bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Application and future perspective of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in fruit crops
Authors: Zhou Junhui , Li Dongdong , Wang Guoming , Wang Fuxi , Kunjal Merixia , Joldersma Dirk , Liu Zhongchi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFruit crops, including apple, orange, grape, banana, strawberry, watermelon, kiwifruit and tomato, not only provide essential nutrients for human life but also contribute to the major agricultural output and economic growth of many countries and regions in the world. Recent advancements in genome editing provides an unprecedented opportunity for the genetic improvement of these agronomically important fruit crops. Here, we summarize recent reports of applying CRISPR/Cas9 to fruit crops, including efforts to reduce disease susceptibility, change plant architecture or flower morphology, improve fruit quality traits, and increase fruit yield. We discuss challenges facing fruit crops as well as new improvements and platforms that could be used to facilitate genome editing in fruit crops, including dCas9‐base‐editing to introduce desirable alleles and heat treatment to increase editing efficiency. In addition, we highlight what we see as potentially revolutionary development ranging from transgene‐free genome editing to de novo domestication of wild relatives. Without doubt, we now see only the beginning of what will eventually be possible with the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 toolkit. Efforts to communicate with the public and an emphasis on the manipulation of consumer‐friendly traits will be critical to facilitate public acceptance of genetically engineered fruits with this new technology.
Anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis during pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Keskin Ahmet O. , Tanburoglu Anıl , Idiman Egemen , Ozturk Vesile 
Published: February 2019

AbstractFollowing a generalized tonic–clonic seizure, a previously healthy 27‐year‐old pregnant woman (18‐week pregnancy) was admitted to our emergency department. She experienced lethargy, forgetfulness and persecutory hallucinations the day before hospitalization. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed moderate pleocytosis, and abdominal ultrasonography did not detect neoplasia. Orofacial dyskinesia, catatonia and central hypoventilation gradually developed despite medical intervention to ameliorate the symptoms. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding and hypotension occurred. Further, owing to septic shock due to fetal demise, the patient died. N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate antibody test results obtained after the patient's death were positive (2++). Currently, no consensus exists on the appropriate treatment and follow‐up for pregnant women with anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis; however, immunomodulators and teratoma resection may be helpful. Second line immunotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide) and teratoma resection may be necessary in pregnant patients with high N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antibody titers and inadequate response to first‐line treatment.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis after chemo‐radiotherapy for cervical cancer: A case report
Authors: Takahashi Yuji , Matsushima Hiroshi , Mori Taisuke , Kokabu Tetsuya , Ito Fumitake , Kitawaki Jo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractRetroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease characterized by proliferation of fibro‐inflammatory tissue in the retroperitoneum. Multiple studies have reported on the idiopathic cases of the disease, but reports of RPF secondary to irradiation are very limited. Herein, we report the case of a 47‐year‐old woman who complained of lower abdominal pain 14 months after chemo‐radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Computed tomography showed a soft‐tissue mass spreading in the presacral space. Biopsy of the lesion revealed fibro‐inflammatory tissue without malignancy. Retrospective imaging findings showed that the lesion was consistent with the irradiation field. We diagnosed the patient with RPF caused by radiotherapy. We started oral administration of prednisolone at a dose of 30 mg/day. After 3 months, scans showed a remarkable reduction in lesion size. Prednisolone was tapered to a maintenance dose of 5 mg/day, which is ongoing. The patient is doing well with no recurrence to date.
Association of serum calprotectin (S100A8/A9) concentrations and idiopathic hyperlipidemia in Miniature Schnauzers
Authors: Heilmann Romy M. , Xenoulis Panagiotis G. , Müller Katrin , Stavroulaki Eva M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M. 
Published: February 2019

