bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breeding habitat selection of urban peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) in London
Authors: Mak Brandon , Francis Robert A , Chadwick Michael A 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUnderstanding habitat selection by individual animals within their home range is crucial to facilitating their conservation. Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) populations are increasingly urbanised, but little is known about their urban habitat use. In this study, we analysed the breeding habitat selection of peregrine falcons in London, United Kingdom, based on nest site locations identified through records of public sightings submitted to an online database between 2003 and 2018. We found peregrines displayed a preference for nesting in proximity to waterbodies, built-up areas and public parks and gardens, while wooded, agricultural and allotments areas were least preferred. We hypothesise that peregrines seek contrasting topography that proves advantageous for hunting in the vicinity of their nests, resulting in their selection of breeding sites within tall buildings that are adjacent to suitable foraging areas. From these findings, we conclude that (i) social drivers such as demand for green spaces and waterbodies near buildings shape peregrine nesting opportunities in the city and (ii) for urban planning to support conservation, we need further understanding of how each type of greenspace may be used differentially by raptors.
Habitat use by wandering pet cats (Felis catus) in a patchy urban environment
Authors: Fardell Loren L , Young Lauren I , Pavey Chris R , Dickman Christopher R 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Pet cats (Felis catus) often have negative effects on wildlife. This is of growing concern in urban areas as these are increasingly becoming hotspots of native wildlife activity, and as the human population increases, so too does the pet cat population. To maintain biodiversity in urban areas, further knowledge on pet cat behaviour and impacts is required so that management strategies for pet cats are well informed and have public and government support. Here, we offer insights into the wandering activity of pet cats in a patchy urban—heavily vegetated landscape on the east coast of Australia. Our estimated pet cat movement ranges were generally larger than those previously observed in similar landscapes, as well as in more urbanized and rural habitats. Using GPS data loggers, we found that pet cats did not utilize vegetated spaces more than urban areas, nor did they prefer them relative to their availability. Half of our study cats selected urban habitats, whilst the other half displayed no selection or a slight preference for vegetated spaces; these cats had fewer barriers to overcome to reach them. We did not observe any large differences in movements or habitat use between day and night, but displacement distances and preference for vegetated space habitat were marginally lower at night. All pet cats monitored spent most of their time outside their houses. As both urban and vegetated spaces in patchy urban landscapes provide habitat for native wildlife, pet cat activity across both habitat types requires management action.
Derepression of specific miRNA-target genes in rice using CRISPR/Cas9
Authors: Lin Yarong , Zhu Yiwang , Cui Yuchao , Chen Rui , Chen Zaijie , Li Gang , Fan Meiying , Chen Jianmin , Li Yan , Guo Xinrui , Zheng Xijun , Chen Liang , Wang Feng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) target specific mRNA molecules based on sequence complementarity for their degradation or repression of translation, thereby regulating various developmental and physiological processes in eukaryotic organisms. Expressing the target mimicry (MIM) and short tandem target mimicry (STTM) can block endogenous activity of mature miRNAs and eliminate the inhibition of their target genes, resulting in phenotypic changes due to higher expression of the target genes. Here, we report a strategy to achieve derepression of interested miRNA-target genes through CRISPR/Cas9-based generation of in-frame mutants within the miRNA-complementary sequence of the target gene. We show that two rice genes, OsGRF4 (GROWTH REGULATING FACTOR 4) and OsGRF8 carrying in-frame mutants with disruption of the miR396 recognition sites, escape from miR396-mediated post-transcriptional silencing, resulting in enlarged grain size and increase in brown planthopper (BPH) resistance, in their respective transgenic rice lines. These results demonstrate that CRISPR/Cas9-mediated disruption of miRNA target sites can be effectively employed to precisely derepress particular target genes of functional importance for trait improvement in plants.
