bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome sequencing and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing of an early flowering Mini‐Citrus (Fortunella hindsii)
Authors: Zhu Chenqiao , Zheng Xiongjie , Huang Yue , Ye Junli , Chen Peng , Zhang Chenglei , Zhao Fei , Xie Zongzhou , Zhang Siqi , Wang Nan , Li Hang , Wang Lun , Tang Xiaomei , Chai Lijun , Xu Qiang , Deng Xiuxin 
Published: April 2019

SummaryHongkong kumquat (Fortunella hindsii) is a wild citrus species characterized by dwarf plant height and early flowering. Here, we identified the monoembryonic F. hindsii (designated as ‘Mini‐Citrus’) for the first time and constructed its selfing lines. This germplasm constitutes an ideal model for the genetic and functional genomics studies of citrus, which have been severely hindered by the long juvenility and inherent apomixes of citrus. F. hindsii showed a very short juvenile period (~8 months) and stable monoembryonic phenotype under cultivation. We report the first de novo assembled 373.6 Mb genome sequences (Contig‐N50 2.2 Mb and Scaffold‐N50 5.2 Mb) for F. hindsii. In total, 32 257 protein‐coding genes were annotated, 96.9% of which had homologues in other eight Citrinae species. The phylogenomic analysis revealed a close relationship of F. hindsii with cultivated citrus varieties, especially with mandarin. Furthermore, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was demonstrated to be an efficient strategy to generate target mutagenesis on F. hindsii. The modifications of target genes in the CRISPR‐modified F. hindsii were predominantly 1‐bp insertions or small deletions. This genetic transformation system based on F. hindsii could shorten the whole process from explant to T1 mutant to about 15 months. Overall, due to its short juvenility, monoembryony, close genetic background to cultivated citrus and applicability of CRISPR, F. hindsii shows unprecedented potentials to be used as a model species for citrus research.
Genome‐wide association analyses reveal the genetic basis of combining ability in rice
Authors: Chen Junxiao , Zhou Hao , Xie Weibo , Xia Duo , Gao Guanjun , Zhang Qinglu , Wang Gongwei , Lian Xingming , Xiao Jinghua , He Yuqing 
Published: April 2019

SummaryCombining ability is a measure for selecting elite parents and predicting hybrid performance in plant breeding. However, the genetic basis of combining ability remains unclear and a global view of combining ability from diverse mating designs is lacking. We developed a North Carolina II (NCII) population of 96 Oryza sativa and four male sterile lines to identify parents of greatest value for hybrid rice production. Statistical analyses indicated that general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) contributed variously to different agronomic traits. In a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of agronomic traits, GCA and SCA, we identified 34 significant associations (P < 2.39 × 10−7). The superior alleles of GCA loci (Ghd8, GS3 and qSSR4) accumulated in parental lines with high GCA and explained 30.03% of GCA variance in grain yield, indicating that molecular breeding of high GCA parental lines is feasible. The distinct distributions of these QTLs contributed to the differentiation of parental GCA in subpopulations. GWAS of SCA identified 12 more loci that showed dominance on corresponding agronomic traits. We conclude that the accumulation of superior GCA and SCA alleles is an important contributor to heterosis and QTLs that greatly contributed to combining ability in our study would accelerate the identification of elite inbred lines and breeding of super hybrids.
