bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The avian central roles of alpha and beta oestrogen receptors on food intake
Authors: Motaghi Sahel , Jonaidi Hossein , Talebifard Hadis , Chavoshizadeh Mohammadamin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn rodents, oestrogen reduces food intake centrally via alpha oestrogen receptors (αER). As there was no report about the central roles of oestrogen receptors of alpha and beta, on food intake behaviour in birds, we aimed at this subject. In the first experiment beta oestradiol, a specific beta oestrogen receptor (βER; 0, 2.5, 5,10, 15 and 31 μg) was injected intracerebroventricularly (ICV) to 3‐h fasted broilers. The second and third experiments were similar to the first one, but alpha oestradiol, the specific (αER; 2.5, 5 and 10 μg) and MPP hydrochloride, a highly selective antagonist of (αER) (0.1, 1 and 10 μg) were used. Our result showed that alpha oestradiol increased food intake and MPP hydrochloride reversed this effect. This study shows that, similar to rodents, in the avian brain (aER) are involved in food intake behavior, but despite them, their effects are stimulatory.
Polymorphism in a sex‐linked DNA marker located on LG23 in Hainan strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: Jiang Dong‐Neng , Kuang Zi‐Ying , Yang Kong‐Song , Huang Yuan‐Qing , Mustapha Umar Farouk , Guo Xiang‐Zhao , Zheng De‐Feng , Dong Zhong‐Dian , Shi Hong‐Juan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMarker‐5, which is linked to the major sex‐determination gene amhy on LG23, has been used for sex genotyping of various strains of Nile tilapia. Marker‐5 specifically amplifies fragments of approximately 1,422 and 982 bp of the X and Y chromosomes, respectively. Herein, we evaluated Marker‐5 polymorphism in Nile tilapia of Hainan strain, China. Agarose gel electrophoresis showed that in 13 out of 85 female fish, Marker‐5 amplified a larger band, distinct from the standard X‐specific band. Sanger sequencing showed that this larger band was 1,688 bp in length and showed high similarity with both 1,422‐bp X‐specific and 982‐bp Y‐specific fragments. The larger band was proved to be a female sex‐linked allele of Marker‐5 and was labeled as XL. When the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products of XLY fish, amplified by Marker‐5, were tested by agarose gel electrophoresis, an unusual band, smaller than XL but larger than that of Y fragment, was observed. The unusual band could be a heteroduplex of the XL and Y fragments. In very few XXL male, amhy was found to be linked with 1,422‐bp fragment amplified by Marker‐5. Understanding the Marker‐5 is useful for its utilization in sex‐controlled breeding in farmed Nile tilapia.
Resource use in whiteleg shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei farming in Ecuador
Authors: Boyd Claude E. , Davis Robert P. , Wilson Arturo González , Marcillo Fabrizio , Brian Susanna , McNevin Aaron A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractA survey of 101 shrimp farms in Ecuador revealed that the average annual shrimp yield based on production pond water surface area was 7.03 ± 0.93 (SE) t/ha/year. The range in annual yield among the five provinces with shrimp farms was 3.67 ± 0.71 to 11.95 ± 5.56 t/ha year, respectively. Averages for total land, water, and energy use were 0.54 ± 0.01 ha/t shrimp, 76,817 ± 6,330 m3/t shrimp, and 61.2 ± 4.2 GJ/t shrimp, respectively. Average wild fish use for fish meal and fish oil included in feed was 0.65 ± 0.02 t/t shrimp. One‐fourth of land use was land embodied in feed. Nearly 80% of total water use was incurred for exchanging water. Eighty‐seven of the farms practiced daily water exchange at an average rate of 8.5% pond volume per day (range 0.7–30%). Pumping water at all farms and mechanical aeration at 47 of the farms were the major direct energy uses. About half of the total energy use was embodied, and roughly half of the embodied energy was in feed.
Economic policy uncertainty spillovers in Europe before and after the Eurozone crisis
Authors: Tzika Paraskevi , Fountas Stilianos 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis paper focuses on economic policy uncertainty spillovers across Europe, before and after the outburst of the Eurozone crisis, using data for seven Eurozone countries for the period 2003–2019. At first, we analyze the spillovers of uncertainty in Europe via the estimation of the Diebold‐Yilmaz spillover index. The results indicate that uncertainty connectedness was 50.5% before the crisis, while it dropped to 30.6% afterwards indicating a sharp drop in uncertainty spillovers across the seven Eurozone countries. We also find that the importance of domestic causes in national uncertainty has increased during the crisis at the expense of imported factors. Dynamic net spillovers reveal that core Eurozone countries are uncertainty exporters before the crisis, while periphery countries transmit uncertainty to other countries during the crisis. An examination of the country which suffered the most during the crisis, using impulse response analysis, reveals that the Greek macroeconomic indicators (stock market, GDP, unemployment, and the Economic Sentiment Index) were affected more by domestic, rather than European uncertainty. The highest responses are indicated during the crisis. Overall, there is positive interdependence between Greek and European uncertainty, which diminishes during the crisis.
