bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active genic machinery for epigenetic RNA modifications in bees
Authors: Bataglia L. , Simões Z. L. P. , Nunes F. M. F. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEpitranscriptomics is an emerging field of investigation dedicated to the study of post‐transcriptional RNA modifications. RNA methylations regulate RNA metabolism and processing, including changes in response to environmental cues. Although RNA modifications are conserved from bacteria to eukaryotes, there is little evidence of an epitranscriptomic pathway in insects. Here we identified genes related to RNA m6A (N6‐methyladenine) and m5C (5‐methylcytosine) methylation machinery in seven bee genomes (Apis mellifera, Melipona quadrifasciata, Frieseomelitta varia, Eufriesea mexicana, Bombus terrestris, Megachile rotundata and Dufourea novaeangliae). In A. mellifera, we validated the expression of methyltransferase genes and found that the global levels of m6A and m5C measured in the fat body and brain of adult workers differ significantly. Also, m6A levels were differed significantly mainly between the fourth larval instar of queens and workers. Moreover, we found a conserved m5C site in the honeybee 28S rRNA. Taken together, we confirm the existence of epitranscriptomic machinery acting in bees and open avenues for future investigations on RNA epigenetics in a wide spectrum of hymenopteran species.
Ectopic lymphoid follicles in progressive multiple sclerosis: From patients to animal models
Authors: Zhan Jiangshan , Kipp Markus , Han Wenling , Kaddatz Hannes 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEctopic lymphoid follicles (ELFs), resembling germinal centre‐like structures, emerge in a variety of infectious and autoimmune and neoplastic diseases. ELFs can be found in the meninges of around 40% of the investigated progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) post‐mortem brain tissues and are associated with the severity of cortical degeneration and clinical disease progression. Of predominant importance for progressive neuronal damage during the progressive MS phase appears to be meningeal inflammation, comprising diffuse meningeal infiltrates, B‐cell aggregates and compartmentalized ELFs. However, the absence of a uniform definition of ELFs impedes reproducible and comparable neuropathological research in this field. In this review article, we will first highlight historical aspects and milestones around the discovery of ELFs in the meninges of progressive MS patients. In the next step, we discuss how animal models may contribute to an understanding of the mechanisms underlying ELF formation. Finally, we summarize challenges in investigating ELFs and propose potential directions for future research.
The value of tunneling: Evidence from master limited partnership formations
Authors: Mandell Aaron J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractShareholders of publicly traded subsidiaries are potentially susceptible to expropriation (tunneling) by parent companies (Atanasov et al., 2010). A recent study suggests that this is particularly true among US master limited partnerships (MLPs), where there is often a substantial divergence between the control rights and cash‐flow rights of parent firms, through their general partner interests (Atanassov & Mandell, 2018). Although the negative impact of tunneling on controlled firms is documented in the literature, little is known about the valuation consequences of tunneling for shareholders of parent corporations. Changes to the MLP agency environment over the prior two decades—namely, the allowance of modifications to a fiduciary duty under Delaware law and the introduction of incentive distribution rights—have likely increased the incentive and opportunity for tunneling and provide a rich setting for addressing this question. I examine the effects of changing tunneling incentives on stock returns of parent corporations announcing the formation of MLPs and document significantly higher announcement period returns for MLP formations after these changes, amounting to roughly $188 million of additional value for shareholders of forming corporations, on average. Considered in concert with additional testing, this suggests that parent corporation shareholders benefit from the increased ability to tunnel MLP assets.
