bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of candidate effector genes of Pratylenchus penetrans
Authors: Vieira Paulo , Maier Thomas R. , Eves‐van den Akker Sebastian , Howe Dana K. , Zasada Inga , Baum Thomas J. , Eisenback Jonathan D. , Kamo Kathryn 
Published: February 2018

SummaryPratylenchus penetrans is one of the most important species of root lesion nematodes (RLNs) because of its detrimental and economic impact in a wide range of crops. Similar to other plant‐parasitic nematodes (PPNs), P. penetrans harbours a significant number of secreted proteins that play key roles during parasitism. Here, we combined spatially and temporally resolved next‐generation sequencing datasets of P. penetrans to select a list of candidate genes aimed at the identification of a panel of effector genes for this species. We determined the spatial expression of transcripts of 22 candidate effectors within the oesophageal glands of P. penetrans by in situ hybridization. These comprised homologues of known effectors of other PPNs with diverse putative functions, as well as novel pioneer effectors specific to RLNs. It is noteworthy that five of the pioneer effectors encode extremely proline‐rich proteins. We then combined in situ localization of effectors with available genomic data to identify a non‐coding motif enriched in promoter regions of a subset of P. penetrans effectors, and thus a putative hallmark of spatial expression. Expression profiling analyses of a subset of candidate effectors confirmed their expression during plant infection. Our current results provide the most comprehensive panel of effectors found for RLNs. Considering the damage caused by P. penetrans, this information provides valuable data to elucidate the mode of parasitism of this nematode and offers useful suggestions regarding the potential use of P. penetrans‐specific target effector genes to control this important pathogen.
Diversity and seasonal abundances of mosquitoes at potential arboviral transmission sites in two different climate zones in Switzerland
Authors: WAGNER S. , GUIDI V. , TORGERSON P. R. , MATHIS A. , SCHAFFNER F. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPathogens of medical or veterinary significance that are transmitted by mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) are (re‐)emerging in Europe [e.g. West Nile virus (WNV), Dirofilaria nematodes]. Little is known about the spatiotemporal abundances of mosquito species in Switzerland. Therefore, mosquito population dynamics were investigated, focusing on areas of risk for sylvatic or synanthropic transmission, such as natural sites and suburban sites on either side of the Alpine crest. Repeated collections were made using Centers for Disease Control (CDC) traps, juvenile sampling and ovitrapping. A total of 122 831 mosquito specimens of 21 taxa were identified. Levels of mosquito species richness were similar at suburban sites and in natural zones in Switzerland. Mosquito abundances and seasonality were analysed with generalized linear mixed models based on 382 CDC trap samples (29 454 females) and revealed Aedes annulipes/cantans, Aedes geniculatus, Aedes japonicus, Aedes sticticus, Aedes vexans, Coquillettidia richiardii and Culex pipiens/torrentium as the dominant species overall. Abundances of these species were season‐dependent in most cases. There was an effect of site with regard to abundance (higher in natural zones), but not with respect to seasonality. Together with data on vector competence and the host preferences of different species, the present data contribute to assessments of risk for pathogen transmission. For example, both natural and suburban environments seem feasible as sites for amplification cycles of WNV and transmission to mammals.
Why ethnic parties form: evidence from Bolivia
Authors: Flesken Anaïd 
Published: February 2018

AbstractResearch on the effects of ethnic politics abounds, but much less attention has been paid to where and why ethnic parties form. This article tests the explanatory power of rational‐choice and social‐movement informed approaches to ethnic party formation that, it argues, differ in their assumptions about the location of agency (elite vs. grassroots) and motives for party formation (office‐ vs. policy‐seeking). The assumptions are tested through an analysis of original data on party registration and socio‐economic factors in 327 Bolivian municipalities during the 2004 local elections. The elections took place under new electoral rules during a period of political restructuring, allowing an analysis of party entry decisions per se. Through a series of logistic regression models and various robustness checks, this article finds that social‐movement approaches are better able to explain ethnic party formation, and in particular that grievances over political maladministration and socio‐economic inequalities drive ethnic party formation.