Combinations of Ghd7, Ghd8, and Hd1 determine strong heterosis of commercial rice hybrids in diverse ecological regions
Authors: Zhou Xiangchun , Nong Chunxiao , Wu Bi , Zhou Tianhao , Zhang Bo , Liu Xingshao , Gao Guanjun , Mi Jiaming , Zhang Qinglu , Liu Haiyang , Liu Shisheng , Li Zhixin , He Yuqing , Mou Tongmin , Guo Sibin , Li Shaoqing , Yang Yuanzhu , Zhang Qifa , Xing Yongzhong 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Heterosis of grain yield is closely associated with heading date in crops. Gene combinations of the major heading date genes Ghd7, Ghd8, and Hd1 play important roles in enhancing grain yield and adaptation to ecological regions in rice. However, the predominant three-gene combinations for a specific ecological region remain unclear in both three-line and two-line hybrids. In this study, we sequenced these three genes of 50 cytoplasmic male sterile/maintainer lines, 31 photo-thermo-sensitive genic male sterile lines, and 109 restorer lines. Sequence analysis showed that hybrids carrying strong functional alleles of Ghd7 and Hd1 and non-functional Ghd8 are predominant in three-line hybrids and are recommended for rice production in the subtropics around 30°N/S. Hybrids carrying strong functional Ghd7 and Ghd8 and non-functional Hd1 are predominant in two-line hybrids and are recommended for low latitude areas around 23.5°N/S rich in photothermal resources. Hybrids carrying strong functional Ghd7 and Ghd8 and functional Hd1 were not identified in commercial hybrids in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, but they have high yield potential in tropical regions because they have the strongest photoperiod sensitivity. Based on these findings, two genic sterile lines, Xiangling 628S and C815S, whose hybrids often head very late, were diagnosed with these three genes, and Hd1 was targeted to be knocked out in Xiangling 628S and replaced with hd1 in C815S. The hybrids developed from both modified sterile lines in turn had appropriate heading dates and significantly improved grain yield. This study provides new insights for breeding design to develop hybrids for various regions.
Protein kinase and phosphatase control of plant temperature responses
Authors: Praat Myrthe , De Smet Ive , van Zanten Martijn 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPlants must cope with ever-changing temperature conditions in their environment. Suboptimal high and low temperatures and stressful extreme temperatures induce adaptive mechanisms that allow optimal performance and survival, respectively. These processes have been extensively studied at the physiological, transcriptional, and (epi)genetic level. Cellular temperature signalling cascades and tolerance mechanisms also involve post-translational modifications (PTMs), particularly protein phosphorylation. Many protein kinases are known to be involved in cold acclimation and heat stress responsiveness, but the role and importance of kinases and phosphatases in triggering responses to mild changes in temperature, such as thermomorphogenesis, are inadequately understood. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on the roles of kinases and phosphatases in plant temperature responses. We discuss how kinases can function over a range of temperatures in different signalling pathways and provide an outlook to the application of PTM-modifying factors for the development of thermotolerant crops.
Host galaxies of high-redshift quasars: SMBH growth and feedback
Authors: Valentini Milena , Gallerani Simona , Ferrara Andrea 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
The properties of quasar-host galaxies might be determined by the growth and feedback of their supermassive black holes (SMBHs, 108−10 M⊙). We investigate such connection with a suite of cosmological simulations of massive (halo mass ≈1012 M⊙) galaxies at z ≃ 6 that include a detailed subgrid multiphase gas and accretion model. BH seeds of initial mass 105 M⊙ grow mostly by gas accretion, and become SMBH by z = 6 setting on the observed MBH−M⋆ relation without the need for a boost factor. Although quasar feedback crucially controls the SMBH growth, its impact on the properties of the host galaxy at z = 6 is negligible. In our model, quasar activity can both quench (via gas heating) or enhance (by interstellar medium overpressurization) star formation. However, we find that the star formation history is insensitive to such modulation as it is largely dominated, at least at z &gt; 6, by cold gas accretion from the environment that cannot be hindered by the quasar energy deposition. Although quasar-driven outflows can achieve velocities $\gt 1000~\rm km~s^{-1}$, only ≈4 per cent of the outflowing gas mass can actually escape from the host galaxy. These findings are only loosely constrained by available data, but can guide observational campaigns searching for signatures of quasar feedback in early galaxies.
