bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct evidence that KNDy neurons maintain gonadotropin pulses and folliculogenesis as the GnRH pulse generator
Authors: Nagae Mayuko , Uenoyama Yoshihisa , Okamoto Saki , Tsuchida Hitomi , Ikegami Kana , Goto Teppei , Majarune Sutisa , Nakamura Sho , Sanbo Makoto , Hirabayashi Masumi , Kobayashi Kenta , Inoue Naoko , Tsukamura Hiroko 
Published: January 2021

SignificanceReports suggest that at least 25% of women suffering from reproductive disorders are due to hypothalamic dysfunction. Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) regimens are used for infertile women. Thus, elucidation of the GnRH/gonadotropin pulse generator is warranted to improve therapeutic approaches for these disorders. Normal pulsatile gonadotropin release and folliculogenesis were rescued by transfecting the kisspeptin gene (Kiss1) into the hypothalamic neurokinin B (NKB) neurons in globalKiss1knockout infertile female rats but not by transfecting outside the NKB neurons. Our results demonstrate that kisspeptin/NKB/dynorphin A (KNDy) neurons serve as the GnRH pulse generator, and >20% KNDy neurons are enough to maintain GnRH/gonadotropin pulses and folliculogenesis in female rats. The findings provide a potential therapeutic aspect for hypothalamic reproductive disorders.
GRK5 is a regulator of fibroblast activation and cardiac fibrosis
Authors: Eguchi Akito , Coleman Ryan , Gresham Kenneth , Gao Erhe , Ibetti Jessica , Chuprun J. Kurt , Koch Walter J. 
Published: January 2021

Significance
Pathological remodeling of the heart is a hallmark of chronic heart failure (HF) and these structural changes further perpetuate the disease. G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) kinase 5 (GRK5) has been shown to cause deleterious effects on the cardiomyocyte during HF; however, its effects in cardiac fibroblasts, the crucial cell type responsible for maintaining the structural integrity of the heart, is not understood. Here, we use in vitro and in vivo methods to demonstrate that inhibition of GRK5 inhibits fibroblast activation and attenuates the fibrotic response in the heart.
On clitic placement and gradience of strength of FP in Western Ibero-Romance
Authors: Graham Lamar A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOld (Medieval and Classical) Spanish permitted finite enclisis and as such is classified as a strong-F language, as are many archaic varieties of Romance languages. Notable about Old Spanish is that, prior to the 1500s, interpolation arrangements were acceptable and rather common, as is still the case of Galician and some dialects of Portuguese. However, from the 1500s onward, interpolation in Old Spanish was no longer productive, much like modern Asturian. This is evidence that the “strong-weak” dichotomy of FP is insufficient to explain the situation of the languages. I argue that the strength of FP should be described as not only “weak” or “strong,” but instead on a gradient scale to distinguish languages that permit a range of possible clitic arrangements.
Crop domestication and indigenous crops.
Authors: Morgan Lynette 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Plant domestication is the genetic modification of a wild species to create a new form of a plant altered to meet human needs (Doebley et al., 2006). The basis of domestication is intentional selection by farmers, a process which eventually lead to improvements in plant adaptation to cultivation, yields, nutritional quality, ease of propagation and harvest, and a number of other desirable characteristics. The term 'domesticated' may also be used to refer to plants that are morphologically and genetically distinct from their wild ancestors as a result of artificial selection, or that are no longer known to occur outside of cultivation (Meyer et al., 2012). 'Semi-domesticated' refers specifically to crops that may be under cultivation and selection, but are not clearly genetically or morphologically distinct from the wild type, while undomesticated includes plants that are still wild-harvested with no artificial selection having occurred. Crop domestication served a vital purpose for the human race. It allowed nomadic societies to become settled, ensured a secure food supply, and contributed to the development of many aspects of civilisation. By the process of selection from wild ancestors and plant breeding over millennia, high yielding, reliable and improved compositional quality crops could be produced from generation to generation. Worldwide, the domestication process has seen the domination of just a handful of staple crops that now contribute to a high proportion of human energy intake.
Energy use in horticulture.
Authors: Morgan Lynette 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Horticultural production requires the use of many different forms of energy. These energy sources range from natural energy such as light, heat and human labour to the widespread use of fossil fuels, electricity and natural gas, which dominate large scale, modern agriculture systems. Energy has been a vital input for efficient production ever since man first began to cultivate crops. Initially, the only energy sources available were human labour to cultivate, sow, weed, fertilize, irrigate, maintain and harvest crops. However, domesticated animals became a major energy source, replacing some of the heavy work required in early horticultural systems. With the development of modern horticultural systems, machinery and equipment, new, energy-intensive technologies in the post-World War II era began to dramatically increase food production (Pelletier et al., 2011). In the second half of the 20th century global food production more than doubled (Khan and Hanjra, 2009). It is projected to continue to increase until 2050 to meet the demands of continued growing populations. This requirement for ever-increasing volumes of food production, coupled with growing societal affluence and demand for a wide and diverse range of horticultural products exported around the globe, will see energy use become even more of a significant factor within the horticultural industry.
The risk factors and incidence of major infectious diseases in patients with ankylosing spondylitis receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitors
Authors: Koo Bon San , Lim Yu-Cheol , Lee Min-Young , Jeon Ja-Young , Yoo Hyun-Jeong , Oh In-Sun , Shin Ju-Young , Kim Tae-Hwan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objectives
This study aimed to evaluate the risk factor and incidence of infections in patients receiving tumor necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) therapy for ankylosing spondylitis using data from the national health insurance service.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study. Data regarding patients with ankylosing spondylitis prescribed TNFis were obtained from an insurance claims database of the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service in Korea. Outcomes used were incidence rates of serious infection, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and herpes zoster during the follow-up period as well as the relationship between each TNFi and sex, hazard ratio (HR) of infection-related risk factors, and incidence of infections.

