bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transformation by growth onto agro‐infiltrated tissues (TGAT), a simple and efficient alternative for transient transformation of the cucurbit powdery mildew pathogen Podosphaera xanthii
Authors: Martínez‐Cruz Jesús , Romero Diego , De Vicente Antonio , Pérez‐García Alejandro
Published: August 2018

A major limitation of molecular studies in powdery mildew fungi (Erysiphales) is their genetic intractability. This is because they are obligate biotrophs. In these parasites, biotrophy is determined by the presence of haustoria, which are specialized structures of parasitism that play an essential role in the acquisition of nutrients and the deliverance of effectors. Podosphaera xanthii is the main causal agent of cucurbit powdery mildew and a major limitation for crop productivity. In a previous study using P. xanthii conidia, we showed, for the first time, the transformation of powdery mildew fungi by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. In this work, we hypothesized that the haustorium could also act as a natural route for the acquisition of DNA. To test our hypothesis, melon cotyledons were agro‐infiltrated with A. tumefaciens that contained diverse transfer DNA (T‐DNA) constructs harbouring different marker genes under the control of fungal promoters and, after elimination of the bacterium, the cotyledons were subsequently inoculated with P. xanthii conidia. Our results conclusively demonstrated the transfer of different T‐DNAs from A. tumefaciens to P. xanthii, including two fungicide resistance markers (hph and tub2), a reporter gene (gfp) and a translational fusion (cfp‐PxEC2). These results were further supported by the co‐localization of translational fluorescent fusions of A. tumefaciens VirD2 and P. xanthii Rab5 proteins into small vesicles of haustorial and hyphal cells, suggesting endocytosis as the mechanism for T‐DNA uptake, presumably by the haustorium. From our perspective, transformation by growth onto agro‐infiltrated tissues (TGAT) is the easiest and most reliable method for the transient transformation of powdery mildew fungi.
Novel insights on colonization routes and evolutionary potential of Colletotrichum kahawae, a severe pathogen of Coffea arabica
Authors: Vieira Ana , Silva Diogo Nuno , Várzea Victor , Paulo Octávio Salgueiro , Batista Dora
Published: August 2018

Pathogenic fungi are emerging at an increasing rate on a wide range of host plants, leading to tremendous threats to the global economy and food safety. Several plant pathogens have been considered to be invasive species, rendering large‐scale population genomic analyses crucial to better understand their demographic history and evolutionary potential. Colletotrichum kahawae (Ck) is a highly aggressive and specialized pathogen, causing coffee berry disease in Arabica coffee in Africa. This pathogen leads to severe production losses and its dissemination out of Africa is greatly feared. To address this issue, a population genomic approach using thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spaced throughout the genome was used to unveil its demographic history and evolutionary potential. The current study confirms that Ck is a true clonal pathogen, perfectly adapted to green coffee berries, with three completely differentiated populations (Angolan, Cameroonian and East African). Two independent clonal lineages were found within the Angolan population as opposed to the remaining single clonal populations. The most probable colonization scenario suggests that this pathogen emerged in Angola and immediately dispersed to East Africa, where these two populations began to differentiate, followed by the introduction in Cameroon from an Angolan population. However, the differentiation between the two Angolan clonal lineages masks the mechanism for the emergence of the Cameroonian population. Our results suggest that Ck is completely differentiated from the ancestral lineage, has a low evolutionary potential and a low dispersion ability, with human transport the most likely scenario for its potential dispersion, which makes the fulfilment of the quarantine measures and management practices implemented crucial.
Deciphering the functions of the outer membrane porin OprBXo involved in virulence, motility, exopolysaccharide production, biofilm formation and stress tolerance in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae
Authors: Bae Nahee , Park Hye‐Jee , Park Hanbi , Kim Minyoung , Han Sang‐Wook
Published: August 2018

Summary

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a Gram‐negative bacterium causing bacterial leaf blight disease in rice. Previously, proteomic analysis has shown that the outer membrane protein B in Xoo (OprBXo) is more abundant in the wildtype strain than is the outer membrane protein 1 in the Xoo (Omp1X) knockout mutant. OprBXo shows high homology with OprB, which has been well characterized as a carbohydrate‐selective porin in X. citri ssp. citri and Pseudomonas species. However, the functions of OprBXo in Xoo have not yet been documented. To elucidate the functions of OprBXo, we generated the OprBXo‐overexpressing mutant, Xoo(OprBXo), and the knockout mutant, XooΔoprBXo(EV). We found that the virulence and migration of Xoo(OprBXo), but not XooΔoprBXo(EV), were markedly reduced in rice. To postulate the mechanisms affected by OprBXo, comparative proteomic analysis was performed. Based on the results of proteomics, we employed diverse phenotypic assays to characterize the functions of OprBXo. Abnormal twitching motility and reduction in swarming motility were observed in Xoo(OprBXo). Moreover, Xoo(OprBXo) decreased, but XooΔoprBXo(EV) enhanced, exopolysaccharide production and biofilm formation. The chemotactic ability of XooΔoprBXo(EV) was dramatically lower than that of Xoo(EV) in the presence of glucose and xylose. Xoo(OprBXo) was resistant to sodium dodecylsulphate and hydrogen peroxide, but XooΔoprBXo(EV) was highly sensitive compared with Xoo(EV). Thus, OprBXo is not only essential for chemotaxis and stress tolerance, but also for motility, biofilm formation and exopolysaccharide production, which may contribute to the virulence of Xoo. These results will lead to new insights into the functions of a sugar‐selective porin in Xoo.
Impact of genetic drift, selection and accumulation level on virus adaptation to its host plants
Authors: Rousseau Elsa , Tamisier Lucie , Fabre Frederic , Simon Vincent , Szadkowski Marion , Bouchez Olivier , Zanchetta Catherine , Girardot Gregory , Mailleret Ludovic , Grognard Frederic , Palloix Alain , Moury Benoit
Published: August 2018

