bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of eight QTL controlling multiple yield components in a German multi-parental wheat population, including Rht24, WAPO-A1, WAPO-B1 and genetic loci on chromosomes 5A and 6A
Authors: Corsi Beatrice , Obinu Lia , Zanella Camila M. , Cutrupi Saverio , Day Rob , Geyer Manuel , Lillemo Morten , Lin Min , Mazza Lorenzo , Percival-Alwyn Lawrence , Stadlmeier Melanie , Mohler Volker , Hartl Lorenz , Cockram James 
Published: March 2021

AbstractKey messageQuantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of 15 yield component traits in a German multi-founder population identified eight QTL each controlling ≥2 phenotypes, including the genetic lociRht24,WAPO-A1andWAPO-B1.AbstractGrain yield in wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) is a polygenic trait representing the culmination of many developmental processes and their interactions with the environment. Toward maintaining genetic gains in yield potential, ‘reductionist approaches’ are commonly undertaken by which the genetic control of yield components, that collectively determine yield, are established. Here we use an eight-founder German multi-parental wheat population to investigate the genetic control and phenotypic trade-offs between 15 yield components. Increased grains per ear was significantly positively correlated with the number of fertile spikelets per ear and negatively correlated with the number of infertile spikelets. However, as increased grain number and fertile spikelet number per ear were significantly negatively correlated with thousand grain weight, sink strength limitations were evident. Genetic mapping identified 34 replicated quantitative trait loci (QTL) at two or more test environments, of which 24 resolved into eight loci each controlling two or more traits—termed here ‘multi-trait QTL’ (MT-QTL). These included MT-QTL associated with previously cloned genes controlling semi-dwarf plant stature, and with the genetic locusReduced height 24(Rht24) that further modulates plant height. Additionally, MT-QTL controlling spikelet number traits were located to chromosome 7A encompassing the geneWHEAT ORTHOLOG OF APO1(WAPO-A1), and to its homoeologous location on chromosome 7B containingWAPO-B1. The genetic loci identified in this study, particularly those that potentially control multiple yield components, provide future opportunities for the targeted investigation of their underlying genes, gene networks and phenotypic trade-offs, in order to underpin further genetic gains in yield.
Detraining Effects on Musculoskeletal Parameters in Early Postmenopausal Osteopenic Women: 3-Month Follow-Up of the Randomized Controlled ACTLIFE Study
Authors: Kemmler Wolfgang , Hettchen Michael , Kohl Matthias , Murphy Marie , Bragonzoni Laura , Julin Mikko , Risto Tapani , von Stengel Simon 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPeriods of absence from supervised group exercise while maintaining physical activity might be a frequent pattern in adults' exercise habits. The aim of the present study was to determine detraining effects on musculoskeletal outcomes after a 3-month detraining period in early post-menopausal, osteopenic women. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we terminated the 18-month randomized controlled ACTLIFE exercise intervention immediately after the 13-month follow-up assessment. This put an abrupt stop to the high-intensity aerobic and resistance group exercise sessions undertaken three times per week by the exercise group (EG: n = 27) and the gentle exercise program performed once per week for the attention control group (CG: n = 27); but both groups were permitted to conduct individual outdoor activity for the 3-month lock-down period. Study endpoints were lean body mass (LBM), bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS), maximum hip-/leg extension strength and power. Detraining-induced reductions of LBM, hip/leg strength and power (but not BMD-LS) were significantly greater (p < 0.001 to p = 0.044) compared with the CG. Significant exercise effects, i.e. differences between EG and CG, present after 13 months of exercise, were lost after 3 months of detraining for LBM (p = 0.157) and BMD-LS (p = 0.065), but not for strength (p < 0.001) and power (p < 0.001). Of note, self-reported individual outdoor activities and exercise increased by about 40% in both groups during the lock-down period. Three months' absence from a supervised group exercise protocol resulted in considerable detraining effects for musculoskeletal parameters. Thus, exercise programs for adults should be continuous rather than intermittent.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04420806, 06.05.2020.
Chronic social stress alters protein metabolism in juvenile rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss
Authors: Saulnier Roxanne J. , Best Carol , Kostyniuk Daniel J. , Gilmour Kathleen M. , Lamarre Simon G. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWhen confined in pairs, juvenile rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) form dominance hierarchies in which subordinate fish exhibit characteristic physiological changes including reduced growth rates and chronically elevated plasma cortisol concentrations. We hypothesized that alterations in protein metabolism contribute to the reduced growth rate of socially stressed trout, and predicted that subordinate trout would exhibit reduced rates of protein synthesis coupled with increases in protein degradation. Protein metabolism was assessed in dominant and subordinate fish after 4 days of social interaction, and in fish that were separated after 4 days of interaction for a 4 days recovery period, to determine whether effects on protein metabolism recovered when social stress was alleviated. Protein metabolism was assessed in liver and white muscle by measuring the fractional rate of protein synthesis and markers of protein degradation. In the white muscle of subordinate fish, protein synthesis was inhibited and activities of the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) and the autophagy lysosomal system (ALS) were elevated. By contrast, the liver of subordinate fish exhibited increased rates of protein synthesis and activation of the ALS. When allowed to recover from chronic social stress for 4 days, differences in protein metabolism observed in white muscle of subordinate fish during the interaction period disappeared. In liver, protein synthesis returned to baseline levels during recovery from social stress, but markers of protein degradation did not. Collectively, these data support the hypothesis that inhibition of muscle protein synthesis coupled with increases in muscle protein breakdown contribute to the reduced growth rates of subordinate rainbow trout.
Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on 10-year mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention and bypass surgery for complex coronary artery disease: insights from the SYNTAX Extended Survival study
Authors: Wang Rutao , Tomaniak Mariusz , Takahashi Kuniaki , Gao Chao , Kawashima Hideyuki , Hara Hironori , Ono Masafumi , van Klaveren David , van Geuns Robert-Jan , Morice Marie-Claude , Davierwala Piroze M. , Mack Michael J. , Witkowski Adam , Curzen Nick , Berti Sergio , Burzotta Francesco , James Stefan , Kappetein Arie Pieter , Head Stuart J. , Thuijs Daniel J. F. M. , Mohr Friedrich W. , Holmes David R. , Tao Ling , Onuma Yoshinobu , Serruys Patrick W. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims
To evaluate the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on 10-year all-cause death and the treatment effect of CABG versus PCI on 10-year all-cause death in patients with three-vessel disease (3VD) and/or left main coronary artery disease (LMCAD) and COPD.

