bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ZEITLUPE is required for shade avoidance in the wild tobaccoNicotiana attenuata
Authors: Zou Yong , Li Ran , Baldwin Ian T.
Published: October 2019

Being shaded is a common environmental stress for plants, especially for densely planted crops. Shade decreases red: far‐red (R:FR) ratios that inactivate phytochrome B (PHYB) and subsequently release p̱hytochrome i̱nteraction f̱actors (PIFs). Shaded plants display elongated hypocotyls, internodes, and petioles, hyponastic leaves, early flowering and are inhibited in branching: traits collectively called the shade avoidance syndrome (SAS). ZEITLUPE (ZTL) is a circadian clock component and blue light photoreceptor, which is also involved in floral rhythms and plant defense inNicotiana attenuata.ztlmutants are hypersensitive to red light and ZTL physically interacts with PHYB, suggesting the involvement of ZTL in R:FR light signaling. Here, we show thatN. attenuataZTL‐silenced plants display a phenotype opposite to that of the SAS under normal light. After simulated shade, the normally induced transcript levels of the SAS marker gene,ATHB2are attenuated in ZTL‐silenced plants. The auxin signaling pathway, known to be involved in SAS, was also significantly attenuated. Furthermore, NaZTL directly interacts with NaPHYBs, and regulates the transcript levels ofPHYBs, PIF3a, PIF7 and PIF8under shade. Our results suggest that ZTL may regulate PHYB‐ and the auxin‐mediated signaling pathway, which functions in the SAS ofN. attenuata.
Cardiovascular and cancer mortality in relation to dietary polychlorinated biphenyls and marine polyunsaturated fatty acids: a nutritional‐toxicological aspect of fish consumption
Authors: Donat‐Vargas C. , Bellavia A. , Berglund M. , Glynn A. , Wolk A. , Åkesson A.
Published: October 2019

Background

Co‐exposure to environmental contaminants present in fish could mitigate the beneficial effects of fish consumption and possibly explain the lack of association observed for mortality in some geographical regions.

Objective

To assess the independent associations of dietary exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and long‐chain omega‐3 fish fatty acids intake with cardiovascular and cancer mortality.

Methods

We used the prospective population‐based Swedish Mammography Cohort and the Cohort of Swedish Men comprising 32 952 women and 36 545 men, free from cancer, cardiovascular disease and diabetes at baseline in 1998. Validated estimates of dietary PCBs and long‐chain omega‐3 fish fatty acids [i.e. eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)] intake were obtained via a food frequency questionnaire at baseline. Information on death was ascertained through register linkage.

Results

During a mean follow‐up of 15.5 years, we ascertained 16 776 deaths. We observed for cardiovascular mortality, comparing extreme quintiles in multivariable models mutually adjusted for PCBs and EPA‐DHA, dose‐dependent associations for dietary PCB exposure, hazard ratio (HR) 1.31 (CI 95%: 1.08 to 1.57; P‐trend 0.005) and for dietary EPA‐DHA intake, HR 0.79 (CI 95%: 0.66 to 0.95; P‐trend 0.041). For cancer mortality, no clear associations were discerned.

Conclusion

The beneficial effect of fish consumption on the cardiovascular system seems compromised by co‐exposure to PCBs – one likely explanation for the inconsistent associations observed between fish consumption and mortality.
What clinical practice strategies have been shown to decrease incidence rates of intraventricular haemorrhage in preterm infants?
Authors: Howes Alexander , Hilditch Cathie , Keir Amy
Published: October 2019

Aim

To answer the clinical question ‘In infants about to be delivered and admitted to neonatal units, what clinical practice strategies, compared to standard care, have been shown to decrease incidence rates of intraventricular haemorrhage (IVH)?’

Methods

MEDLINE via Ovid (1943 to 5 January 2018), Embase via Ovid (1974 to 5 January 2018) and the Cochrane Library (5 January 2018) were searched for relevant articles.

Results

A total of 478 articles, after the removal of duplicates, were found and screened by title and abstract. Forty full‐text articles were subsequently reviewed, and 19 were included as relevant to the structured clinical question. An additional article was included based on expert advice.

Conclusion

There are various levels of research evidence for clinical practice strategies to decrease the incidence rates of IVH. Higher‐quality evidence suggests that antenatal corticosteroids decrease the rates of IVH, and multiple evidence‐based intervention bundles implemented in the neonatal unit are associated with decreased rates of IVH.
Whitish cystic lesions over the scrotum and penis
Authors: Ghosh Sudip K , Punithakumar Esther J
Published: October 2019

See Answer
Carbon fixation gene expression in Skeletonema marinoi in nitrogen‐, phosphate‐, silicate‐starvation, and low‐temperature stress exposure
Authors: Liu Qian , Xing Yongze , Li Ying , Wang Hualong , Mi Tiezhu , Zhen Yu , Yu Zhigang
Published: October 2019

