bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Upper Extremity Surgery in Tetraplegia and the Online Information Void
Authors: Zhong Shuting , Reed Gabriella E. , Kalliainen Loree K.
Published: October 2019

Background: People with tetraplegia lack awareness of, and subsequently underutilize, reconstructive surgery to improve upper extremity function. This is a topic of international discussion. To bridge the information gap, proposed mandates encourage providers to discuss surgical options with all tetraplegic patients. Outside of the clinical setting, little is known about information available to patients and caregivers—particularly online. The purpose of this study is to evaluate online content for surgical options for improved upper extremity function for people with tetraplegia. Methods: A sample of online content was generated using common search engines and 2 categories of key words and phrases, general and specific. Articles on the first 2 search pages were evaluated for content and audience. Results: A total of 76 different search results appeared on the first 2 pages using 8 unique search phrases. Of articles generated from general phrases, only 5% mentioned tendon or nerve transfers in tetraplegia. When more specific key search phrases were used, the number of lay articles increased to 71%. Conclusions: Based on initial results, general online information on the management of tetraplegia largely excludes discussions of upper limb reconstruction and the well-known benefits. Unless patients, their caregivers, and nonsurgical health care providers have baseline knowledge of tendon and/or nerve transfers, they are unlikely to obtain de novo awareness of surgical options with self-initiated searches. Thus, the challenge and opportunity is to revise the online dialogue to include upper extremity surgery as a fundamental tenet of tetraplegia care.
Managing fragile democracy: Constitutionalist ethos and constrained democracy in Finland
Authors: Rainio-Niemi Johanna
Published: October 2019

This article examines the role that the constitution and the deep-seated, cultural respect for constitutional and administrative stability have played in Finland. The text examines this tradition in a long historical perspective stretching from the nineteenth-century administrative and cultural ‘defence’ battles to the militant legalist protection of the constitutional stability in the 1930s, and, finally, analyses the slow but determined turn towards a more distinctively ‘Nordic’, more integrative and inclusive, model of managing the fragilities within modern democracy. The article argues that Finland of the early twentieth century presents an exceptionally early case of militant and defensive democracy, and, moreover, one that demonstrates the role of the long-term politico-cultural traditions in the adoption of features of militant democracy in a society. This distinctively defensive, and at times, militant constitutionalist ethos has served to protect democracy at many critical moments in the history of twentieth-century Finland. Yet, the protection has often been secondary to the main priority, namely, the maintenance of the stability of the existing constitutional order. This attitude has marked the notions and practices of modern democracy throughout the twentieth century in Finland.
Neural observer-based path following control for underactuated unmanned surface vessels with input saturation and time-varying disturbance
Authors: Wan Lei , Zeng Jiangfeng , Li Yueming , Qin Hongde , Zhang Lei , Wang Jian
Published: October 2019

In this study, a new neural observer-based dynamic surface control scheme is proposed for the path following of underactuated unmanned surface vessels in the presence of input saturation and time-varying external disturbance. The dynamic surface control technique is augmented by a robust adaptive radial basis function neural network and a nonlinear neural disturbance observer. Radial basis function neural network is employed to deal with system uncertainties, and the nonlinear neural disturbance observer is developed to compensate for the unknown compound disturbance that contains the input saturation approximation error and the external disturbance. Moreover, the stringent known boundary requirement of the unknown disturbance constraint is eliminated with the proposed nonlinear neural disturbance observer. Meanwhile, to deal with the non-smooth saturation nonlinearity, a new parametric hyperbolic tangent function approximation model with arbitrary prescribed precision is constructed, which results in the transient performance improvement for the path following control system. Stability analysis shows that all the signals in the closed-loop system are guaranteed to be ultimately bounded. Comparative simulation results further demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed control scheme.
Towards a process for advancing women in coaching through mentorship
Authors: Banwell Jenessa , Stirling Ashley , Kerr Gretchen
Published: October 2019

Female coaches continue to be underrepresented in the coaching domain despite remarkable strides made in female athlete participation. To develop, support, and advance female coaches, mentorship initiatives have been widely recommended. Positive outcomes have been reported in nonsport literature for the professional advancement of women through mentorship, but far less attention has been paid to the advancement of female coaches through mentorship in sport. This study used a multi-methods methodology to explore female coaches’ experiences in, and outcomes of, a female coach mentorship program. Survey data and individual in-depth semi-structured interviews with participating mentor ( n =  7) and mentee coaches ( n =  8) from the program were conducted. Survey data were analyzed descriptively and the interview data were analyzed using an inductive thematic analysis. Findings revealed two primary forms of mentoring support provided through the mentorship program that facilitated personal and professional outcomes for participating mentor and mentee coaches, as well as various quality attributes of the mentorship process. Based upon these findings, a mentorship model for advancing women in coaching is proposed.
IFN-β signalling regulates RAW 264.7 macrophage activation, cytokine production, and killing activity
Authors: Karimi Yalda , Giles Elizabeth C , Vahedi Fatemeh , Chew Marianne V , Nham Tina , Loukov Dessi , Lee Amanda J , Bowdish Dawn ME , Ashkar Ali A
Published: October 2019