BackgroundIdiopathic hyperlipidemia (IH) is a common condition in Miniature Schnauzers (MS). Studies in people have linked IH to low‐grade inflammation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IH complications. The role of inflammation in MS with IH is unknown.ObjectiveEvaluation of the inflammatory markers serum calprotectin and S100A12 in MS with IH and in response to dietary intervention for IH management.AnimalsOne‐hundred fifty clinically healthy MS.MethodsSerum triglyceride, cholesterol, calprotectin, and S100A12 concentrations were measured before and after placing the dogs on an ultra‐low fat diet.ResultsHypertriglyceridemia (HTGL, P < .001) and hypercholesterolemia (HCHOL, P = .01) were independently associated with increased serum calprotectin but not S100A12 concentrations. Compared to normolipidemic MS, serum calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in MS with HTGL (P < .001) or combined hyperlipidemia (P = .02), but not those with isolated HCHOL (P = 1.0000). Presence (P = .005) and severity (P = .003) of HTGL and serum cholesterol concentrations (P = .04) decreased in MS with IH within 14‐26 weeks after being placed on the ultra‐low fat diet, but neither serum calprotectin nor S100A12 concentrations changed significantly with this dietary intervention.Conclusions and clinical importanceSubclinical (low‐grade) inflammation appears to be present in some MS with IH, and an ultra‐low fat diet does not decrease serum concentrations of inflammatory proteins in those dogs. Whether this presumed inflammatory phenotype in MS with IH is associated with the development of IH complications (eg, insulin resistance) requires further research.
Occult hepatitis B virus and surface antigen mutant infection in healthy vaccinated cohorts and children with various forms of hepatitis and multiple transfusions
Authors: Hung Wei‐Li , Wu Jia‐Feng , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Chen Huey‐Ling , Chiang Cheng‐Lun , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Hsu Hong‐Yuan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackground and AimsDespite the success of universal infant immunization initiated in Taiwan in 1984, occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) and circulating surface antigen mutants remain potential obstacles for eventual eradication of HBV infection.MethodsFrom 3299 apparently healthy, neonatally–vaccinated subjects (<30 years of age ) enrolled during 2014 serosurvey, we recruited all HBsAg–positive (n = 17), all HBsAg–negative but anti‐HBc–positive (n = 132) and randomly selected HBsAg–negative and anti‐HBc–negative subjects (n = 411). These recruited subjects and 81 HBsAg–negative children with various forms of hepatitis and multiple transfusions were analysed for serum HBV DNA.ResultsIn healthy, HBsAg–negative subjects, OBI frequency was higher in anti‐HBc–positive than anti‐HBc‐negative individuals (8/90[8.9%] vs 8/301[2.7%], P = 0.0192) aged <18‐years, but was not different between anti‐HBc–positive and anti‐HBc–negative individuals (0/11[0%] vs 3/110[2.7%], P > 0.05) aged 18 to 30 years. OBI occurred more frequently in children of HBsAg–positive mothers than in children of HBsAg–negative mothers (10/101 [9.9%] vs 1/75 [1.3%], P = 0.025). The prevalence of surface ‘a’ determinant (aa110‐160) mutants was 13.3% (2/15) in OBI subjects compared to 36.4% (4/11) in HBsAg–positive subjects (P > 0.05). OBI was found in 30% (3/10) of serologic ‘non‐A to E’ viral hepatitis, 14.3% (3/21) of chronic hepatitis C and 2.0% (1/50) of multitransfused, thalassemic children.ConclusionsIn this highly immunized population, surface antigen mutant infection is uncommon and has low contribution to OBI development. HBsAg screening plus highly sensitive HBV DNA assays are needed for assurance of blood supply safety. Multiple transfusions from HBsAg–negative blood donors rarely result in persistent HBV infection. HBV might be related to some of serologic ‘non‐A to E’ viral hepatitis.
AtU2AF65b functions in abscisic acid mediated flowering via regulating the precursor messenger RNA splicing of ABI5 and FLC in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xiong Feng , Ren Jing‐Jing , Yu Qin , Wang Yu‐Yi , Lu Chong‐Chong , Kong Lan‐Jing , Otegui Marisa S. , Wang Xiu‐Ling 
Published: February 2019

Summary

In mammalians and yeast, the splicing factor U2AF65/Mud2p functions in precursor messenger RNA (pre‐mRNA) processing. Arabidopsis AtU2AF65b encodes a putative U2AF65 but its specific functions in plants are unknown. This paper examines the function of AtU2AF65b as a negative regulator of flowering time in Arabidopsis.

