bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GbSOBIR1 confers Verticillium wilt resistance by phosphorylating the transcriptional factor GbbHLH171 in Gossypium barbadense
Authors: Zhou Yi , Sun Longqing , Wassan Ghulam Mustafa , He Xin , Shaban Muhammad , Zhang Lin , Zhu Longfu , Zhang Xianlong 
Published: May 2018

SummaryReceptor‐like kinases (RLKs) are important components of plant innate immunity. Although recent studies have revealed that the RLK suppressor of BIR1‐1 (SOBIR1) can interact with multiple receptor‐like proteins and is required for resistance against fungal pathogens, how the signal is transduced and triggers immune responses remains enigmatic. In this study, we identified a defence‐related RLK from Gossypium barbadense (designated GbSOBIR1) and investigated its functional mechanism. Expression of the GbSOBIR1 gene is ubiquitous in cotton plants and is induced by Verticillium dahliae inoculation. Knock‐down of GbSOBIR1 by virus‐induced gene silencing resulted in attenuated resistance of cotton plants to V. dahliae, while heterologous overexpression of GbSOBIR1 in Arabidopsis improves resistance. We also found that the kinase region of GbSOBIR1 interacts with a basic helix‐loop‐helix (bHLH) transcription factor identified as GbbHLH171 in a yeast‐two‐hybrid screen. GbbHLH171 could interact with and be phosphorylated by GbSOBIR1 in vitro and in vivo and contributes positively to the resistance of cotton against V. dahliae. Furthermore, we found that this phosphorylation is essential to the transcriptional activity and functional role of GbbHLH171. We also show by spectrometric analysis and site‐directed mutagenesis that Ser413 is the GbSOBIR1‐mediated phosphorylation site of GbbHLH171. These results demonstrate that GbSOBIR1 interacts with GbbHLH171 and plays a critical role in cotton resistance to V. dahliae.
Osmotic stress‐responsive promoter upstream transcripts (PROMPTs) act as carriers of MYB transcription factors to induce the expression of target genes in Populus simonii
Authors: Song Yuepeng , Xuan Anran , Bu Chenhao , Ci Dong , Tian Min , Zhang Deqiang 
Published: May 2018

SummaryComplex RNA transcription and processing produces a diverse range catalog of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), important biological regulators that have been implicated in osmotic stress responses in plants. Promoter upstream transcript (PROMPT) lncRNAs share some regulatory elements with the promoters of their neighbouring protein‐coding genes. However, their function remains unknown. Here, using strand‐specific RNA sequencing, we identified 209 differentially regulated osmotic‐responsive PROMPTs in poplar (Populus simonii). PROMPTs are transcribed bidirectionally and are more stable than other lncRNAs. Co‐expression analysis of PROMPTs and protein‐coding genes divided the regulatory network into five independent subnetworks including 27 network modules. Significantly enriched PROMPTs in the network were selected to validate their regulatory roles. We used delaminated layered double hydroxide lactate nanosheets (LDH‐lactate‐NS) to transport synthetic nucleic acids into live tissues to mimic overexpression and interference of a specific PROMPT. The altered expression of PROMPT_1281 induced the expression of its cis and trans targets, and this interaction was governed by its secondary structure rather than just its primary sequence. Based on this example, we proposed a model that a concentration gradient of PROMPT_1281 is established, which increases the probability of its interaction with targets near its transcription site that shares common motifs. Our results firstly demonstrated that PROMPT_1281 act as carriers of MYB transcription factors to induce the expression of target genes under osmotic stress. In sum, our study identified and validated a set of poplar PROMPTs that likely have regulatory functions in osmotic responses.
