bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different forms of informal coercion in psychiatry – a qualitative study
Authors: Pelto-Piri Veikko , Kjellin Lars , Hylén Ulrika , Valenti Emanuele , Priebe Stefan
Published: November 2019

Objectives The objective of the study was to investigate how mental health professionals describe and reflect upon different forms of informal coercion. Results In a deductive qualitative content analysis of focus group interviews, several examples of persuasion, interpersonal leverage, inducements, and threats were found. Persuasion was sometimes described as being more like a negotiation. Some participants worried about that the use of interpersonal leverage and inducements risked to pass into blackmail in some situations. In a following inductive analysis, three more categories of informal coercion was found: cheating, using a disciplinary style and referring to rules and routines. Participants also described situations of coercion from other stakeholders: relatives and other authorities than psychiatry. The results indicate that informal coercion includes forms that are not obviously arranged in a hierarchy, and that its use is complex with a variety of pathways between different forms before treatment is accepted by the patient or compulsion is imposed.
Photosynthetic performance and photosynthesis-related gene expression coordinated in a shade-tolerant species Panax notoginseng under nitrogen regimes
Authors: Zhang Jin-Yan , Cun Zhu , Chen Jun-Wen
Published: November 2019

Nitrogen (N) is an essential component of photosynthetic apparatus. However, the mechanism that photosynthetic capacity is suppressed by N is not completely understood. Photosynthetic capacity and photosynthesis-related genes were comparatively analyzed in a shade-tolerant species Panax notoginseng grown under the levels of low N (LN), moderate N (MN) and high N (HN). Photosynthetic assimilation was significantly suppressed in the LN- and HN-grown plants. Compared with the MN-grown plants, the HN-grown plants showed thicker anatomic structure and larger chloroplast accompanied with decreased ratio of mesophyll conductance (gm ) to Rubisco content (gm /Rubisco) and lower Rubisco activity. Meanwhile, LN-grown plants displayed smaller chloroplast and accordingly lower internal conductance (gi ). LN- and HN-grown individuals allocated less N to light-harvesting system (NL ) and carboxylation system (NC ), respectively. N surplus negatively affected the expression of genes in Car biosynthesis ( GGPS , DXR , PSY , IPI and DXS ) and non-net carboxylative process (CEF-PSI). The LN individuals outperformed others with respect to non-photochemical quenching. The expression of genes ( FBA, PGK, RAF2, GAPC, CAB, PsbA and PsbH ) encoding enzymes of Calvin cycle and structural protein of light reaction were obviously repressed in the LN individuals, accompanying with a reduction in Rubisco content and activity. Correspondingly, the expression of genes encoding RAF2 , RPI4 , CAB and PetE were repressed in the HN-grown plants. LN-induced depression of photosynthetic capacity might be caused by the deceleration on Calvin cycle and light reaction of photosynthesis, and HN-induced depression of ones might derive from an increase in the form of inactivated Rubisco and the deprivation of photoprotection.
Physiological and proteomic responses to drought stress in leaves of Amygdalus Mira (Koehne) Yü et Lu
Authors: Xu Liping , Jin Guangze , Guan Fachun , Luo Qiuxiang , Meng Fan Juan
Published: November 2019

Background:Plant development is strongly influenced by various stresses, such as drought and salinity. Drought is a serious threat which can reduce agricultural productivity and obstruct plant growth. Although the mechanism of plants adapted to drought stress has been studied extensively, the adaptive strategies of Amygdalus Mira (Koehne) Yü et Lu grown in drought and re-watered habitats remain undefined. In this paper, A. Mira from the Tibetan Plateau have outstanding environmental, economic, nutritional and medicinal values, and can thrive in extreme drought. Results:This paper investigated physiological and proteomic responses in leaves of A. Mira during the period of drought stress and recovery, to understand their strategies mechanism. The changes of plant growth, photosynthesis, enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidant during drought and re-watering were analyzed in leaves. Compared with controls, A. Mira showed stronger adaptive and resistant characteristics to drought stress. Proteomic technique was also be used to study mechanisms of drought tolerance in A. Mira leaves. Differentially expressed proteins were identified using mass spectrometry. Accordingly, 103 proteins involved in 10 functional categories: Cytoskeleton dynamics, Energy metabolism, Carbohydrate metabolism, Photosynthesis, Transcription and translation, Transport, Stress and defense, Molecular chaperones, Other materials metabolism, and Unknown function were identified. These results showed that increase of stress-defense-related proteins in leaves after drought treatment were contributed to cope with drought stress. Importantly, A. Mira developed adaptive mechanism to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), including enhancement of antioxidant enzymes activities and non-enzymatic low molecular, reduction of energy, and efficiency of adjusting gas exchanges. Conclusions:These results may help improve understanding concerning the adaptation of A. Mira to drought.
Isopentenyl Phosphate Kinases are Ubiquitous and Copy Numbers are Conserved in Plant Genomes
Authors: Hu Ben , Yao Heng , Li Feng , Wang Ran , Xu Yalong , Wang Zhong , jin lifeng
Published: November 2019

