bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A metabolomics insight into the Cyclic Nucleotide Monophosphate signaling cascade in tomato under non-stress and salinity conditions
Authors: Miras-Moreno Begoña , Zhang Leilei , Senizza Biancamaria , Lucini Luigi 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTCyclic Nucleotides Monophosphate (cNMP) are key signalling compounds whose role in plant cell signal transduction is till poorly understood. In this work we used sildenafil, a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor used in human, to amplify the signal cascade triggered by cNMP using tomato as model plant. Metabolomics was then used, together with plant growth and root architecture parameters, to unravel the changes elicited by PDE inhibition either under non-stress and 100 mM NaCl salinity conditions.The PDE inhibitor elicited a significant increase in biomass (+62%) and root length (+56%) under no stress conditions, and affected root architecture in terms of distribution over diameter classes. Together with cGMP, others cNMP were modulated by the treatment. Moreover, PDE inhibition triggered a broad metabolic reprogramming involving photosynthesis and secondary metabolism. A complex crosstalk network of phytohormones and other signalling compounds could be observed in treated plants. Nonetheless, metabolites related to redox imbalance processes and NO signalling could be highlighted in tomato following PDE application. Despite salinity damped down the growth-promoting effects of sildenafil, interesting implications in plant mitigation to stress-related detrimental effects could be observed.HIGHLIGHTThe role of Cyclic Nucleotides Monophosphate in plant cell signal transduction involves regulation of plant growth and architecture, together with a broad biochemical reprogramming of metabolism.
Machine learning approaches to identify core and dispensable genes in pangenomes
Authors: Yocca Alan E. , Edger Patrick P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA gene in a given taxonomic group is either present in every individual (core), or absent in at least a single individual (dispensable). Previous pangenomic studies have identified certain functional differences between core and dispensable genes. However, identifying if a gene belongs to the core or dispensable portion of the genome requires the construction of a pangenome, which involves sequencing the genomes of many individuals. Here we aim to leverage the previously characterized core and dispensable gene content for two grass species (Brachypodium distachyonandOryza sativa) to construct a machine learning model capable of accurately classifying genes as core or dispensable using only a single annotated reference genome. Such a model may mitigate the need for pangenome construction, an expensive hurdle especially in orphan crops which often lack the adequate genomic resources.
National culture and leverage adjustments
Authors: Orlova Svetlana , Harper Grant 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to explore the impact of national culture on leverage speed of adjustment (SOA) across countries.Design/methodology/approachWe use a partial adjustment model to estimate the impact of national culture (assessed using Hofstede's six cultural dimensions) on leverage SOA.FindingsWe find that culture does significantly affect the degree to which firms deviate from target debt level and the speed of adjustment (SOA) of leverage. High power distance, individualism and masculinity are associated with a slower SOA, while high long-term orientation, uncertainty avoidance and indulgence result in a faster SOA. Additionally, cultural characteristics affect leverage SOA differently when firms are underlevered versus overlevered and when firms have small versus large deviations from the target level of debt. We suggest that these effects can be explained by agency motives.Research limitations/implicationsThe results of the study are based on available information for firms from 53 countries.Originality/valueThis study is, to the best of our knowledge, the first to examine the impact of national cultural traits on leverage SOA in international settings.