Diatoms are unicellular algae with a set of extraordinary genes, metabolic pathways, and physiological functions acquired by secondary endosymbiosis, especially for their efficient photosynthetic carbon fixation mechanisms, which can be a reason for their successful environmental adaptation and great contribution to primary production. Based on the available genomic information, the expression patterns of carbon fixation genes were analyzed using transcriptomic sequencing and reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) in Skeletonema marinoi. Meanwhile, suitable reference genes applying to specific experimental treatments were selected. In our results, carbon fixation genes were standardized by actin and TATA box‐binding protein‐coding genes in growth phase samples and stress conditions, respectively. It was found that a series of carbon fixation genes, such as the pyruvate orthophosphate dikinase (PPDK)‐coding gene, had significantly up‐regulated expression in nitrogen‐starvation, phosphate‐starvation, and low‐temperature conditions, but consistently down‐regulated in silicate‐starvation treatment. These carbon fixation genes exhibited variable expression levels in different conditions and will be useful for investigating gene expression mechanisms in S. marinoi and improve our understanding of diatom carbon fixation pathways.
Epiphyll specialization for leaf and forest successional stages in a tropical lowland rainforest
Authors: Mežaka Anna , Bader Maaike Y. , Salazar Allen Noris , Mendieta-Leiva Glenda
Published: October 2019

Questions

The importance of tropical rainforest gap dynamics in biodiversity maintenance is not fully understood, in particular for taxa other than trees and lianas. We used epiphylls on rainforest leaves to study the importance of leaf‐ and forest‐scale succession in determining biodiversity patterns by characterizing community change with leaf age in gaps and closed‐forest habitats. We asked: (1) Do epiphylls show specialization for leaf and forest successional stages? (2) Can early‐ and late‐successional epiphyllous species be recognized at these two scales? (3) How do epiphyll presence, species richness, and cover change with leaf and forest successional stages?

Location

Barro Colorado Island, Panama.

Method

Data were collected from 420 leaves, in three age groups and at two heights on shrubs in gaps and closed forest. We calculated turnover and nestedness components of dissimilarity to evaluate the importance of species replacement or accumulation during leaf and forest succession. Using generalized linear mixed models we determined what factors explain epiphyll species occurrence, richness and cover.

Results

Closed forest contained more liverwort and lichen specialist species than gaps. Specialist species were identified for older leaves only. Dissimilarity between leaves within age groups was dominated by turnover within and between forest successional stages. Dissimilarity between leaf age groups, at the site level, was dominated by nestedness, i.e., species accumulation. Both in forest and gaps, epiphyll presence and cover increased with leaf age for all taxa except fungi, while species richness increased only for lichens.

Conclusion

Early and late forest successional stages both contribute to epiphyll species richness by harboring specialized species. Among leaf successional stages, young leaves contain a mere subset of the species found on older leaves. Epiphyll communities do not follow classic succession, in the sense of changes being driven by species replacement, but are characterized by species accumulation through time.
Decomposition rate and invertebrate colonization of seagrass detritus along a hydrodynamic gradient in a Mediterranean coastal basin: The Stagnone di Marsala (Italy) case study
Authors: Costa Valentina , Mazzola Antonio , Rossi Francesca , Vizzini Salvatrice
Published: October 2019

Seagrass leaf litter decomposition is a key component of marine carbon flow driven by both biotic and abiotic factors, including water movement. In this study, we analyse Posidonia oceanica litter decomposition and invertebrate colonization in three sites with different hydrodynamics in a coastal basin. Litterbags were put on the sea bed along a gradient of distance from the open sea, implying a different level of water exchange. Leaf litter mass loss and carbon and nitrogen concentration were analysed, and density and biomass of benthic invertebrates colonizing litterbags were recorded after 3, 7, 14, 47, 101, 152 and 221 days. Results showed that in the most sheltered site, the leaf litter decomposition rate, the invertebrate density and biomass and the detrital carbon release were the lowest. The reduction of the decomposition rates of seagrass leaves in the site characterized by low hydrodynamic forces may promote organic matter burial and carbon stocks, emphasizing the role of coastal basins such as ponds and lagoons as sinks of carbon and the important role of seagrass detritus in the Blue Carbon global balance.
Oxidative DNA damage is concurrently repaired by base excision repair (BER) and apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1)‐initiated nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) in cortical neurons
Authors: Yang J.‐L. , Chen W.‐Y. , Mukda S. , Yang Y.‐R. , Sun S.‐F. , Chen S.‐D.
Published: October 2019

Aims

Accumulating studies have suggested that base excision repair (BER) is the major repair pathway of oxidative DNA damage in neurons, and neurons are deficient in other DNA repair pathways, including nucleotide excision repair and homologous recombination repair. However, some studies have demonstrated that neurons could efficiently repair glutamate‐ and menadione‐induced double‐strand breaks (DSBs), suggesting that the DSB repair mechanisms might be implicated in neuronal health. In this study, we hypothesized that BER and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) work together to repair oxidative DNA damage in neurons.

Methods

Immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were employed to examine the colocalization of apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1), histone variant 2AX (γH2AX) and phosphorylated p53‐binding protein (53BP1). APE1 inhibitor and shRNA were respectively applied to suppress APE1 activity and protein expression to determine the correlation of APE1 and DSB formation. The neutral comet assay was used to determine and quantitate the formation of DSB.