Effect of combination NSAID and NBUVB treatment in non‐photoadapters—A pilot study
Authors: Mehta Chintan , Mohammad Tasneem , Mehta Dhwani , Griffith James , Nicholson Cynthia , Hamzavi Iltefat 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundVitiligo is a disorder of dyspigmentation that can impact quality of life. While narrow‐band ultraviolet B (NBUVB) is an effective treatment for vitiligo, a subset of patients are unable to respond to phototherapy as they cannot photoadapt. However, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to increase the minimal erythema dose.PurposeTo determine whether ibuprofen allows non‐photoadapters to respond to therapeutic doses of NBUVB and maintain photoadaptation.MethodFour patients unable to tolerate NBUVB or excimer past a dose of 1000 mJ/cm2 were enrolled in the study and given ibuprofen 400 mg prior to phototherapy, which was performed 2‐3 times a week. Patients were followed up to 72 treatments to demonstrate photoadaptation and maintenance of response to phototherapy. Patients were clinically monitored by serial photographs approximately every 12 treatments. Response to phototherapy was monitored by tracking the dose of NBUVB received at each session. Maintenance of response was monitored for six treatments after discontinuing the ibuprofen. Percent change in pigmentation was also recorded.ResultsThree out of four subjects enrolled in the study were able to increase their doses of phototherapy to a therapeutic range, and subjects continued to photoadapt for six treatments after discontinuing ibuprofen. Two subjects achieved repigmentation during their course of phototherapy.ConclusionIbuprofen may be a safe alternative to corticosteroids for select patients with vitiligo that are unable to photoadapt. It appears that the ability to photoadapt continues once ibuprofen is discontinued, negating the need for chronic use. Enabling photoadaptation allows patients to achieve therapeutic doses of NBUVB phototherapy, leading to repigmentation and improved outcomes.Trial RegistrationThe trial was registered through Henry Ford Hospital IRB—No. 9744.
Post‐traumatic stress disorder and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy among military women
Authors: Nash Michelle Crozier , Kip Kevin E. , Wang Wei , Custer Michael , O'Rourke Kathleen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundWomen are more likely to develop post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) than men. Limited research exists evaluating the risk of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) among military women with PTSD.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study using US Department of Defense (DoD) data comprised of all active‐duty women giving birth to their first, liveborn singleton infant using DoD‐sponsored health insurance from 1 January 2004 to 31 December 2008 (n = 34 176). Birth hospitalisation records, maternal mental health visits, and Post‐Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA) and Reassessment (PDHRA) screenings were included. The HDP outcome (yes vs no) was defined using ICD‐9‐CM codes in the maternal birth hospitalisation record. Women fit into one of four PTSD exposure categories (confirmed, probable, possible, none). Confirmed cases had a PTSD ICD‐9‐CM diagnosis code. Probable/possible cases were classified using PDHA screening items. We used multiple log‐linear regression to assess PTSD (confirmed, any vs none) and the risk of HDP overall, and then explored effect modification by military service and demographic variables. We assessed the risk of HDP among deployed mothers with PTSD (confirmed, probable/possible vs none) who completed a PDHA, and explored effect modification by race/ethnicity. We also assessed risk of HDP with differing PTSD lead times.ResultsOverall, PTSD was not associated with HDP except among mothers whose PTSD was diagnosed ≥1 year prior to conception (RR 1.42, 95% CI 1.06, 1.90).ConclusionsPost‐traumatic stress disorder preceding conception by at least a year appeared to confer an increased risk of HDP, but further research is needed using more thorough PTSD assessment.
Intrafollicular paraoxonase 1 activity and the steroidogenic potential of the first post‐partum dominant follicle in dairy cows
Authors: Isola José Victor Vieira , Velasco Acosta Diego Andres , Bespalhok Jacometo Carolina , Rincón Joao Alveiro Alvarado , Silveira Pedro Augusto Silva , Corrêa Marcio Nunes , Schneider Augusto 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCows experiencing high levels of inflammation and specific metabolic conditions tend to have slower follicular growth and lower serum and follicular concentrations of oestradiol (E2). Paraoxonase1 (PON1) activity decreases during inflammatory processes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the association between serum and intrafollicular (FF) PON1 activity and the serum and intrafollicular levels of E2 and progesterone (P4), as well as the mRNA expression of genes related to steroidogenesis, metabolism and inflammation in the first post‐partum dominant follicle of Holstein cows. No correlation was found between PON1 activity, the expression of the analysed genes and levels of follicular E2 and P4, except for a negative correlation between serum E2 and follicular PO1 activity. Also, no correlation was found between serum and follicular PON1 during the first post‐partum follicular wave.