Skeptical challenges to international law
Authors: Pavel Carmen E. , Lefkowitz David 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInternational and domestic law offer a study in contrasts: States' legal obligations often depend on their consent to specific international legal norms, whereas domestic law applies to individuals with or without their consent; enforcement in international law is weak and, for many international treaties, non‐existent, whereas states spend considerable resources to create centralized coercive enforcement mechanisms; and international law is characterized by much less institutional differentiation and specialization of functions than domestic legal systems are. These differences have invited a number of skeptical challenges to international law, 3 of which we explore in this essay. The first points to 1 or more of the deviations of international law's institutional structure from that of a modern state's legal system as a basis for denying that international law is really “law.” Central to the debates over international law's status as law are concerns about whether and why the concepts of law inherited from domestic legal systems should serve as the blueprint for theorizing law in general and international law in particular. The second skeptical challenge targets international law's legitimacy. It claims that we lack reasons to treat international legal norms or the exercise of political power by international institutions, as anything other than an attempt by states to advance their national interests. If this challenge succeeds, states and other subjects of international law have merely prudential reasons to comply with it rather than a moral duty to obey it. Following a brief description of recent debates over how we ought to understand the concept of legitimacy when used to assess international political practices or global governance, we survey several possible bases for a moral duty to obey or respect international law. These include state consent, instrumental accounts of legitimate authority, and global democracy. The third set of challenges focuses on the relationship between state sovereignty and international law. International rules and institutions often make demands for reform affecting the domestic law of a state in order to elicit compliance with international law. Skeptics argue that the rule of international law is incompatible with states' political self‐determination. Regardless of whether their defense of this claim ultimately succeeds, thoughtful engagement with it may well require us to rethink some of the fundamental concepts and normative ideals in political philosophy, including state sovereignty, democracy, individual rights, political authority, and political obligation.
Roles of Vanadium and Nitrogen in Photocatalytic Activity of VN‐Codoped TiO2 Photocatalyst
Authors: Varma Ranjana , Yadav Manisha , Tiwari Kajal , Makani Nisha , Gupta Suraj , Kothari Dushyant C. , Miotello Antonio , Patel Nainesh 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn the present manuscript, we explore the VN‐codoped TiO2 system intended to understand the role played by each dopant in synergistic enhancement in performance of TiO2 photocatalyst. The photocatalytic decomposition of organic pollutants in aqueous solution under visible light was used as a probe reaction to evaluate the performance of VN‐codoped TiO2 samples with different V and N concentrations. An optical measurement of VN‐codoped TiO2 shows considerable improved visible light absorption with increase in V‐concentration as compared to increase in N concentration, which was due to the effective narrowing of the band gap by V‐doping. The energy levels formed by N‐dopants act as the trapping centers for photogenerated holes to suppress recombination process as indicated by PL and TRPL results. It is also observed that at high V‐concentrations recombination centers are created in the form of oxygen vacancies as indicated by XPS and PL. In VN‐codoped TiO2, addition of N partially fills these oxygen vacancies to reduce the number of recombination centers and prolong the lifetime of charge carriers. Thus, V improves the visible light absorption while N reduces the recombination of electron–hole pairs, thus creating the synergistic effect to produce three times better performance than pure TiO2.
Improving the robustness and efficiency of covariate‐adjusted linear instrumental variable estimators
Authors: Vansteelandt Stijn , Didelez Vanessa 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTwo‐stage least squares estimators and variants thereof are widely used to infer the effect of an exposure on an outcome using instrumental variables (IVs). Two‐stage least squares estimators enjoy greater robustness to model misspecification than other two‐stage estimators but can be inefficient when the exposure is non‐linearly related to the IV (or covariates). Locally efficient double‐robust estimators overcome this concern. These make use of a possibly non‐linear model for the exposure to increase efficiency but remain consistent when that model is misspecified, so long as either a model for the IV or for the outcome model is correctly specified. However, their finite sample performance can be poor when the models for the IV, exposure, and/or outcome are misspecified. We therefore develop double‐robust procedures with improved efficiency and robustness properties under misspecification of some or even all working models. Simulation studies and a data analysis demonstrate remarkable improvements.