Methods
Patients were stratified according to COPD status and compared with regard to clinical outcomes. Ten-year all-cause death was examined according to the presence of COPD and the revascularization strategy.

Results
COPD status was available for all randomized 1800 patients, of whom, 154 had COPD (8.6%) at the time of randomization. Regardless of the revascularization strategy, patients with COPD had a higher risk of 10-year all-cause death, compared with those without COPD (43.1% vs. 24.9%; hazard ratio [HR]: 2.03; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56–2.64; p < 0.001). Among patients with COPD, CABG appeared to have a slightly lower risk of 10-year all-cause death compared with PCI (42.3% vs. 43.9%; HR: 0.96; 95% CI: 0.59–1.56, p = 0.858), whereas among those without COPD, CABG had a significantly lower risk of 10-year all-cause death (22.7% vs. 27.1%; HR: 0.81; 95% CI: 0.67–0.99, p = 0.041). There was no significant differential treatment effect of CABG versus PCI on 10-year all-cause death between patients with and without COPD (pinteraction = 0.544).

Conclusions
COPD was associated with a higher risk of 10-year all-cause death after revascularization for complex coronary artery disease. The presence of COPD did not significantly modify the beneficial effect of CABG versus PCI on 10-year all-cause death.
Trial registration: SYNTAX: ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT00114972. SYNTAX Extended Survival: ClinicalTrials.gov reference: NCT03417050

Graphic abstract
Molecular profiling of appendiceal serrated lesions, polyps and mucinous neoplasms: a single-centre experience
Authors: Munari Giada , Businello Gianluca , Mattiolo Paola , Pennelli Gianmaria , Sbaraglia Marta , Borga Chiara , Pucciarelli Salvatore , Spolverato Gaya , Mescoli Claudia , Galuppini Francesca , Sommariva Antonio , Bellan Elena , Lonardi Sara , Loupakis Fotios , Luchini Claudio , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Fassan Matteo 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Non-neuroendocrine neoplasms of the appendix are a phenotypically heterogeneous group of lesions; a comprehensive molecular characterization of these tumors is still lacking.

