bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Golden orb-weaving spider (Trichonephila clavipes) silk genes with sex-biased expression and atypical architectures
Authors: Correa-Garhwal Sandra M , Babb Paul L , Voight Benjamin F , Hayashi Cheryl Y 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Spider silks are renowned for their high-performance mechanical properties. Contributing to these properties are proteins encoded by the spidroin (spider fibroin) gene family. Spidroins have been discovered mostly through cDNA studies of females based on the presence of conserved terminal regions and a repetitive central region. Recently, genome sequencing of the golden orb-web weaver, Trichonephila clavipes, provided a complete picture of spidroin diversity. Here, we refine the annotation of T. clavipes spidroin genes including the reclassification of some as non-spidroins. We rename these non-spidroins as spidroin-like (SpL) genes because they have repetitive sequences and amino acid compositions like spidroins, but entirely lack the archetypal terminal domains of spidroins. Insight into the function of these spidroin and SpL genes was then examined through tissue- and sex-specific gene expression studies. Using qPCR, we show that some silk genes are upregulated in male silk glands compared to females, despite males producing less silk in general. We also find that an enigmatic spidroin that lacks a spidroin C-terminal domain is highly expressed in silk glands, suggesting that spidroins could assemble into fibers without a canonical terminal region. Further, we show that two SpL genes are expressed in silk glands, with one gene highly evolutionarily conserved across species, providing evidence that particular SpL genes are important to silk production. Together, these findings challenge long-standing paradigms regarding the evolutionary and functional significance of the proteins and conserved motifs essential for producing spider silks.
Use of Services by People Living Alone With Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rosenwohl-Mack Amy , Dubbin Leslie , Chodos Anna , Dulaney Sarah , Fang Min-Lin , Merrilees Jennifer , Portacolone Elena 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background and Objectives
Formal supports and social services are essential to people living alone with cognitive impairment (PLACI) because they are at risk of negative health outcomes and lack cohabitants who may support them with cognitively demanding tasks. To further our understanding of this critical and worldwide issue, we conducted a systematic review to understand whether, and how, PLACI access and use essential formal supports and services.

Research Design and Methods
We searched 6 databases (PubMed, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Sociological Abstracts) to identify quantitative and mixed-method literature on formal service use among PLACI. The initial search was conducted in 2018 and updated in 2020.

Results
We identified 32 studies published between 1992 and 2019, representing 13 countries, that met our criteria: 16 reported on health services and 26 on social services. Most studies compared PLACI with people with cognitive impairment living with others. Health service use was lower or similar among PLACI, as opposed to counterparts living with others. Most studies reported a higher use of social services (e.g., home services) among PLACI than those living with others. Overall use of essential home service among PLACI was higher in Europe than in the United States, a country where large portions of PLACI were reported receiving no formal services.

Discussion and Implications
We identified wide variability among countries and major gaps in service use. Results for use of health services were mixed, although our findings suggest that PLACI may have fewer physician visits than counterparts living with others. Our findings suggest that varying policies and budgets for these services among countries may have affected our findings. We encourage researchers to evaluate and compare the influence of social policies in the well-being of PLACI. We also encourage policy makers to prioritize the needs of PLACI in national dementia strategies.
Enemies in the Shadows: On the Origins and Survival of Clandestine Clients
Authors: Boutton Andrew , Dolan Thomas M 
Published: January 2021

