bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Death‐feigning propensity varies within dice snake populations but not with sex or colour morph
Authors: Golubović A. , Anđelković M. , Tomović L. , Arsovski D. , Gvozdenović S. , Šukalo G. , Ajtić R. , Bonnet X. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractOnce cornered by a predator, prey can try to intimidate the assailant or repel it, with irritating sprays for example. If seized, they may scratch, bite or struggle to cause the predator to release its grip. At the other extreme, they can adopt passive behaviours such as death feigning (DF, i.e. thanatosis). DF is observed widely across the animal kingdom; it usually involves a combination of displays such as immobility, supination, leg‐folding, mouth opening and release of nauseating secretions. When displaying DF, individuals are highly vulnerable and effectively bet on the attitude of the predator; this risky choice is presumably under positive selection. We explored how propensity for DF varies among and within populations of dice snakes (Natrix tessellata). We also considered the influence of sex, body size, reproductive status, colour morph and presence of injuries (N = 2760 snakes; five populations). DF propensity differed among populations, possibly due to variation in local predation pressures. Larger snakes displayed DF more frequently and carried more signs of probable past predation attempts (scars and recent injuries). We found no sex effect on antipredator behaviour. Gravid females used DF less frequently compared with non‐gravid females. Differential expression of DF across populations, body sizes and reproductive status suggests that this complex behaviour was selected to respond to environmental and intrinsic factors. Future studies should explore which elements affect duration, intensity and success of DF in defence against various predators.
Liver involvement in children with SARS‐COV‐2 infection: Two distinct clinical phenotypes caused by the same virus
Authors: Perez Adriana , Cantor Amanda , Rudolph Bryan , Miller Jonathan , Kogan‐Liberman Debora , Gao Qi , Da Silva Bernardo , Margolis Kara G. , Ovchinsky Nadia , Martinez Mercedes 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackground and AimsSevere Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) associated acute liver injury (ALI) has been linked to poor outcomes in adults. Here we compare characteristics in children with elevated ALT (E‐ALT) in two distinct manifestations of the infection, multisystem inflammatory syndrome‐children (MIS‐C) and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19).MethodsThis is a retrospective study of patients ≤21 years of age with positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 PCR. E‐ALT was defined as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) > 40 U/L. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression were obtained to describe differences in children with and without E‐ALT in COVID‐19 and MIS‐C.ResultsE‐ALT was detected in 36% of the 291 patients; 31% with COVID‐19, and 51% with MIS‐C. E‐ALT in COVID‐19 was associated with obesity (P < .001), immunocompromised status (P = .04), and chronic liver disease (P = .01). In the regression models, E‐ALT in COVID‐19 was associated with higher c‐reactive protein (OR 1.08, P = .01) after adjusting for common independent predictors. Children with E‐ALT and MIS‐C were more often boys (P = .001), Hispanic (P = .04), or Black (P < .001). In MIS‐C, male gender (OR 5.3, P = .02) and Black race (OR 4.4, P = .04) were associated with increased odds of E‐ALT. Children with E‐ALT in both cohorts had significantly higher multiorgan dysfunction, longer hospitalization, and ICU stay. Children with MIS‐C had 2.3‐fold increased risk of E‐ALT compared to COVID‐19. No association was found between E‐ALT and mortality.ConclusionE‐ALT with SARS‐CoV‐2 presents as elevated transaminases without hepatic synthetic dysfunction. Patients with either manifestation of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and E‐ALT experienced more severe disease.
Climatic niche comparison of raccoons Procyon lotor and raccoon dogs Nyctereutes procyonoides in their native and non‐native ranges
Authors: Kochmann Judith , Cunze Sarah , Klimpel Sven 
Published: April 2021

Abstract

During the last century, the practice of fur farming in Europe led to the introduction of two mammal species from opposite ends of the world. With their subsequent unintentional escape from captivity or intentional releases, the process of slow expansion and establishment in Europe began. The raccoon Procyon lotor and the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides are included on the European Union’s list of invasive alien species.