Multiple dimensions of bird beta diversity support that mountains are higher in the tropics
Authors: Montaño‐Centellas Flavia , Loiselle Bette A. , McCain Christy 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAimWe examine latitudinal effects of breeding bird taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional β‐diversity (Tβ, Pβ and Fβ, respectively) along elevational gradients to test predictions derived from Janzen's (The American Naturalist 101:233–249, 1967) classic ideas that tropical mountains represent stronger dispersal barriers than temperate mountains.LocationGlobal.TaxonBirds.MethodsUsing a global dataset from 46 mountains, we examine latitudinal patterns of Tβ, Pβ and Fβ, and their components: βrich and βrepl. For each mountain and each dimension of diversity, we calculated (a) total β‐diversity, (b) the steepness of distance decay patterns and (c) within‐mountain variability in pairwise β‐diversity and regressed each one of these response variables against absolute latitude. We predicted that tropical montane biotas would have (a) overall higher Tβ, Pβ and Fβ, (b) faster distance decay patterns and (c) higher within‐mountain variability in pairwise β‐diversity. Furthermore, we expected the richness component βrich to be more important in temperate mountains, and the replacement component βrepl in tropical mountains.ResultsLatitude had a negative effect on total β‐diversity for all dimensions of diversity. Similarly, metrics of Tβ and Pβ mostly agree with our expectations, whereas Fβ showed contrasting results with steeper distance decay curves and higher within‐mountain variability in temperate mountains. Overall, βrich was a more important component at high elevations in the tropics and across elevations in temperate mountains, and βrepl was more important in tropical low and mid‐elevations.Main ConclusionsOur findings are consistent with tropical mountain assemblages containing species with narrow elevational distributions, low dispersal ability and potentially high allopatric speciation, resulting in high β‐diversity across elevations. Contrasting results for Fβ indicate high niche packing in tropical assemblages, with most changes in functional diversity among assemblages involving species redundant in trait space.
Habitat use and nursery evaluation for the longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus (Bloch & Schneider, 1801) using vertebral microchemistry
Authors: Feitosa Leonardo M. , Queiroz Aristóteles P.N. , Labonne Maylis , Dressler Valderi L. , Lessa Rosangela P. 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTHere, we use vertebral microchemistry to investigate the habitat use patterns of the longnose stingray Hypanus guttatus in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil, and to evaluate the existence of potential nurseries of the species. Samples were collected in Maranhão, Rio Grande do Norte and Pernambuco states between 2008 and 2019. Trace element concentrations of Ba:Ca, Mg:Ca, Mn:Ca and Sr:Ca in vertebrae were determined through laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. We used one‐step permutational ANOVAs to evaluate multi and single‐element differences in element:Ca ratios among life stages and sexes across and within sites. Element signatures differed among all sites for both single and multi‐element settings. However, there were few differences among life stages within sites, except for Mn:Ca between life stages for Maranhão state, and between sexes for Sr:Ca for both Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, and Ba:Ca for Rio Grande do Norte. Furthermore, all multi and single‐element analyses across locations were significant and highlight the strong differences by sites. We also performed a nonmetric multidimensional scaling analysis, which demonstrated the strong differences for samples from Rio Grande do Norte and the other two sites. By analysing the lifetime transects of each sample, we observed that there was little variation in all element:Ca ratios within sites. Therefore, we argue that the longnose stingray likely does not display extensive habitat use shifts and fulfils much of its life cycle within each area. Finally, we obtained no evidence of nurseries for any site and suggest this is likely a pattern across the species distribution. Future studies investigating habitat use with samples from larger specimens (disc width > 90 cm, >15 years) are needed to better understand the species habitat use patterns across all size ranges.
Design and development of an automated soy chaap making machine
Authors: Mathangi Raja Sekhar , Mangaraj Shukadev 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSoy chaap is a novel textured soy protein, gaining popularity as the best plant‐based protein. Presently, few entrepreneurs are practicing manual techniques to prepare soy chaap using non‐scientific and inappropriate food standards. So far, no machine is available in the public domain for producing quality soy chaap. Therefore, an automated soy chaap making machine was designed and developed, which works based on the principle of simultaneous pulling, rotation, and longitudinal movement of the skewer. It consists of a gluten extractor, dough sheeter cum cutter, and soy chaap wrapping machine. The gluten extractor comprises two helical screws that develop the dough and separates the gluten. The dough sheeter cum cutter is fabricated to transform the dough into the sheet of a dimension required for the wrapping on the next machine. Finally, the soy chaap wrapping machine is used to wrap the sheet on the skewer to develop soy chaap, which is operated by a microcontroller. The developed machine was tested, and the capacity of the machine was found 5 kg/hr (89% efficiency). The energy requirement per hour for producing soy chaap in frozen and canned form was 2.632 and 3.824 kWh, respectively. The machine's total cost was 3,895.45 USD having the cost of production for frozen and canned chaap was found to be 1.35 and 1.75 USD per kg. The developed machine would be a boon for the micro, small, and medium enterprises and others to produce quality soy chaap while getting a better economic return.Practical ApplicationsThe present work can extend the utilization of the soybean in developing a novel product. It produces high‐quality soy chaap with high capacity by reducing dependency on inefficient and unhygienic manual methods. This machine development lays a pavement in setting up the micro, small, and medium enterprises and creates employment opportunities.
