bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new mathematical model of phyllotaxis to solve the genuine puzzle spiromonostichy
Authors: Yonekura Takaaki , Sugiyama Munetaka 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe view is widely accepted that the inhibitory effect of existing leaf primordia on new primordium formation determines phyllotactic patterning. Previous studies have shown that mathematical models based on such inhibitory effect can generate most of phyllotactic patterns. However, a few types of phyllotaxis still remain unaddressed. A notable example is costoid phyllotaxis showing spiromonostichy, which is characterized by a steep spiral with a small divergence angle and is unique to Costaceae plants. Costoid phyllotaxis has been called a “genuine puzzle” because it seems to disagree with the inhibitory effect-based mechanism. In an attempt to produce a steep spiral pattern, we developed a new mathematical model assuming that each leaf primordium emits not only the inhibitory effect but also some inductive effect. Computer simulations with the new model successfully generated a steep spiral pattern when these two effects met a certain relationship. The obtained steep spiral matched the real costoid phyllotaxis observed with Costus megalobractea. We also found by the mathematical model analysis that the early phyllotactic transition in the seedlings of this plant can be explained by the SAM enlargement.
Chronic exposure to odors at naturally occurring concentrations triggers limited plasticity in early stages ofDrosophilaolfactory processing
Authors: Gugel Zhannetta V. , Maurais Elizabeth , Hong Elizabeth J. 
Published: September 2021

ABSTRACTIn insects and mammals, olfactory experience in early life alters olfactory behavior and function in later life. In the vinegar flyDrosophila, flies chronically exposed to a high concentration of a monomolecular odor exhibit reduced behavioral aversion to the familiar odor when it is re- encountered. This change in olfactory behavior has been attributed to selective decreases in the sensitivity of second-order olfactory projection neurons (PNs) in the antennal lobe that respond to the overrepresented odor. However, since odorant compounds do not occur at similarly high concentrations in natural sources, the role of odor experience-dependent plasticity in natural environments is unclear. Here, we investigated olfactory plasticity in the antennal lobe of flies chronically exposed to odors at concentrations that are typically encountered in natural odor sources. These stimuli were chosen to each strongly and selectively excite a single PN type to saturating firing rates, facilitating a rigorous assessment of the selectivity of olfactory plasticity for PNs directly excited by overrepresented stimuli. Unexpectedly, we found that chronic exposure to three such odors did not result in decreased PN sensitivity, but rather mildly increased responses to weak stimuli in most PN types. Odor-evoked PN activity in response to stronger stimuli was mostly unaffected by odor experience. When present, plasticity was observed broadly in multiple PN types and thus was not selective for PNs receiving direct input from the chronically active ORNs. We further investigated the DL5 olfactory coding channel and found that chronic odor-mediated excitation of its input ORNs did not affect PN intrinsic properties, local inhibitory innervation, ORN responses, or ORN-PN synaptic strength; however, broad-acting lateral excitation evoked by some odors was increased. These results show that PN odor coding is only mildly affected by strong persistent activation of a single olfactory input, highlighting the stability of early stages of insect olfactory processing to significant perturbations in the sensory environment.
Dissecting the subtropical adaptation traits and cuticle synthesis pathways via the genome of the subtropical blueberryVaccinium darrowii
Authors: Cui Fuqiang , Ye Xiaoxue , Li Xiaoxiao , Yang Yifan , Hu Zhubing , Overmyer Kirk , Brosché Mikael , Yu Hong , Salojärvi Jarkko 
Published: September 2021

