bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum amyloid A and plasma fibrinogen concentrations in horses following emergency exploratory celiotomy
Authors: De Cozar M. , Sherlock C. , Knowles E. , Mair T.
Published: March 2019

Background

Acute‐phase proteins may help assess the nature and severity of lesions and outcome in horses undergoing colic surgery.

Objectives

To compare serum amyloid A and plasma fibrinogen concentrations ([SAA] and [fibrinogen]) in the immediate post‐operative period after exploratory celiotomy and determine their value in assessment of post‐operative complications and survival to discharge.

Study design

Observational study.

Methods

This study included horses over 1 year of age undergoing exploratory celiotomy. Surgical procedures, lesions, post‐operative care, complications and survival to discharge were recorded. [SAA] and [fibrinogen] were measured prior to surgery and 5 days post‐operatively. Statistical analyses included Yate's Chi‐square test, linear mixed effects model, Mann–Whitney U test and logistic regression.

Results

Of 300 horses, 52.0% developed post‐operative complications and 83.7% survived to discharge, with significantly reduced chance of survival in horses that developed post‐operative complications (P<0.01). Median [SAA] at days 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 and median [fibrinogen] at days 3, 4 and 5 were significantly different between horses that did and did not develop post‐operative complications (P<0.05). Median [SAA] at days 1, 4 and 5 were significantly different between horses that did and did not survive to discharge (P<0.05). Logistic regression revealed post‐operative complications to be associated with strangulating lesions (OR 2.35, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.41–3.91, P≤0.001) and higher [fibrinogen] at admission (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.00–1.45, P<0.05), and survival to discharge to be associated with lower [SAA] at 5 days post‐operatively (OR 0.965, 95% CI 0.94–0.99, P = 0.002).

Main limitations

A large variety of lesions and complications prevented detailed analysis of associations between inflammatory markers, lesions and complications.

Conclusions

Horses that develop post‐operative complications have acute‐phase responses of greater magnitudes and durations compared with those that do not develop complications. This is also seen in horses that do not survive to discharge. Measuring [SAA] daily and [fibrinogen] at admission, may help predict the development of post‐operative complications.
Linear double‐stranded DNAs as innovative biological parts to implement genetic circuits in mammalian cells
Authors: Li Shuai , Su Weijun , Zhang Chunze
Published: March 2019

Synthetic biology employs engineering principles to redesign biological systems for biomedical or industrial purposes. Innovation and application of original biological parts for genetic circuit construction will significantly facilitate and expedite the development of synthetic biology. Here, we built two‐ or three‐input linear double‐stranded DNA (ldsDNA)‐based Boolean AND gate genetic circuits in mammalian cells. Bioluminescence imaging revealed the feasibility of ldsDNA‐based Boolean AND gate circuits in vivo. Inhibition of DNA‐PKcs, a pivotal enzyme in nonhomologous end joining, significantly attenuated the output signals from ldsDNA‐based Boolean AND gate circuits. We further showed that ldsDNA with additional terminal random nucleotide(s) could undergo end nucleotide deletion and generate in‐frame proteins via the Boolean AND gate response. Additionally, ldsDNAs or plasmids with identical overlapping sequences could also serve as input signals for Boolean AND gate genetic circuits. Our work establishes ldsDNAs as innovative biological parts for building low noise‐signal ratio Boolean AND gate circuits with application potential in biomedical engineering fields.
Inhibitory effect of oxygen on hydrogen‐induced fracture of A333 pipe steel
Authors: Komoda Ryosuke , Kubota Masanobu , Staykov Aleksandar , Ginet Patrick , Barbier Francoise , Furtado Jader
Published: March 2019

The effect of oxygen contained in hydrogen gas environment as an impurity on hydrogen environment embrittlement (HEE) of A333 pipe steel was studied through the fracture toughness tests in hydrogen gases. The oxygen contents in the hydrogen gases were 100, 10, and 0.1 vppm. A significant reduction in the J‐Δa curve was observed in the hydrogen with 0.1‐vppm oxygen. Under given loading conditions, the embrittling effect of hydrogen was completely inhibited by 100 vppm of oxygen. In the case of the hydrogen with 10‐vppm oxygen, initially the embrittling effect of hydrogen was fully inhibited, and then subsequently appeared. It was confirmed that 1‐vppm oxygen reduced the embrittling effect of hydrogen. The results can be explained by the predictive model of HEE proposed by Somerday et al.
Association between sleep characteristics and antihypertensive treatment in older adults
Authors: Hernández‐Aceituno Ana , Guallar‐Castillón Pilar , García‐Esquinas Esther , Rodríguez‐Artalejo Fernando , Banegas José R
Published: March 2019

Aim

The relationship between sleeping characteristics and antihypertensive medication is little known. We examined the association of sleep quality or duration and the use of sleeping pills with the number of antihypertensive drugs used in older adults.

Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of treated hypertensive patients aged ≥60 years participating in a seniors cohort, followed from 2008 to 2010 through 2012 to 2013. Self‐reported sleep duration, sleep quality (usually having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep) and sleeping pills use were ascertained at baseline, and the change in the number of antihypertensive drugs (active agents) between 2008–2010 and 2012–2013 was calculated. Analyses were carried out with logistic regression, and adjusted for demographics, lifestyle, comorbidity, baseline number of antihypertensive drugs and hypertension control.