We characterised the current climatic niches of the two species in their native ranges in North America and Asia, and compared them with their non‐native‐range niches in Europe, where we also projected climatic suitability. The aim was to locate suitable habitats beyond their current ranges and assess where a range expansion can be expected.

Niche comparison and the projection of climatic suitability in Europe were based on eight bioclimatic variables and presence records from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility database. For niche modelling, we applied the maximum entropy approach (Maxent) and used the native‐range data for training.

Minimum temperature of the coldest month (bio06) was identified as the most important bioclimatic variable in the habitat suitability models for both species. Different tolerance levels regarding this variable might explain small differences between the species’ projected ranges, especially in the north and east of Europe. The high niche unfilling for both species in Europe suggests a potential for expansion beyond their present ranges.

With only little understanding of their ecological impacts in their new ranges, including the potential risk of Nyctereutes procyonoides as SARS‐CoV‐2 reservoir hosts, further research and management is required at various spatial scales in Europe.
Circumpolar phylogeography and demographic history of beluga whales reflect past climatic fluctuations
Authors: Skovrind Mikkel , Louis Marie , Westbury Michael V. , Garilao Cristina , Kaschner Kristin , Castruita José Alfredo Samaniego , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Knudsen Steen Wilhelm , Haile James S. , Dalén Love , Meshchersky Ilya G. , Shpak Olga V. , Glazov Dmitry M. , Rozhnov Viatcheslav V. , Litovka Dennis I. , Krasnova Vera V. , Chernetsky Anton D. , Bel‘kovich Vsevolod M. , Lydersen Christian , Kovacs Kit M. , Heide‐Jørgensen Mads Peter , Postma Lianne , Ferguson Steven H. , Lorenzen Eline D. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSeveral Arctic marine mammal species are predicted to be negatively impacted by rapid sea ice loss associated with ongoing ocean warming. However, consequences for Arctic whales remain uncertain. To investigate how Arctic whales responded to past climatic fluctuations, we analysed 206 mitochondrial genomes from beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) sampled across their circumpolar range, and four nuclear genomes, covering both the Atlantic and the Pacific Arctic region. We found four well‐differentiated mitochondrial lineages, which were established before the onset of the last glacial expansion ~110 thousand years ago. Our findings suggested these lineages diverged in allopatry, reflecting isolation of populations during glacial periods when the Arctic sea‐shelf was covered by multiyear sea ice. Subsequent population expansion and secondary contact between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans shaped the current geographic distribution of lineages, and may have facilitated mitochondrial introgression. Our demographic reconstructions based on both mitochondrial and nuclear genomes showed markedly lower population sizes during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) compared to the preceding Eemian and current Holocene interglacial periods. Habitat modelling similarly revealed less suitable habitat during the LGM (glacial) than at present (interglacial). Together, our findings suggested the association between climate, population size, and available habitat in belugas. Forecasts for year 2100 showed that beluga habitat will decrease and shift northwards as oceans continue to warm, putatively leading to population declines in some beluga populations. Finally, we identified vulnerable populations which, if extirpated as a consequence of ocean warming, will lead to a substantial decline of species‐wide haplotype diversity.
