bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA6443‐mediated regulation of FERULATE 5‐HYDROXYLASE gene alters lignin composition and enhances saccharification in Populus tomentosa
Authors: Fan Di , Li Chaofeng , Fan Chunfen , Hu Jian , Li Jianqiu , Yao Shu , Lu Wanxiang , Yan Yangyang , Luo Keming 
Published: December 2019

Summary

Ferulate 5‐hydroxylase (F5H) is a limiting enzyme involved in biosynthesizing sinapyl (S) monolignol in angiosperms. Genetic regulation of F5H can influence S monolignol synthesis and therefore improve saccharification efficiency and biofuel production. To date, little is known about whether F5H is post‐transcriptionally regulated by endogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) in woody plants.

Here, we report that a microRNA, miR6443, specifically regulates S lignin biosynthesis during stem development in Populus tomentosa.

In situ hybridization showed that miR6443 is preferentially expressed in vascular tissues. We further identified that F5H2 is the direct target of miR6443. Overexpression of miR6443 decreased the transcript level of F5H2 in transgenic plants, resulting in a significant reduction in S lignin content. Conversely, reduced miR6443 expression by short tandem target mimics (STTM) elevated F5H2 transcripts, therefore increasing S lignin composition. Introduction of a miR6443‐resistant form of F5H2 into miR6443‐overexpression plants restored lignin ectopic composition, supporting that miR6443 specifically regulated S lignin biosynthesis by repressing F5H2 in P. tomentosa. Furthermore, saccharification assays revealed decreased hexose yields by 7.5–24.5% in miR6443‐overexpression plants compared with the wild‐type control, and increased hexoses yields by 13.2–14.6% in STTM6443‐overexpression plants.

Collectively, we demonstrate that miR6443 modulates S lignin biosynthesis by specially regulating F5H2 in P. tomentosa.
Comparison between Percutaneous Screw Fixation and Plate Fixation via Sinus Tarsi Approach for Calcaneal Fractures: An 8–10‐Year Follow‐up Study
Authors: Weng Qi‐hao , Dai Gao‐le , Tu Qi‐ming , Liu Yang , Lutchooman Vinesh , Hong Jian‐jun , Yu Yang 
Published: December 2019

ObjectiveTo assess the long‐term outcomes after percutaneous reduction (PR) and screw fixation versus plate fixation via the sinus tarsi approach (STA) for displaced intra‐articular calcaneal fractures (DIACF).MethodsThis retrospective study included a total of 150 patients (June 2008–August 2011), comprising 85 men and 65 women (mean age, 38.4 years), who were assigned to the PR group or the STA group. The inclusion criteria were DIACF (>2 mm) including Sanders type II and III, closed fracture, unilateral fracture, no history of smoking or no smoking during hospitalization and 3 months after surgery, and follow‐up time not less than 8 years. The exclusion criteria were clear surgical contraindications (severe cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases), local or systemic infection symptoms, diagnosis with diabetes or lower extremity vascular disease, and Sanders type IV or open fractures. Outcomes were assessed by means of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot scores, radiographic images, and postoperative complications.ResultsThe mean follow‐up period was 8.7 years (range, 8.0–10.0 years). The AOFAS scores in the PR group during the follow‐up period were 54.2 ± 5.1, 85.8 ± 4.0, 88.1 ± 3.8, 87.9 ± 3.6, 87.8 ± 3.9, 86.9 ± 3.9, respectively, and in the STA group were 55.0 ± 5.6, 84.5 ± 5.2, 87.1 ± 3.8, 86.9 ± 3.8, 87.7 ± 3.3, and 87.6 ± 2.8, respectively. There was no significant difference in AOFAS scores, Bohler's angle, Gissane's angle, calcaneal length, and height between the two groups (P > 0.05). The good to excellent rate of the PR group (80.8%) was less than that of the STA group (91.7%) (P = 0.055). For Sanders III fractures, the good to excellent rate of the PR group (33.3%) was less than that of the STA group (76.9%) (P = 0.029). For calcaneal width recovery, the STA group performed better than the PR group (P < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative complications in the PR group (12.8%) was lower than that in the STA group (27.8%) (P = 0.026), of which the incidence of wound complications was 3.8% in the PR group and 13.9% in the STA group (P = 0.041). In addition, there was no significant difference in other postoperative complications such as sural nerve injury, peroneus longus and brevis muscle injury, calcaneal valgus symptoms, lateral impingement symptoms, and subtalar arthritis (P > 0.05).ConclusionFrom the 8–10‐year follow‐up results of PR and STA as surgical procedures for the treatment of DIACF, it was found that there was no significant difference in the overall efficacy between them. STA was found to be superior to the PR in terms of the recovery of calcaneal width, providing more stable fixation for Sanders III fractures. PR was found to be more effective in reducing wound complications.
Genetic and signalling pathways of dry fruit size: targets for genome editing‐based crop improvement
Authors: Hussain Quaid , Shi Jiaqin , Scheben Armin , Zhan Jiepeng , Wang Xinfa , Liu Guihua , Yan Guijun , King Graham J. , Edwards David , Wang Hanzhong 
Published: December 2019

