bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decreasing glucocorticoid levels towards the expansion front suggest ongoing expansion in a terrestrial mammal
Authors: Azevedo Alexandre , Bailey Liam , Bandeira Victor , Fonseca Carlos , Wauters Jella , Jewgenow Katarina 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Understanding the causes of range expansions in abundant species can help predict future species distributions. During range expansions, animals are exposed to novel environments and are required to cope with new and unpredictable stressors. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are mediators of the hormonal and behavioural mechanisms allowing animals to cope with unpredictable changes in the environment and are therefore expected to differ between populations at expansion edge and the historic range. However, to date, very few studies have evaluated the relationship between GCs and range expansion. The Egyptian mongoose has been rapidly expanding its range in Portugal over the past 30 years. In this study, we applied an information theoretic approach to determine the most important spatial and environmental predictors of hair GCs (hGCs) in the population, after controlling for normal patterns of hGC variation in the species. We observed a decrease in hGC as distance from the historic range increased (i.e. closer to the expansion front). This distance term was present in all of the top models and had a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) that did not overlap with zero, strongly supporting its influence on hGC. We estimated a 0.031 pg/mg (95% CI: −0.057, −0.004) decrease in hGCs for each kilometre distance to the Tagus River, which was once the limit of the species’ distribution. Our results indicate that the species’ expansion is unlikely to be limited by mechanisms related to or mediated by the physiological stress response. The decrease in hGC levels towards the expansion edge coupled with limited evidence of a negative effect of human population density suggests that the species’ northward expansion in Portugal could continue.
Effects of human disturbance on postnatal growth and baseline corticosterone in a long-lived bird
Authors: Watson Hannah , Monaghan Pat , Heidinger Britt J , Bolton Mark 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Prolonged or repeated episodes of environmental stress could be especially detrimental for developing young, via impaired growth or development. Despite this, most studies investigating the effects of human recreational and tourism activities have focused on adults. An increasing demand for nature-based tourism in remote locations means that many seabirds, which have evolved largely in the absence of predators and humans, are being exposed to novel pressures. The slow-growing semi-precocial nestlings of the European storm petrel Hydrobates pelagicus experience higher mortality rates in nests exposed to human recreational disturbance. Here, we examine whether surviving nestlings reared in disturbed areas are also affected via changes in growth trajectories and baseline circulating glucocorticoids. Nestlings reared in high-disturbance areas displayed delayed mass growth, and we found weak evidence for slower rates of mass gain and tarsus growth, compared with nestlings reared in undisturbed areas. There were no differences in wing growth, consistent with prioritization of long wings, important for post-fledging survival. A tendency for a less marked age-related decline in corticosterone (CORT) in disturbed nestlings offers limited evidence that changes in growth trajectories were mediated by baseline CORT. However, disturbed nestlings could have experienced overall higher GC exposure if the acute GC response was elevated. ‘Catch-up’ growth enabled high-disturbance nestlings to overcome early constraints and achieve a similar, or even larger, asymptotic body size and mass as low-disturbance nestlings. While catch-up growth has been shown to carry costs for parents and offspring, the effects of disturbance were slight and considerably smaller than growth alterations driven by variation in environmental conditions between years. Nonetheless, effects of human recreational activities could be exacerbated under higher levels of human disturbance or in the presence of multiple pressures, as imposed by present rapid rates of environmental change.
Isolation and characterization of two highly insecticidal, endophytic strains of Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: García-Suárez Rosalina , Verduzco-Rosas Luis A , Ibarra Jorge E 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACT
Recent discovery of endophytic strains of Bacillus thuringiensis significantly improves the knowledge on its ecology. It also may be a new source for the isolation of insecticidal strains. This report shows the characterization of two endophytic, highly insecticidal strains of B. thuringiensis. Strains LBIT-1250L and LBIT-1251P were isolated from lavender and Poinsettia sap, respectively. Their parasporal crystals were very similar in morphology to those shown by serotypes israelensis and kurstaki, respectively. Bioassays on Aedes aegypti fourth instar larvae and on Manduca sexta first instar larvae, respectively, showed significantly higher levels of toxicity than those of their standard counterparts, IPS-82 (israelensis) and HD-1 (kurstaki) strains, respectively. Characterization of both strains included the sequencing of flagellin (hag) gene, plasmid and Bc Rep-PCR patterns and crystal protein content. All four characterization features indicated that LBIT1250L is highly related to the IPS-82 standard (serotype H-14: israelensis); while the LBIT-1251P was highly related to the HD-1 standard (serotype H-3a3b3c kurstaki). These results indicate that endophytic strains of B. thuringiensis may be a new source of potential insecticidal strains and opens more in-depth studies about the role of this bacterium in such a specialized habitat.
