bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oomycete Gene Table: an online database for comparative genomic analyses of the oomycete microorganisms
Authors: Rujirawat Thidarat , Patumcharoenpol Preecha , Kittichotirat Weerayuth , Krajaejun Theerapong 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Oomycetes form a unique group of the fungal-like, aquatic, eukaryotic microorganisms. Lifestyle and pathogenicity of the oomycetes are diverse. Many pathogenic oomycetes affect a broad range of plants and cause enormous economic loss annually. Some pathogenic oomycetes cause destructive and deadly diseases in a variety of animals, including humans. No effective antimicrobial agent against the oomycetes is available. Genomic data of many oomycetes are currently available. Comparative analyses of the oomycete genomes must be performed to better understand the oomycete biology and virulence, as well as to identify conserved and biologically important proteins that are potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets of these organisms. However, a tool that facilitates comparative genomic studies of the oomycetes is lacking. Here, we described in detail the Oomycete Gene Table, which is an online user-friendly bioinformatic tool, designed to search, analyze, compare and visualize gene contents of 20 oomycetes in a customizable table. Genomic contents of other oomycete species, when available, can be added to the existing database. Some of the applications of the Oomycete Gene Table include investigations of phylogenomic relationships, as well as identifications of biologically important and pathogenesis-related genes of oomycetes. In summary, the Oomycete Gene Table is a simple and useful tool for comparative genomic analyses of oomycetes.
Nitrogen Fertilization of Host Plant Influenced the Nutritional Status and Life History of the Madeira Mealybug (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae)
Authors: Rhodes Stephanie A , Turnbull Matthew W , Chong Juang Horng 
Published: June 2019

AbstractInsect herbivores, especially sap-feeders, are sensitive to host-plant nitrogen quantity. However, past studies present contradicting results on sap-feeder life history traits influenced by plant nitrogen supplementation. This study analyzed the bottom-up effects of below-recommended nitrogen fertilization rates (0, 0.021, 0.048, and 0.091 g N/liter) on life history and total protein and lipid contents of a significant pest species, Phenacoccus madeirensis Green (the Madeira mealybug) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae). Developmental durations and survivorship from egg to adulthood of male and female mealybugs were similar across nitrogen fertilization levels. Females reared on plants fertilized at 0.021, 0.048, and 0.091 g N/liter produced, respectively, 152, 142, and 67% more eggs than females reared on unfertilized plants. Finite and intrinsic rates of increase and net reproductive rates of females were similar among the nitrogen fertilization levels, whereas the generation times of females from fertilized plants were significantly shorter than those from the unfertilized plants. Lipid contents of adult females and eggs, and average adult female protein content were similar across the nitrogen treatments. Average egg protein content increased with increasing host-plant fertilization rate. These results suggest that the response of the female Madeira mealybug to nitrogen fertilization is complex and may involve trade-offs and nutrient re-allocation.
Comparable clinical characteristics in Brugada syndrome patients harboring SCN5A or novel SCN10A variants
Authors: Monasky Michelle M , Micaglio Emanuele , Vicedomini Gabriele , Locati Emanuela T , Ciconte Giuseppe , Giannelli Luigi , Giordano Federica , Crisà Simonetta , Vecchi Mattia , Borrelli Valeria , Ghiroldi Andrea , D'Imperio Sara , Di Resta Chiara , Benedetti Sara , Ferrari Maurizio , Santinelli Vincenzo , Anastasia Luigi , Pappone Carlo 
Published: June 2019

Abstract

Aims
The Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited disease associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac death. Often, the genetic cause remains undetected. Perhaps due at least in part because the NaV1.8 protein is expressed more in both the central and peripheral nervous systems than in the heart, the SCN10A gene is not included in diagnostic arrhythmia/sudden death panels in the vast majority of cardiogenetics centres.

Methods and results
Clinical characteristics were assessed in patients harboring either SCN5A or novel SCN10A variants. Genetic testing was performed using Next Generation Sequencing on genomic DNA. Clinical characteristics, including the arrhythmogenic substrate, in BrS patients harboring novel SCN10A variants and SCN5A variants are comparable. Clinical characteristics, including gender, age, personal history of cardiac arrest/syncope, spontaneous BrS electrocardiogram pattern, family history of sudden death, and arrhythmic substrate are not significantly different between probands harboring SCN10A or SCN5A variants.

