bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel alternative splicing of GABA receptor RDL exon 9 from Laodelphax striatellus modulates agonist potency
Authors: Jiang Jie , Huang Li‐Xin , Chen Feng , Sheng Cheng‐Wang , Huang Qiu‐Tang , Han Zhao‐Jun , Zhao Chun‐Qing 
Published: April 2020

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

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

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

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

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

AbstractSince its outbreak in December 2019 in China, the novel coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has rapidly spread and affected several countries. It has resulted in a difficult situation for cancer patients owing to the risks of the epidemic situation outbreak as well as cancer. Patients with cancer are more likely than the general population to contract COVID‐19 because of the systemic immunosuppressive status caused by malignant diseases or anticancer treatment. Lung cancer has the highest morbidity and mortality in China and the world. Most patients with lung cancer are smokers with poor underlying lung conditions and low immunity, thus it is vital to protect them from epidemic diseases during cancer treatment. It is necessary to provide individualized medical treatment and management of treatment‐related adverse events for patients with lung cancer based on patients' conditions and regional epidemic patterns.Key pointsSignificant findings of the study During the outbreak of COVID‐19, taking patients' conditions and regional epidemic patterns into consideration, providing appropriate individualized treatment strategies for lung cancer patients with different stages is an urgent requirement.What this study adds Based on the characteristics of lung cancer, this article aims to provide recommendations and suggestions of individualized treatment strategies and management of common adverse events for patients with lung cancer during the epidemic period of COVID‐19.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in a Southeastern County of the United States: Child Characteristics and Maternal Risk Traits
Authors: May Philip A. , Hasken Julie M. , Stegall Julie M. , Mastro Heather A. , Kalberg Wendy O. , Buckley David , Brooks Marita , Hedrick Dixie M. , Ortega Marian A. , Elliott Amy J. , Tabachnick Barbara G. , Abdul‐Rahman Omar , Adam Margaret P. , Robinson Luther K. , Manning Melanie A. , Jewett Tamison , Hoyme H. Eugene 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo detail the characteristic traits of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) and maternal risk factors in a southeastern U.S. County.MethodsIndependent samples were drawn from 2 different cohorts of first‐grade students. All consented children (49.8%) were measured for height, weight, and head circumference, and those ≤ 25th centile entered the study along with a random sample drawn from all enrolled students. Study children were examined for physical growth, dysmorphology, and neurobehavior, and their mothers were interviewed.ResultsTotal dysmorphology scores discriminated well the physical traits of children across the FASD continuum: fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) = 15.8, partial FAS (PFAS) = 10.8, alcohol‐related neurobehavioral disorder (ARND) = 5.2, and typically developing controls = 4.4. Additionally, a neurobehavioral battery distinguished children with each FASD diagnosis from controls. Behavioral problems qualified more children for FASD diagnoses than cognitive traits. Significant proximal maternal risk variables were as follows: reports of prepregnancy drinking, drinking in any trimester, and comorbid use of other drugs in lifetime and during pregnancy, especially alcohol and marijuana (14.9% among mothers of children with FASD vs. 0.4% for controls). Distal maternal risks included reports of other health problems (e.g., depression), living unmarried with a partner during pregnancy, and a lower level of spirituality. Controlling for other drug use during pregnancy, having a child diagnosed with a FASD was 17.5 times greater for women who reported usual consumption of 3 drinks per drinking day prior to pregnancy than for nondrinking mothers (p < 0.001, 95% CI = 5.1 to 59.9). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of FASD by race, Hispanic ethnicity, or socioeconomic status. The prevalence of FASD was not lower than 17.3 per 1,000, and weighted estimated prevalence was 49.0 per 1,000 or 4.9%.ConclusionThis site had the second lowest rate in the CoFASP study, yet children with FASD are prevalent.
Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders in a Midwestern City: Child Characteristics, Maternal Risk Traits, and Prevalence
Authors: May Philip A. , Hasken Julie M. , Baete Amy , Russo Jaymi , Elliott Amy J. , Kalberg Wendy O. , Buckley David , Brooks Marita , Ortega Marian A. , Hedrick Dixie M. , Tabachnick Barbara G. , Abdul‐Rahman Omar , Adam Margaret P. , Jewett Tamison , Robinson Luther K. , Manning Melanie A. , Hoyme H. Eugene 
Published: April 2020