SUMMARY

The efficiency of plant major resistance genes is limited by the emergence and spread of resistance‐breaking mutants. Modulation of the evolutionary forces acting on pathogen populations constitutes a promising way to increase the durability of these genes. We studied the effect of four plant traits affecting these evolutionary forces on the rate of resistance breakdown (RB) by a virus. Two of these traits correspond to virus effective population sizes (Ne) at either plant inoculation or during infection. The third trait corresponds to differential selection exerted by the plant on the virus population. Finally, the fourth trait corresponds to within‐plant virus accumulation (VA). These traits were measured experimentally on Potato virus Y (PVY) inoculated to a set of 84 pepper doubled‐haploid lines, all carrying the same pvr23 resistance gene, but having contrasting genetic backgrounds. The lines showed extensive variation for the rate of pvr23 RB by PVY and for the four other traits of interest. A generalized linear model showed that three of these four traits, with the exception of Ne at inoculation, and several pairwise interactions between them had significant effects on RB. RB increased with increasing values of Ne during plant infection or VA. The effect of differential selection was more complex because of a strong interaction with VA. When VA was high, RB increased as the differential selection increased. An opposite relationship between RB and differential selection was observed when VA was low. This study provides a framework to select plants with appropriate virus evolution‐related traits to avoid or delay RB.
Biomarker prediction for membranous nephropathy prognosis by microarray analysis
Authors: Zhou Guangyu , Xin Guangda , Zhang Wenlong , Zhang Xiaofei
Published: August 2018

Aim

This study aimed to explore biomarkers for membranous nephropathy (MN) diagnosis and to provide novel insights into the pathogenesis of this disease.

Methods

A microarray data set, GSE73953, was used, which contained 15 immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) samples, 8 MN samples and 2 healthy controls. Pretreatments were performed for the raw data, and then, the differentially expressed genes (DEG) were screened out using the limma package. The function and pathways of these genes were demonstrated through enrichment analysis. Protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis was performed to uncover interactions of DEG from the protein level. MN‐related genes were further selected, integrating the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD).

Results

In total, 446 and 231 DEG were identified in the comparisons of MN versus control and MN versus IgAN, respectively. JUN, NFKB1, TGFB1 and PPBP were the predominant DEG, and the latter two were especially differentially expressed between the MN and IgAN groups. UBL4A and EIF4G1 were the two most important DEG for MN because they were downregulated compared with both control and IgAN groups. The above‐mentioned genes were highlighted in the PPI networks and mainly enriched the ribosome‐ and platelet‐related function/pathways.

Conclusion

Several potential biomarkers were identified in MN, and some of them could well distinguish the MN from IgAN. Disruption of ribosome‐ and platelet‐related function or pathways might contribute to MN progression. EIF4F and UBL4A might be two novel biomarkers for MN prognosis. Nevertheless, more experimental validations are needed.
Autopsied case of non‐plaque‐type dura mater graft‐associated Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease presenting with extensive amyloid‐β deposition
Authors: Iwasaki Yasushi , Imamura Kazuhiro , Iwai Katsushige , Kobayashi Yasushi , Akagi Akio , Mimuro Maya , Miyahara Hiroaki , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Yoshida Mari
Published: August 2018

We present an autopsied case of non‐plaque‐type dura mater graft‐associated Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (dCJD) with extensive amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition in the brain. A 39‐year‐old Japanese woman presented with memory disturbance and abnormal behavior. The patient had a history of craniotomy with dura matter‐graft transplant for a head injury which occurred when she was 19 years old. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed hyperintensities in the cerebral cortex and striatum on diffusion‐weighted images, particularly on the dura mater‐grafted right side. Her clinical symptoms, including rapidly progressing cognitive impairment, myoclonus, and periodic sharp wave complexes on electroencephalogram, could not be distinguished from typical sporadic CJD cases. The patient died 11 months after symptom onset, and pathological investigations showed extensive spongiform degeneration with prion protein (PrP) deposition without Kuru plaques; these observations were essentially the same as those of typical sporadic CJD cases. Furthermore, Aβ immunohistochemistry showed extensive diffuse staining in the cerebral neocortex, plaque‐type deposition, positive staining in the pia mater, and cerebral amyloid angiopathy. Although the MRI findings suggested that the pathological involvement originated from the dura mater‐grafted right side, the PrP and Aβ depositions showed no apparent regionalization and laterality. Tau‐pathology including neurofibrillary tangles was hardly identified. The proteins phosphorylated α‐synuclein and phosphorylated transactivation response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa were not detected on immunostaining. Although this report describes only one case, various speculations were made based on detailed clinical and pathological observations in conjunction with previous reports of dCJD. In particular, this report provides significant insight into the characteristics and progression of dCJD pathology and its relationship with Aβ pathology.
Molecular and morphological variation in Terniopsis (Podostemaceae) show contrasting patterns
Authors: Koi Satoshi , Won Hyosig , Trần Hùng , Ampornpan La‐aw , Kato Masahiro
Published: August 2018