Conclusion
Future studies are warranted to further characterize the role of these specific SCN10A variants.
Use of Modified Reineke’s Stand Density Index in Predicting Growth and Survival of Chinese Fir Plantations
Authors: Zhang Xiongqing , Cao Quang V , Lu Lele , Wang Hanchen , Duan Aiguo , Zhang Jianguo 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Stand density index (SDI) has played an important role in controlling stand stocking and modeling stand development in forest stands. Reineke’s SDI (SDI_R) is based on a constant slope of –1.605 for the self-thinning line. For Chinese fir plantations, however, it has been reported that the self-thinning slope varied with site and climate, rendering SDI_R questionable. Remeasured data from 48 plots distributed in Fujian, Jiangxi, Guangxi, and Sichuan provinces were used to develop models for prediction of stand survival and basal area, with SDI_R incorporated as a predictor variable. Also included in the evaluation were growth models based on self-thinning slopes estimated from two groups of sites (SDI_S) or from climate variables (SDI_C). Results indicated that models with climate-sensitive SDI (SDI_C) performed best, followed by SDI_S and SDI_R. The control models without SDI received the worst overall rank. Inclusion of climate-sensitive SDI in growth and survival models can therefore facilitate modeling of the relation between stand density and growth/survival under future climate-change conditions.
Subcellular Compartments Interplay for Carbon and Nitrogen Allocation in Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis
Authors: Füssy Zoltán , Faitová Tereza , Oborník Miroslav 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Endosymbioses necessitate functional cooperation of cellular compartments to avoid pathway redundancy and streamline the control of biological processes. To gain insight into the metabolic compartmentation in chromerids, phototrophic relatives to apicomplexan parasites, we prepared a reference set of proteins probably localized to mitochondria, cytosol, and the plastid, taking advantage of available genomic and transcriptomic data. Training of prediction algorithms with the reference set now allows a genome-wide analysis of protein localization in Chromera velia and Vitrella brassicaformis. We confirm that the chromerid plastids house enzymatic pathways needed for their maintenance and photosynthetic activity, but for carbon and nitrogen allocation, metabolite exchange is necessary with the cytosol and mitochondria. This indeed suggests that the regulatory mechanisms operate in the cytosol to control carbon metabolism based on the availability of both light and nutrients. We discuss that this arrangement is largely shared with apicomplexans and dinoflagellates, possibly stemming from a common ancestral metabolic architecture, and supports the mixotrophy of the chromerid algae.
Long-Term Intranasal Insulin Aspart: A Profile of Gene Expression, Memory, and Insulin Receptors in Aged F344 Rats
Authors: Frazier Hilaree N , Ghoweri Adam O , Sudkamp Emily , Johnson Eleanor S , Anderson Katie L , Fox Grant , Vatthanaphone Keomany , Xia Mengfan , Lin Ruei-Lung , Hargis-Staggs Kendra E , Porter Nada M , Pauly James R , Blalock Eric M , Thibault Olivier 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Intranasal insulin is a safe and effective method for ameliorating memory deficits associated with pathological brain aging. However, the impact of different formulations and the duration of treatment on insulin’s efficacy and the cellular processes targeted by the treatment remain unclear. Here, we tested whether intranasal insulin aspart, a short-acting insulin formulation, could alleviate memory decline associated with aging and whether long-term treatment affected regulation of insulin receptors and other potential targets. Outcome variables included measures of spatial learning and memory, autoradiography and immunohistochemistry of the insulin receptor, and hippocampal microarray analyses. Aged Fischer 344 rats receiving long-term (3 months) intranasal insulin did not show significant memory enhancement on the Morris water maze task. Autoradiography results showed that long-term treatment reduced insulin binding in the thalamus but not the hippocampus. Results from hippocampal immunofluorescence revealed age-related decreases in insulin immunoreactivity that were partially offset by intranasal administration. Microarray analyses highlighted numerous insulin-sensitive genes, suggesting insulin aspart was able to enter the brain and alter hippocampal RNA expression patterns including those associated with tumor suppression. Our work provides insights into potential mechanisms of intranasal insulin and insulin resistance, and highlights the importance of treatment duration and the brain regions targeted.
Why does allometry evolve so slowly?
Authors: Houle David , Jones Luke T , Fortune Ryan , Sztepanacz Jacqueline L 
Published: June 2019