We investigated the expression and function of AtU2AF65b in abscisic acid (ABA)‐regulated flowering as well as the transcript abundance and pre‐mRNA splicing of flowering‐related genes in the knock‐out mutants of AtU2AF65b.

The atu2af65b mutants show early‐flowering phenotype under both long‐day and short‐day conditions. The transcript accumulation of the flowering repressor gene FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is reduced in the shoot apex of atu2af65b, due to both increased intron retention and reduced transcription activation. Reduced transcription of FLC results, at least partially, from the abnormal splicing and reduced transcript abundance of ABSCISIC ACID‐INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5), which encodes an activator of FLC in ABA‐regulated flowering signaling. Additionally, the expression of AtU2AF65b is promoted by ABA. Transition to flowering and splicing of FLC and ABI5 in the atu2af65b mutants are compromised during ABA‐induced flowering.

ABA‐responsive AtU2AF65b functions in the pre‐mRNA splicing of FLC and ABI5 in shoot apex, whereby AtU2AF65b is involved in ABA‐mediated flowering transition in Arabidopsis.
Immunogenicity of plant‐produced porcine circovirus‐like particles in mice
Authors: Gunter Cornelius J. , Regnard Guy L. , Rybicki Edward P. , Hitzeroth Inga I. 
Published: February 2019

SummaryPorcine circovirus type 2 (PCV‐2) is the main causative agent associated with a group of diseases collectively known as porcine circovirus‐associated disease (PCAD). There is a significant economic strain on the global swine industry due to PCAD and the production of commercial PCV‐2 vaccines is expensive. Plant expression systems are increasingly regarded as a viable technology to produce recombinant proteins for use as pharmaceutical agents and vaccines. However, successful production and purification of PCV‐2 capsid protein (CP) from plants is an essential first step towards the goal of a plant‐produced PCV‐2 vaccine candidate. In this study, the PCV‐2 CP was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants via agroinfiltration and PCV‐2 CP was successfully purified using sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. The CP self‐assembled into virus‐like particles (VLPs) resembling native virions and up to 6.5 mg of VLPs could be purified from 1 kg of leaf wet weight. Mice immunized with the plant‐produced PCV‐2 VLPs elicited specific antibody responses to PCV‐2 CP. This is the first report describing the expression of PCV‐2 CP in plants, the confirmation of its assembly into VLPs and the demonstration of their use to elicit a strong immune response in a mammalian model.
Plasticity for colour adaptation in vertebrates explained by the evolution of the genes pomc, pmch and pmchl
Authors: Bertolesi Gabriel E. , Zhang John Zhijia , McFarlane Sarah 
Published: February 2019

AbstractDifferent camouflages work best with some background matching colour. Our understanding of the evolution of skin colour is based mainly on the genetics of pigmentation (“background matching”), with little known about the evolution of the neuroendocrine systems that facilitate “background adaptation” through colour phenotypic plasticity. To address the latter, we studied the evolution in vertebrates of three genes, pomc, pmch and pmchl, that code for α‐MSH and two melanin‐concentrating hormones (MCH and MCHL). These hormones induce either dispersion/aggregation or the synthesis of pigments. We find that α‐MSH is highly conserved during evolution, as is its role in dispersing/synthesizing pigments. Also conserved is the three‐exon pmch gene that encodes MCH, which participates in feeding behaviours. In contrast, pmchl (known previously as pmch), is a teleost‐specific intron‐less gene. Our data indicate that in zebrafish, pmchl‐expressing neurons extend axons to the pituitary, supportive of an MCHL hormonal role, whereas zebrafish and Xenopus pmch+ neurons send axons dorsally in the brain. The evolution of these genes and acquisition of hormonal status for MCHL explain different mechanisms used by vertebrates to background‐adapt.
Radical Interpretation and The Aggregation Problem
Authors: Hattiangadi Anandi 
Published: February 2019