Methods
A total of 52 samples taken from 49 patients was evaluated: 18 sessile serrated lesions (SSL; 3 with dysplasia), 2 high-grade tubular adenomas, 1 tubulo-villous adenoma,1 hyperplastic polyp, 18 low-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (LAMN), 3 high-grade appendiceal mucinous neoplasms (HAMN) and 9 mucinous adenocarcinomas. Hotspot mutational profiling of the RNF43, SMAD4, KRAS, NRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA genes was performed. Expression of p53, MLH1, PMS2, MSH2, and MSH6 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry.

Results
KRAS was the most frequently mutated gene (53.9% of cases), followed by RNF43 (15.4%), and BRAF (13.5%). In particular: KRAS was mutated in 44.4% of adenocarcinomas, 66.7% of HAMNs, 61.1% of LAMNs, 53.3% of SSL without dysplasia and in 66.7% of SSL with dysplasia; RNF43 was mutated in 33.3% of adenocarcinomas, 66.7% of HAMNs, 11.1% of LAMNs and in 6.7% of SSL without dysplasia; BRAF was mutated in 11.1% of adenocarcinomas, 26.7% of SSL without dysplasia and in 5.6% of LAMNs. Only a case of high-grade tubular adenoma showed mismatch repair deficiency, while immunohistochemical expression of p53 was altered in 21.1% of cases.

