bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study of male fertility control in Medicago truncatula uncovers an evolutionarily conserved recruitment of two tapetal bHLH subfamilies in plant sexual reproduction
Authors: Zheng Xiaoling , He Liangliang , Liu Ye , Mao Yawen , Wang Chaoqun , Zhao Baolin , Li Youhan , He Hua , Guo Shiqi , Zhang Liangsheng , Schneider Harald , Tadege Million , Chang Fang , Chen Jianghua 
Published: June 2020

Summary

Male sterility is an important tool for plant breeding and hybrid seed production. Male‐sterile mutants are largely due to an abnormal development of either the sporophytic or gametophytic anther tissues. Tapetum, a key sporophytic tissue, provides nutrients for pollen development, and its delayed degeneration induces pollen abortion. Numerous bHLH proteins have been documented to participate in the degeneration of the tapetum in angiosperms, but relatively little attention has been given to the evolution of the involved developmental pathways across the phylogeny of land plants.

A combination of cellular, molecular, biochemical and evolutionary analyses was used to investigate the male fertility control in Medicago truncatula.

We characterized the male‐sterile mutant empty anther1 (ean1) and identified EAN1 as a tapetum‐specific bHLH transcription factor necessary for tapetum degeneration. Our study uncovered an evolutionarily conserved recruitment of bHLH subfamily II and III(a + c)1 in the regulation of tapetum degeneration. EAN1 belongs to the subfamily II and specifically forms heterodimers with the subfamily III(a + c)1 members, which suggests a heterodimerization mechanism conserved in angiosperms.

