bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering candidate genes involved in photosynthetic capacity using unexplored genetic variation in Spring Wheat
Authors: Joynson Ryan , Molero Gemma , Coombes Benedict , Gardiner Laura‐Jayne , Rivera‐Amado Carolina , Piñera‐Chávez Francisco J. , Evans John R. , Furbank Robert T. , Reynolds Matthew P. , Hall Anthony 
Published: February 2021

SummaryTo feed an ever‐increasing population we must leverage advances in genomics and phenotyping to harness the variation in wheat breeding populations for traits like photosynthetic capacity which remains unoptimized. Here we survey a diverse set of wheat germplasm containing elite, introgression and synthetic derivative lines uncovering previously uncharacterized variation. We demonstrate how strategic integration of exotic material alleviates the D genome genetic bottleneck in wheat, increasing SNP rate by 62% largely due to Ae. tauschii synthetic wheat donors. Across the panel, 67% of the Ae. tauschii donor genome is represented as introgressions in elite backgrounds. We show how observed genetic variation together with hyperspectral reflectance data can be used to identify candidate genes for traits relating to photosynthetic capacity using association analysis. This demonstrates the value of genomic methods in uncovering hidden variation in wheat and how that variation can assist breeding efforts and increase our understanding of complex traits.
TaASR1‐D confers abiotic stress resistance by affecting ROS accumulation and ABA signalling in transgenic wheat
Authors: Qiu Ding , Hu Wei , Zhou Yu , Xiao Jie , Hu Rui , Wei Qiuhui , Zhang Yang , Feng Jialu , Sun Fusheng , Sun Jiutong , Yang Guangxiao , He Guangyuan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCultivating new crop cultivars with multiple abiotic stress tolerances is important for crop production. The abscisic acid‐stress‐ripening (ASR) protein has been shown to confer abiotic stress tolerance in plants. However, the mechanisms of ASR function under stress condition remain largely unclear. In this study, we characterized all ASR family members in common wheat and constitutively overexpressed TaASR1‐D in a commercial hexaploid wheat cultivar Zhengmai 9023. The transgenic wheat plants exhibited increased tolerance to multiple abiotic stresses and increased grain yields under salt stress condition. Overexpression of TaASR1‐D conferred enhanced antioxidant capacity and ABA sensitivity in transgenic wheat plants. Further, RNA in situ hybridization results showed that TaASR1‐D had higher expression levels in the vascular tissues of leaves and the parenchyma cells around the vascular tissues of roots and stems. Yeast one‐hybrid and electrophoretic mobility shift assays revealed that TaASR1‐D could directly bind the specific cis‐elements in the promoters of TaNCED1 and TaGPx1‐D. In conclusion, our findings suggest that TaASR1‐D can be used to breed new wheat cultivars with increased multiple abiotic stress tolerances, and TaASR1‐D enhances abiotic stress tolerances by reinforcing antioxidant capacity and ABA signalling.
No Picnic: Cavell on Rule‐Descriptions
Authors: Sandis Constantine 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn his first paper, ‘Must We Mean What We Say?’, Stanley Cavell defended the methods of ordinary language philosophy against various charges made by his senior colleague, Benson Mates, under the influence of the empirical semantics of Arne Naess.1Cavell’s argument hinges on the claim that native speakers are asourceof evidence for 'what is said' in language and, accordingly, need not base their claims about ordinary language upon evidence. In what follows, I maintain that this defence against empirical semantics applies equally well to experimental philosophy's attack on doing philosophy from the armchair. In so doing, I attempt to clarify – and adjust – Cavell's claim that statements about ordinary language are rule‐descriptions that are neither analytic nor synthetic.