Association of silica phases as geothermobarometer for eucrites: Implication for two‐stage thermal metamorphism in the eucritic crust
Authors: Ono Haruka , Takenouchi Atsushi , Mikouchi Takashi , Yamaguchi Akira , Yasutake Masahiro , Miyake Akira , Tsuchiyama Akira 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSilica mineral is present in different stable polymorphs depending on the temperature and pressure conditions of crystallization. We suggest using silica mineral phases to constrain the thermal history of eucrites. We focused on silica minerals in basaltic clasts of nine non‐cumulate eucrites to compare with previously studied cumulate eucrites. Our observations indicate an apparent relationship between thermal metamorphic degrees and silica phase texture in basaltic clasts of non‐cumulate eucrites. To reveal complex transformation relations between silica polymorphs in eucrites, we performed cooling experiments (cooling rate: 1 and 0.1 °C h−1) and heating experiments (heating 500 °C for 168 h and 800 °C for 96 h) using eucrites. The cooling experiments show that cristobalite is an initial silica phase crystallized from eucritic magma and transforms to quartz at the cooling rate between 0.1 and 1 °C h−1. Based on the cooling experiments and observations of eucrites, we suggest that a combination of silica minerals varies depending mainly on cooling rates. According to the heating experiments, monoclinic tridymite hardly transforms to other phases at low temperature by short reheating events such as brecciation. Monoclinic tridymite can partially transform to quartz with a “hackle” fracture. We conclude that a reheating event partially transformed monoclinic tridymite to quartz to form aggregates of monoclinic tridymite and quartz with the hackle fracture in eucrites. We suggested that some basaltic clasts in non‐cumulate eucrites experienced two‐stage thermal metamorphism in the eucritic crust. The first metamorphic event has resulted from burial under lava produced by successive eruptions. Igneous intrusions into the preformed crust may have caused the second metamorphic event. The intrusions heated the deep eucritic crust and induced the transformation from monoclinic tridymite to quartz.
The population genetics of urban and rural amphibians in North America
Authors: Schmidt Chloé , Garroway Colin J. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHuman land transformation is one of the leading causes of vertebrate population declines. These declines are thought to be partly due to decreased connectivity and habitat loss reducing animal population sizes in disturbed habitats. With time, this can lead to declines in effective population size and genetic diversity which restrict the ability of wildlife to efficiently cope with environmental change through genetic adaptation. However, it is not well understood whether these effects generally hold across taxa. We address this question by repurposing and synthesizing raw microsatellite data from online repositories for 19 amphibian species sampled at 554 georeferenced sites in North America. For each site, we estimated gene diversity, allelic richness, effective population size, and population differentiation. Using binary urban‐rural census designations, and continuous measures of human population density, the Human Footprint Index, and impervious surface cover, we tested for generalizable effects of human land use on amphibian genetic diversity. We found minimal evidence, either positive or negative, for relationships between genetic metrics and urbanization. Together with previous work on focal species that also found varying effects of urbanization on genetic composition, it seems likely that the consequences of urbanization are not easily generalizable within or across amphibian species. Questions about the genetic consequences of urbanization for amphibians should be addressed on a case‐by‐case basis. This contrasts with general negative effects of urbanization in mammals and consistent, but species‐specific, positive and negative effects in birds.
Accidental nation‐building in Africa
Authors: Koter Dominika 
Published: June 2021

