bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Engineering plants to secrete affinity‐tagged pathogen elicitors for deciphering immune receptor complex or inducing enhanced immunity
Authors: Miao Shuang , Liu Jiuer , Guo Jianhang , Li Jian‐Feng 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPlant cells mount plenty of pattern‐recognition receptors (PRRs) to detect the microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) from potential microbial pathogens. MAMPs are overrepresented by proteinaneous patterns, such as the flg22 peptide from bacterial flagellin. Identification of PRR receptor complex components by forward or reverse genetics can be time/labor‐consuming, and be confounded by functional redundancies. Here, we present a strategy for identifying PRR complex components by engineering plants to inducibly secrete affinity‐tagged proteinaneous MAMPs to the apoplast. The PRR protein complexes bound to self‐secreted MAMPs are enriched through affinity purification and dissected by mass spectrometry. As a proof of principle, we could capture the flg22 receptor FLS2 and co‐receptor BAK1 using Arabidopsis plants secreting FLAG‐tagged flg22 under estradiol induction. Moreover, we identified receptor‐like kinases LIK1 and PEPR1/PEPR2 as potential components in the FLS2 receptor complex, which were further validated by protein–protein interaction assays and the reverse genetics approach. Our study showcases a simple way to biochemically identify endogenous PRR complex components without overexpressing the PRR or using chemical cross‐linkers, and suggests a possible crosstalk between different immune receptors in plants. A modest dose of estradiol can also be applied to inducing enhanced immunity in engineered plants to both bacterial and fungal pathogens.
Association between Bacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination and lymphoma: a population‐based birth cohort study
Authors: Salmon C. , Conus F. , Parent M.‐É. , Benedetti A. , Rousseau M.‐C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundMost risk factors for lymphoma identified so far relate to immunosuppression, but its aetiology remains unclear.ObjectivesWe investigated whether Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccination is associated with lymphoma, overall and separately for Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) and non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).MethodsA cohort of 400 611 subjects born in the province of Québec, Canada, between 1970 and 1974 was used. Information on BCG vaccination was extracted from the Quebec BCG Vaccination Registry. Lymphomas cases were individuals who had ≥2 health encounters, medical visits or hospitalizations, for lymphoma within 2 months or who were identified through the Quebec Tumor Registry. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence interval (CI), adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsA total of 178 335 (46.0%) subjects were BCG‐vaccinated, and 1478 (0.38%) cases of lymphomas were ascertained. Amongst them, 922 were identified as NHL and 421 as HL. After adjustment, no association was observed between BCG vaccination and either lymphoma (any type) (HR = 1.03, 95% CI: 0.96–1.11) or NHL (HR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.86–1.13). For HL, nonproportional hazards were observed. Before the age of 18, the risk of HL was elevated amongst vaccinated individuals (HR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.39–3.69). However after 18 years of age, no association was found (HR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.75–1.15).ConclusionBacillus Calmette–Guérin vaccination may increase the risk of HL before 18 years of age, but residual confounding cannot entirely be excluded. Given the benefits of BCG vaccination, these results need to be reproduced in other populations before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Binocular facilitation in light‐mediated melatonin suppression?
Authors: Spitschan Manuel , Cajochen Christian 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn humans, the production of melatonin is suppressed by light exposure. This effect is mediated by a retinal pathway involving the melanopsin‐containing intrinsincally photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs), which exhibit maximum sensitivity to short‐wavelength light. Here, based on extant and published data, we examine how signals from the two eyes are integrated in driving the suppression of melatonin by light. We find that melatonin suppression by light exposure to two eyes corresponds to a sensitivity shift by about 1.2 log units (factor ~17.4).
Secularity and Irreligion in Cross‐National Context: A Nonlinear Approach
Authors: Kasselstrand Isabella 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAs part of the conversation about the characteristics and scope of secularization in contemporary society, the implications of low levels of self‐defined atheism and explicit rejection of religion in nations with low levels of religious beliefs are not yet sufficiently explored. In response, this study uses aggregated data from the World Values Survey, the European Values Study, and Cross‐National Socio‐Economic and Religion Data from the Association of Religion Data Archives to investigate the relationships between nonbelief, atheism, and lack of confidence in churches or religious organizations. Regression findings show a concave curvilinear relationship between secularity (measured as the percentage of the population that does not believe in God) and irreligion (measured as (1) the percentage of self‐defined atheists in a country and (2) the percentage of individuals in a country who have no confidence at all in religious organizations). In other words, this study suggests that nonbelief is associated with an increase in self‐defined atheism and the lack of confidence in religious organizations, but that this effect wanes the more secular a society is. The findings further highlight the complexity of nonreligiosity and imply that a linear association cannot be assumed between measures of secularization, secularity, and irreligion.
Chance and predictability in evolution: The genomic basis of convergent dietary specializations in an adaptive radiation
Authors: Vizueta Joel , Macías‐Hernández Nuria , Arnedo Miquel A. , Rozas Julio , Sánchez‐Gracia Alejandro 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe coexistence of multiple eco‐phenotypes in independently assembled communities makes island adaptive radiations the ideal framework to test convergence and parallelism in evolution. In the radiation of the spider genusDysderain the Canary Islands, species diversification occurs concomitant with repeated events of trophic specialization. These dietary shifts, to feed primarily on woodlice, are accompanied by modifications in morphology (mostly in the mouthparts), behaviour and nutritional physiology. To gain insight into the molecular basis of this adaptive radiation, we performed a comprehensive comparative transcriptome analysis of five Canary IslandDysderaendemics representing two evolutionary and geographically independent events of dietary specialization. After controlling for the potential confounding effects of hemiplasy, our differential gene expression and selective constraint analyses identified a number of genetic changes that could be associated with the repeated adaptations to specialized diet of woodlice, including some related to heavy metal detoxification and homeostasis, the metabolism of some important nutrients and venom toxins. Our results shed light on the genomic basis of an extraordinary case of dietary shift convergence associated with species diversification. We uncovered putative molecular substrates of convergent evolutionary changes at different hierarchical levels, including specific genes, genes with equivalent functions and even particular amino acid positions. This study improves our knowledge of rapid adaptive radiations and provides new insights into the predictability of evolution.
Trait analysis reveals DOG1 determines initial depth of seed dormancy, but not changes during dormancy cycling that result in seedling emergence timing
Authors: Footitt Steven , Walley Peter G. , Lynn James R. , Hambidge Angela J. , Penfield Steven , Finch‐Savage William E. 
Published: July 2019