Key message: Isopentenyl phosphate kinase (IPK) is a key enzyme in mevalonate pathway in isoprenoid biosynthesis. We analyzed 37 presumptive IPK sequences from 35 plants. An specific evolution model was found in plant IPKs, which can be used as an new target in studying the plant isoprenoids metabilte. Abstract: Isopentenyl phosphate kinase (IPK) is a recently discovered enzyme played key role in mevalonate pathway in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Here, we showed that IPKs are ubiquitously present in plant genomes. All IPKs previously identified had AAK domain. From 35 plant species with genome assembly data available, we extracted all AAK family members. Using OrthoMCL, we identified a group of 37 sequences in which Arabidopsis IPK was included. Further analysis showed that each peptide sequence in this group has a His residue which is a signature of IPK enzyme, indicating that the genes in this group were IPKs. Not like these in other domains of life which showed spotty distribution over the tree of life, virtually all plant genomes we analyzed here had IPK genes. Further, copy numbers of IPKs were very conserved in that no higher than 2 copies remained in each plant genome. Plant IPKs formed a distinctive clade in phylogenetic tree of plant AAK gene family, and had a phylogenetic topology conformed to that of plant species. The IPKs we identified here would provide new molecular targets for characterization of plant mevalonate pathway, and shed light on biochemistry of plant isoprenoids biosynthesis.
Identification and Analysis of the FAD Gene Family in Walnuts (Juglans regia L.) Based on Transcriptome Data
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhao Shugang , Wang Shuang , Wang Hongxia , Zhang Zhihua
Published: November 2019

Background Walnut fatty acids, the main component of walnut kernels, contain a large amount of unsaturated fatty acids, such as linoleic acid and linolenic acid, which are essential fatty acids in humans and have important effects on human growth and health. Fatty acid desaturase (FAD) is widely distributed throughout the biological world. Its main function is to remove hydrogen from carbon chains in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids to synthesize C=C double bonds.Results In the current research, 25 members of the JrFAD gene family were identified by bioinformatics analysis; the expression of fatty acid synthesis genes in walnut kernels at different developmental stages was analysed by transcriptome sequencing, and the expression of JrFAD3-1 , an enzyme gene for linolenic acid synthesis, was particularly prominent. The results showed that the relative expression level of FAD3-1 changed dramatically with the kernel development stage, and the expression changes showed a "bell shape". There was a significant positive correlation between the expression of JrFAD3-1 from 90-100 days after anthesis and the content of alpha-linolenic acid from 100-130 days after anthesis, with a correlation coefficient of 0.991. JrFAD3-1 can be considered closely related to Betula pendula and Corylus heterophylla .Conclusion 25 walnut kernels FAD genes were identified and comprehensive analyzed for the first time. The function of a walnut kernels FAD3-1 gene was also characterized from its location in the phylogeny. This work lays a theoretical foundation for the regulation of unsaturated fatty acid synthesis and provide techniques and methods for the creation of new germplasm.
Blood Transcriptome Analysis reveals Age-associated changes in Expression Profile of Immune-Related Gene in Golden snub-nosed Monkey(Rhinopithecus roxellana)
Authors: Huanhuan Shao , Jiabo Deng , Linfeng Wu , Xuedan Li , Lili Niu , Jianqiu Yu , Yang Pu , Huijuan Yan , Weigan Chen , Tan Xuemei
Published: November 2019

Background Golden snub-nosed monkeys ( Rhinopithecus roxellana ) are an endangered species in China.In the present study, the blood transcriptomes of nine monkeys were characterized by using RNA-Seq technology.Results 57.31 Gb high-quality sequencing data was obtained. The clean data of each sample was >5 Gb, and 86.17% to 94.48% of the reads of each sample could be compared to reference genome of snub-nosed monkey. After assembly, we obtained 24,992 genes, including 3,917 new genes. Many genes were up-regulated or down-regulated with age. In adult group of R. roxellana roxellana, there were 76 differential genes, including 68 up-regulated and 8 down-regulated genes, compared with the young group. While, compared with the adult group, in the old group there were 58 differential genes, including 25 up-regulated genes and 23 down-regulated genes. In R. roxellana qinlingensis , compared with the young group, 117 differential genes were obtained, including 34 up-regulated and 83 down-regulated genes. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that the up-regulated genes were mainly related to innate immune response and T-cell activity, while the down-regulated genes were mainly involved in B-cell activity, suggesting that immune competence of adult group increased gradually compared to young group. However, the adaptive immune function declined gradually in the old group.Conclusions Our findings will contribute to understand on the molecular mechanisms of age-related changes in immune system, which will provide a foundation for future study in snub-nosed monkey.
A combined microRNA and transcriptome analysis illuminates the resistance response of rice against brown planthopper
Authors: Tan Jiaoyan , Wu Yan , Guo Jianping , Li Huimin , Zhu Lili , Chen Rongzhi , He Guangcun , Du Bo
Published: November 2019