Long Reads Are Revolutionizing 20 Years of Insect Genome Sequencing
Authors: Hotaling Scott , Sproul John S , Heckenhauer Jacqueline , Powell Ashlyn , Larracuente Amanda M , Pauls Steffen U , Kelley Joanna L , Frandsen Paul B 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The first insect genome assembly (Drosophila melanogaster) was published two decades ago. Today, nuclear genome assemblies are available for a staggering 601 insect species representing 20 orders. In this study, we analyzed the most-contiguous assembly for each species and provide a “state-of-the-field” perspective, emphasizing taxonomic representation, assembly quality, gene completeness, and sequencing technologies. Relative to species richness, genomic efforts have been biased toward four orders (Diptera, Hymenoptera, Collembola, and Phasmatodea), Coleoptera are underrepresented, and 11 orders still lack a publicly available genome assembly. The average insect genome assembly is 439.2 Mb in length with 87.5% of single-copy benchmarking genes intact. Most notable has been the impact of long-read sequencing; assemblies that incorporate long reads are ∼48× more contiguous than those that do not. We offer four recommendations as we collectively continue building insect genome resources: 1) seek better integration between independent research groups and consortia, 2) balance future sampling between filling taxonomic gaps and generating data for targeted questions, 3) take advantage of long-read sequencing technologies, and 4) expand and improve gene annotations.
Milk, Yogurt, and Cheese Intake Is Positively Associated With Cognitive Executive Functions in Older Adults of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Tessier Anne-Julie , Presse Nancy , Rahme Elham , Ferland Guylaine , Bherer Louis , Chevalier Stéphanie 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundDairy products provide essential nutrients such as calcium and vitamins B12 and D, and include bioactive peptides and fermented products, which may be beneficial for cognition, especially in older adults. Yet, few studies of large contemporary cohorts have investigated this relationship using sensitive domain-specific cognitive tests.MethodIn community-dwelling older adults of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (2011–2015), we examined cross-sectional associations between total and specific dairy product intake and performance in 3 cognitive domains (executive functions, memory, and psychomotor speed). Cheese, milk, yogurt, regular-fat, low-fat, and fermented dairy product intake frequencies were estimated using a food frequency questionnaire; participants were classified into quartiles. Multivariate analyses of covariance models were applied to estimate differences.ResultsIn 7 945 participants (65–86 years, 49% women, 97% Caucasian), the mean dairy product intake was 1.9 (1.1) times/d. Total dairy product, cheese, and low-fat dairy product intakes were positively associated with the executive function domain and yogurt intake with the memory domain (all p &lt; .05), independently of important covariates including age, gender, education, and diet quality. Intakes of total dairy product, cheese, and low-fat dairy product were associated with verbal fluency specifically (all p &lt; .05). Participants with a dairy product intake &gt;2.5 times/d had a higher score compared to those consuming less. No associations were found with psychomotor speed.ConclusionsThis large cohort study suggests a specific role for dairy components in executive function phonemic verbal fluency and memory. Dairy product intake, a modifiable factor, may be targeted in cognitive health-promoting interventions.
Residential Street Block Disorder and Biological Markers of Aging in Older Adults: The National Health and Aging Trends Study
Authors: Roberts Lavigne Laken C , Tian Jing , Hladek Melissa , LaFave Sarah E , Szanton Sarah L , Samuel Laura J 
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Background
Residential environments are associated with older adults’ health, but underlying physiologic causal mechanisms are not well understood. As adults age, street blocks are likely more relevant to their health than the larger neighborhood environment. This study examined the effects of adverse street block conditions on aging biomarkers among older adults.

Methods
We included community-dwelling Medicare beneficiaries aged 67 and older with 2017 biomarker data from the nationally representative National Health and Aging Trends Study (n = 4357). Street block disorder in 2016 was measured using interviewer report of any trash/glass/litter, graffiti, or vacant buildings on participants’ blocks. Propensity score models were used to create balanced groups with regard to multiple 2015 participant characteristics, including demographic, socioeconomic, residence, and early-life characteristics. Linear regressions modeled street block disorder as a predictor of 4 aging biomarkers, hemoglobin A1C, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and cytomegalovirus antibodies, before and after applying propensity score weighting.

Results
Adjusting for participant sociodemographic characteristics and applying propensity score weights, living on a block with any disorder was associated with 2% higher mean hemoglobin A1C levels (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.002–0.03), 13% higher C-reactive protein (95% CI: 0.03–0.23), 10% higher interleukin-6 (95% CI: 0.02–0.19), and 19% more cytomegalovirus antibodies (95% CI: 0.09–0.29) compared to living on a block with no disorder.