Summary

Seedling emergence timing is crucial in competitive plant communities and so contributes to species fitness. To understand the mechanistic basis of variation in seedling emergence timing, we exploited the contrasting behaviour of two Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes: Cape Verde Islands (Cvi) and Burren (Bur‐0).

We used RNA‐Seq analysis of RNA from exhumed seeds and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses on a mapping population from crossing the Cvi and Bur‐0 ecotypes.

We determined genome‐wide expression patterns over an annual dormancy cycle in both ecotypes, identifying nine major clusters based on the seasonal timing of gene expression, and variation in behaviour between them. QTL were identified for depth of seed dormancy and seedling emergence timing (SET).

Both analyses showed a key role for DOG1 in determining depth of dormancy, but did not support a direct role for DOG1 in generating altered seasonal patterns of seedling emergence. The principle QTL determining SET (SET1: dormancy cycling) is physically close on chromosome 5, but is distinct from DOG1. We show that SET1 and two other SET QTLs each contain a candidate gene (AHG1, ANAC060, PDF1 respectively) closely associated with DOG1 and abscisic acid signalling and suggest a model for the control of SET in the field.
Translating systems thinking into practice for community action on childhood obesity
Authors: Allender Steven , Brown Andrew D. , Bolton Kristy A. , Fraser Penny , Lowe Janette , Hovmand Peter 
Published: July 2019