SummaryFruit is seed‐bearing structures specific to angiosperm that form from the gynoecium after flowering. Fruit size is an important fitness character for plant evolution and an agronomical trait for crop domestication/improvement. Despite the functional and economic importance of fruit size, the underlying genes and mechanisms are poorly understood, especially for dry fruit types. Improving our understanding of the genomic basis for fruit size opens the potential to apply gene‐editing technology such as CRISPR/Cas to modulate fruit size in a range of species. This review examines the genes involved in the regulation of fruit size and identifies their genetic/signalling pathways, including the phytohormones, transcription and elongation factors, ubiquitin‐proteasome and microRNA pathways, G‐protein and receptor kinases signalling, arabinogalactan and RNA‐binding proteins. Interestingly, different plant taxa have conserved functions for various fruit size regulators, suggesting that common genome edits across species may have similar outcomes. Many fruit size regulators identified to date are pleiotropic and affect other organs such as seeds, flowers and leaves, indicating a coordinated regulation. The relationships between fruit size and fruit number/seed number per fruit/seed size, as well as future research questions, are also discussed.
Intervening in sibling competition for assimilates by controlled pollination prevents seed abortion under postpollination drought in maize
Authors: Shen Si , Liang Xiao‐Gui , Zhang Li , Zhao Xue , Liu Yun‐Peng , Lin Shan , Gao Zhen , Wang Pu , Wang Zhi‐Min , Zhou Shun‐Li 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDuring maize production, drought throughout the flowering stage usually induces seed abortion and yield losses. The influence of postpollination drought stress on seed abortion and its underlying mechanisms are not well characterized. By intervening in the competition for assimilates between kernel siblings under different degrees of postpollination drought stresses accompanied by synchronous pollination (SP) and incomplete pollination (ICP) approaches, the mechanisms of postpollination abortion were investigated at physiological and molecular levels. Upon SP treatment, up to 15% of the fertilized apical kernels were aborted in the drought‐exacerbated competition for assimilates. The aborted kernels exhibited weak sucrose hydrolysis and starch synthesis but promoted the synthesis of trehalose‐6‐phosphate and ethylene. In ICP where basal pollination was prevented, apical kernel growth was restored with reinstated sucrose metabolism and starch synthesis and promoted sucrose and hexose levels under drought stress. In addition, the equilibrium between ethylene and polyamine in response to the drought and pollination treatments was associated with the abortion process. We conclude that competition for assimilates drives postpollination kernel abortion, whereas differences in sugar metabolism and the equilibrium between ethylene and polyamines may be relevant to the “live or die” choice of kernel siblings during this competition.
Functional analysis of mTERF5 and mTERF9 contribution to salt tolerance, plastid gene expression and retrograde signalling in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Núñez‐Delegido E. , Robles P. , Ferrández‐Ayela A. , Quesada V. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We previously showed that Arabidopsis mda1 and mterf9 mutants, defective in the chloroplast‐targeted mitochondrial transcription termination factors mTERF5 and mTERF9, respectively, display altered responses to abiotic stresses and abscisic acid (ABA), as well as perturbed development, likely through abnormal chloroplast biogenesis.