Results

Both γH2AX and 53BP1 were upregulated and colocalized with APE1 in the nuclei of rat cortical neurons subjected to menadione‐induced oxidative insults. Phospho53BP1 foci were efficiently abolished, but γH2AX foci persisted following the suppression of APE1 activity. Comet assays demonstrated that the inhibition of APE1 decreased the DSB formation.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that APE1 can engage the NHEJ mechanism in the repair of oxidative DNA damage in neurons. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms underlying the efficient repair of oxidative DNA damage in neurons despite the high oxidative burden.
Comparison of linear and angular changes assessed in digital dental models and cone‐beam computed tomography
Authors: Massaro Camila , Losada Carolina , Cevidanes Lucia , Yatabe Marilia , Garib Daniela , Lauris José Roberto Pereira , Ioshida Marcos , Rey Diego , Alvarez Maria Antonia , Benavides Erika , Rios Hector , Aristizabal Juan Fernando , Ruellas Antonio Carlos
Published: October 2019

Objective

To compare the three‐dimensional (3D) linear displacements and the mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation changes after orthodontic treatment in digital dental models (DDMs) and 3D models derived from cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Settings and Sample Population

Digital dental model and CBCT scans were selected from 24 adults who had undergone orthodontic treatment for mandibular anterior crowding.

Material and Methods

3D linear displacements and changes in angular measurements (mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation) were assessed in pre‐ and post‐treatment DDM and CBCT images using the software ITK‐snap and 3D SlicerCMF. Intra‐ and inter‐rater agreement of measurements in DDM and CBCT were tested using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). DDM and CBCT measurements were compared using the Wilcoxon test (P < .05), ICC and Bland‐Altman plots.

Results

Intra‐ and inter‐rater agreement varied from good (ICC > 0.75) to excellent (ICC > 0.90) for both DDM and CBCT measurements. Although no significant difference between DDM and CBCT methods was observed for linear measurements of tooth movement, the angular assessments were different for most measurements. The agreement between measurements from both assessments varied from poor to excellent.

Conclusions

Longitudinal assessments of tooth movements including 3D linear displacements and mesiodistal and buccolingual angulation are reproducible when using both DDM and CBCT. Changes in angular measurements due to orthodontic treatment are discordant when measured in the digital models (clinical crown) and in the CBCT images (whole tooth).
The severity of reaction after food challenges depends on the indication: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Itazawa Toshiko , Adachi Yuichi , Takahashi Yutaka , Miura Katsushi , Uehara Yumiko , Kameda Makoto , Kitamura Tetsuro , Kuzume Kazuyo , Tezuka Junichiro , Ito Komei , Ebisawa Motohiro
Published: October 2019

Background

There are expanding indications for oral food challenges (OFCs). Although several studies have examined the risk of OFCs, little has been reported on allergic reactions during OFCs depending on the indication. This study assessed the prevalence, severity, and treatment of allergic reactions depending on the indication for OFCs.

Methods

We performed a prospective multicenter study between March 2012 and May 2013. Severity of symptoms elicited by OFCs was classified according to grading of anaphylaxis that ranges from grade 1 (most mild) to grade 5 (most severe).

Results

A total of 5062 cases (median age, 3.8 years; males, 65.2%) were analyzed. Allergic reactions were elicited in 2258 (44.6%) OFCs, of which 991 (43.9%) were classified as grade 1, 736 (32.6%) were classified as grade 2, 340 (15.1%) were classified as grade 3, and 191 (8.5%) were classified as grade 4‐5. Epinephrine was administered in 7.1% (n = 160) of positive OFCs. Among the top three most common food allergens (hen's egg, cow's milk, and wheat), severity differed significantly depending on the indication for OFC, and adjusted standardized residuals indicated that severity of allergic reactions was higher for the indication to assess threshold level for oral immunotherapy. In addition, the prevalence of epinephrine use was highest for the indication to determine safe intake quantity.

Conclusions

Our study suggested that prevalence, severity, and treatment of allergic reactions differ depending on the indication for OFC. Further studies are needed to determine differences in risks depending on the indication for OFC.
Developmental changes in urinary coproporphyrin ratio in premature infants
Authors: Nakata Yusei , Okada Hitoshi , Itoh Susumu , Kusaka Takashi
Published: October 2019

Background

Premature infants have a high concentration of conjugated bilirubin in their blood, although they have a poor glucuronide conjugation of bilirubin. This may be due to developmental changes in the function of adenosine triphosphate binding cassette subfamily C member 2, which is involved in the cellular export of conjugated bilirubin. In the present study, we examined the developmental changes in the urinary coproporphyrin I/(urinary coproporphyrin I+ urinary coproporphyrin III) ratio (UCP (I/ [I + III])), a known biomarker for adenosine triphosphate binding cassette subfamily C member 2 function, in premature infants.

Method

Twenty‐one premature infants born between 25 and 32 weeks of gestation were included in the study. Urine samples were collected within 24 h of birth, and at 1 week and 3–4 weeks after birth. The samples were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography to calculate UCP (I/ [I + III]) to examine its association with postnatal age and corrected gestational age. Subjects were excluded if they had liver dysfunction, cholestasis, urinary tract infection, or chromosomal abnormalities.

