bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A small cysteine‐rich protein from two kingdoms of microbes is recognized as a novel pathogen‐associated molecular pattern
Authors: Nie Jiajun , Yin Zhiyuan , Li Zhengpeng , Wu Yuxing , Huang Lili 
Published: December 2018

Summary

Pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) are conserved molecules that are crucial for normal life cycle of microorganisms. However, the diversity of microbial PAMPs is little known. During screening of cell‐death‐inducing factors from the necrotrophic fungus Valsa mali, we identified a novel PAMP VmE02 that is widely spread in oomycetes and fungi.

Agrobacterium tumefaciens‐mediated transient expression or infiltration of recombinant protein produced by Escherichia coli was performed to assay elicitor activity of the proteins tested. Virus‐induced gene silencing in Nicotiana benthamiana was used to determine the components involved in VmE02‐triggered cell death. The role of VmE02 in virulence and conidiation of V. mali were characterized by gene deletion and complementation.

We found that VmE02, together with some of its homologues from both oomycete and fungal species, exhibited cell‐death‐inducing activity in N. benthamiana. VmE02‐triggered cell death was shown to be dependent on BRI1‐ASSOCIATED KINASE‐1, SUPPRESSOR OF BIR1‐1, HSP90 and SGT1 in N. benthamiana. Deletion of VmE02 in V. mali greatly attenuated pathogen conidiation but not virulence, and treatment of N. benthamiana with VmE02 enhances plant resistance to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Phytophthora capsici.

We conclude that VmE02 is a novel cross‐kingdom PAMP produced by several fungi and oomycetes.
Global Succulent Biome phylogenetic conservatism across the pantropical Caesalpinia Group (Leguminosae)
Authors: Gagnon Edeline , Ringelberg Jens J. , Bruneau Anne , Lewis Gwilym P. , Hughes Colin E. 
Published: December 2018

Summary

The extent to which phylogenetic biome conservatism vs biome shifting determines global patterns of biodiversity remains poorly understood. To address this question, we investigated the biogeography and trajectories of biome and growth form evolution across the Caesalpinia Group (Leguminosae), a clade of 225 species of trees, shrubs and lianas distributed across the Rainforest, Succulent, Temperate and Savanna Biomes. We focused especially on the little‐known Succulent Biome, an assemblage of succulent‐rich, grass‐poor, seasonally dry tropical vegetation distributed disjunctly across the Neotropics, Africa, Arabia and Madagascar.

We reconstructed a time‐calibrated phylogeny, assembled species occurrence data and assigned species to areas, biomes and growth forms. These data are used to estimate the frequency of transcontinental disjunctions, biome shifts and evolutionary transitions between growth forms and test for phylogenetic biome conservatism and correlated evolution of growth forms and biome shifts.

We uncovered a pattern of strong phylogenetic Succulent Biome conservatism. We showed that transcontinental disjunctions confined within the Succulent Biome are frequent and that biome shifts to the Savanna, Rainforest and Temperate Biomes are infrequent and closely associated with shifts in plant growth forms.

Our results suggest that the Succulent Biome comprises an ecologically constrained evolutionary arena spanning large geographical disjunctions across the tropics.
Grey matter alterations in obesity: A meta‐analysis of whole‐brain studies
Authors: Herrmann Martin J. , Tesar Ann‐Katrin , Beier Jennifer , Berg Max , Warrings Bodo 
Published: December 2018