Effect of extended hours dialysis on sleep quality in a randomized trial
Authors: Liao Jin‐Lan , van den Broek‐Best Oliver , Smyth Brendan , Hong Daqing , Vo Kha , Zuo Li , Gray Nicholas A , Chan Christopher T , de Zoysa Janak , Perkovic Vlado , Jiang Lei , Jardine Meg 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTAimPoor sleep quality is common in haemodialysis patients and associated with worse outcomes. In this pre‐specified analysis, we examined the impact of extended hours haemodialysis on sleep quality.MethodsThe ACTIVE Dialysis trial randomized 200 participants to extended (≥24 h/week) or standard (target 12–15 h) hours haemodialysis over 12 months. Sleep quality was measured in the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form 1.3 (KDQOL‐SF) by overall sleep quality score (0–10, 10 = ‘very good’) and the sleep subscale (0–100, 100 = ‘best possible sleep’) every 3 months via blinded telephone interview. The average intervention effect was calculated by mixed linear regression adjusted by time point and baseline score. Factors predicting sleep quality were assessed by multivariate regression analysis.ResultsOverall sleep quality score and sleep subscale at baseline were similar in both groups (5.9 [95%CI 5.4–6.4] vs. 6.3 [5.9–6.8]; 65.0 [60.9–69.1] vs. 63.2 [59.1–67.3]; extended and standard hours, respectively). Extended hours haemodialysis led to a non‐significant improvement in overall sleep quality score (average intervention effect 0.44 (−0.01 to 0.89), P = 0.053) and sleep subscale (average intervention effect 3.58 (−0.02 to 7.18), P = 0.051). Poor sleep quality was associated with being female and with current smoking. Sleep quality was positively associated with EuroQol‐5D (EQ5D) and the SF‐36 Physical Component and Mental Component Summary Scores but not with hospitalizations.ConclusionSleep quality was not significantly improved by extended hours dialysis in this study. Sleep quality is positively correlated with quality of life in haemodialysis patients and is poorer in women and current smokers.
Respiratory characteristics of individuals with non‐specific low back pain: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Mohan Vikram , Paungmali Aatit , Sitilerpisan Patraporn , Hashim Ummi F. , Mazlan Munifa B. , Nasuha Tuan N. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNon‐specific low back pain (NS‐LBP) is known to cause respiratory dysfunction. In this study, we investigated alterations in breathing, respiratory strength and endurance, core stability, diaphragm mobility, and chest expansion among patients with NS‐LBP and healthy individuals. The specific aim of the study was to correlate between respiratory function and other variables among NS‐LBP patients. Thirty four patients with NS‐LBP were matched with 34 healthy participants before undergoing total faulty breathing scale, spirometer, respiratory pressure meter, chest expansion, ultrasound, and pressure biofeedback measurements. There were signs of faulty breathing in the NS‐LBP patients when compared to the healthy participants. Diaphragmatic mobility and respiratory muscle endurance were lower in the NS‐LBP group. Chest expansion exhibited a significant decrease at the level of the fourth intercostal space in the NS‐LBP group, but respiratory muscle strength and core stability were not significant between the two groups. Positive correlations were found to be fairly significant regarding respiratory muscle strength. The findings of this study indicated altered respiratory characteristics in the NS‐LBP patients, and suggested that they would improve through respiratory exercises.
Apple S‐RNase triggers inhibition of tRNA aminoacylation by interacting with a soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase in growing self‐pollen tubes in vitro
Authors: Li Wei , Meng Dong , Gu Zhaoyu , Yang Qing , Yuan Hui , Li Yang , Chen Qiuju , Yu Jie , Liu Chunsheng , Li Tianzhong 
Published: February 2018

Summary

Apple exhibits S‐RNase‐based self‐incompatibility (SI), in which S‐RNase plays a central role in rejecting self‐pollen. It has been proposed that the arrest of pollen growth in SI of Solanaceae plants is a consequence of the degradation of pollen rRNA by S‐RNase; however, the underlying mechanism in Rosaceae is still unclear.