Background: The brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens Stål) is a kind of phloem-feeding pest that adversely affects rice yield. Recently, the BPH-resistance gene, BPH6, was cloned and applied in rice breeding to effectively control BPH. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying BPH6 are poorly understood. Results: Here, an integrated miRNA and mRNA expression profiling analysis was performed on BPH6-transgenic (BPH6G) and Nipponbare (wild type, WT) plants after BPH infestation, and a total of 217 differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMs) and 7,874 differentially expressed mRNAs (DEGs) were identified. 29 miRNAs, including members of miR160, miR166 and miR169 family were opposite expressed during early or late feeding stages between the two varieties, whilst 9 miRNAs were specifically expressed in BPH6G plants, suggesting involvement of these miRNAs in BPH6-mediated resistance to BPH. In the transcriptome analysis, 949 DEGs were opposite expressed during early or late feeding stages of the two genotypes, which were enriched in metabolic processes, cellular development, cell wall organization, cellular component movement and hormone transport, and certain primary and secondary metabolite synthesis. 24 genes were further selected as candidates for BPH resistance. Integrated analysis of the DEMs and DEGs showed that 34 miRNAs corresponding to 42 target genes were candidate miRNA-mRNA pairs for BPH resistance, 18 pairs were verified by qRT-PCR, and two pairs were confirmed by in vivo analysis. Conclusions: For the first time, we reported integrated small RNA and transcriptome sequencing to illustrate resistance mechanisms against BPH in rice. Our results provide a valuable resource to ascertain changes in BPH-induced miRNA and mRNA expression profiles and enables the analysis of the comprehensive plant-insect interactions required for efficient insect control.
Synchronous dissection of chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes remodels the intra- and inter-genus phylogeny for the agriculturally important genus Brassica
Authors: Qiao Jiangwei , Zhang Xiaojun , Chen Biyun , Huang Fei , Xu Kun , Huang Qian , Huang Yi , Hu Qiong , Wu Xiaoming
Published: November 2019

Background : The genus Brassica mainly comprises three diploid and three recently derived allotetraploid species, most of which are highly important vegetable, oil or ornamental crops cultivated worldwide. Despite being extensively studied, the origination of the allotetraploid crops and the overall phylogeny of Brassica genus are still far from completely resolved, which has greatly hindered the development of novel Brassica crops. Here, we target and integrate the chloroplast DNA and mitochondrial DNA to investigate the genetic diversity and relationships in large plant populations centering on Brassica genus. Results : The phylogenetic analyses based on a data set including 72 de novo assembled whole chloroplast genomes, delineated a comprehensive evolutional atlas inside and around Brassica genus. The maternal origin of both B. juncea and B. carinata are monophyletic from cam-type B. rapa and B. nigra , respectively. Nonetheless, the current B. napus contains three major cytoplasmic haplotypes: the cam -type which directly inherited from B. rapa , polima -type which is close to cam -type as a sister, and the predominant nap -type. Intriguingly, nap -type seems phylogenetically integrated with certain sparse C-genome wild species, thus implying that which may have primarily contributed the cytoplasm and the corresponding C subgenome to B. napus . Human breeding creation of the B. napus cytoplasmic male sterile lines (e.g., mori and nsa ) dramatically disturbed the concurrent inheritance between mtDNA and cpDNA. Strong parallel evolution among genera Raphanus , Sinapis, Eruca , Moricandia with Brassica indicates their uncomplete divergence from each other. Conclusions : The overall variation data and elaborated phylogenetic relationships obtained herein can substantially facilitate the development of novel Brassica crops, e.g. the allotetraploid rapeseed with new cytonuclear integrations and the allohexaploid rapeseed.
Fine mapping of the BnUC2 locus related to leaf up-curling and plant semi-dwarfing in Brassica napus
Authors: Huang Chengwei , Yang Mao , Shao Danlei , Wang Yangming , Wan Shubei , He Jianbo , Meng Zuqing , Guan Rongzhan
Published: November 2019

Background Studies of leaf shape development and plant stature have made important contributions to the fields of plant breeding and developmental biology. The optimization of leaf morphology and plant height to improve lodging resistance and photosynthetic efficiency, increase planting density and yield, and facilitate mechanized harvesting is a desirable goal in Brassica napus.Results Here, we investigated a B. napus germplasm resource exhibiting up-curled leaves and a semi-dwarf stature. In progeny populations derived from NJAU5737 and Zhongshuang 11 (ZS11), we found that the up-curled leaf trait was controlled by a dominant locus, BnUC2. We then fine mapped the BnUC2 locus onto an 83.19-kb interval on chromosome A05 using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. We further determined that BnUC2 was a major plant height QTL that explained approximately 70% of the phenotypic variation in two BC5F3 family populations derived from NJAU5737 and ZS11. This result implies that BnUC2 was also responsible for the observed semi-dwarf stature. The fine mapping interval of BnUC2 contained five genes, two of which, BnaA05g16700D (BnaA05.IAA2) and BnaA05g16720D, were revealed by comparative sequencing to be mutated in NJAU5737. This result suggests that the candidate gene mutation (BnaA05g16700D) in the conserved Degron motif GWPPV (P63S) was responsible for the BnUC2 locus. In addition, investigation of agronomic traits in a separation population indicated that plant height, main inflorescence length, and branching height were significantly reduced by BnUC2, whereas yield was not significantly altered. Our findings may provide an effective foundation for plant type breeding in B. napus.Conclusions Using SNP and SSR markers, a dominant locus (BnUC2) related to up-curled leaves and semi-dwarf stature in B. napus has been fine mapped onto an 83.19-kb interval of chromosome A05 containing five genes. The BnaA05g16700D (BnaA05.IAA2) is inferred to be candidate gene responsible for the BnUC2 locus.
Bromide impairs the circadian clock and glycolytic homeostasis via disruption of autophagy in rat H9C2 cardiomyocytes
Authors: Jiang Yicheng , Gu Yang , Xu Hai , Tian Xiaoyi , Zhang Xuefeng , Xu Xiaojin , Yan Wenting , Zhang Xiwen
Published: November 2019