Results

Among the 752 participants at baseline (mean age 69.9 years, 49.2% men), the mean sleep duration was 6.9 h/day, 37% had poor sleep quality, 16.5% usually consumed sleeping pills and the mean number of antihypertensive drugs was 1.8. During the follow‐up period, 156 (20.7%) patients increased the number of antihypertensive drugs. No association was found between sleep duration or quality and the change in antihypertensive drug use. Usual sleeping pills consumption was associated with a higher risk of increasing (vs decreasing/maintaining) the number of antihypertensive drugs (odds ratio 1.85; 95% confidence interval 1.12–3.07, P‐value 0.02).

Conclusions

Consumption of sleeping pills was prospectively linked to an increased number of antihypertensive drugs. “Sleeping pill use” might be an indicator of future needs of antihypertensive treatment, and a warning indicator to investigate underlying sleep disorders or unhealthy lifestyles. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 537–540.
Improved sinterability and microwave dielectric properties of [Zn0.5Ti0.5]3+‐doped ZnAl2O4 spinel solid solution
Authors: Lan Xue‐Kai , Li Jie , Zou Zheng‐Yu , Xie Meng‐Qi , Fan Gui‐Fen , Lu Wen‐Zhong , Lei Wen
Published: March 2019

Low‐permittivity ZnAl2‐x(Zn0.5Ti0.5)xO4 ceramics were synthesized via conventional solid‐state reaction method. A pure ZnAl2O4 solid‐state solution with an Fd‐3m space group was achieved at x ≤ 0.1. Results showed that partial substitution of [Zn0.5Ti0.5]3+ for Al3+ effectively lowered the sintering temperature of the ZnAl2O4 ceramics and remarkably increased the quality factor (Q × f) values. Optimum microwave dielectric properties (εr = 9.1, Q × f = 115,800 GHz and τf = −78 ppm/°C) were obtained in the sample with x = 0.1 sintered at 1400°C in oxygen atmosphere for 10 h. The temperature used for the sample was approximately 250°C lower than the sintering temperature of conventional ZnAl2O4 ceramics.
5‐Hydroxymethylcytosine profiling from genomic and cell‐free DNA for colorectal cancers patients
Authors: Gao Pingting , Lin Shengli , Cai Mingyan , Zhu Yan , Song Yanqun , Sui Yi , Lin Jing , Liu Jiaxiuyu , Lu Xingyu , Zhong Yunshi , Cui Yuehong , Zhou Pinghong
Published: March 2019

5‐Hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is a DNA modification that is generated by the oxidation of 5‐methylcytosine (5mC) in a reaction catalyzed by the ten‐eleven translocation (TET) family enzymes. It tends to mark gene activation and affects a spectrum of developmental and disease‐related biological processes. In this manuscript, we present a 5hmC selective chemical labelling technology (hmC‐Seal) to capture and sequence 5hmC‐containing DNA fragments with low input. We tested 10 tumour/adjacent colon cancer tissues and 10 tumour/healthy plasma samples. Furthermore, we tested if this methodology could generate the 5hmC differential genes among cancer patients, healthy controls and precancerous adenoma patients from plasma. Robust cancer‐specific epigenetic signatures were identified for colon cancers. The results show that 5hmC is mainly distributed in gene active regions. The results also indicate the potential application of 5hmC change signals in early stage of colon cancer, even show potential in the diagnosis of precancerous adenoma. We demonstrated the robustness of the 5hmC‐Seal method in tissue and cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) as potential biomarkers. Moreover, this study provides the potential value and feasibility of 5hmC‐Seal approach on colorectal cancer (CRC) early detection. We believe this strategy could be an effective liquid biopsy‐based diagnosis and a potential prognosis method for colon cancer using cfDNA.
Protocol for semi‐automatic identification of whiteflies Bemisia tabaci and Trialeurodes vaporariorum on yellow sticky traps
Authors: Moerkens Rob , Brenard Nathalie , Bosmans Lien , Reybroeck Eva , Janssen Dirk , Hemming Jochen , Sluydts Vincent
Published: March 2019

Yellow sticky traps (YSTs) are commonly used in greenhouse crops to monitor flying pest species. Whiteflies like Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) and Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) are typically monitored using YSTs in tomato and sweet pepper crops. By counting the whiteflies on a YST, growers get an idea of the pests density in space and time in the greenhouse and can take pest control measurements accordingly. The downside is that manual counting of whiteflies on a YST is very time‐consuming and thus costly. A protocol to semi‐automate counting and identification of whiteflies on YSTs using image analysis software was developed to speed up the monitoring process. Bemisia tabaci is on average smaller than T. vaporariorum and by discriminating by size based on the amount of pixels in digital images, ratios of both species in a mixed population on YSTs could be estimated accurately. At low densities, the countings of different YSTs should be pooled till a 200 density threshold is reached in order to get accurate ratio estimates of both species. This study provides a protocol to reliably count and identify whiteflies semi‐automatically on standardized pictures. More research is required to develop alternative techniques to make standardized pictures in the field (e.g., with smartphone).
Chipping of veneering ceramic on a lithium disilicate anterior single crown: Description of repair method and a fractographic failure analysis
Authors: Garbelotto Luis G. D. , Fukushima Karen A. , Özcan Mutlu , Cesar Paulo F. , Volpato Claudia A. M.
Published: March 2019

Objective

This article presents a retrospective analysis of an anterior single crown that showed chipping of the veneering ceramic, the clinical stages of intraoral repair made in composite resin, and fractographic analysis of the causes of failure.