Impact of daily wearing of fabric gloves on the management of hand eczema: A pilot study in health‐care workers
Authors: Kuwatsuka Sayaka , Kuwatsuka Yutaka , Tomimura Saori , Takenaka Motoi , Terasaka Yoko , Izumikawa Koichi , Morinaga Yoshitomo , Yanagihara Katsuori , Murota Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHand eczema is a major occupational disease, especially in medical workers, reducing their quality of life (QOL) and work productivity. Daily wearing of fabric gloves to prevent loss of moisture and lipids from the surface of the hands has been regarded as good in the management of hand eczema. However, limited evidence is available regarding the efficacy of moisturizing care with daily gloves on hand eczema. This pilot study was performed to evaluate the efficacy of moisturizing intervention with daily wearing of fabric gloves on skin barrier function, disease severity, and microbiome in health‐care workers with hand eczema. Study 1: Nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit or growing care unit with and without hand eczema were recruited in the study. Subjects were instructed to apply moisturizer and wear two types of fabric gloves, common cotton gloves and moisturizing fabric gloves containing malate, for 4 weeks. Study 2: Physicians and health‐care workers were recruited and instructed to wear a cotton glove on one hand at nighttime for 4 weeks. Disease severity, skin barrier function, QOL, and hand microbiome (Study 1) were evaluated. Study 1 found that daily wearing of both types of fabric gloves accompanied by use of topical moisturizers reduced the severity of hand eczema without changing the variation of microbiome. Study 2 found no apparent change between wearing and not wearing cotton gloves. In summary, topical moisturizer is of fundamental importance, and concomitant use of fabric gloves may merely enhance the efficacy of moisturizer in the management of hand eczema.
Somatosensory discrimination impairment in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy as measured by the sense_assess©kids
Authors: McLean Belinda , Taylor Susan , Valentine Jane , Carey Leeanne , Thornton Ashleigh , Elliott Catherine 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionTo characterise somatosensory discrimination impairment of the upper‐limb across domains of tactile discrimination, limb position sense and haptic object recognition using the sense_assess©kidsand examine associations with upper‐limb motor performance in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP).MethodsThe sense_assess©kidswas administered at one timepoint to 28 children, aged 6–15.5 years (M = 10.1,SD = 2.4), with hemiplegic CP (right hemiplegian = 15) and Manual Ability Classification System Levels I (n = 11) and II (n = 17). Unimanual motor performance was quantified using the Box and Block Test.ResultsTactile discrimination was impaired in 18, limb position sense in 20, and haptic object recognition was impaired in 21 of 28 children. Over 80% (23/28) of children had impaired somatosensory discrimination in one or more domains. Low to moderate correlations were observed between each measure of somatosensory discrimination and motor performance. Manual ability classification was associated with limb position sense and haptic object recognition. A moderate inverse correlation (r = −.57,p < .01) exists between the number of somatosensory domains impaired and motor performance.ConclusionThe frequency of somatosensory impairment in the upper limb of children in our sample was high and associated with manual ability, suggesting a need for routine assessment of somatosensation in this population.
The Evolution of Chinese Angels: Social Ties and Institutional Development
Authors: Xiao Li , Anderson Alistair 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInformed by Mike Wright's insight on entrepreneurial finance research problems, we examine how Chinese angel finance has evolved with institutional changes over two decades. Our longitudinal cases explore the changing roles of personal ties within strengthening regulatory institutions. Rather than the diminishing role anticipated, we found that personal ties remained vital for investment decisions. Although the improved regulatory environment influenced the extent and volume of investment, encouraging greater and longer investments, personal ties still informed decisions. We conclude that angel finance practice has evolved to match the changing Chinese environment. Social ties no longer comprehensively determine investment decisions. Instead, personal ties complement the improving environment. The trust embodied in ties continues to facilitate deal‐making by quick decisions and simple contracts. Importantly, we noted how trust reshaped moral hazards and agency problems through the moral obligations of ties. Thus, trust in the individual took more account of the business, but remained centred on personal integrity. We also found that ties with government officials, historically vital in uncertain environments, had become much less important as confidence in the regulatory regime improved. The paper contributes to our understanding of institutions and practices. It highlights culture's continuing role by addressing Mike Wright's concerns and using his guidance.
