bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distribution and abundance of sei whales off the west coast of the Falkland Islands
Authors: Weir Caroline R. , Taylor Maria , Jelbes Pamela A. Q. , Stanworth Andrew , Hammond Philip S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLittle information exists on the current status of Southern Hemisphere sei whales (Balaenoptera borealis). We assessed their distribution and abundance along the west coast of the Falkland Islands (southwest Atlantic) during February and March 2018, using line transect and nonsystematic surveys. Abundance estimates were generated for a single survey stratum using design‐ and model‐based approaches. Sightings of sei whales and unidentified baleen whales (most, if not all, likely to be sei whales) occurred from the coast to the 100 m depth isobath that marked the offshore boundary of the stratum. The modeled distribution predicted highest whale densities in King George Bay and in the waters between Weddell Island and the Passage Islands. Sei whale abundance was estimated as 716 animals (CV = 0.22; 95% CI [448, 1,144]; density = 0.20 whales/km2) using the design‐based approach, and 707 animals (CV = 0.11; 95% CI [566, 877]; density = 0.20 whales/km2) using the model‐based approach. For sei whales and unidentified baleen whales combined, the equivalent estimates were 916 animals (CV = 0.19; 95% CI [606, 1,384]; density = 0.26 whales/km2) and 895 animals (CV = 0.074; 95% CI [777, 1,032]; density = 0.25 whales/km2). The data indicate that the Falkland Islands inner shelf region may support globally important seasonal feeding aggregations of sei whales, and potentially qualify as a Key Biodiversity Area.
Genome‐wide shifts in histone modifications at early stage of rice infection with Meloidogyne graminicola
Authors: Atighi Mohammad Reza , Verstraeten Bruno , De Meyer Tim , Kyndt Tina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEpigenetic processes play a crucial role in the regulation of plant stress responses, but their role in plant–pathogen interactions remains poorly understood. Although histone‐modifying enzymes have been observed to be deregulated in galls induced by root‐knot nematodes (RKN, Meloidogyne graminicola) in rice, their influence on plant defence and their genome‐wide impact has not been comprehensively investigated. First, the role of histone modifications in plant–nematode interactions was confirmed by pharmacological inhibition of histone‐modifying enzymes, which all significantly affected rice susceptibility to RKN. For a more specific view, three histone marks, H3K9ac, H3K9me2, and H3K27me3, were subsequently studied by chromatin‐immunoprecipitation‐sequencing on RKN‐induced galls at 3 days postinoculation. While levels of H3K9ac and H3K27me3 were strongly enriched, H3K9me2 was generally depleted in galls versus control root tips. Differential histone peaks were generally associated with plant defence‐related genes. Transcriptome analysis using RNA‐Seq and RT‐qPCR‐based validation revealed that genes marked with H3K9ac or H3K9me2 showed the expected activation or repression gene expression pattern, but this was not the case for H3K27me3 marks. Our results indicate that histone modifications respond dynamically to RKN infection, and that posttranslational modifications mainly at H3K9 specifically target plant defence‐related genes.
Half‐Diminished Seventh Chords and Their Contexts
Authors: LAMBERT PHILIP 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTA comprehensive theory of half‐diminished seventh chord usages recognises the potential of the chord's outer pitches to move in one of four ways: wedging inward, wedging outward, with the root as the common tone or with the seventh as the common tone. Typical destination chords are major and minor triads but can also be seventh chords, as in the opening phrase of Wagner's Prelude to Act 1 of Tristan und Isolde. Examples from the music of Berlioz, Brahms, Chopin, Debussy, Dvořák, Grieg, Liszt, Tchaikovsky, Richard Strauss and Wagner demonstrate the full range of possibilities and some artistic contexts. Extended implementations of half‐diminished harmonies include the Finale of Tchaikovsky's Sixth Symphony, the interlude between Scenes 2 and 3 of Act 1 of Wagner's Götterdämmerung and Debussy's Pelléas et Mélisande.