Practical approach to establishing pulmonary rehabilitation for people with non‐COPD diagnoses
Authors: Granger Catherine L. , Morris Norman R. , Holland Anne E. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTPulmonary rehabilitation is a core aspect in the management of patients with chronic respiratory diseases. This paper describes a practical approach to establishing pulmonary rehabilitation for patients with non‐COPD diagnoses using examples from the interstitial lung disease (ILD), pulmonary hypertension (PH), bronchiectasis and lung cancer patient populations. Aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation, including the rationale, patient selection, setting of programmes, patient assessment and training components (both exercise and non‐exercise aspects), are discussed for these patient groups. Whilst there are many similarities in the rationale and application of pulmonary rehabilitation across these non‐COPD populations, there are also many subtle differences, which are discussed in detail in this paper. With consideration of these factors, pulmonary rehabilitation programmes can be adapted to facilitate the inclusion of respiratory patients with non‐COPD diagnoses.
Lobbying Conflict, Competition, and Working in Coalitions
Authors: Newmark Adam J. , Nownes Anthony J. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveWe examine the factors that affect interest group decisions to join coalitions rather than “go it alone.” Among the factors we consider are organization type, level of conflict, level of competition, and relative influence.MethodWe conduct a mail survey of lobbyists in five American states to determine the likelihood of interests working in coalitions.ResultsOur findings indicate that group type has little impact on group decisions to join coalitions. Advantaged (e.g., resource‐rich business organizations) and disadvantaged (e.g., underfunded charity and citizen groups) groups behave similarly when it comes to working with others, a finding that is important in debates over whether some interests are over‐ or underrepresented in the pressure system. We also find that conflict and competition affect groups’ propensity to work with other groups, and that contextual factors, including partisan congruence and lobbying laws, influence the extent to which groups work with other groups.ConclusionOur findings contribute to the ongoing scholarly debate about the conditions under which interest groups bear the costs of lobbying with others.
Temporal trends and differential patterns in the prevalence of severe anaemia in India: observations from country‐wide haemoglobin determinations 2008–2018
Authors: Bora Kaustubh 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo assess temporal trends in the occurrence of severe anaemia in India over the past decade, encompassing every state and union territory.MethodsFor the period 2008–09 to 2017–18, annual estimates (%) of severe anaemia (haemoglobin < 7 g/dl) for India were derived from Health Management Information System datasets, along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to construct temporal trends. Differential patterns in the distribution of severe anaemia by geography, epidemiological transition level and socio‐demographic index values were also investigated.ResultsSevere anaemia occurred in 3.29% (95% CI: 3.28–3.30%) of all haemoglobin determinations in India in 2017–18, which was less than a third of the number in 2008–09. This decline (overall 7.8% or 0.78% per year) over the past decade was consistent (χ2 trend = 1 557 296, P < 0.001). Distribution of severe anaemia was heterogeneous between states and union territories (in 2017–18), ranged from < 1% (in Kerala and Lakshadweep) to > 8% (in Telangana). Significant variations were observed according to geographical region (highest in Central zone), epidemiological transition level (highest at higher middle epidemiological transition level) and socio‐demographic index (highest at middle socio‐demographic index). Severe anaemia burden between rural and urban areas also differed significantly.ConclusionAlthough the prevalence of severe anaemia has decreased in India over the last decade, it remains substantial and differs widely with respect to geography, epidemiological transition level, and socio‐economic conditions. A detailed assessment of the various aetiologies and documentation of their spatial epidemiology is desirable to understand their relative contribution to the severe anaemia burden and to design appropriate interventions.
Arabidopsis and sunflower plants with increased xylem area show enhanced seed yield
Authors: Cabello Julieta V. , Chan Raquel L. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryPlant architecture plasticity determines the efficiency at harvesting and plays a major role defining biomass and seed yield. We observed that several previously described transgenic genotypes exhibiting increased seed yield also show wider stems and more vascular bundles than wild‐type plants. Here, the relationship between these characteristics and seed yield was investigated. Hanging weight on the main stem of Arabidopsis plants provoked significant stem widening. Such widening was accompanied by an increase in the number of vascular bundles and about 100% of yield increase. In parallel, lignin deposition diminished. Vascular bundle formation started in the upper internode and continued downstream. AUX/LAX carriers were essential for this response. The increase of vascular bundles was reverted 3 weeks after the treatment leading to an enlarged xylem area. Aux1, lax1, and lax3 mutant plants were also able to enlarge their stems after the treatment, whereas lax2 plants did not. However, none of these mutants exhibited more vascular bundles or seed yield compared with untreated plants. Weight‐induced xylem area enhancement and increased seed yield were also observed in sunflower plants. Altogether these results showed a strong correlation between the number of vascular bundles and enhanced seed yield under a long‐day photoperiod. Furthermore, changes in the levels of auxin carriers affected both these processes in the same manner, suggesting that there may be an underlying causality.