Background Trace elements function as essential cofactors that are involved in various biochemical processes in mammals. Autophagy is vital for nutrient supplement, which is an important Zeitegber for the circadian homeostasis in heart. Here, we considered the possibility that autophagy, as well as the cardiomyocyte clock and glycolysis are interlinked. Detrimental effects were observed when cardiac system is exposed to bromine containing drugs. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of bromide on the circadian clock and glycolytic metabolism of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Methods H9C2 cardiomyocytes were incubated with sodium bromide at indicated doses for 24 hours, cell viability, mRNA expression of clock genes, glycolytic genes and autophagic genes were examined using various cellular and molecular approaches. Also, circadian oscillation rhythm of these genes was determined by serum shock with sodium bromide or equal amounts of sodium chloride. Results Bromide modestly affects cell viability and apoptosis of H9C2 cardiomyocytes. Bromide dampens the clock and glycolytic ( Hk2 and Pkm2 ) gene expression rhythmicity in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, bromide inhibits autophagic process in H9C2 cardiomyocytes. In contrast, rapamycin (an autophagy inducer) dramatically restores the inhibitory effect of NaBr on the mRNA expression levels of clock genes ( Bmal1 , Cry1 and Rorα ) and glycolytic genes ( Hk2 and Pkm2 ). Conclusions Our results reveal that bromide represses the clock and glycolytic gene expression patterns, partially through inhibition of autophagy.
Genome wide identification and characterization of cucumber bHLH family genes and the functional characterization of CsbHLH041 in NaCl and ABA tolerance in Arabidopsis and cucumber
Authors: Li Jialin , Wang Ting , Han Jing , Ren Zhonghai
Published: November 2019

Background The basic/helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor family exists in all three eukaryotic kingdoms as important regulatory components in biological growth and development. To date, there has been relatively little effort to systematically carry out comprehensive genomic and functional analyses of bHLH genes in cucumber ( Cucumis sativus L.).Results Here, a total of 142 bHLH genes were identified in the cucumber genome released recently and further classified into 32 subgroups based on the phylogenetic analysis, conserved motifs and gene structures. Multiple sequence alignment analyses showed that the sequences of CsbHLH proteins were highly conserved. The chromosomal distribution, synteny analysis, gene duplications of these 142 CsbHLHs were further analyzed. A cis-element analysis revealed that there were many elements related to stress responsiveness and plant hormones in the promoter regions of CsbHLH genes. Phylogenetic comparison of the bHLH members between cucumber and Arabidopsis , revealed cucumber bHLH proteins were clustered into the different functional clades of Arabidopsis bHLH members. The transcript abundance analysis of selected CsbHLHs under abiotic stresses (NaCl, ABA and low temperature treatments) identified five CsbHLH genes could simultaneously respond to the three abiotic stresses. Tissue-specific expression profiles of these five genes were also analyzed. In addition, 35S:CsbHLH041 enhanced the tolerance to salt and ABA in transgenic Arabidopsis and in cucumber seedlings, suggesting CsbHLH041 is an important regulator in response to abiotic stresses. Finally, the functional interoperability network among the CsbHLH proteins was analyzed.Conclusion This study provided a good foundation for further research into the functions and regulatory mechanisms of CsbHLH proteins and identified candidate genes for stress resistance in cucumber.
Variations in the delivery of primary diabetes care in Malaysia Lessons to be learnt and potential for improvement
Authors: Mustapha Feisul , Aagaard-Hansen Jens , Lim Shiang Cheng , Nasir Nazrila Hairizan , Aris Tahir , Bjerre-Christensen Ulla
Published: November 2019

Background The paper describes variations in the organisation of clinical services for diabetes patients in ten public primary health clinics in Malaysia with the view to learn from current innovations and improve diabetes service provision. Methods This study combined the use of secondary data and a qualitative multi-case study approach applying observations in ten randomly selected MOH health clinics in Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, and semi-structured interviews of the Family Medicine Specialists from the same clinics. Results Although there are specific Ministry of Health guidelines for diabetes care, some clinics had introduced innovations for diabetes care such as the novel ‘personalised care’, ‘one-stop-centre’ and utilisation of patients’ waiting time for health education. Analysis showed that there was room for improvement in terms of task shifting to free precious time of staff with specialised functions, streamlining appointments for various examinations, increasing continuity of consultations with same doctors and monitoring of performance. Conclusion We contend that there is a potential for increased effectiveness and efficiency of primary diabetes care in Malaysia without increasing the resources – a potential that may be tapped into by systematic learning from on-going innovation.
Selected risk factors of dental caries in 11- to 13- years old schoolchildren in Slovakia
Authors: Stefanova Eliska , Baska Tibor , Holubcikova Jana , Timkova Silvia , Tatarkova Maria , Sovicova Miroslava , Hudeckova Henrieta
Published: November 2019