Results

The average UCP (I/ [I + III]) within 24 h of birth, at 1 week, and at 3–4 weeks after birth was 0.84, 0.61, and 0.65, respectively. The UCP (I/ [I + III]) within 24 h of birth was significantly higher than that measured at 1 week or 3–4 weeks after birth. There was no significant correlation between UCP (I/ [I + III]) and the corrected gestational age.

Conclusion

The UCP (I/ [I + III]) was higher within 24 h of birth. It decreased 1 week after birth and remained low without any significant changes for up to 4 weeks after birth.
Complications of herpes zoster in children
Authors: Kanamori Keita , Shoji Kensuke , Kinoshita Noriko , Ishiguro Akira , Miyairi Isao
Published: October 2019

Background

Herpes zoster (HZ) may cause complications; however, information regarding complications of HZ in children is relatively sparse. We reviewed cases of HZ in children retrospectively and investigated the risk factors contributing to the development of complications.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted at a tertiary care children’s hospital in Japan. Children receiving a diagnosis of HZ between January 2010 and October 2016 were identified from electronic medical records. In this study, the following diseases were recognized as complications of HZ: bacterial skin infection, facial paralysis, meningitis, uveitis and keratitis, postherpetic neuralgia, acute retinal necrosis, pneumonia, and otitis interna. Details regarding clinical information of HZ patients with complications were described.

Results

We found 138 cases with HZ. Among these, 58 (42%) occurred in immunocompetent children and 80 cases (58%) occurred in immunocompromised children. Complications were observed in 10 cases of immunocompromised children and in eight cases of immunocompetent children. Although secondary bacterial skin infection was the most common complication (n = 6, 33.3%), severe complications such as facial paralysis (n = 3, 16.7%), meningitis (n = 2, 11.1%), uveitis and keratitis (n= 2, 11.1%), acute retinal necrosis (n = 1, 5.6%), pneumonia (n = 1, 5.6%), and otitis interna (n = 1, 5.6%) were observed. Patients with complications tended to have a rash on the head or neck, compared with those without complications (n = 9, 50% vs n = 18, 15%; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Severe HZ complications may occur in immunocompetent children. Development of a rash on the head or neck might be a risk factor for complications.
Drought‐inducible changes in the histone modification H3K9ac are associated with drought‐responsive gene expression in Brachypodium distachyon
Authors: Song J. , Henry H. , Tian L.
Published: October 2019

H3K9ac, an epigenetic marker, is widely distributed in plant genomes. H3K9ac enhances gene expression, which is highly conserved in eukaryotes. However, genome‐wide studies of H3K9ac in monocot species are limited, and the changes in H3K9ac under drought stress for individual genes are still not clear.

We analysed changes in the H3K9ac level of Brachypodium distachyon under 20% PEG‐6000‐simulated drought stress conditions. We also performed chromatin immunoprecipitation, followed by next generation sequencing (ChIP‐seq) on H3K9ac to reveal changes in H3K9ac for individual genes at the genome‐wide level.

Our study showed that H3K9ac was mainly enriched in gene exon regions. Drought increased or decreased the H3K9ac level at specific genomic loci. We identified 40 genes associated with increased H3K9ac levels and 36 genes associated with decreased H3K9ac levels under drought stress. Further, RT‐qPCR analyses showed that H3K9ac was positively associated with gene expression of those drought‐responsive genes.

We conclude that H3K9ac enhances the expression level of a large number of drought‐responsive genes under drought stress in B. distachyon. The data presented here will help to reveal the correlation of some specific drought‐responsive genes and their enriched H3K9ac levels in the model plant B. distachyon.
Making sense of social pretense: The effect of the dyad, sex, and language ability in a large observational study of children’s behaviors in a social pretend play context
Authors: Gibson Jenny Louise , Fink Elian , Torres Pablo E. , Browne Wendy V. , Mareva Silvana
Published: October 2019

Pretend play with peers is purportedly an important driver of social development in the preschool period; however, fundamental questions regarding the features of children's pretend play with a peer, and the effect of the dyad for pretend play, have been overlooked. The current study undertook detailed behavioral coding of social pretend play in 134 pairs of 5‐year‐old children (54% boys) in order to address three main aims: (a) describe the duration and proportion of children engaging in key social pretend play behaviors, namely calls for attention, negotiation (comprising role assignment and joint proposals) and enactment of pretend play, (b) examine the effect of the dyad in influencing the occurrence of different social pretend play behaviors, and (c) assess the independent and combined effect of individual child characteristics (i.e., language ability and sex) that may influence social pretend play behaviors beyond the influence of the dyad. Results demonstrated the overwhelming effect of the dyad in shaping children's social pretend play behaviors, with language ability and sex explaining relatively little of the total variability in play behaviors. Results are discussed considering the contribution that this type of study can make to theories of associations between children's social development and social pretend play.
In vivo determination of the skin surface topography and biophysical properties of human hands: Effects of sex and hand dominance
Authors: Enright Kaitlyn M. , Nikolis Andreas
Published: October 2019

Background

The effect of hand dominance on the skin topography and parameters associated with skin health and aging is unknown.

Methods

Healthy adult volunteers were recruited. The following four strata were enrolled: Group 1: male, right handed; Group 2: male, left handed; Group 3: female, right handed; and Group 4: female, left handed. The differences between groups on their surface evaluation of living skin (SELS) parameters were evaluated. These variables included (a) roughness (SER); (b) smoothness (SESM); (c) scaliness (SESC); and (d) wrinkles (SEW).