Results
A total of 2515 patients were included. There were no significant differences among the hazard ratios of TNFis for serious infection, pneumonia, and herpes zoster. However, the hazard ratio of tuberculosis was significantly higher for infliximab than for etanercept (adjusted HR 8.40 [95% confidence interval: 1.06–66.91]). In the subgroup analysis by sex, women treated with golimumab had a significantly higher hazard of herpes zoster than those treated with etanercept (adjusted HR 12.40 [95% confidence interval: 1.40–109.58]).

Conclusion
We recommend that risk factors for these infectious diseases be identified prior to prescribing TNFis in these patients.
MEFV E148Q variant is more associated with familial Mediterranean fever when combined with other non-exon 10 MEFV variants in Japanese patients with recurrent fever
Authors: Fujimoto Kyoko , Hidaka Yukiko , Koga Takuma , Kaieda Shinjiro , Yamasaki Satoshi , Nakashima Munetoshi , Hoshino Tomoaki , Yamamoto Ken , Nishikomori Ryuta , Ida Hiroaki 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
To investigate the genetic characteristics of one of the MEFV gene variants, p.Glu148Gln (E148Q), in patients with familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) and examine its significance in Japanese patients with recurrent fever.

Methods
The clinical phenotype and genomic variants of systemic autoinflammatory diseases (SAIDs), including MEFV, were analyzed in 211 Japanese patients with recurrent fever. Genetic analysis was performed via next-generation sequencing of exons, including exon-intron boundaries.

Results
Twelve patients met the diagnostic criteria for SAIDs other than FMF. Considering 199 patients with recurrent fever, 137 cases (68.8%) were clinically diagnosed with FMF. Although Bonferroni-adjusted p-value did not reach significance level, the group containing heterozygous E148Q and other variants tended to be at higher risk of developing the FMF phenotype (nominal p = .036) than the group with heterozygous E148Q only. Comparison between the group with heterozygous E148Q and other variants and the heterozygous group containing non-E148Q showed no statistically significant difference in FMF phenotype expression (nominal p = 1.00).