Type I IFN holds a critical role in host defence, providing protection against pathogenic organisms through coordinating a pro-inflammatory response. Type I IFN provides additional protection through mitigating this inflammatory response, preventing immunopathology. Within the context of viral infections, type I IFN signalling commonly results in successful viral clearance. Conversely, during bacterial infections, the role of type I IFN is less predictable, leading to either detrimental or beneficial outcomes. The factors responsible for the variability in the role of type I IFN remain unclear. Here, we aimed to elucidate differences in the effect of type I IFN signalling on macrophage functioning in the context of TLR activation. Using RAW 264.7 macrophages, we observed the influence of type I IFN to be dependent on the type of TLR ligand, length of TLR exposure and the timing of IFN-β signalling. However, in all conditions, IFN-β increased the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Examination of RAW 264.7 macrophage function showed type I IFN to induce an activated phenotype by up-regulating MHC II expression and enhancing killing activity. Our results support a context-dependent role for type I IFN in regulating RAW 264.7 macrophage activity.
Unmethylated CpG motif-containing genomic DNA fragment of Bacillus calmette-guerin promotes macrophage functions through TLR9-mediated activation of NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways
Authors: Li Junli , Fu Lili , Wang Guozhi , Subbian Selvakumar , Qin Chuan , Zhao Aihua
Published: October 2019

The potency of synthetic CpG-oligo-deoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs) adjuvants in modulating the immune cell functions through the TLR pathway has been tested and reported previously. However, the cellular signaling involved in the stimulation of macrophages by natural, CpG motif-containing adjuvant and the effector functions modulated by such stimulation has not been well studied. Here, we used in vitro and ex vivo murine macrophage assay systems, and mouse model of in vivo stimulation to explore the signaling pathway and the effector functions mediated by BC01. Results show that BC01 can induce the production of TNF-α and MCP-1 in macrophages by up-regulating the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathway, and elevated the expression of MHC-II, CD40, CD80, and CD86. Upon stimulation with BC01, the peritoneal macrophages isolated from TLR9−/− mice produced significantly low levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, attenuated the activation of NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways, and showed reduced phagocytosis. Following in vivo stimulation with BC01, the TLR9−/− mice produced significantly lower levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the serum and lymph nodes showed reduced cell proliferation. These results indicate that BC01 is an efficient agonist of TLR9 that can significantly enhance the host-protective immune functions of macrophages.
Recurrence of angina after ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction: the role of coronary microvascular obstruction
Authors: Montone Rocco A , Vetrugno Vincenzo , Santacroce Giovanni , Del Buono Marco Giuseppe , Meucci Maria Chiara , Camilli Massimiliano , Galli Mattia , Leone Antonio M , D’Amario Domenico , Buffon Antonio , Aurigemma Cristina , Burzotta Francesco , Trani Carlo , Niccoli Giampaolo , Crea Filippo
Published: October 2019

Background

The recurrence of angina after percutaneous coronary intervention affects 20–35% of patients with stable coronary artery disease; however, few data are available in the setting of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. We evaluated the relation between coronary microvascular obstruction and the recurrence of angina at follow-up.

Methods

We prospectively enrolled patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention. Microvascular obstruction was defined as thrombolysis in myocardial infarction flow less than 3 or 3 with myocardial blush grade less than 2. The primary endpoint was the recurrence of angina at follow-up. Moreover, angina status was evaluated by the Seattle angina questionnaire summary score (SAQSS). Therapy at follow-up and the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events were also collected.

Results

We enrolled 200 patients. Microvascular obstruction occurred in 52 (26%) of them. Follow-up (mean time 25.17±9.28 months) was performed in all patients. Recurrent angina occurred in 31 (15.5%) patients, with a higher prevalence in patients with microvascular obstruction compared with patients without microvascular obstruction (13 (25.0%) vs. 18 (12.2%), P=0.008). Accordingly, SAQSS was lower and the need for two or more anti-anginal drugs was higher in patients with microvascular obstruction compared with patients without microvascular obstruction. At multiple linear regression analysis a history of previous acute coronary syndrome and the occurrence of microvascular obstruction were the only independent predictors of a worse SAQSS. Finally, the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events was higher in patients with microvascular obstruction compared with patients without microvascular obstruction.

Conclusions

The recurrence of angina in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients treated with primary percutaneous coronary intervention is an important clinical issue. The occurrence of microvascular obstruction portends a worse angina status and is associated with the use of more anti-anginal drugs.
A 3‐day low‐fibre diet does not improve colonoscopy preparation results compared to a 1‐day diet: A randomized, single‐blind, controlled trial
Authors: Taveira Filipe , Areia Miguel , Elvas Luís , Alves Susana , Brito Daniel , Saraiva Sandra , Cadime Ana T
Published: October 2019

Background

Although a 1‐day low‐fibre diet before colonoscopy is currently recommended, some endoscopists prescribe a 3‐day diet.