This paper takes issue with Lewis’ influential argument for the supervenience of the semantic on the non‐semantic based on the possibility of radical interpretation. Radical interpretation is possible only if an ideal being, who is omniscient about the non‐semantic truths, can deduce the semantic truths a priori. The radical interpreter appeals to a set of criteria of interpretation choice, such as most notably some kind of Principle of Charity.It is argued in this paper that the radical interpreter faces an insoluble aggregation problem: the radical interpreter must jointly apply several criteria for evaluating interpretations in order to determine which interpretation is best overall. First, the situation of the radical interpreter is formally modeled using the machinery of social choice theory. Second, it is argued that either Arrow's impossibility theorem or a variant of it applies to the situation of the radical interpreter. The upshot is that radical interpretation is impossible, and Lewis’ argument for semantic supervenience fails.
Terror, Terror Everywhere? How Terrorism News Shape Support for Anti‐Muslim Policies as a Function of Perceived Threat Severity and Controllability
Authors: Matthes Jörg , Schmuck Desirée , von Sikorski Christian 
Published: February 2019

Terrorist attacks committed by the so‐called Islamic State are rising in Western countries. How the news media portray these attacks may crucially influence emotional responses and support for anti‐Muslim policies such as immigration bans. Based on the Extended parallel response model (EPRM, Witte, 1992), we theorize that specific features of terrorism news such as threat severity (e.g., high vs. low number of potential terrorist offenders) and threat controllability (e.g., nondiffuse, controllable threat vs. diffuse, uncontrollable threat) influence individuals’ emotional reactions and policy support. A quota‐based online experiment (N = 501) reveals that news articles featuring a high number of offenders increase individuals’ fear of terror irrespective of whether the threat is portrayed as controllable or not. News articles featuring a low number of offenders only evoke fear of terror if the threat is portrayed as diffuse. Additionally, news articles emphasizing a high number of offenders combined with a controllable terrorism threat elicit anger on the government. Both anger and fear of terror subsequently increase anti‐Muslim policy support.
Associations of antepartum suicidal behaviour with adverse infant and obstetric outcomes
Authors: Zhong Qiu‐Yue , Gelaye Bizu , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Avillach Paul , Smoller Jordan W. , Cai Tianxi , Williams Michelle A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBackgroundRelatively little is known about antepartum suicidal behaviour and pregnancy outcomes. We examined associations of antepartum suicidal behaviour, alone and in combination with psychiatric disorders, with adverse infant and obstetric outcomes.MethodsWe included 188 925 singleton livebirths from a retrospective cohort (1996‐2016). Suicidal behaviour, psychiatric disorders, and outcomes were derived from electronic medical records. We performed multivariable logistic regressions with generalised estimating equations to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).ResultsThe prevalence of antepartum suicidal behaviour was 152.44 per 100 000 singleton livebirths. Nearly two‐thirds (64.24%) of women with suicidal behaviour also had psychiatric disorders. Compared to women without psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviour, women with psychiatric disorders alone had 1.3‐fold to 1.4‐fold increased odds of delivering low birthweight or preterm infants and 1.2‐fold increased odds of experiencing obstetric complications. Women with suicidal behaviour alone had increased odds of preterm labour (aOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.16, 3.62). Women with both suicidal behaviour and psychiatric disorders had > twofold increased odds of delivering low birthweight (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.40, 4.54), preterm birth (aOR 2.44, 95% CI 1.63, 3.66), and low birthweight/preterm birth (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.54, 3.44) infants; the odds of preterm labour (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06, 2.47), placental abruption (aOR 2.33, 95% CI 1.20, 4.51), preterm rupture of membranes (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.08, 2.46), and postpartum haemorrhage (aOR 1.93, 95%CI 1.09, 3.40) were elevated.ConclusionsAntepartum suicidal behaviour, when co‐occurring with psychiatric disorders, is associated with increased odds of adverse infant and obstetric outcomes. Future studies are warranted to understand the causal roles of suicidal behaviour and psychiatric disorders in pregnancy.
The dynamics of moral progress