Background: Oral diseases, particularly dental caries, affect as much as 9 in 10 persons globally. Its development starts during childhood and among factors participating in its aetiology, behavioural ones play a particularly important role. The aim of the study was to examine the selected behavioural risk factors of dental caries in Slovak adolescents between 2006 and 2018. Methods: We analysed occurrence of the selected factors (teeth brushing less than once a day, eating sweets and drinking sweetened soft drinks daily and their combination) in 11 to 13 years old schoolchildren in Slovakia by gender and socio-economic status using data from Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children surveys carried out in 2005/2006, 2009/2010, 2013/2014 and 2017/2018. Results: Consumption of sweets and sweetened soft drinks, despite of decline, remains widespread (41.3% of boys and 39.6% of girls in 2017/2018). Absence of daily teeth brushing, similarly as co-occurrence of these two risk factors, were more frequent in boys (10.6% and 5.0% in 2017/2018, respectively) than in girls (5.1% and 2.3% in 2017/2018, respectively). Absence of daily teeth brushing was associated with lower socioeconomic situation. Conclusions: Behavioural risk factors of dental caries play significant role in oral health of adolescents in Slovakia. Despite positive development of the epidemiological situation, effective interventions focused on consumption of sweets and sweetened soft drinks as well as improvement of oral hygiene in lower socioeconomic groups are needed.
Optimization of parasite DNA enrichment approaches to generate whole genome sequencing data for Plasmodium falciparum from low-parasitemia samples
Authors: Shah Zalak , Adams Matthew , Moser Kara A , Shrestha Biraj , Stucke Emily M , Laufer Miriam K , Serre David , Silva Joana C , Takala-Harrison Shannon
Published: November 2019

Background: Owing to the large amount of host DNA in clinical samples, generation of high-quality Plasmodium falciparum whole genome sequencing (WGS) data requires enrichment for parasite DNA. Enrichment is often achieved by leukocyte depletion of infected blood prior to storage. However, leukocyte depletion is difficult in low-resource settings and limits analysis to prospectively-collected samples. As a result, approaches such as selective whole genome amplification (sWGA) are being used to enrich for parasite DNA, reducing the need for pre-processing of samples. However, sWGA has had limited success in generating reliable sequencing data from low parasitemia samples. In this study, we evaluated whether enzymatic digestion with MspJI prior to sWGA and whole genome sequencing improves genome coverage compared to sWGA alone when applied to samples representing a range of parasitemias. We also examined the potential of sWGA to cause amplification bias in polyclonal infections. Results: MspJI digestion did not enrich for parasite DNA. Samples that underwent filtration prior to sWGA had the highest parasite DNA yield and displayed higher genome coverage compared to MspJI+sWGA and sWGA only, particularly for low parasitemia samples. The optimized sWGA approach was successfully used to generate WGS data from 218 non-leukocyte depleted field samples from Malawi. Sequences from lab-created mixtures of parasite isolates from the same geographic region generated using the optimized sWGA did not show evidence of differential amplification of parasite strains compared to directly sequenced samples. Conclusion: The optimized sWGA approach is a reliable method to obtain WGS data from non-leukocyte depleted, low parasitemia samples. The absence of amplification bias in data generated from mixtures of isolates from the same geographic region suggests that this approach can be appropriately used for molecular epidemiological studies.
Transcriptome profiling of non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon during ripening: insights of sugar metabolism
Authors: Schemberger Michelle Orane , Stroka Marília Aparecida , Reis Letícia , Los Kamila Karoline de Souza , de Araujo Gillize Aparecida Telles , Sfeir Michelle Zibetti Tadra , Galvão Carolina Weigert , Etto Rafael Mazer , Baptistão Amanda Regina Godoy , Ayub Ricardo Antonio
Published: November 2019

Background: The non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon (Cucumis melo, inodorus group) is an economically important crop and its quality is mainly determined by the sugar content. Thus, the knowledge of sugar metabolism and its related pathways can contribute to development of new field management and post-harvest practices, making it possible to deliver to consumers better quality fruits.Results: The RNA-seq associated with RT-qPCR analyses of four maturation stages were performed to identify important enzymes and pathways that are involved in the sugar metabolism profile in non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon fruit. We identified 895 genes 10 DAP-biased and 909 genes 40 DAP-biased. The global analyses evidenced pathways related to sucrose metabolism; hormone signal transduction; DNA and protein processing like significant metabolisms in the melon ripening. For fruit sucrose metabolism, 17 genes were differentially expressed (DE) whose pattern varied throughout fruit development.Conclusions: The results demonstrated important enzymes in the sugar pathway those are responsible for the sucrose content and maturation profile in non-climacteric ‘Yellow’ melon. New DE genes were first detected for melon in this study such as invertase inhibitor LIKE 3 (CmINH3), trehalose phosphate phosphatase (CmTPP1) and trehalose phosphate synthases (CmTPS5, CmTPS7, CmTPS9). Besides that, the results of the protein-protein network interaction demonstrated general characteristics of the transcriptome of young and full-ripe melon. Keywords: Cucumis melo, RNA-seq, sucrose, fruit ripening, gene expression
Transcriptome analysis reveals differentially expressed genes for improving survival of dormant Apostichopus japonicus in response to high temperature
Authors: Qiuhua Yang , Xusheng Zhang , Zhen Lu , Ruifang Huang , Tran Ngoc Tuan , Jianshao Wu , Fuyuan Yang , Hui Ge , Chenhui Zhong , Denggao Qiu , Qian Sun , Liaoyuan Zhang , Shengkang Li , Chen Zhou , Qi Lin
Published: November 2019