SummaryWe report on the first 18 months of two communities' efforts using methods inspired by community‐based participatory system dynamics for the development, implementation, and evaluation of whole of community efforts to improve the health of children. We apply Foster‐Fishman's theoretical framework for characterizing systems change to describe the initiatives. Bounding the system began with defining leaders more broadly than standard health interventions to be those who had the ability to change environments to improve health, including food retailers, government, and business, and using high‐quality childhood monitoring data to define the problem. Widespread access to junk food, barriers to physical activity, and efforts to promote health predominantly through programmatic approaches were identified as potential root causes. System interactions existed in the form of relationships between stakeholder groups and organizations. The approach described built new relationships and strengthened existing relationships. Willingness in taking risks, changing existing practice, and redesigning health promotion work to have a community development focus, were levers for change. This approach has resulted in hundreds of community‐led actions focused on changing norms and environments. Insights from this approach may be useful to support other communities in translating systems theory into systems practice. Further empirical research is recommended to explore the observations in this paper.
General anesthesia safety in progressive leukodystrophies: A retrospective study of patients with Krabbe disease and metachromatic leukodystrophy
Authors: Bascou Nicholas A. , Marcos Maria C. , Beltran Quintero Maria L. , Roosen‐Marcos Mercedes C. , Cladis Franklyn P. , Poe Michele D. , Escolar Maria L. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundKrabbe disease and metachromatic leukodystrophy are leukodystrophies characterized by neurologic degeneration and early death. Patients often require general anesthesia for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions.MethodsA retrospective review of medical records was conducted for patients with Krabbe disease and metachromatic leukodystrophy receiving general anesthesia at a large children's hospital between 2012 and 2017. Patient complications and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status were recorded for all procedures. The Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders classification system was created to categorize the severity of the patient's disease progression based on clinical markers. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to compare: (a) complication rate of affected patients vs the general hospital population; (b) the accuracy of the novel Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders classification system vs American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status regarding the assessment of complication risk; (c) complication rate in patients with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation vs those without transplantation; (d) complication rate in immunosuppressed patients vs nonimmunosuppressed patients; and (e) complication rate of the three most commonly performed procedures.ResultsA total of 96 patients underwent 287 procedures. Of these, 11 cases had complications, yielding a rate of 3.8%. This is significantly higher than the overall complication rate at our institution of 0.246%. Statistical analysis showed better correlation between the Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders classification system and complication rate than American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status and complication rate. The system also showed better accuracy in differentiating low‐risk and high‐risk patients. No statistically significant difference in complication rate was found for patients with transplantation vs those without transplantation or for immunosuppressed vs nonimmunosuppressed patients. Of the three most common procedures, central catheter placement/removal exhibited the highest complication rate.ConclusionsAlthough the complication rate for patients with Krabbe disease and metachromatic leukodystrophy is higher than the general population, most complications were mild and self‐limiting. These results suggest that, in experienced hands, general anesthesia is well tolerated in most children. Findings show that the Neurodevelopment in Rare Disorders classification system is a better indicator for assessing complication risk in patients with Krabbe and metachromatic leukodystrophy than American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status.
Rescuing Basic Equality
Authors: Parr Tom , Slavny Adam 
Published: July 2019

AbstractIn the debate on the basis of moral equality, one conclusion achieves near consensus: that we must reject all accounts that ground equality in the possession of some psychological capacity (Psychological Capacity Accounts). This widely held view crystallises around three objections. The first is the Arbitrariness Objection, which holds that the threshold at which the possession of the relevant capacities places an individual within the required range is arbitrary. The second is the Variations Objection, which holds that there is rational pressure to acknowledge that variations in psychological capacities between individuals are morally relevant. The third is the No Rational Agency Objection, according to which Psychological Capacity Accounts have unpalatable implications for our treatment of humans who do not possess the relevant capacities. We develop a Psychological Capacity Account based on the capacity for a conception of the good and offer a novel defence of the account against these objections.
Realism about the wave function
Authors: Chen Eddy Keming 
Published: July 2019

AbstractA century after the discovery of quantum mechanics, the meaning of quantum mechanics still remains elusive. This is largely due to the puzzling nature of the wave function, the central object in quantum mechanics. If we are realists about quantum mechanics, how should we understand the wave function? What does it represent? What is its physical meaning? Answering these questions would improve our understanding of what it means to be a realist about quantum mechanics. In this survey article, I review and compare several realist interpretations of the wave function. They fall into three categories: ontological interpretations, nomological interpretations, and thesui generisinterpretation. For simplicity, I will focus on non‐relativistic quantum mechanics.
Costly parenting: physiological condition over time and season in males of the giant waterbug Abedus dilatatus
Authors: Munguía‐Steyer Roberto , González‐García Erik , Castaños Clara E. , Córdoba‐Aguilar Alex 
Published: July 2019