Clinical considerations

The ceramic chipping occurred in the incisal and labial surfaces of the crown, 1 year after installation. Clinical examination revealed the presence of occlusal interference, which was probably responsible for chipping. Vinyl‐polysiloxane impression was made from the patient, and epoxy replica was produced. The replica was gold coated and inspected under the optical microscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) for descriptive fractography. Optical microscopy and SEM images showed that chipping initiated at the incisal edge, where it is possible to note an area of damage accumulation. At the labial surface, multiple arrest lines with their convex sides facing the incisal edge were observed. The fractured area was repaired intraorally with composite resin, and the patient's occlusion was checked and monitored.

Conclusion

According to the fractographic analysis, occlusal interference was related to ceramic chipping in the incisal edge. Intraoral repair technique with composite resin was indicated for this moderate chipping.

Clinical significance

Retrieval analysis of chipping ceramic delivers better understanding of the failure origin and could prevent future failures. Intraoral repair is a practical and conservative technique and may be performed in a single clinical session without requiring the removal of prosthesis.
Effects of tillage managements and maize straw returning on soil microbiome using 16S rDNA sequencing
Authors: Xia Xinyao , Zhang Piaopiao , He Linlin , Gao Xingxing , Li Weijun , Zhou Yuanyuan , Li Zongxin , Li Hui , Yang Long
Published: March 2019

Agricultural practices could affect bacterial diversity and community structure by altering soil physical and chemical properties. Straw returning and tillage practices are widely used in agriculture, however, the effects of these agricultural practices on microbiomes are still unclear. In the present study, we compared the 18 bacterial communities of soil with different straw returning and tillage treatment combinations. The V3–V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA were amplified and analyzed by high‐throughput sequencing technology. The results showed that the bacterial communities were consistently dominated by Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Chloroflexi. Short‐term straw returning and tillage practices significantly altered the diversity, relative abundance and functions of the soil microbiome. Soil subjected to rotary tillage and straw returning (RTS) combination possessed the highest bacterial diversity and lowest ratio of G+/G‐ bacteria, indicating that RTS could be an efficient integrated management system to improve microbiome in the short term. Double verifications based on relative abundance and network analysis, revealed close relationships of Mycobacterium and Methylibium with RTS, indicating they could serve as biomarkers for RTS. Investigating microbial changes under different agricultural practices will provide valuable foundations for land sustainable utilization and increase crop yields.
The Role of Durables Replacement and Second‐Hand Markets in a Business‐Cycle Model
Authors: OH HYUNSEUNG
Published: March 2019

Transactions of used durables are large and cyclical, but their interaction with purchases of new durables has been neglected in business‐cycle studies. I fill this gap by introducing a new business‐cycle model of consumer durables where households resell their goods on the second‐hand market and the production of new durables is affected by the supply of used goods. The model delivers three conclusions: Markups are smaller for goods that are more durable and more frequently replaced; markups are countercyclical for durables, resolving the comovement puzzle of Barsky, House, and Kimball (2007); and procyclical replacement demand amplifies durables spending.
Effect of Bonding Agent on Metal‐Ceramic Bond Strength between Co‐Cr Fabricated with Selective Laser Melting and Dental Feldspathic Porcelain
Authors: Dimitriadis Konstantinos , Papadopoulos Triantafillos , Agathopoulos Simeon
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To investigate the effect of bonding agent on the bonding strength between Co‐Cr dental alloy, prepared by selective laser melting (SLM), and feldspathic porcelain.

Materials and Methods

The experiments were conducted according to ISO 9693 and the conventional protocols for the production of metal‐ceramic dental restorations. After Al2O3 air‐particle abrasion, metal substrates of Co‐Cr dental alloy specimens were bonded, using bonding agent (25 specimens), with dental porcelain positioned in layers (opaque, dentin, enamel). Control specimens (25) were also produced without bonding agent. Bonding strength was measured using 3‐point bending tests, and the results were statistically analyzed using the t‐test and Weibull statistics. Elemental (by SEM/EDS) and crystallographic analyses (by XRD) were conducted on the bonding agent, along cross sections of alloy‐porcelain interfaces, and on fracture surfaces.

Results

Cohesive fracture occurred (on the porcelain side). The application of the bonding agent decreased the average bonding strength (from 42.27 ± 5.85 to 36.25 ± 3.26 MPa, P = 0.00006), attributed to the nonexisting reaction between the TiO2‐rich bonding agent and the Co‐Cr alloy, but it increased the Weibull modulus (from 7.84 to 12.16), which reflects the reliability of the bond in the tested metal‐ceramic specimens.