Previous molecular phylogenies of Podostemaceae have indicated relationships between genera and species that are quite different from the pattern of morphological variation, but conclusions have been hampered by too sparse sampling. Here, using new material collected in Cambodia, we compare the morphological variation of Terniopsis chanthaburiensis and T. heterostaminata in Cambodia, Laos and Thailand, and perform a phylogenetic analysis based on matK, including multiple samples of most species of the genus. In contrast to the molecular variation, the morphological variation (e.g. in the length of the shoots and pedicels) is large and continuous. The results indicate that the variation in Terniopsis chanthaburiensis and T. heterostaminata is intraspecific. In two other species pairs the morphological variation was found to be large and discontinuous, while there was little molecular difference. However, the opposite pattern was observed in other cases (e.g. Dalzellia zeylanica and Tristicha trifaria). The variation in T. chanthaburiensis and T. heterostaminata does not appear to be correlated to variation in their habitats, which is submerged rock surfaces in rapid currents. Distributional and phylogenetic data indicate that Terniopsis diversified primarily in Laos and Thailand, then expanded into neighboring regions. A synopsis of the genus Terniopsis and its 14 species is provided.
Plant organelle dynamics: cytoskeletal control and membrane contact sites
Authors: Perico Chiara , Sparkes Imogen
Published: August 2018

Contents

Summary
381

I.
Introduction
381

II.
Basic movement characteristics
382

III.
Actin and associated motors, myosins, play a primary role in plant organelle movement and positioning
382

IV.
Mechanisms of myosin recruitment: a tightly regulated system?
384

V.
Microtubules, associated motors and interplay with actin
386

VI.
Role of organelle interactions: tales of tethers
387

VII.
Summary model to describe organelle movement in higher plants
390

VIII.
Why is organelle movement important?
390

IX.
Conclusions and future perspectives
391

Acknowledgements
391

References
391

Organelle movement and positioning are correlated with plant growth and development. Movement characteristics are seemingly erratic yet respond to external stimuli including pathogens and light. Given these clear correlations, we still do not understand the specific roles that movement plays in these processes. There are few exceptions including organelle inheritance during cell division and photorelocation of chloroplasts to prevent photodamage. The molecular and biophysical components that drive movement can be broken down into cytoskeletal components, motor proteins and tethers, which allow organelles to physically interact with one another. Our understanding of these components and concepts has exploded over the past decade, with recent technological advances allowing an even more in‐depth profiling. Here, we provide an overview of the cytoskeletal and tethering components and discuss the mechanisms behind organelle movement in higher plants.
Genetic map‐guided genome assembly reveals a virulence‐governing minichromosome in the lentil anthracnose pathogen Colletotrichum lentis
Authors: Bhadauria Vijai , MacLachlan Ron , Pozniak Curtis , Cohen‐Skalie Aurelie , Li Li , Halliday Jerlene , Banniza Sabine
Published: August 2018

Colletotrichum lentis causes anthracnose, which is a serious disease on lentil and can account for up to 70% crop loss. Two pathogenic races, 0 and 1, have been described in the C. lentis population from lentil.

To unravel the genetic control of virulence, an isolate of the virulent race 0 was sequenced at 1481‐fold genomic coverage. The 56.10‐Mb genome assembly consists of 50 scaffolds with N50 scaffold length of 4.89 Mb. A total of 11 436 protein‐coding gene models was predicted in the genome with 237 coding candidate effectors, 43 secondary metabolite biosynthetic enzymes and 229 carbohydrate‐active enzymes (CAZymes), suggesting a contraction of the virulence gene repertoire in C. lentis.

Scaffolds were assigned to 10 core and two minichromosomes using a population (race 0 × race 1, n = 94 progeny isolates) sequencing‐based, high‐density (14 312 single nucleotide polymorphisms) genetic map. Composite interval mapping revealed a single quantitative trait locus (QTL), qClVIR‐11, located on minichromosome 11, explaining 85% of the variability in virulence of the C. lentis population. The QTL covers a physical distance of 0.84 Mb with 98 genes, including seven candidate effector and two secondary metabolite genes.

Taken together, the study provides genetic and physical evidence for the existence of a minichromosome controlling the C. lentis virulence on lentil.
Metabolic profiling of wheat rachis node infection by Fusarium graminearum – decoding deoxynivalenol‐dependent susceptibility
Authors: Bönnighausen Jakob , Schauer Nicolas , Schäfer Wilhelm , Bormann Jörg
Published: August 2018

Fusarium graminearum is a filamentous ascomycete and the causal agent of Fusarium head blight on wheat that threatens food and feed production worldwide as infection reduces crop yield both quantitatively by interfering with kernel development and qualitatively by poisoning any remaining kernels with mycotoxins. In wheat, F. graminearum infects spikelets and colonizes the entire head by growing through the rachis node at the bottom of each spikelet. Without the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON), the pathogen cannot penetrate the rachis node and wheat is able to resist colonization.