Identification of the apple spoilage causative fungi and prediction of the spoilage degree using electronic nose
Authors: Guo Zhiming , Guo Chuang , Sun Li , Zuo Min , Chen Quansheng , El‐Seedi Hesham R. , Zou Xiaobo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractApple is resistant to storage, but it is susceptible to fungal infection during transportation and storage, resulting in serious losses after harvest. A convenient and nondestructive monitoring method for fungi‐inoculated apples was proposed in this research. Four dominant spoilage fungi, including Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Alternaria alternata, were inoculated on apple samples. The volatile information of samples with different degrees of spoilage was obtained by gas sensors. The pattern recognition methods were compared to classify the fungi and degrees of spoilage. Back propagation‐artificial neural networks (BP‐ANN) had the best identification model result with the highest recognition rates of 95.62 and 99.58% for fungi and spoilage degrees, respectively. The variable selection methods were employed, and variables of the gas sensors data for the prediction of apple spoilage area were optimized. The best prediction models of Aspergillus niger, Penicillium expansum, Penicillium chrysogenum, and Alternaria alternata were 0.854, 0.939, 0.909, and 0.918, respectively. The results show that the gas sensors can be used as a nondestructive technique in apple fungi infection evaluation. This proposed fruit spoilage detection technology is expected to provide a reference for the early detection of apple spoilage to promote food quality and safety inspection.Practical ApplicationsThis research used gas sensors to identify the four main spoilage fungi of apples and predicted the spoilage degree of apples using established prediction models. The apple spoilage detection method adopted in this research provides a reference for the early detection of fruit spoilage, which is helpful for apple storage and reduces the economic loss caused by corruption. It is an important measure to help ensure the economic benefits of apple and provide consumers with a large number of high‐quality apple products.
Mortality, sepsis, and organ failure in hospitalized patients with cirrhosis vary by type of infection
Authors: Atteberry Preston , Biederman Benjamin , Jesudian Arun , Lucero Catherine , Brown Robert S. , Verna Elizabeth , Sundaram Vinay , Fortune Brett , Rosenblatt Russell 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackground and AimInfection is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in cirrhosis, but presumably, not all infections carry the same risk of mortality. We compared outcomes of different sites of infection in a nationally representative sample of inpatients with cirrhosis.MethodsWe queried the Nationwide Readmissions Database for patients with cirrhosis from 2011 to 2014. Cirrhosis and infection diagnoses were identified by previously used algorithms of ICD‐9 codes. The following infections were compared: urinary tract infection (UTI), pneumonia, cellulitis, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP), and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). The primary outcome was inpatient mortality. Secondary outcomes included sepsis, any organ failure, multiple organ failures, and 30‐day readmission. Outcomes were analyzed using logistic regression and included a priori covariates.ResultsA total of 1 798 830 weighted index admissions were identified. Infection was present in 29.2% overall—including UTI (13.7%), pneumonia (8.9%), cellulitis (5.2%), CDI (2.8%), and SBP (2.0%). Mortality was significantly higher in pneumonia (19.6%), SBP (18.6%), and CDI (17.4%) compared with cellulitis (7.6%) and UTI (11.8%). Sepsis, any, and multiple organ failures were most commonly seen in pneumonia, SBP, and CDI. Multivariable analysis demonstrated that pneumonia had the highest associated mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.73, confidence interval [CI] 2.68–2.80) and multiple organ failures (OR 3.59, CI 3.50–3.68). Significantly increased 30‐day readmission was seen only with SBP (24.9%).ConclusionsOutcomes of inpatients with cirrhosis vary significantly depending on the type of infection. The severity and epidemiology of infection in cirrhosis appears to be shifting with pneumonia, not SBP, having the highest prevalence of multiple organ failures and inpatient mortality.