Conclusion
Patients with heterozygous E148Q and other variants exhibited higher expression of FMF phenotype than those with heterozygous E148Q only, and suggested that other variants than E148Q as well as exon 10 variants might contribute to the FMF phenotype.
Group-III-nitride and halide-perovskite semiconductor gain media for amplified spontaneous emission and lasing applications
Authors: Ng Tien Khee , Holguin-Lerma Jorge A , Kang Chun Hong , Ashry Islam , Zhang Huafan , Bucci Giada , Ooi Boon S 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Group-III-nitride optical devices are conventionally important for displays and solid-state lighting, and recently have garnered much interest in the field of visible-light communication. While visible-light laser technology has become mature, developing a range of compact, small footprint, high optical power components for the green-yellow gap wavelengths still requires material development and device design breakthroughs, as well as hybrid integration of materials to overcome the limitations of conventional approaches. The present review focuses on the development of laser and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) devices in the visible wavelength regime using primarily group-III-nitride and halide-perovskite semiconductors, which are at disparate stages of maturity. While the former is well established in the violet-blue-green operating wavelength regime, the latter, which is capable of solution-based processing and wavelength-tunability in the green-yellow-red regime, promises easy heterogeneous integration to form a new class of hybrid semiconductor light emitters. Prospects for the use of perovskite in ASE and lasing applications are discussed in the context of facile fabrication techniques and promising wavelength-tunable light-emitting device applications, as well as the potential integration with group-III-nitride contact and distributed Bragg reflector layers, which is promising as a future research direction. The absence of lattice-matching limitations, and the presence of direct bandgaps and excellent carrier transport in halide-perovskite semiconductors, are both encouraging and thought-provoking for device researchers who seek to explore new possibilities either experimentally or theoretically. These combined properties inspire researchers who seek to examine the suitability of such materials for potential novel electrical injection devices designed for targeted applications related to lasing and operating-wavelength tuning.
Spin polarization in lateral two-dimensional heterostructures
Authors: Hannan Mousavi S , Simchi H 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
In this work, we study the spin polarization in the MoS(Se)2–WS(Se)2 transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures by using the non-equilibrium Green’s function method and a three-band tight-binding model near the edges of the first Brillouin zone. Although it has been shown that the structures have no significant spin polarization in a specific range of energy of electrons, by applying a transverse electric field in the sheet of the metal atoms, shedding light on the sample, and under a small bias voltage, a significant spin polarization in the structure could be created. Besides, by applying a suitable bias voltage between leads and applying the electric field, a noticeable spin polarization can be found even without shedding the light on the heterostructures.
Confinement effect enhanced Stoner ferromagnetic instability in monolayer 1T-VSe2
Authors: He Junyi , Xie Qing , Xu Gang 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Monolayer 1T-VSe2 has been reported as a room-temperature ferromagnet. In this work, by using the first-principles calculations, we unveil that the ferromagnetism in monolayer 1T-VSe2 is originated from its intrinsic huge Stoner instability enhanced by the confinement effect, which can eliminate the interlayer coupling, and lead to a drastic increase of the density of states at the Fermi level due to the presence of Van Hove singularity. Our calculations also demonstrate that the Stoner instability is very sensitive to the interlayer distance. These results provide a useful route to modulate the nonmagnetic to ferromagnetic transition in few-layers or bulk 1T-VSe2, which also shed light on the enhancement of its Curie temperature by enlarging the interlayer distance.
Exotic ΩΩ dibaryon states in a molecular picture *
Authors: Chen Xiao-Hui , Wang Qi-Nan , Chen Wei , Chen Hua-Xing 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
We investigate the exotic

dibaryon states with

and

in a molecular picture. We construct a tensor

molecular interpolating current and calculate the two-point correlation function within the method of QCD sum rules. Our calculations indicate that the masses of the scalar and tensor dibaryon states are