Using a global metabolite profiling approach we compared the metabolic profile of rachis nodes inoculated with either water, the Fusarium graminearum wild‐type or the DON‐deficient ∆tri5 mutant.

Extensive metabolic rearrangements mainly affect metabolites for general stress perception and signaling, reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism, cell wall composition, the tri‐carbonic acid (TCA) cycle and γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) shunt as well as sugar alcohols, amino acids, and storage carbohydrates.

The results revealed specific, DON‐related susceptibility factors. Wild‐type infection resulted in an oxidative burst and the induction of plant programmed cell death, while spread of the DON‐deficient mutant was blocked in a jasmonate (JA)‐related defense reaction in concert with other factors. Hence, the ∆tri5 mutant is prone to defense reactions that are, in the case of a wild‐type infection, not initiated.
Saprotrophic and ectomycorrhizal fungal sporocarp stoichiometry (C : N : P) across temperate rainforests as evidence of shared nutrient constraints among symbionts
Authors: Kranabetter J. Marty , Harman‐Denhoed Rachael , Hawkins Barbara J.
Published: August 2018

Quantifying nutritional dynamics of free‐living saprotrophs and symbiotic ectomycorrhizal fungi in the field is challenging, but the stoichiometry of fruiting bodies (sporocarps) may be an effective methodology for this purpose.

Carbon (C), nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) concentrations of soils, foliage and 146 sporocarp collections were analyzed from 14 Pseudotsuga menziesii var. menziesii stands across a podzolization gradient on Vancouver Island (Canada).

N and P concentrations were considerably higher in saprotrophic fungi. Fungal N% increased with soil N content at a greater rate for saprotrophs than ectomycorrhizal fungi, while fungal P% of saprotrophs was more constrained. Fungal N : P was more responsive to soil N : P for ectomycorrhizal fungi (homeostatic regulation coefficient ‘H’ = 2.9) than saprotrophs (H = 5.9), while N : P of ectomycorrhizal fungi and host tree foliage scaled almost identically.

Results underscore the role of ectomycorrhizal fungi as nutrient conduits, supporting host trees, whereas saprotrophs maintain a greater degree of nutritional homeostasis. Site nutrient constraints were shared in equal measure between ectomycorrhizal fungi and host trees, particularly for P, suggesting neither partner benefits from enhanced nutrition at the expense of the other. Sporocarp stoichiometry provides new insights into mycorrhizal relationships and illustrates pervasive P deficiencies across temperate rainforests of the Pacific Northwest.
The effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on increasing salivary flow rate in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Yang Li‐Yu , Chen Hsing‐Mei , Su Yi‐Ching , Chin Chi‐Chun
Published: August 2018

Objective

To evaluate the impact of a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) program for hemodialysis on patients’ dry mouth and salivary flow rates.

Subjects and Methods

A single‐blinded repeated measures study design was used. A total of 80 subjects were randomly assigned to a treatment group receiving a 250 µs; 50 Hz TENS program and a control group receiving a 50 µs; 2 Hz TENS program at acupoints ST 6 and TE17 three times a week for 3 weeks. Whole salivary flow rate and dry mouth intensity were measured totally five times for both groups, at pretreatment, after three, six, nineTENS sessions, and 1 week after the treatment was completed.

Results

After six TENS sessions were completed, whole salivary flow rates increased stably until the end of nine TENS sessions for the treatment group. In the follow‐up week after treatment, there was significant increase as well. However, significant improvement in dry mouth intensity was observed at all post‐tests than that at pretreatment in both groups.

Conclusion

Whole salivary flow rates and improvement in dry mouth intensity were only observed during and 1 week after the TENS sessions. Further studies are needed to evaluate whether this method can offer a long‐term effective nonpharmacological therapy for dry mouth‐disturbed hemodialysis patients.
Lactobacillus rhamnosus LRB mediated inhibition of oral streptococci
Authors: Biswas S. , Turner L. , Biswas I.
Published: August 2018

Lactobacillus rhamnosus is a lactic acid bacterium with a diverse ecological habitat. We recently isolated a L. rhamnosus strain (LRB) from a healthy baby‐tooth that had naturally fallen out. We determined the whole genome sequence of LRB and found that the isolate is closely genetically related to an intestinal isolate, L. rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103). However, the LRB genome had lost about a 75‐kb segment and undergone a genomic rearrangement. We assessed LRB's capacity to survive in the gut environment, at least temporarily. We found that LRB, like the intestinal isolate ATCC 53103, showed resistance to low pH but sensitive to bile salt. Surprisingly, we found that this oral isolate LRB showed strong antimicrobial activity against a variety of oral streptococci including Streptococcus mutans. The production of antimicrobial activity is dependent on media composition since some media supported the production while others did not. The production of antimicrobial activity is also dependent on growth temperature, with optimal production at 37°C. The antimicrobial activity was not restricted to streptococci, but effective against a variety of organisms, including ESKAPE pathogens.
Urticaria in children and adolescents: An updated review of the pathogenesis and management
Authors: Kudryavtseva Asya V. , Neskorodova Katerina A. , Staubach Petra
Published: August 2018