AbstractNational identity in Africa is routinely viewed as underdeveloped relative to ethnic identity because most states did not follow classic forms of nation‐building, such as mass schooling with nationalist content. Yet recent survey data show that national identity across the continent is more robust than most scholars predicted. What is driving national identification in Africa? What unifies Africans around common national identity? Existing theories are not well suited to explaining this question, because factors that they see as essential, such as higher levels of development and cultural cohesion, often do not exist. In this article, I suggest a new understanding of the strength of national identity, based on the impact of political events, such as peace, political stability and conduct of elections. Drawing on over 200 original interviews with Ghanaian respondents, I demonstrate how political stability in Ghana, contrasted with political turmoil in neighbouring countries, produces narratives about national identity.
The sugar‐responsive circadian clock regulator bZIP63 modulates plant growth
Authors: Viana Américo J. C. , Matiolli Cleverson C. , Newman David W. , Vieira João G. P. , Duarte Gustavo T. , Martins Marina C. M. , Gilbault Elodie , Hotta Carlos T. , Caldana Camila , Vincentz Michel 
Published: June 2021

Summary

Adjustment to energy starvation is crucial to ensure growth and survival. In Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis), this process relies in part on the phosphorylation of the circadian clock regulator bZIP63 by SUCROSE non‐fermenting RELATED KINASE1 (SnRK1), a key mediator of responses to low energy.

We investigated the effects of mutations in bZIP63 on plant carbon (C) metabolism and growth. Results from phenotypic, transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of bZIP63 mutants prompted us to investigate the starch accumulation pattern and the expression of genes involved in starch degradation and in the circadian oscillator.

bZIP63 mutation impairs growth under light‐dark cycles, but not under constant light. The reduced growth likely results from the accentuated C depletion towards the end of the night, which is caused by the accelerated starch degradation of bZIP63 mutants. The diel expression pattern of bZIP63 is dictated by both the circadian clock and energy levels, which could determine the changes in the circadian expression of clock and starch metabolic genes observed in bZIP63 mutants.

We conclude that bZIP63 composes a regulatory interface between the metabolic and circadian control of starch breakdown to optimize C usage and plant growth.
Common mechanisms explain nitrogen‐dependent growth of Arctic shrubs over three decades despite heterogeneous trends and declines in soil nitrogen availability
Authors: Martin Andrew C. , Macias‐Fauria Marc , Bonsall Michael B. , Forbes Bruce C. , Zetterberg Pentti , Jeffers Elizabeth S. 
Published: June 2021

Summary

Heterogeneity has been observed in the responses of Arctic shrubs to climate variability over recent decades, which may reflect landscape‐scale variability in belowground resources. At a northern fringe of tall shrub expansion (Yuribei, Yamal Peninsula, Russia), we sought to determine the mechanisms relating nitrogen (N) limitation to shrub growth over decadal time.

We analysed the ratio of 15N to 14N isotopes in wood rings of 10 Salix lanata individuals (399 measurements) to reconstruct annual point‐based bioavailable N between 1980 and 2013. We applied a model‐fitting/model‐selection approach with a suite of competing ecological models to assess the most‐likely mechanisms that explain each shrub’s individual time‐series.

Shrub δ15N time‐series indicated declining (seven shrubs), increasing (two shrubs) and no trend (one shrub) in N availability. The most appropriate model for all shrubs included N‐dependent growth of linear rather than saturating form. Inclusion of plant–soil feedbacks better explained ring width and δ15N for eight of 10 individuals.