Objective

The objective of this study was to compare the influence of a 3‐day versus a 1‐day low‐fibre diet on bowel preparation quality, patient tolerability and adherence.

Methods

Outpatients scheduled for total colonoscopy were randomized in two groups, 3‐day versus 1‐day low‐fibre diet, performing a 4‐litre polyethylene glycol split‐dose. The primary outcome was a reduction of inappropriate preparations in the 3‐day low‐fibre diet arm from 15% to 5% (bowel preparation was assessed by the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale). Secondary outcomes were adherence to, difficulty to perform, difficulty to obtain and willingness to repeat the diet. Intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and per‐protocol (PP) analyses were conducted for the primary outcome.

Results

A total of 412 patients were randomized (206 per group). Bowel preparation quality was similar between groups. On ITT analysis (n = 412), adequate bowel preparation was 91.7% (3‐day diet) versus 94.7% (1‐day diet), p = 0.24 and on PP analysis (n = 400) 93.5% versus 96.5%, respectively, p = 0.16. Difficulty to perform the diet was significantly higher on the 3‐day diet, p = 0.04. No differences were found on difficulty to obtain the diet, willingness to repeat the diet, adverse events and intra‐colonoscopy findings.

Conclusion

A 3‐day low‐fibre diet does not bring benefit to the bowel preparation quality and is harder to perform than a 1‐day diet.
Magnetic resonance spectroscopy evidence for declining gliosis in MS patients treated with ocrelizumab versus interferon beta-1a
Authors: MacMillan Erin L , Schubert Julia J , Vavasour Irene M , Tam Roger , Rauscher Alexander , Taylor Carolyn , White Rick , Garren Hideki , Clayton David , Levesque Victoria , Li David KB , Kolind Shannon H , Traboulsee Anthony L
Published: October 2019

Background

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy quantitatively monitors biomarkers of neuron-myelin coupling (N-acetylaspartate (NAA)), and inflammation (total creatine (tCr), total choline (tCho), myo-inositol (mI)) in the brain.

Objective

This study aims to investigate how ocrelizumab and interferon beta-1a differentially affects imaging biomarkers of neuronal-myelin coupling and inflammation in patients with relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS).

Methods

Forty patients with relapsing MS randomized to either treatment were scanned at 3T at baseline and weeks 24, 48, and 96 follow-up. Twenty-four healthy controls were scanned at weeks 0, 48, and 96. NAA, tCr, tCho, mI, and NAA/tCr were measured in a single large supra-ventricular voxel.

Results

There was a time × treatment interaction in NAA/tCr ( p = 0.04), primarily driven by opposing tCr trends between treatment groups after 48 weeks of treatment. Patients treated with ocrelizumab showed a possible decline in mI after week 48 week, and stable tCr and tCho levels. Conversely, the interferon beta-1a treated group showed possible increases in mI, tCr, and tCho over 96 weeks.

Conclusions

Results from this exploratory study suggest that over 2 years, ocrelizumab reduces gliosis compared with interferon beta-1a, demonstrated by declining ml, and stable tCr and tCho. Ocrelizumab may improve the physiologic milieu by decreasing neurotoxic factors that are generated by inflammatory processes.
Complications and imaging artifacts related to MRI in patients with intramedullary osteosynthesis after proximal femur fracture
Authors: Raven Tim Friedrich , Boxriker Sonja , Mammadov Javad , Petrov Kiril , Moghaddam Arash , Friedl Wilhelm
Published: October 2019

Background:

Fractures of the proximal femur is one of the most frequent human injuries, and most of the patients are treated with osteosynthesis, such as intramedullary nails. These patients often require magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans in their further lives due to various reasons. This raises the question of whether complications with implanted osteosynthesis material such as implant loosening, burning, dislocation, or other complications are to be expected or whether an MRI examination is even suitable with regard to imaging artifacts.

Methods:

The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the rate and type of complications after MRI examinations in patients with inserted intramedullary osteosynthesis device. Furthermore, artifacts in MRI caused by this device were assessed.

Results:

MRI scans of the head (20 of 62), spine (20 of 62), pelvis (10 of 62), and lower extremity (6/62) were performed. Three of the 62 patients received an MRI of the abdomen, and 2 of the 62 patients received an MRI of the thorax and the upper extremity. Of the 62 patients, noneexperienced complications during the immediate examination. Similarly, none of the patients showed early complications within the first 2 weeks after MRI. In our long-term follow-up examination, no long-term complication after MRI was observed in the recorded 15 patients. Artifacts were found in 14 patients: in MRI scans of the pelvis (10/10), of the abdomen (2/3), and of the lower extremity (2/6).