The present survey represents the latest data on diagnosis and management of childhood urticaria. It has been observed that urticaria occurs less often in children than adults, with symptoms rarely lasting for over 6 weeks. Triggers or aggravating factors can be found only in 21%‐55% of cases. Finding autoantibodies in children does not impact a disease prognosis, unlike in adult patients, where the presence of autoantibodies is associated with a more prolonged run of the disease, a more severe prognosis and more intensive treatment methods. The incidence of food allergy equals to 8%‐10% of cases. The incidence of Helicobacter Pylori infection in children is lower than that in adults and comes to 10%‐18%. Medical experts recommend using the same treatment schemes for adults and children. This survey describes different urticaria management patterns suggested by experts from Europe, America, and Russia in their recent guidelines. It has been noted that unlike the guidelines from 2014, the 2018 clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of urticarial once again suggest a four‐step treatment scheme with assigning omalizumab for Step 3 and cyclosporine A for Step 4 in the event of low therapeutic efficacy of the previous step or its impossibility. Leukotriene antagonists (LTRAs) are currently removed from basic management to alternative programs.
Cambrian petalonamid Stromatoveris phylogenetically links Ediacaran biota to later animals
Authors: Hoyal Cuthill Jennifer F. , Han Jian
Published: August 2018

Macro‐organisms of the Ediacaran period (635–541 Ma) were large and morphologically complex, with some living in aphotic habitats, presenting the possibility that they were early animals. However, ‘bizarre’ Ediacaran morphologies and mouldic preservation have frustrated comparison to later taxa. Consequently, both the positions of Ediacaran biota in the tree of life and the origins of the Metazoa have remained disputed. Here we provide phylogenetic evidence to identify Ediacaran macro‐biota as animals, based on 206 new fossils of Stromatoveris psygmoglena from the lower Cambrian Chengjiang Lagerstätte. Exceptionally preserved soft‐tissue anatomy shows that Stromatoveris was a soft‐bodied, radially symmetric animal with multiple, sub‐branched petaloids and a differentiated holdfast. Photo‐referenced morphological character analysis enables phylogenetic reconstruction of a monophyletic clade designated Petalonamae, that unites Stromatoveris with iconic Ediacaran genera (Rangea, Pteridinium, Ernietta, Swartpuntia, Arborea, Pambikalbae and Dickinsonia) and is placed as sister‐group to the Eumetazoa. Therefore, based on phylogenetic bracketing within the Metazoa, the Ediacaran petalonamids are established as animals. From these findings, it follows that petalonamids remained an important component of Cambrian marine ecosystems and that the metazoan radiation can be dated to a minimum age of between 558 and 571 myr.
Feasibility of autologous intraoperative blood collection and retransfusion in small children with complex congenital heart defects undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Kaiser Ania , Miller Kati , Tian Ganzhong , Moore Reneé H. , Guzzetta Nina A.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Allogeneic blood product transfusion is common in pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass although it is associated with an increased risk for adverse events. Furthermore, numerous donor exposures may affect future blood transfusion needs and human leukocyte antigen matching for patients who may ultimately require cardiac transplantation. Autologous intraoperative blood collection and retransfusion is a known method of blood preservation, but has not been extensively practiced in pediatric patients. In this study we assess the feasibility of this blood conservation technique in small children with complex congenital heart defects undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass.

Methods

After Institutional Review Board approval, we retrospectively reviewed the medical records of children weighing <10 kg who underwent cardiopulmonary bypass over a 2‐year period. Eighteen patients underwent autologous intraoperative blood collection and retransfusion and comprised the study group. Eighteen control patients were chosen by a 1:1 matched design using preoperative hematocrit, surgical procedure, and body weight. Multiple corresponding demographic and surgical variables, transfusion data, and clinical outcomes were compared.

Results

Patient demographics, operative parameters and preoperative laboratory, and coagulation values were similar between the two groups. Despite the removal of autologous blood, study patients did not require more inotropic support prior to cardiopulmonary bypass. They also did not experience a significant increase in bleeding as measured by 24‐hour postoperative chest tube output. Study patients were exposed to significantly fewer donor units intraoperatively and within the first 24 hours postoperatively.

Discussion

The use of autologous intraoperative blood collection and retransfusion is a feasible option for small children with complex congenital heart defects undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass. Study patients received significantly fewer donor exposures without an increase in postoperative bleeding. Children who require multiple cardiac surgeries or eventually transplantation could benefit from this blood conservation technique.
Effects of the mesophyll on stomatal responses in amphistomatous leaves
Authors: Mott Keith A. , Peak David
Published: August 2018

The role of the mesophyll in stomatal functioning in thin amphistomatous leaves was investigated by altering gas exchange for one surface and observing the effects on stomatal conductance for the other surface. Three methods of perturbing gas exchange on the adaxial surface were used. First, gas exchange for the adaxial surface was completely blocked with plastic wrap or vacuum grease. Second, leaves were inverted to induce closure of the adaxial stomata. And third, ambient humidity for the adaxial surface was reduced to induce stomatal closure on that surface. Experiments were performed at low light intensity and three different CO2 concentrations to test the idea that stomatal responses in thin amphistomatous leaves are partially controlled by a signal from the mesophyll that varies with light and CO2. In general, stomata on the abaxial surface opened when gas exchange on the adaxial surface was reduced, with the largest increases in conductance occurring at high CO2 concentration. The data are discussed with respect to role of a purported signal from the mesophyll and the partitioning of that signal between the two surfaces of the leaf.
A network model links wood anatomy to xylem tissue hydraulic behaviour and vulnerability to cavitation
Authors: Mrad Assaad , Domec Jean‐Christophe , Huang Cheng‐Wei , Lens Frederic , Katul Gabriel
Published: August 2018