To advance the functional analysis of mTERF5 and mTERF9, we obtained and characterized overexpression (OE) lines. Additionally, we studied genetic interactions between sca3‐2, affected in the plastid‐RNA polymerase RpoTp, and the mda1‐1 and mterf9 mutations. We also investigated the role of mTERF5 and mTERF9 in plastid translation and plastid‐to‐nucleus signalling.

We found that mTERF9 OE reduces salt and ABA tolerance, while mTERF5 or mTERF9 OE alter expression of nuclear and plastid genes. We determined that mda1‐1 and mterf9 mutations genetically interact with sca3‐2. Further, plastid 16S rRNA levels were reduced in mda1‐1 and mterf9 mutants, and mterf9 was more sensitive to chemical inhibitors of chloroplast translation. Expression of the photosynthesis gene LHCB1, a retrograde signalling marker, was differentially affected in mda1‐1 and/or mterf9 compared to wild‐type Col‐0, after treatments with inhibitors of carotenoid biosynthesis (norflurazon) or chloroplast translation (lincomycin). Moreover, mterf9, but not mda1‐1, synergistically interacts with gun1‐1, defective in GUN1, a central integrator of plastid retrograde signals.

Our results show that mTERF9, and to a lesser extent mTERF5, are negative regulators of salt tolerance and that both genes are functionally related to RpoTp, and that mTERF9 is likely required for plastid ribosomal stability and/or assembly. Furthermore, our findings support a role for mTERF9 in retrograde signalling.
Periodontal therapeutics: Current host‐modulation agents and future directions
Authors: Golub Lorne M. , Lee Hsi‐Ming 
Published: December 2019

Abstract With the recognition in the 1960s and 1970s of the periodontopathic importance of the microbial biofilm and its specific anaerobic microorganisms, periodontitis was treated as an infectious disease (more recently, as a dysbiosis). Subsequently, in the 1980s, host‐response mechanisms were identified as the mediators of the destruction of the collagen‐rich periodontal tissues (gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone), and the periodontopathogens were now regarded as the "trigger" of the inflammatory/collagenolytic response that characterizes actively destructive periodontitis. Also at this time a new pharmacologic strategy emerged, entitled "host‐modulation therapy", based on 2 major findings: (1) that the ability of tetracycline antibiotics to inhibit periodontal breakdown was due (in large part) to their previously unrecognized ability to inhibit the host‐derived matrix metalloproteinases (notably, the collagenases, gelatinases, macrophage metalloelastase), and by mechanisms unrelated to the antimicrobial properties of these medications; and (2) that nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, such as flurbiprofen, again by nonantimicrobial mechanisms, could reduce the severity of periodontitis (however, the adverse effects of long‐term therapy precluded their development as safe and effective host‐modulatory agents). Additional mechanistic studies resulted in the development of novel nonantimicrobial formulations (Periostat® [now generic] and Oracea®) and compositions of tetracyclines (notably chemically modified tetracycline‐3) as host‐modulator drugs for periodontitis, arthritis, cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, cancer, and, more recently, for local and systemic bone loss in postmenopausal women. Identification of the cation‐binding active site in the tetraphenolic chemically modified tetracycline molecules drove the development of a new category of matrix metalloproteinase‐inhibitor compounds, with a similar active site, the biphenolic chemically modified curcumins. A lead compound, chemically modified curcumin 2.24, has demonstrated safety and efficacy in vitro, in cell culture, and in vivo in mouse, rat, rabbit, and dog models of disease. In conclusion, novel host‐modulation compounds have shown significant promise as adjuncts to traditional local therapy in the clinical management of periodontal disease; appear to reduce systemic complications of this all‐too‐common "inflammatory/collagenolytic" disease; and Oracea® is now commonly prescribed for inflammatory dermatologic diseases.
Advances in implant therapy in North America: Improved outcomes and application in the compromised dentition
Authors: Saito Hanae , Aichelmann‐Reidy Mary Beth , Oates Thomas W. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAdvances in dental implant therapy have strengthened our understanding of the management of the implant‐soft tissue interface, with site‐specific implications ranging from marginal tissue management and esthetics to immediate placement and restoration, and extend to patient‐level implications of systemic conditions. The advancements in implant therapy have placed an increased emphasis on patient‐centered outcomes. In this paper, the following conclusions can be drawn: improvements in both esthetics and long‐term maintenance have been guided by the study of the marginal peri‐implant tissues leading to innovations in implant design along the implant‐abutment interface. Patient expectations for simple and realistic time intervals for treatment have promoted the use of immediate implant placement and restoration. The expansion of implant therapy offers implant options for patients with medical conditions, with one in particular, diabetes mellitus a focus of this paper. Studies on patients with diabetes are supporting the development of evidence‐based treatment considerations with broader application and greater benefits for the use of implant therapy across a larger patient population. This paper is not intended to offer a comprehensive review, but offers a representative review of some of the many contributions of USA and North American clinicians to the global scientific dialogue that has guided the development of dental implant therapy.
Probiotics, including nisin‐based probiotics, improve clinical and microbial outcomes relevant to oral and systemic diseases
Authors: Nguyen Trang , Brody Hanna , Lin Guo‐Hao , Rangé Hélène , Kuraji Ryutaro , Ye Changchang , Kamarajan Pachiyappan , Radaic Allan , Gao Li , Kapila Yvonne 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe effects of probiotic supplementation on systemic health and gastrointestinal diseases have been investigated in numerous studies. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of probiotics and their effects on periodontal health. Probiotics show beneficial effects as adjunctive therapeutics and as stand‐alone agents in the treatment and prevention of gingivitis as well as specific clinical parameters of periodontitis. This review focuses on the clinical and microbiological aspects of probiotics in the context of health, gingivitis, and periodontitis. In addition, a special focus on nisin‐producing probiotics and nisin itself showcase their significant potential for oral and systemic use.
The South Africa‐U.S. Trade and the Real Exchange Rate: Asymmetric Evidence from 25 Industries
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Gelan Abera 
Published: December 2019