AbstractMorphological allometry is striking due to its evolutionary conservatism, making it an example of a certain sort of evolutionary stasis. Organisms that vary in size, whether for developmental, environmental, or evolutionary reasons, adopt shapes that are predictable from that size alone. There are two major hypotheses to explain this. It may be that natural selection strongly favors each allometric pattern, or that organisms lack the development and genetic capacity to produce variant shapes for selection to act on. Using a high-throughput system for measuring the size and shape of Drosophila wings, we documented an allometric pattern that has been virtually unchanged for 40 million years. We performed an artificial selection experiment on the static allometric slope within one species. In just 26 generations, we were able to increase the slope from 1.1 to 1.4, and decrease it to 0.8. Once artificial selection was suspended, the slope rapidly evolved back to a value near the initial static slope. This result decisively rules out the hypothesis that allometry is preserved due to a lack of genetic variation, and provides evidence that natural selection acts to maintain allometric relationships. On the other hand, it seems implausible that selection on allometry in the wing alone could be sufficiently strong to maintain static allometries over millions of years. This suggests that a potential explanation for stasis is selection on a potentially large number of pleiotropic effects. This seems likely in the case of allometry, as the sizes of all parts of the body may be altered when the allometric slope of one body part is changed. Unfortunately, hypotheses about pleiotropy have been very difficult to test. We lay out an approach to begin the systematic study of pleiotropic effects using genetic manipulations and high-throughput phenotyping.
What a long, strange trip it’s been
Authors: Rice Jake 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThis article recounts my career path, from academic ornithologist to applied quantitative ecologist, to research and science advisor within the Canadian federal Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans. It highlights factors that prompted abrupt changes in career direction and, at each stage in progression of my career, how the diversity of experiences prior to each step were integrated in the approach to the tasks of my new position. Particular attention placed on the latter part of my career, which focused in the quality assurance, and then application, of aggregated knowledge to policy questions, particularly at the interface of the sustainable use of marine resources and conservation of biodiversity, at national and international levels. The importance of bright, supportive colleagues, and the willingness to protect science integrity from the partisan pressures of either policy makers or ardent advocates, was crucial to success in that role.
Low-frequency mosaicism in cryopyrin-associated periodic fever syndrome: mosaicism in systemic autoinflammatory diseases
Authors: Nishikomori Ryuta , Izawa Kazushi , Kambe Naotomo , Ohara Osamu , Yasumi Takahiro 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Autoinflammatory disease is an ‘inborn error of immunity’, resulting in systemic inflammation. Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is a prototypical autoinflammatory disease caused by gain-of-function mutations in the NLRP3 (NLR family pyrin domain containing 3) gene; these mutations activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, resulting in overproduction of IL-1β. The first case of CAPS caused by somatic NLRP3 mosaicism was reported in 2005 after identification of variant small peaks by Sanger sequencing. An international collaborative study revealed that the majority of mutation-negative CAPS cases are due to low-level NLRP3 mosaicism, suggesting that central nervous system involvement in somatic mosaicism patients is milder than in genotype-matched heterozygous patients. Recent advances in next-generation sequencing have expanded the number of NLRP3 somatic mosaicism cases and identified a new entity called ‘late-onset CAPS with myeloid-specific NLRP3 mosaicism’; however, no mosaic-specific clinical features have been identified/confirmed yet. With respect to NLRP3 mosaicism in CAPS, a prospective longitudinal study on the variant genotype, its allele frequency and its tissue distribution (along with a comprehensive clinical phenotype) would provide better understanding of NLRP3 mosaicism, resulting in more appropriate patient care and genetic counseling.
Late gestation supplementation of corn dried distiller’s grains plus solubles to beef cows fed a low-quality forage: III. effects on mammary gland blood flow, colostrum and milk production, and calf body weights
Authors: Kennedy Victoria C , Gaspers James J , Mordhorst Bethany R , Stokka Gerald L , Swanson Kendall C , Bauer Marc L , Vonnahme Kimberly A 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
Objectives were to investigate the effects of supplementation with corn dried distiller’s grains plus solubles (DDGS) to late gestating beef cows on arterial blood flow to the mammary glands during late gestation and early lactation; colostrum and milk production; dystocia and immunity; and calf BW. Cows were fed a control (CON; n = 15; 5.1% CP; 36.2% ADF) diet consisting of 90% corn stover and 10% corn silage on a dry basis offered ad libitum or CON diet with supplementation of DDGS (0.30% of BW; SUP n = 12). Mammary gland blood flow was assessed on day 245 of gestation. At parturition, maternal and calving parameters were assessed; colostrum and jugular blood was sampled; and dams were weighed. Mammary gland blood flow and milk production was measured on day 44 of lactation. Calves were weighed fortnightly for 8 wk and at weaning. Colostrum production tended to be greater in SUP dams than in CON dams (837 vs. 614 ± 95 g, P = 0.10). Calves of SUP dams were heavier at birth and 24 h (0 h, 43.2 vs. 39.8 ± 1.0 kg, P = 0.02; 24 h, 44.0 vs. 40.4 ± 1.1 kg, P = 0.02). At birth and 24 h, blood pCO2 was greater in calves born to SUP dams (6.82 vs. 6.00 ± 0.41 kPa, P = 0.04). Serum IgG did not differ (P = 0.21) at 24 h. Ipsilateral mammary gland blood flow of SUP cows was greater than CON cows (2.76 vs. 1.76 ± 0.30 L/min; P = 0.03); however, when summed with contralateral, total blood flow was similar (P = 0.33). Hemodynamic measures on day 44 of lactation were similar (P ≥ 0.32). Milk production tended to be increased (13.5 vs. 10.2 ± 1.2 kg/d, P = 0.07) in SUP vs. CON cows. Despite similar BW through 56 d, calves from SUP cows were heavier (P = 0.04) at weaning (309.7 vs. 292.0 ± 6.0 kg). In conclusion, we accept our hypothesis that DDGS supplementation during gestation influenced mammary blood flow, milk production and calf weights. These findings implicate maternal nutrition’s leverage on both nutrient and passive immunity delivery to the calf early in life as well as potential advantages on long-term performance.
Scar Quality of Skin Graft Borders: A Prospective, Randomized, Double-Blinded Evaluation
Authors: Zuo Kevin J , Umraw Nisha , Cartotto Robert 
Published: June 2019

