bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Svalbard reindeer winter diets: Long‐term dietary shifts to graminoids in response to a changing climate
Authors: Hiltunen Tamara A. , Stien Audun , Väisänen Maria , Ropstad Erik , Aspi Jouni O. , Welker Jeffery M. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractArctic ecosystems are changing dramatically with warmer and wetter conditions resulting in complex interactions between herbivores and their forage. We investigated how Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) modify their late winter diets in response to long‐term trends and interannual variation in forage availability and accessibility. By reconstructing their diets and foraging niches over a 17‐year period (1995–2012) using serum δ13C and δ15N values, we found strong support for a temporal increase in the proportions of graminoids in the diets with a concurrent decline in the contributions of mosses. This dietary shift corresponds with graminoid abundance increases in the region and was associated with increases in population density, warmer summer temperatures and more frequent rain‐on‐snow (ROS) in winter. In addition, the variance in isotopic niche positions, breadths, and overlaps also supported a temporal shift in the foraging niche and a dietary response to extreme ROS events. Our long‐term study highlights the mechanisms by which winter and summer climate changes cascade through vegetation shifts and herbivore population dynamics to alter the foraging niche of Svalbard reindeer. Although it has been anticipated that climate changes in the Svalbard region of the Arctic would be detrimental to this unique ungulate, our study suggests that environmental change is in a phase where conditions are improving for this subspecies at the northernmost edge of the Rangifer distribution.
Derrière le masque: les conditions de travail des travailleurs des plateformes numériques pendant la pandémie de COVID‐19
Authors: HOWSON Kelle , USTEK‐SPILDA Funda , BERTOLINI Alessio , HEEKS Richard , FERRARI Fabian , KATTA Srujana , COLE Matthew , AGUERA RENESES Pablo , SALEM Nancy , SUTCLIFFE David , STEWARD Shelly , GRAHAM Mark 
Published: September 2022

RésuméLes plateformes de travail numériques ont souvent été présentées comme une solution au chômage engendré par la pandémie. Cependant, la crise a mis en lumière la vulnérabilité des collaborateurs des plateformes, notamment des travailleurs essentiels parmi eux. Les auteurs examinent le comportement de 191 plate‐formes de 43 pays pendant la pandémie pour savoir si celle‐ci a fait évoluer la branche. Sur la base de critères relatifs à l'équité au travail, ils repèrent certains progrès mais aussi des lacunes importantes en matière de protection et concluent à une précarisation du travail, alors même que les plateformes ont plutôt tiré profit de la crise.
Rapid phylogenetic analysis using open reading frame content patterns acquired by Oxford nanopore sequencing
Authors: Hayashi Kengo , Doi Yohei , Suzuki Masahiro 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Aims
Phylogenetic analysis based on core genome single nucleotide polymorphisms (cgSNPs) using whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly used in epidemiological investigations of bacteria. The approach, however, is both resource intensive and time-consuming. Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) sequencing is capable of real-time data analysis but the high error rate hampers its application in cgSNP-based phylogenetic analysis. Here, we developed a cgSNP-independent phylogenetic analysis method using ONT read assemblies by focusing on open reading frame (ORF) content patterns.

Methods and Results
WGS data of 66 Enterobacter hormaechei strains acquired by both ONT and Illumina sequencing and 162 strains obtained from NCBI database were converted to binary sequences based on the presence or absence of ORFs using BLASTn. Phylogenetic trees calculated from binary sequences (ORF trees) were compared with cgSNP trees derived from Illumina sequences. Clusters of closely related strains in the cgSNP trees formed comparable clusters in the ORF trees built with binary sequences, and the tree topologies between them were similar based on Fowlkes–Mallows index.

Conclusions
The ORF-based phylogenetic analysis using ONT sequencing may be useful in epidemiological investigations and offer advantages over the cgSNP-based approach.

Significance and Impact of the study
Conversion of assembled WGS data to binary sequences based on the presence or absence of ORFs circumvents read error concerns with ONT sequencing. Since ONT sequencing generates data in real time and does not require major investment, this ORF-based phylogenetic analysis method has the potential to enable phylogenetic and epidemiological analysis at the point of care.
Identification of spoilage microflora in draught beer using culture-dependent methods
Authors: Jevons Alexander L. , Quain David E. 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Aims
To determine whether the culture-dependent spoilage microflora found in draught beer are influenced by beer style.

