two models, in which the retailer does not implement the QR policy and the retailer ignores the customers' RE, to, respectively, explore the values of RE and QR policy to the retailer. Several significant results and managerial insights are derived through theoretical analysis and numerical experiments. Implementing the QR policy could help the retailer cut nearly half of the initial order quantity and improve the profit significantly, especially when the strength of RE is large and the storage cost is high. With the QR policy, if the retailer ignores the RE that factually exists in the customers' minds, she would set lower prices, place fewer initial order quantity, and lose much profit, especially when she sells luxury products or the customers' purchasing behaviors are strongly affected by RE.
A dynamic supply chain game with vertical coordination and horizontal competition
Authors: De Giovanni Pietro
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces a dynamic game modeling several interfaces between marketing and operations under vertical coordination and horizontal supply chain (SC) competition. An SC has a one‐manufacturer‐one‐retailer structure and competes against a symmetric SC. In each SC, the manufacturer decides both the production volume and the advertising efforts, while the retailer controls both the purchasing volume and the selling price. Firms within each SC can manage their business by adopting either a wholesale price contract (WPC) or a revenue‐sharing contract (RSC). In general, an SC can achieve coordination when shifting from a WPC to an RSC. Nevertheless, this is no longer true when SC competition exists. We show that an RSC is beneficial only when the rival SC uses a WPC. In fact, when both SCs adopt an RSC, the general advantages gained through coordination vanish and both SCs are operationally and economically worse off.
Growth and physiological responses of cotton plants to salt stress
Authors: Ma Yingying , Wei Zhenhua , Liu Jie , Liu Xuezhi , Liu Fulai
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the growth and physiological responses cotton plants to salt stress. At seven leaf stage, cotton plants were subjected to two treatments; 0 mM NaCl as the control and 150 mM NaCl as the salt stress treatment, respectively. The effect of salt stress on leaf gas exchange rates, leaf nitrogen concentration, chlorophyll content, leaf K+ and Na+ concentrations, plant water status, endogenous phytohormone concentrations, dry matter accumulation and partitioning in plant organs was evaluated. The results showed that salt stress significantly decreased plant growth, water consumption, leaf water relations characteristics and leaf gas exchange rates as compared to the control. Under salt, photosynthetic rate was reduced to less extend than did stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration rate, resulting in greater intrinsic and instantaneous water use efficiencies compared to the control plants. gs decreased linearly with decreasing leaf water potential and leaf hydraulic conductance under salt. Salt‐stressed plants possessed a significant higher concentration of abscisic acid ([ABA]leaf), while a significantly lower concentrations of gibberellic acid ([GA3]leaf) and zeatin riboside ([ZR]leaf) in leaf than those grown under control. Negative linear relationships were found between gs and [ABA]leaf, ratio of [ABA]leaf to [GA3]leaf, ratio of [ABA]leaf to ([GA3]leaf+[ZR]leaf), respectively. Salt stress significantly decreased leaf K+ concentration, the ratio of K+/Na+ in leaf, shoot growth and biomass partitioning into leaf and stem, whereas increased leaf chlorophyll content, leaf nitrogen concentration and biomass partitioning into boll. Although the water use efficiency of plant biomass was unaffected, the water use efficiency of boll biomass was significantly enhanced by salt stress. Collectively, salt‐induced changes in both hydraulic and chemical properties were involved in mediating the leaf gas exchange response to salt stress, and the enhanced leaf nitrogen concentration and biomass partitioning into boll may lead to a sustained yield with less water consumption in cotton plants grown under moderate salinity stress.
FGF19 protects skeletal muscle against obesity‐induced muscle atrophy, metabolic derangement and abnormal irisin levels via the AMPK/SIRT‐1/PGC‐α pathway
Authors: Guo Ai , Li Kai , Tian Hong‐Chuan , Fan Zhen , Chen Qiu‐Nan , Yang Yun‐Fei , Yu Jing , Wu Yong‐Xin , Xiao Qian
Published: March 2021