Radiation hydrodynamics simulations of massive star cluster formation in giant molecular clouds
Authors: Fukushima Hajime , Yajima Hidenobu 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACT
By performing 3D radiation hydrodynamics simulations, we study the formation of young massive star clusters (YMCs; M* &gt; 104 M⊙) in clouds with the surface density ranging from Σcl = 80 to 3200 M⊙ pc−2. We find that photoionization feedback suppresses star formation significantly in clouds with low-surface density. Once the initial surface density exceeds ∼100 M⊙ pc−2 for clouds with Mcl = 106 M⊙ and Z = Z⊙, most of the gas is converted into stars because the photoionization feedback is inefficient in deep gravitational potential. In this case, the star clusters are massive and gravitationally bounded as YMCs. The transition surface density increases as metallicity decreases, and it is ∼350 M⊙ pc−2 for Z = 10−2 Z⊙. We show that more than 10 per cent of star formation efficiency (SFE) is needed to keep a star cluster gravitationally bounded even after the disruption of a cloud. Also, we develop a semi-analytical model reproducing the SFEs obtained in our simulations. We find that the SFEs are fit with a power-law function with the dependence ${\propto}\Sigma _{\rm cl}^{1/2}$ for low-surface density and rapidly increases at the transition surface densities. The conditions of the surface density and the metallicity match recent observations of giant molecular clouds forming YMCs in nearby galaxies.
Endogenous piRNA-guided slicing triggers responder and trailer piRNA production from viral RNA inAedes aegyptimosquitoes
Authors: Joosten Joep , Overheul Gijs J , Van Rij Ronald P , Miesen Pascal 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn the germline of animals, PIWI interacting (pi)RNAs protect the genome against the detrimental effects of transposon mobilization. In Drosophila, piRNA-mediated cleavage of transposon RNA triggers the production of responder piRNAs via ping-pong amplification. Responder piRNA 3′ end formation by the nuclease Zucchini is coupled to the production of downstream trailer piRNAs, expanding the repertoire of transposon piRNA sequences. In Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, piRNAs are generated from viral RNA, yet, it is unknown how viral piRNA 3′ ends are formed and whether viral RNA cleavage gives rise to trailer piRNA production. Here we report that in Ae. aegypti, virus- and transposon-derived piRNAs have sharp 3′ ends, and are biased for downstream uridine residues, features reminiscent of Zucchini cleavage of precursor piRNAs in Drosophila. We designed a reporter system to study viral piRNA 3′ end formation and found that targeting viral RNA by abundant endogenous piRNAs triggers the production of responder and trailer piRNAs. Using this reporter, we identified the Ae. aegypti orthologs of Zucchini and Nibbler, two nucleases involved in piRNA 3′ end formation. Our results furthermore suggest that autonomous piRNA production from viral RNA can be triggered and expanded by an initial cleavage event guided by genome-encoded piRNAs.
PetM Is Essential for the Stabilization and Function of the Cytochrome b6f Complex in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lan Yixin , Chen Qi , Kong Mengmeng , Liu Yanyun , Lyu Ming-Ju Amy , Perveen Shahnaz , Mi Hualing 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The cytochrome b6f (cyt b6f) acts as a common linker of electron transport between photosystems I and II in oxygenic photosynthesis. PetM, one of eight subunits of the cyt b6f complex, is a small hydrophobic subunit at the outside periphery, the functional mechanism of which remains to be elucidated in higher plants. In this work, we found that unlike the PetM mutant in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, the Arabidopsis thaliana PetM mutant showed a bleached phenotype with yellowish leaves, block of photosynthetic electron transport and loss of photo-autotrophy, similar to the Arabidopsis PetC mutant. Although PetM is relatively conserved between higher plants and cyanobacteria, Synechocystis PetM could not rescue the PetM-knockout phenotype in Arabidopsis. We provide evidence that the Synechocystis PetM did not stably bind to the Arabidopsis cyt b6f complex. Based on these results, we suggest that PetM is required by Arabidopsis to maintain the function of the cyt b6f complex, likely through its close link with core subunits to form a tight ‘fence’ that stabilizes the core of the complex.
Green’s functions for an anisotropic elastic parabolic inhomogeneity under generalised plane strain deformations
Authors: Wang X , Schiavone P 
Published: July 2021

Summary
On the basis of the Stroh sextic formalism, we propose a novel method to derive Green’s functions for a two-phase composite composed of an anisotropic elastic parabolic inhomogeneity perfectly bonded to an anisotropic elastic matrix. The composite is subjected to a line force and a line dislocation, which can be located anywhere inside or outside the inhomogeneity or on the parabolic interface itself. Explicit expressions describing the analytic vector function defined in the parabolic inhomogeneity are derived for each of the three aforementioned cases associated with the location of the line force and line dislocation. When the line dislocation is located inside the parabolic inhomogeneity, the image force acting on the line dislocation is expediently derived using the Peach–Koehler formula.