Effects of home‐based exergaming on child social cognition and subsequent prediction of behavior
Authors: Rhodes R. E. , Kaos M. D. , Beauchamp M. R. , Bursick S. K. , Latimer‐Cheung A. E. , Hernandez H. , Warburton D. E. R. , Ye Z. , Nicholas Graham T. C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe use of exergames may be one viable way to increase child physical activity, but investigation of its effects on motivation over time and prediction of adherence have seen little research attention. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of two cycling exergame interventions (single‐player, multi‐player) among children aged 9‐12 years on motivational variables (theory of planned behavior) and to explore whether these variables could predict objective assessment of playtime across 6 weeks. Sixty‐nine insufficiently active children were recruited through advertisements within the community/schools and randomized to either the single play condition (n = 30) or multi‐player condition (n = 39). Exergaming use was recorded objectively via game logs and motivational variables were assessed after a familiarization session, at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks. Participants played the exergames M = 133.45 (SD = 81.27) minutes in week 1 to M = 77.23 (SD = 84.09) minutes in week 6. The two exergame conditions did not result in differences among theory of planned behavior variables (P > .05). Mean levels of these constructs declined across the first 4 weeks (P < .05), with the exception of injunctive norm. Positive bivariate associations (P < .05) between game play and perceived control (0‐6 weeks), and intention (weeks 3‐4 and weeks 5‐6) were identified, but only affective attitude (assessed at week 2) predicted (P < .05) game play (3‐4 weeks) in a multivariate examination of the theory of planned behavior model. The results demonstrate that social cognitive motives wane across time when exposed to repeated exergame play.
Scheduling of eccentric lower limb injury prevention exercises during the soccer micro‐cycle: Which day of the week?
Authors: Lovell R. , Whalan M. , Marshall P. W. M. , Sampson J. A. , Siegler J. C. , Buchheit M. 
Published: May 2018

Scheduling eccentric‐based injury prevention programs (IPP) during the common 6‐day micro‐cycle in soccer is challenged by recovery and tapering phases. This study profiled muscle damage, neuromuscular performance, and perceptual responses to a lower limb eccentric‐based IPP administered 1 (MD+1) vs 3 days (MD+3) postmatch. A total of 18 semi‐professional players were monitored daily during 3 in‐season 6‐day micro‐cycles, including weekly competitive fixtures. Capillary creatine kinase concentration (CK), posterior lower limb isometric peak force (PF), counter‐movement jump (CMJ) performance, and muscle soreness were assessed 24 hours prior to match‐day (baseline), and every 24 hours up to 120 hours postmatch. The IPP consisted of lunges, single stiff leg dead‐lifts, single leg‐squats, and Nordic hamstring exercises. Performing the IPP on MD+1 attenuated the decline in CK normally observed following match play (CON: 142%; MD+3: 166%; small differences). When IPP was delivered on MD+3, CK was higher vs CON and MD+1 trials on both MD+4 (MD+3: 260%; CON: 146%; MD+1: 151%; moderate differences) and MD+5 (MD+3: 209%; CON: 125%; MD+1: 127%; small differences). Soreness ratings were not exacerbated when the IPP was delivered on MD+1, but when prescribed on MD+3, hamstring soreness ratings remained higher on MD+4 and MD+5 (small differences). No between‐trial differences were observed for PF and CMJ. Administering the IPP in the middle of the micro‐cycle (MD+3) increased measures of muscle damage and soreness, which remained elevated on the day prior to the next match (MD+5). Accordingly, IPP should be scheduled early in the micro‐cycle, to avoid compromising preparation for the following match.
Chain dynamics of human dermis by Thermostimulated currents: A tool for new markers of aging
Authors: Samouillan V. , Tang R. , Dandurand J. , Lacabanne C. , Lacoste‐Ferré M.‐H. , Villaret A. , Nadal‐Wollbold F. , Schmitt A.‐M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground/purposeThe purpose of this clinical study was to identify dielectric markers to complete a previous thermal and vibrational study on the molecular and organizational changes in human dermis during intrinsic and extrinsic aging.MethodsSun‐exposed and non‐exposed skin biopsies were collected from 28 women devised in two groups (20‐30 and ≥60 years old). The dielectric relaxation modes associated with localized and delocalized dynamics in the fresh and dehydrated state were determined by the Thermostimulated currents technique (TSC).ResultsIntrinsic and extrinsic aging induced significant evolution of some of the dielectric parameters of localized and delocalized dynamics of human skin. With photo‐aging, freezable water forms a segregated phase in dermis and its dynamics is close to free water, what evidences the major role of extrinsic aging on water organization in human skin. Moreover, TSC indicators highlight the restriction of localized mobility with intrinsic aging due to glycation, and the cumulative effect of chronological aging and photo‐exposition on the molecular mobility of the main structural proteins of the dermis at the mesoscopic scale.ConclusionTSC is a well‐suited technique to scan the molecular mobility of human skin. It can be uses as a relevant complement of vibrational and thermal characterization to follow human skin modifications with intrinsic and extrinsic aging.