AbstractVaccinium darrowiiis a subtropical wild blueberry species, which was used to breed economically important southern highbush cultivars. The adaptation traits ofV. darrowiito subtropical climate would provide valuable information for breeding blueberry and perhaps other plants, especially against the background of global warming. Here, we assembled theV. darrowiigenome into 12 pseudochoromosomes using Oxford Nanopore long reads complemented with Hi-C scaffolding technologies, and predicted 41 815 genes using RNAseq evidence. Syntenic analysis across threeVacciniumspecies revealed a highly conserved genome structure, with the highest collinearity betweenV. darrowiiandV. corymbosum. This conserved genome structure may explain the high fertilization during crossbreeding betweenV. darrowiiand other blueberry cultivars. Gene expansion and tandem duplication analysis indicated possible roles of defense and flowering associated genes in adaptation ofV. darrowiito the subtropics. The possibleSOC1genes inV. darrowiiwere identified with phylogeny and expression analysis. Blueberries are covered in a thick cuticle layer and contain anthocyanins, which confer their powdery blue color. Using RNA-sequencing, the cuticle biosynthesis pathways ofVacciniumspecies were delineated here inV. darrowii. This result could serve as a reference for breeding berries with customer-desired colors. TheV. darrowiireference genome, together with the unique traits of this species, including diploid genome, short vegetative phase, and high compatibility in hybridization with other blueberries, makeV. darrowiia potential research model for blueberry species.
Central hormone-sensitive lipase is located at synapses and is necessary for normal memory performance in mice
Authors: Skoug Cecilia , Holm Cecilia , Duarte João M.N. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractHormone-sensitive lipase (HSL) is mainly present in the adipose tissue where it hydrolyses diacylglycerol. Although brain expression of HSL has been reported, its presence in different cellular compartments is uncertain, and its role in regulating brain lipid metabolism remains hitherto unexplored. We propose that HSL has a role in regulating the availability of bioactive lipids necessary for adequate neuronal function. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that dampening HSL activity leads to brain dysfunction. We found HSL protein and activity throughout all the mouse brain, localised in neurons and especially enriched in synapses. HSL null mice were then analysed using a battery of behavioural tests. Relative to wild-type littermates, HSL null mice showed impaired short- and long-term memory, but preserved exploratory behaviours. Molecular analysis of the cortex and hippocampus showed increased expression of genes involved in glucose utilization in the hippocampus but not cortex of HSL null mice compared to controls. Lipidomics analyses indicated an impact of HSL deletion on the profile of bioactive lipids, including endocannabinoids and eicosanoids that are known to modulate neuronal activity, cerebral blood blow and inflammation processes. Accordingly, mild increases in expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines suggest low grade inflammation in HSL null mice compared to littermates. We conclude that HSL has a homeostatic role in maintaining pools of lipids that are needed for brain function. It remains to be tested, however, whether the recruitment of HSL for the synthesis of these lipids occurs during increased neuronal activity, or whether HSL participates in neuroinflammatory responses.
Technology facilitation on inclusive learning; higher education institutions in Sri Lanka
Authors: Kirupainayagam David Shiyam , Sutha Jayaranjani 
Published: September 2021

PurposeThe application of technology to higher education is contributing in many ways to create a highly adaptable, inclusive learning environment for all. This study intends to analyze the role of technology facilitation in creating an inclusive learning environment in the higher education institutions (HEIs), which would connect multi-ethnic students and academics effectively in the Sri Lankan context. Therefore, the primary aim of this study is to explore how technology facilitates inclusive learning in HEIs.Design/methodology/approachBased on the qualitative research approach, this study generated data from 30 undergraduates and 10 academics from 5 national universities in Sri Lanka to evaluate the effectiveness of technological facilitation in promoting inclusive learning. The data were then thematically analyzed using NVivo 10.FindingsThe nature of technology facilitation in HEIs and influencing factors such as the internet, search engines, mobile apps and software, cost involved, upgraded knowledge, time efficiency and technological devices. Further, the factors contribute to the HEIs and the benefits realized, such as information gathering, time-saving, cost reduction, information sharing, connective communication, easy learning and online services. On the other hand, challenges such as the involved parties’ resistance to technological change, inadequate infrastructure facilities, lack of technical knowledge, negative perceptions and behaviors, technical failures and health issues will also be assessed.Research limitations/implicationsImplications for policy and practice include a thorough understanding of the nature of technology facilitation in an inclusive environment. The researcher has recommended some strategies and mechanisms to the policymakers that will guide them to use technology as a tool to enhance the inclusive learning practices within HEIs.Originality/valueThis paper presents an original review and it contextualizes the technology facilitations in respect of the inclusive learning environment in HEIs.
Functional niches of cleanerfish species are mediated by habitat use, cleaning intensity and client selectivity
Authors: Côté Isabelle M. , Brandl Simon J. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