AbstractPrevious studies that assessed the effects of exchange rate changes on the trade balance of South Africa assumed that the effects are symmetric. In this paper we violate that assumption and assess the asymmetric effects of the real rand‐dollar rate on the trade balance of 25 2‐digit industries that trade between South Africa and the U.S. We find short‐run asymmetric effects in a total of 19 industries but short‐run cumulative or impact asymmetric effects only on five industries. Short‐run asymmetric effects lasted into long‐run asymmetric effects on 14 industries. Further analysis revealed industries that will benefit from rand depreciation and those that will be hurt from rand appreciation.
The pursuit of multiple goals
Authors: Kung Franki Y.H. , Scholer Abigail A. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractJuggling multiple goals is an inescapable reality of human life. Over the past two decades, the study of the nature of multiple (vs. single) goals has emerged to become an influential topic. To facilitate the understanding of the current state of the literature, this article presents an overview of the study of multiple goals. It first addresses the nature and impact of dual‐goal relations and reviews strategies people use to manage goal conflict (i.e., choosing, multitasking, and prioritizing). It then examines ways to conceptualize the relations among a collection of goals (i.e., goal structure), highlights emerging research in this area, and discusses factors that contribute to optimizing the pursuit of multiple goals. Throughout, the review highlights knowledge gaps and the need for future research to study subjective experiences in managing multiple goals.
One new policy: A variety of applications—The implementation processes of a new mental health policy in Sweden
Authors: Fjellfeldt Maria 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe increase in mental ill health at a global level is widely acknowledged. This trend has led to the development of new policy frameworks that focus on public mental health. This study aimed to explore the implementation process regarding regional and local responses to national policy, proposing a substantially enhanced understanding of mental health within the Swedish welfare system. To explore the implementation process, a multiple case study was conducted using snowball sampling. In all, 18 key informants were interviewed. The results revealed that the informants adopted an experimental implementation process in which policy learning could take place. Contextual factors were essential for how a broad policy approach could be translated into practice. The broad policy not only made it possible for local needs to be addressed, but it also allowed for variations in focus position within the country as a whole. There seemed to be no consensus among the informants as to the origin or solution to the problem. Essentially, the question of whether public mental health issues should be dealt with at a structural or individual level remained unresolved. The Swedish case could be understood as an illustrative example of how one country attempts to handle a major problem despite insufficient information to direct the initiative towards a certain direction.
Improving Disturbance Rejection in Nonlinear Active Magnetic Bearing Systems: Using Lur'e Formulation
Authors: Gerami Ali , Fittro Roger , Knospe Carl 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The efficacy of magnetic bearing controllers designed to reject transient disturbances is evaluated via a series of experiments. The experiment consists of a rocking beam with opposing electromagnetic actuators for control as well as an actuator for applying a disturbance torque. Controller synthesis employed a generalized Lur'e system approach to accommodate the nonlinear magnetization behavior of the electromagnetic actuator iron. Experimental results demonstrate significant improvements in disturbance rejection with controllers based upon the Lur'e system approach. Good agreement between simulation and experimental results was obtained, providing confidence that similar benefits can be achieved in industrial machinery employing active magnetic bearings.