Healthy Leadership in Turbulent Times: The Effectiveness of Health‐Oriented Leadership in Crisis
Authors: Klebe Laura , Felfe Jörg , Klug Katharina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPrevious research has supported the positive effects of health‐oriented leadership (HoL) on follower health. However, effectiveness in times of crisis is unknown. This study examines whether crises weaken or strengthen the positive relationships of health‐oriented leadership with follower strain and performance. Effectiveness was tested for (1) follower irritation and performance (extra effort) in smaller crises on the team level with a vignette study (N = 257) and (2) follower exhaustion and performance (task proficiency) during the Covid‐19 crisis in a cross‐sectional survey study (N = 196). As expected, the results provided evidence for an increase in follower health with higher health‐oriented leadership but a decrease in health in crises. The positive relationship between health‐oriented leadership and follower health was even stronger in crises. Health‐oriented leadership had a positive relationship with job performance in both studies.Our findings provide initial evidence that health‐oriented leadership is particularly important for followers affected by a crisis, and that leaders should display health‐oriented leadership in both small‐scale and large‐scale crises. Findings suggest that health‐oriented leadership does not undermine goal achievement but relates positively to performance. More generally, the study contributes to the clarification and deeper understanding of situational contingencies of health‐specific leadership concepts.
Assessment of short‐term response and review of technique of ultrasound‐guided percutaneous A1 pulley release for the treatment of trigger finger
Authors: White Roland Z , Sampson Matthew J 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionUltrasound‐guided percutaneous first annular pulley (A1) release is a non‐surgical management for the treatment of trigger finger, also known as stenosing tenosynovitis. Trigger finger occurs secondary to inflammation and retinacular sheath hypertrophy with subsequent restriction of the flexor tendons. Trigger finger can have a marked functional impact, with current conservative measures including steroids and/or splinting, and surgical therapy involving open release.MethodsA population of 20 adult patients with ultrasound proven trigger finger underwent percutaneous release with refined technique. Patients with additional ultrasound proven tenosynovitis received steroid injection.ResultsOf the 20 cases, 18 cases involved the fingers, 2 cases involved the thumb and 14 cases had additional tenosynovitis. All procedures involving the fingers were well tolerated with initial symptomatic and functional relief. At 1‐week post‐intervention, 2 finger cases without concurrent steroid injection represented with pain but not triggering. Cases which did not receive concurrent steroid injection described post‐procedural pain requiring oral analgesia. One case involving the thumb was complicated by no relief with a mild radial digital nerve neuropraxia, with near complete resolution at 6 weeks. The second thumb case reported only partial relief of triggering.ConclusionUS‐guided percutaneous release of the A1 pulley is an effective procedure in achieving at least short‐term resolution of trigger finger. It is best reserved for fingers due to the challenging anatomy of the thumb.
Barcode UK: A complete DNA barcoding resource for the flowering plants and conifers of the United Kingdom
Authors: Jones Laura , Twyford Alex D. , Ford Col R. , Rich Tim C. G. , Davies Helena , Forrest Laura L. , Hart Michelle L. , McHaffie Heather , Brown Max R. , Hollingsworth Peter M. , de Vere Natasha 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDNA barcoding and metabarcoding provide new avenues for investigating biological systems. These techniques require well‐curated reference libraries with extensive coverage. Generating an exhaustive national DNA barcode reference library can open up new avenues of research in ecology, evolution and conservation, yet few studies to date have created such a resource. In plant DNA barcoding, herbarium collections provide taxonomically robust material but also pose challenges in lab processing. Here, we present a national DNA barcoding resource covering all of the native flowering plants and conifers of the United Kingdom. This represents 1,482 plant species, with the majority of specimens (81%) sourced from herbaria. Using Sanger sequencing of the plant DNA barcode markers, rbcL, matK, and ITS2, at least one DNA barcode was retrieved from 98% of the UK flora. We sampled from multiple individuals, resulting in a species coverage for rbcL of 96% (4,477 sequences), 90% for matK (3,259 sequences) and 75% for ITS2 (2,585 sequences). Sequence recovery was lower for herbarium material compared to fresh collections, with the age of the specimen having a significant effect on the success of sequence recovery. Species level discrimination was highest with ITS2, however, the ability to successfully retrieve a sequence was lowest for this region. Analyses of the genetic distinctiveness of species across a complete flora showed DNA barcoding to be informative for all but the most taxonomically complex groups. The UK flora DNA barcode reference library provides an important resource for many applications that require plant identification from DNA.