Results

A total of twenty subjects were recruited, with five in each stratum. Significant differences between groups were found for SESC [F(7,31) = 2.742, P = .024, partial eta squared = 0.382] and SEW [F(7,31) = 3.705, P = .005, partial eta squared = 0.456]. An evaluation of the descriptive statistics revealed that males had a higher mean SESC value than females and a lower mean SEW value. Moreover, the dominant hand of both sexes had a higher mean SEW value than non‐dominant hands.

Conclusions

Given the evidence of sex and handedness differences in wrinkle genesis and desquamation severity, these factors should be considered in the dermatological treatment and counseling of patients.
Description of the novel null allele, HLA‐DPA1*01:29N in a Lotha individual from Nagaland, North‐East India
Authors: Keppen Chenole , Therie Ditso , Keppen Joshua , Khamo Vinotsole , Kanga Uma
Published: October 2019

A single nucleotide change in HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:01 results in the novel null allele, HLA‐DPA1*01:29N.
A novel HLA‐A*33 allele, HLA‐A*33:131, identified by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Hu Bin , Li Bei , Chi Xiao‐Yun , Jiao Shu‐Xian
Published: October 2019

The novel allele HLA‐A*33:131 was identified in a Chinese individual using the sequencing‐based typing method.
A plutonic brother from another magma mother: Disproving the Eocene Foraker‐McGonagall pluton piercing point and implications for long‐term slip on the Denali Fault
Authors: Regan Sean P. , Benowitz Jeffrey A. , Holland Mark E.
Published: October 2019

The Denali Fault is an active strike‐slip fault system responsible for the highest topography in North America, yet there are conflicting constraints on the fault's Cenozoic slip history. The long‐term slip rate constraint of the eastern Denali Fault is ~400 km since 57 Ma. In apparent conflict, the long‐term slip rate of the western Denali Fault is 38 km since 38 Ma based on the reconstruction of the Foraker and McGonagall plutons. Tests of the genetic relationship of the plutons with bulk rock geochemical and paired U‐Pb and Hf zircon analysis suggest a disparate origin. The McGonagall pluton, despite having a lower SiO2, has lower εHf values inconsistent with chemical and isotopic variations between the two being the result of contamination. The Denali Fault is a highly strain partitioned system, but the amount of Cenozoic slip dispersed east to west is likely significantly less than the previous ~360 km constraint.
Phosphorylation‐dependent control of an RNA granule‐localized protein that fine‐tunes defence gene expression at a post‐transcriptional level
Authors: Tabassum Naheed , Eschen‐Lippold Lennart , Athmer Benedikt , Baruah Manaswita , Brode Martina , Maldonado‐Bonilla Luis D. , Hoehenwarter Wolfgang , Hause Gerd , Scheel Dierk , Lee Justin
Published: October 2019

Mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascades are key signalling modules of plant defence responses to pathogen‐associated molecular patterns [PAMPs; e.g. the bacterial peptide flagellin (flg22)]. Tandem zinc finger protein 9 (TZF9) is a RNA‐binding protein that is phosphorylated by two PAMP‐responsive MAPKs, MPK3 and MPK6. We mapped the major phosphosites in TZF9 and showed their importance for controlling in vitro RNA‐binding activity, in vivo flg22‐induced rapid disappearance of TZF9‐labelled processing body‐like structures and TZF9 protein turnover. Microarray analysis showed a strong discordance between transcriptome (total mRNA) and translatome (polysome‐associated mRNA) in the tzf9 mutant, with more mRNAs associated with ribosomes in the absence of TZF9. This suggests that TZF9 may sequester and inhibit the translation of subsets of mRNAs. Fittingly, TZF9 physically interacts with poly(A)‐binding protein 2 (PAB2), a hallmark constituent of stress granules – sites for stress‐induced translational stalling/arrest. TZF9 even promotes the assembly of stress granules in the absence of stress. Hence, MAPKs may control defence gene expression post‐transcriptionally through release from translation arrest within TZF9–PAB2‐containing RNA granules or by perturbing the function of PAB2 in translation control (e.g. in the mRNA closed‐loop model of translation).
Natural variations in the promoter of Awn Length Inhibitor 1 (ALI‐1) are associated with awn elongation and grain length in common wheat
Authors: Wang Dongzhi , Yu Kang , Jin Di , Sun Linhe , Chu Jinfang , Wu Wenying , Xin Peiyong , Gregová Edita , Li Xin , Sun Jiazhu , Yang Wenlong , Zhan Kehui , Zhang Aimin , Liu Dongcheng
Published: October 2019