Brassinosteroid‐BZR1/2‐WAT1 module determines the high level of auxin signalling in vascular cambium during wood formation
Authors: Lee Jinsu , Kim Hyemin , Park Sin‐Gi , Hwang Hyeona , Yoo Seung‐il , Bae Wonsil , Kim Eunhui , Kim Jaehoon , Lee Hwa‐Yong , Heo Tae‐Young , Kang Kwon Kyoo , Lee Yuree , Hong Chang Pyo , Cho Hyunwoo , Ryu Hojin 
Published: February 2021

Summary

The tight regulation of local auxin homeostasis and signalling maxima in xylem precursor cells specifies the organising activity of the vascular cambium and consequently promotes xylem differentiation and wood formation. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the local auxin signalling maxima in the vascular cambium are largely unknown.

Here, we reveal that brassinosteroid (BR)‐activated WALLS ARE THIN1 (WAT1) facilitates wood formation by enhancing local auxin signalling in the vascular cambium in Solanum lycopersicum.

Growth defects and low auxin signalling readouts in the BR‐deficient tomato cultivar, Micro‐Tom, were associated with a novel recessive allele, Slwat1‐copi, created by the insertion of a retrotransposon in the last exon of the SlWAT1 locus. Molecular and genetic studies by generating the gain‐of‐function and loss‐of‐function tomato mutants revealed that SlWAT1 is a critical regulator for fine tuning local auxin homeostasis and signalling outputs in vascular cambium to facilitate secondary growth. Finally, we discovered that BR‐regulated SlBZR1/2 directly activated downstream auxin responses by SlWAT1 upregulation in xylem precursor cells to facilitate xylem differentiation and subsequent wood formation.

Our data suggest that the BR‐SlBZR1/2–WAT1 signalling network contributes to the high level of auxin signalling in the vascular cambium for secondary growth.
Who Looks after the Kids? The Effects of Childcare Choice on Early Childhood Development in China*
Authors: Zhang Jing , Appleton Simon , Song Lina , Liu Bing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper examines whether childcare choice affects the early childhood development of children aged 7–59 months. Using the data from Chinese Family Panel Studies, we look at household choices between parental and grandparental cares and the timing of four key early life achievements – walking, talking, counting and toilet training. We conceptualize early childhood development within a household production model, which enables us to identify the impacts of childcare. Our results suggest that compared with parental care, grandparental care delays the achievement of all four outcome measures. Grandparental care is particularly disadvantageous for children who are ‘left‐behind’ by migrant parents.
Anticaries activity of GERM CLEAN in Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans dual‐species biofilm
Authors: Xiong Kaixin , Chen Xuan , Zhu Hualing , Ji Mengzhen , Zou Ling 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the antimicrobial effects of a peptide containing novel oral spray GERM CLEAN on dual‐species biofilm formed by Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans and to investigate whether GERM CLEAN inhibits the demineralization procedure of bovine enamel in vitro.MethodsThe antimicrobial effects of GERM CLEAN on dual‐species biofilm were analyzed by initial adherence rate calculation, water‐insoluble exopolysaccharides quantification, total biomass quantification, and colony‐forming units (CFUs) counting. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal laser scanning microscopy were applied to evaluate the impacts of GERM CLEAN on the biofilm structure. Further, the effects of GERM CLEAN on acidogenicity of dual‐species were appraised via glycolytic pH drop analysis and hydroxyapatite dissolution measurement. The percentage of Surface Microhardness Reduction (%SMHR) evaluation, Atomic Force Micrograph (AFM) examination, and Transverse Microradiography (TMR) analysis after pH cycling were used to determine whether GERM CLEAN inhibited the demineralization of bovine enamel.ResultsGERM CLEAN decreased the adherence rate, water‐insoluble EPS production, biofilm formation, and acidogenicity of the dual‐species. Moreover, GERM CLEAN significantly inhibited the demineralization status of bovine enamels.ConclusionThis peptide containing novel oral spray GERM CLEAN has antimicrobial potential toward the dual‐species. GERM CLEAN can also impede the demineralization procedure of enamel.