Background: Aestivation is one of the strategies used by sea cucumbers (Apostichopus japonicas) in order to improve survival in response to the high-temperature and droughty conditions. Previous studies have carried out to investigate the immune or physiological alterations at the aestivation stage. However, it lacks information on the relationship between immunity and physiology. Herein, transcriptome sequencing was used to study gene expression during the aestivation stage. The results of this study provide a comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms that protect sea cucumbers from the high-temperature condition, which favors improving survival in cultured sea cucumbers. Results: The transcriptome analysis of dormant (aestivation) and revival sea cucumbers generated 2,368 differentially expressed genes (down-regulation: 927; up-regulation: 1,441) and 39,081 unchanged genes. Basing on Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses, the down-regulated genes of dormant group were identified to be involved in DNA replication, RNA metabolic process, protein modification and biosynthesis, macromolecule metabolism, and cellular metabolism, which resulted in the inhibition of motility, skeletal development, neural activity, cell proliferation and development of A. japonicas. In contrast, the up-regulated genes were associated with fatty acid metabolism, carbohydrate hydrolysis, and phagocytosis. Protein-protein interaction network analysis further revealed that carbohydrate hydrolysis promoted the phagocytosis activity in the dormant group. Furthermore, the expression pattern of all tested genes in qRT-PCR analysis fitted well with those in RNA-Seq, with the exception of FASNL, which was unchanged in the qRT-PCR but up-regulated in RNA-seq. Conclusions: During the dormant stage, sea cucumbers decreased DNA replication, transcription and translation to achieve a hypometabolic state beneficial for reducing energy consumption. On the contrary, fatty acid metabolism and carbohydrate hydrolysis were increased for energy supply. Moreover, high levels of carbohydrate hydrolysis promoted phagocytosis, which is a crucial innate immune response to infection by pathogens. These results provided new insight into potential molecular mechanisms that enable the sea cucumbers to respond to high temperatures. Keywords: Aestivation, Apostichopus japonicas, hypometabolism, fatty acid metabolism, carbohydrate hydrolysis, phagocytosis
Genomic Analysis Of Spanish Wheat Landraces Reveals Their Variability And Potential For Breeding
Authors: Pascual Laura , Ruiz Magdalena , López-Fernández Matilde , Pérez-Peña Helena , Benavente Elena , Vázquez José Francisco , Sansaloni Carolina , Giraldo Patricia
Published: November 2019

Background
One of the main goals of the plant breeding in the 21 st century is the development of crop cultivars that can maintain current yields in unfavorable environments. Landraces that have been grown under varying local conditions include genetic diversity that will be essential to achieve this objective. The Center of Plant Genetic Resources of the Spanish Institute for Agriculture Research maintains a broad collection of wheat landraces. These accessions, which are locally adapted to diverse eco-climatic conditions, represent highly valuable materials for breeding. However, their efficient use requires an exhaustive genetic characterization. The overall aim of this study was to assess the diversity and population structure of a selected set of 380 Spanish landraces and 52 reference varieties of bread and durum wheat by high-throughput genotyping.
Results
The DArTseq GBS approach generated 10K SNPs and 40K high-quality DArT markers, which were mapped against the currently available bread and durum wheat reference genomes. The markers with known locations were distributed across all chromosomes with relatively well-balanced genome-wide coverage. The genetic analysis showed that the Spanish wheat landraces were clustered in different groups, thus representing genetic pools providing a range of allelic variation. The subspecies had a major impact on the population structure of the durum wheat landraces, with three distinct clusters that corresponded to subsps. durum , turgidum and dicoccon being identified. The population structure of bread wheat landraces was mainly biased by geographic origin.
Conclusions
The results showed broader genetic diversity in the landraces compared to a reference set that included commercial varieties and higher divergence between the landraces and the reference set in durum wheat than in bread wheat. The analyses revealed genomic regions whose patterns of variation were markedly different in the landraces and reference varieties, indicating loci that have been under selection during crop improvement, which could help to target breeding efforts. The results obtained from this work will provide a basis for future genome-wide association studies.
Botanic Gardens Are Important Contributors to Crop Wild Relative Preservation
Authors: Meyer Abby , Barton Nicholas
Published: November 2019