SummaryObesity is a major problem in the modern world causing a higher risk for various cerebrovascular diseases causing a profound individual and societal burden. The neurobiological foundation bears potential to understand the complex interaction of individual differences in brain structure and function and ingestive behaviour. This systematic review was performed on the current evidence of structural abnormalities in grey matter volume (GMV) in patients with obesity based on studies published until December 2017, which were selected through search in PubMed, CENTER (Cochrane Library), PsycINFO, Web of Science, and Ovid MEDLINE. Ten studies were included; all of them included patients with obesity and provided a whole‐brain analysis of grey matter (GM) distribution. Our findings confirmed the most consistent GM reductions in patients with obesity in the left, middle, and right inferior frontal gyrus (including the insula), the left middle temporal cortex, the left precentral gyrus, and the cerebellum. On the other hand, increased GMV in patients with obesity were found in the left cuneus, left middle frontal gyrus, left inferior occipital gyrus, and corpus callosum.
Fetal Iodine Deficiency and Schooling: A Replication of Field, Robles, and Torero (2009)*
Authors: Bengtsson Niklas , Sävje Fredrik , Swartling Peterson Stefan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractScholars have theorized that congenital health endowment is an important determinant of economic outcomes later in a person's life. Field, Robles, and Torero (2009, American Economic Journal: Applied Economics 1, 140–169) find large increases in educational attainment caused by a reduction of fetal iodine deficiency following a set of iodine supplementation programs in Tanzania. We revisit the Tanzanian iodine programs with a narrow and wide replication of the study by Field et al. We are able to exactly replicate the original results. We find, however, that the findings are sensitive to alternative specification choices and sample restrictions. We try to address some of these concerns in the wide replication; we increase the sample size fourfold, and we improve the precision of the treatment variable by incorporating new institutional and medical insights. Despite the improvements, no effect is found. We conclude that the available data do not provide sufficient power to detect a possible effect, as treatment assignment cannot be measured with sufficient precision.
Identification, characterization and field testing of Brassica napus mutants producing high‐oleic oils
Authors: Bai Shuangyi , Engelen Steven , Denolf Peter , Wallis James G. , Lynch Katherine , Bengtsson Jesse D. , Van Thournout Michel , Haesendonckx Boris , Browse John 
Published: December 2018

SummaryProducing healthy, high‐oleic oils and eliminating trans‐fatty acids from foods are two goals that can be addressed by reducing activity of the oleate desaturase, FAD2, in oilseeds. However, it is essential to understand the consequences of reducing FAD2 activity on the metabolism, cell biology and physiology of oilseed crop plants. Here, we translate knowledge from studies of fad2 mutants in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) to investigate the limits of non‐GMO approaches to maximize oleic acid in the seed oil of canola (Brassica napus), a species that expresses three active FAD2 isozymes. A series of hypomorphic and null mutations in the FAD2.A5 isoform were characterized in yeast (Saccharomyes cerevisiae). Then, four of these were combined with null mutations in the other two isozymes, FAD2.C5 and FAD2.C1. The resulting mutant lines contained 71–87% oleic acid in their seed oil, compared with 62% in wild‐type controls. All the mutant lines grew well in a greenhouse, but in field experiments we observed a clear demarcation in plant performance. Mutant lines containing less than 80% oleate in the seed oil were indistinguishable from wild‐type controls in growth parameters and seed oil content. By contrast, lines with more than 80% oleate in the seed oil had significantly lower seedling establishment and vigor, delayed flowering and reduced plant height at maturity. These lines also had 7–11% reductions in seed oil content. Our results extend understanding of the B. napusFAD2 isozymes and define the practical limit to increasing oil oleate content in this crop species.
Resituating post‐phenomenological geographies: Deleuze, relations and the limits of objects
Authors: Roberts Tom 
Published: December 2018