Managing mucormycosis in diabetic patients: A case report with critical review of the literature
Authors: Beiglboeck Fabian M. , Theofilou Nantia E. , Fuchs Matthias D. , Wiesli Matthias G. , Leiggener Christoph , Igelbrink Sebastian , Augello Marcello 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackground and PurposeRhino–orbito–cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare and potentially fatal invasive fungal infection which usually occurs in diabetic and other immunocompromised patients. This infection is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Prompt diagnosis and rapid aggressive surgical debridement and antimycotic therapy are essential for the patient's survival.Herein, we reviewed the localization and treatment strategies in patients with ROCM and diabetes as an underlying condition. Furthermore, we report one case of ROCM in our department.Materials and MethodsFrom 117 identified studies published in PubMed, 14 publications—containing data from 54 patients—were included. All patients were diagnosed clinically and by histopathological and/or bacteriological analysis for ROCM caused by the order Mucorales.ConclusionUncontrolled diabetes mellitus is one of the main risk factors for ROCM. A successful management of ROCM requires an early diagnosis, a prompt systemic antifungal therapy, and a rapid aggressive surgical debridement including exploration of the pterygopalatine fossa. An orbital exenteration may be necessary.
Energy crossroads and prioritization of energy choices: the case of India
Authors: Rej Soumen , Nag Barnali 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFor countries like India, energy policy challenge lies in planning for a national energy portfolio which ensures uninterrupted supply of affordable electricity while reducing carbon emissions with the least socio‐economic impediments like land acquisition. This study illustrates prioritization of seven major energy alternatives for power generation on the basis of their direct and dynamic land requirements, generation cost, carbon emission and reliability of generation. Detailed data of typical power plants in India are used, and the energy sources are then ranked using the MCDM TOPSIS technique in five different scenarios of policy focus. Results indicate that (i) India needs to focus more on gas‐based generation to phase out coal and gradually transition to a cleaner energy path and (ii) among renewables, solar is a clearer choice over wind in terms of both cost and land requirement per tonne of carbon abatement.
Changes in Serum Prealbumin and Incision Complications Following Spinal Tuberculosis Surgery: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bao Yu‐cheng , Yu Ming , Tang Liang , Ning Hua‐ying , Zhang Wen‐long 
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesTo explore the trend of changes in the serum prealbumin (PA) level in patients with spinal tuberculosis during the perioperative period and its relationship with postoperative incision complications.MethodsA retrospective study was performed by enrolling 162 patients (82 men and 80 women) with spinal tuberculosis who had been admitted to the Tianjin Haihe Hospital from June 2013 to June 2017. The included patients were then assigned to the elderly group (≥65 years of age, n = 35) and the non‐elderly group (<65 years of age, n = 127). The chemotherapy regimen was 3HREZ/9HRE, in combination with nutritional support for 3–4 weeks, as well as one‐stage debridement and (or) bone graft fusion and internal fixation. The serum PA levels of patients with spinal tuberculosis at admission, prior to surgery, and at 2 and 4 weeks after surgery were collected, and incision healing and sinus formation were observed for 3 months. Changes in serum PA levels of all patients at different time points were observed using one‐way analysis of variance. Pairwise comparison at different time points was performed using the least significant difference method and comparison of serum PA levels between different groups at the same time points was subjected to t‐test. The χ2‐test was used for comparison of the incidence of incision complications between different groups and between different subgroups based on different PA levels.ResultsThere was a gradual increased trend in the PA level from admission to 4 weeks after surgery in all patients [(0.14 ± 0.03) g/L < (0.16 ± 0.04)g/L < (0.22 ± 0.04) g/L < (0.25 ± 0.04) g/L]. The increase in the non‐elderly group was higher than that in the elderly group (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the incidence of incision complications in the elderly group was higher than in the non‐elderly group (14.29% > 1.78%, P < 0.01). The serum PA level was graded in accordance with NRS2002. There were 88 patients with preoperative grade 0–1 serum PA level (≥0.16g/L) who had no incision complications. The incidence of incision complications in patients with grade 3 serum PA level (<0.10 g/L, 9 patients) was higher than in patients with grade 2 (0.100–0.159 g/L, 66 patients) (44.44% > 6.06%, P < 0.01).ConclusionChanges in serum PA level in patients with spinal tuberculosis during the perioperative period are consistent with the trend of inflammation control and nutrition improvement, and are correlated with the incidence of incision complications after surgery. The relationship between the changes and the timing of surgery is worthy of future research.