Low vitamin D levels and prognosis in a COVID-19 pediatric population: a systematic review
Authors: Shah K , Varna V P , Pandya A , Saxena D 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
We aim to study the relationship between vitamin D level, risk and severity of Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) infection in pediatric population through systematic review. We searched PubMed, CINAHL, EMBASE, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar from December 2019 to June 2021 for retrieving articles studying association between vitamin D deficiencies with COVID-19. Qualitative details were synthesized in evidence table and quantitative data was used for deriving pooled estimate through meta-analysis. After initial search of 2261 articles, eight eligible studies (two reviews) were included in the systematic review. Meta-analysis of the quantitative data (six studies) showed pooled prevalence of vitamin D deficiency as 45.91% (95% CI: 25.148–67.450). In infected pediatric patients, low levels of vitamin D increased the risk of severe disease (odds ratio–5.5; 95% CI: 1.560–19.515; P = 0.008). It was also found that children and adolescents having vitamin D deficiency had greater risk of COVID infection as compared to patients with normal vitamin D levels. Improvement in disease severity with vitamin D supplementation was also noted. The systematic review showed that almost half of the pediatric COVID patients suffer from vitamin D deficiency. It is also clear that the low level of vitamin D is associated with greater risk of infection and poorer outcome in pediatrics.
Probability Density Functions Attached to Random Euler Products for Automorphic L-Functions
Authors: Mine Masahiro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In this paper, we study the value distributions of L-functions of holomorphic primitive cusp forms in the level aspect. We associate such automorphic L-functions with probabilistic models called the random Euler products. First, we prove the existence of probability density functions attached to the random Euler products. Then various mean values of automorphic L-functions are expressed as integrals involving the density functions. Moreover, we estimate the discrepancies between the distributions of values of automorphic L-functions and those of the random Euler products.
A Comparative Multimodal Meta-analysis of Anisotropy and Volume Abnormalities in White Matter in People Suffering From Bipolar Disorder or Schizophrenia
Authors: Zhao Guorui , Lau Way K W , Wang Chanyu , Yan Haifeng , Zhang Chichen , Lin Kangguang , Qiu Shijun , Huang Ruiwang , Zhang Ruibin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar disorder (BD) share some similarities in terms of genetic-risk genes and abnormalities of gray-matter structure in the brain, but white matter (WM) abnormalities have not been studied in depth. We undertook a comparative multimodal meta-analysis to identify common and disorder-specific abnormalities in WM structure between SZ and BD. Anisotropic effect size-signed differential mapping software was used to conduct a comparative meta-analysis of 68 diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and 34 voxel-based morphometry (VBM) studies comparing fractional anisotropy (FA) and white matter volume (WMV), respectively, between patients with SZ (DTI: N = 1543; VBM: N = 1068) and BD (DTI: N = 983; VBM: N = 518) and healthy controls (HCs). The bilateral corpus callosum (extending to the anterior and superior corona radiata) showed shared decreased WMV and FA in SZ and BD. Compared with BD patients, SZ patients showed remarkable disorder-specific WM abnormalities: decreased FA and increased WMV in the left cingulum, and increased FA plus decreased WMV in the right anterior limb of the internal capsule. SZ patients showed more extensive alterations in WM than BD cases, which may be the pathophysiological basis for the clinical continuity of both disorders. The disorder-specific regions in the left cingulum and right anterior limb of the internal capsule provided novel insights into both disorders. Our study adds value to further understanding of the pathophysiology, classification, and differential diagnosis of SZ and BD.