Post‐phenomenology has emerged as a diverse and conceptually challenging movement within human geography, one that is now positioned at the forefront of debates concerning the more‐than‐human constitution of social and cultural life. In recent years, these conversations have been further energised through the influence of various “object‐oriented ontologies” on post‐phenomenological thinking. By questioning the ontological primacy of the intentional subject, object‐oriented approaches have enabled geographers to problematise the anthropocentricism of phenomenology's Husserlian tradition. While sympathetic to the overall spirit of these endeavours, this paper takes issue with a significant and often unacknowledged constraint placed on post‐phenomenology by object‐oriented approaches: the reduction of reality to a collection of individuated terms. By merely replacing one kind of individual (subject) with another (object), object‐oriented ontology inherits an image of thought that remains profoundly phenomenological in its privileging of individuals over relations. Turning to the work of Gilles Deleuze, this paper strives to resituate geography's post‐phenomenological critique upstream of either subject or object, focusing instead on the distinction between relations and terms. For Deleuze, to think beyond phenomenological coordinates is to affirm the irreducibility of relations to individuated terms, whatever form these terms might take. Returning to his early work on Hume, the paper explores how Deleuze's invocation to think relations as such raises important questions in terms of how geographers situate the problem of post‐phenomenology within contemporary social research. I conclude by reflecting on the practical implications of these questions for thinking beyond objects, paying particular attention to three key themes within human geography: relationality, materiality and empiricism.
Absorption, translocation and metabolism of aminocyclopyrachlor in young plants of Ipomoea purpurea and Ipomoea triloba
Authors: Silva A F M , Silva G S , Mendes K F , Giraldeli A L , Tornisielo V L , Victoria Filho R 
Published: December 2018

SummaryMembers of the Convolvulaceae family are known to be sensitive to aminocyclopyrachlor, although little is known about the absorption, translocation and metabolism of the herbicide in these species of weed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the absorption, translocation and metabolism of 14C‐aminocyclopyrachlor in young plants of Ipomoea purpurea and Ipomoea triloba. Assessments were performed at 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 and 72 h after treatment (HAT) for the study of absorption and translocation. Metabolism was assessed at three time points (3, 24 and 72 HAT). In terms of absorption, was observed a difference between species at the 3 and 48 HAT time points, where I. purpurea had a higher absorption of 14C‐aminocyclopyrachlor. No differences were observed between species at any other time points. Of the total absorbed herbicide, 90.9% for I. purpurea and 91.8% for I. triloba were detected on the treated leaf. I. purpurea presented higher translocation to the leaf above the treated leaf, while I. triloba showed higher translocation to the lower leaves and roots. No increase in absorption of 14C‐aminocyclopyrachlor was observed above 24 HAT for I. purpurea and above 6 HAT for I. triloba, and translocation was low (<1%) for both species in all plant parts. This suggests that post‐emergence application of aminocyclopyrachlor cannot be effective for the control of I. purpurea and I. triloba and alternative approaches are required. Nevertheless, no 14C‐aminocyclopyrachlor metabolites were observed in the studied plants, which indicated sensitivity in I. purpurea and I. triloba to the herbicide.
Hepatitis E virus infection in swine workers: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Xiangyuan , Huang Yu , Wagner Abram L. , Chen Xiangxiang , Lu Yihan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractHepatitis E virus (HEV) infects both humans and animals. Swine has been confirmed to be the principal natural reservoir, which raises a concern that HEV infection would be substantially increasing among swine workers. The present study calculated the pooled prevalence of IgG antibodies against HEV among swine workers and the general population in previous cross‐sectional studies. We conducted a meta‐analysis comparing the prevalence of HEV infection between swine workers and the general population, including local residents, blood donors and non‐swine workers. Through searches in three databases (PubMed and OVID in English, and CNKI in Chinese) and after study selection, a total of 32 studies from 16 countries (from 1999 through 2018) were included in the meta‐analysis. A random‐effect model was employed in the study; an I 2 statistic assessed heterogeneity, and the Egger's test detected publication bias. The comparative prevalence of anti‐HEV IgG was pooled from the studies. Compared to the general population, the prevalence ratio (PR) for swine workers was estimated to be 1.52 (95% CI 1.38–1.76) with the I 2 being 71%. No publication bias was detected (p = 0.40). A subgroup analysis further indicated increased prevalence of anti‐HEV IgG in the swine workers in Asia (PR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.35–1.64), in Europe (PR = 1.93, 95% CI: 1.49–2.50) and in all five swine‐related occupations, including swine farmers, butchers, meat processors, pork retailers and veterinarians (PR ranged between 1.19 and 1.75). In summary, swine workers have a relatively higher prevalence of past HEV infection, and this finding is true across swine‐related occupations, which confirms zoonotic transmission between swine and swine workers.
Heat acclimation does not affect maximal aerobic power in thermoneutral normoxic or hypoxic conditions
Authors: Sotiridis Alexandros , Debevec Tadej , Ciuha Urša , Eiken Ola , Mekjavic Igor B. 
Published: December 2018