Global warming and increasing maize cultivation demand comprehensive efforts in disease and insect resistance breeding in north‐western Europe
Authors: Miedaner Thomas , Juroszek Peter 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMaize productivity is threatened by global climate change. Climate change scenarios suggest that north‐western (NW) Europe will get warmer and drier during the main crop‐growing period. In general, more northerly regions will benefit, whereas more southerly regions will suffer suboptimal rain‐fed farming conditions. In these latter regions in particular, the resulting probable lower realized on‐farm maize grain and biomass yields must be safeguarded. Breeding for resistance against already existing and emerging diseases and insect pests is one component to achieve yield stability across years. Durable multiple‐disease resistance will become especially crucial. Herein, we focus on disease resistance breeding approaches in maize, especially related to northern corn leaf blight and Fusarium ear rots, although virus and bacterial diseases will become more important as well. Continuous adjustments of disease resistance breeding strategies will be required. Insect pest resistance breeding must be improved considerably, as in a warmer world insects will thrive, probably causing detrimental direct (feeding, sucking, etc.) and indirect (vectors of pathogens, feeding wounds creating gateways for many pathogens, passive transport of inoculum across maize plants) effects. Four case studies on insects that are already prevalent in NW Europe or may be expected in the near future are covered in this review. Maize cultivars need to combine both durable multiple‐disease and multiple‐insect resistance, although the implementation of many different effective resistance resources in breeding programmes will be challenging, particularly if trade‐offs among breeding goals appear.
The Effect of the EU‐Brand on Citizens’ Trust in Policies: Replicating an Experiment
Authors: Eshuis Jasper , van de Geest Thijs , Klijn Erik Hans , Voets Joris , Florek Magdalena , George Bert 
Published: February 2021

AbstractKarens et al. (2016) conducted an experiment to measure the effect of the European Union (EU) brand on citizens’ trust in policies. Experiments conducted with economics students in Belgium, Poland, and The Netherlands showed a consistently positive and significant effect of applying the EU brand, on trust in the policies. This study presents seven replications conducted several years after Karens et al.'s experiments. The replications show no significant effects of the EU brand on trust in policies. These findings demonstrate that brand effects may vary over time. To identify a population effect size across all experiments, a meta‐analysis was conducted. The meta‐analysis shows that—overall—the EU‐brand has a small but significant positive effect on citizens' trust in policies. The article tests earlier findings, and discusses intricacies of conducting replications. It elaborates explanations for the results in the replications, and the replication problems with experiments based on evaluative conditioning.
AQP8 participates in oestrogen‐mediated buffalo follicular development by regulating apoptosis of granulosa cells
Authors: Cao Lihua , Li Sheng , Huang Shihai , Shi Deshun , Li Xiangping 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAquaporins (AQPs), a family of small membrane‐spanning proteins, are involved in fluid transport, cell signalling and reproduction. Regulating AQP8 expression influences apoptosis of granulosa cells (GCs), ovarian folliculogenesis, oogenesis and early embryonic development in mice, but its role has never been investigated in other species. The aim of the present study was to characterize the AQP8 function in buffalo follicular development. The expression pattern of AQP8 in buffalo follicle was analysed by immunohistochemistry method. 17β‐Estradiol (E2) or oestrogen receptor antagonist ICI182780 was used to treat GCs cultured in vitro, and the expression of AQP8 was detected using qRT‐PCR. Its roles in apoptosis of buffalo GCs were investigated by shRNA technology. AQP8 was found to be expressed higher in secondary follicles (p < .05), and its mRNA level in GCs was upregulated by E2 via receptor‐mediated mechanism in a dose‐dependent manner. A 732‐bp buffalo AQP8 coding region was obtained, which was highly conserved at the amino acid level among different species. AQP8‐shRNA2 had more effective inhibition on target gene than AQP8‐shRNA1 (66.49% vs. 58.31%) (p < .05). Knockdown of AQP8 induced GCs arrested at G2/M stage and occurred apoptosis. Compared with the control group, higher Caspase9 expression were observed in AQP8‐shRNA2 lentivirus infected GCs (p < .05), while Bcl‐2 and Bax expression levels had no obvious change (p > .05). Altogether, the above results indicate that AQP8 is involved in oestrogen‐mediated regulation of buffalo follicular development by regulating cell cycle progression and apoptosis of GCs.
Conceptualizing and Measuring Autocratization Episodes
Authors: Pelke Lars , Croissant Aurel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAutocratization affects democracies and autocracies with gradual setbacks in democratic qualities. The current debate on autocratization is lacking a comprehensive and systematic overview of different autocratization concepts and empirical measures. Addressing the gap, this research note identifies and discusses different strategies of operationalizing autocratization periods with continuous democracy data from Freedom House, Polity IV and the Varieties of Democracy (V‐Dem) project. Evidence for 26 different autocratization measures for 1900‐2019 reveals major inconsistencies between different measures. Our findings suggest that autocratization episodes should be measured with V‐Dem’s Electoral Democracy Index (EDI) or with V‐Dem’s Liberal Democracy Index (LDI), which provide fine‐grained data and the possibility to test for measurement noise. A 10% threshold reduces the risk of conceptual stretching and enables researchers to detect both autocratization episodes that do and do not result in regime breakdown. We also recommend researchers to additionally test empirical findings with different carefully selected thresholds.