Our work suggested that the pathway of two tapetal‐bHLH subfamilies is conserved in all land plants, and likely was established before the divergence of the spore‐producing land plants.
Expression of cannabinoid CB1R–GPR55 heteromers in neuronal subtypes of the Macaca fascicularis striatum
Authors: Martínez‐Pinilla Eva , Rico Alberto J. , Rivas‐Santisteban Rafael , Lillo Jaume , Roda Elvira , Navarro Gemma , Franco Rafael , Lanciego José Luis 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe cannabinoid CB1 receptor (CB1R) is the most abundant G protein–coupled receptor in the central nervous system, consistent with the important role of endocannabinoids as neuromodulators. Cannabinoids also modulate the function of G protein–coupled receptor 55 (GPR55), which forms heteroreceptor complexes with the CB1R in the striatum. The aim was to characterize cannabinoid CB1R–GPR55 heteromers (CB1R/GPR55Hets) in the basal ganglia input nuclei of nonhuman primates, Macaca fascicularis, both in projection neurons and interneurons, by the in situ proximity ligation assay. Striatal projecting neurons were identified by the retrograde neuroanatomical tracer, biotinylated dextran amine (BDA), injected into external or internal subdivisions of the globus pallidus. Triple immunofluorescent stains were carried out to visualize (1) BDA‐labeled neurons, (2) CB1R/GPR55Hets, and (3) striatal interneurons positive for choline acetyltransferase, parvalbumin, calretinin, or nitric oxide synthase. CB1R/GPR55Hets were identified within both types of projection neurons as well as all interneurons except those that are cholinergic. Moreover, CB1R/GPR55Hets were found specifically in the neuronal cell surface, and also in intracellular membranes. Further research efforts will be needed to confirm the intracellular occurrence of heteromers and their potential as therapeutic targets in diseases related to motor control imbalances, particularly within a parkinsonian context (with or without levodopa‐induced dyskinesia).
Question order bias revisited: A split‐ballot experiment on satisfaction with public services among experienced and professional users
Authors: Thau Mads , Mikkelsen Maria Falk , Hjortskov Morten , Pedersen Mogens Jin 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPublic decision‐makers increasingly rely on satisfaction surveys to inform budget and policy decisions. Yet, our knowledge of whether, and under what conditions, this input from public service users provides valid performance information remains incomplete. Using a preregistered split‐ballot experiment among government grant recipients in Denmark, this article shows that the ordering of survey questions can bias satisfaction measures even for highly experienced and professional respondents. We find that asking about overall satisfaction before any specific service ratings lowers overall user satisfaction, compared to the reverse order, while the correlations between specific ratings and overall satisfaction are relatively stable. Also, the question order effect outweighs that of a large‐scale embezzlement scandal, which unexpectedly hit the investigated government agency during the data collection. Our results support rising concerns that subjective performance indicators are susceptible to bias. We discuss how practitioners should approach satisfaction surveys to account for the risk of question order bias.
Improving the performance of public organizations: Financial resources and the conditioning effect of clientele context
Authors: Flink Carla , Molina Angel Luis 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe link between expenditures and organizational performance is central to our understanding of public sector governance. Despite various empirical and theoretical accounts of how organizations buffer or exploit financial situations to stabilize outcomes, the literature remains split on how money influences organizational performance. This study sheds new light on this puzzle by developing an analysis of clientele contexts, and how such contexts intervene in the relationship between expenditure and performance. We analyse competing hypotheses for the heterogeneous effects of clientele contexts on funding and performance—one in which these contexts strengthen the relationship, and one in which they weaken the relationship. Through district‐level empirical analyses of public education data over a 17‐year period, we find that instructional spending changes influence student performance, and that the impact is conditioned by the socioeconomic mix of students. Organizations that serve low‐income communities see the greatest performance gains from increased monetary resources.
Use of a simulation‐based mastery learning curriculum to improve ultrasound‐guided vascular access skills of pediatric anesthesiologists
Authors: Ballard Heather A. , Tsao Michelle , Robles Alison , Phillips Mitch , Hajduk John , Feinglass Joseph , Barsuk Jeffrey H. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundPediatric vascular access is inherently challenging due to the small caliber of children's vessels. Ultrasound‐guided intravenous catheter insertion has been shown to increase success rates and decrease time to cannulation in patients with difficult intravenous access. Although proficiency in ultrasound‐guided intravenous catheter insertion is a critical skill in pediatric anesthesia, there are no published competency‐based training curricula.AimsThe objective of this study was to evaluate the performance of pediatric anesthesiologists who participated in a novel ultrasound‐guided intravenous catheter insertion simulation‐based mastery learning curriculum.MethodsPediatric anesthesia attendings, fellows, and rotating residents participated in the ultrasound‐guided intravenous catheter insertion simulation‐based mastery learning curriculum from August 2019 to February 2020. The 2‐hour curriculum consisted of participants first undergoing a simulated skills pretest followed by watching a video on ultrasound‐guided intravenous catheter insertion and deliberate practice on a simulator. Subsequently, all participants took a post‐test and were required to meet or exceed a minimum passing standard. Those who were unable to meet the minimum passing standard participated in further practice until they could be retested and met this standard. We compared pre to post‐test ultrasound‐guided intravenous catheter insertion skills and self‐confidence before and after participation in the curriculum.ResultsTwenty‐six pediatric anesthesia attendings, 12 fellows, and 38 residents participated in the curriculum. At pretest, 16/76 (21%) participants were able to meet or exceed the minimum passing standard. The median score on the pretest was 21/25 skills checklist items correct and improved to 24/25 at post‐test (95% CI 3.0‐4.0, P < .01). Self‐confidence significantly improved after the course from an average of 3.2 before the course to a postcourse score of 3.9 (95% CI 0.5‐0.9, P < .01; 1 = Not all confident, 5 = Very confident).ConclusionsSimulation‐based mastery learning significantly improved anesthesiologists’ ultrasound‐guided intravenous catheter insertion performance in a simulated setting.
Resistance and susceptibility QTL identified in a rice MAGIC population by screening with a minor‐effect virulence factor fromXanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae
Authors: Huerta Alejandra I. , Delorean Emily E. , Bossa‐Castro Ana M. , Tonnessen Bradley W. , Raghavan Chitra , Corral Rene , Pérez‐Quintero Álvaro L. , Leung Hei , Verdier Valérie , Leach Jan E. 
Published: June 2020