Conclusions

Although the application of bonding agent slightly decreased the bonding strength, all the measured values of the metal‐ceramic specimens produced by the SLM technique, with or without the bonding agent, are markedly higher than the minimum value required by ISO 9693 (25 MPa). Moreover, the use of bonding agent favors the increase of the Weibull modulus.
Comparative plastid genomics of Pinus species: Insights into sequence variations and phylogenetic relationships
Authors: Zeb Umar , Dong Wan‐Lin , Zhang Ting‐Ting , Wang Ruo‐Nan , Shahzad Khurram , Ma Xiong‐Feng , Li Zhong‐Hu
Published: March 2019

Pinus L. is the largest genus of conifers and provides a classical model for studying species divergence and phylogenetic evolution by gymnosperms. However, our poor understanding of sequence divergence in the whole plastid genomes of Pinus species severely hinders studies of their evolution and phylogeny. Thus, we analyzed the sequences of 97 Pinus plastid genomes, including four newly sequenced genomes and 93 previously published plastomes, to explore the evolution and phylogenetic relationships in the genus Pinus. The complete chloroplast genomes of Pinus species ranged in size from 109 640 bp (P. cembra L.) to 121 976 bp (P. glabra Walter), and these genomes comprised circular DNA molecules in a similar manner to those of most gymnosperms. We identified 9108 repeats where most of the repeats comprised the dispersed type with 3983 (44%), followed by tandem repeats with 2999 (33%), and then palindromic repeats with 2126 (23%). Sixteen divergence hotspot regions were identified in Pinus plastid genomes, which could be useful molecular markers for future population genetics studies. Phylogenetic analysis showed that Pinus species could be divided into two diverged clades comprising the subgenera Strobus (single needle section) and Pinus (double needles section). Molecular dating suggested that the genus Pinus originated approximately 130.38 Mya during the late Cretaceous. The two subgenera subsequently split 85.86 Mya, which was largely consistent with the other molecular results based on partial DNA markers. These findings provide important insights into the sequence variations and phylogenetic evolution of Pinus plastid genomes.
Endocranial shape variation in the squirrel‐related clade and their fossil relatives using 3D geometric morphometrics: contributions of locomotion and phylogeny to brain shape
Authors: Bertrand O. C. , San Martin‐Flores G. , Silcox M. T.
Published: March 2019

Landmark‐based 3D geometric morphometrics has rarely been employed to understand the relationship between endocranial shape, phylogeny and ecology. The goal of this study is to examine the endocranial morphology of members of the squirrel‐related clade by using these methods, and to develop a multi‐faceted framework for studying brain evolution applicable to other groups. The squirrel‐related clade is taxonomically and ecologically diverse, and includes tree squirrels, the mountain beaver and dormice. Virtual endocasts for Ischyromyidae, a primitive group of rodents likely to be related to the squirrel‐related clade, were also included. Thirty landmarks were taken on virtual endocasts derived from 32 extant and extinct species. The results show that endocranial shape and size are significantly correlated in that smaller endocasts are relatively wider laterally than larger endocasts. The principal components analysis (PCA) reveals that endocranial shape is clearly distinct for Sciuridae, Aplodontidae, Gliridae and Ischyromyidae. Endocranial shape variation is associated with changes in the development of the neocortex, cerebellum (including the paraflocculi) and olfactory bulbs. The Kmult test shows that endocranial shape reflects phylogenetic relationships among the four families and within Sciuridae. In the PCA analysis, flying squirrels show the most distinct endocranial morphology among squirrels, overlapping the least with other tribes and subfamilies. This result suggests that gliding may have imposed specific constraints on cranial shape. The endocasts of fossil and modern fossorial Aplodontidae have a shape similar to those of Ischyromyidae. This similarity could be the result of homoplasy related to fossorial specialization in later occurring Aplodontidae. The fossil Sciurini Protosciurus is outside the range of variation for modern squirrels, suggesting that the emergence of the modern squirrel endocranial bauplan may have not been established until after the early Miocene. From the data gathered, phylogeny and locomotion both impacted endocranial shape in our rodent sample.
Parallel signatures of selection at genomic islands of divergence and the major histocompatibility complex in ecotypes of sockeye salmon across Alaska
Authors: Larson Wesley A. , Dann Tyler H. , Limborg Morten T. , McKinney Garrett J. , Seeb James E. , Seeb Lisa W.
Published: March 2019

Understanding the genetic mechanisms that facilitate adaptive radiation is an important component of evolutionary biology. Here, we genotyped 82 neutral SNPs, seven SNPs in islands of divergence identified in a previous study (island SNPs), and a region of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in 32 populations of sockeye salmon to investigate whether conserved genes and genomic regions are involved in adaptive radiation. Populations representing three ecotypes were sampled from seven drainages with differing habitats and colonization histories spanning a range of 2,000 km. We found strong signatures of parallel selection across drainages at the island SNPs and MHC, suggesting that the same loci undergo divergent selection during adaptive radiation. However, patterns of differentiation at most island SNPs and the MHC were not associated with ecotypes, suggesting that these loci are responding differently to a mosaic of selective pressures. Our study provides some of the first evidence that conserved genomic islands may be involved in adaptive divergence of salmon populations. Additionally, our data provide further support for the hypothesis that sockeye salmon inhabiting rivers unconnected to lakes harbour similar genetic diversity across large distances, are likely the ancestral form of the species, and have repeatedly recolonized lake systems as they have become available after glacial recession. Finally, our results highlight the value and importance of validating outlier loci by screening additional populations and regions, a practice that will hopefully become more common in the future.
Population assignment reveals low migratory connectivity in a weakly structured songbird
Authors: DeSaix Matthew G. , Bulluck Lesley P. , Eckert Andrew J. , Viverette Catherine B. , Boves Than J. , Reese Jessica A. , Tonra Christopher M. , Dyer Rodney J.
Published: March 2019