Humans rely on crop wild relatives (CWRs) for sustainable agriculture and food security through augmentation of crop yield, disease resistance, and climatic tolerance, among other important traits. Many CWRs are underrepresented in crop gene banks. With at least one‐third of known plant species maintained in botanic garden living collections, the botanic garden community serves as an important global ex situ network that supports plant conservation and research around the world. We sought to characterize botanic garden holdings of CWRs and demonstrate capacity for cross‐sector coordination in support of CWR ex situ preservation. To do this, Botanic Gardens Conservation International US (BGCI‐US), in partnership with the United States Botanic Garden, used the BGCI PlantSearch database to conduct an ex situ survey of CWRs maintained in botanic gardens. We found 28.6% of global priority CWR taxa and 75.4% of US priority CWR taxa represented in botanic gardens. By comparing with priority CWR holdings in crop gene banks, botanic gardens maintain 22 global priority and 108 US priority CWR taxa not reported by crop gene banks. A combination of crop gene bank and botanic garden holdings results in broader taxonomic coverage. Looking more closely at 10 US priority CWR species, findings demonstrate that botanic gardens have the capacity to fill critical CWRs gaps in crop gene bank collections, and botanic gardens maintain samples from wild populations not represented in crop gene banks. We call on the crop gene bank and botanic garden communities to use an integrated collections development approach for further coordination, complementarity, and duplication of ex situ CWR plant genetic resources.
Investigating Differential Item Functioning of Ankara University Examination for Foreign Students by Recursive Partitioning Analysis in the Rasch Model
Authors: ALTINTAŞ Özge , KUTLU Ömer
Published: November 2019

This
study aims to determine whether items in the Ankara University Examination for
Foreign Students Basic Learning Skills Test function differently according to
country and gender using the Recursive Partitioning Analysis in the Rasch
Model. The variables used in the recursive partitioning of the data are country
and gender. The population of the study is composed of 2476 individuals. Since
the study includes comparisons across countries, the country is accepted as a
criterion in determining the sample group. Thus, the sample of the study
consists of 615 individuals selected from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, and Syria. To
investigate differential item functioning (DIF) of the items of the test, the
Rasch tree method was used. As a result of the analysis, DIF has been detected
in 16 items at the 0.001 significance level. However, these items have been
identified to have similar difficulty parameters in all countries. Finally,
items have not shown DIF according to gender.
Contemporary views on personal identity formation
Authors: Karaś Dominika , Topolewska-Siedzik Ewa , Negru-Subtirica Oana
Published: November 2019

Identity development is undoubtedly one of the most crucial tasks in human life. Identity is also one of the most frequently examined issues in contemporary developmental psychology research. In the literature, we can find various definitions of identity, as well as various theoretical conceptualizations and models. The present paper describes contemporary models of personal identity, provides the definitions of the notions (as processes/dimensions/styles/modes) included in these models, measurement methods, as well as a review of the research results obtained in these various theoretical paradigms. The review includes multiple approaches – from Marcia’s classical identity status paradigm, through neo-Eriksonian models (such as the three and five dimensional models, identity styles, identity processes in adulthood) up to narrative views. Finally, we present conclusions based on the analyses of these models and implications for future research and theory.
Measuring children’s values from around the world: Cross-cultural adaptations of the Picture-Based Value Survey for Children (PBVS-C)
Authors: Döring Anna K.
Published: November 2019

The Picture-Based Value Survey for Children (PBVS-C; Döring et al., 2010) assesses children’s values through self-report and thereby depicts Schwartz’s theory of universal human values at an early age (approximately six to eleven years). Recently, the original German version has been adapted for application in Poland, Bulgaria, the Ukraine, France, Italy, Switzerland, the UK, New Zealand, Australia, the USA, Brazil, Turkey, Israel, and Estonia, and it is currently adapted for application in Ireland, Russia, and Portugal. In this manuscript, we accompany the PBVS-C on its journey around the world and systematically explore culture-specifics in the adaptation process with a particular focus on the meaning of the value pictures, as the PBVS-C’s core elements. Integrating findings from these adaptations of the PBVS-C, we aim to share best practice and draw a roadmap for future adaptations in other cultures. This article further serves as a resource to locate existing studies with the PBVS-C.
Insight into the Wetting Property of a Nanofiber Membrane by the Geometrical Potential
Authors: Peng Ning-bo , He Ji-huan
Published: November 2019

Background:

There are many patents on design of a material surface with special wetting property, however, theoretical methods are lacked. The wetting property of a nanofiber member has attracted much attention. A material with different sizes or with different structures possesses different wetting properties. No theory can explain the phenomenon.

Methods:

The contact angle, fiber fineness, pore size and layer of the nanofiber membrane were tested. The contact angles were measured for membranes with different thicknesses. The geometrical potential is used to explain the experimental phenomenon.

Results:

The wetting property of a nanofiber membrane mainly depends on fiber diameter and thickness.

Conclusion:

Wetting property of a PVA nanofiber membrane depends upon not only the hydrophilic groups, but also the geometrical structure of its surface, the latter prevails when the porous size of the membrane tends to a nanoscale, and the wetting property can be inverted from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity.
Issues Related to Men Participation Towards Incidence of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) After The Merapi Eruption 2010 in Indonesia
Authors: Dwinantoaji Hastoro , Kanbara Sakiko , Hapsari Elsi Dwi , Widyawati Widyawati
Published: November 2019

Background:

Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) issues often get less priority than other aspects of humanitarian health response in emergencies and disasters. We aimed to explore the men’s perceptions of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), men’s involvement, and barriers to STIs prevention among men in the affected area by Merapi eruption 2010.