and

, respectively, which are below the

threshold. Within error, these results do not negate the existence of loosely bound molecular

dibaryon states. These exotic strangeness

and doubly-charged

dibaryons, if they exist, may be identified in heavy-ion collision processes in the future.
Effects of stream restoration by legacy sediment removal and floodplain reconnection on water quality
Authors: McMahon Patrick , Beauchamp Vanessa B , Casey Ryan E , Salice Christopher J , Bucher Kyle , Marsh Melinda , Moore Joel 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The effectiveness of many stream restorations in improving water quality is unmeasured. In the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States, activity by European settlers resulted in upland erosion and deposition of sediments 1–3 m in thickness in stream valleys. Subsequently, streams incised those legacy sediments creating steep, exposed banks, infrequent floodplain inundation, and water tables disconnected from floodplains. Legacy sediment removal (LSR) and floodplain reconnection (FR) proposes water quality improvement by restoration to a hydrological state closer to pre-European. We investigated water quality at nine sites, six restored with LSR/FR and three comparison sites. Nitrogen baseflow concentrations and fluxes were elevated in urban and agricultural watersheds with little apparent effect due to restoration. Denitrification appeared to be constrained by carbon availability. Ion concentrations were elevated in all watersheds compared to a forested reference and represent a substantial ecological stressor for the post-restoration aquatic community. Storm event data from one site suggest small reductions in nutrient and sediment loads across the restored reach. High-frequency time series indicate that restoration effects are not observable at larger scales. The effects of restoration, particularly for denitrification, may not be observable for years and can be obscured by weather and climate-driven variability.
Managing aquaculture in multi-use freshwater bodies: the case of Jatiluhur reservoir
Authors: Taskov D A , Telfer T C , Bengtson D A , Rice M A , Little D C , Murray F J 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The pressure on scarce freshwater resources from intensifying human activity is rising across the globe. This study presents the case of Jatiluhur—Indonesia’s largest reservoir, where unregulated aquaculture expansion has contributed to environmental degradation and associated conflicts with other water-users. Aiming to identify a strategy to improve the sustainability of cage aquaculture within Jatiluhur reservoir and other freshwater bodies facing similar challenges, this study consisted of an initial analysis of time bound satellite images of the reservoir and a systematic survey of 112 aquaculture farms. The results revealed that, with more than 45 000 production units in 2020, more than half of which are placed outside government-approved aquaculture zones, the carrying capacity of the reservoir is exceeded. An analysis of the farm-level production practices, pertinent to environmental regulation, indicated the existence of three main production strategies, with significant differences in eutrophication potential among them that would lead to better articulated policy actions. A feed manufacturer-focused policy to reduce total phosphorus levels in formulated diets by more than half, but still within the optimal level for fish performance, would have the most impact. Enforcement of registration and removal of illegal production units supported by satellite-based monitoring of compliance are key recommendations to support intensive cage culture remaining an important economic activity.
Spin-dependent optical transitions in yttrium iron garnet
Authors: Chen Jiunn , Hsu Hua-Shu , Lo Fang-Yuh 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
This study reviewed the electronic structure using density functional theory (DFT) and demostrated the transmission of optical magnetic circular spectrum in probing spin-dependent optical transitions in yttrium iron garnet (YIG). DFT + U results suggested that the t2 orbital of tetrahedral irons are polarized by exchange-splitting O(2p) bands. Such polarization was found to be essential for the kinetic exchange and magnetism in YIG. DFT + U results also identified the spin-polarized energy gaps in YIG. On the basis of the distinctions of Fe3O4 [J. Chen et al, Phys. Rev. B, 98, 085 141 (2018)] and YIG in electronic band features along with their manifestations in an optical magnetic circular diachroism (OMCD) spectrum, a map of spin-dependent optical transitions in YIG is presented. Based on the analysis of OMCD spectra at room temperature, the majority-spin and minority-spin gap in YIG are determined to be 2.45 and 2.25 eV, respectively.
The Effect of Alcohol Cue Exposure on Tobacco-Related Cue Reactivity: A Systematic Review
Authors: Ritchie Emma V , Fitzpatrick Chelsea , Ronksley Paul E , Leung Alexander A , Seidel Sydney , McGrath Daniel S 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Aims
To examine the effect of alcohol cue exposure on tobacco-related cravings, self-administration and other measures of tobacco-related cue reactivity.