Dopamine D1R Receptor Stimulation as a Mechanistic Pro-cognitive Target for Schizophrenia
Authors: Abi-Dargham Anissa , Javitch Jonathan A , Slifstein Mark , Anticevic Alan , Calkins Monica E , Cho Youngsun T , Fonteneau Clara , Gil Roberto , Girgis Ragy , Gur Raquel E , Gur Ruben C , Grinband Jack , Kantrowitz Joshua , Kohler Christian , Krystal John , Murray John , Ranganathan Mohini , Santamauro Nicole , Van Snellenberg Jared , Tamayo Zailyn , Wolf Daniel ,   TRANSCENDS Group, D’Souza Deepak , Srihari Vinod , Gueorguieva Ralitza , Patel Prashant , Forselius-Bielen Kimberlee , Lu Jing , Butler Audrey , Fram Geena , Afriyie-Agyemang Yvette , Selloni Alexandria , Cadavid Laura , Gomez-Luna Sandra , Gupta Aarti , Radhakrishnan Rajiv , Rashid Ali , Aker Ryan , Abrahim Philisha , Bassir Nia Anahita , Surti Toral , Kegeles Lawrence S , Carlson Marlene , Goldberg Terry , Gangwisch James , Benedict Erinne , Govil Preetika , Brazis Stephanie , Mayer Megan , de la Garrigue Nathalie , Fallon Natalka , Baumvoll Topaz , Abeykoon Sameera , Perlman Greg , Bobchin Kelly , Elliott Mark , Schmidt Lyndsay , Rush Sage , Port Allison , Heffernan Zac , Laney Nina , Kantor Jenna , Hohing Thomas , Gray David , Lieberman Jeffrey 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDecades of research have highlighted the importance of optimal stimulation of cortical dopaminergic receptors, particularly the D1R receptor (D1R), for prefrontal-mediated cognition. This mechanism is particularly relevant to the cognitive deficits in schizophrenia, given the abnormalities in cortical dopamine (DA) neurotransmission and in the expression of D1R. Despite the critical need for D1R-based therapeutics, many factors have complicated their development and prevented this important therapeutic target from being adequately interrogated. Challenges include determination of the optimal level of D1R stimulation needed to improve cognitive performance, especially when D1R expression levels, affinity states, DA levels, and the resulting D1R occupancy by DA, are not clearly known in schizophrenia, and may display great interindividual and intraindividual variability related to cognitive states and other physiological variables. These directly affect the selection of the level of stimulation necessary to correct the underlying neurobiology. The optimal mechanism for stimulation is also unknown and could include partial or full agonism, biased agonism, or positive allosteric modulation. Furthermore, the development of D1R targeting drugs has been complicated by complexities in extrapolating from in vitro affinity determinations to in vivo use. Prior D1R-targeted drugs have been unsuccessful due to poor bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, and insufficient target engagement at tolerable doses. Newer drugs have recently become available, and these must be tested in the context of carefully designed paradigms that address methodological challenges. In this paper, we discuss how a better understanding of these challenges has shaped our proposed experimental design for testing a new D1R/D5R partial agonist, PF-06412562, renamed CVL-562.
Perceived home sleep environment: associations of household-level factors and in-bed behaviors with actigraphy-based sleep duration and continuity in the Jackson Heart Sleep Study
Authors: Johnson Dayna A , Jackson Chandra L , Guo Na , Sofer Tamar , Laden Francine , Redline Susan 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Study Objectives
In an older African-American sample (n = 231) we tested associations of the household environment and in-bed behaviors with sleep duration, efficiency, and wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO).

Methods
Older adult participants completed a household-level sleep environment questionnaire, a sleep questionnaire, and underwent 7-day wrist actigraphy for objective measures of sleep. Perceived household environment (self-reported) was evaluated using questions regarding safety, physical comfort, temperature, noise, and light disturbances. In-bed behaviors included watching television, listening to radio/music, use of computer/tablet/phone, playing video games, reading books, and eating. To estimate the combined effect of the components in each domain (perceived household environment and in-bed behaviors), we calculated and standardized a weighted score per sleep outcome (e.g. duration, efficiency, WASO), with a higher score indicating worse conditions. The weights were derived from the coefficients of each component estimated from linear regression models predicting each sleep outcome while adjusting for covariates.

Results
A standard deviation increase in an adverse household environment score was associated with lower self-reported sleep duration (β = −13.9 min, 95% confidence interval: −26.1, −1.7) and actigraphy-based sleep efficiency (β = −0.7%, −1.4, 0.0). A standard deviation increase in the in-bed behaviors score was associated with lower actigraphy-based sleep duration (β = −9.7 min, −18.0, −1.3), sleep efficiency (β = −1.2%, −1.9, −0.6), and higher WASO (5.3 min, 2.1, 8.6).

Conclusion
Intervening on the sleep environment, including healthy sleep practices, may improve sleep duration and continuity among African-Americans.