Effects of acute nitric oxide precursor intake on peripheral and central fatigue during knee extensions in healthy men
Authors: Le Roux‐Mallouf Thibault , Laurent Julien , Besset Dimitri , Marillier Mathieu , Larribaut Julie , Belaidi Elise , Corne Christelle , Doutreleau Stéphane , Verges Samuel 
Published: April 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
What is the effect of acute NO precursor intake on vascular function, muscle and cerebral oxygenation and peripheral and central neuromuscular fatigue during knee‐extension exercise?

What is the main finding and its importance?
Acute NO precursor ingestion increases the plasma concentrations of NO precursors (nitrate, arginine and citrulline) and enhances post‐ischaemic vasodilatation, but has no significant effect on muscle and cerebral oxygenation, peripheral and central mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue and, consequently, does not improve exercise performance.

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in matching blood flow to oxygen demand in the brain and contracting muscles during exercise. Previous studies have shown that increasing NO bioavailability can improve muscle function. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acute NO precursor intake on muscle and cerebral oxygenation and on peripheral and central neuromuscular fatigue during exercise. In four experimental sessions, 15 healthy men performed a thigh ischaemia–reperfusion test followed by submaximal isometric knee extensions (5 s on–4 s off; 45% of maximal voluntary contraction) until task failure. In each session, subjects drank a nitrate‐rich beetroot juice containing 520 mg nitrate (N), N and citrulline (6 g; N+C), N and arginine (6 g; N+A) or a placebo (PLA). Prefrontal cortex and quadriceps near‐infrared spectroscopy parameters were monitored continuously. Transcranial magnetic stimulation and femoral nerve electrical stimulation were used to assess central and peripheral determinants of fatigue. The post‐ischaemic increase in thigh blood total haemoglobin concentration was larger in N (10.1 ± 3.7 mmol) and N+C (10.9 ± 3.3 mmol) compared with PLA (8.2 ± 2.7 mmol; P < 0.05). Nitric oxide precursors had no significant effect on muscle and cerebral oxygenation or on peripheral and central mechanisms of neuromuscular fatigue during exercise. The total number of knee extensions did not differ between sessions (N, 71.9 ± 33.2; N+A, 73.3 ± 39.4; N+C, 74.6 ± 34.0; PLA, 71.8 ± 39.9; P > 0.05). In contrast to the post‐ischaemic hyperaemic response, NO bioavailability in healthy subjects might not be the limiting factor for tissue perfusion and oxygenation during submaximal knee extensions to task failure.
Sunscreen or simulated sweat minimizes the impact of acute ultraviolet radiation on cutaneous microvascular function in healthy humans
Authors: Wolf S. Tony , Berry Craig W. , Stanhewicz Anna E. , Kenney Lauren E. , Ferguson Sara B. , Kenney W. Larry 
Published: April 2019

New Findings
What is the central question of this study?
Are ultraviolet radiation (UVR)‐induced increases in skin blood flow independent of skin erythema? Does broad‐spectrum UVR exposure attenuate NO‐mediated cutaneous vasodilatation, and does sunscreen or sweat modulate this response?

What are the main findings and their importance?
Erythema and vascular responses to UVR are temporally distinct, and sunscreen prevents both responses. Exposure to UVR attenuates NO‐mediated vasodilatation in the cutaneous microvasculature; sunscreen or simulated sweat on the skin attenuates this response. Sun over‐exposure may elicit deleterious effects on human skin that are separate from sunburn, and sunscreen or sweat on the skin may provide protection.