Although N trajectories were individualistic, common mechanisms of varying strength confirmed the N‐dependency of shrub growth. The linear mechanism may reflect intense scavenging of scarce N; the importance of plant–soil feedbacks suggests that shrubs subvert the microbial bottleneck by actively controlling their environment.
Two conifer GUX clades are responsible for distinct glucuronic acid patterns on xylan
Authors: Lyczakowski Jan J. , Yu Li , Terrett Oliver M. , Fleischmann Christina , Temple Henry , Thorlby Glenn , Sorieul Mathias , Dupree Paul 
Published: June 2021

Summary

Wood of coniferous trees (softwood), is a globally significant carbon sink and an important source of biomass. Despite that, little is known about the genetic basis of softwood cell wall biosynthesis. Branching of xylan, one of the main hemicelluloses in softwood secondary cell walls, with glucuronic acid (GlcA) is critical for biomass recalcitrance. Here, we investigate the decoration patterns of xylan by conifer GlucUronic acid substitution of Xylan (GUX) enzymes.

Through molecular phylogenetics we identify two distinct conifer GUX clades. Using transcriptional profiling we show that the genes are preferentially expressed in secondary cell wall forming tissues. With in vitro and in planta assays we demonstrate that conifer GUX enzymes from both clades are active glucuronyltransferases.

Conifer GUX enzymes from each clade have different specific activities. While members of clade one add evenly spaced GlcA branches, the members of clade two are also capable of glucuronidating two consecutive xyloses. Importantly, these types of xylan patterning are present in softwood.

As xylan patterning might modulate xylan–cellulose and xylan–lignin interactions, our results further the understanding of softwood cell wall biosynthesis and provide breeding or genetic engineering targets that can be used to modify softwood properties.
Age‐related change in sedentary behavior during childhood and adolescence: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Kontostoli Elli , Jones Andy P. , Pearson Natalie , Foley Louise , Biddle Stuart J. H. , Atkin Andrew J. 
Published: June 2021

SummarySedentary behaviors are highly prevalent in youth and may be associated with markers of physical and mental health. This systematic review and meta‐analysis aimed to quantify the age‐related change in sedentary behavior during childhood and adolescence. Ten electronic databases were searched. Inclusion criteria specified longitudinal observational studies or control group from an intervention; participants aged ≥5 and ≤18 years; a quantitative estimate of the duration of SB; and English language, peer‐reviewed publication. Meta‐analyses summarized weighted mean differences (WMD) in device‐assessed sedentary time and questionnaire‐assessed screen‐behaviors over 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, or more than 4‐year follow‐up. Effect modification was explored using meta‐regression. Eighty‐five studies met inclusion criteria. Device‐assessed sedentary time increased by (WMD 95% confidence interval [CI]) 27.9 (23.2, 32.7), 61.0 (50.7, 71.4), 63.7 (53.3, 74.0), and 140.7 (105.1, 176.4) min/day over 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and more than 4‐year follow‐up. We observed no effect modification by gender, baseline age, study location, attrition, or quality. Questionnaire‐assessed time spent playing video games, computer use, and a composite measure of sedentary behavior increased over follow‐up duration. Evidence is consistent in showing an age‐related increase in various forms of sedentary behavior; evidence pertaining to variability across socio‐demographic subgroups and contemporary sedentary behaviors are avenues for future research.
IGFL2‐AS1 facilitates tongue squamous cell carcinoma progression via Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Zhao Ruimin , Wang Shiyang , Tan Lu , Li Huajing , Liu Junsong , Zhang Shaoqiang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectivesTongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is the most common malignancy in oral cancer. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are important regulators in cancer biology. In our present study, we investigated a novel lncRNA IGF‐like family member 2 antisense RNA 1 (IGFL2‐AS1) in TSCC.MethodsRT‐qPCR analyzed IGFL2‐AS1 expression in TSCC cells. Functional assays assessed the impact of IGFL2‐AS1 on TSCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Western blot analyzed the protein levels of EMT‐related markers. Mechanism assays analyzed the regulatory mechanism of IGFL2‐AS1 in TSCC cells. In‐vivo experiments were conducted to prove the role of IGFL2‐AS1 in TSCC progression.ResultsIGFL2‐AS1 was significantly up‐regulated in TSCC cells and tissues, and IGFL2‐AS1 knockdown inhibited cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in TSCC. Moreover, IGFL2‐AS1 functioned as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to sponge miR‐1224‐5p and thereby modulated SATB homeobox 1 (SATB1) expression. Additionally, SATB1 activated the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway in TSCC cells and IGFL2‐AS1 regulated the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway and TSCC progression via elevating SATB1 expression.ConclusionsThe data revealed that IGFL2‐AS1 played a cancer promoting role in TSCC and may aid in exploring a brand new biomarker that might contribute to TSCC treatment.
Resuscitative Endovascular Balloon Occlusion of the Aorta for Blood Control in Lumbar Spine Tumor Resection Surgery: A Technical Note
Authors: Zhao Yong‐jie , Du Xin‐chong , Deng Xiao‐qiang , Zhang Hao , Zhang Hao‐ran , Qiao Rui‐qi , Zhang Jing‐yu , Hu Yong‐cheng 
Published: June 2021