SummaryEffective and durable disease resistance for bacterial blight (BB) of rice is a continuous challenge due to the evolution and adaptation of the pathogen,Xanthomonas oryzaepv.oryzae(Xoo), on cultivated rice varieties. Fundamental to this pathogens’ virulence is transcription activator‐like (TAL) effectors that activate transcription of host genes and contribute differently to pathogen virulence, fitness or both. Host plant resistance is predicted to be more durable if directed at strategic virulence factors that impact both pathogen virulence and fitness. We characterized Tal7b, a minor‐effect virulence factor that contributes incrementally to pathogen virulence in rice, is a fitness factor to the pathogen and is widely present in geographically diverse strains ofXoo. To identify sources of resistance to this conserved effector, we used a highly virulent strain carrying a plasmid borne copy of Tal7b to screen an indica multi‐parent advanced generation inter‐cross (MAGIC) population. Of 18 QTL revealed by genome‐wide association studies and interval mapping analysis, six were specific to Tal7b (qBB‐tal7b). Overall, 150 predicted Tal7b gene targets overlapped with qBB‐tal7bQTL. Of these, 21 showed polymorphisms in the predicted effector binding element (EBE) site and 23 lost the EBE sequence altogether. Inoculation and bioinformatics studies suggest that the Tal7b target in one of the Tal7b‐specific QTL, qBB‐tal7b‐8, is a disease susceptibility gene and that the resistance mechanism for this locus may be through loss of susceptibility. Our work demonstrates that minor‐effect virulence factors significantly contribute to disease and provide a potential new approach to identify effective disease resistance.
The impact of donor full‐length KIR2DS4 in the development of acute and chronic GVHD after unrelated allogeneic HSCT
Authors: An Kang , Li Benshang , Luo Changying , Wang Jianmin , Luo Chengjuan , Chen Jing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBackgroundKiller Ig‐like receptor 2DS4 (KIR2DS4) is the most prevalent activating killer Ig‐like receptor gene. It is divergent and encodes either full‐length or deleted allele variants. The studies of donor killer KIR2DS4 in unrelated allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations were limited.MethodsKIR and HLA genotyping were determined in 75 pairs of Chinese pediatric hematologic malignancy patients.ResultsAmong the 75 donor‐recipient pairs, 77.3% (58/75) of the donors were positive for full‐length KIR2DS4 and 22.7% (17/75) were negative. Patients who had donors positive for full‐length KIR2DS4 had higher cumulative incidence of aGVHD than patients whose donor negative for full‐length KIR2DS4 (86.2% versus 76.5%, P = .038). Multivariate analysis showed full‐length KIR2DS4 was the significant factor for I‐IV aGVHD (HR = 2.166, 95% CI: 1.01‐4.26, P = .025). Subgroup analysis showed that AML and CML patients who received donors negative for full‐length KIR2DS4 have a higher cumulative incidences of cGVHD (75% vs 62%, P = .008). There were no significant effects of full‐length KIR2DS4 on overall survival (P = .13), relapse‐free survival (P = .14), CMV reactivation (P = .52), and relapse (HR = 0.38, 95% CI: 0.09‐1.6, P = .1875).ConclusionsOur findings indicated a significant correlation of donor full‐length KIR2DS4 on aGVHD and cGVHD. These results suggested that combining KIR and HLA genotyping may help make a better sense of transplants in these patients.
TheTractatusand the Riddles of Philosophy*
Authors: Nir Gilad 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe notion of the riddle plays a pivotal role in Wittgenstein’sTractatus. By examining the comparisons he draws between philosophical problems and riddles, this paper offers a reassessment of the aims and methods of the book. Solving an ordinary riddle does not consist in learning a new fact; what it requires is that we transform the way we use words. Similarly, Wittgenstein proposes to transform the way philosophers understand the nature of their problems. But since he holds that these problems are ultimately unsolvable, rather than attempting to solve the riddles of philosophy, he aims to dissolve them.
Response of nutrient resorption of Leymus chinensis to nitrogen and phosphorus addition in a meadow steppe of northeast China
Authors: Shi B. , Ling X. , Cui H. , Song W. , Gao Y. , Sun W. 
Published: June 2020

Abstract

Nutrient resorption, one of the most important strategies for plant nutrient conservation, is significantly affected by soil fertility. However, the effects of experimentally altered soil fertility on plant N and P resorption are poorly understood.