Plant xylem response to drought is routinely represented by a vulnerability curve (VC). Despite the significance of VCs, the connection between anatomy and tissue‐level hydraulic response to drought remains a subject of inquiry. We present a numerical model of water flow in flowering plant xylem that combines current knowledge on diffuse‐porous anatomy and embolism spread to explore this connection. The model produces xylem networks and uses different parameterizations of intervessel connection vulnerability to embolism spread: the Young–Laplace equation and pit membrane stretching. Its purpose is upscaling processes occurring on the microscopic length scales, such as embolism propagation through pit membranes, to obtain tissue‐scale hydraulics. The terminal branch VC of Acer glabrum was successfully reproduced relying only on real observations of xylem tissue anatomy. A sensitivity analysis shows that hydraulic performance and VC shape and location along the water tension axis are heavily dependent on anatomy. The main result is that the linkage between pit‐scale and vessel‐scale anatomical characters, along with xylem network topology, affects VCs significantly. This work underscores the importance of stepping up research related to the three‐dimensional network structure of xylem tissues. The proposed model's versatility makes it an important tool to explore similar future questions.
Identification of neurophysiological biotypes in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Barth Beatrix , Mayer‐Carius Kerstin , Strehl Ute , Kelava Augustin , Häußinger Florian Benedikt , Fallgatter Andreas Jochen , Ehlis Ann‐Christine
Published: August 2018

Aim

Findings on neurophysiological alterations in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have been proposed to underlie ADHD symptoms, with different etiological pathways for different patient biotypes. We aimed at determining whether neurophysiological deviations confirm distinct neurophysiological profiles in ADHD, thus providing direct evidence for the endophenotype concept.

Methods

Neurophysiological biotypes were investigated in 87 adult patients with ADHD using cluster analysis. Parameters fed into the analysis comprised both hemodynamic and electrophysiological data. To validate results, the independent variables of the clusters were compared with healthy controls.

Results

Cluster analysis yielded three neurophysiologically based ADHD biotypes showing: (i) above‐average functioning in attention allocation; (ii) difficulties in attention allocation and inhibitory control but elevated frontal activation during a working memory task; and (iii) functional impairments in state regulation.

Conclusion

Classifying patients with ADHD into neurophysiological biotypes sheds light on etiological pathways, with implications for diagnostics and (individualized) treatment options.
Violence towards people with mental illness: Assessment, risk factors, and management
Authors: Bhavsar Vishal , Bhugra Dinesh
Published: August 2018

Aim

Violence is an important problem for clinicians, for public health, and for victims. Aside from greater risk of perpetrating violence, people with mental illness are also more commonly victimized than the general population. However, guidance on the assessment and management of violent victimization in clinical settings is limited.

Methods

We carried out a review and consolidation of clinical and research literature on violent victimization in people with mental illness.

Results

Assessment of mental state in someone who has been victimized should evaluate both historical factors (such as pattern, timing, perpetrator characteristics, and contextual factors) and clinical factors (including affective and cognitive changes).

Conclusion

Concerted clinical and policy attention to factors that might increase vulnerability, such as alcohol use, lack of support, and the social environment, could improve outcomes.
Baby‐led complementary feeding: Randomized controlled study
Authors: Dogan Erkan , Yilmaz Gonca , Caylan Nilgun , Turgut Mahmut , Gokcay Gulbin , Oguz Melahat Melek
Published: August 2018

Background

Baby‐led weaning (BLW) is an approach to introducing solid foods to infants that gives control of the feeding process to the infant. Anecdotal evidence suggests thatBLWis becoming popular with parents, but scientific research is limited to a few publications. This study assessed growth, hematological parameters and iron intake in 6–12‐month‐old infants fed by traditional or baby‐led complementary feeding.

Methods

We recruited 280 healthy 5–6‐month‐old infants allocated to a control (traditional spoon feeding;TSF) group or an intervention (BLW) group in a randomized controlled trial. Infant growth, hematologic parameters and iron intake were evaluated at age 12 months.

Results

Infants in theTSFwere significantly heavier than those in theBLWgroup. Mean weight in theBLWgroup was 10.4 ± 0.9 kg compared with 11.1 ± 0.5 kg in theTSFgroup. There was no statistically significant difference in the iron intake from complementary foods between theBLW(7.97 ± 1.37 mg/day) andTSF(7.90 ± 1.68 mg/day) participants who completed the diet records. Hematologic parameters were similar at 12 months. The incidence of choking reported in the weekly interviews was not different between the groups.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first randomized ‐controlled study to have examined the impact of weaning method on iron intake, hematological parameters and growth in breast‐fed infants.BLWcan be an alternative complementary feeding type without increasing the risk of iron deficiency, choking or growth impairment.
Employee perceptions of corporate social responsibility: Effects on pride, embeddedness, and turnover
Authors: Ng Thomas W. H. , Yam Kai Chi , Aguinis Herman
Published: August 2018