Wheat awn plays a vital role in photosynthesis, grain production, and drought tolerance. However, the systematic identification or cloning of genes controlling wheat awn development is seldom reported. Here, we conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) with 364 wheat accessions and identified 26 loci involved in awn length development, including previously characterized B1, B2, Hd, and several rice homologs. The dominant awn suppressor B1 was fine mapped to a 125‐kb physical interval, and a C2H2 zinc finger protein Awn Length Inhibitor 1 (ALI‐1) was confirmed to be the underlying gene of the B1 locus through the functional complimentary test with native awnless allele. ALI‐1 expresses predominantly in the developing spike of awnless individuals, transcriptionally suppressing downstream genes. ALI‐1 reduces cytokinin content and simultaneously restrains cytokinin signal transduction, leading to a stagnation of cell proliferation and reduction of cell numbers during awn development. Polymorphisms of four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in ALI‐1 promoter region are diagnostic for the B1/b1 genotypes, and these SNPs are associated with awn length (AL), grain length (GL) and thousand‐grain weight (TGW). More importantly, ali‐1 was observed to increase grain length in wheat, which is a valuable attribute of awn on grain weight, aside from photosynthesis. Therefore, ALI‐1 pleiotropically regulates awn and grain development, providing an alternative for grain yield improvement and addressing future climate changes.
Verification of Submodeling for the Finite Element Analysis of Stress Concentrations
Authors: Kardak A. A. , Sinclair G. B.
Published: October 2019

Submodeling enables finite element engineers to focus analysis on the subregion containing the stress concentrator of interest with consequent computational savings. Such benefits are only really gained if the boundary conditions on the edges of the subregion that are drawn from an initial global finite element analysis (FEA) are verified to have been captured sufficiently accurately. Here, we offer a two-pronged approach aimed at realizing such solution verification. The first element of this approach is an improved means of assessing the error induced by submodel boundary conditions. The second element is a systematic sizing of the submodel region so that boundary-condition errors become acceptable. The resulting submodel procedure is demonstrated on a series of two-dimensional (2D) configurations with significant stress concentrations: four test problems and one application. For the test problems, the assessment means are uniformly successful in determining when submodel boundary conditions are accurate and when they are not. When, at first, they are not, the sizing approach is also consistently successful in enlarging submodel regions until submodel boundary conditions do become sufficiently accurate.
A Novel Delay-Independent Robust Adaptive Controller Design for Uncertain Nonlinear Systems With Time-Varying State Delay
Authors: Azmi Hadi , Yazdizadeh Alireza
Published: October 2019

In this paper, two novel adaptive control strategies are presented based on the linear matrix inequality for nonlinear Lipschitz systems. The proposed approaches are developed by creatively using Krasovskii stability theory to compensate parametric uncertainty, unknown time-varying internal delay, and bounded matched or mismatched disturbance effects in closed-loop system of nonlinear systems. The online adaptive tuning controllers are designed such that reference input tracking and asymptotic stability of the closed-loop system are guaranteed. A novel structural algorithm is developed based on linear matrix inequality (LMI) and boundaries of the system delay or uncertainty. The capabilities of the proposed tracking and regulation methods are verified by simulation of three physical uncertain nonlinear system with real practical parameters subject to internal or state time delay and disturbance.
On the Temperature-Rate Dependent Two-Temperature Thermoelasticity Theory
Authors: Shivay Om Namha , Mukhopadhyay Santwana
Published: October 2019

This work aims to formulate the temperature-rate dependent two-temperature (TRDTT) theory of thermoelasticity. The two-temperature thermoelasticity theory and the temperature-rate dependent thermoelasticity theory are two well-established thermoelasticity theories, which are developed from the generalized thermodynamic principles independently. Although the constitutive equations for TRDTT theory have been introduced, the formulation for the theory from the thermodynamical principles is not yet derived. Therefore, this work is an attempt to establish the theory from the generalized laws of thermodynamics and derive all the governing equations and constitutive relations for the theory. We derive a new and more general two-temperature relation that involves the temperature-rate terms of conductive and thermodynamic temperatures. We observe that this relation is different from the two-temperature relation reported in the literature. Further, we prove the uniqueness of solution for a general mixed initial boundary value problem in the context of linear modified TRDTT thermoelasticity theory for anisotropic medium. To investigate the effect of the present modified TRDTT theory, we solve a one-dimensional half-space problem and highlight the significance of the present theory.
Heat Transfer in a Rotating, Blade-Shaped Serpentine Cooling Passage With Discrete Ribbed Walls at High Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Wright Lesley M. , Yang Shang-Feng , Wu Hao-Wei , Han Je-Chin , Lee Ching-Pang , Azad Salam , Um Jae
Published: October 2019

This paper experimentally investigates the effect of rotation on heat transfer in a typical turbine blade, three-pass, serpentine coolant channel with discrete ribbed walls at high Reynolds numbers. To achieve the high Reynolds number (Re → 190,000) and low rotation number conditions, pressurized Freon R-134a vapor is utilized as the working fluid. Cooling flow in the first passage is radial outward; after the 180 deg tip turn, the flow is radial inward through the second passage; and after the 180 deg hub turn, the flow is radial outward in the third passage. The effects of rotation on the heat transfer coefficients were investigated at rotation numbers as low as 0.07 and Reynolds numbers from 85,000 to 187,000 (based on the first passage geometry and flow conditions). Heat transfer coefficients were measured using thermocouples embedded in copper plates to provide regionally averaged heat transfer coefficients. Heat transfer enhancement due to rotation is observed on the first passage, pressure-side with radially outward flow and the second passage, suction-side with radially inward flow, but a reduction in heat transfer is observed on the third passage pressure-side with radially outward flow. In addition, results from the discrete, broken ribs are compared with those from the same serpentine coolant passage with conventional, angled ribbed walls. A significant increase in the heat transfer due to the discrete ribs is observed in the first passage. These results can be useful for understanding real rotor blade coolant passage heat transfer under high Reynolds number and low rotation number conditions.
Failure Analysis of Inlet Pipeline of a Spray Cooler
Authors: Lu Xiaofeng , Xu Jing , Zhu Xiaolei
Published: October 2019