Conclusion:

There were no complications during the MRI scan, in the first 2 weeks after MRI, or in the recorded long-term results. MRI with an enclosed intramedullary nail provided good image quality unless the immediate implant site was imaged. MRI diagnosis is thus possible in patients with an inserted intramedullary nail. The inserted intramedullary nail should therefore not be an exclusion criterion when sectional imaging with MRI is required.
World Christianity and Mission 2020: Ongoing Shift to the Global South
Authors: Zurlo Gina A. , Johnson Todd M. , Crossing Peter F.
Published: October 2019

This article marks the thirty-sixth year of including statistical information on World Christianity and mission in the International Bulletin of Mission Research. We report on some of the major findings of the new World Christian Encyclopedia, 3rd edition (Edinburgh University Press, 2019), including the fall and rise of the world’s Christian population, the continued shift of Christianity to the Global South, the decline of religious liberty, and complicating trends in mission.
Bilateral Globe Penetration From Electromyography Electrode Placement for Intraoperative Neurophysiologic Monitoring
Authors: Bowen Randy C. , Possin Michael E. , Altaweel Michael M.
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

This interventional case report discusses inadvertent bilateral temporal globe penetration during placement of intramuscular wire electrodes to the lateral rectus muscles for intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) via electromyography.

Methods:

An 11-year-old girl underwent surgical resection of massive medulloblastoma within the fourth ventricle, requiring IONM. Placement of an electrode in each lateral rectus muscle resulted in bilateral globe penetration, with choroidal rupture, retinal tears, and hemorrhage.

Results:

Sterile needle perforation of the globe did not result in endophthalmitis. Encircling laser retinopexy was performed, and no retinal detachments occurred.

Conclusions:

Insertion of needle electrodes without guidance imaging can potentially lead to globe penetration and incorrect electrode placement. Direct visualization with ultrasound, electromyography, or other advanced image-guided systems may offer a safe solution for electrode placement to avoid injury. Verbal patients should be made aware of postoperative warning signs of globe penetration. For nonverbal patients, a postoperative dilated exam is warranted.
Corporate Governance: Role of HR
Authors: Anand Ritu
Published: October 2019

Corporate governance is one of the most important differentiators of business that is distilled from an organisation’s culture, its policies and ethics, especially of the people running the business, and the way it deals with various stakeholders. It represents the relationship among stakeholders that is used to determine and control the strategic direction and performance of organisations. This article establishes the role of corporate governance as an enabler and explores the scope—by protecting valuations of a company, determining industrial competitiveness or differentiating a good mergers and acquisitions deal from a bad one—rather than the barrier it has become today.

The article emphasises the sustainability and effective implementation of governance practices through self-regulation and voluntary adoption of ethical code of business conduct, which will naturally ensure compliance with every statutory law and guideline. Considering that the workforce today is multigenerational in an age of hyper-globalisation, one of the key tasks is to garner respect, acceptability and adherence to code of conduct by each employee. It further elaborates on the relevant regulatory laws and rules framed by the government, which act as a broader framework for calibrating the company-level ethical compass.

The role of human resources (HR) is to embed corporate governance in all aspects of the business. This article dwells on the fact that HR is responsible for not just formulating code of conduct and policies, but also getting them embedded in spirit within the DNA of every employee. It encompasses various organisational and strategic interventions such as employee communication, effective control systems structuring, corporate sustainability, senior management selection, development and succession planning, international presence, diversity and inclusion mindset, setting the culture, promoting a safe workplace, etc. With the Companies Act in 2013 paving the way for a shift in mindset from a regime of control to that of liberalisation and self-regulation—something that the corporates needed to compete globally—HR plays a crucial role of being the enablers of change and not just ‘personnel management’.
ClinGen Myeloid Malignancy Variant Curation Expert Panel recommendations for germline RUNX1 variants
Authors: Luo Xi , Feurstein Simone , Mohan Shruthi , Porter Christopher C. , Jackson Sarah A. , Keel Sioban , Chicka Michael , Brown Anna L. , Kesserwan Chimene , Agarwal Anupriya , Luo Minjie , Li Zejuan , Ross Justyne E. , Baliakas Panagiotis , Pineda-Alvarez Daniel , DiNardo Courtney D. , Bertuch Alison A. , Mehta Nikita , Vulliamy Tom , Wang Ying , Nichols Kim E. , Malcovati Luca , Walsh Michael F. , Rawlings Lesley H. , McWeeney Shannon K. , Soulier Jean , Raimbault Anna , Routbort Mark J. , Zhang Liying , Ryan Gabriella , Speck Nancy A. , Plon Sharon E. , Wu David , Godley Lucy A.
Published: October 2019

Key Points

The ClinGen MM-VCEP has specified RUNX1-specific curation rules to address gene function, gene-specific domains, and phenotypic criteria. RUNX1-specific criteria resulted in a reduction in CONF and VUS variants by 33%, emphasizing the need for expert variant curation.
High Weight-Specific Power Density of Thin-Film Amorphous Silicon Solar Cells on Graphene Papers
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhang Chi , Li Dongdong , Cao Shuangying , Yin Min , Wang Peng , Ding Guqiao , Yang Liyou , Cheng Jinrong , Lu Linfeng
Published: October 2019