Implementing a patient blood management programme in Brazil: challenges and implications for developing countries
Authors: Benites B. D. , Addas‐Carvalho M. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundPatient blood management (PBM) programmes have the intention of promoting the rational use of blood, relying on up‐to‐date medical‐scientific evidence in a multidisciplinary approach, where the patient is the main focus of transfusion decisions. These programmes not only increase patient safety levels, but they also have the potential of lowering hospital costs. The aim of this study was to describe the implementation of a PBM programme at a University hospital in Brazil.Study design and methodsThe discussions regarding this PBM project were initially undertaken among the managers of the hospital's Transfusion Unit. Audits of transfusion practices were carried out, and these indices were presented in meetings with the Transfusion Committee and with other important stakeholders, in order for this information to support the delineation of the programme's work fronts.ResultsThe project was promptly approved by the hospital's Board of Directors due to the relevance of the proposal, which required few financial resources as the project is mainly based on reorganization of workflows. The measures implemented included the following: didactic sessions aimed at the hospital staff, reformulation of the computerized system for the prescription of blood components, elaboration of a protocol for the use of antifibrinolytic drugs during the perioperative period and the institution of an outpatient clinic for evaluation of preoperative anaemia.ConclusionThe benefits and challenges of a PBM project in a country with limited resources are analysed, discussing specificities in the scope of Brazilian Transfusion Medicine in a pioneering way.
Multimodality imaging of an azygous continuation of the caudal vena cava in a dog with pulmonary thromboembolic disease
Authors: Newman Robert J. , Egeler Kimberly M. , Conkling Amanda L. , Savage Mason Y. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA 5‐year‐old spayed female English Bulldog was evaluated for acute anorexia, lethargy, respiratory distress, and syncope. Contrast‐enhanced computed tomography revealed the vascular malformation of azygous continuation of the caudal vena cava with extensive thrombus formation and pulmonary arterial thromboembolic disease. The patient was hospitalized for supportive treatment and was prescribed long‐term clopidogrel therapy. The patient survived to discharge and at last follow‐up remained clinically stable. While this vascular malformation has been reported in canines, to the authors’ knowledge, this is the first reported case of pulmonary thromboembolic disease in a canine concurrent with this condition.
Transsphenoidal surgery: accuracy of an image‐guided neuronavigation system to approach the pituitary fossa (sella turcica)
Authors: Owen Tina J. , Chen Annie V. , Frey Stephen , Martin Linda G. , Kalebaugh Tobin 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the accuracy of locating the pituitary fossa with the Brainsight neuronavigation system by determining the mean target error of the rostral (tuberculum sellae) and caudal (dorsum sellae) margins of the pituitary fossa.Study designExperimental cadaveric study.AnimalsTen canine cadavers.MethodsComputed tomography (CT) and MRI were performed on each cadaver with fiducials in place. Images were saved to the neuronavigation computer and used to plan the drilling approach. The cadavers were placed in the surgical head clamp of the Brainsight system and positioned for a transsphenoidal approach. On the basis of the planning, 2 localization points were drilled, 1 each at the rostral and caudal margins of the pituitary fossa, and CT was repeated. Error was assessed from the difference in millimeters between the targets identified during Brainsight planning and the actual location of the 2 points drilled on each cadaver skull as identified by postdrilling CT.ResultsThe rostral and caudal margins of the pituitary fossa provided 2 target points per cadaver. The median target error (interquartile range) for all target sites (n = 20) was 3.533 mm (range, 2.013‐4.745).ConclusionThis stereotactic system allowed the surgeon to locate the rostral and caudal margins of the pituitary fossa with clinically acceptable accuracy and confidence.Clinical significanceUsing the Brainsight neuronavigation system for localization during transsphenoidal hypophysectomy may decrease morbidity and surgical time.