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Controlled‐hyperthermia heat‐acclimation protocols induce an array of thermoregulatory and cardiovascular adaptations that facilitate exercise in hot conditions. We investigated whether this ergogenic potential can be transferred to thermoneutral normoxic or hypoxic exercise conditions.
What is the main finding and its importance?
We showed that heat acclimation did not affect maximal cardiac output or maximal aerobic power in thermoneutral normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Heat acclimation augmented the sweating response in thermoneutral normoxic conditions. The cross‐adaptation theory, according to which heat acclimation could facilitate hypoxic exercise capacity, is not supported by our data.
AbstractHeat acclimation (HA) mitigates heat‐induced decrements in maximal aerobic power () and augments exercise thermoregulatory responses in the heat. Whether this beneficial effect of HA is observed in hypoxic or thermoneutral conditions remains unresolved. We explored the effects of HA on cardiorespiratory and thermoregulatory responses to exercise in normoxic, hypoxic and hot conditions. Twelve men [ 54.7(standard deviation 5.7) ml kg−1 min−1] participated in a HA protocol consisting of 10 daily 90‐min controlled‐hyperthermia (target rectal temperature, Tre = 38.5°C) exercise sessions. Before and after HA, we determined in thermoneutral normoxic (NOR), thermoneutral hypoxic (fractional inspired O2 = 13.5%; HYP) and hot (35°C, 50% relative humidity; HE) conditions in a randomized and counterbalanced order. Preceding each maximal cycling test, a 30‐min steady‐state exercise bout at 40% of the NOR peak power output was used to evaluate thermoregulatory responses. Heat acclimation induced the expected adaptations in HE: reduced Tre and submaximal heart rate, enhanced sweating response and expanded plasma volume. However, HA did not affect or maximal cardiac output (P = 0.61). The peak power output was increased post‐HA in NOR (P < 0.001) and HE (P < 0.001) by 41 ± 21 and 26 ± 22 W, respectively, but not in HYP (P = 0.14). Gross mechanical efficiency was higher (P = 0.004), whereas resting Tre and sweating thresholds were lower (P < 0.01) post‐HA across environments. Nevertheless, the gain of the sweating response decreased (P = 0.05) in HYP. In conclusion, our data do not support a beneficial cross‐over effect of HA on in normoxic or hypoxic conditions.
The Effects of Instruction Exercises on Performance and Kinetic Factors Associated With Lower-Extremity Injury in Landing After Volleyball Blocks
Authors: Rostami Anis , Letafatkar Amir , Gokeler Alli , Khaleghi Tazji Mehdi 
Published: December 2018

Context: Female volleyball players are more predisposed to anterior cruciate ligament injury in comparison with their male counterparts. Recent research on anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention strategies has shown the positive results of adopting the external focus (EF) of attention in sports. Objective: To determine the effect of 6-week EF instruction exercises on performance and kinetic factors associated with lower-extremity injury in landing after the volleyball blocks of female athletes. Design: Pretest and posttest control study. Setting: University research laboratory. Participants: Thirty-two female volleyball players (18–24 y old) from the same team randomly divided into experimental (n = 16) and control (n = 16) groups. Intervention: The experimental group performed a 6-week exercise program with EF instructions. The control group continued its regular volleyball team schedule. Main Outcome Measures: To assess function, single-leg triple hop test for distance was used. A force plate was used to evaluate kinetic variables including vertical ground reaction forces, the rate of loading, and dynamic postural stability index. All data were assessed at baseline and after the intervention. Results: There was a significant increase in single-leg triple hop test (P < .05) and in the first and second peak ground reaction force, rate of loadings, dynamic postural stability index (P < .05). Conclusion: According to the results of this study, anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention programs should incorporate EF instruction exercises to enhance the kinetics and to increase athletes’ functional performance.
Roller Massage: Difference in Knee Joint Range of Motion and Pain Perception Among Experienced and Nonexperienced Individuals After Following a Prescribed Program
Authors: Cheatham Scott W. , Stull Kyle R. 
Published: December 2018