Flexible thin-film solar cells with high weight-specific power density are highly desired in the emerging portable/wearable electronic devices, solar-powered vehicles, etc. The conventional flexible metallic or plastic substrates are encountered either overweight or thermal and mechanical mismatch with deposited films. In this work, we proposed a novel substrate for flexible solar cells based on graphene paper, which possesses the advantages of being lightweight and having a high-temperature tolerance and high mechanical flexibility. Thin-film amorphous silicon (a-Si:H) solar cells were constructed on such graphene paper, whose power density is 4.5 times higher than that on plastic polyimide substrates. In addition, the a-Si:H solar cells present notable flexibility whose power conversion efficiencies show little degradation when the solar cells are bent to a radius as small as 14 mm for more than 100 times. The application of this unique flexible substrate can be extended to CuInGaSe and CdTe solar cells and other thin-film devices requiring high-temperature processing.
Sb2S3 Thickness-Related Photocurrent and Optoelectronic Processes in TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT Planar Hybrid Solar Cells
Authors: Wu Fan , Pathak Rajesh , Jiang Lan , Chen Weimin , Chen Chong , Tong Yanhua , Zhang Tiansheng , Jian Ronghua , Qiao Qiquan
Published: October 2019

In this work, a comprehensive understanding of the relationship of photon absorption, internal electrical field, transport path, and relative kinetics on Sb2S3 photovoltaic performance has been investigated. The n-i-p planar structure for TiO2/Sb2S3/P3HT heterojunction hybrid solar cells was conducted, and the photon-to-electron processes including illumination depth, internal electric field, drift velocity and kinetic energy of charges, photo-generated electrons and hole concentration-related surface potential in Sb2S3, charge transport time, and interfacial charge recombination lifetime were studied to reveal the key factors that governed the device photocurrent. Dark J–V curves, Kelvin probe force microscope, and intensity-modulated photocurrent/photovoltage dynamics indicate that internal electric field is the main factors that affect the photocurrent when the Sb2S3 thickness is less than the hole diffusion length. However, when the Sb2S3 thickness is larger than the hole diffusion length, the inferior area in Sb2S3 for holes that cannot be diffused to P3HT would become a dominant factor affecting the photocurrent. The inferior area in Sb2S3 layer for hole collection could also affect the Voc of the device. The reduced collection of holes in P3HT, when the Sb2S3 thickness is larger than the hole diffusion length, would increase the difference between the quasi-Fermi levels of electrons and holes for a lower Voc.
Economic cycle and deceleration of female labor force participation in Latin America
Authors: Serrano Joaquín , Gasparini Leonardo , Marchionni Mariana , Glüzmann Pablo
Published: October 2019

We study the behavior of female labor force participation (LFP) over the business cycle by estimating fixed effects models at the country and population-group level, using data from harmonized national household surveys of 18 Latin American countries in the period 1987–2014. We find that female LFP follows a countercyclical pattern—especially in the case of married, with children and vulnerable women—which suggests the existence of an inverse added-worker effect. We argue that this factor may have contributed to the deceleration in female labor supply in Latin America that took place in the 2000s, a decade of unusual high economic growth.
More animals than markers: a study into the application of the single step T-BLUP model in large-scale multi-trait Australian Angus beef cattle genetic evaluation
Authors: Boerner Vinzent , Johnston David J.
Published: October 2019

Multi-trait single step genetic evaluation is increasingly facing the situation of having more individuals with genotypes than markers within each genotype. This creates a situation where the genomic relationship matrix ($$\mathbf{G }$$
G
) is not of full rank and its inversion is algebraically impossible. Recently, the SS-T-BLUP method was proposed as a modified version of the single step equations, providing an elegant way to circumvent the inversion of the $$\mathbf{G }$$
G
and therefore accommodate the situation described. SS-T-BLUP uses the Woodbury matrix identity, thus it requires an add-on matrix, which is usually the covariance matrix of the residual polygenic effet. In this paper, we examine the application of SS-T-BLUP to a large-scale multi-trait Australian Angus beef cattle dataset using the full BREEDPLAN single step genetic evaluation model and compare the results to the application of two different methods of using $$\mathbf{G }$$
G
in a single step model. Results clearly show that SS-T-BLUP outperforms other single step formulations in terms of computational speed and avoids approximation of the inverse of $$\mathbf{G }$$
G
.
Publisher Correction to: Three-dimensional tumor growth in time-varying chemical fields: a modeling framework and theoretical study
Authors: Antonopoulos Markos , Dionysiou Dimitra , Stamatakos Georgios , Uzunoglu Nikolaos
Published: October 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], the authors noticed that the following errors were introduced by pdf/html formatting issues.
Widespread nocturnality of living birds stemming from their common ancestor
Authors: Wu Yonghua
Published: October 2019

Background

Many living birds exhibit some nocturnal activity, but the genetic basis and evolutionary origins of their nocturnality remain unknown.