Here, we used S2‐RNase as a bait to screen an apple pollen cDNA library and characterized an apple soluble inorganic pyrophosphatase (MdPPa) that physically interacted with S‐RNases.

When treated with self S‐RNases, apple pollen tubes showed a marked growth inhibition, as well as a decrease in endogenous soluble pyrophosphatase activity and elevated levels of inorganic pyrophosphate (PPi). In addition, S‐RNase was found to bind to two variable regions of MdPPa, resulting in a noncompetitive inhibition of its activity. Silencing of MdPPa expression led to a reduction in pollen tube growth. Interestingly, tRNA aminoacylation was inhibited in self S‐RNase‐treated or MdPPa‐silenced pollen tubes, resulting in the accumulation of uncharged tRNA. Furthermore, we provide evidence showing that this disturbance of tRNA aminoacylation is independent of RNase activity.

We propose an alternative mechanism differing from RNA degradation to explain the cytotoxicity of the S‐RNase apple SI process.
A review of machine learning in obesity
Authors: DeGregory K. W. , Kuiper P. , DeSilvio T. , Pleuss J. D. , Miller R. , Roginski J. W. , Fisher C. B. , Harness D. , Viswanath S. , Heymsfield S. B. , Dungan I. , Thomas D. M. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryRich sources of obesity‐related data arising from sensors, smartphone apps, electronic medical health records and insurance data can bring new insights for understanding, preventing and treating obesity. For such large datasets, machine learning provides sophisticated and elegant tools to describe, classify and predict obesity‐related risks and outcomes.Here, we review machine learning methods that predict and/or classify such as linear and logistic regression, artificial neural networks, deep learning and decision tree analysis. We also review methods that describe and characterize data such as cluster analysis, principal component analysis, network science and topological data analysis. We introduce each method with a high‐level overview followed by examples of successful applications. The algorithms were then applied to National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to demonstrate methodology, utility and outcomes. The strengths and limitations of each method were also evaluated.This summary of machine learning algorithms provides a unique overview of the state of data analysis applied specifically to obesity.
Cytokine gene polymorphism in denture stomatitis patients: A clinical study
Authors: Keşoğlu AC , Bural C , Genç GE , Erturan Z , Çınar Kekik Ç , Oğuz F , Bilgin T , Bilhan H 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveThis clinical study investigated the association between cytokine gene polymorphism and Candida growth in denture stomatitis (DS) patients.Subjects and MethodsSaliva and blood samples of 160 complete denture wearers (80 healthy controls and 80 with DS) were collected for mycological and gene polymorphism testing, respectively. Salivary Candida growth and TNF‐α, TGF‐β, IL‐6, and IL‐10 genotypes were investigated. Data were analyzed using Student’s t test, Mann–Whitney U test, chi‐square analysis, and continuity (yates) correction tests (p < .05).ResultsCandida albicans colony counts in saliva were significantly higher in the DS group and in the TNF‐α GG genotype (p < .05). TGF‐β TC GG and TGF‐β CC GG haplotypes were significantly higher in DS and control groups, respectively (p < .05). C. albicans colony counts were significantly higher in control group in the TGF‐β TC GG haplotype (p < .05). Candida glabrata colony counts were significantly higher in the DS group than the control group in IL‐6 GG genotype (p < .05). The difference between DS types in IL‐6 genotypes was significant with lower expression level in DS type 3 than DS type 1 and also type 2 (p ≤ .01).ConclusionThe significant differences in some genotypes of the TNF‐α, TGF‐β, and IL‐6 in DS patients are promising in understanding the host defense in DS.