Understanding migratory connectivity is essential for determining the drivers behind population dynamics and for implementing effective conservation strategies for migratory species. Genetic markers provide a means to describe migratory connectivity; however, they can be uninformative for species with weak population genetic structure, which has limited their application. Here, we demonstrated a genomic approach to describing migratory connectivity in the prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea, a Neotropical songbird of conservation concern. Using 26,189 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), we revealed regional genetic structure between the Mississippi River Valley and the Atlantic Seaboard with overall weak genetic differentiation among populations (FST = 0.0055; 95% CI: 0.0051–0.0059). Genetic variation had a stronger association with geographic rather than environmental factors, with each explaining 14.5% and 8.2% of genetic variation, respectively. By varying the numbers of genomic markers used in population assignment models with individuals of known provenance, we identified a maximum assignment accuracy (89.7% to site, 94.3% to region) using a subset of 600 highly differentiated SNPs. We then assigned samples from nonbreeding sites to breeding region and found low migratory connectivity. Our results highlight the importance of filtering markers for informative loci in models of population assignment. Quantifying migratory connectivity for weakly structured species will be useful for expanding studies to a wider range of migratory species across taxonomic groups and may contribute to a deeper understanding of the evolution of migratory strategies.
Abscisic acid is a substrate of the ABC transporter encoded by the durable wheat disease resistance gene Lr34
Authors: Krattinger Simon G. , Kang Joohyun , Bräunlich Stephanie , Boni Rainer , Chauhan Harsh , Selter Liselotte L. , Robinson Mark D. , Schmid Marc W. , Wiederhold Elena , Hensel Goetz , Kumlehn Jochen , Sucher Justine , Martinoia Enrico , Keller Beat
Published: March 2019

The wheat Lr34res allele, coding for an ATP‐binding cassette transporter, confers durable resistance against multiple fungal pathogens. The Lr34sus allele, differing from Lr34res by two critical nucleotide polymorphisms, is found in susceptible wheat cultivars. Lr34res is functionally transferrable as a transgene into all major cereals, including rice, barley, maize, and sorghum.

Here, we used transcriptomics, physiology, genetics, and in vitro and in vivo transport assays to study the molecular function of Lr34.

We report that Lr34res results in a constitutive induction of transcripts reminiscent of an abscisic acid (ABA)‐regulated response in transgenic rice. Lr34‐expressing rice was altered in biological processes that are controlled by this phytohormone, including dehydration tolerance, transpiration and seedling growth. In planta seedling and in vitro yeast accumulation assays revealed that both LR34res and LR34sus act as ABA transporters. However, whereas the LR34res protein was detected in planta the LR34sus version was not, suggesting a post‐transcriptional regulatory mechanism.

Our results identify ABA as a substrate of the LR34 ABC transporter. We conclude that LR34res‐mediated ABA redistribution has a major effect on the transcriptional response and physiology of Lr34res‐expressing plants and that ABA is a candidate molecule that contributes to Lr34res‐mediated disease resistance.
Tea Plant Information Archive: a comprehensive genomics and bioinformatics platform for tea plant
Authors: Xia En‐Hua , Li Fang‐Dong , Tong Wei , Li Peng‐Hui , Wu Qiong , Zhao Hui‐Juan , Ge Ruo‐Heng , Li Ruo‐Pei , Li Ye‐Yun , Zhang Zheng‐Zhu , Wei Chao‐Ling , Wan Xiao‐Chun
Published: March 2019

Tea is the world's widely consumed nonalcohol beverage with essential economic and health benefits. Confronted with the increasing large‐scale omics‐data set particularly the genome sequence released in tea plant, the construction of a comprehensive knowledgebase is urgently needed to facilitate the utilization of these data sets towards molecular breeding. We hereby present the first integrative and specially designed web‐accessible database, Tea Plant Information Archive (TPIA; http://tpia.teaplant.org). The current release of TPIA employs the comprehensively annotated tea plant genome as framework and incorporates with abundant well‐organized transcriptomes, gene expressions (across species, tissues and stresses), orthologs and characteristic metabolites determining tea quality. It also hosts massive transcription factors, polymorphic simple sequence repeats, single nucleotide polymorphisms, correlations, manually curated functional genes and globally collected germplasm information. A variety of versatile analytic tools (e.g. JBrowse, blast, enrichment analysis, etc.) are established helping users to perform further comparative, evolutionary and functional analysis. We show a case application of TPIA that provides novel and interesting insights into the phytochemical content variation of section Thea of genus Camellia under a well‐resolved phylogenetic framework. The constructed knowledgebase of tea plant will serve as a central gateway for global tea community to better understand the tea plant biology that largely benefits the whole tea industry.
Effects of Monitoring Technology on the Insurance Market
Authors: Chen Yu‐Hung , Jiang Baojun
Published: March 2019