Methods and Results
Four beer styles—lager, ale, stout and cask ale – were sampled twice from five different public houses (accounts) in four different locations. The microbiological quality of the dispensed beers was determined by a culture-dependent method (‘forcing’), measuring the increase in turbidity after incubation at 30°C. The quality of draught beer varied from ‘excellent’ to ‘poor’ with cask beer samples having a higher Quality Index (90%) with keg ale the lowest (67.5%). With PCR amplified DNA (ITS1, ITS4, 16S rRNA primers) and blast identification of microflora, 386 colonies from agar plates were identified with 28 different micro-organisms from five genera of yeast and six of bacteria. Seven micro-organisms were found in all beer styles with Brettanomyces bruxellensis, B. anomalus and Acetobacter fabarum representing 53% of the identified micro-organisms. A subsequent, limited study using PALL multiplex PCR GeneDisc technology on forced samples (without selection on plates) suggests that draught beer microflora is qualitatively broader. It is noteworthy that the microflora of spoilt draught beer resembles that involved in the production of Belgian Lambic sour beers.

Conclusions
Draught beer was of variable quality. Culture-dependent analysis suggests that species of Brettanomyces and Acetobacter are core microflora with some micro-organisms being associated with beer style.

Significance and Impact of the Study
The microbiological quality of draught beer is important both commercially and to the consumer. Here, we report the core and diverse microflora found in different styles of draught beer using culture-dependent methods.
Efficacy and toxicity of hydrogen peroxide producing electrochemical bandages in a porcine explant biofilm model
Authors: Tibbits Gretchen , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Gelston Suzanne , Flurin Laure , Raval Yash S. , Greenwood-Quaintance Kerryl , Patel Robin , Beyenal Haluk 
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Aims
Effects of H2O2 producing electrochemical-bandages (e-bandages) on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization and biofilm removal were assessed using a porcine explant biofilm model. Transport of H2O2 produced from the e-bandage into explant tissue and associated potential toxicity were evaluated.

Methods and Results
Viable prokaryotic cells from infected explants were quantified after 48 h treatment with e-bandages in three ex vivo S. aureus infection models: (1) reducing colonization, (2) removing young biofilms and (3) removing mature biofilms. H2O2 concentration-depth profiles in explants/biofilms were measured using microelectrodes. Reductions in eukaryotic cell viability of polarized and nonpolarized noninfected explants were compared. e-Bandages effectively reduced S. aureus colonization (p = 0.029) and reduced the viable prokaryotic cell concentrations of young biofilms (p = 0.029) with limited effects on mature biofilms (p &gt; 0.1). H2O2 penetrated biofilms and explants and reduced eukaryotic cell viability by 32–44% compared to nonpolarized explants.

Conclusions
H2O2 producing e-bandages were most active when used to reduce colonization and remove young biofilms rather than to remove mature biofilms.

Significance and Impact of Study
The described e-bandages reduced S. aureus colonization and young S. aureus biofilms in a porcine explant wound model, supporting their further development as an antibiotic-free alternative for managing biofilm infections.
Heart rate variability changes in patients with obstructive sleep apnea: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wang Zuxing , Jiang Fugui , Xiao Jun , Chen Lili , Zhang Yuan , Li Jieying , Yi Yang , Min Wenjiao , Su Liuhui , Liu Xuemei , Zou Zhili 
Published: September 2022