Usefulness of high‐frequency ultrasound in differentiating basal cell carcinoma from common benign pigmented skin tumors
Authors: Qin Jing , Wang Juncheng , Zhu Qingli , Liu Jie , Gao Yuanjing , Wang Yukun , Jin Hongzhong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundBasal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common cutaneous malignancy. Occasionally, it may have an appearance similar to that of some benign pigmented skin lesions. Therefore, additional information is needed to differentiate these lesions.Materials and MethodsA diagnostic accuracy study was performed from February 2018 to April 2019. All lesions underwent ultrasound examination with 50 and 20 MHz probes. The high‐frequency ultrasound (HFUS) images were evaluated independently by 2 experienced doctors for the presence of predefined features, including the depth, shape, margin, anechoic area, hyperechoic spots, epidermal interrupted echo, mushroom sign, flat‐bottom sign, and superficial hyperechoic focus (SHEF).ResultsA total of 54 BCCs, 51 melanocytic nevi and 55 seborrheic keratoses (SK), were included. BCCs often involved the subcutaneous tissue (11/54, 20.4%; P < .001) and had an irregular shape (26/54, 48.1%; P < .001) and ill‐defined borders (26/54, 48.1%; P < .001), while most benign pigmented lesions had a regular shape (101/106, 95.3%; P < .001) and well‐defined borders (95/106, 89.6%; P < .001). BCCs occasionally showed anechoic areas (10/54, 18.5%; P < .001) and epidermal interrupted echo (18/54, 33.3%; P < .001). Moreover, hyperechoic spots could be found in BCCs (43/54, 79.6%), nevi (27/51, 52.9%), and SK (30, 54.5%) (P = .001), with mean number of 7.3, 5.5, and 8.0, respectively. The mushroom signs were all present in melanocytic nevi (18/51, 35.3%), while the flat‐bottom sign (43/55, 78.2%; P < .001) and SHEF (40/55, 72.7%; P < .001) presented mainly in SKs.ConclusionsBased on the typical features, HFUS could improve the accuracy of BCC identification and should be considered when dermatologists are unsure about the lesion type.
Changes in skin wrinkles and pores due to long‐term mask wear
Authors: Park Minhye , Kim Hongbi , Kim Suyeon , Lee Juseon , Kim Sungeun , Byun Ji Won , Hwang‐Bo Jeon , Park Keun Hyung 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe spread of COVID‐19 has made mask wear essential. Expecting that long‐term mask wear would change the characteristics of skin, this study investigated changes in skin wrinkles and pores caused by long‐term mask wear and whether or not use of moisturizers has an effect on any changes.Materials and methodsThe study participants were 20 women who were instructed to wear a mask for at least 6 hours a day for 4 weeks. Measurements of skin wrinkles and pores were obtained before and after the 4 weeks of mask wear. The effects of application of a moisturizer were assessed by applying moisturizer within the mask‐wearing area. They completed a questionnaire about skin changes at the end of the study period.ResultsAfter wearing the mask for 4 weeks, there was a significant increase in the skin wrinkles and pores; both variables decreased significantly in skin areas where a moisturizer had been applied. The results of the questionnaire‐based survey indicated the study participants considered that long‐term wearing of a mask had affected their skin.ConclusionWearing a mask for extended periods increases skin wrinkles and pores and using a moisturizer when wearing the mask helps to reduce this problem.