Conclusions
The histological phenotypic similarities between appendicular mucinous lesions and serrated colon lesions do not reflect a similar genetic landscape. Mismatch repair deficiency is a rare event during appendiceal mucinous carcinogenesis.
Spatial and temporal genetic variation of Drosophila suzukii in Germany
Authors: Petermann Sarah , Otto Sabine , Eichner Gerrit , Schetelig Marc F. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNative to Southeast Asia, the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii Matsumura, rapidly invaded America and Europe in the past 20 years. As a crop pest of soft-skinned fruits with a wide range of host plants, it threatens the fruit industry worldwide, causing enormous economic losses. To control this invasive pest species, an understanding of its population dynamics and structure is necessary. Here, we report the population genetics and development of SWD in Germany from 2017–19 using microsatellite markers over 11 different sample sites. It is the first study that examines SWD’s genetic changes over 3 years compared to multiple international SWD laboratory strains. Results show that SWD populations in Germany are highly homogenous without differences between populations or years, which indicates that populations are well adapted, migrate freely, and multiple invasions from outside Germany either did not take place or are negligible. Such high genetic variability and migration between populations could allow for a fast establishment of the pest species. This is especially problematic with regard to the ongoing spread of this invasive species and could bear a potential for developing pesticide resistance, which could increase the impact of the SWD further in the future.
Limit Theorems and Fluctuations for Point Vortices of Generalized Euler Equations
Authors: Geldhauser Carina , Romito Marco 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe prove a mean field limit, a law of large numbers and a central limit theorem for a system of point vortices on the 2D torus at equilibrium with positive temperature. The point vortices are formal solutions of a class of equations generalising the Euler equations, and are also known in the literature as generalised inviscid SQG. The mean-field limit is a steady solution of the equations, the CLT limit is a stationary distribution of the equations.
An improved K-means algorithm for underwater image background segmentation
Authors: Chen Wei , He Cenyu , Ji Chunlin , Zhang Meiying , Chen Siyu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractConventional algorithms fail to obtain satisfactory background segmentation results for underwater images. In this study, an improved K-means algorithm was developed for underwater image background segmentation to address the issue of improper K value determination and minimize the impact of initial centroid position of grayscale image during the gray level quantization of the conventional K-means algorithm. A total of 100 underwater images taken by an underwater robot were sampled to test the aforementioned algorithm in respect of background segmentation validity and time cost. The K value and initial centroid position of grayscale image were optimized. The results were compared to the other three existing algorithms, including the conventional K-means algorithm, the improved Otsu algorithm, and the Canny operator edge extraction method. The experimental results showed that the improved K-means underwater background segmentation algorithm could effectively segment the background of underwater images with a low color cast, low contrast, and blurred edges. Although its cost in time was higher than that of the other three algorithms, it none the less proved more efficient than the time-consuming manual segmentation method. The algorithm proposed in this paper could potentially be used in underwater environments for underwater background segmentation.
A lower bound for the variance of generalized divisor functions in arithmetic progressions
Authors: Mastrostefano Daniele 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe prove that for a large class of multiplicative functions, referred to as generalized divisor functions, it is possible to find a lower bound for the corresponding variance in arithmetic progressions. As a main corollary, we deduce such a result for any$$\alpha $$α-fold divisor function, for any complex number$$\alpha \not \in \{1\}\cup -\mathbb {N}$$α∉{1}∪-N, even when considering a sequence of parameters$$\alpha $$αclose in a proper way to 1. Our work builds on that of Harper and Soundararajan, who handled the particular case ofk-fold divisor functions$$d_k(n)$$dk(n), with$$k\in \mathbb {N}_{\ge 2}$$k∈N≥2.
Epoxidation of 1,5,9-cyclododecatriene with hydrogen peroxide under phase-transfer catalysis conditions: influence of selected parameters on the course of epoxidation
Authors: Lewandowski Grzegorz , Kujbida Marcin , Wróblewska Agnieszka 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis work presents the studies on the epoxidation of 1,5,9-cyclododecatriene (CDT) with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizing agent, under conditions of the phase transfer catalysis (PTC), and with the following catalytic system: H2WO4/H3PO4/[CH3(CH2)7]3CH3N+HSO4− (compounds were mixed at the ratio of 2:1:1). The influence of the following parameters on the course of this process was investigated: catalyst content, molar ratio of H2O2:CDT, temperature and type of solvent. The highest yield of 1,2-epoxy-5,9-cyclododecadiene (ECDD) (54.9 mol%), at the conversion of CDT reached 72.3 mol%, was obtained at the temperature of 50 °C, for the catalyst content of 0.45 mol% (in relation to the introduced CDT), for the molar ratio of H2O2:CDT 1.5:1, with toluene as the solvent and after the reaction time of 30 min. Considering the he obtained results and numerous applications of ECDD, further research should be developed to provide a more efficient and environmentally friendly way of obtaining this compound.
Graphic abstract
Assessing the fluvial system resilience of the river Bacchiglione to point sources of pollution in Northeast Italy: a novel Water Resilience Index (WRI) approach
Authors: Mirauda Domenica , Caniani Donatella , Colucci Maria Teresa , Ostoich Marco 
Published: March 2021