SummaryObstructive sleep apnea is a common sleep breathing disorder related to autonomic nervous function disturbances. Heart rate variability is an important non‐invasive indicator of autonomic nervous system function. The PubMed, Embase, Medline and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for English literature comparing patients with obstructive sleep apnea with controls up to May 2021. Heart rate variability outcomes, including integrated indices (parasympathetic function and total variability), time domain indices (the standard deviation of NN intervals and the root mean square of the successive differences between normal heartbeats) and frequency domain indices (high‐frequency, low‐frequency, very‐low‐frequency and the ratio of low‐frequency to high‐frequency) were derived from the studies. Twenty‐two studies that included 2565 patients with obstructive sleep apnea and 1089 healthy controls were included. Compared with controls, patients with obstructive sleep apnea exhibited significantly reduced parasympathetic function. For the obstructive sleep apnea severity subgroup meta‐analysis, patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea had significantly lower parasympathetic function, high‐frequency, root mean square of the successive differences between normal heartbeats and standard deviation of NN intervals, and higher low‐frequency and ratios of low‐frequency to high‐frequency. However, only the ratio of low‐frequency to high‐frequency was significantly higher in patients with moderate obstructive sleep apnea than in controls. Finally, for the collection time analysis, patients with obstructive sleep apnea had significantly higher low‐frequency and ratio of low‐frequency to high‐frequency at night, significantly lower parasympathetic function, high‐frequency, root mean square of the successive differences between normal heartbeats and standard deviation of NN intervals, and a higher ratio of low‐frequency to high‐frequency during the day than controls. Autonomic function impairment was more serious in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea. During sleep, low‐frequency can well reflect the impairment of autonomic function in obstructive sleep apnea, and the ratio of low‐frequency to high‐frequency may play an important role in obstructive sleep apnea diagnosis.
Phosphorylation status of Bβ subunit acts as a switch to regulate the function of phosphatase PP2A in ethylene‐mediated root growth inhibition
Authors: Shao Zhengyao , Zhao Bo , Kotla Prashanth , Burns Jackson G. , Tran Jaclyn , Ke Meiyu , Chen Xu , Browning Karen S. , Qiao Hong 
Published: September 2022

Summary

The various combinations and regulations of different subunits of phosphatase PP2A holoenzymes underlie their functional complexity and importance. However, molecular mechanisms governing the assembly of PP2A complex in response to external or internal signals remain largely unknown, especially in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We found that the phosphorylation status of Bβ of PP2A acts as a switch to regulate the activity of PP2A. In the absence of ethylene, phosphorylated Bβ leads to an inactivation of PP2A; the substrate EIR1 remains to be phosphorylated, preventing the EIR1‐mediated auxin transport in epidermis, leading to normal root growth.

Upon ethylene treatment, the dephosphorylated Bβ mediates the formation of the A2–C4–Bβ protein complex to activate PP2A, resulting in the dephosphorylation of EIR1 to promote auxin transport in epidermis of elongation zone, leading to root growth inhibition.

Altogether, our research revealed a novel molecular mechanism by which the dephosphorylation of Bβ subunit switches on PP2A activity to dephosphorylate EIR1 to establish EIR1‐mediated auxin transport in the epidermis in elongation zone for root growth inhibition in response to ethylene.
A CRISPR‐based lateral flow assay for plant genotyping and pathogen diagnostics
Authors: Sánchez Edith , Ali Zahir , Islam Tofazzal , Mahfouz Magdy 
Published: September 2022