House dust microbiota and atopic dermatitis; effect of urbanization
Authors: Mahdavinia Mahboobeh , Greenfield Leah R. , Moore Donyea , Botha Maresa , Engen Phillip , Gray Claudia , Lunjani Nonhlanhla , Hlela Carol , Basera Wisdom , Hobane Lelani , Watkins Alexandra , Mankahla Avumile , Gaunt Ben , Facey‐Thomas Heidi , Landay Alan , Keshavarzian Ali , Levin Michael E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have shown that a child's risk of developing atopic disease is impacted by both genetic and environmental factors. Because small children spend the majority of their time in their homes, exposure to microbial factors in their home environment may be protective or risk factors for development of atopic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis.MethodsDust samples from the homes of 86 Black South African children 12 to 36 months old were collected for analysis of the bacterial microbiome. This case‐control study design included children with and without atopic dermatitis from rural and urban environments.ResultsSignificant differences in bacterial composition and diversity were found when comparing children with and without atopic dermatitis. Furthermore, house dust microbiota was significantly different in rural and urban areas. Differences were best accounted for by higher relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae, Lachnospiraceae, and Bacteroidaceae families in rural compared with urban houses. Levels of Ruminococcaceae were also found to be significantly depleted in the house dust of rural children with atopic dermatitis as compared to control children.ConclusionsHouse dust composition may be an important risk factor for the development of atopic disease, and this association may be driven in part by the gut microbiome. Low levels of the Ruminococcaceae family from Clostridia class in particular may explain the association between urban living and atopy. However, further research is needed to elucidate these links.
The “Isms” of Regional Integration: What Do Underlying Interstate Preferences Hold for the ECOWAS Union?
Authors: Igwe Paul Agu , Ochinanwata Chinedu , Madichie Nnamdi O. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAs the world starts reopening following the lockdowns prompted by the COVID‐19 pandemic, regional collaborations and trade matters have resurfaced. While the Brexit (British exit from the EU) negotiations have dominated regional trade headlines, the fate of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement is also being rethought. In all these, however, the issue of regional integration, administration, and governance of treaties and policies remain contentious areas. Considering these concerns, this article draws insights from the regionalization of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). We explore the “isms” (that is, the ideologies of realism, neoliberalism, intergovernmentalism, institutionalism, and regionalism) that impact upon the achievement and implementation of the regional governance system. We analyze ECOWAS' current strategy toward the integration of the West African region, its successes, and its failures. Also, we highlight some of the challenges concerning the implementation of treaties. Finally, we evaluate the underlying national preferences and the implications for the “isms” in many settings.Related ArticlesAideyan, Osaore. 2016. “Political and Institutional Prerequisites for Monetary Union: Assessing Progress in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).” Politics & Policy 44 (6): 1192‐1212. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12183Asongu, Simplice A. 2016. “Determinants of Growth in Fast‐Developing Countries: Evidence from Bundling and Unbundling Institutions.” Politics & Policy 44 (1): 97‐134. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12148/fullCerami, Alfio. 2011. “Social Mechanisms in the Establishment of the European Economic and Monetary Union.” Politics & Policy 39 (3): 345‐372. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00294.x/full
Imperative role of sugar signaling and transport during drought stress responses in plants
Authors: Kaur Harmeet , Manna Mrinalini , Thakur Tanika , Gautam Vibhav , Salvi Prafull 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCellular sugar status is essentially maintained during normal growth conditions but is impacted negatively during various environmental perturbations. Drought presents one such unfavorable environmental cue that hampers the photosynthetic fixation of carbon into sugars and affects their transport by lowering the cellular osmotic potential. The transport of cellular sugar is facilitated by a specific set of proteins known as sugar transporters. These transporter proteins are the key determinant of influx/ efflux of various sugars and their metabolite intermediates that support the plant growth and developmental process. Abiotic stress and especially drought stress‐mediated injury results in reprogramming of sugar distribution across the cellular and subcellular compartments. Here, we have reviewed the imperative role of sugar accumulation, signaling, and transport under typical and atypical stressful environments. We have discussed the physiological effects of drought on sugar accumulation and transport through different transporter proteins involved in monosaccharide and disaccharide sugar transport. Further, we have illustrated sugar‐mediated signaling and regulation of sugar transporter proteins along with the overall crosstalk of this signaling with the phytohormone module of abiotic stress response under osmotic stress. Overall, the present review highlights the critical role of sugar transport, distribution and signaling in plants under drought stress conditions.