Modeling intervertebral articulation: The rotule à doigt mechanical joint (RAD) in birds and mammals
Authors: Abourachid Anick , Gagnier Benoît , Furet Matthieu , Cornette Raphael , Delapre Arnaud , Hackert Remi , Wenger Philippe 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe vertebrate skeleton is composed of articulated bones. Most of the articulations are classically described using mechanical joints, except the intervertebral joint. The aim of this study was to identify a joint model with the same mechanical features as the cervical joints. On the neck vertebrae, six articular surfaces participate in the joint: the cranial part of the centrum and the facets of the two prezygapophyses of a vertebra articulate on the caudal part of the centrum and the two articular facets of the postzygapophyses of the previous vertebra. We used the intervertebral joints of the birds neck to identify the mechanical joint representing intervertebral linkage. This link was described in the literature as a joint allowing two or three rotations and no translation. These features correspond to the rotule à doigt (RAD) joint, a ball and socket joint with a pin. We compared the RAD joint to the postaxial intervertebral joints of the avian neck and found it a suitable model to determine the geometrical features involved in the joint mobility. The difference in the angles of virtual axes linking the geometrical center of the centrum to the zygapophysis surfaces determines the mean dorsoventral flexion of the joint. It also helps to limit longitudinal rotation. The orientation of the zygapophysis surfaces determines the range of motion in both dorsoventral and lateral flexion. The overall system prevents dislocation. The model was validated on 13 joints of a vulture neck and 11 joints of a swallow neck and on one joint (C6–C7) in each of three mammal species: the wolf (Canis lupus), mole (Talpa europaea), and human (Homo sapiens). The RAD mechanical joint was found in all vertebral articulations. This validation of the model on different species shows that the RAD intervertebral joint model makes it possible to extract the parameters that guide and limit the mobility of the cervical spine from the complex shape of the vertebrae and to compare them in interspecific studies.
Causal mediation analysis in economics: Objectives, assumptions, models
Authors: Celli Viviana 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMediation analysis aims at identifying and evaluating the mechanisms through which treatment affects an outcome. The goal is to disentangle the total treatment effect into two components: the indirect effect that occurs due to one or more intermediate variables, known as mediators, and the direct effect that captures all other possible explanations for why a treatment works. This paper reviews the methodological advancements in the literature on causal mediation in economics, specifically quasi‐experimental designs. I define the parameters of interest, the main assumptions and the identification strategies under the counterfactual approach, and present the Instrumental Variables (IV), Difference‐in‐Differences (DID), and Synthetic Control (SC) methods.
Healthcare systems and professionals are key to improving health literacy in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Dinh Ha T. T. , Nguyen Nguyet T. , Bonner Ann 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundComorbidity is prevalent in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and this status burdens one's health literacy skills to understand about their health, make decisions, and to adhere with treatment.ObjectivesTo examine health literacy in people with CKD and comorbidities.DesignA cross‐sectional study was conducted between November 2018 and April 2019.ParticipantsConvenience sampling recruited 367 adults with CKD and at least one comorbid disease.MeasurementsData were collected using the 9‐domain Health Literacy Questionnaire. Demographic and clinical characteristics were also collected. Charlson Comorbidity Index calculated comorbidity status. Parametric tests were used to distinguish health literacy between various groups.ResultsParticipants' average age was 58.8 years, 54.7% had CKD Grade 5, 72.5% had a severe comorbidity index (≥6), and nearly 40% were on haemodialysis. Lower health literacy proportions were found in domains related to Healthcare providers' support (58.3%) and Appraisal of health information (38.4%). Lower levels of education, income, or living in rural areas were each significantly more likely to contribute to lower health literacy levels (range 4–7 domains). Greater comorbidity severity was also significantly associated with lower health literacy in two domains.ConclusionPeople with CKD had difficulties in various health literacy domains primarily related to communication and critical appraisal. These domains can be improved by healthcare professionals and changes in hospital policies. Due to frequent contact with patients in kidney services, renal clinicians have a crucial role in ensuring greater communication occurs as this will better assist patients to understand their healthcare needs.