Obesity is associated with biological dysfunction in skeletal muscle. As a condition of obesity accompanied by muscle mass loss and physical dysfunction, sarcopenic obesity (SO) has become a novel public health problem. Human fibroblast growth factor 19 (FGF19) plays a therapeutic role in metabolic diseases. However, the protective effects of FGF19 on skeletal muscle in obesity and SO are still not completely understood. Our results showed that FGF19 administration improved muscle loss and grip strength in young and aged mice fed a high‐fat diet (HFD). Increases in muscle atrophy markers (FOXO‐3, Atrogin‐1, MuRF‐1) were abrogated by FGF19 in palmitic acid (PA)‐treated C2C12 myotubes and in the skeletal muscle of HFD‐fed mice. FGF19 not only reduced HFD‐induced body weight gain, excessive lipid accumulation and hyperlipidaemia but also promoted energy expenditure (PGC‐1α, UCP‐1, PPAR‐γ) in brown adipose tissue (BAT). FGF19 treatment restored PA‐ and HFD‐induced hyperglycaemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance (IRS‐1, GLUT‐4) and mitigated the PA‐ and HFD‐induced decrease in FNDC‐5/irisin expression. However, these beneficial effects of FGF19 on skeletal muscle were abolished by inhibiting AMPK, SIRT‐1 and PGC‐1α expression. Taken together, this study suggests that FGF19 protects skeletal muscle against obesity‐induced muscle atrophy, metabolic derangement and abnormal irisin secretion partially through the AMPK/SIRT‐1/PGC‐α signalling pathway, which might be a potential therapeutic target for obesity and SO.
Politicization of EU Development Policy: The Role of EU External Perceptions (Case of Ukraine)
Authors: Chaban Natalia , Elgström Ole
Published: March 2021

This article highlights the role of external audiences and their perceptions in analysing the politicization of EU development policy. We analyse how EU foreign assistance is understood in two different intermediary arenas of politicization – elites in different societal sectors and media – within Ukraine, a major recipient of EU aid. By investigating to what extent EU assistance is perceived to be politicized, in terms of salience and polarization we contribute to the debate on outside‐in politicization. Applying a perceptual approach to EU foreign policy studies, we focus on Ukrainian images of Self in its relation to the EU as a development actor and on Ukraine's evaluations of EU assistance. We consult the theory of framing and propose an operationalization of salience in terms of visibility, cultural congruence and emotive charge. We use the typology of cognitive, evaluative and affective images from political psychology to operationalize the notion of polarization.
The Politicization of the Migration–Development Nexus: Parliamentary Discourse on the European Union Trust Fund on Migration
Authors: Lauwers Nathan , Orbie Jan , Delputte Sarah
Published: March 2021

The European Union's development policy has become increasingly intertwined with other policy fields, which erodes the objectives of this policy domain in their own right. We specifically look at the linkages with migration policy, which has been a highly politicized EU policy domain. This article assesses the EU migration–development discursive linkages by addressing two related questions: how and to what extent has this nexus been politicized in Europe? We focus on two dimensions of politicization, namely salience and the polarization of opinions within the context of national parliaments. Through a conceptualization of argumentation lines this article sheds light on how the nexus has been translated into political communication by political actors. We conclude that there are varying, often opposing, argumentation lines on how the migration–development nexus is conceived – that are more complex than the distinction between ‘preventive’ and ‘restrictive’ approaches as identified in the literature on EU external migration policy.
Correlation between dental plaque accumulation and gingival health in periodontal maintenance patients using short or extended personal oral hygiene intervals
Authors: Reiniger Ana P. P. , Maier Juliana , Wikesjö Ulf M. E. , Moreira Carlos H. C. , Kantorski Karla Z.
Published: March 2021

Aims

To evaluate the correlation between bacterial dental plaque accumulation and gingival health in subjects with history of periodontitis attending a maintenance programme including personal oral hygiene measures (pOH) at short and extended intervals. This study is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial.

Materials and Methods

Forty‐two subjects were randomized into groups performing pOH at 12‐, 24‐ or 48‐h intervals. The Plaque Index (PlI), Gingival Index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BoP) were recorded at baseline, 30 and 90 days. For the analysis, pOH groups were collapsed into subjects performing pOH at daily (G12/24) or extended (G48) intervals. Summary statistics and Spearman correlations between plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation are presented.

Results

G12/24 and G48 subjects showed significant increases in plaque scores and percentage sites with gingival inflammation over the course of study. At 90 days, G48 subjects showed significantly greater GI and BoP scores than G12/24 subjects. While PlI/GI correlations were not affected by pOH interval, PlI/BoP correlations remained unchanged with short to increase with extended pOH intervals.