SummaryEfficient pathogen diagnostics and genotyping methods enable effective disease management and breeding, improve crop productivity and ensure food security. However, current germplasm selection and pathogen detection techniques are laborious, time‐consuming, expensive and not easy to mass‐scale application in the field. Here, we optimized a field‐deployable lateral flow assay, Bio‐SCAN, as a highly sensitive tool to precisely identify elite germplasm and detect mutations, transgenes and phytopathogens in <1 h, starting from sample isolation to result output using lateral flow strips. As a proof of concept, we genotyped various wheat germplasms for the Lr34 and Lr67 alleles conferring broad‐spectrum resistance to stripe rust, confirmed the presence of synthetically produced herbicide‐resistant alleles in the rice genome and screened for the presence of transgenic elements in the genome of transgenic tobacco and rice plants with 100% specificity. We also successfully applied this new assay to the detection of phytopathogens, including viruses and bacterial pathogens in Nicotiana benthamiana, and two destructive fungal pathogens (Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici and Magnaporthe oryzae Triticum) in wheat. Our results illustrate the power of Bio‐SCAN in crop breeding, genetic engineering and pathogen diagnostics to enhance food security. The high sensitivity, simplicity, versatility and in‐field deployability make the Bio‐SCAN as an attractive molecular diagnostic tool for diverse applications in agriculture.
Auxin plays a role in the adaptation of rice to anaerobic germination and seedling establishment
Authors: Lee Kuo‐Wei , Chen Jeremy J. W. , Wu Chung‐Shen , Chang Ho‐Chun , Chen Hong‐Yue , Kuo Hsin‐Hao , Lee Ya‐Shan , Chang Yan‐Lun , Chang Hung‐Chia , Shiue Shiau‐Yu , Wu Yi‐Chen , Ho Yi‐Cheng , Chen Peng‐Wen 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAuxin is well known to stimulate coleoptile elongation and rapid seedling growth in the air. However, its role in regulating rice germination and seedling establishment under submergence is largely unknown. Previous studies revealed that excessive levels of indole‐3‐acetic acid(IAA) frequently cause the inhibition of plant growth and development. In this study, the high‐level accumulation of endogenous IAA is observed under dark submergence, stimulating rice coleoptile elongation but limiting the root and primary leaf growth during anaerobic germination (AG). We found that oxygen and light can reduce IAA levels, promote the seedling establishment and enhance rice AG tolerance. miRNA microarray profiling and RNA gel blot analysis results show that the expression of miR167 is negatively regulated by submergence; it subsequently modulates the accumulation of free IAA through the miR167‐ARF‐GH3 pathway. The OsGH3‐8 encodes an IAA‐amido synthetase that functions to prevent free IAA accumulation. Reduced miR167 levels or overexpressing OsGH3‐8 increase auxin metabolism, reduce endogenous levels of free IAA and enhance rice AG tolerance. Our studies reveal that poor seed germination and seedling growth inhibition resulting from excessive IAA accumulation would cause intolerance to submergence in rice, suggesting that a certain threshold level of auxin is essential for rice AG tolerance.
Nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs as antipyretics and modulators of a molecular clock(s) in the appendix of Sauromatum venosum inflorescence
Authors: Skubatz H. 
Published: September 2022

ABSTRACT

The appendix of the Sauromatum senosum inflorescence is a striking example of thermogenesis in plants. On the day of opening, the Sauromatum appendix becomes hot, reaching up to 32 °C. Aspirin, salicylic acid and 2,6‐dihydroxybenzoic acid, a subclass of NSAIDs, induce a temperature rise from three mitochondrial sources: alternative oxidase, F1FO‐ATP synthase and adenine nucleotide translocator. This temperature rise is synchronized and compounded under various light/dark regimes. We studied the effect of different subgroups of NSAIDs on the temperature rise.

Tissue slices of appendix of Sauromatum and Arum italicum inflorescences at a pre‐mature stage were treated with the three inducers in combination with one NSAID under constant light or darkness and under different photoperiods.

Temperature rise generated by the three heat sources in the presence of inducers and different non‐selective NSAIDs were not compounded and occurred at three different times. Under constant light, DuP‐697, ibuprofen, flurbiprofen, acetaminophen and diclofenac suppressed the temperature rise induced by the three salicylates. Desynchronization and delayed temperature rise were detected with 6/42‐h light/ dark and 15/33‐h light/dark regimes in the presence of celecoxib and ibuprofen. With a 24/24‐h light/dark regime, temperature rise was suppressed in the presence of ibuprofen. There were differences in response to individual NSAIDs between appendix tissue of A. italicum and S. venosum.