An animal's functional niche is a complex, multidimensional construct, mediated by an individual's morphology, physiology and behaviour. Behavioural aspects of the niche can be difficult to quantify, as their expression is often subtle and tailored to an infinite number of different situations that involve sophisticated mechanisms such as mutualisms, species dominance or fear effects.

The extreme diversity of tropical fish assemblages has led to extensive debate over the extent to which species differ in their resource use and functional role. Ectoparasite removal by cleanerfish species is considered a behaviourally complex interspecific interaction in vertebrates, but differences in the services rendered by various species of cleanerfish, and potential consequences for the range of clients (i.e. resources) they attract, have rarely been examined.

Here, we quantify differences among three coexisting species of morphologically similar cleaner wrasses (Labroides bicolor, L. dimidiatus and L. pectoralis) in the global centre of marine biodiversity, the Coral Triangle.

We found no clear taxonomic partitioning of clients among cleanerfishes. However, the three cleanerfish species exhibited distinct habitat preferences, and differed in their cleaning intensity: L. bicolor serviced the fewest species and clients, while L. pectoralis serviced the most clients and spent the most time cleaning.

Accordingly, L. pectoralis showed no preference for clients based on client size or abundance, while both L. bicolor and L. dimidiatus had a higher likelihood of interacting with clients based on their size (larger client species in L. bicolor, smaller client species in L. dimidiatus) and abundance (more abundant client species for both).

Our results suggest that the services rendered by the three species of cleanerfishes differ in their spatial availability, quality and selectivity, thus permitting the coexistence of these species despite their ecological similarity. This, in turn, creates a complex seascape of species‐specific cleaning services that underpins crucial biotic interactions in the ocean's most diverse ecosystem.
Comparing opportunistic and strategic removal efforts to manage invasive fish species using a dynamic multi‐state occupancy model
Authors: Rogosch Jane S. , Olden Julian D. 
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Growing ecological and economic impacts of invasive species have heightened the need for new science to inform management that prevents and counteracts their impacts. A persistent challenge is to identify whether removal programs, which range widely in their approach, are successful. Given the variability in dynamic environmental conditions and complex biotic interactions among species, identifying the effectiveness of removal programs intended to lessen nonnative species impacts is inherently difficult. We were interested in whether strategic (i.e. significant coordination and investment) and opportunistic (i.e. temporally periodic and implemented at smaller spatial scales) removal programs result in measurable, and if so, comparable benefits to native fish conservation.

We applied a novel dynamic co‐occurrence model to evaluate nonnative fish removal efforts across the Lower Colorado River Basin (USA), while accounting for potential interspecific species interactions and variable hydrologic regimes. We examined the co‐occurrence of two native fishes of conservation concern and two other representative fishes of endemic assemblages, each paired with a nonnative species hypothesized to negatively affect the focal native species.

Our model results suggest that both strategic and opportunistic removal programs result in lower extinction probabilities for native fishes (1.2 times greater for strategic programs), especially species of conservation concern, when compared to locations and years not subject to removal. Nonnative species presence mediated native species dynamics, most notably by increasing native species extinction probability during drought years regardless of removal program. Removal efforts resulted in modest changes in extinction probabilities for nonnative fishes, but no measurable effect on colonization dynamics.