AbstractExposure to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) may result in cutaneous vascular dysfunction independent of erythema (skin reddening). Two studies were designed to differentiate changes in erythema from skin vasodilatation throughout the 8 h after acute broad‐spectrum UVR exposure with (+SS) or without SPF‐50 sunscreen (study 1) and to examine NO‐mediated cutaneous vasodilatation after acute broad‐spectrum UVR exposure with or without +SS or simulated sweat (+SW) on the skin (study 2). In both studies, laser‐Doppler flowmetry was used to measure red cell flux, and cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC) was calculated (CVC = flux/mean arterial pressure). In study 1, in 14 healthy adults (24 ± 4 years old; seven men and seven women), the skin erythema index and CVC were measured over two forearm sites (UVR only and UVR+SS) before, immediately after and every 2 h for 8 h post‐exposure (750 mJ cm−2). The erythema index began to increase immediately post‐UVR (P < 0.05 at 4, 6 and 8 h), but CVC did not increase above baseline for the first 4–6 h (P ≤ 0.01 at 6 and 8 h); +SS prevented both responses. In study 2, in 13 healthy adults (24 ± 4 years old; six men and seven women), three intradermal microdialysis fibres were placed in the ventral skin of the forearm [randomly assigned to UVR (450 mJ cm−2), UVR+SS or UVR+SW], and one fibre (non‐exposed control; CON) was placed in the contralateral forearm. After UVR, a standardized local heating (42°C) protocol quantified the percentage of NO‐mediated vasodilatation (%NO). The UVR attenuated %NO compared with CON (P = 0.01). The diminished %NO was prevented by +SS (P < 0.01) and +SW (P < 0.01). Acute broad‐spectrum UVR attenuates NO‐dependent dilatation in the cutaneous microvasculature, independent of erythema. Sunscreen protects against both inflammatory and heating‐induced endothelial dysfunction, and sweat might prevent UVR‐induced reductions in NO‐dependent dilatation.
Individualizing Locator Adjustments of Assembly Fixtures Using a Digital Twin
Authors: Rezaei Aderiani Abolfazl , Wärmefjord Kristina , Söderberg Rikard , Lindkvist Lars 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImplementing the concept of a digital twin in full production provides enough data on each individual assembly for real-time control of production processes. Taking advantage of this opening, this paper proposes individualized locator adjustments as a new method to improve the geometrical quality of assemblies. In this method, all locators in the assembly fixture can be adjusted for each individual assembly based on the scan data of the mating parts of that assembly. The optimal adjustment of every locator for each individual assembly is obtained using an optimization algorithm and nonrigid variation simulation tools (computer-aided tolerancing tools). This method is applied to three industrial cases and geometrical variations and the mean deviation from nominal positions are compared to nonindividualized adjustments and also when there are no adjustments. The results show that applying this method, an improvement of up to 81% in geometrical variation and 78% in the mean deviation of assemblies can be obtained compared to assemblies without adjustments. These improvements are 60% and 57% higher than nonindividualized adjustments of locators for the variation and the mean deviation, respectively. Moreover, a modification on the optimization algorithm has been proposed that reduces the amount of required adjustments.
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Tree-Shaped Support Structure for Additive Manufacturing Generated by Using a Hybrid of Particle Swarm Optimization and Greedy Algorithm
Authors: Zhu Lin , Feng Ruiliang , Li Xianda , Xi Juntong , Wei Xiangzhi 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Reducing the volume of support structures is a critical means for saving materials and budgets of additive manufacturing, and tree structure is an effective topology for this purpose. Although a few articles in literature and commercial software have been devoted to developing tree-supports, those tree-supports are generated based on geometry optimization or user-defined parameters, which cannot guarantee a minimum volume with robust fabrication guarantee. To address this issue, we propose a set of formulas for stably growing the tree-supports with physical constraints based on 3D printing experiments using fused decomposition modelling (FDM) machines, and a volume minimization mechanism using a hybrid of particle swarm optimization (PSO) method and a greedy algorithm. We show that this combination is effective in reducing the volume of tree-supports and the simulations reveal that the volume curves monotonically descent to a constant within a short time, and our experimental results show that the models with the tree-supports can be manufactured stably.