AbstractStates often use covert operations to undermine their adversaries. This strategy involves, among other methods, intelligence organizations directing and supporting the operations of covert networks residing within the target state. This was a common occurrence during the Cold War, but covert clients also operate in modern conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, and elsewhere. This paper introduces and defines covert clients as a distinct and novel concept. We then use original data on more than 250 clandestine networks within the French Resistance to investigate the determinants of covert client success and failure. We find that clients founded by foreign operatives inserted into the target state fail at significantly higher rates than those that establish themselves organically within the target state, although this effect diminishes among stronger groups. We corroborate these findings with a case study of the Prosper network to demonstrate how clandestine group origins influence their local knowledge, incentives, and security practices. This study uses original data to provide novel insights into clandestine group survival by linking survival to group origins. In demonstrating the potential utility of focusing on the conduct of covert operations, we also contribute to a rapidly growing international relations literature on how states project power through covert action.
A Maximum Dose Bioassay to Assess Efficacy of Key Insecticides Against Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Rossitto De Marchi Bruno , Smith Hugh , Turechek William , Riley David 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci MEAM1 Gennadius causes serious losses to Florida vegetable and ornamental production. In 2019, a maximum dose bioassay was administered to 20 field populations of B. tabaci MEAM1 collected from various economic and weed hosts across south Florida to assess insecticide efficacy. The maximum dose bioassay tests the top labeled rate of the insecticide against B. tabaci adults on treated cotton leaves in a Petri dish over a 72-h period. A susceptible laboratory colony of B. tabaci MEAM1 and a colony of B. tabaci MED were also tested. Survival over 72 h was used to produce an area under the maximum dose curve, which was used to compare insecticide effects on different populations. Overall, imidacloprid demonstrated the poorest efficacy, dinotefuran and flupyradifurone were the most effective, and bifenthrin, cyantraniliprole, and thiamethoxam tended to group together, providing intermediate control. Across populations tested, survival in whitefly adults treated with dinotefuran was 50% lower than whiteflies treated with imidacloprid, about 33% lower than whiteflies treated with thiamethoxam, bifenthrin, and cyantraniliprole, and 10% lower than whiteflies treated with flupyradifurone. Efficacy of bifenthrin was less than imidacloprid on some populations, particularly from the Homestead area. Imidacloprid and thiamethoxam had no effect on mortality of the MED population when it was tested after 22 mo in culture without exposure to insecticides, although 7 mo later, these materials resulted in some mortality for the MED population.
Fractionated Extracts From Gnidia kraussiana (Malvales: Thymeleaceae) as Bioactive Phytochemicals for Effective Management of Callosobruchus maculatus (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) in Stored Vigna unguiculata (Fabales: Fabaceae) Seeds
Authors: Kosini D , Nukenine E N , Agbor G A , Tchinda A T , Abdou J P , Yaya J A G , Kowa T K 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
One of the most important global problems is protecting food from insect pests. The negative effects of synthetic insecticides on human health led to a resurgence of interest in botanical insecticides due to their minimal ecological side effects. Therefore, the insecticidal potential of hexane, acetone, and methanol extracts of Gnidia kraussiana Meisn roots at 1 and 5g/kg, and neem seed oil (NSO), used as standard insecticide, were evaluated. Ovicidal and larvicidal toxicity was tested by treating freshly laid eggs and larvae at different immature stages of Callosobruchus maculatus (F.). Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) (L.) Walp seed damage and weight loss were assessed after a storage period of 4 mo. Repellency effects were detected in choice test using a linear olfactometer. All the fractions were toxic to C. maculatus; however, their bioactivities were inversely correlated with products polarity. Extracts proved to be more toxic than the commercial NSO. The acetone extract was more effective against immature stages of C. maculatus than the methanol extract; eggs, first-, and second-instar larvae being the more susceptible. No cowpea seed damage and weight loss were recorded from the seeds treated with hexane and acetone extracts at the dosage of 5 g/kg, after 4 mo of storage. Extracts evoked stronger repellency effects compared with the tested standard insecticide. According to the above, hexane and acetone extracts are good candidates for incorporation in integrated pest management programs for the control of C. maculatus in stored cowpea seeds.
Infection, Dissemination, and Replication of Urban and Sylvatic Strains of Dengue Virus Type 2 (Flaviviridae: Flavivirus) in Australian Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Hall-Mendelin Sonja , Pyke Alyssa T , Ramirez Ana L , Staunton Kyran M , Burtonclay Peter , McMahon Jamie , Barcelon Jean , van den Hurk Andrew F 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The dengue viruses (DENVs) occur throughout tropical and subtropical regions of the world where they infect 100s of millions of people annually. In Australia, the dengue receptive zone is confined to the northern state of Queensland where the principal vector Aedes aegypti (L.) is present. In the current study, two populations of Ae. aegypti from north Queensland were exposed to two urban outbreak strains and one sylvatic strain of dengue virus type 2 (DENV-2). The titer of virus required to infect 50% of mosquitoes was between 105 and 106 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID)50/ml and was influenced by the combination of the origin of Ae. aegypti population and virus strain. When exposed to infectious bloodmeal titers &gt; 106 TCID50/ml, infection and dissemination rates were all &gt; 50% and were significantly affected by the origin of the mosquito population but not by the strain of DENV-2. Replication of DENV-2 was also significantly affected by the mosquito population and the titer of the infectious bloodmeal that mosquitoes were exposed to. The results of this study are discussed in the context of DENV transmission dynamics in northern Australia and the relative fitness of the sylvatic virus strain in urban Ae. aegypti populations.