Three physiological parameters capture variation in leaf respiration of Eucalyptus grandis, as elicited by short‐term changes in ambient temperature, and differing nitrogen supply
Authors: Kruse Jörg , Rennenberg Heinz , Adams Mark A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWe used instantaneous temperature responses of CO2‐respiration to explore temperature acclimation dynamics for Eucalyptus grandis grown with differing nitrogen supply. A reduction in ambient temperature from 23 to 19 °C reduced light‐saturated photosynthesis by 25% but increased respiratory capacity by 30%. Changes in respiratory capacity were not reversed after temperatures were subsequently increased to 27 °C. Temperature sensitivity of respiration measured at prevalent ambient temperature varied little between temperature treatments but was significantly reduced from ~105 kJ mol−1 when supply of N was weak, to ~70 kJ mol−1 when it was strong. Temperature sensitivity of respiration measured across a broader temperature range (20–40 °C) could be fully described by 2 exponent parameters of an Arrhenius‐type model (i.e., activation energy of respiration at low reference temperature and a parameter describing the temperature dependence of activation energy). These 2 parameters were strongly correlated, statistically explaining 74% of observed variation. Residual variation was linked to treatment‐induced changes in respiration at low reference temperature or respiratory capacity. Leaf contents of starch and soluble sugars suggest that respiratory capacity varies with source‐sink imbalances in carbohydrate utilization, which in combination with shifts in carbon‐flux mode, serve to maintain homeostasis of respiratory temperature sensitivity at prevalent growth temperature.
New possible mechanisms of embolism formation when measuring vulnerability curves by air injection in a pressure sleeve
Authors: Yin Pengxian , Cai Jing 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSince 1988, researchers have exposed stems to positive pressures to displace water in vessels and measure the impact of applied pressure on hydraulic conductivity. The pressure‐sleeve technique has been used in more than 60 publications to measure vulnerability curves (VCs), which are a measure of how water stress impacts the ability of plants to transport water because water stress induces embolism in vessels that blocks water flow. It is thought that the positive pressure in a sleeve required to induce 50% loss of conductivity (PLC), P50, is the same magnitude as the tension that causes 50% PLC, T50, where the tension can be induced by either bench‐top dehydration or by a centrifuge technique. The unifying concept that P50 = T50 and that the entire VC is the same regardless of method is referred to as the air‐seeding hypothesis. In the current study, we performed experiments to further test the air‐seeding hypothesis in pressure sleeves and concluded that an “effervescence” mechanism caused embolism formation under positive pressure. This mechanism explains why VCs measured using positive pressure do not always match VCs obtained by other methods that induce water tension.
Achieving public and global health competencies: A teaching case study of Botswana's cervical cancer screening program
Authors: Okatch Harriet , Sowicz Timothy Joseph , Teng Helen , Ramogola‐Masire Doreen , Buttenheim Alison M. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo design and implement a case study on the cervical cancer screening program in Botswana to teach public and global health competencies to undergraduate nursing students.Design and SampleThe case study was developed following a review of the literature on the epidemiology and health policies of cervical cancer in Botswana, and an interview with an obstetrician/gynecologist engaged in both clinical practice and research in Botswana. The case study has been implemented over seven semesters to students enrolled in the Nursing in the Community course at the University of Pennsylvania. Approximately 75‐100 students are enrolled each semester.MeasuresStudent’s perceptions of epidemiologic skills gained and group functioning. Students responded to an open‐ended question about lessons learned and offered suggestions to improve the learning experience.ResultsFaculty assessment of student deliverables demonstrated that students achieved the learning objectives and mastered necessary competencies. More than 70% (n = 69) of the students indicated that they acquired relevant skills at greater than a satisfactory level. Generally, students had great experiences working in groups measured across five dimensions: engagement/contribution, creativity/resilience, on task/works independently, social interaction/communication, and preparedness. However, isolated cases of poor group functioning were reported for engagement/contribution, and creativity/resilience.ConclusionThe case study, which has been revised with respect to length, content and group processes, has been valuable in educating undergraduate nursing students in a more engaging way that mimics real life public health nursing scenarios. Students achieved both public and global health competencies through participation in the case study.