Corrosion perforation occurs frequently in oil field pipelines under strong oxidation environment. The causes for the failure of spray cooler after approximately 87,600 h in service have been investigated. To determine the failure mechanisms of pipes, material characterization and numerical analysis are conducted on the inlet pipeline. Ultrasonic thickness measurement is performed to check the corrosion rate and corrosion type of the pipe. Scanning electron microscopy is employed to observe the microscopic corrosion morphology of the pipeline. The microstructure of the corrosion products and the cause of corrosion are investigated using energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). Chemical composition and metallographic structure investigations are conducted to study the characteristics of the materials. Finite element analysis of the pipeline is employed to evaluate the deformation and stress distribution of the corrosion product film with a fluid–solid coupling model. Results of this investigation indicate that the reason of failure was the existence of strong oxidizing substances and the uneven distribution of corrosion rate that resulted from fluid accelerating corrosion.
Comorbidity between progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis and atopic dermatitis in a 19-month-old child
Authors: Panasiti Ilenia , Briuglia Silvana , Costa Stefano , Caminiti Lucia
Published: October 2019

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic skin disease in children, with an increasing prevalence in the past three decades. Adequate treatment is prescribed for individual patient based on symptoms and disease severity. However, further underlying diagnosis should be researched when therapeutic strategies for symptoms fail and skin lesions and pruritus persist. We reported herein the case of a 19-month-old infant with a history of AD unresponsive to treatment due to the type 2 progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC). A new homozygous mutation of theABCB11gene was found. The severe pruritus, the early onset jaundice, poor growth and raised transaminase levels with normal gamma glutamyl transpeptidase have led to the suspicion of PFIC. The presence of severe AD and intrahepatic chronic cholestasis, both pruritus associated, could delay a proper diagnosis. To our knowledge, for the first time, a case of comorbidity between type 2 PFIC and AD-like disease had been described.
Unexplained chronic cytopenia: is it idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance or myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Ramachandran Preethi , Erdinc Burak , Sahni Sonu , Avezbakiyev Boris
Published: October 2019

Idiopathic cytopenia is a condition where there is a decrease in peripheral blood counts causing either anaemia, leucopoenia and thrombocytopaenia. Most cases of cytopenia reveal a cause on further workup. But very rarely, in some cases, a definitive cause could not be identified. Unexplained cytopenia becomes challenging and poses difficulty in diagnosis and management. Discriminating these groups of bone marrow failure disorders from myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) becomes an important clinical question. We describe a case of a middle-aged Hispanic woman who presented with pancytopenia and on extensive workup did not reveal any specific cause. Her bone marrow examination revealed severely reduced megakaryocytes but with normal haemopoiesis of other lineages. Cytogenetics, flow cytometry, comprehensive next-generation whole genomic analysis did not reveal any abnormalities. She fit the criteria for idiopathic cytopenia of undetermined significance rather than MDS. She remained asymptomatic and her counts never improved with immunosuppressives or thrombopoietin mimetics.
Clinical clues predictive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome as the cause of chronic cicatrising conjunctivitis
Authors: Shanbhag Swapna S , Chanda Sanjay , Donthineni Pragnya Rao , Sane Sayali Sanjeev , Priyadarshini Smruti Rekha , Basu Sayan
Published: October 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the clinical clues in patients with chronic cicatrising conjunctivitis (CCC), that were suggestive of Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) as the aetiology.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional observational study of 75 patients presenting with CCC from 2016 to 2018. Those with a documented diagnosis of SJS (n=43) were included as cases; while those with a positive serology or tissue biopsy for a non-SJS condition were included as controls (n=32). The features in the medical history and clinical examination that were positively and negatively associated with SJS were scored +1 and −1, respectively. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to detect the threshold score for optimal sensitivity and specificity of the scoring system.

Results

No single feature had absolute sensitivity and specify for SJS. The 10 positive features suggestive of SJS (p<0.0001) included (1) history of: acute conjunctivitis, fever or drug intake preceding conjunctivitis, peeling of skin on pressure, loss of nails and severe morbidity with hospital admission; and (2) clinical features of: skin discoloration, nail disfigurement, lip-margin dermalisation, lid-margin keratinisation and distichiasis. The two negative criteria were history of mucosal ulcers without skin involvement and recurrent mucosal ulceration. On ROC analysis, a score of >5 showed a sensitivity of 90.7% and specificity of 93.8% for the diagnosis of SJS.