AbstractParental care patterns increase offspring fitness but may drive energetic costs to parents. The costs associated with parental care can change over time, decreasing the condition of parents that experience prolonged parental care. Thus, males can modulate parental effort based in the relative fitness cost/benefit pay‐offs under different stages and environmental conditions. The present study assesses the condition of parental males of Abedus dilatatus Say by measuring their lipid, glycogen and carbohydrate contents. We compare the condition in parental males that have experienced recent and prolonged care and that were also collected in the summer and winter. Waterbug males provide parental care via carrying and ventilating eggs on their back. Winter males are smaller and carry fewer eggs compared with summer males. Males with recent care and carrying more eggs present a more lipid content. However, at the end of care, males carrying more eggs present less lipids than males with smaller egg‐pads. Additionally, we find that males collected in the summer present more carbohydrates than males in the winter. Moreover, larger males with prolonged care present less carbohydrates than smaller males, in contrast to males with recent care where there is a positive relationship between size and carbohydrate content. Our results suggest that parental care in A. dilatatus may be a sexually‐selected trait, as has been found in related species, and further experiments could test this idea. This is the first study to provide evidence of physiological costs related to exclusive paternal care in arthropods.
Influence of inspiratory threshold load on cardiovascular responses to controlled breathing at 0.1 Hz
Authors: Gholamrezaei Ali , Van Diest Ilse , Aziz Qasim , Vlaeyen Johan W. S. , Van Oudenhove Lukas 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSlow, deep breathing is being used as a self‐management intervention for various health conditions including pain and hypertension. Stimulation of the arterial baroreceptors and increased vagal modulation are among the proposed mechanisms for the therapeutic effects of slow, deep breathing. We investigated whether adding inspiratory threshold load can enhance the cardiovascular responses to controlled breathing at the frequency of 0.1 Hz, a common form of slow, deep breathing. Healthy volunteers (N = 29) performed controlled breathing at 0.1 Hz (6 breaths/minute) without load and with inspiratory threshold loads of 5 cmH2O and 10 cmH2O. Respiratory airflow, heart rate, and blood pressure were continuously recorded. The amplitude of the systolic blood pressure variation during respiratory cycles increased with increasing loads. Respiratory sinus arrhythmia was higher during controlled breathing at 0.1 Hz with the load of 10 cmH2O compared to without load. Baroreflex sensitivity was not affected by loads. The effect of loads on respiratory sinus arrhythmia was mediated by increasing the amplitude of systolic blood pressure variation during respiratory cycles. These results suggest that applying small inspiratory threshold loads during controlled breathing at 0.1 Hz increases cardiac vagal modulation by this breathing exercise. This effect seems to be mediated by stronger stimulation of the arterial baroreceptors because of larger systolic blood pressure swings along the respiratory cycle. The potential benefit of long‐term practice of controlled breathing at 0.1 Hz with inspiratory threshold loads on baroreflex function and cardiac vagal control needs to be investigated, particularly in pain and hypertension patients.
Adversarial Risk Analysis to Allocate Optimal Defense Resources for Protecting Cyber–Physical Systems from Cyber Attacks
Authors: Wang Wei , Di Maio Francesco , Zio Enrico 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDefenders have to enforce defense strategies by taking decisions on allocation of resources to protect the integrity and survivability of cyber–physical systems (CPSs) from intentional and malicious cyber attacks. In this work, we propose an adversarial risk analysis approach to provide a novel one‐sided prescriptive support strategy for the defender to optimize the defensive resource allocation, based on a subjective expected utility model, in which the decisions of the adversaries are uncertain. This increases confidence in cyber security through robustness of CPS protection actions against uncertain malicious threats compared with prescriptions provided by a classical defend–attack game‐theoretical approach. We present the approach and the results of its application to a nuclear CPS, specifically the digital instrumentation and control system of the advanced lead‐cooled fast reactor European demonstrator.
Patients with schizophrenia have impaired muscle force‐generating capacity and functional performance
Authors: Nygård Mona , Brobakken Mathias Forsberg , Roel Ragnhild Bjerkem , Taylor Joshua Landen , Reitan Solveig Klæbo , Güzey Ismail Cüneyt , Morken Gunnar , Vedul‐Kjelsås Einar , Wang Eivind , Heggelund Jørn 
Published: July 2019

Patients with schizophrenia have impaired physical health. However, evidence of how skeletal muscle force‐generating capacity (FGC), a key component of functional performance, may contribute to the impairment is scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the patient groups’ skeletal muscle FGC and its association with functional performance. Leg‐press FGC was assessed along with a battery of functional performance tests in 48 outpatients (28 men, 34 ± 10 years; 20 women, 36 ± 12 years) with schizophrenia spectrum disorder (ICD‐10, F20‐29), and compared with 48 healthy age‐ and gender‐matched references. Results revealed reduced one‐repetition maximum (1RM) in men (−19%, P < .01) and a trend toward reduction in women (−13%, P = .067). The ability to develop force rapidly was also impaired (men: −30%; women: −25%, both P < .01). Patients scored worse than healthy references on all physical performance tests (stair climbing: −63%; 30‐second sit‐to‐stand (30sSTS): −48%; six‐minute walk test (6MWT): −22%; walking efficiency: −14%; and unipedal stance eyes open: −20% and closed: −73%, all P < .01). 1RM correlated with 6MWT (r = .45), stair climbing (r = −.44), 30sSTS (r = .43), walking efficiency (r = .26), and stance eyes open (r = .33) and closed (r = .45), all P < .01. Rapid force development correlated with 6MWT (r = .54), stair climbing (r = −.49), 30sSTS (r = .45), walking efficiency (r = .26), and stance eyes open (r = .44) and closed (r = .51), all P < .01. In conclusion, skeletal muscle FGC and functional performance are reduced in patients with schizophrenia and should be recognized as important aspects of the patient groups’ impaired health. Resistance training aiming to improve these components should be considered an important part of clinical treatment.