Synthesis and applications. Both strategic and opportunistic nonnative fish removal programs can help meet recovery goals for native fishes, even over large areas and long after nonnative species are established. Quantifying dynamics of native and nonnative fishes in a multi‐state dynamic co‐occurrence model highlights the collective management value of individual programs at regional scales. Increased evaluation of ongoing nonnative removal programs remains critical to ensuring that management actions are warranted and effective in meeting desired conservation outcomes.
Digestive tube of an herbivorous fish (Rhytiodus microlepis) from the Amazonian floodplain lakes: A morphological and histochemical study
Authors: de Matos Lorena Vieira , de Oliveira Maria Inês Braga , de Oliveira Malta José Celso , da Silva Grazyelle Sebrenski 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study describes the morphology and histochemistry of the digestive tube of the herbivorous fish Rhytiodus microlepis, which is commonly found in the Amazonian floodplain lakes, Brazil. Thirty‐eight fish were used in this study. The digestive tube was measured and dissected for anatomical description, and stained with (i) haematoxylin and eosin, for histological analyses; (ii) periodic acid–Schiff, for detected neutral mucins; and (iii) Alcian Blue (AB) pH 1.0 and 2.5 for acid and sulphated acid mucins. The oesophagus, with its secretory cells and taste buds, is adapted for lubrication of vegetable matter, resistance to friction and reception of stimuli. The stomach is U‐shaped and rich in gastric glands, particularly in cardiac and fundic regions, which are adapted to receive large amounts of food, and promotes the digestion. The intestine comprises more than 70% of the digestive tube. All portions of the intestine, except the rectum, have the same pattern of mucosal folds, and the goblet cells reacted positively to all histochemical methods (PAS, AB 1.0 and 2.5), while rodlet cells reacted only to periodic acid–Schiff (PAS) staining. Neutral mucins and sulphated acid mucins predominated in the anterior portion of the intestine and a high concentration of carboxylated acid mucosubstances were present in the other portions. The rectum showed a strong reaction to all histochemical methods. The muscular layer of the intestine consists of three layers, which showed features presumably related to the rigid nature of the food. A simple squamous epithelium constitutes the serous layer over the entire length of the tube.
Recruitment of adults with moderate eczema for a randomised trial: Comparison of traditional versus modern methods
Authors: Spada Fabrizio , Harrison Ian P. , Barnes Tanya M. , Greive Kerryn A. , Daniels Daisy , Townley Joshua P. , Mostafa Niyaz , Fong Andrew T. , Tong Philip L. , Shumack Stephen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundClinical trial recruitment is challenging for investigators who often overestimate the pool of qualified, willing subjects. Moreover, there is a paucity of literature, particularly in dermatology, regarding recruitment and the comparative success of advertising strategies.MethodsBoth ‘traditional’ (physician referral, newspaper and radio advertisements, letterbox drops, posters/flyers, word‐of‐mouth) and ‘modern’ (patient recruitment services, social media, Google advertisements, websites, email) recruitment methods were used to enrol 100 patients (>18 years) diagnosed with moderate eczema for a randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial investigating the efficacy and safety of a topical eczema treatment over 4 weeks. The relationships between recruitment method and patient age, sex, race, study completion and costs were analysed.ResultsThe majority of patients recruited were young, with millennials and Gen Z comprising 77% of the study population. Both traditional and modern recruitment methods were equally successful in recruiting younger patients, with older patients predominately recruited by traditional methods. Eighty per cent more men were recruited by traditional compared to modern methods, whilst 67% more women than men were recruited by modern methods. Recruitment method neither appeared to be influenced by race, nor did it effect whether patients completed the study. Costs per enrolment were similar for both methods.ConclusionsThis study shows that despite the high proportion of young patients and the rising popularity of social media and increased internet use, a combination of both traditional and modern recruitment methods was required to successfully meet the trial enrolment target of 100 adult patients with moderate eczema.
Comparison between early surgical treatment and conservative treatment of appendicitis in cancer patients