The car‐insurance market is plagued with problems of adverse selection and moral hazard. In‐vehicle data recorders can collect massive amount of information about the drivers’ driving behaviors and risk factors. This monitoring technology allows the firm to charge a premium based on the customer's recorded driving behaviors; this helps to reduce the driver's moral hazard. It can also allow the firm to set its insurance premium based on better estimates of the driver's risk factors, alleviating the adverse‐selection problem. We provide an analytical framework to examine the impact of such monitoring technology on the insurance firms and the drivers. Our analysis shows that in a duopoly one firm's adoption of the monitoring technology may benefit both firms, because the firms have incentives to target different segments of drivers, leading to less intense competition in the market and reducing the surplus of the drivers. We show that if one firm has adopted the monitoring technology, its competitor may have no incentive to adopt that technology even if the acquisition cost is zero.
NIV in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: The ‘when’ and ‘how’ of the matter
Authors: Morelot‐Panzini Capucine , Bruneteau Gaëlle , Gonzalez‐Bermejo Jesus
Published: March 2019

Non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) has become an essential part of the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) since 2006. NIV very significantly improves survival, quality of life and cognitive performances. The initial NIV settings are simple, but progression of the disease, ventilator dependence and upper airway involvement sometimes make long‐term adjustment of NIV more difficult, with a major impact on survival. Unique data concerning the long‐term adjustment of NIV in ALS show that correction of leaks, management of obstructive apnoea and adaptation to the patient's degree of ventilator dependence improve the prognosis. Non‐ventilatory factors also impact the efficacy of NIV and various solutions have been described and must be applied, including cough assist techniques, control of excess salivation and renutrition. NIV in ALS has been considerably improved as a result of application of all of these measures, avoiding the need for tracheostomy in the very great majority of cases. More advanced use of NIV also requires pulmonologists to master the associated end‐of‐life palliative care, as well as the modalities of discontinuing ventilation when it becomes unreasonable.
Understanding the Determination of Severance Pay: Mandates, Bargaining, and Unions*
Authors: Auray Stéphane , Danthine Samuel , Poschke Markus
Published: March 2019

A substantial share of severance payments derives from private contracts or collective agreements. In this paper, we study the determination of these payments. We analyze joint bargaining over wages and severance payments in a search‐and‐matching model with risk‐averse workers. Individual bargaining results in levels of severance pay that provide full insurance, but also depend on unemployment benefits and job‐finding rates. Unions also choose full insurance. Because their higher wage demands reduce job creation, this requires higher severance pay. Severance pay observed in eight European countries, to which we calibrate the model, lies between predictions from the bargaining and union scenarios.
The 14‐3‐3 protein GF14f negatively affects grain filling of inferior spikelets of rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Zhang Zhixing , Zhao Hong , Huang Fengliang , Long Jifang , Song Guo , Lin Wenxiong
Published: March 2019

In rice (Oryza sativa L.), later flowering inferior spikelets (IS), which are located on proximal secondary branches, fill slowly and produce smaller and lighter grains than earlier flowering superior spikelets (SS). Many genes have been reported to be involved in poor grain filling of IS, however the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The present study determined that GF14f, a member of the 14‐3‐3 protein family, showed temporal and spatial differences in expression patterns between SS and IS. Using GF14f–RNAi plants, we observed that a reduction in GF14f expression in the endosperm resulted in a significant increase in both grain length and weight, which in turn improved grain yield. Furthermore, pull‐down assays indicated that GF14f interacts with enzymes that are involved in sucrose breakdown, starch synthesis, tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and glycolysis. At the same time, an increase in the activity of sucrose synthase (SuSase), adenosine diphosphate‐glucose pyrophosphorylase (AGPase), and starch synthase (StSase) was observed in the GF14f–RNAi grains. Comprehensive analysis of the proteome and metabolite profiling revealed that the abundance of proteins related to the TCA cycle, and glycolysis increased in the GF14f–RNAi grains together with several carbohydrate intermediates. These results suggested that GF14f negatively affected grain development and filling, and the observed higher abundance of the GF14f protein in IS compared with SS may be responsible for poor IS grain filling. The study provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying poor grain filling of IS and suggests that GF14f could serve as a potential tool for improving rice grain filling.
A MYB/bHLH complex regulates tissue‐specific anthocyanin biosynthesis in the inner pericarp of red‐centered kiwifruit Actinidia chinensis cv. Hongyang
Authors: Wang Lihuan , Tang Wei , Hu Yawen , Zhang Yabin , Sun Jiaqi , Guo Xiuhong , Lu Han , Yang Ying , Fang Congbing , Niu Xiangli , Yue Junyang , Fei Zhangjun , Liu Yongsheng
Published: March 2019