Results

Here, we used a molecular phyloecological approach to analyze the adaptive evolution of 33 phototransduction genes in diverse bird lineages. Our results suggest that functional enhancement of two night-vision genes, namely,GRK1andSLC24A1, underlies the nocturnal adaption of living birds. Further analyses showed that the diel activity patterns of birds have remained relatively unchanged since their common ancestor, suggesting that the widespread nocturnal activity of many living birds may largely stem from their common ancestor rather than independent evolution. Despite this evolutionary conservation of diel activity patterns in birds, photoresponse recovery genes were found to be frequently subjected to positive selection in diverse bird lineages, suggesting that birds generally have evolved an increased capacity for motion detection. Moreover, we detected positive selection on both dim-light vision genes and bright-light vision genes in the class Aves, suggesting divergent evolution of the vision of birds from that of reptiles and that different bird lineages have evolved certain visual adaptions to their specific light conditions.

Conclusions

This study suggests that the widespread nocturnality of extant birds has a deep evolutionary origin tracing back to their common ancestor.
Correction to: Identification and mapping of expressed genes associated with the 2DL QTL for fusarium head blight resistance in the wheat line Wuhan 1
Authors: Hu Xinkun , Rocheleau Hélène , McCartney Curt , Biselli Chiara , Bagnaresi Paolo , Balcerzak Margaret , Fedak George , Yan Zehong , Valè Giampiero , Khanizadeh Shahrokh , Ouellet Thérèse
Published: October 2019

Following publication of the original article [1], we have been notified that some important information was omitted by the authors in the Copyright note. The Copyright note should read as below.
Identification of quantitative trait loci for kernel traits in a wheat cultivar Chuannong16
Authors: Ma Jian , Zhang Han , Li Shuiqin , Zou Yaya , Li Ting , Liu Jiajun , Ding Puyang , Mu Yang , Tang Huaping , Deng Mei , Liu Yaxi , Jiang Qiantao , Chen Guoyue , Kang Houyang , Li Wei , Pu Zhien , Wei Yuming , Zheng Youliang , Lan Xiujin
Published: October 2019

Background

Kernel length (KL), kernel width (KW) and thousand-kernel weight (TKW) are key agronomic traits in wheat breeding. Chuannong16 (‘CN16’) is a commercial cultivar with significantly longer kernels than the line ‘20828’. To identify and characterize potential alleles from CN16 controlling KL, the previously developed recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross ‘20828’ × ‘CN16’ and the genetic map constructed by the Wheat55K SNP array and SSR markers were used to perform quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) analyses for kernel traits.

Results

A total of 11 putative QTL associated with kernel traits were identified and they were located on chromosomes 1A (2 QTL), 2B (2 QTL), 2D (3 QTL), 3D, 4A, 6A, and 7A, respectively. Among them, three major QTL, QKL.sicau-2D, QKW.sicau-2D and QTKW.sicau-2D, controlling KL, KW and TKW, respectively, were detected in three different environments. Respectively, they explained 10.88–18.85%, 17.21–21.49% and 10.01–23.20% of the phenotypic variance. Further, they were genetically mapped in the same interval on chromosome 2DS. A previously developed kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) marker KASP-AX-94721936 was integrated in the genetic map and QTL re-mapping finally located the three major QTL in a 1- cM region flanked by AX-111096297 and KASP-AX-94721936. Another two co-located QTL intervals for KL and TKW were also identified. A few predicted genes involved in regulation of kernel growth and development were identified in the intervals of these identified QTL. Significant relationships between kernel traits and spikelet number per spike and anthesis date were detected and discussed.

Conclusions

Three major and stably expressed QTL associated with KL, KW, and TKW were identified. A KASP marker tightly linked to these three major QTL was integrated. These findings provide information for subsequent fine mapping and cloning the three co-localized major QTL for kernel traits.
Genetic mechanisms in the repression of flowering by gibberellins in apple (Malus x domestica Borkh.)
Authors: Zhang Songwen , Gottschalk Christopher , van Nocker Steve
Published: October 2019

Background

Gibberellins (GAs) can have profound effects on growth and development in higher plants. In contrast to their flowering-promotive role in many well-studied plants, GAs can repress flowering in woody perennial plants such as apple (MalusxdomesticaBorkh.). Although this effect of GA on flowering is intriguing and has commercial importance, the genetic mechanisms linking GA perception with flowering have not been well described.

Results

Application of a mixture of bioactive GAs repressed flower formation without significant effect on node number or shoot elongation. Using Illumina-based transcriptional sequence data and a newly available, high-quality apple genome sequence, we generated transcript models for genes expressed in the shoot apex, and estimated their transcriptional response to GA. GA treatment resulted in downregulation of a diversity of genes participating in GA biosynthesis, and strong upregulation of the GA catabolicGA2 OXIDASEgenes, consistent with GA feedback and feedforward regulation, respectively. We also observed strong downregulation of numerous genes encoding potential GA transporters and receptors. Additional GA-responsive genes included potential components of cytokinin (CK), abscisic acid (ABA), brassinosteroid, and auxin signaling pathways. Finally, we observed rapid and strong upregulation of both of two copies of a gene previously observed to inhibit flowering in apple,MdTFL1(TERMINAL FLOWER 1).