From the Field to the Laboratory: Quantifying Outdoor Mosquito Landing Rate to Better Evaluate Topical Repellents
Authors: Moreno-Gómez Mara , Bueno-Marí Rubén , Drago Andrea , Miranda Miguel A 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Vector-borne diseases are a worldwide threat to human health. Often, no vaccines or treatments exist. Thus, personal protection products play an essential role in limiting transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) arm-in-cage (AIC) test is the most common method for evaluating the efficacy of topical repellents, but it remains unclear whether AIC testing conditions recreate the mosquito landing rates in the field. This study aimed to estimate the landing rate outdoors, in an area of Europe highly infested with the Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894, Diptera: Culididae)), and to determine how to replicate this rate in the laboratory. To assess the landing rate in the field, 16 individuals were exposed to mosquitoes in a highly infested region of Italy. These field results were then compared to results obtained in the laboratory: 1) in a 30 m3 room where nine volunteers were exposed to different mosquito abundances (ranges: 15–20, 25–30, and 45–50) and 2) in a 0.064 m3 AIC test cage where 10 individuals exposed their arms to 200 mosquitoes (as per WHO requirements). The highest mosquito landing rate in the field was 26.8 landings/min. In the room test, a similar landing rate was achieved using 15–20 mosquitoes (density: 0.50–0.66 mosquitoes/m3) and an exposure time of 3 min. In the AIC test using 200 mosquitoes (density: 3,125 mosquitoes/m3), the landing rate was 229 ± 48 landings/min. This study provides useful reference values that can be employed to design new evaluation standards for topical repellents that better simulate field conditions.
Reconstruction of whistling deformity using V-Y advancement flap after primary cleft lip repair
Authors: Notodihardjo Sharon Claudia , Kusumoto Kenji 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Whistling deformity often occurs after cleft lip primary repair, marked by deficiency of vermilion tubercle. The purpose of the surgery includes improving the appearance and function of the lip. Adequate amount of vermillion tubercle is necessary to fully cover the front teeth, produce lip seal while speaking consonant sound and balance the projection of face.
Many techniques are known to repair whistling deformity from fat injection to Abbe flap. In our department, we use V-Y advancement flap. At certain cases, we repeat the procedure to maximize the result. This simple and less complication technique shows stable outcome during follow up. We recommend this technique because of the non-visible scar after surgery, applicable for unilateral and bilateral cleft lip case at various age, and possible to be done under general or local anesthesia.
Bottlenecks and opportunities in field-based high-throughput phenotyping for heat and drought stress
Authors: Hein Nathan T , Ciampitti Ignacio A , Jagadish S V Krishna 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFlowering and grain-filling stages are highly sensitive to heat and drought stress exposure, leading to significant loss in crop yields. Therefore, phenotyping to enhance resilience to these abiotic stresses is critical for sustaining genetic gains in crop improvement programs. However, traditional methods for screening traits related to these stresses are slow, laborious, and often expensive. Remote sensing provides opportunities to introduce low-cost, less biased, high-throughput phenotyping methods to capture large genetic diversity to facilitate enhancement of stress resilience in crops. This review focuses on four key physiological traits and processes that are critical in understanding crop responses to drought and heat stress during reproductive and grain-filling periods. Specifically, these traits include: (i) time of day of flowering, to escape these stresses during flowering; (ii) optimizing photosynthetic efficiency; (iii) storage and translocation of water-soluble carbohydrates; and (iv) yield and yield components to provide in-season yield estimates. Moreover, we provide an overview of current advances in remote sensing in capturing these traits, and discuss the limitations with existing technology as well as future direction of research to develop high-throughput phenotyping approaches. In the future, phenotyping these complex traits will require sensor advancement, high-quality imagery combined with machine learning methods, and efforts in transdisciplinary science to foster integration across disciplines.
Relationship Between Gene Polymorphism of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase C677T and Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Chinese Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Wu Xie , Lin Jing , Xue Ning , Teng Jie , Wang Yaqiong , Li Yang , Xu Xunhui , Shen Ziyan , Ding Xiaoqiang , Fang Yi 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the gene polymorphism of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods
A total of 763 Chinese patients with CKD undergoing genetic testing were included in the study. The association between the gene polymorphism of MTHFR C677T and echocardiographic parameters was analyzed through univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results
We found a remarkably positive association between MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism and LVH indexes, including interventricular septal thickness (F = 3.8; P = .022), left ventricular posterior wall thickness (F = 3.0; P = .052), left ventricular mass (F = 3.9; P = .022), and left ventricular mass index (F = 2.6; P = .075). After adjusting for the potential confounders linking the polymorphism,we found that the positive association between the polymorphism and LVH indexes still existed in patients with CKD in some multiple linear regression models (P &lt;.05).