Effect of temperature on the Arabidopsis cryptochrome photocycle
Authors: Pooam Marootpong , Dixon Nykiera , Hilvert Michael , Misko Peter , Waters Kristy , Jourdan Nathalie , Drahy Soria , Mills Stephen , Engle Dorothy , Link Justin , Ahmad Margaret 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCryptochromes are blue light‐absorbing photoreceptors found in plants and animals with many important signalling functions. These include control of plant growth, development, and the entrainment of the circadian clock. Plant cryptochromes have recently been implicated in adaptations to temperature variation, including temperature compensation of the circadian clock. However, the effect of temperature directly on the photochemical properties of the cryptochrome photoreceptor remains unknown. Here we show that the response to light of purified Arabidopsis Cry1 and Cry2 proteins was significantly altered by temperature. Spectral analysis at 15°C showed a pronounced decrease in flavin reoxidation rates from the biologically active, light‐induced (FADH°) signalling state of cryptochrome to the inactive (FADox) resting redox state as compared to ambient (25°C) temperature. This result indicates that at low temperatures, the concentration of the biologically active FADH° redox form of Cry is increased, leading to the counterintuitive prediction that there should be an increased biological activity of Cry at lower temperatures. This was confirmed using Cry1 cryptochrome C‐terminal phosphorylation as a direct biological assay for Cry activation in vivo. We conclude that enhanced cryptochrome function in vivo at low temperature is consistent with modulation by temperature of the cryptochrome photocycle.
An investigation of the relationship between religious coping and life satisfaction in oncology patients aged 65 and over
Authors: Aslan Gülpinar , Bakan Ayse Berivan , Kilic Dilek 
Published: February 2021

BackgroundReligious coping refers to the use of religion or spirituality to cope with stressful situations. Religious coping is a concept which involves both positive and negative cases. Studies on oncology patients, who encounter various physical and psychological difficulties, report that religious coping beliefs and practices are of great importance in helping patients to face the disease, adapt to this crisis period and accept their disease, and maintain their hope. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the relationship between religious coping and life satisfaction in oncology patients aged 65 and over.MethodsThis descriptive study was conducted at a university hospital in a city located in eastern Turkey between March and July 2020 with the voluntary participation of 125 patients with cancer. Data collection was performed via the Demographic Characteristics Form, Life Satisfaction Scale, and Religious Coping Scale.ResultsMean score of the Life Satisfaction Scale was significantly higher among the participants with a monthly income of 2000 tl and over, who lived with their spouse and children, who adapted to the diseases, and who perceived their health status as ‘good’. The mean score of the Religious Coping Scale was significantly higher in the participants with metastasis. There was a negative, statistically significant relationship between the Life Satisfaction Scale total mean score and the Negative Religious Coping sub‐scale mean score (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study found that negative religious coping negatively affected life satisfaction. Further, patients with cancer should be provided with psychosocial support programs that enable them to express the cases causing them to think what they experience is a divine punishment, encourage them in this way, and help them feel relieved.