The potential nutrient resorption response mechanisms of the dominant species Leymus chinensis to six N addition levels (0, 2.5, 5, 10, 20 and 40 g·N·m−2·year−1), two P addition levels (0 and 10 g P·m−2·year−1) and their interactions were studied after 3 years of treatments in a temperate meadow steppe.

In both green leaves and culms, N and P addition significantly increased N and P concentrations, respectively. Nitrogen addition led to a decrease in the N resorption efficiency (NRE) of both leaves and culms. Within each N treatment, P addition decreased the P resorption efficiency (PRE) of both leaves and culms and the NRE of leaves, except in the N2.5 treatment. Both NRE and PRE in leaves were higher than those in culms under N and P addition conditions. The nutrient concentrations and resorption efficiency were significantly correlated with the soil nutrient availability.

Our results suggest that plants rely more on nutrient absorption from the soil, reducing the proportion of elements obtained through nutrient resorption in nutrient‐rich environments.
TGIF1 and SF1 polymorphisms are associated with litter size in Small Tail Han sheep
Authors: Zhang Zhuangbiao , He Xiaoyun , Liu Qiuyue , Tang Jishun , Di Ran , Chu Mingxing 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTGF‐β induced factor homeobox 1 (TGIF1) and splicing factor 1 (SF1) are important for mammalian reproduction; however, the effects of these genes on litter size in sheep remain unexplored. In this study, we genotyped 768 ewes from seven sheep breeds at two loci: g.37871539C>T, a synonymous mutation of TGIF1; and g.42314637T>C, a 3′UTR variant of SF1. Our analysis of polymorphism revealed only two genotypes at locus g.37871539C>T in TGIF1, with most sheep populations being moderately polymorphic (0.25 < PIC < 0.5) at this site. In contrast, most breeds exhibited low polymorphism (PIC ≤0.25) at the SF1 locus g.42314637T>C. The association analysis revealed that a synonymous mutation at g.37871539C>T in TGIF1 was highly associated with litter size in Small Tail Han sheep, in which it causes a significant decrease in litter size. Conversely, while the SF1 3′UTR variant g.42314637T>C was also highly associated with litter size in sheep, it causes a significant increase in the number of litter size. Combined, these data provide valuable information regarding candidate genetic markers for sheep breeding programs.
New protocol to separate llama sperm without enzymatic treatment using Androcoll‐E™
Authors: Bertuzzi Mariana L. , Fumuso Fernanda G. , Giuliano Susana M. , Miragaya Marcelo H. , Gallelli María F. , Carretero María I. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to design a protocol to separate spermatozoa from seminal plasma of raw llama semen without prior enzymatic treatment using a single‐layer centrifugation with Androcoll‐E™ (AE). Two experiments were performed: (a) samples were divided into three aliquots (1 ml) that were deposited on the top of 4, 5 or 6 ml of AE and were centrifuged at 800g for 20 min and (b) samples were divided into two aliquots (1 ml) that were deposited on the top of 4 ml of AE and were centrifuged at 600g or 1,000g for 20 min. Columns of 5 and 6 ml of AE showed a total sperm motility (TM) significantly lower, while in the 4 ml column, this parameter was not different from the TM of samples before the AE treatment. The percentage of spermatozoa with intact and functional membranes, normal morphology and intact acrosomes, as well as the percentages of sperm with highly condensed chromatin, was conserved (p ˃ .05) in the three column heights and in the two centrifugation speeds evaluated. In conclusion, the different column heights of AE (4, 5 and 6 ml) and the different centrifugation speeds used (600, 800 and 1,000g) allow separating spermatozoa of raw llama semen without enzymatic treatment, preserving the evaluated sperm characteristics. However, of all the studied treatments, centrifugation in the 4 ml column of AE at 800g would be the method of choice to process raw llama semen samples destined for reproductive biotechnologies.
Putative role of marginal zone B cells in pathophysiological processes