Methods
We searched Medline, PsycINFO, Embase, CINAHL and Scopus from inception to May 2020 for articles reporting on a combination of cue reactivity (and/or cross-cue reactivity), alcohol use and tobacco consumption. A semi-quantitative analysis and study quality assessment were performed for the included articles.

Results
A total of 37 articles met our inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Most studies (60%) reported that alcohol cue exposure increased tobacco cravings, but only 18% of studies reported that alcohol cue exposure resulted in an increase in ad libitum smoking. There was also substantial heterogeneity between studies due to differences in methodology related to alcohol cue exposure, measures of tobacco cravings, as well as variable participant and study characteristics.

Conclusions
Alcohol cue exposure can increase cravings for tobacco. This has important implications for individuals who use both substances but are trying to quit one or both.
Exploring the relationship between soil and plant evolutionary diversity in the Roraima table mountain OCBIL, Guayana Highlands
Authors: Campos Prímula Viana , Schaefer Carlos Ernesto G R , Pontara Vanessa , Senra Eduardo Osório , Viana Pedro Lage , Oliveira Fábio Soares , Candido Hugo Galvão , Villa Pedro Manuel 
Published: January 2021

AbstractOCBIL theory aims to develop hypotheses that explain the evolutionary ecology of biota on old, climatically buffered, infertile landscapes (OCBILs). The table mountain OCBILs of the Guayana Highlands are a major centre of Neotropical plant diversity; however, knowledge about the underlying mechanisms of plant community assembly at the mountaintops is still limited. We evaluated the effect of a fine-scale geoenvironmental gradient on the phylogenetic metrics of plant communities on the iconic, highly isolated Roraima table mountain of the Guayana Highlands. We selected three specific geoenvironments: Bonnetia-shrubby rupestrian grassland, peaty rupestrian grassland and sandy rupestrian grassland. We evaluated evolutionary history using species richness and phylogenetic metrics and analysed effects of the soil on phylogenetic metrics using linear models. Of the 55 species surveyed, 40% are endemic to the Guayana Highlands. Bonnetia-shrubby rupestrian grassland showed higher species richness (47) than peaty rupestrian grassland (30) and sandy rupestrian grassland (24). We observed significant differences in phylogenetic diversity and structure among geoenvironments. The highest phylogenetic diversity was found for Bonnetia-shrubby rupestrian grassland and sandy rupestrian grassland. Peaty rupestrian grassland had significantly lower mean pairwise phylogenetic distance and all standardized phylogenetic metrics. The values of standardized phylogenetic metrics were close to zero, suggesting random phylogenetic structure. The linear models revealed that soil texture explained most of the variation in phylogenetic metrics. Our results might be related to the long geological history of tepuis and the accumulation of lineages over tens of millions of years, which supports the OCBIL theory.
Estimation of local treatment effects under the binary instrumental variable model
Authors: Wang Linbo , Zhang Yuexia , Richardson Thomas S , Robins James M 
Published: January 2021

Summary
Instrumental variables are widely used to deal with unmeasured confounding in observational studies and imperfect randomized controlled trials. In these studies, researchers often target the so-called local average treatment effect as it is identifiable under mild conditions. In this paper we consider estimation of the local average treatment effect under the binary instrumental variable model. We discuss the challenges of causal estimation with a binary outcome and show that, surprisingly, it can be more difficult than in the case with a continuous outcome. We propose novel modelling and estimation procedures that improve upon existing proposals in terms of model congeniality, interpretability, robustness and efficiency. Our approach is illustrated via simulation studies and a real data analysis.