ObjectivesTo describe the technique of the aorta balloon occlusion, and evaluate the blood loss in lumbar spine tumor surgery assisted by aortic balloon occlusion, and to observe the balloon‐related complications.MethodsSix patients with lumbar spine tumor underwent resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta prior to tumor resections in our institution between May 2018 to January 2021. Medical records including demographic, diagnosis, tumor location, surgical approach, intraoperative blood loss, surgical duration, and perioperative balloon‐related complication were evaluated retrospectively.ResultsThis series included four males and two females, with a median age of 50 years (range 22 to 69). Of these, three primary tumors were plasmacytoma, giant cell tumor of bone, and osteosarcoma, while recurrence of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS), recurrence of giant cell tumor of bone (GCT), and metastatic thyroid cancer were diagnosed in cases 1, 6, and 2, respectively. L2 was involved in cases 1 and 5. L3 was involved in case 6. L4 was involved in case 2, 3, and 6. L5 was involved in case 4. One‐stage total en bloc resection surgery (TES) was accomplished in all patients; of this series, signal anterior approach was conducted in case 1, signal posterior approach was utilized in cases 2, 3, and 6, while combined anterior and posterior approach was performed in cases 4 and 5. The median intraoperative blood loss was 1683 mL and ranged from 400 to 3200 mL with a median surgical duration of 442 min and a range from 210 to 810 min. During the perioperative period, no serious balloon‐related complications occurred.ConclusionsEndovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta successfully controls intraoperative exsanguination, contributing to a more radical tumor resection and a low rate of tumor cell contamination in lumbar tumor surgery.
Effects of representative bureaucracy on perceived performance and fairness: Experimental evidence from South Asia
Authors: Baniamin Hasan Muhammad , Jamil Ishtiaq 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study explores the relationship between gender representation in bureaucracy and perceived performance and fairness. It uses data from a survey experiment that was part of a national representative survey conducted in Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. In the experiment, respondents were informed about a hypothetical 10‐member committee responsible for controlling violence against women and that it processes around 150 cases per year. The committee composition was then manipulated based on gender representation to capture whether women's representation in the committee mattered for respondents' evaluation of its performance and fairness. The study finds that in a “no representation” scenario, respondents reported the lowest perceived performance and fairness, while in scenarios such as “equal representation” or “over representation” of women, they reported higher perceived performance and fairness. Furthermore, variations in perceived performance are found to be associated with changing expectations of fair treatment generated by the different representations of women.