Conclusion

pOH interval influences the correlation between bacterial dental plaque accumulation and gingival inflammation. Subjects using extended pOH intervals exhibit an increased correlation allowing accumulation of bacterial dental plaque to the detriment of gingival health. (ClinicalTrials.gov: 50208115.9.0000.5346).

Clinical Trials: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02684682.
De‐epithelialized gingival graft versus subepithelial connective tissue graft in the treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions using the tunnel technique: 1‐year results of a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Bakhishov Hikmat , Isler Sila Cagri , Bozyel Bejna , Yıldırım Benay , Tekindal Mustafa Agah , Ozdemir Burcu
Published: March 2021

Aim

To compare the clinical efficacy and postoperative morbidity of de‐epithelialized gingival graft (DGG) with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) on treatment of multiple adjacent gingival recessions (MAGRs) with tunnel technique (TUN) and to evaluate histological characteristics of the palatal grafts.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐seven patients with MAGRs affecting at least 2 adjacent teeth were treated with either DGG + TUN or SCTG + TUN. Recession depth(RD) and width(RW), probing depth(PD), clinical attachment level(CAL), keratinized tissue height(KTH), gingival thickness(GT), and complete and mean root coverage(CRC, MRC) were evaluated at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Multilevel analysis was performed to identify patient‐ and tooth/site‐related predictors for the 12‐month MRC outcomes. Postoperative patient morbidity and histological characteristics of palatal graft samples obtained during harvesting were investigated.

Results

At the 12‐month follow‐up, MRC was 91.72% ± 16.59% and 84.72% ± 19.72% in DGG + TUN and SCTG + TUN groups (p = .001). Multilevel regression analysis identified RD, KTH and GT as variables associated with MRC. No significant difference between the groups was observed regarding postoperative patient morbidity parameters. Cellularity was found significantly higher in the SCTG samples compared to the DGG samples (p < .05).

Conclusions

Although DGG + TUN presented higher MRC and CRC compared to SCTG + TUN in the treatment of MAGRs, treatment method was not a significant predictive factor for the amount of MRC outcomes while RD, KTH and GT were significant predictive factors.
Dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, anagliptin, alters hepatic insulin clearance in relation to the glycemic status in Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Abe Takahiro , Matsubayashi Yasuhiro , Muragishi Sayaka , Yoshida Akihiro , Suganami Hideki , Furusawa Kenichi , Fujihara Kazuya , Tanaka Shiro , Kaku Kohei , Sone Hirohito
Published: March 2021

Aims/Introduction

This study investigated the impact of the dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, anagliptin, on hepatic insulin clearance (HIC) in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients and explored its relationship to glycemic status.

Materials and Methods

Data on 765 participants in anagliptin phase 2 and 3 studies were analyzed. Adjusted changes in variables during 12 weeks of anagliptin therapy were compared with a placebo. HIC was calculated as the ratio, C‐peptide area under the curve 0–120 min to insulin area under the curve 0–120 min, after a meal tolerance test. To explore the effects of baseline HIC levels on variables, participants receiving anagliptin were divided according to quartiles of baseline HIC. Furthermore, multivariate analysis investigated the association between baseline HIC levels and glycemic status.

Results

Anagliptin significantly reduced glycosylated hemoglobin levels (P < 0.001 vs placebo) and HIC levels (P < 0.01). Longer duration of diabetes, lower body mass index, higher glycosylated hemoglobin and lower insulin secretion capacity were observed with increases in baseline HIC levels. Improvements in glycosylated hemoglobin, glycoalbumin and 1,5‐anhydroglucitol levels were greater in the relatively higher HIC group (baseline HIC levels ≥median) than in the lower HIC group (<median).