Necessary and Sufficient Conditions for Group Consensus of Agents With Third-Order Dynamics in Directed Networks
Authors: Cihan Onur , Akar Mehmet 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In this paper, we investigate the group consensus problem in directed networks where agents have third-order dynamics. Necessary and sufficient conditions on the controller parameters are obtained to ensure K-equilibria group consensus where K is determined by the structure of the directed graph. It is theoretically shown that, for an arbitrary directed graph, there exist controller parameters that satisfy the given conditions. A systematic method for choosing the controller parameters to guarantee group consensus is suggested and theoretical results are verified by numerical examples.
Subsection NF—Supports
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Uma S. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code Section III, Division 1, Subsection NF, was developed in an attempt to provide rules for the estimated 10,000 piping and component supports existing in a typical nuclear power plant. This chapter provides information on the origins and evolution of design rules and is intended to allow designers, engineers, and fabricators to make better use of Subsection NF of the ASME Code. It begins with an introduction to Article NF-1000, focusing on the scope, types of supports, and boundaries of jurisdiction for supports. The chapter then describes the NF-2000 material requirements, providing information on permitted and exempt materials, material certification requirements, and impact testing of materials. Next, it discusses the design rules for supports—both plate-and-shell and linear. All aspects of design are considered, including stress theory, loadings, welding, bolting, load testing, and functional requirements. The chapter then addresses rules for NF-4000 fabrication and installation. These rules provide requirements for the entire fabrication cycle, including forming, fitting, aligning, welding, heat treatment, and bolted connections. The chapter also describes methods for nondestructive examination of support welds and relevant acceptance standards. It provides cross-referencing to Subsections NB, NC, ND, NE, and NG, as well as to the B31.1 and B31.3 Codes. The closing pages of this chapter address Code Cases and Interpretations. Discussions include Subsection NF Appendices, and with the help of figures, tables, and references, it is anticipated that the reader will develop a better understanding of Subsection NF and appreciate its complexities and usefulness.
Nuclear Pumps
Authors: Klein Ross R. , Gregg John V. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
This chapter focuses on specific aspects that are the driving and controlling forces in hydraulic systems for nuclear power plants. It discusses how the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code requirements are implemented for Class 1, 2, and 3 nuclear pumps designed to meet the requirements of the Code. The Design Specification defines the applicable Code, the class of construction for the pump, and all operational requirements which define how the components function in their applications. The Owner’s Responsibilities for the system design play an important part in establishing the rules applicable to the Design Specification for each safety-related pump. The chapter provides a historical perspective for the Code rules, cross-referencing other Subsections of the Code. It is written to refer to and explain the requirements for pump Subarticles NB, NC, and ND-3400, and Articles NB, NC, and ND-7000 of the 2015 Edition of the Code. A Nonmandatory Appendix divides pump internal parts into various categories and sets up requirements for appropriate quality levels.

History
Douglas B. Nickerson was the original author of this chapter. The second and third editions were updated by Marcus N. Bressler. The fourth edition was updated by Robert E. Comman. The fifth edition was updated by Ross R. Klein. The current online edition was updated by Ross R. Klein and John V. Gregg Jr.