Conclusions
Street block disorder predicted subsequent aging biomarkers after applying a propensity score approach to account for confounding among a national sample of older adults. Targeting street-level residential contexts for intervention may reduce the risk for poor health in older adults.
Are start-ups funded by public venture capital different? New cross-country evidence from micro-data
Authors: Breschi Stefano , Johnstone Nick , Menon Carlo 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Given the sizeable amount of public investments in venture capital (VC) in many countries, an emerging empirical literature investigates the impact of government venture funds on firm performance. We reassess the key findings of this literature using a new database on innovative start-ups and VC investments, which is unprecedented for granularity and comprehensiveness and covers a longer, more recent time period. Our analysis confirms the established finding that start-ups backed by government VC underperform start-ups backed by private investors. Differently from the extant literature, instead, we do not find that mixed public–private investments in the first stage are associated with additional private investments in later funding rounds. We interpret this as evidence that public VC is bounded to fail without an ongoing commitment throughout the process of development and growth of new ventures.
Localized states in coupled Cahn–Hilliard equations
Authors: Frohoff-Hülsmann Tobias , Thiele Uwe 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The classical Cahn–Hilliard (CH) equation corresponds to a gradient dynamics model that describes phase decomposition in a binary mixture. In the spinodal region, an initially homogeneous state spontaneously decomposes via a large-scale instability into drop, hole or labyrinthine concentration patterns of a typical structure length followed by a continuously ongoing coarsening process. Here, we consider the coupled CH dynamics of two concentration fields and show that non-reciprocal (or active or non-variational) coupling may induce a small-scale (Turing) instability. At the corresponding primary bifurcation, a branch of periodically patterned steady states emerges. Furthermore, there exist localized states that consist of patterned patches coexisting with a homogeneous background. The branches of steady parity-symmetric and parity-asymmetric localized states form a slanted homoclinic snaking structure typical for systems with a conservation law. In contrast to snaking structures in systems with gradient dynamics, here, Hopf instabilities occur at a sufficiently large activity, which results in oscillating and travelling localized patterns.
To Hell with the Cell: The Case for Immersive Statecraft Education
Authors: Bell Arvid , Bollfrass Alexander 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Current wargaming techniques are effective training and research instruments for military scenarios with fixed tools and boundaries on the problem. Control cells composed of officiants adjudicating and evaluating moves enforce these boundaries. Real-world crises, however, unfold in several dimensions in a chaotic context, a condition requiring decision-making under deep uncertainty. In this article, we assess how pedagogical exercises can be designed to effectively capture this level of complexity and describe a new framework for developing deeply immersive exercises. We propose a method for designing crisis environments that are dynamic, deep, and decentralized (3D). These obviate the need for a control cell and enhance the usefulness of exercises in preparing military and policy practitioners by better replicating real-world decision-making dynamics. This paper presents the application of this 3D method, which integrates findings from wargame and negotiation simulation design into immersive crisis exercises. We share observations from the research, design, and execution of “Red Horizon,” an immersive crisis exercise held three times at Harvard University with senior civilian and military participants from multiple countries. It further explores connections to contemporary trends in international relations scholarship.
Vehicle Currency Pricing and Exchange Rate Pass-Through
Authors: Chen Natalie , Chung Wanyu , Novy Dennis 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUsing detailed firm-level transactions data for UK imports, we find that invoicing in a vehicle currency is pervasive, with more than half of the transactions in our sample invoiced in neither sterling nor the exporter’s currency. We then study the relationship between invoicing currencies and the response of import unit values to exchange rate changes. We find that for transactions invoiced in a vehicle currency, import unit values are much more sensitive to changes in the vehicle currency than in the bilateral exchange rate. Pass-through therefore substantially increases once we account for vehicle currencies. This result helps to explain why UK inflation turned out higher than expected when sterling depreciated during the Great Recession and after the Brexit referendum. Finally, within a conceptual framework, we show why bilateral exchange rates are not suitable for capturing exchange rate pass-through under vehicle currency pricing. Overall, our results help to clarify why the literature often finds a disconnect between exchange rates and prices when vehicle currencies are not accounted for.