Conclusions

Anagliptin affected HIC levels according to HIC baseline levels. Higher baseline HIC values might result in improved hyperglycemia through reduced HIC.
Variable routes to genomic and host adaptation among coronaviruses
Authors: Montoya Vincent , McLaughlin Angela , Mordecai Gideon J. , Miller Rachel L. , Joy Jeffrey B.
Published: March 2021

Natural selection operating on the genomes of viral pathogens in different host species strongly contributes to adaptation facilitating host colonization. Here, we analyse, quantify and compare viral adaptation in genomic sequence data derived from seven zoonotic events in the Coronaviridae family among primary, intermediate and human hosts. Rates of nonsynonymous (dN) and synonymous (dS) changes on specific amino acid positions were quantified for each open reading frame (ORF). Purifying selection accounted for 77% of all sites under selection. Diversifying selection was most frequently observed in viruses infecting the primary hosts of each virus and predominantly occurred in the orf1ab genomic region. Within all four intermediate hosts, diversifying selection on the spike gene was observed either solitarily or in combination with orf1ab and other genes. Consistent with previous evidence, pervasive diversifying selection on coronavirus spike genes corroborates the role this protein plays in host cellular entry, adaptation to new hosts and evasion of host cellular immune responses. Structural modelling of spike proteins identified a significantly higher proportion of sites for SARS‐CoV‐2 under positive selection in close proximity to sites of glycosylation relative to the other coronaviruses. Among human coronaviruses, there was a significant inverse correlation between the number of sites under positive selection and the estimated years since the virus was introduced into the human population. Abundant diversifying selection observed in SARS‐CoV‐2 suggests the virus remains in the adaptive phase of the host switch, typical of recent host switches. A mechanistic understanding of where, when and how genomic adaptation occurs in coronaviruses following a host shift is crucial for vaccine design, public health responses and predicting future pandemics.
Worker reciprocity and the returns to training: Evidence from a field experiment
Authors: Sauermann Jan
Published: March 2021

Do reciprocal workers have higher returns to employer‐sponsored training? Using a field experiment with random assignment to training combined with survey information on workers' reciprocal inclinations, the results show that reciprocal workers reciprocate employers' training investments by higher posttraining performance. This result, which is robust to controlling for observed personality traits and worker fixed effects, suggests that individuals reciprocate the firm's human capital investment with higher effort, in line with theoretical models on gift exchange in the workplace. This finding provides an alternative rationale to explain firm training investments even with the risk of poaching.
Nursery origin and population connectivity of swordfish Xiphias gladius in the North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Wells R. J. David , Quesnell Veronica A. , Humphreys Robert L. , Dewar Heidi , Rooker Jay R. , Alvarado Bremer Jaime , Snodgrass Owyn E.
Published: March 2021

Element:Ca ratios in the otolith cores of young‐of‐the‐year (YOY) swordfish, Xiphias gladius, were used as natural tracers to predict the nursery origin of subadult and adult swordfish from three foraging grounds in the North Pacific Ocean (NPO). First, the chemistry of otolith cores (proxy for nursery origin) was used to develop nursery‐specific elemental signatures in YOY swordfish. Sagittal otoliths of YOY swordfish were collected from four regional nurseries in the NPO between 2000 and 2005: (1) Central Equatorial North Pacific Ocean (CENPO), (2) Central North Pacific Ocean (CNPO), (3) Eastern Equatorial North Pacific Ocean (EENPO) and (4) Western North Pacific Ocean (WNPO). Calcium (43Ca), magnesium (24Mg), strontium (88Sr) and barium (138Ba) were quantified in the otolith cores of YOY swordfish using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Univariate tests indicated that three element:Ca ratios (Mg:Ca, Sr:Ca and Ba:Ca) were significantly different among nurseries. Overall classification success of YOY swordfish to their nursery of collection was 72% based on quadratic discriminant analysis. Next, element:Ca ratios in the otolith cores of subadults and adults collected from three foraging grounds where targeted fisheries exist (Hawaii, California and Mexico) were examined to calculate nursery‐specific contribution estimates. Mixed‐stock analysis indicated that the CENPO nursery contributed the majority of individuals to all three foraging grounds (Hawaii 45.6 ± 13.2%, California 84.6 ± 10.8% and Mexico 64.5 ± 15.9%). The results from this study highlight the importance of the CENPO nursery and provide researchers and fisheries managers with new information on the connectivity of the swordfish population in the NPO.
Vitamin D status and its dietary and lifestyle factors in children during the first 5 years of life: A cross‐sectional multicentre Jiangsu bone study
Authors: Zhao Yan , Qin Rui , Hong Hong , Lv Heyu , Ye Kan , Wei Yarong , Zheng Wen , Qi Hongxia , Ni Yufei , Zhang Li , Yang Guoqiang , Liu Guoqin , Wu Aiping
Published: March 2021

Background

To explore the vitamin D status with its demographic and lifestyle factors including dietary, supplementation, and physical activity in 0–5 years old children.