Differences between ethnic groups in self‐reported use of e‐cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy for cutting down and temporary abstinence: a cross‐sectional population‐level survey in England
Authors: Beard Emma , Brown Jamie , Jackson Sarah E. , Tattan‐Birch Harry , Shahab Lion 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and aimsThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has called for research into tobacco harm reduction across ethnicities, genders and socio‐economic status. Although there is increasing research focused on the latter two, relatively few studies have considered ethnic variations. Therefore this study aimed to assess (i) the association between ethnicity and use of e‐cigarettes and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for temporary abstinence and cutting down, and (ii) trends in prevalence of these over time.DesignRepeated cross‐sectional household survey.SettingEngland.ParticipantsBetween April 2013 and September 2019, data were collected on 24 114 smokers, 16+ of age, taking part in the Smoking Toolkit Study (STS).MeasurementsEthnicity coding included: White, mixed/multiple ethnic group, Asian, Black and Arab/other ethnic group. Smokers reported whether they were currently using e‐cigarettes and/or NRT for cutting down or during periods of temporary abstinence.FindingsOdds of e‐cigarette use for cutting down and temporary abstinence were significantly lower among those of Asian ethnicity (OR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.66–0.93) and Arab/other ethnicity (OR = 0.58, 95% CI = 0.40–0.83) compared with White ethnicity. Those of mixed/multiple ethnicity had higher odds for NRT us (OR = 1.42, 95% CI = 1.04–1.94) compared with those of White ethnicity. Trend analysis indicated that for White ethnicity, e‐cigarette use by smokers for cutting down and temporary abstinence followed an ‘inverse S’ shaped cubic curve indicating an overall rise, whereas NRT use followed an ‘S’ shaped cubic curve, indicating an overall decline. For mixed/multiple ethnicity a similar trend was found for NRT use only, with other ethnicities showing no statistically significant trends (suggesting relative stability over time).ConclusionsIn England, e‐cigarette use by smokers for cutting down and temporary abstinence is less common among Asian and Arab/other ethnicity smokers compared with White smokers. Smokers of mixed/multiple ethnicity are the most likely to be using NRT compared with other ethnic groups for cutting down and temporary abstinence. E‐cigarette use by smokers for cutting down and temporary abstinence has increased over time among White smokers, whereas prevalence in other ethnic groups has remained stable.
Constructing Classes and Imagining Buildings: Urban Renewal and Transactions between Concepts and Materialities in Mumbai
Authors: Holwitt Pablo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper deals with multi‐directional transactions between concepts and materialities in contemporary processes of urban renewal. Building upon insights gained from debates about the nature of materialities within urban geography, I treat buildings as complex associations of materials, technologies and human beings that are informed by concepts about social stratification and that simultaneously enact these concepts in the physical‐social landscape of the city. Processes of urban renewal therefore need to be understood as both conceptual and material interventions in the setup of the city that restructure the built environment, patterns of cohabitation, experiences of the urban and notions of self and other. I illustrate this approach with recourse to the case of urban renewal in the city centre of Mumbai, arguing that high‐rise buildings emerging from urban redevelopment projects translate the heterogeneity of the Indian middle classes into a spatial vocabulary that contributes to the creation of new social categories.