Authors: Hermann Julia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAssuming that there is moral progress, and assuming that the abolition of slavery is an example of it, how does moral progress occur? Is it mainly driven by specific individuals who have gained new moral insights, or by changes in the socio‐economic and epistemic conditions in which agents morally judge the norms and practices of their society, and act upon these judgements? In this paper, I argue that moral progress is a complex process in which changes at the level of belief and changes at the level of institutions and social practices are deeply intertwined, and that changes in the socio‐economic and epistemic conditions of moral agency constitute the main motor of moral progress. I develop my view of moral progress by way of grappling with Michelle Moody‐Adams’ prominent philosophical account of it. My view is less intellectualistic and individualistic than hers, does not presuppose meta‐ethical moral realism, and blurs her distinction between moral progress in beliefs and moral progress in social practices. I point out the limits of humans to progress morally, which are partly grounded in our evolutionary history, and argue that moral progress is always of a ‘local’ nature.
Quantitative CT‐derived vessel metrics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A structure–function study
Authors: Jacob Joseph , Pienn Michael , Payer Christian , Urschler Martin , Kokosi Maria , Devaraj Anand , Wells Athol U. , Olschewski Horst 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTBackground and objectiveThis study aimed to investigate whether quantitative lung vessel morphology determined by a new fully automated algorithm is associated with functional indices in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).MethodsA total of 152 IPF patients had vessel volume, density, tortuosity and heterogeneity quantified from computed tomography (CT) images by a fully automated algorithm. Separate quantitation of vessel metrics in pulmonary arteries and veins was performed in 106 patients. Results were evaluated against readouts from lung function tests.ResultsNormalized vessel volume expressed as a percentage of total lung volume was moderately correlated with functional indices on univariable linear regression analysis: forced vital capacity (R2 = 0.27, P < 1 × 10−6), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO; R2 = 0.12, P = 3 × 10−5), total lung capacity (TLC; R2 = 0.45, P < 1 × 10−6) and composite physiologic index (CPI; R2 = 0.28, P < 1 × 10−6). Normalized vessel volume was correlated with vessel density but not with vessel heterogeneity. Quantitatively derived vessel metrics (and artery and vein subdivision scores) were not significantly linked with the transfer factor for carbon monoxide (KCO), and only weakly with DLCO.On multivariable linear regression analysis, normalized vessel volume and vessel heterogeneity were independently linked with DLCO, TLC and CPI indicating that they capture different aspects of lung damage. Artery–vein separation provided no additional information beyond that captured in the whole vasculature.ConclusionOur study confirms previous observations of links between vessel volume and functional measures of disease severity in IPF using a new vessel quantitation tool. Additionally, the new tool shows independent linkages of normalized vessel volume and vessel heterogeneity with functional indices. Quantitative vessel metrics do not appear to reflect vasculopathic damage in IPF.
Effect of Providing the Uncertainty Information About a Tornado Occurrence on the Weather Recipients’ Cognition and Protective Action: Probabilistic Hazard Information Versus Deterministic Warnings
Authors: Miran Seyed M. , Ling Chen , Gerard Alan , Rothfusz Lans 
Published: February 2019

AbstractCurrently, a binary alarm system is used in the United States to issue deterministic warning polygons in case of tornado events. To enhance the effectiveness of the weather information, a likelihood alarm system, which uses a tool called probabilistic hazard information (PHI), is being developed at National Severe Storms Laboratory to issue probabilistic information about the threat. This study aims to investigate the effects of providing the uncertainty information about a tornado occurrence through the PHI's graphical swath on laypeople's concern, fear, and protective action, as compared with providing the warning information with the deterministic polygon. The displays of color‐coded swaths and deterministic polygons were shown to subjects. Some displays had a blue background denoting the probability of any tornado formation in the general area. Participants were asked to report their levels of concern, fear, and protective action at randomly chosen locations within each of seven designated levels on each display. Analysis of a three‐stage nested design showed that providing the uncertainty information via the PHI would appropriately increase recipients’ levels of concern, fear, and protective action in highly dangerous scenarios, with a more than 60% chance of being affected by the threat, as compared with deterministic polygons. The blue background and the color‐coding type did not have a significant effect on the people's cognition of the threat and reaction to it. This study shows that using a likelihood alarm system leads to more conscious decision making by the weather information recipients and enhances the system safety.