Many Actinidia cultivars are characterized by anthocyanin accumulation, specifically in the inner pericarp, but the underlying regulatory mechanism remains elusive. Here we report two interacting transcription factors, AcMYB123 and AcbHLH42, that regulate tissue‐specific anthocyanin biosynthesis in the inner pericarp of Actinidia chinensis cv. Hongyang. Through transcriptome profiling analysis we identified five MYB and three bHLH transcription factors that were upregulated in the inner pericarp. We show that the combinatorial action of two of them, AcMYB123 and AcbHLH42, is required for activating promoters of AcANS and AcF3GT1 that encode the dedicated enzymes for anthocyanin biosynthesis. The presence of anthocyanin in the inner pericarp appears to be tightly associated with elevated expression of AcMYB123 and AcbHLH42. RNA interference repression of AcMYB123, AcbHLH42, AcF3GT1 and AcANS in ‘Hongyang’ fruits resulted in significantly reduced anthocyanin biosynthesis. Using both transient assays in Nicotiana tabacum leaves or Actinidia arguta fruits and stable transformation in Arabidopsis, we demonstrate that co‐expression of AcMYB123 and AcbHLH42 is a prerequisite for anthocyanin production by activating transcription of AcF3GT1 and AcANS or the homologous genes. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that AcMYB123 or AcbHLH42 are closely related to TT2 or TT8, respectively, which determines proanthocyanidin biosynthesis in Arabidopsis, and to anthocyanin regulators in monocots rather than regulators in dicots. All these experimental results suggest that AcMYB123 and AcbHLH42 are the components involved in spatiotemporal regulation of anthocyanin biosynthesis specifically in the inner pericarp of kiwifruit.
Real-Time Measurement of Dynamic Wheel-Rail Contacts Using Ultrasonic Reflectometry
Authors: Zhou Lu , Brunskill Henry , Pletz Martin , Daves Werner , Scheriau Stephan , Lewis Roger
Published: March 2019

The contact condition between the wheel and the rail is paramount to the lifespan, safety, and smooth operation of any rail network. The wheel/rail contact condition has been estimated, calculated, and simulated successfully for years, but accurate dynamic measurement has still not been achieved. Methods using pressure-sensitive films and controlled air flow have been employed, but both are limited. The work described in this paper has enabled, for the first time, the measurement of a dynamic wheel/rail contact patch using an array of 64 ultrasonic elements mounted in the rail. Previous work has successfully proved the effectiveness of ultrasonic reflectometry for static wheel/rail contact determination. The dynamic real-time measurement is based on previous work, but now each element of an array is individually pulsed in sequence to build up a linear measurement of the interface. These cross-sectional, line measurements are then processed and collated resulting in a two-dimensional contact patch. This approach is able to provide not only a contact patch, but more importantly, a detailed and relatively high-resolution pressure distribution plot of the contact. Predictions using finite element methods (FEM) have also been carried out for validation. Work is now underway to increase the speed of the measurement.
Bridging Finite Element and Machine Learning Modeling: Stress Prediction of Arterial Walls in Atherosclerosis
Authors: Madani Ali , Bakhaty Ahmed , Kim Jiwon , Mubarak Yara , Mofrad Mohammad R. K.
Published: March 2019

Finite element and machine learning modeling are two predictive paradigms that have rarely been bridged. In this study, we develop a parametric model to generate arterial geometries and accumulate a database of 12,172 2D finite element simulations modeling the hyperelastic behavior and resulting stress distribution. The arterial wall composition mimics vessels in atherosclerosis–a complex cardiovascular disease and one of the leading causes of death globally. We formulate the training data to predict the maximum von Mises stress, which could indicate risk of plaque rupture. Trained deep learning models are able to accurately predict the max von Mises stress within 9.86% error on a held-out test set. The deep neural networks outperform alternative prediction models and performance scales with amount of training data. Lastly, we examine the importance of contributing features on stress value and location prediction to gain intuitions on the underlying process. Moreover, deep neural networks can capture the functional mapping described by the finite element method, which has far-reaching implications for real-time and multiscale prediction tasks in biomechanics.
Speech recognition as a function of the number of channels in perimodiolar electrode recipients
Authors: Berg Katelyn A. , Noble Jack H. , Dawant Benoit M. , Dwyer Robert T. , Labadie Robert F. , Gifford René H.
Published: March 2019

This study investigated the number of channels needed for maximum speech understanding and sound quality in 30 adult cochlear implant (CI) recipients with perimodiolar electrode arrays verified via imaging to be completely within scala tympani (ST). Performance was assessed using a continuous interleaved sampling (CIS) strategy with 4, 8, 10, and 16 channels and n-of-m with 16 maxima. Listeners were administered auditory tasks of speech understanding [monosyllables, sentences (quiet and +5 dB signal-to-noise ratio, SNR), vowels, consonants], spectral modulation detection, as well as subjective estimates of sound quality. Results were as follows: (1) significant performance gains were observed for speech in quiet (monosyllables and sentences) with 16- as compared to 8-channel CIS, (2) 16 channels in a 16-of-m strategy yielded significantly higher outcomes than 16-channel CIS for sentences in noise (percent correct and subjective sound quality) and spectral modulation detection, (3) 16 channels in a 16-of-m strategy yielded significantly higher outcomes as compared to 8- and 10-channel CIS for monosyllables, sentences (quiet and noise), consonants, spectral modulation detection, and subjective sound quality, (4) 16 versus 8 maxima yielded significantly higher speech recognition for monosyllables and sentences in noise using an n-of-m strategy, and (5) the degree of benefit afforded by 16 versus 8 maxima was inversely correlated with mean electrode-to-modiolus distance. These data demonstrate greater channel independence with perimodiolar electrode arrays as compared to previous studies with straight electrodes and warrant further investigation of the minimum number of maxima and number of channels needed for maximum auditory outcomes.
Sound pressure distribution within human ear canals: II. Reverse mechanical stimulation
Authors: Ravicz Michael E. , Cheng Jeffrey Tao , Rosowski John J.
Published: March 2019