Methods

This was a large population‐based cross‐sectional multicentre study in which the children were recruited from 12 Children’s Health Care Centers by a stratified cluster random‐sampling method in 10 cities in Jiangsu Province, China.

Results

A total number of 5289 children were investigated. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 30.1%. The concentration of 25 hydroxyvitamin D was 64.0 (46.3–83.0) nmol mL−1 after adjustment for covariates. Children with higher risk of vitamin D deficiency were more likely to be at older age, girls, survey conducted in spring, location in southern Jiangsu province, residence in urban, outdoor activity < 2 h day−1 (all p < 0.05). Moreover, those with lower risk were more likely to be the number of parity ≥ 2 times, vitamin D supplementation from birth to 6 months, the initial time of vitamin D supplementation after birth ≤ 1 months, vitamin D and calcium supplementation in the last 3 months, and dose of vitamin D supplementation > 400 IU day−1 (all p < 0.05). Children with preferences for sweets, meat consumption > 150.0 g day−1, milk consumption < 250 mL day−1, time of sleeping < 10 h day−1 had higher risks of vitamin D deficiency. However, these relationships were affected by demographics.

Conclusions

Vitamin D status during the first five years of life was suboptimal and was associated with demographic and lifestyle determinants including milk, meat, sweets, vitamin D and calcium supplementation, sleeping and outdoor activity.
Efficient generation of homozygous substitutions in rice in one generation utilizing an rABE8e base editor
Authors: Wei Chuang , Wang Chong , Jia Meng , Guo Hong‐Xuan , Luo Peng‐Yu , Wang Mu‐Gui , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2021

A new deaminase, TadA8e, was recently evolved in the laboratory. TadA8e catalyzes DNA deamination over 1,000 times faster than ABE7.10. We developed a high‐efficiency adenine base editor, rABE8e (rice ABE8e), combining monomeric TadA8e, bis‐bpNLS and codon optimization. rABE8e had substantially increased editing efficiencies at NG‐protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) and NGG‐PAM target sequences compared with ABEmax. For most targets, rABE8e exhibited nearly 100% editing efficiency and high homozygous substitution rates in the specific editing window, especially at Positions A5 and A6. The ability to rapidly generate plant materials with homozygous base substitutions will benefit gene function research and precision molecular breeding.
Moral distress of medical family therapists and their physician colleagues during the transition to COVID‐19
Authors: Patterson Jo E. , Edwards Todd M. , Griffith James L. , Wright Sarah
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has transformed healthcare for both clinicians and patients. This conceptual article uses ideas from the moral distress literature to understand the challenges MedFTs and physicians face during the COVID‐19 pandemic. The authors highlight earlier themes from the moral distress literature and share current reflections to illustrate similar challenges. Some clinicians who were already experiencing a rise in burnout due to the mass digitization of healthcare are now facing increased moral distress due to ethical dilemmas, pervasive uncertainty, boundary ambiguity, isolation, and burnout brought about by emerging COVID‐19 policies. Fears about personal safety, exposing loved ones, financial concerns, self‐doubt, and frustrations with telehealth have contributed to increased moral distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Building resilience by setting one's personal moral compass can help clinicians avoid the pitfalls of moral distress. Five steps for developing resilience and implications for guiding trainees in developing resilience are discussed.
Perioral dermatitis: Diagnosis, proposed etiologies, and management
Authors: Searle Tamara , Ali Faisal R. , Al‐Niaimi Firas
Published: March 2021

Background and Aims

Perioral dermatitis is a common cutaneous condition characterized by acneiform facial eruptions often with an eczematous appearance. A granulomatous subtype exists in addition to the classic variant. While topical corticosteroids have been largely implicated in this condition, its etiology is not completely understood.

Methods

Using the keywords “corticosteroids,” “dermatology,” “fusobacteria,” “perioral dermatitis,” and “periorificial dermatitis,” we searched the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, and EMBASE to find the relevant literature. Only articles in English were chosen. The level of evidence was evaluated and selected according to the highest level working our way downwards using the Oxford Centre of Evidence‐Based Medicine 2011 guidance.