Methods:

The study used qualitative content analysis. Data were collected through face-to-face in-depth interviews with 2 participants living with STIs and focus on group discussions with 22 participants who witnessed Merapi eruption 2010 from December 2016 to March 2017 in Sleman District, the Special Region of Yogyakarta Province, Indonesia, including academicians, community leaders and community health workers.

Results:

Participants from the disaster site were mostly senior high school graduates aged between 33 and 46 years. Four themes developed from fourteen categories that represented the men’s perceptions of STIs, men’s involvement, and barriers to the STIs prevention among men in the affected area by Merapi eruption 2010, were revealed from the investigation.

Conclusion:

Low participation of men in STIs prevention has led to poor SRH outcomes among women. Nurses have a main role in Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) to enhance the awareness and understanding of people in preparedness for future disasters. Thus, it is necessary for nurses and other health professionals involved in DRR to optimize coordination with community leaders, community health volunteers (health cadres), and other stakeholders to prevent the transmission of communicable diseases in the community.
Identification of Key Nodes in Distributed Access Control Model
Authors: Cai Fangbo , He Jingsha , Han Song , Li Wenxin
Published: November 2019

Background:

With the complexity of the network structure and the diversity of access,
the access control model of distributed permissions management came into being.

Aims:

The central idea of the model is to store the access permissions of all nodes in the model to
the network nodes covered by the access control model, and let the neighboring nodes act as access
control agents. That is, each node in the model is a routing node in the execution of a certain access
control.

Methods:

Considering the execution parameters of distributed access control model, the evaluation
index of key node identification technology in distributed authorized access control model is established.
Access control to achieve the management of distributed permissions. It is necessary to protect
the key nodes in the model, increase the robustness of the access control model and support the
smooth implementation of distributed access.

Results:

This paper presents a key node recognition algorithm based on distributed access control
magic. The application of key node recognition algorithm in distributed access control model in traditional
network is compared.

Conclusion:

Compared with the traditional key node recognition algorithm in the distributed access
control model, the algorithm proposed in this paper is more accurate.
Using Narrative Game Design to Increase Children’s Physical Activity: Exploratory Thematic Analysis
Authors: Lu Amy Shirong , Green Melanie C , Thompson Debbe
Published: November 2019

Background

Physical activity is crucial for child obesity prevention and intervention. Narratives embedded in active games can increase children’s physical activity.

Objective

Little is known about the narrative characteristics that would motivate children to exercise. We attempted to fill the gaps in understanding regarding narrative design for active video games.

Methods

In this exploratory study, four animated narratives of different genres were professionally generated. Children (N=41) between the ages of 8 and 12 years were interviewed to identify their preferences. Sessions were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using exploratory thematic analysis.

Results

Findings revealed that the children rated the dystopian science fiction story as their favorite across all weight, race, and gender groups. The physical activity-friendly narrative strategies included virtuous characters, extraordinary character actions, interesting plots, super powers, and engaging cliffhangers. Alternatively, information not related to physical activity, difficult-to-follow plot lines, passive protagonists, and repetitive narrative tropes were less appealing for physical activity.

Conclusions

This research provides preliminary evidence that narratives have characteristics that may increase child physical activity when playing active games. Future empirical studies should verify and test these design principles.
Age-Associated Capacity to Progress When Playing Cognitive Mobile Games: Ecological Retrospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bonnechère Bruno , Bier Jean-Christophe , Van Hove Olivier , Sheldon Sally , Samadoulougou Sékou , Kirakoya-Samadoulougou Fati , Klass Malgorzata
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

The decline of cognitive function is an important issue related to aging. Over the last few years, numerous mobile apps have been developed to challenge the brain with cognitive exercises; however, little is currently known about how age influences capacity for performance improvement when playing cognitive mobile games.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to analyze the score data of cognitive mobile games over a period of 100 gaming sessions to determine age-related learning ability for new cognitive tasks by measuring the level of score improvement achieved by participants of different ages.

METHODS

Scores from 9000 individuals of different ages for 7 cognitive mobile games over 100 gaming sessions were analyzed. Scores from the first session were compared between age groups using one-way analysis of variance. Mixed models were subsequently used to investigate the progression of scores over 100 sessions.

RESULTS

Statistically significant differences were found between age groups for the initial scores of 6 of the 7 games (linear trend, P<.001). Cognitive mobile game scores increased for all participants (P<.001) suggesting that all participants were able to improve their performance. The rate of improvement was, however, strongly influenced by the age of the participant with slower progression for older participants (P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides evidence to support two interesting insights—cognitive mobile game scores appear to be sensitive to the changes in cognitive ability that occur with advancing age; therefore, these games could be a convenient way to monitor cognitive function over long-term follow-up, and users who train with the cognitive mobile games improve regardless of age.
АПРОБАЦИЯ ФАЗОХРОНОМЕТРИЧЕСКОЙ СИСТЕМЫ МОНИТОРИНГА ТОКАРНОЙ ОБРАБОТКИ В ПРОМЫШЛЕННЫХ УСЛОВИЯХ
Authors: Сырицкий А. , Потапов К. , Болдасов Д. , Лазарев Н. , Комшин А.
Published: November 2019

Описан процесс получения фазохронометрического портрета токарного станка LITZLTC 15TS. Рассмотрены особенности различных режимов работы станка в фазохронометрическом представлении: холостой ход, точение, переходный процесс.