Towards a new classification of Muscidae (Diptera): a comparison of hypotheses based on multiple molecular phylogenetic approaches
Authors: Grzywacz Andrzej , Trzeciak Paulina , Wiegmann Brian M. , Cassel Brian K. , Pape Thomas , Walczak Kinga , Bystrowski Cezary , Nelson Leanne , Piwczyński Marcin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMuscidae are a megadiverse dipteran family that exhibits extraordinary diversity in morphology and life history as both immatures and adults. The classification of Muscidae has been long debated, and most higher‐level relationships remain unknown. In this study, we used multilocus Sanger sequencing (mS‐seq), anchored hybrid enrichment (AHE) and restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RAD‐seq) approaches to examine relationships within Muscidae. The results from AHE and RAD‐seq largely correspond to those obtained from mS‐seq in terms of overall topology, yet phylogenomic approaches received much higher nodal support. The results from all molecular approaches contradict the traditional classification based predominantly on adult morphology, but provide an opportunity to re‐interpret the morphology of immature stages. Rearrangements in Muscidae classification are proposed as follows: (i) Mesembrina Meigen and Polietes Rondani are transferred from Muscinae to Azeliinae; (ii) Reinwardtiinae stat. rev. is resurrected as a subfamily distinct from Azeliinae; (iii) Eginia Robineau‐Desvoidy, Neohelina Malloch, Syngamoptera Schnabl and Xenotachina Malloch are transferred to Reinwardtiinae stat. rev.
Rupelian Kazakhstan floras in the context of early Oligocene climate and vegetation in Central Asia
Authors: Averyanova Anna , Tarasevich Valentina , Popova Svetlana , Utescher Torsten , Li Shu‐Feng , Mosbrugger Volker , Xing Yaowu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe Oligocene represents a transitional phase from a “hot‐house” to a “cold‐house” climate. Central Asia has undergone substantial environmental changes and tectonic events; however, we know little about how these tectonic events shaped the climate and biodiversity in Central Asia. Here, we present a detailed study on the early Oligocene palaeobotanical record in Kazakhstan using various qualitative and quantitative techniques of palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. According to our data, mixed mesophytic and coniferous–deciduous forest vegetation existed in a warm‐temperate, largely humid yet seasonal climate, while western Kazakhstan tended to be warmer and wetter compared to eastern Kazakhstan. Our results suggest that after the Eocene–Oligocene transition, the climate became cooler and more seasonal causing the disappearance of subtropical elements. Compared to the present‐day, the climate was substantially warmer and wetter, supporting forest vegetation in the study area.
Adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures and associated factors among pregnant women in Ghana
Authors: Apanga Paschal Awingura , Kumbeni Maxwell Tii 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures and its associated factors among pregnant women in Ghana.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study conducted in the Nabdam district, Ghana. Data were collected from 527 pregnant women randomly selected from antenatal care clinics from 16 healthcare facilities. Descriptive statistics were used to assess the prevalence of adherence to COVID‐19 preventive measures. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the factors associated with COVID‐19 preventive measures, whilst adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsThe prevalence of wearing a face mask 18.0% (95% CI: 14.73%, 21.32%); of handwashing/hand sanitising 31.7% (95% CI: 27.70%, 35.67%), and of social distancing, 22.0% (95% CI: 18.46%, 25.56%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that knowledge of COVID‐19 symptoms [Adjusted odds ratios (aOR): 2.86, 95% CI: 1.03, 7.89] and knowledge of COVID‐19 transmission via contaminated surfaces/objects (aOR: 4.60, 95% CI: 1.23, 17.18) were associated with wearing a face mask. Pregnant women who knew that avoiding the touching of eyes, nose and mouth can prevent COVID‐19 (aOR: 2.71, 95% CI: 1.01, 7.28), and knowledge of the virus being transmitted via contaminated objects/surfaces (aOR: 4.08, 95% CI: 1.42, 11.76), were associated with handwashing/hand sanitising. Knowledge of COVID‐19 transmission via contaminated surfaces/objects (aOR: 15.27, 95% CI: 1.87, 124.43) was also associated with social distancing.ConclusionThe findings of our study suggest that knowledge of COVID‐19 symptoms, transmission and preventive measures may play an important role in the practice of preventive measures against COVID‐19 among pregnant women.