Ovary structure and oogenesis in internally and externally fertilizing Osteoglossiformes (Teleostei:Osteoglossomorpha)
Authors: Dymek Anna M. , Piprek Rafal P. , Boroń Alicja , Kirschbaum Frank , Pecio Anna 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this study, we assessed the ovary structure and early oogenesis in representatives of Osteoglossomorpha, one of the most basal Teleostei groups. We aimed to perform a comparative analysis between internally fertilizing Pantodon buchholzi (Pantodontidae) and externally fertilizing Osteoglossum bicirrhosum (Osteoglossidae), Marcusenius cyprinoides, Brevimyrus niger, Gnathonemus petersii and Mormyrus rume (Mormyridae). Our results indicated differences in ovary structure between P. buchholzi and the externally fertilizing species, as well as a considerable disparity in oocyte organization in all studied species. All species possess ovaries of the cystovarian type. In P. buchholzi, the epithelium lining the lumen was columnar and formed crypts with ciliated and microvillus cells as well as deep invaginations with secretory cells, whereas in the remaining species epithelium was squamous. The organization of oogonia and one‐nucleolus oocytes did not differ between species, there were variations in oocytes at subsequent steps of primary growth, including symmetry/asymmetry of the inner cell structure, differences in Balbiani body formation, presence/absence of zonation of the ooplasm, and differences in the order in which cortical alveoli and oil droplets appeared. These differences may be caused by a long and separate evolution of the families as well as adaptation to insemination in the family Pantodontidae.
Using Wikipedia to measure public interest in biodiversity and conservation
Authors: Mittermeier John C. , Correia Ricardo , Grenyer Rich , Toivonen Tuuli , Roll Uri 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe recent growth of online big data offers opportunities for rapid and inexpensive measurement of public interest. Conservation culturomics is an emerging research area that uses online data to study human–nature relationships for conservation. Methods for conservation culturomics, though promising, are still being developed and refined. We considered the potential of Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia, as a resource for conservation culturomics and outlined methods for using Wikipedia data in conservation. Wikipedia's large size, widespread use, underlying data structure, and open access to both its content and usage analytics make it well suited to conservation culturomics research. Limitations of Wikipedia data include the lack of location information associated with some metadata and limited information on the motivations of many users. Seven methodological steps to consider when using Wikipedia data in conservation include metadata selection, temporality, taxonomy, language representation, Wikipedia geography, physical and biological geography, and comparative metrics. Each of these methodological decisions can affect measures of online interest. As a case study, we explored these themes by analyzing 757 million Wikipedia page views associated with the Wikipedia pages for 10,099 species of birds across 251 Wikipedia language editions. We found that Wikipedia data have the potential to generate insight for conservation and are particularly useful for quantifying patterns of public interest at large scales.
Combining culturomic sources to uncover trends in popularity and seasonal interest in plants
Authors: Vardi Reut , Mittermeier John C. , Roll Uri 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCulturomic tools enable the exploration of trends in human–nature interactions, although they entail inherent biases and necessitate careful validation. Furthermore, people may engage with nature across different culturomic data sets differently. We evaluated people's digital interest and engagement with plant species based on Wikipedia and Google data and explored the conservation implications of these temporal interest patterns. As a case study, we explored the digital footprints of the most popular plant species in Israel. We analyzed 4 years of daily page views from Hebrew Wikipedia and 10 years of daily Google search volume in Israel. We modeled popularity of plant species in these 2 data sets based on a suite of plant attributes. We further explored the seasonal trends of people's interest in each species. We found differences in how people interacted digitally with plants in Wikipedia and Google. Overall, in Google, searches for species that have utility to humans were more common, whereas in Wikipedia, plants that serve as cultural emblems received more attention. Furthermore, in Google, popular species attracted more attention over time, opposite to the trend in Wikipedia. In Google, interest in species with short bloom duration exhibited more pronounced seasonal patterns, whereas in Wikipedia, seasonality of interest increased as bloom duration increased. Together, our results suggest that people's digital interactions with nature may be inherently different depending on the sources explored, which may affect use of this information for conservation. Although culturomics holds much promise, better understanding of its underpinnings is important when translating insights into conservation actions.