Results

This systematic review found the strongest evidence to support topical corticosteroid misuse as the principal causative factor in the pathogenesis of perioral dermatitis.

Conclusion

In terms of treatment, further research is required to robustly investigate promising treatment options including tetracyclines, topical metronidazole, topical azelaic acid, adapalene gel, and oral isotretinoin.
The efficacy and safety of an antiaging topical serum containing hesperetin and sodium cyclic lysophosphatidic acid: A single‐center clinical trial
Authors: Sheen Yi‐Shaun , Huang Hsin‐Yi , Liao Yi‐Hua
Published: March 2021

Background

Skin aging is characterized by dehydration and degradation of the structural components in the dermis. It has been demonstrated that hesperetin possesses collagen synthesis and antioxidant properties and sodium cyclic lysophosphatidic acid (NcPA) increases skin moisture through upregulating the synthesis of hyaluronic acid.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a serum containing hesperetin 0.1% and NcPA 0.1% for photoaged skin.

Patients/Methods

The trial consisted of a 12‐week topical application of the test product twice daily. A total of 35 female subjects were enrolled. The primary outcome was the change of skin hydration and elasticity, which were determined by Corneometer and Cutometer measurements. Skin biopsy for histological evaluations and subject's self‐assessment were conducted.

Results

At week 12, a significant improvement of stratum corneum hydration (p = 0.015) and skin elasticity (p < 0.001) was detected comparing to baseline. The skin biopsy showed significantly improved scores of hyaluronic acid levels (p = 0.034) and elastic fiber structure (p = 0.023). Moreover, the test product resulted in a significant subject‐reported overall satisfaction rate 94.3% after 12‐week application (p = 0.005).

Conclusion

Skin care product containing hesperetin and NcPA showed significant antiaging effects on skin hydration and elasticity.
Attitudes toward overtime work and self‐training: A survey on obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan
Authors: Mayama Michinori , Sekine Masayuki , Onodera Yohei , Suemitsu Tokumasa , Maeda Yuto , Nakano Kazutoshi , Sugita Yosuke , Ogura Jumpei , Ohsuga Takuma , Kodera Chisato , Murakami Takashi , Kido Michiko , Suzuki Yukio , Shibata Ayako , Nishijima Koji , Umazume Takeshi , Nakagawa Satoshi , Unno Nobuya , Komatsu Hiroaki , Shozu Makio , Enomoto Takayuki , Watari Hidemichi
Published: March 2021

Aim

The Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan proposed a regulation of overtime work as a reform in work style. However, the regulation may deteriorate the quality of medical services due to the reduction in training time. Thus, the study aimed to reveal perceptions in terms of generation gaps in views on self‐training and overtime work, among members of the Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology (JSOG).

Methods

A web‐based, self‐administered questionnaire survey was conducted among members of the JSOG. In total, 1256 respondents were included in the analysis. Data were collected on age, sex, experience as a medical doctor, location of workplace, work style, the type of main workplace, and number of full‐time doctors in the main workplace. The study examined the attitudes of the respondents toward overtime work and self‐training. The respondents were categorized based on experience as a medical doctor.

Results

According to years of experience, 112 (8.9%), 226 (18.0%), 383 (30.5%), 535 (42.6%) doctors have been working for ≤5, 6–10, 11–19, and ≥ 20 years, respectively. Although 54.5% of doctors with ≤5 years of experience expected the regulation on working hours to improve the quality of medical services, those with ≥20 years of experience expressed potential deterioration. After adjusting for covariates, more years of experience were significantly related with the expectation of deterioration in the quality of medical services.

Conclusions

The study revealed a generation gap in the views about self‐training and overtime work among obstetricians and gynecologists in Japan.
Estrogen‐related receptor alpha copy number variation is associated with ovarian cancer histological grade
Authors: Huang Xiqi , Ruan Guanyu , Sun Pengming
Published: March 2021

Aim

Copy number variations (CNVs) are related to the genetic and phenotypic diversity of cancers and identifying genetic alterations could improve treatment strategies. Here, we used The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to explore associations between estrogen‐related receptor alpha (ESRRA) CNVs and histological grade in patients with ovarian cancer (OC).