Low education and lack of spousal relationship are associated with dementia in older adults with diabetes mellitus in Nigeria
Authors: Yusuf Abdulkareem J. , Baiyewu Olusegun , Bakari Adamu G. , Garko Sani B. , Jibril Mohammed E.‐B. , Suleiman Aishatu M. , Muktar Haruna M. , Amedu Micheal A. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe relationship between dementia and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in older adults is well established in the literature. However, there have been few studies on this relationship in older adults living in low‐ and middle‐income countries, and most demographic projections predict that older adult population will increase substantially in these regions by 2050.MethodsIn this study, older adults with T2DM attending a tertiary health facility were examined and compared with community‐dwelling older adults without T2DM. The participants were assessed using the Consortium to Establish Registry for Alzheimer's Disease, the Stick Design Test, the 30‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. Additionally, all the participants had a physical examination, including assessment of glycated haemoglobin, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile, and HIV status. A consensus diagnosis of dementia was made based on the criteria for dementia in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition, and the International Classification for Diseases, 10th edition. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 for Windows.ResultsThis study included 224 diabetic patients and 116 controls. A total of 27 diabetic patients (12.1%) had dementia, 19 of whom were women. Of the 27 diabetic patients with dementia, 25 patients (92.6%) had Alzheimer's disease and 2 patients (7.4%) had mixed dementia (vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease). Only one person among the controls had Alzheimer's type dementia. Dementia in the diabetic patients was significantly associated with advancing age, female gender, education level, duration of diabetes, and absence of a spouse.ConclusionDementia is common in older adults with T2DM in this low‐resource setting, and the risk factors for dementia were similar to those reported in earlier studies in Western societies.
Combined assessment of attentional reserve and cognitive‐motor effort under various levels of challenge with a dry EEG system
Authors: Gentili Rodolphe J. , Jaquess Kyle J. , Shuggi Isabelle M. , Shaw Emma P. , Oh Hyuk , Lo Li‐Chuan , Tan Ying Ying , Domingues Clayton A. , Blanco Justin A. , Rietschel Jeremy C. , Miller Matthew W. , Hatfield Bradley D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractA novel ERP approach was proposed to index variations in mental workload, particularly in attentional reserve, which is complementary to EEG spectral content thought to reflect mental effort. To our knowledge, no study has assessed mental effort and attentional reserve simultaneously in EEG gel‐based and, importantly, dry systems, which are particularly well suited for real‐world settings. Therefore, by systematically considering ERP, EEG spectral, and importantly the combination of both, this study examined if a small set of dry EEG electrodes could detect changes in both spectral and ERP metrics to assess the mental workload under various challenges with a similar fidelity to their gel‐based counterparts in a laboratory setting. By employing both EEG gel‐based and dry systems, the ERP and spectral markers were computed while participants executed a visuomotor task under three levels of challenge. For both EEG systems, more challenging levels of difficulty were associated with concomitant changes in ERP amplitude, and spectral power reflected a reduction of the attentional reserve and an increase in cognitive‐motor effort, respectively. Those variations in attentional reserve and cognitive‐motor effort collectively indexed mental workload with nearly identical fidelity for both gel‐based and dry EEG systems. These findings promise to assess the mental workload in situations where the use of dry EEG systems could be advantageously employed to examine human cognitive‐motor performance.
Lucky achievement: virtue epistemology on the value of knowledge
Authors: Ho Tsung‐Hsing 
Published: February 2018

AbstractVirtue epistemology argues that knowledge is more valuable than Gettierized belief because knowledge is an achievement, but Gettierized belief is not. The key premise in the achievement argument is that achievement is apt (successful because competent) and Gettierized belief is inapt (successful because lucky). I first argue that the intuition behind the achievement argument is based wrongly on the fact that ‘being successful because lucky’ implicates ‘being not competent enough’. I then offer an argument from moral luck to argue that virtue epistemologists should maintain that knowledge is no more valuable than Gettierized belief.
Statistical Challenges of Administrative and Transaction Data
Authors: Hand David J. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryAdministrative data are becoming increasingly important. They are typically the side effect of some operational exercise and are often seen as having significant advantages over alternative sources of data. Although it is true that such data have merits, statisticians should approach the analysis of such data with the same cautious and critical eye as they approach the analysis of data from any other source. The paper identifies some statistical challenges, with the aim of stimulating debate about and improving the analysis of administrative data, and encouraging methodology researchers to explore some of the important statistical problems which arise with such data.