AbstractModelling and evaluating the resilience of environmental systems has recently raised significant interest among both practitioners and researchers. However, it has not yet been used to measure the absorption and recovery capacities of a river subject to varying levels of pollution due to natural and anthropic sources of contamination within the basin. Fast worldwide population growth and climate change are contributing to an increased degradation status in surface water bodies and to a decreased efficiency of their natural self-purification processes. Decision-makers are, therefore, more and more encouraged to implement alternative management strategies focussed on improving the system resilience to current and future perturbations. To this end, a novel Water Resilience Index (WRI), based on different quality parameters, was developed,and it is here proposed to estimate the ability of the river Bacchiglione, located in Northeast Italy, absorb continuous and unpredictable changes due to potential effects of point sources of pollution, that is,urban and industrial wastewater, and still maintain its vital functions. This new index is integrated in a mathematical model, which represents the river as an influence diagram where the nodes are the gauged stations and the arcs are the fluvial reaches among the stations, to identify the river reaches in need of resilience improvement. In addition, in order to simplify the analytical procedure and lower the costs and times of the monitoring activities, aprincipalcomponentanalysis is also used, as it is able to reduce the number of the water quality parameters to be collected from the sampling stations, distributed along the main river, and thus to calculate a minimum WRI. The good agreement between the results obtained by both the original and minimum WRI shows the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. This approach could be applied to all basins with the same issues, and not just in the Italian case study here analysed, as it might be a valid tool to plan interventions and mitigation actions, protecting the resource from pollution risks and achieving environmental quality and Sustainable Development Goals both in the water bodies and their surrounding territories. In addition, this strategy could be integrated in the existing models supporting local decision-makers and administrators, aiming at increasing the resilience of urban and rural areas to pollution phenomena and facilitating the development of effective policies to reduce the impacts of global change on water quality.
A simulation of the insurance industry: the problem of risk model homogeneity
Authors: Heinrich Torsten , Sabuco Juan , Farmer J. Doyne 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe develop an agent-based simulation of the catastrophe insurance and reinsurance industry and use it to study the problem of risk model homogeneity. The model simulates the balance sheets of insurance firms, who collect premiums from clients in return for insuring them against intermittent, heavy-tailed risks. Firms manage their capital and pay dividends to their investors and use either reinsurance contracts or cat bonds to hedge their tail risk. The model generates plausible time series of profits and losses and recovers stylized facts, such as the insurance cycle and the emergence of asymmetric firm size distributions. We use the model to investigate the problem of risk model homogeneity. Under the European regulatory framework Solvency II, insurance companies are required to use only certified risk models. This has led to a situation in which only a few firms provide risk models, creating a systemic fragility to the errors in these models. We demonstrate that using too few models increases the risk of nonpayment and default while lowering profits for the industry as a whole. The presence of the reinsurance industry ameliorates the problem but does not remove it. Our results suggest that it would be valuable for regulators to incentivize model diversity. The framework we develop here provides a first step toward a simulation model of the insurance industry, which could be used to test policies and strategies for capital management.
Work Characteristics or Workers’ Characteristics? An Input-Process-Output Perspective on Informal Workplace Learning of Blue-Collar Workers
Authors: Decius Julian , Schaper Niclas , Seifert Andreas 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe investigated informal workplace learning (IWL) within an under-researched target group: blue-collar workers. IWL is particularly important for these workers because of learning barriers to participation in formal training. Based on meta-analytical conceptualizations and findings, we developed a conceptual framework ofantecedents,processes, and learningoutcomes of IWL among blue-collar workers (APO framework), following an input-process-output perspective. The results of our structural equation model analysis withN = 702 blue-collar workers from small and medium-sized businesses provided support for seven of eight hypotheses: Personal antecedents, namelycuriosity,learning goal orientation, andself-directed learning orientationwere positively related to IWL; organizational antecedents, namelysocial support—containingsupervisor support,coworker support, anderror-related learning climate—and, surprisingly,time pressurewere positively related to IWL; IWL was positively related to three learning outcomes, namelyjob involvement,newly acquired competency, andorganizational citizenship behavior. The findings establish a basis for future longitudinal studies and theory building in workplace learning research, and they provide managers in organizations with guidance to promote IWL.
Ultrasound Assisted Alkaline Pre‐treatment Efficiently Solubilises Hemicellulose from Oat Hulls
Authors: Schmitz Eva , Karlsson Eva Nordberg , Adlercreutz Patrick 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe establishment of sustainable bioeconomies requires the utilization of new renewable biomaterials. One such material currently seen as a waste product is oat hulls. Oat hulls exhibit a great potential for the production of dietary fibres due to their exceptionally large hemicellulose content (35%). Their recalcitrant structure however requires a suitable pre-treatment method to access and process the hemicellulose. After a screening of various physical, chemical and physico-chemical pre-treatment methods, including autoclaving, ultrasonication, microwave-, deep eutectic solvents-, as well as alkaline treatments, a combined ultrasonication and alkali pre-treatment method was here found to be the most suitable. A factorial design resulted in optimized conditions of 10 min ultrasonication in water, followed by an incubation in 5 M NaOH at 80 ºC for 9 h yielding solubilisation of 72% of all hemicellulose in the hulls. The method was shown to efficiently break the ester bonds between ferulic acid and the hemicellulose main chain, contributing to its solubilisation.
Graphic Abstract