We examined socioemotional microfoundations of perceived corporate social responsibility (CSR) and posited that employees’ perceived CSR triggers a perception‐emotion‐attitude‐behavior sequence. Drawing from appraisal theory of emotion, we hypothesized that perceived CSR relates to emotions (i.e., organizational pride), which relate to job attitudes (i.e., organizational embeddedness) that in turn relate to job behaviors (i.e., decreased turnover). To test this model, we conducted a multistudy investigation involving different samples, designs, and data‐analytic methods. In Study 1, we conducted an experiment and found that participants who envisioned working in a firm that was active regarding CSR activities reported greater pride and organizational embeddedness. We then conducted two field studies using a nonmanagerial sample (Study 2) and a managerial sample (Study 3) and found that participants’ perceived CSR was positively related to their pride, which in turn was related to stronger organizational embeddedness. Stronger organizational embeddedness was related to lower turnover 6 months later in Study 2 but not in Study 3. In Study 4, we conducted a longitudinal four‐wave 14‐month study to test the proposed relationships from a within‐person conceptualization, and the results were also supportive. Thus, the proposed perception‐emotion‐attitude‐behavior framework received broad support and illustrated that stronger microfoundations of CSR research could be constructed through understanding employees’ emotional, attitudinal, and behavioral reactions to their perceptions of their employers’ CSR.
Antinuclear antibodies and interleukin responses in patients with Schistosoma japonicum infection
Authors: Wang Xiang , Fu Qiong , Song Rui , Duan Bowen , Bergquist Robert , Xu Jing , Li Shizhu , Zhou Dongming , Qin Zhiqiang
Published: August 2018

Schistosomiasis poses a serious threat to public health, and the infection will develop into chronic and advanced late‐stage disease if not treated. Apart from the clinical signs due to immune reactions to schistosome eggs trapped in host tissues, it also increases the risk for the development of autoimmunity reflected by dysfunctional, auto‐reactive antibodies. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) have been reported in schistosomiasis due to S. mansoni and S. haematobium. We demonstrate ANA in schistosomiasis japonica and explore the relationship between this infection and autoimmune disease by measuring ANA and interleukin (IL)‐10, IL‐12 and IL‐17 responses in the sera of 125 Chinese patients with different stages of schistosomiasis japonica. The incidence rates of ANA in the patients with acute, chronic and late stages of schistosomiasis infection were 6.7%, 23.3% and 70.0%, respectively, with statistically significant differences between each stage (P = 0.000). IL‐17 concentrations were high at the acute stage of schistosomiasis compared to the other stages of the disease (P = 0.000). This pattern was also seen for IL‐10 and IL‐12 concentrations (P = 0.01). IL concentrations in patients in the chronic and late stages of the disease were low and showed no difference compared to the healthy adults.
Optimising seed processing techniques to improve germination and sowability of native grasses for ecological restoration
Authors: Pedrini S. , Lewandrowski W. , Stevens J. C. , Dixon K. W.
Published: August 2018

Grasslands across the globe are undergoing expansive degradation due to human impacts and climate change. If restoration of degraded native grassland is to be achieved at the scale now required, cost‐effective means for seed‐based establishment of grass species is crucial. However, grass seeds present numerous challenges associated with handling and germination performance that must be overcome to improve the efficiency of seeding. Previous research has demonstrated that complete removal of the palea and lemma (husk) maximises germination performance, hence we investigated the effects of complete husk removal on seed handling and germination of four temperate Australian grass species.

Three techniques were tested to remove the husk – manual cleaning, flaming or acid digestion (the latter two followed by a manual cleaning step); these techniques were refined and adapted to the selected species, and germination responses were compared.

The complete removal of the husk improved seed handling and sowability for all species. Germination was improved in Microlaena stipoides by 19% and in Rytidosperma geniculatum by 11%. Of the husk removal methods tested, flaming was detrimental to seed germination and fatal for one species (R. geniculatum). Compared to manual cleaning, sulphuric acid improved the overall efficacy of the cleaning procedure and increased germination speed (T50) in Austrostipa scabra, Chloris truncata and M. stipoides, and improved final germination in R. geniculatum by 13%.

The seed processing methods developed and tested in the present study can be applied to grass species that present similar handling and germination performance impediments. These and other technological developments (seed coating and precision sowing) will facilitate more efficient grassland restoration at large scale.
Fire‐induced damage to Qualea multiflora Mart. seeds depends on fruit protection and the position in the tree crown
Authors: Sato M. N. , Musso C. , Miranda H. S.
Published: August 2018

Although the Cerrado vegetation is adapted to fire, anthropogenic fires may impair the reproduction of some species. This study aimed to test the role of fruits of Qualea multiflora and their position in the tree crown in protecting the seeds during fires.

Ten trees were selected in an area protected from fire (NB) and ten in a biannually burned area (B). Fruits were counted before the 2008 fire and weekly thereafter for 5 weeks. Fruit dehiscence, damage and position in the tree crown were recorded. Seed germination was assessed for seeds from both areas.