Authors: Park Sin Hye , Park Sung Sil , Lee Dong Woon , Park Hyoung‐Chul , Park Sung Chan , Hong Chang Won , Sohn Dae Kyung , Han Kyung Su , Chang Hee Jin , Oh Jae Hwan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundsIn cancer patients, the optimal appendicitis treatment has not been established. Therefore, we aimed to determine the ideal treatment option for appendicitis in cancer patients.MethodsThis retrospective study included 185 cancer patients with acute appendicitis who were divided into the early surgical group (n = 152) involving surgery performed within 48 h following the appendicitis diagnosis or the conservative group (n = 33) involving intravenous antibiotics. We compared the appendicitis treatment efficacy between the groups.ResultsIn the early surgical group, the antibiotic duration [5.5 days (4.0–8.0) vs. 17.0 days (12.5–25.0), p < 0.001] and hospital stay length [7.0 days (5.0–11.75) vs. 10.0 days (8.0–32.0), p < 0.001] were significantly shorter. Regarding pathology, 16/171 (9.4%) patients who underwent surgery exhibited appendiceal tumours. During the 1‐year follow‐up period, one recurrence occurred in each group [1/152 (0.7%) vs. 1/33 (3.0%), p = 0.326]. The 1‐year treatment success rate was higher in the early surgical group [99.3% (151/152) vs. 42.4% (14/33), p < 0.001].ConclusionEarly surgical treatment yielded a significantly higher success rate than conservative treatment for appendicitis in cancer patients. Surgery for appendicitis in cancer patients should be considered not only for treatment but also for pathologic confirmation.
A journey of emotions from a young environmental activist
Authors: Halstead Florence , Parsons Lucie R. , Dunhill Ally , Parsons Katie 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe Earth is currently undergoing a sixth global‐scale ecological crisis. The most recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) report of 2021 highlighted a need to curb global heating at 1.5 degrees above the pre‐industrial baseline, and outlined a range of likely impacts of climate change on global societies should no action be taken, particularly in relation to reducing greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. Despite this need, policy‐based action at a nation state level is lacking, with talks at COP25 failing to reach necessary agreements. In response to this, and as we approach COP26, a significant global youth movement has been activated, with children and young people taking it upon themselves to highlight a need for climate and environmental action, calling for others to follow. This paper follows the emotional journey of one of its co‐authors, 11‐year‐old environmental activist, Lucie. Through the innovative approach of co‐production with Lucie, in this paper we detail the role of emotion in one youth activist’s journey. From her initial reactions watching BBC’sBlue Planet II, to the multifaceted highs and lows that have followed as she strives for change, we illuminate the emotional implications such experiences may have on children and young people.
Mass transport deposits in reflection seismic data offshore Oregon, USA
Authors: Lenz Brandi L. , Sawyer Derek E. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSubmarine landslides associated with the Cascadia subduction zone offshore of the Pacific northwest United States and Canada represent significant natural geohazards. Mapping past submarine landslide deposits is critical for understanding present and future slope failure and tsunami hazard potential. We focus on the portion of Cascadia offshore Oregon to map the occurrences of submarine landslide deposits (mass transport deposits [MTDs]) in the subsurface using recent high‐resolution reflection seismic data. We identified 133 MTDs and categorized them based on their present morphology inferred from their acoustic characteristics as disintegrative or blocky. Interestingly, nearly 76% of the MTDs are located in the northern Oregon margin and many of these are non‐cohesive disintegrative deposits. MTDs are less common in the southern Oregon margin, however, they were also much larger and more cohesive than those found in the north. The differences are not likely to be related to differences in earthquake intensity but rather sedimentation rates and basin structures. Specifically, the northern Oregon margin is proximal to the sediment‐delivery systems of the Columbia River and has landward verging fold‐and‐thrust structures, whereas the southern Oregon margin is relatively sediment starved and has seaward verging structures resulting in fewer steep ridges. Because of the higher sedimentation rates, the northern Oregon margin may be prone to more frequent and disintegrative types of slope failures. In contrast, the southern margin may have enhanced slope stability due to seismic strengthening and lower sedimentation rates. However, when slope failures do occur in the southern Oregon margin, they tend to be more cohesive and blocky. Therefore, even though there are fewer slope failures in the southern Oregon margin, there is still hazard potential because fast‐moving cohesive slope failures can generate tsunami.