ObjectiveTo determine the characteristics of children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and their mothers in a Midwestern city.MethodsCase–control samples were drawn from 2 separate first‐grade cohorts (combined N = 4,047) in every city school using different methods. In Cohort Sample 1, all consented small children (≤25th centile on height, weight, and/or head circumference) entered the study along with a random sample from all enrolled students. Cohort Sample 2 was drawn totally at random. Child growth, dysmorphology, and neurobehavior were assessed using the Collaboration on FASD Prevalence (CoFASP) criteria, and mothers were interviewed.ResultsFor the samples combined, 891 children received dysmorphology examinations, and 692 were case‐conferenced for final diagnosis. Forty‐four children met criteria for FASD. Total dysmorphology scores differentiated diagnostic groups: fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), 16.7; partial FAS, 11.8; alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder (ARND), 6.1; and typically developing controls, 4.2. Neurobehavioral tests distinguished children with FASD from controls, more for behavioral problems than cognitive delay. Children with ARND demonstrated the poorest neurobehavioral indicators. An adjusted regression model of usual prepregnancy drinking indicated that maternal reports of 3 drinks per drinking day (DDD) were significantly associated with a FASD diagnosis (p = 0.020, OR = 10.1, 95% CI = 1.44 to 70.54), as were 5 or more DDD (p < 0.001, OR = 26.47, 95% CI = 4.65 to 150.62). Other significant maternal risk factors included the following: self‐reported drinking in any trimester; smoking and cocaine use during pregnancy; later pregnancy recognition and later and less prenatal care; lower maternal weight, body mass index (BMI), and head circumference; and unmarried status. There was no significant difference in FASD prevalence by race, Hispanic ethnicity, or socioeconomic status at this site, where the prevalence of FASD was 14.4 to 41.2 per 1,000 (1.4 to 4.1%).ConclusionThis city displayed the lowest prevalence of FASD of the 4 CoFASP sites. Nevertheless, FASD were common, and affected children demonstrated a common, recognizable, and measurable array of traits.
Financial statement comparability and managers’ use of corporate resources
Authors: Kim Jeong‐Bon , Li Leye , Lu Louise Yi , Yu Yangxin 
Published: April 2020

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

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

SummaryBackgroundStudies have shown a higher risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with higher baseline serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. However, the association between very high HBV DNA levels (>6 log10 IU/mL) and HCC risk remains unclear, especially in middle‐aged and old HBeAg‐positive patients.AimTo identify the association between broad‐range HBV DNA levels and HCC risk.MethodsWe conducted a historical cohort study in Korea involving 6949 non‐cirrhotic, treatment‐naïve CHB patients with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) <2× upper limit of normal for >1 year. HBV DNA was >6 log10 IU/mL in 2029 (29.2%) patients. Follow‐up was censored when the antiviral therapy was initiated.ResultsThe mean age of the patients was 45 years. During 8.0 years of median follow‐up, 363 patients (5.2%) developed HCC. By multivariable Cox regression analysis, HCC risk was highest with baseline HBV DNA levels of 6‐7 log10 IU/mL (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 4.98; P < 0.001), and lowest with >8 log10 IU/mL (aHR 0.90; P = 0.71) and ≤4 log10 IU/mL (aHR 1.00; reference), which was independent of other predictive factors. The similar association between HBV DNA levels and HCC risk was consistently observed in all age subgroups (age <40, 40‐49 and ≥ 50 years).ConclusionsHCC risk was highest with moderate serum HBV DNA levels of 6‐7 log10 IU/mL in CHB patients without significant ALT elevation. Extending treatment indication to CHB patients with moderate levels of HBV DNA may be considered to further prevent HCC, regardless of ALT levels.
Weed control, large seeds and deep roots: Drivers of success in direct seeding for savanna restoration
Authors: Passaretti Raquel A. , Pilon Natashi A. L. , Durigan Giselda 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAimWe aimed to evaluate the performance of native tree species in the restoration of savanna vegetation by direct seeding, to assess whether weed control and intercropping with native grasses can contribute to the success of this method and to determine whether species performance can be explained by functional traits.LocationCerrado biome, southeastern Brazil. Old fields abandoned after decades of land use as pasture or croplands, occupied by ruderal plants and invasive grasses.MethodsWe established a direct seeding experiment with ten tree species native to the cerrado (Brazilian savanna) region. We used a factorial design in five blocks, with the following factors: (a) species; (b) weed control and (c) intercropping with native grasses. We evaluated the emergence, survival and growth of plants, and through multiple regressions we sought to explain the success of the species in direct seeding based on their functional traits.ResultsEmergence and survival in the field varied widely among species but with little or no difference between treatments. Growth was compromised by weed competition in all species. Intercropping with native grasses did not decrease weed competition. We found a functional pattern associated with species performance in direct seeding, where survival in the field is positively associated with seed mass, root depth and a greater root:shoot ratio.ConclusionWeed competition impairs seedling growth more than survival, considerably delaying restoration by direct seeding. The success of this method in the savanna will depend on the use of species that are best adapted to environments where water stress is the main obstacle to overcome and have large seeds and seedlings with a large and deep root system. Characterizing underground seedling systems is essential for predicting the success of cerrado species in direct seeding.
Inscription: Taxi Work Relations, the Ficha, and the Political Economy of a Market Device
Authors: del Nido Juan Manuel 
Published: April 2020

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