This work is part of a study of the interactions of ear canal (EC) sound with tympanic membrane (TM) surface displacements. In human temporal bones, the ossicles were stimulated mechanically “in reverse” to mimic otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), and the sound field within the ear canal was sampled with 0.5–2 mm spacing near the TM surface and at more distal locations within the EC, including along the longitudinal EC axis. Sound fields were measured with the EC open or occluded. The reverse-driven sound field near the TM had larger and more irregular spatial variations below 10 kHz than with forward sound stimulation, consistent with a significant contribution of nonuniform sound modes. These variations generally did not propagate more than ∼4 mm laterally from the TM. Longitudinal sound field variations with the EC open or blocked were consistent with standing-wave patterns in tubes with open or closed ends. Relative contributions of the nonuniform components to the total sound pressure near the TM were largest at EC natural frequencies where the longitudinal component was small. Transverse variations in EC sound pressure can be reduced by reducing longitudinal EC sound pressure variations, e.g., via reducing reflections from occluding earplugs.
Correlations Between Anthropometric Measures and Muscle Thickness Using Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Sutherlin Mark A. , Mangum L. Colby , Hertel Jay , Saliba Susan A. , Hart Joseph M.
Published: March 2019

Ultrasound imaging has been used to assess muscle function of deeper muscles and to compare individuals with and without low back pain. These measures may be influenced by numerous factors requiring normalization for these comparisons. The purpose of this study was to assess anthropometric normalization variables with muscle thickness of the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus across multiple ultrasound testing positions. Numerous anthropometric variables were correlated with muscle thickness. Mass, body mass index, and height times mass show the best promise for normalization, but were not consistent for the transversus abdominis and lumbar multifidus muscles. Normalization strategies should be considered when comparing between groups.
A Qualitative Exploration of Division I Tennis Players Completing the Mindfulness Meditation Training for Sport 2.0 Program
Authors: Cote Trevor , Baltzell Amy , Diehl Robert
Published: March 2019

The present study examined college tennis players’ experience of the 6-hr sport-tailored mindfulness- and self-compassion-based intervention Mindfulness Meditation Training for Sport 2.0 (MMTS 2.0). Nine college athletes participated in individual semistructured interviews. Interview results revealed that the athletes perceived the mindfulness and self-compassions skills as valuable tools to respond optimally to adversity through observing, accepting, and offering self-compassion toward negative internal states on and off the court. The mindfulness and self-compassion skills were described as creating enhanced ability to overcome challenges and improve focus on the court and an enhanced quality of life off the court, including self-reported well-being markers. The participants also noted several challenges in completing the program (i.e., discomfort meditating, lack of independent practice, and hectic schedule as a student-athlete). These findings provide insight into how the delivery of mindfulness and self-compassion skills in a time-limited environment helps male and female athletes combat competition distress.
Athlete Leadership as a Shared Process: Using a Social-Network Approach to Examine Athlete Leadership in Competitive Female Youth Soccer Teams
Authors: Duguay Ashley M. , Loughead Todd M. , Cook James M.
Published: March 2019

The present study sought to address 2 limitations of previous athlete-leadership research: (a) Researchers have predominantly examined the shared nature of athlete leadership using aggregated approaches, which has limited our ability to examine differences in the degree of sharedness between teams, and (b) the limited availability of research related to dyadic predictors (i.e., qualities of the relation between 2 individuals) of athlete leadership. Therefore, social-network analysis was used to examine athlete leadership across multiple levels (i.e., individual, dyadic, and network) in 4 competitive female youth soccer teams (N = 68). Findings demonstrated differences in the degree to which athlete leadership was shared between the teams. Furthermore, multiple-regression quadratic-assignment procedures showed that skill nomination and formal leadership status were significant predictors of how often participants reported looking to their teammates for leadership.
In Vitro
Activity of a Novel Glycopolymer against Biofilms of Burkholderia cepacia Complex Cystic Fibrosis Clinical Isolates
Authors: Narayanaswamy Vidya P. , Duncan Andrew P. , LiPuma John J. , Wiesmann William P. , Baker Shenda M. , Townsend Stacy M.
Published: March 2019

Burkholderia cepacia
complex (Bcc) lung infections in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients are often associated with a steady decline in lung function and death. The formation of biofilms and inherent multidrug resistance are virulence factors associated with Bcc infection and contribute to increased risk of mortality in CF patients.
Beta-
d
-Glucan for Diagnosing
Pneumocystis
Pneumonia: a Direct Comparison between the Wako β-Glucan Assay and the Fungitell Assay
Authors: Mercier Toine , Guldentops Ellen , Patteet Sofie , Beuselinck Kurt , Lagrou Katrien , Maertens Johan
Published: March 2019

Measuring serum beta-
d
-glucan (BDG) is a useful tool for supporting a quantitative PCR (qPCR)-based diagnosis of suspected
Pneumocystis
pneumonia (PCP) with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Since the 2000s, the Fungitell assay was the only BDG assay which was FDA cleared and Conformité Européenne (CE) marked.