Conclusion

The rapid and robust upregulation of genes associated with GA catabolism in response to exogenous GA, combined with the decreased expression of GA biosynthetic genes, highlights GA feedforward and feedback regulation in the apple shoot apex. The finding that genes with potential roles in GA metabolism, transport and signaling are responsive to GA suggests GA homeostasis may be mediated at multiple levels in these tissues. The observation thatTFL1-like genes are induced quickly in response to GA suggests they may be directly targeted by GA-responsive transcription factors, and offers a potential explanation for the flowering-inhibitory effects of GA in apple. These results provide a context for investigating factors that may transduce the GA signal in apple, and contribute to a preliminary genetic framework for the repression of flowering by GAs in a woody perennial plant.
Recovery of non-reference sequences missing from the human reference genome
Authors: Li Ran , Tian Xiaomeng , Yang Peng , Fan Yingzhi , Li Ming , Zheng Hongxiang , Wang Xihong , Jiang Yu
Published: October 2019

Background

The non-reference sequences (NRS) represent structure variations in human genome with potential functional significance. However, besides the known insertions, it is currently unknown whether other types of structure variations with NRS exist.

Results

Here, we compared 31 human de novo assemblies with the current reference genome to identify the NRS and their location. We resolved the precise location of 6113 NRS adding up to 12.8 Mb. Besides 1571 insertions, we detected 3041 alternate alleles, which were defined as having less than 90% (or none) identity with the reference alleles. These alternate alleles overlapped with 1143 protein-coding genes including a putative novel MHC haplotype. Further, we demonstrated that the alternate alleles and their flanking regions had high content of tandem repeats, indicating that their origin was associated with tandem repeats.

Conclusions

Our study detected a large number of NRS including many alternate alleles which are previously uncharacterized. We suggested that the origin of alternate alleles was associated with tandem repeats. Our results enriched the spectrum of genetic variations in human genome.
Transcriptome profiling and environmental linkage to salinity across Salicornia europaea vegetation
Authors: Furtado Bliss Ursula , Nagy Istvan , Asp Torben , Tyburski Jarosław , Skorupa Monika , Gołębiewski Marcin , Hulisz Piotr , Hrynkiewicz Katarzyna
Published: October 2019

Background

Salicornia europaea, a succulent obligatory halophyte is the most salt-tolerant plant species in the world. It survives salt concentrations of more than 1 M. Therefore, it is a suitable model plant to identify genes involved in salt tolerance mechanisms that can be used for the improvement of crops. The changes in a plant’s gene expression in response to abiotic stresses may depend on factors like soil conditions at the site, seasonality, etc. To date, experiments were performed to study the gene expression of S. europaea only under controlled conditions. Conversely, the present study investigates the transcriptome and physicochemical parameters of S. europaea shoots and roots from two different types of saline ecosystems growing under natural conditions.

Results

The level of soil salinity was higher at the naturally saline site than at the anthropogenic saline site. The parameters such as ECe, Na+, Cl−, Ca+, SO42− and HCO3− of the soils and plant organs significantly varied according to sites and seasons. We found that Na+ mainly accumulated in shoots, whereas K+ and Ca2+ levels were higher in roots throughout the growing period. Moreover, changes in S. europaea gene expression were more prominent in seasons, than sites and plant organs. The 30 differentially expressed genes included enzymes for synthesis of S-adenosyl methionine, CP47 of light-harvesting complex II, photosystem I proteins, Hsp70 gene, ATP-dependent Clp proteases, ribulose bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco), phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), cytochrome c oxidase (COX) and ATP synthase.

Conclusion

The comparisons made based on two seasons, plant organs and two different sites suggest the importance of seasonal variations in gene expression of S. europaea. We identify the genes that may play an important role in acclimation to season-dependent changes of salinity. The genes were involved in processes such as osmotic adjustment, energy metabolism and photosynthesis.
Inhibition of Polycomb Repressive Complex 2 activity reduces trimethylation of H3K27 and affects development in Arabidopsis seedlings
Authors: Ruta Veronica , Longo Chiara , Boccaccini Alessandra , Madia Valentina Noemi , Saccoliti Francesco , Tudino Valeria , Di Santo Roberto , Lorrai Riccardo , Dello Ioio Raffaele , Sabatini Sabrina , Costi Roberta , Costantino Paolo , Vittorioso Paola
Published: October 2019

Background

Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is an epigenetic transcriptional repression system, whose catalytic subunit (ENHANCER OF ZESTE HOMOLOG 2, EZH2 in animals) is responsible for trimethylating histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3). In mammals, gain-of-function mutations as well as overexpression of EZH2 have been associated with several tumors, therefore making this subunit a suitable target for the development of selective inhibitors. Indeed, highly specific small-molecule inhibitors of EZH2 have been reported. In plants, mutations in some PRC2 components lead to embryonic lethality, but no trial with any inhibitor has ever been reported.

Results

We show here that the 1,5-bis (3-bromo-4-methoxyphenyl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one compound (RDS 3434), previously reported as an EZH2 inhibitor in human leukemia cells, is active on the Arabidopsis catalytic subunit of PRC2, since treatment with the drug reduces the total amount of H3K27me3 in a dose-dependent fashion. Consistently, we show that the expression level of two PRC2 targets is significantly increased following treatment with the RDS 3434 compound. Finally, we show that impairment of H3K27 trimethylation in Arabidopsis seeds and seedlings affects both seed germination and root growth.