The maize ZmMIEL1 E3 ligase and ZmMYB83 transcription factor proteins interact and regulate the hypersensitive defence response
Authors: Karre Shailesh , Kim Saet‐Byul , Samira Rozalynne , Balint‐Kurti Peter 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe plant hypersensitive response (HR), a rapid cell death at the point of pathogenesis, is mediated by nucleotide‐binding site, leucine‐rich repeat (NLR) resistance proteins (R‐proteins) that recognize the presence of specific pathogen‐derived proteins. Rp1‐D21 is an autoactive maize NLR R‐protein that triggers HR spontaneously. We previously mapped loci associated with variation in the strength of HR induced by Rp1‐D21. Here we identify the E3 ligase ZmMIEL1 as the causal gene at a chromosome 10 modifier locus. Transient ZmMIEL1 expression in Nicotiana benthamiana reduced HR induced by Rp1‐D21, while suppression of ZmMIEL1 expression in maize carrying Rp1‐D21 increased HR. ZmMIEL1 also suppressed HR induced by another autoactive NLR, the Arabidopsis R‐protein RPM1D505V, in N. benthamiana. We demonstrated that ZmMIEL1 is a functional E3 ligase and that the effect of ZmMIEL1 was dependent on the proteasome but also that levels of Rp1‐D21 and RPM1D505V were not reduced when coexpressed with ZmMIEL1 in the N. benthamiana system. By comparison to a similar system in Arabidopsis, we identify ZmMYB83 as a potential target of ZmMIEL1. Suppression of ZmMYB83 expression in maize lines carrying Rp1‐D21 suppressed HR. Suppression of ZmMIEL1 expression caused an increase in ZmMYB83 transcript and protein levels in N. benthamiana and maize. Using coimmunoprecipitation and bimolecular fluorescence complementation assays, we demonstrated that ZmMIEL1 and ZmMYB83 physically interacted. Additionally, ZmMYB83 and ZmMIEL1 regulated the expression of a set of maize very long chain fatty acid (VLCFA) biosynthetic genes that may be involved in regulating HR.
Advanced molecular pathology for rare tumours: A national feasibility study and model for centralised medulloblastoma diagnostics
Authors: Crosier Stephen , Hicks Debbie , Schwalbe Edward C. , Williamson Daniel , Leigh Nicholson Sarah , Smith Amanda , Lindsey Janet C. , Michalski Antony , Pizer Barry , Bailey Simon , Bown Nick , Cuthbert Gavin , Wharton Stephen B. , Jacques Thomas S. , Joshi Abhijit , Clifford Steven C. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimsApplication of advanced molecular pathology in rare tumours is hindered by low sample numbers, access to specialised expertise/technologies and tissue/assay QC and rapid reporting requirements. We assessed the feasibility of co‐ordinated real‐time centralised pathology review (CPR), encompassing molecular diagnostics and contemporary genomics (RNA‐seq/DNA methylation‐array).MethodsThis nationwide trial in medulloblastoma (<80 UK diagnoses/year) introduced a national reference centre (NRC) and assessed its performance and reporting to World Health Organisation standards. Paired frozen/formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded tumour material were co‐submitted from 135 patients (16 referral centres).ResultsComplete CPR diagnostics were successful for 88% (120/135). Inadequate sampling was the most common cause of failure; biomaterials were typically suitable for methylation‐array (129/135, 94%), but frozen tissues commonly fell below RNA‐seq QC requirements (53/135, 39%). Late reporting was most often due to delayed submission. CPR assigned or altered histological variant (vs local diagnosis) for 40/135 tumours (30%). Benchmarking/QC of specific biomarker assays impacted test results; fluorescent in‐situ hybridisation most accurately identified high‐risk MYC/MYCN amplification (20/135, 15%), while combined methods (CTNNB1/chr6 status, methylation‐array subgrouping) best defined favourable‐risk WNT tumours (14/135; 10%). Engagement of a specialist pathologist panel was essential for consensus assessment of histological variants and immunohistochemistry. Overall, CPR altered clinical risk‐status for 29% of patients.ConclusionNational real‐time CPR is feasible, delivering robust diagnostics to WHO criteria and assignment of clinical risk‐status, significantly altering clinical management. Recommendations and experience from our study are applicable to advanced molecular diagnostics systems, both local and centralised, across rare tumour types, enabling their application in biomarker‐driven routine diagnostics and clinical/research studies.