Conclusion
MTHFR C677T gene polymorphism may be a genetic susceptibility marker for the development of LVH in patients with CKD.
Bridging Themes: Short Protein Segments Found in Different Architectures
Authors: Kolodny Rachel , Nepomnyachiy Sergey , Tawfik Dan S , Ben-Tal Nir 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe vast majority of theoretically possible polypeptide chains do not fold, let alone confer function. Hence, protein evolution from preexisting building blocks has clear potential advantages over ab initio emergence from random sequences. In support of this view, sequence similarities between different proteins is generally indicative of common ancestry, and we collectively refer to such homologous sequences as “themes.” At the domain level, sequence homology is routinely detected. However, short themes which are segments, or fragments of intact domains, are particularly interesting because they may provide hints about the emergence of domains, as opposed to divergence of preexisting domains, or their mixing-and-matching to form multi-domain proteins. Here we identified 525 representative short themes, comprising 20–80 residues that are unexpectedly shared between domains considered to have emerged independently. Among these “bridging themes” are ones shared between the most ancient domains, for example, Rossmann, P-loop NTPase, TIM-barrel, flavodoxin, and ferredoxin-like. We elaborate on several particularly interesting cases, where the bridging themes mediate ligand binding. Ligand binding may have contributed to the stability and the plasticity of these building blocks, and to their ability to invade preexisting domains or serve as starting points for completely new domains.
The Time Course of Compensatory Puffing With an Electronic Cigarette: Secondary Analysis of Real-World Puffing Data With High and Low Nicotine Concentration Under Fixed and Adjustable Power Settings
Authors: Cox Sharon , Goniewicz Maciej L , Kosmider Leon , McRobbie Hayden , Kimber Catherine , Dawkins Lynne 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction
In a secondary analysis of our published data demonstrating compensatory vaping behavior (increased puff number, puff duration, and device power) with e-cigarettes refilled with low versus high nicotine concentration e-liquid, here we examine 5-day time course over which compensatory behavior occurs under fixed and adjustable power settings.