High body mass index and sleep problems during pregnancy: A meta‐analysis and meta‐regression of observational studies
Authors: Lau Ying , Cheng Ling Jie , Chee Daniel Guang Hui , Zhao Menglu , Wong Sai Ho , Wong Suei Nee , Tan Kian Lee 
Published: July 2021

SummaryDespite the well‐established correlation of weight and sleeping problems, little is known about the nature of the association. The present study examined whether pregnant women with high body mass index have a risk of developing sleep problems, and identified any covariates that affect this relationship. We systematically searched electronic databases, specialized journals, various clinical trial registries, grey literature databases and the reference list of the identified studies. All observational studies were obtained from inception until 9 August 2020. The Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was adopted to assess the quality of studies. Stata software was used to conduct meta‐analysis and meta‐regression. Forty‐six observational studies involving 2,240,804 participants across 16 countries were included. Quality assessment scores ranged from 4 to 10 (median = 6). Meta‐analyses revealed that the risk of sleep apnea, habitual snoring, short sleep duration and poor sleep quality is increased in pregnant women with high body mass index, but not for daytime sleepiness, insomnia or restless legs syndrome. Subgroup differences were detected on body mass index between different regions, nature of population, year of publication, age group and study quality. Random‐effects meta‐regression analyses showed that year and quality of publication were covariates on the relationships between pre‐pregnant body mass index and sleep apnea risk. Our review shows that sleep apnea, habitual snoring, short sleep duration and poor sleep quality are important concerns for pregnant women with high body mass index. Developing screening and targeted interventions is recommended to promote efficacious perinatal care.
Genome‐wide analysis of butterfly bush (Buddleja alternifolia) in three uplands provides insights into biogeography, demography and speciation
Authors: Ma Yong‐Peng , Wariss Hafiz Muhammad , Liao Rong‐Li , Zhang Ren‐Gang , Yun Quan‐Zheng , Olmstead Richard G. , Chau John H. , Milne Richard I. , Van de Peer Yves , Sun Wei‐Bang 
Published: July 2021

SummaryUnderstanding processes that generate and maintain large disjunctions within plant species can provide valuable insights into plant diversity and speciation. The butterfly bushBuddleja alternifoliahas an unusual disjunct distribution, occurring in the Himalaya, Hengduan Mountains (HDM) and the Loess Plateau (LP) in China.We generated a high‐quality, chromosome‐level genome assembly ofB. alternifolia, the first within the family Scrophulariaceae. Whole‐genome re‐sequencing data from 48 populations plus morphological and petal colour reflectance data covering its full distribution range were collected.Three distinct genetic lineages ofB. alternifoliawere uncovered, corresponding to Himalayan, HDM and LP populations, with the last also differentiated morphologically and phenologically, indicating occurrence of allopatric speciation likely to be facilitated by geographic isolation and divergent adaptation to distinct ecological niches. Moreover, speciation with gene flow between populations from either side of a mountain barrier could be under way within LP. The current disjunctions withinB. alternifoliamight result from vicariance of a once widespread distribution, followed by several past contraction and expansion events, possibly linked to climate fluctuations promoted by the Kunlun–Yellow river tectonic movement. Several adaptive genes are likely to be either uniformly or diversely selected among regions, providing a footprint of local adaptations.These findings provide new insights into plant biogeography, adaptation and different processes of allopatric speciation.