In NB, 5.7% of fruits were located higher than 2 m, while in B 49.5% were located at this height. One week after the fire, the proportion of dehiscent fruits was lower in NB (19.5%) than in B (34.5%). Five weeks after the fire, all fruits in NB had dispersed their seeds, whereas in B only 47% of the fruits had. Immediately before the fire, the germination rate of seeds collected in NB was 80% (0–1 m), 97% (1–2 m) and 92% (≥2 m). Fifteen days after the fire, the germination rate of seeds in the B area was 3% (0–1 m), 13% (1–2 m) and 78% (≥2 m).

Protection of Q. multiflora seeds from high temperatures is related to the fruit position in the tree crown rather than to fruit protection. Therefore, the results suggest that fire may alter the recruitment of new individuals.
Strategic Analysis of Dual Sourcing and Dual Channel with an Unreliable Alternative Supplier
Authors: Niu Baozhuang , Li Jiawei , Zhang Jie , Cheng Hsing Kenneth , Tan Yinliang (Ricky)
Published: August 2018

In today's increasingly interconnected world, co‐opetition has emerged as a new business practice among many high‐tech firms. The boundaries between cooperation and competition becomes vague, and rivals engage in collaborative activities. This study develops an analytical model to investigate the dual sourcing decision of the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in the presence of a competitive supplier (i.e., frenemy) as well as a non‐competitive supplier who nevertheless suffers from unreliable production yield. We study the competitive supplier's dual channel decision if it prefers operating both component‐selling business and self‐branded business, and find that the OEM always prefers supplier diversification even though the additional non‐competitive supplier is unreliable. Interestingly, our results reveal that the non‐competitive supplier's expected profit is unimodal in its production technology level, which suggests the non‐competitive supplier may not have incentive to improve its production technology once it reaches a threshold. Furthermore, we analyze the credibility of the competitive supplier's threat to terminate the supply of the components to OEM as a response of OEM's engagement of a new supplier. We show that this termination of component‐selling business by competitive supplier is a non‐credible threat to prevent OEM from seeking the alternative supplier.
Public Administration Challenges in the World of AI and Bots
Authors: Agarwal P. K.
Published: August 2018

Technology‐driven disruption is taking place at a pace and scale not witnessed before in history. Waves of technology, such as the internet of things, big data, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, are reshaping our personal and professional lives in profound ways. A new world is emerging in which many of the current job classes will disappear, while new ones, requiring entirely different sets of skills, are emerging. Public administrators are unprepared for the challenges they must face in order to cope with this nonincremental and exponential change. Many of the existing government structures and processes that have evolved over the last few centuries will likely become irrelevant in the near future. There is a compelling need to lay the groundwork for governments to rethink how they will be able to best serve their constituents.
Attention and self in Buddhist philosophy of mind
Authors: Ganeri Jonardon
Published: August 2018

Buddhist philosophy of mind is fascinating because it denies that there is a self in one of the ways that has traditionally seemed best able to make sense of that idea: the idea that the self is the agent of actions including the thinking of thoughts. In the Buddhist philosophy of mind of the fifth century thinker Buddhaghosa what does the explanatory work is instead attention. Attention replaces self in the explanation of cognition’s grounding in perception and action; it does this because it performs two functions at once, a function of placing and a function of focussing. A comparison between the thought of Buddhaghosa and Brian O’Shaughnessy helps to clarify what is at stake in the residual employment of the concept self as a derived rather than a primitive notion.
The relationship between seminal plasma and serum trace elements and semen parameters of dromedary camels (Camelus dromedarius)
Authors: Waheed Magdi M. , Meligy Ahmad M. A. , Dhalam Suror A.
Published: August 2018

Contents

A total of 14 camels of known fertility (controls) at the Camel Research Centre, King Faisal University and 41 infertile dromedaries brought to the Veterinary Teaching Hospital were used in this study during the breeding season. Seminal plasma and serum were obtained from all males, and stored at −80°C until analysis. Concentrations of six trace elements (manganese [Mn], zinc [Zn], iron [Fe], selenium [Se], copper [Cu] and chromium [Cr]) were estimated in the seminal plasma and serum using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) differences in semen pH and sperm motility, concentration and abnormalities between the control and infertile dromedaries. In seminal plasma, a significant (p < 0.01) difference in Fe concentrations (7.792 ± 1.567 vs. 61.259 ± 11.967 mg/L) and significant (p < 0.05) differences in Zn (24.763 ± 8.206 vs. 83.981 ± 4.972 mg/L) and Cu (1.653 ± 0.348 vs. 7.905 ± 1.134 mg/L) concentrations existed between the control and infertile dromedaries, respectively. In serum, there were significant (p < 0.05) differences in Fe (6.237 ± 0.695 vs. 151.121 ± 27.604 mg/L) and Cu (24.703 ± 4.195 vs. 6.375 ± 0.644 mg/L) concentrations and a significant (p < 0.01) difference in Zn concentrations (17.086 ± 1.606 vs. 90.422 ± 4.347 mg/L) between the fertile and infertile camels, respectively. There were significant (p < 0.05) positive (r = 0.51) and negative (r = −0.54) correlations between Zn concentrations in seminal plasma and both sperm motility and sperm abnormalities, respectively. In conclusion, seminal plasma and serum trace elements of Fe, Zn and Cu influenced the semen parameters and fertility of dromedary camels. Low concentrations of Fe, Zn and Cu in the seminal plasma were associated with normal fertility in dromedaries.