Insect Succession and Decomposition Pattern on Pig Carrion During Warm and Cold Seasons in Kwazulu-Natal Province of South Africa
Authors: Tembe Danisile , Mukaratirwa Samson 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWith the aim of identifying insects with potential value as indicator species in postmortem interval (PMI), the location or season of death of human or monogastric animals, two medium-sized large white pigs were used for the study during cold and warm seasons. Five stages of decomposition and their durations were observed and described in the pig carcasses during both seasons. Carcasses were first colonized by flies from seven taxa during fresh stage. Chrysomya marginalis (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae), Chrysomya albiceps, (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and Musca domestica (Walker) (Diptera: Calliphoridae) were recorded as the overall dominant adult flies found on the carcasses in both seasons. Colonization by beetles began during the bloated stage in the warm season and active stage in the cold season. Dermestes maculatus (De Geer) (Coleoptera: Dermestidae) and Necrobia rufipes (De Geer) (Cleridae) were the most abundant beetles in both seasons. Flies and beetles were generally abundant during the warm seasons as compared to the cold season. However, the difference was only significant for beetles. The highest number of flies were recorded in the bloated stage for both seasons, however they were reduced in the active stage which coincided with the introduction of predatory beetles. The arrival time of the different arthropod species and their association with different stages of decomposition during both seasons pointed to their value in estimating the PMI in forensic investigations in the locality of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Consequently, they can potentially be useful in the estimation of PMI and other cases of criminal investigations.
Inter-State Communication under ICERD: From ad hoc Conciliation to Collective Enforcement?
Authors: Tamada Dai 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD) contains the inter-State communication procedure within which the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) received the following three communications in 2018: Qatar v Saudi Arabia, Qatar v the United Arab Emirates, and Palestine v Israel. In these cases, CERD characterized this procedure as relating to collective enforcement, analogous to the inter-State application procedure within the order/regime of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR). However, unlike the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), ICERD does not refer to ‘collective enforcement’, but merely contains ad hoc conciliation, that is a bilateral means for reaching a mutually agreed solution to a dispute. This article aims, rather critically, to assess whether, and to which extent, it is justified to view the CERD ad hoc conciliation procedure as a means of collective enforcement.
Plant neighbour-modulated susceptibility to pathogens in intraspecific mixtures
Authors: Pélissier Rémi , Buendia Luis , Brousse Andy , Temple Coline , Ballini Elsa , Fort Florian , Violle Cyrille , Morel Jean-Benoit 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
As part of a trend towards diversifying cultivated areas, varietal mixtures are subject to renewed interest as a means to manage diseases. Besides the epidemiological effects of varietal mixtures on pathogen propagation, little is known about the effect of intraspecific plant–plant interactions and their impact on responses to disease. In this study, genotypes of rice (Oryza sativa) or durum wheat (Triticum turgidum) were grown with different conspecific neighbours and manually inoculated under conditions preventing pathogen propagation. Disease susceptibility was measured together with the expression of basal immunity genes as part of the response to intra-specific neighbours. The results showed that in many cases for both rice and wheat susceptibility to pathogens and immunity was modified by the presence of intraspecific neighbours. This phenomenon, which we term ‘neighbour-modulated susceptibility’ (NMS), could be caused by the production of below-ground signals and does not require the neighbours to be infected. Our results suggest that the mechanisms responsible for reducing disease in varietal mixtures in the field need to be re-examined.
Red light-induced kumquat fruit coloration is attributable to increased carotenoid metabolism regulated by FcrNAC22
Authors: Gong Jinli , Zeng Yunliu , Meng Qiunan , Guan Yajie , Li Chengyang , Yang Hongbin , Zhang Yingzi , Ampomah-Dwamena Charles , Liu Ping , Chen Chuanwu , Deng Xiuxin , Cheng Yunjiang , Wang Pengwei 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCarotenoids play vital roles in the coloration of plant tissues and organs, particularly fruits; however, the regulation of carotenoid metabolism in fruits during ripening is largely unknown. Here, we show that red light promotes fruit coloration by inducing accelerated degreening and carotenoid accumulation in kumquat fruits. Transcriptome profiling revealed that a NAC (NAM/ATAF/CUC2) family transcription factor, FcrNAC22, is specifically induced in red light-irradiated fruits. FcrNAC22 localizes to the nucleus, and its gene expression is up-regulated as fruits change color. Results from dual luciferase, yeast one-hybrid assays and electrophoretic mobility shift assays indicate that FcrNAC22 directly binds to, and activates the promoters of three genes encoding key enzymes in the carotenoid metabolic pathway. Moreover, FcrNAC22 overexpression in citrus and tomato fruits as well as in citrus callus enhances expression of most carotenoid biosynthetic genes, accelerates plastid conversion into chromoplasts, and promotes color change. Knock down of FcrNAC22 expression in transiently transformed citrus fruits attenuates fruit coloration induced by red light. Taken together, our results demonstrate that FcrNAC22 is an important transcription factor that mediates red light-induced fruit coloration via up-regulation of carotenoid metabolism.