Methods

Gene expression data and clinical information of 620 OC patients were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas）TCGA and associations between ESRRA CNVs and clinical characteristics were evaluated. Multivariate logistic regression analyses to obtain odds ratios (ORs) using a 95% confidence interval (CI) were performed, adjusting for race, age, histological grade, and tumor size.

Results

ESRRA CNVs were associated with histological grade (OR 0.6235 [95% CI, 0.3593–0.8877]; p < 0.05) and peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma coactivator 1‐alpha (PPARGC1A) CNVs (OR −0.6298 [95% CI, −0.9011 to −0.3585]; p < 0.05). In multivariate analyses, ESRRA CNVs remained significantly associated with histological grade (OR 0.6492 [95% CI, 0.3549–0.9435]; p < 0.05) and PPARGC1A CNVs (OR −0.6236 [95% CI, −0.9269 to 0.3203]; p < 0.05).

Conclusion

There was a significant association between ESRRA CNVs in patients with OC and histological grade of the cancer.
Negative contact, collective action, and social change: Critical reflections, technological advances, and new directions
Authors: Dixon John , McKeown Shelley
Published: March 2021

Intergroup contact research has expanded exponentially in the last few decades, with researchers employing a widening range of methods to offer new insights into the effects of both positive and negative contact experiences. In this commentary, we discuss the contributions of three papers to this special issue of the Journal of Social Issues on advances in intergroup contact research, namely Schäfer et al.’s (2021) review of research on negative intergroup contact experiences, Hässler et al.’s (2020) review of research on intergroup contact and social change, and O'Donnell et al.’s (2021) review of technological and analytic advances in contact research. Having outlined the key arguments of each paper, we then offer some theoretical and methodological reflections, also discussing potential gaps, connections, opportunities, and future directions along the way. We end by reflecting on a common theme that permeates our commentary: the need to contextualize adequately the dynamics of intergroup contact across a range of everyday settings. Here we argue that to fully understand how to promote beneficial forms of intergroup contact, we need to consider more carefully how contact is experienced, enacted, and evaluated “on the ground” by participants themselves. This requires work of both theoretical and methodological innovation.
Algal Community Change in Mountain Lakes of the Alps Reveals Effects of Climate Warming and Shifting Treelines1
Authors: Kuefner Wolfgang , Hofmann Andrea M. , Geist Juergen , Dubois Natalie , Raeder Uta
Published: March 2021

The biological communities of mountain lakes are suspected to be highly sensitive to global warming and associated catchment changes. To identify the parameters determining algal community responses, subfossil pigments from 21 different mountain lakes in the Bavarian‐Tyrolean Limestone Alps were investigated. Sediment cores were radio‐isotopically dated, and their pigment preservation evaluated. General additive models (GAM) of pigment compositions were calculated with temperature as the explanatory variable and generalized linear models with several lake parameters explaining log‐transformed GAM P‐values. Lake depth and trophic state were identified as major control variables of the algal community and productivity changes. Shifts in a deep oligotrophic alpine lake (lg(P) = −1.04) were half as strong as in a shallow mesotrophic alpine lake (lg(P) = −1.86) with faster warming and higher productivity forcing the development of biomass. Phytoplankton and macrophyte pigments increased clearly with warming, at lower altitudes, and decreased at the treeline, so that periphytic pigments dominated alpine sediments. This pattern is probably the result of interactions of UV radiation and allochthonous inputs of DOM. Our findings suggest that (sub)alpine shallow lakes with higher nutrient levels are most vulnerable to climate change‐driven changes whereas deep, nutrient‐poor lakes appear more resilient.
Identification and integrated analysis of differentially expressed long non‐coding RNAs associated with periodontitis in humans
Authors: Lin Yifan , Jin Lijian , Tong Wai Man , Leung Yiu Yan , Gu Min , Yang Yanqi
Published: March 2021

Background and Objective

Long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs) can act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to compete for micro‐RNAs (miRNAs) in regulation of downstream genes, various biological functions and diseases. Yet, the expression and regulation of lncRNAs in periodontitis are not fully understood. The objective of the study was to identify potential genes (lncRNA, messenger RNA [mRNA] and miRNA) involved in periodontitis, construct lncRNA‐miRNA‐mRNA ceRNA networks, explore gene functions and validate gene expressions.