Built environment in programs to promote physical activity among Latino children and youth living in the United States and in Latin America
Authors: Sarmiento Olga L. , Rubio María Alejandra , King Abby C. , Serrano Natalicio , Hino Adriano Akira F. , Hunter Ruth F. , Aguilar‐Farias Nicolas , Parra Diana C. , Salvo Deborah , Jáuregui Alejandra , Lee Rebecca E. , Kohl Bill 
Published: April 2021

SummaryTo prevent obesity among Latino youth in the United States and Latin America, it is necessary to understand the specific context and interplay of physical activity (PA) and the built environment (BE). This paper aims to advance the research agenda of BE and PA for obesity prevention in Latin America and among Latino youth in the United States by (1) identifying environmental indicators to inform the design of interventions and policy, (2) identifying interdisciplinary methodological approaches for the study of the complex association between BE and PA, and (3) presenting case studies of PA‐promoting BE programs. A group of U.S. and Latin American scientists collaboratively worked to propose innovative indicators of the BE, methodological approaches for the study of the complex association between BE and PA, and review case studies of PA‐promoting BE programs in both regions. The results identified gaps in knowledge, proposed environmental indicators (e.g., landscape, street design, mobility patterns, and crime and safety), reviewed methodological approaches (social network analysis, citizen science methods), and case studies illustrating PA‐promoting BE programs (i.e., play streets, active school transport, and school setting interventions). The obesity prevention among Latino and Latin American youth requires advanced research on BE and PA addressing context‐specific priorities and exchanging lessons learned.
Spectrum of arrhythmogenic substrate post minimally invasive maze surgery in patients with recurrent
Authors: Larsen Timothy R. , Koneru Jayanthi N. , Padala Santosh K. , Kasirajan Vigneshwar , Ellenbogen Kenneth A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdvancements in minimally invasive surgical ablation (MISA) have focused on improving pulmonary vein isolation. Additional ablation targets have been developed (such as posterior wall isolation). The mid‐ and long‐term effects of current techniques (including electrophysiologic findings and recurrent arrhythmia mechanisms) have not previously been reported.MethodsTwenty eight patients with recurrent atrial arrhythmias after bipolar clamp ablation of the pulmonary vein antrum, ganglionated plexi, posterior wall isolation (roof and floor lines to create a posterior box), and ligament of Marshall ligation/cauterization and left atrial appendage clipping underwent follow up electrophysiology study including left atrial mapping an average of 2.3 years postoperatively.ResultsAtrial fibrillation was the most common recurrent arrhythmia (n = 18) followed by micro‐reentrant atrial tachycardia (n = 5), macro‐reentry left atrial flutter (n = 3), and typical cavo‐tricuspid isthmus atrial flutter (n = 2). Eighty six of 112 (77%) PVs mapped were electrically isolated, 16 (57%) patients had all four pulmonary veins (PVs) isolated. The posterior wall (PW) was completely isolated in only four (14%) patients, seven (25%) patients had normal PW voltage, while 17 (61%) patients had abnormal delayed or fractionated electrograms in the posterior wall (incomplete isolation). Abnormal PW electrograms were more frequently found in patients with complex recurrent left atrial arrhythmia (micro‐reentry or left atrial macro‐reentry flutter).ConclusionWith current surgical techniques PV isolation has improved, but PW isolation remains challenging. Incomplete PW isolation may produce arrhythmogenic substrate.
The evolution of human skin pigmentation involved the interactions of genetic, environmental, and cultural variables
Authors: Jablonski Nina G. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe primary biological role of human skin pigmentation is as a mediator of penetration of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) into the deep layers of skin and the cutaneous circulation. Since the origin of Homo sapiens, dark, protective constitutive pigmentation and strong tanning abilities have been favored under conditions of high UVR and represent the baseline condition for modern humans. The evolution of partly depigmented skin and variable tanning abilities has occurred multiple times in prehistory, as populations have dispersed into environments with lower and more seasonal UVR regimes, with unique complements of genes and cultural practices. The evolution of extremes of dark pigmentation and depigmentation has been rare and occurred only under conditions of extremely high or low environmental UVR, promoted by positive selection on variant pigmentation genes followed by limited gene flow. Over time, the evolution of human skin pigmentation has been influenced by the nature and course of human dispersals and modifications of cultural practices, which have modified the nature and actions of skin pigmentation genes. Throughout most of prehistory and history, the evolution of human skin pigmentation has been a contingent and non‐deterministic process.