Aims and Methods
Nineteen experienced vapers (37.90 ± 10.66 years, eight females) vaped ad libitum for 5 consecutive days under four counterbalanced conditions (ie, 20 days in total): (1) low nicotine (6 mg/mL)/fixed power (4.0 V/10 W); (2) low nicotine/adjustable power; (3) high nicotine (18 mg/mL)/fixed power; (4) high nicotine/adjustable power (at 1.6 Ohm). Puff number, puff duration, and power settings were recorded by the device. For each day, total daily puffing time was calculated by multiplying daily puff number by mean daily puff duration.

Results
A significant day × setting interaction revealed that whilst puffing compensation (daily puffing time) continued to increase over 5 days under fixed power, it remained stable when power settings were adjustable. Separate analysis for puff number and puff duration suggested that the puffing compensatory behavior was largely maintained via longer puff duration.

Conclusions
Under fixed power conditions (4.0 V/10 W), vapers appear to compensate for poor nicotine delivery by taking longer puffs and this compensatory puffing appears to be maintained over time.

Implications
Studies in smokers suggest that when switching to lower nicotine levels, compensation for poorer nicotine delivery is transient. Our novel findings suggest that vapers show a different pattern of compensation which is influenced by both nicotine strength and device power settings. When power is fixed (4.0 V; 10 W), compensation (via more intensive puffing) appears prolonged, persisting up to 5 days. Under adjustable settings when power is increased, puffing patterns remain stable over time. Implications of such compensatory behaviors for product safety and user satisfaction need further exploration.
High-performance work systems and the performance of public sector workplaces in Britain
Authors: Bryson Alex , White Michael 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We assess the role played by high-performance work systems (HPWSs) in public sector management achieving cost reductions and efficiency savings, and in introducing ‘modernizing’ technical and operational changes. Using a nationally representative survey of public sector workplaces with 50 or more employees we find that increased use of HPWS was positively correlated with workplace financial performance ratings and the implementation of workplace organizational change, and negatively correlated with wage costs. We also find target setting (TS) practices are, as much as HPWS, significantly associated with workplace outcomes. First difference estimates for the financial rating and workplace change outcomes qualitatively support the cross-section findings in these respects. We conclude that both HPWS and TS are important management technologies for managers pursuing government objectives in the public sector.
Pancytopenia and Profound Neutropenia as a Sequela of Severe SARS-CoV-2 Infection (COVID-19) With Concern for Bone Marrow Involvement
Authors: Hernandez Jarelys M , Quarles Ross , Lakshmi Seetha , Casanas Beata , Eatrides Jennifer , McCoy Erin , Somboonwit Charurut 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPancytopenia and neutropenia due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are rare. Here we report a case of neutropenia as a sequela of COVID-19 with concern for bone marrow infiltration. The patient was successfully treated with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor.
Lung organoids and other preclinical models of pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Oglesby I K , Schweikert A , Fox B , Redmond C , Donnelly S C , Hurley K 
Published: January 2021

Summary
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive fatal disease affecting over 100 000 people in Europe with an increasing incidence. Available treatments offer only slowing of disease progression and are poorly tolerated by patients leading to cessation of therapy. Lung transplant remains the only cure. Therefore, alternative treatments are urgently required. The pathology of IPF is complex and poorly understood and thus creates a major obstacle to the discovery of novel treatments. Additionally, preclinical assessment of new treatments currently relies upon animal models where disparities with human lung biology often hamper drug development. At a cellular level, IPF is characterized by persistent and abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix by fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cell injury which is seen as a key event in initiation of disease progression. In-depth investigation of the role of alveolar epithelial cells in health and disease has been impeded due to difficulties in primary cell isolation and culture ex vivo. Novel strategies employing patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells engineered to produce type 2 alveolar epithelial cells (iAEC2) cultured as three-dimensional organoids have the potential to overcome these hurdles and inform new effective precision treatments for IPF leading to improved survival and quality of life for patients worldwide.