Material and Methods

The data sets for the lncRNA, mRNA and miRNA expression profiles in gingival samples from periodontally healthy subjects and chronic periodontitis patients were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The differentially expressed lncRNAs (DElncRNAs), mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were identified, and ceRNA networks were then constructed. The expression of DElncRNAs and DEmRNAs was examined by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Moreover, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed for exploring the potential functions and biological pathways.

Results

The GSE80715 and GSE54710 data sets were retrieved. Subsequently, 26 DElncRNAs, 436 DEmRNAs and 12 DEmiRNAs were identified (|fold change| ≥2, adjusted p < 0.05). Further bioinformatics analysis contributed to establishment of the ceRNA networks, which consisted of 10 DElncRNAs, 11 DEmiRNAs and 83 DEmRNAs. Notably, the qPCR results showed a marked decrease in the expression of lncRNA H19 and two mRNAs (NOS1 and MAPT) which further supported the identified ceRNA network. The GO results revealed that the up‐regulated mRNAs were significantly enriched in inflammatory processes, whilst the down‐regulated mRNAs were enriched in cellular potentials.

Conclusion

Non‐coding RNAs are critically involved in the regulatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Further study is warranted to investigate the specific underlying genetic traits and networks.
Sleep duration is associated with protein biomarkers for cardiometabolic health: A large‐scale population study
Authors: Theorell‐Haglöw Jenny , Hammar Ulf , Lind Lars , Elmståhl Sölve , Lindberg Eva , Fall Tove
Published: March 2021

Sleep problems and short sleep duration have been linked to adverse health effects, such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes, but the mechanisms are not fully understood. Finding biomarkers could explain mechanistic pathways and help in understanding relationships between sleep and cardiometabolic health. The aim was to assess if sleep duration and sleep quality affect the cardiometabolic‐related protein profile. In total, 242 proteins related to cardiometabolic health were measured in 2,430 plasma samples (male:female ratio 1:1, aged 45–75 years) from the population‐based EpiHealth cohort, using a proximity extension assay. The association of self‐reported sleep duration and sleep quality with each of the 242 proteins (primary outcome) was assessed with linear regression modelling, adjusting for confounders, and corrected for multiple testing using the false discovery rate (5%). Potential effect modification of age and sex was also tested using an interaction term. We identified U‐shaped associations between sleep duration and the plasma levels of the proteins follistatin (more prominent in younger individuals), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (men only), urokinase receptor, adrenomedullin and kidney injury molecule, all previously known to be related to cardiovascular risk. There was no relationship between sleep quality and any of the proteins, after adjustment for confounders. These results give new leads to investigate the potential mechanistic pathways between sleep and cardiometabolic health.
Characterization of antimicrobial‐resistant Escherichia coli causing urinary tract infections in dogs: Passive surveillance in Saskatchewan, Canada 2014 to 2018
Authors: Courtice Rachel , Sniatynski Michelle , Rubin Joseph E.
Published: March 2021

Background

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are common in dogs and can be caused by multidrug‐resistant Escherichia coli (E coli).

Objective

To describe the frequency and mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) among E coli causing UTIs in dogs in Western Canada during a 4‐year surveillance period.

Animals

Urine from 516 dogs.

Methods

From November 2014 to 2018, 516 nonduplicate E coli isolates from the urine of dogs were collected from a diagnostic laboratory. Susceptibility testing was determined for a panel of 14 antimicrobials belonging to 7 drug classes. Resistant isolates were screened for the presence of extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamases (ESBLs), AmpC β‐lactamases, and plasmid‐mediated quinolone resistance (PMQR) genes. Epidemiological relationships were assessed by MLST.

Results

80.2% (414/516) of isolates were susceptible to all antimicrobials tested. There was no significant increase in the proportion of isolates resistant to any of the tested antimicrobials during the study period. Resistance to ampicillin was the most common (14.9%, 77/516). Overall, 12 isolates had blaCMY‐2‐type AmpC β‐lactamases, and 7 produced CTX‐M‐type ESBLs. A single isolate had the aac(6′)‐Ib‐cr PMQR gene. The qnr and qepA determinants were not detected. A single isolate belonging to the pandemic lineage ST131 was identified.

Conclusion

Escherichia coli isolated from the urine of dogs in our region remain susceptible to first‐line therapies, though resistance, particularly to the aminopenicillins, warrants monitoring. This is the first description of E coli ST131 from a companion animal in Canada.