Authors: Marinkovic Dragan , Marinkovic Tatjana 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe maintenance of inner integrity of an organism is founded on the proper performance of two immunity branches, innate and adaptive immune responses. Recently, it became apparent that subset of splenic B cells named marginal zone B cells (MZB cells) exhibits unique developmental and functional features that bridge these two immunity branches. Strategically positioned at the site where blood and lymph are filtered, MZB cells represent a population of sentinels that rapidly proliferate and differentiate into IgM plasmablast cells when encountered with blood‐borne, thymus‐independent (TI) Ags. Moreover, MZB cells have intrinsic capability to induce potent CD4+ helper T cell response and cytokine production upon stimulation with soluble antigens. Due to their ability to overcome a time gap prior the establishment of the full adaptive response towards pathogens, MZB cells connect and direct innate and adaptive immunity. An additional interesting characteristic of MZB cells is capacity to function as regulatory cells in autoimmune processes. MZB cells may also contribute to the control of autoimmunity via the induction of tolerance by apoptotic cells. Importantly, in the clear association with inflammation and autoimmunity, MZB cells may transform into MALT lymphoma, representing a concurrence point for the infection, immunity and malignancy. This paper presents an insight into the complex biology of marginal zone B cells and their role in intertwining and directing innate and adaptive immune processes at the physiological and pathological level.
IgG‐mediated suppression of antibody responses: Hiding or snatching epitopes?
Authors: Xu Hui , Heyman Birgitta 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAntibodies forming a complex with antigen in vivo can dramatically change the antibody response to this antigen. In some situations, the response will be a 100‐fold stronger than in animals immunized with antigen alone, and in other situations, the response will be completely suppressed. IgG is known to suppress the antibody response, for example to erythrocytes, and this is used clinically in Rhesus prophylaxis. The mechanism behind IgG‐mediated immune suppression is still not understood. Here, we will review studies performed in experimental animal models and discuss the various hypotheses put forward to explain the profound suppressive effect of IgG. We conclude that an exclusive role for negative regulation of B cells through FcγRIIB, increased clearance of erythrocytes from the circulation or complement‐mediated lysis is unlikely. Epitope masking, where IgG hides the epitope from B cells, or trogocytosis, where IgG removes the epitope from the erythrocyte, is compatible with many observations. These two mechanisms are not mutually exclusive. Moreover, it cannot be ruled out that clearance, in combination with other mechanisms, plays a role.
Electric field‐induced changes in biomechanical properties in human dermal fibroblasts and a human skin equivalent
Authors: Han Se Jik , Moon Donggerami , Park Moon Young , Kwon Sangwoo , Noh Minjoo , Jang Jihui , Lee Jun Bae , Kim Kyung Sook 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeAn electric field (EF) can be used to change the mechanical properties of cells and skin tissues. We demonstrate EF‐induced elasticity changes in human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) and a human skin equivalent and identify the underlying principles related to the changes.MethodsHDFs and human skin equivalent were stimulated with electric fields of 1.0 V/cm. Change in cellular elasticity was determined by using atomic force microscopy. Effects of EF on the biomechanical and chemical properties of a human skin equivalent were analyzed. In cells and tissues, the effects of EF on biomarkers of cellular elasticity were investigated at the gene and protein levels.ResultsIn HDFs, the cellular elasticity was increased and the expression of biomarkers of cellular elasticity was regulated by the EF. Expression of the collagen protein in the human skin equivalent was changed by EF stimulation; however, changes in density and microstructure of the collagen fibrils were not significant. The viscoelasticity of the human skin equivalent increased in response to EF stimulation, but molecular changes were not observed in collagen.ConclusionsElasticity of cells and human skin equivalent can be regulated by electrical stimulation. Especially, the change in cellular elasticity was dependent on cell age.