The price of quality care: cross‐sectional associations between out‐of‐pocket payments and quality of care in six low‐income countries
Authors: Gage Anna , Aryal Amit , Paul Joseph Jean , Cohen Jessica 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the relationship between out‐of‐pocket (OOP) payments and primary health care quality in six low‐income countries: Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Haiti, Nepal, Senegal and Tanzania.MethodsWe examined the association between OOP payments and quality of care during antenatal care and sick child care visits using Service Provision Assessments data. We defined four process quality outcomes from observations of clinical care: visit duration, history‐taking items asked, exam items performed, and counselling items delivered. The outcome is the total amount paid for services. We used multilevel models to test the relationship between OOP payments and each quality measure in public, private non‐profit and private for‐profit facilities controlling for patient, provider, and facility characteristics.ResultsAcross the six countries, an average of 42% of the 29 677 observed clients paid for their visit. In the adjusted models, OOP payments were positively associated with the visit duration during sick child visits, with history‐taking and exam items during antenatal care visits, and with counselling in private for‐profit facilities for both visit types. These associations were strong particularly in Afghanistan, the DRC and Haiti; for example, a high‐quality antenatal care visit in the DRC would cost approximately USD 1.12 more than a visit with median quality.ConclusionProvider effort was associated with higher OOP payments for sick child and antenatal care services in the six countries studied. While many families are already spending high amounts on care, they must often spend even more to receive higher quality care.
Blood type change identifies late dominance reversal of chimerism after double umbilical cord blood transplantation with review of the literature
Authors: Ho Andrea P. , Ho Bethany E. , Berg Mary P. , Gutman Jonathan A. , Draper Nicole L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundA 30‐year‐old man underwent double umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with reduced intensity conditioning. The cords had identical HLA types and were each a 5/6 match to the patient. Following transplantation, cord 2 initially dominated all tested cell populations. At day +306, we observed an unusual reversal of dominance chimerism pattern in which cord 1 instead dominated all tested populations.Study Design & MethodsPolymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based short tandem repeat (STR) assays were performed on the peripheral blood and bone marrow samples. The white blood cell (WBC) populations from the peripheral blood were manipulated for testing to create subpopulations enriched for CD3, CD33, and CD56.ResultsChimerism studies on day +77 showed the following: cord 1: 44%‐CD3; 0%‐CD33; 16%‐CD56; cord 2: 56%‐CD3; 100%‐CD33; 84%‐CD56. Cord 2 initially dominated in all tested cell populations. Chimerism studies performed on post‐transplantation day +306 uncovered a reversal of dominance chimerism pattern in which cord 1 now dominated in all cell populations (cord 1: 82%‐CD3; >95%‐CD33; 67%‐CD56; cord 2: 18%‐CD3; <5%‐CD33; 33%‐CD56). Between days +127 and  +244, the patient's blood type shifted from B Rh‐positive to A Rh‐negative.ConclusionThe change in the patient's blood type identified a late reversal of dominance chimerism pattern. This is a rare occurrence, previously cited only once, which is inconsistent with published data that early high CD3 counts and unseparated bone marrow chimerism predominance at day +100 predict long‐term cord dominance in double UCBT in the vast majority of cases.
Comparison between intracorporeal and extracorporeal ligations in a laparoscopic ovariectomy model in dogs
Authors: Martin Kyle W. , Karn Krystina , Mickas Matthew S. , Fransson Boel A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the influence of extracorporeal and intracorporeal ligations on the duration of and complications associated with laparoscopic ovariectomy in dogs.Study designProspective randomized experimental study.AnimalsHealthy intact female dogs (n = 18).MethodsThe left and right ovarian pedicles of dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy were randomly assigned to intracorporeal (n = 18) or extracorporeal (n = 18) ligation groups. Surgeries were performed by two American College of Veterinary Surgeons (ACVS) diplomates and two ACVS residents. The time required to place extracorporeal and intracorporeal ligations, duration of surgery, and intraoperative complications were compared between ligation techniques. Postoperative complications were recorded.ResultsThe time required for intracorporeal ligation (17.3 ± 8.7 minutes) did not differ from that required for extracorporeal ligation (15.1 ± 6.1 minutes; P = .38). The total duration of surgery was 102.7 ± 28.7 minutes including portal placement and veterinary student closure of incisions. Ligation of the ovarian pedicle was successful in 16 of 17 dogs. Intraoperative hemorrhage occurred in three dogs, and postoperative complications were noted in three dogs, without apparent difference between ligation techniques.ConclusionNo difference was identified between extracorporeal and intracorporeal ligations of ovarian pedicles.Clinical significanceThis study does not provide evidence to support one ligation technique rather than the other.