Context:Roller massage (RM) is a popular myofascial intervention. To date, no research has investigated the effects of RM on experienced and nonexperienced individuals and if there are differences between a prescribed RM program and a self-preferred program.Objective:The main objective was to measure the effects of a prescribed RM program with a foam roller on knee passive range of motion (ROM) and pressure pain threshold (PPT) among experienced and nonexperienced individuals. A secondary objective was to determine if there are differences between a prescribed RM program and a self-preferred program in experienced individuals.Design:Pretest and posttest observational study.Setting:University kinesiology laboratory.Participants:A total of 60 healthy adults (age = 26 [5.3] y) were allocated into 3 groups of 20 subjects: experienced, nonexperienced, and control. The experienced and nonexperienced groups followed a prescribed 2-minute RM intervention. The control group did their own 2-minute self-preferred program.Main Outcome Measures:Knee passive ROM and PPT.Results:For the experienced and nonexperienced, the between-group analysis revealed a statistically significant difference for ROM and PPT (P < .001). Within-group analysis revealed a posttest knee passive ROM increase of 8° for experienced and 7° for the nonexperienced. For PPT, there was a posttest increase of 180 kPa for the experienced and 169 kPa for the nonexperienced. For the prescribed versus self-preferred program, the between-group analysis (experienced vs control) revealed a statistically significant difference (P < .001). The within-group analysis revealed a posttest knee passive ROM increase of 8° for the prescribed and 5° for the self-preferred program. For PPT, there was a posttest increase of 180 kPa for the prescribed program and 137 kPa for the self-preferred program.Conclusion:These findings suggest that experienced and nonexperienced individuals have similar responses to a prescribed RM program. A prescribed RM program may produce better outcomes than a self-preferred program.
Intellectual engagement and cognitive ability in later life (the “use it or lose it” conjecture): longitudinal, prospective study
Authors: Staff Roger T , Hogan Michael J , Williams Daniel S , Whalley L J 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To examine the association between intellectual engagement and cognitive ability in later life, and determine whether the maintenance of intellectual engagement will offset age related cognitive decline.

Design
Longitudinal, prospective, observational study.

Setting
Non-clinical volunteers in late middle age (all born in 1936) living independently in northeast Scotland.

Participants
Sample of 498 volunteers who had taken part in the Scottish Mental Health Survey of 1947, from one birth year (1936).

Main outcome measures
Cognitive ability and trajectory of cognitive decline in later life. Typical intellectual engagement was measured by a questionnaire, and repeated cognitive measurements of information processing speed and verbal memory were obtained over a 15 year period (recording more than 1200 longitudinal data points for each cognitive test).

Results

Intellectual engagement was significantly associated with level of cognitive performance in later life, with each point on a 24 point scale accounting for 0.97 standardised cognitive performance (IQ-like) score, for processing speed and 0.71 points for memory (both P<0.05). Engagement in problem solving activities had the largest association with life course cognitive gains, with each point accounting for 0.43 standardised cognitive performance score, for processing speed and 0.36 points for memory (both P<0.05). However, engagement did not influence the trajectory of age related decline in cognitive performance. Engagement in intellectual stimulating activities was associated with early life ability, with correlations between engagement and childhood ability and education being 0.35 and 0.22, respectively (both P<0.01).

Conclusion
These results show that self reported engagement is not associated with the trajectory of cognitive decline in late life, but is associated with the acquisition of ability during the life course. Overall, findings suggest that high performing adults engage and those that engage more being protected from relative decline.