Formalization of manufacturing firms in Bangladesh
Authors: Shamsuzzoha  , Tanaka Makoto 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe manufacturing sectors of developing countries under industrialization are dominated by informal firms. This study investigates the issues of formalization in the manufacturing sector of Bangladesh. A typical classification of formality is a binary one (formal or not). However, formalization can also be continuous, ranging from very formal to less formal. Thus, this study defines the continuous formalization of firms based on principal component analysis in addition to the usual binary classification of formality. Specifically, we find that more formal firms are correlated with higher productivity using the continuous classification of formality. Furthermore, this study shows that formalization is significantly affected by factors such as the owner's human capital (experience and education), the age of the firm, and labor force size.
Alleviation of masticatory disturbance with an occlusal splint in a Duchenne muscular dystrophy patient
Authors: Fukumoto Yutaka , Miyama Takeshi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAimTo present an occlusal splint effective for alleviating masticatory disturbance in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).Case reportA 13‐year‐old male DMD patient with masticatory disturbance presented with an open bite, with occlusal contact only between the first and second molars bilaterally and reduced masticatory performance. We applied an occlusal splint that achieved occlusal contact for all teeth and monitored its effects on masticatory function over 6 years. The occlusal splint increased occlusal contact points from 11 to 60. Although occlusal force remained at 13.9‒16 kg, masticatory performance increased, and the number of mastication strokes increased from 124 to 169. Masseter muscle activity decreased from 76.8% to 33.4% maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) and digastric muscle activity increased from 8.7% to 18.0% MVC. Time from start of peanut mastication to swallowing decreased, and the vertical mastication cycle diameter and its width on the habitual side increased.ConclusionsMasticatory disturbance in a DMD patient was alleviated using an occlusal splint. The number of mastication strokes and the digastric to masseter muscle activity ratio were increased. Furthermore, the mastication cycle was enlarged, which increased masticatory movement. As masseter muscle activity during mastication decreased, the occlusal splint likely reduced muscle fatigue during masticatory movement.
Function and evolution of allelic variations of Sr13 conferring resistance to stem rust in tetraploid wheat (Triticum turgidum L.)
Authors: Gill Baljeet K. , Klindworth Daryl L. , Rouse Matthew N. , Zhang Jinglun , Zhang Qijun , Sharma Jyoti S. , Chu Chenggen , Long Yunming , Chao Shiaoman , Olivera Pablo D. , Friesen Timothy L. , Zhong Shaobin , Jin Yue , Faris Justin D. , Fiedler Jason D. , Elias Elias M. , Liu Shuyu , Cai Xiwen , Xu Steven S. 
Published: April 2021

SUMMARYThe resistance gene Sr13 is one of the most important genes in durum wheat for controlling stem rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici (Pgt). The Sr13 functional gene CNL13 has haplotypes R1, R2 and R3. The R1/R3 and R2 haplotypes were originally designated as alleles Sr13a and Sr13b, respectively. To detect additional Sr13 alleles, we developed Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASP™) marker KASPSr13 and four semi‐thermal asymmetric reverse PCR markers, rwgsnp37–rwgsnp40, based on the CNL13 sequence. These markers were shown to detect R1, R2 and R3 haplotypes in a panel of diverse tetraploid wheat accessions. We also observed the presence of Sr13 in durum line CAT‐A1, although it lacked any of the known haplotypes. Sequence analysis revealed that CNL13 of CAT‐A1 differed from the susceptible haplotype S1 by a single nucleotide (C2200T) in the leucine‐rich repeat region and differed from the other three R haplotypes by one or two additional nucleotides, confirming that CAT‐A1 carries a new (R4) haplotype. Stem rust tests on the monogenic, transgenic and mutant lines showed that R1 differed from R3 in its susceptibility to races TCMJC and THTSC, whereas R4 differed from all other haplotypes for susceptibility to TTKSK, TPPKC and TCCJC. Based on these differences, we designate the R1, R3 and R4 haplotypes as alleles Sr13a, Sr13c and Sr13d, respectively. This study indicates that Sr13d may be the primitive functional allele originating from the S1 haplotype via a point mutation, with the other three R alleles probably being derived from Sr13d through one or two additional point mutations.