Mitochondrial energy balance is affected by NSAIDs. There is an interaction between light/dark regime and temperature rise and a relationship between timing mechanism and temperature rise.
Within‐family inequalities in human capital accumulation in India
Authors: Fors Heather Congdon , Lindskog Annika 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe investigate within‐family inequalities in human capital accumulation in India. Indicators of the children's current stock of human capital and of investment into their continued human capital accumulation are analyzed, distinguishing between time investments and pecuniary investment into school quality. We employ a within‐family model using sibship fixed effects, and find mostly negative birth order effects; that is, earlier‐born children are better off. However, for time investments there is a tendency toward more positive birth order effects, especially in poor and large families. This suggests that that opportunity cost of child time matters; in poor and large families the older, more productive, siblings often need to work. The most plausible explanation for negative birth order effects in general is resource dilution at an early age. Older siblings were only children at an early age, and therefore benefited from more parental resources.
The impact of capital goods prices on Africa's economic performance
Authors: Ben Moummad B. , Ezzahid E. , Zoglat A. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractOver the last four decades, the relative price of investment goods in Africa has gone through a relatively large decrease, resulting in a steady convergence towards the levels recorded in high‐income countries. This fact begs the following question: To what extent might the relative price decrease be a driving force behind the economic performance of this continent? The paper addresses this question from the perspective of a panel ARDL approach, using the Solow growth model—augmented with barriers to investment—as a framework. The results reveal that a one‐unit decrease in the relative price of investment leads, in the long term, to a 4% increase in per capita GDP, an increase that could be neutralised by a 6.5 percentage points decrease in the savings rate. The findings contribute to the case for a policy mix that combines policies geared towards reducing investment distortions with those promoting savings mobilisation.
Prader‐Willi syndrome: Periodontal‐prosthodontic rehabilitation in an adult patient
Authors: Mackert Justin , Mears Brian , Pannu DJ , Ghaly Mira , Londono Jimmy , El‐Awady Ahmed R. , Peacock Mark E. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIntroductionPrader‐Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare genetic multisystemic disease that is the most common inherited cause of severe childhood obesity. PWS patients are prone to significant oral and systemic health issues that detrimentally affect quality of life and decrease longevity. This report documents full‐mouth pre‐prosthetic surgical and restorative care in an adult PWS patient.Case ReportThe patient, a 29‐year‐old male, presented to the clinic accompanied by his guardians (parents) with the chief complaint that “My Teeth are breaking down and I would like to get them fixed”. Periodontal and prosthetic comprehensive clinical and radiographic exams revealed a severely worn dentition, deep anterior overbite, altered passive eruption with generalized biofilm‐induced gingivitis, and altered occlusal vertical dimension. Full mouth crown lengthening surgery combined with full mouth prosthodontic reconstruction was performed under parenteral sedation and local anesthesia. Completion of treatment was successful, and the patient was placed on a 3‐month periodontal maintenance interval.DiscussionFull mouth periodontal surgical and prosthodontic reconstruction on a PWS patient has not previously been reported in the literature. This case underscores the potential need for complex dental care in patients with this syndrome.
The Wretched of Middle‐Earth: An Orkish Manifesto☆
Authors: Mills Charles W. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis previously‐unpublished essay by the late Charles W. Mills (1951–2021) seeks to demonstrate the racially‐structured character of the universe created by J. R. R. Tolkien in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Written long before the popular film series, the essay critically examines Tolkien's novels and comments on the nature of fictional creation. Mills argues that Tolkien designs a racial hierarchy in the novels that recapitulates the central racist myth of European thought.
Service trade restrictiveness and foreign direct investment—Evidence from greenfield FDI in business services
Authors: Jungmittag Andre , Marschinski Robert 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe study the impact of service trade restrictions on bilateral greenfield FDI projects in four business services sectors within a gravity model framework. Project level FDI data for 43 destination countries and up to 41 source countries spanning the years 2014–2020 stems from the fDi Markets database and restrictions from the OECD's Service Trade Restrictiveness Index (STRI). Using a negative binomial estimator to explain the number of bilateral FDI projects, we find that service trade restrictions represent a significant barrier for greenfield FDI. In three out of four business services, we obtain statistically significant evidence of a negative effect of the compound STRI level. Using three sub‐components of the index (restrictions to foreign entry, restrictions to the movement of people, other service trade restrictions) generally improves the explanatory power of the models. To illustrate potential magnitudes, we simulate how the number of expected FDI projects would increase in response to a hypothetical policy reform reducing relevant restrictions by 50%. We find average increases across the destination countries ranging between 20% and 104%, with a strong dependence on which business service sector is considered and whether or not the FDI projects only involve countries of the European Economic Area (EEA).