Conclusions

Our results provide a useful tool for the plant community in investigating how PRC2 affects transcriptional control in plant development.
Short- and medium-term follow-up of transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects
Authors: Li Hao , Shi Youyang , Zhang Songyue , Ren Yue , Rong Xing , Wang Zhenquan , Xia Tianhe , Wu Tingting , Xu Haitang , Yan Yaoyao , Zhan Yi , Chu Maoping , Wu Rongzhou
Published: October 2019

Background

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects is one of the greatest challenges in interventional cardiology. Short- and midium-term follow-up data for large samples are limited. This report presents our experience with transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using an occluder.

Methods

Two hundred fifty-three patients included in the database of the Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital from January 2011– December 2015 with transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects and discharged from follow-up. All patients were invited for clinical and transthoracic echocardiography, electrocardiogram, and thoracic radiography check-up.

Results

Device implantation was successful in 252 of 253 patients (99.6%). The median age was 42 months (range 27–216 months). The median follow-up duration was 36 months (range 6–60 months). The mean defect diameter was 3.5 ± 1.4 mm and the mean size of the ventricular septal defect rim below the aortic valve was 3.7 ± 1.8 mm. The mean diameter of the devices used was 4 mm. Thirty-seven patients developed arrhythmia after the procedure and recovered within 24 months; four patients had hemolysis and four had moderate tricuspid valve regurgitation. No other serious adverse event occurred during the follow-up period.

Conclusion

Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects using an occluder is safe and effective in most patients.
Modeling lifetime abuse and cardiovascular disease risk among women
Authors: Scott-Storey Kelly A. , Hodgins Marilyn , Wuest Judith
Published: October 2019

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is one of the most significant health challenges facing women today. Abuse is a serious gendered issue also affecting the health of women. Despite beginning evidence that abuse may increase the risk of CVD among women, causal pathways linking abuse to CVD have received little attention. Our purpose was to test Scott-Storey’s conceptual model showing direct and indirect pathways through which lifetime abuse severity may affect women’s CVD risk.

Methods

Using data collected from a community sample of 227 Canadian women who had left an abusive partner, we conducted structural equation modeling with latent growth curve analysis using a phantom variable approach to test the direct effects of severity of lifetime abuse on CVD risk (indicated by measures of systolic and diastolic blood pressure) as well as its indirect effects through CVD risk behaviors and through women’s initial level of depressive symptoms and the observed rate of change in their depressive symptoms over time.

Results

Women in this sample had above average CVD risk factors (i.e., smoking, overweight/obesity, depressive symptoms, high blood pressure) in comparison to women in the general population. Further, CVD risk behaviors increased with severity of lifetime abuse and remained present long after leaving the abusive relationship. Results of the tested model provide preliminary evidence supporting many of the hypothesized pathways by which severity of lifetime abuse can increase CVD risk among women; the model fit the data reasonably well explaining 41% of the variance in CVD risk.

Conclusions

Findings support the growing recognition of the long-term effects of lifetime abuse on cardiovascular health, suggest important implications for clinicians working with women, and provide a novel approach for studying the concept of cumulative lifetime abuse through the use of a phantom variable.
Bilateral vessel-outlining carotid artery calcifications in panoramic radiographs: an independent risk marker for vascular events
Authors: Garoff Maria , Ahlqvist Jan , Edin Linda-Tereza , Jensen Sofia , Levring Jäghagen Eva , Petäjäniemi Fredrik , Wester Per , Johansson Elias
Published: October 2019

Background

In odontology, panoramic radiographs (PRs) are regularly performed. PRs depict the teeth and jaws as well as carotid artery calcifications (CACs). Patients with CACs on PRs have an increased risk of vascular events compared to healthy controls without CACs, but this association is often caused by more vascular events and risk factors at baseline. However, the risk of vascular events has only been analyzed based on the presence of CACs, and not their shape. Thus, this study determined if the shape of CACs in PRs affects the risk of future vascular events.

Methods

The study cohort included 117 consecutive patients with CACs in PRs and 121 age-matched controls without CACs. CAC shape in PRs was dichotomized into bilateral vessel-outlining CACs and other CAC shapes. Participants were followed prospectively for an endpoint of vascular events including myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular death.

Results

Patients with bilateral vessel-outlining CACs had more previous vascular events than those with other CAC shapes and the healthy controls (p < 0.001, χ2). The mean follow-up duration was 9.5 years. The endpoint was reached in 83 people. Patients with bilateral vessel-outlining CACs had a higher annual risk of vascular events (7.0%) than those with other CAC shapes (4.4%) and the controls (2.6%) (p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, bilateral vessel-outlining CACs (hazard ratio: 2.2, 95% confidence interval: 1.1–4.5) were independent risk markers for the endpoint.

Conclusions

Findings of bilateral vessel-outlining CACs in PRs are independent risk markers for future vascular events.