Health economic evaluation of a serum-based blood test for brain tumour diagnosis: exploration of two clinical scenarios
Authors: Gray Ewan , Butler Holly J , Board Ruth , Brennan Paul M , Chalmers Anthony J , Dawson Timothy , Goodden John , Hamilton Willie , Hegarty Mark G , James Allan , Jenkinson Michael D , Kernick David , Lekka Elvira , Livermore Laurent J , Mills Samantha J , O’Neill Kevin , Palmer David S , Vaqas Babar , Baker Matthew J 
Published: May 2018

ObjectivesTo determine the potential costs and health benefits of a serum-based spectroscopic triage tool for brain tumours, which could be developed to reduce diagnostic delays in the current clinical pathway.DesignA model-based health pre-trial economic assessment. Decision tree models were constructed based on simplified diagnostic pathways. Models were populated with parameters identified from rapid reviews of the literature and clinical expert opinion.SettingExplored as a test in both primary and secondary care (neuroimaging) in the UK health service, as well as application to the USA.ParticipantsCalculations based on an initial cohort of 10 000 patients. In primary care, it is estimated that the volume of tests would approach 75 000 per annum. The volume of tests in secondary care is estimated at 53 000 per annum.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome measure was quality-adjusted life-years (QALY), which were employed to derive incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER) in a cost-effectiveness analysis.ResultsResults indicate that using a blood-based spectroscopic test in both scenarios has the potential to be highly cost-effective in a health technology assessment agency decision-making process, as ICERs were well below standard threshold values of £20 000–£30 000 per QALY. This test may be cost-effective in both scenarios with test sensitivities and specificities as low as 80%; however, the price of the test would need to be lower (less than approximately £40).ConclusionUse of this test as triage tool in primary care has the potential to be both more effective and cost saving for the health service. In secondary care, this test would also be deemed more effective than the current diagnostic pathway.
Exploring emergency department 4-hour target performance and cancelled elective operations: a regression analysis of routinely collected and openly reported NHS trust data
Authors: Keogh Brad , Culliford David , Guerrero-Ludueña Richard , Monks Thomas 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveTo quantify the effect of intrahospital patient flow on emergency department (ED) performance targets and indicate if the expectations set by the National Health Service (NHS) England 5-year forward review are realistic in returning emergency services to previous performance levels.DesignLinear regression analysis of routinely reported trust activity and performance data using a series of cross-sectional studies.SettingNHS trusts in England submitting routine nationally reported measures to NHS England.Participants142 acute non-specialist trusts operating in England between 2012 and 2016.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome measures were proportion of 4-hour waiting time breaches and cancelled elective operations.MethodsUnivariate and multivariate linear regression models were used to show relationships between the outcome measures and various measures of trust activity including empty day beds, empty night beds, day bed to night bed ratio, ED conversion ratio and delayed transfers of care.ResultsUnivariate regression results using the outcome of 4-hour breaches showed clear relationships with empty night beds and ED conversion ratio between 2012 and 2016. The day bed to night bed ratio showed an increasing ability to explain variation in performance between 2015 and 2016. Delayed transfers of care showed little evidence of an association. Multivariate model results indicated that the ability of patient flow variables to explain 4-hour target performance had reduced between 2012 and 2016 (19% to 12%), and had increased in explaining cancelled elective operations (7% to 17%).ConclusionsThe flow of patients through trusts is shown to influence ED performance; however, performance has become less explainable by intratrust patient flow between 2012 and 2016. Some commonly stated explanatory factors such as delayed transfers of care showed limited evidence of being related. The results indicate some of the measures proposed by NHS England to reduce pressure on EDs may not have the desired impact on returning services to previous performance levels.