Conclusions

The combination of clinical clues identified in this study can help clinicians confirm SJS as the aetiology of conjunctival cicatrisation, especially when reliable documentation of the acute episode is not available.
Cognitive functional therapy compared with a group-based exercise and education intervention for chronic low back pain: a multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT)
Authors: O'Keeffe Mary , O'Sullivan Peter , Purtill Helen , Bargary Norma , O'Sullivan Kieran
Published: October 2019

Background

One-size-fits-all interventions reduce chronic low back pain (CLBP) a small amount. An individualised intervention called cognitive functional therapy (CFT) was superior for CLBP compared with manual therapy and exercise in one randomised controlled trial (RCT). However, systematic reviews show group interventions are as effective as one-to-one interventions for musculoskeletal pain. This RCT investigated whether a physiotherapist-delivered individualised intervention (CFT) was more effective than physiotherapist-delivered group-based exercise and education for individuals with CLBP.

Methods

206 adults with CLBP were randomised to either CFT (n=106) or group-based exercise and education (n=100). The length of the CFT intervention varied according to the clinical progression of participants (mean=5 treatments). The group intervention consisted of up to 6 classes (mean=4 classes) over 6–8 weeks. Primary outcomes were disability and pain intensity in the past week at 6 months and 12months postrandomisation. Analysis was by intention-to-treat using linear mixed models.

Results

CFT reduced disability more than the group intervention at 6 months (mean difference, 8.65; 95% CI 3.66 to 13.64; p=0.001), and at 12 months (mean difference, 7.02; 95% CI 2.24 to 11.80; p=0.004). There were no between-group differences observed in pain intensity at 6 months (mean difference, 0.76; 95% CI -0.02 to 1.54; p=0.056) or 12 months (mean difference, 0.65; 95% CI -0.20 to 1.50; p=0.134).

Conclusion

CFT reduced disability, but not pain, at 6 and 12 months compared with the group-based exercise and education intervention. Future research should examine whether the greater reduction in disability achieved by CFT renders worthwhile differences for health systems and patients.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov registry (NCT02145728).
Validation of Novel Fibrosis Index (NFI) for assessment of liver fibrosis: comparison with transient elastography (FibroScan)
Authors: Hussain Azhar , Gul Muhammad Asif , Khalid Muhammad Usama
Published: October 2019

Background

In this study, we collated cheap and readily available non-invasive biomarkers and FibroScan score in predicting fibrosis stages in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

Methods

We studied 1898 patients with HCV infection confirmed by presence of HCV RNA in their serum. We compared the FibroScan score and fibrosis indices (FIs): aspartate transaminase (AST) to alanine transaminase (ALT) ratio (AAR), AST to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI), FI, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4), Age-Platelet Index (API), Pohl score, Fibrosis Cirrhosis Index (FCI). We developed a new FI, named Novel Fibrosis Index (NFI) calculated by the following formula: NFI=[(bilirubin×(ALP)2)/(platelet count (albumin)2)]−n.

Results

AAR, APRI, FI, FIB-4, API, Pohl score, FCI and NFI were able to predict fibrosis stage with correlation coefficient indices 0.848, 0.711, 0.618, 0.741, 0.529, 0.360, 0.477 and 0.26, respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed sensitivity and specificity for predicting F3 by NFI=75.1% and 41.1% and F4 for NFI=72.1% and 47.1%, AAR=62.8% and 37.6%, APRI=74.6% and 87.6%, FIB-4=53.2% and 72.3%, FI=78.1% and 92.3%, API=78.1% and 60%, Pohl score=38.1% and 78.1% and FCI=78.1% and 88.1%.

Conclusions

Our NFI predicted F3 and has been found to have more sensitivity and specificity in predicting F4 fibrosis stage than other FIs.
Association of liver enzymes levels with fasting plasma glucose levels in Southern China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Huang Ling-Ling , Guo Dong-Hui , Xu Hui-Yan , Tang Song-Tao , Wang Xiao Xiao , Jin Yong-Ping , Wang Peixi
Published: October 2019

Objective

According to several studies, liver enzymes levels are associated with fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels. However, the association stratified by body mass index (BMI) remains to be elucidated, especially in Southern China. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between liver enzymes levels and FPG levels stratified by BMI in Southern China.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Participants and setting

3056 individuals participated in real-time interviews and blood tests in Southern China. Participants were divided into three groups (underweight, normal weight and overweight or obesity) based on BMI cut-offs.

Main outcome measured

Partial correlation analysis was performed to investigate the relationship between FPG levels and liver tests. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to calculate the adjusted ORs for FPG levels based on liver enzymes levels.

Results

There was no association between liver enzymes and FPG either in the underweight group or in the normal weight group; however, a significant correlation was observed in the overweight or obesity group (alanine transaminase (ALT), p<0.01; aspartate aminotransferase (AST), p<0.05). After adjusting for confounding factors, the highest tertiles of ALT still remained significantly positively related to FPG levels in the overweight or obesity group, with an OR of 2.205 (95% CI 1.442 to 3.371) for the 5.56≤FPG<7.00 mmol/L vs the FPG<5.56 mmol/L group and with an OR of 2.297 (95% CI 1.017 to 5.187) for the FPG≥7.00 mmol/L vs the FPG<5.56 mmol/L group, but this correlation was not found for AST.

Conclusions

The association of liver enzymes levels with FPG levels differed based on different BMI cut-offs. ALT levels were significantly positively associated with FPG levels in the overweight or obesity group, but not in the other two groups; AST levels were not associated with FPG levels in any group.