AbstractProminent scars may remain around the border of a mature skin graft (SG) at the interface of the SG with normal skin. The border of a SG may be constructed by either exactly approximating (A) or slightly overlapping (O) the edge of the SG on the wound margin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether A or O affects the quality of the border scar of SGs applied to burn patients. This prospective study was a within-border design in which adult burn patients requiring SGs served as their own control. Half of each study border was fashioned using O and the immediately adjacent other half was made using A. We randomly assigned O or A to the proximal or distal halves of vertical borders and the medial and lateral halves of horizontal borders. Both halves of the study border were identically fixated with staples or sutures and were managed in the same fashion postoperatively. Blinded evaluations at 3, 6, and 12 months of O and A borders were performed using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS), the observer component of the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS), and a global binary assessment of which half of the study border “looked better.” Blinded patients also rated each half of the study border with a 10-point Likert scale. Values are reported as the mean ± SD or median (interquartile range), as appropriate. There were 34 borders studied in 15 subjects (46.7% female, age 29 [22,57], % TBSA burn 9.7 ± 5.3, and no inhalation injuries). Study borders were constructed at 7 (5,11) days postburn, had a total length of 12 (9.3,14.5) cm, and all involved split thickness SGs of thickness 13 (12,14)/1000th of an inch. Sheet grafts were applied in 27% and meshed grafts in 73%. SGs were applied immediately after excision in 75% or after allografting in 25%. Border scars matured between 3 and 12 months with reductions in total VSS from 8 (7,8) to 4 (3,6) for O borders (P < .001) and from 8 (7,9) to 4 (1,6) for A borders (P < .001). However, there were no significant differences between O and A borders in total VSS at 3 months (P = .165), 6 months (P = .602), and 12 months (P = .358) or in total OSAS at 3 months (P = .681), 6 months (P = .890), or 12 months (P = .601). At 12 months, 60% of O borders and 40% of A borders were globally rated as “better” (P = .258). There were no significant differences in the patients’ subjective ratings of the O and A borders at 3 months (P = .920), 6 months (P = .960), and 12 months (P = .66). The scar quality at the border of a skin graft does not appear to be affected by the surgical technique used to construct the border at the time of grafting.
Learning More with Every Year: School Year Productivity and International Learning Divergence
Authors: Singh Abhijeet 
Published: June 2019

Abstract
I use unique child-level panel data from Ethiopia, India, Peru, and Vietnam, four developing countries with widely differing levels of student achievement, to study the extent to which differences in the productivity of primary schooling can explain international differences in human capital. I document, using identical tests of quantitative skills across countries, that although some cross-sectional gaps in test scores between these countries are evident at preschool ages, these grow substantially in the first 2–3 years of schooling. By the age of 8 years, differences are particularly stark between Vietnam and the other three countries. Using value-added models, and a regression-discontinuity design based on enrolment guidelines, I show that the causal effect of an extra grade of schooling on test scores is substantially higher in Vietnam by 0.25–0.4 standard deviations compared to the other countries. This differential productivity of a school year accounts for most of the cross-country achievement gap at 8 years of age. Equalizing the exposure to and the productivity of schooling closes the gap with Vietnam almost entirely for Peru and India and by ∼60% for Ethiopian students enrolled.
Evaluation of atraumatic hip instability measured by triaxial accelerometry during walking
Authors: Neira Alejandro , Amenabar Tomas , Cristi-Sánchez Iver , Rafols Claudio , Monckeberg Juan E , Belemmi Marcos , Neira Mariano , Soldan Macarena , Silvestre Rony 
Published: June 2019

AbstractHip joint instability has been targeted as an important issue that affects normal hip function. The diagnosis of hip instability could be very challenging and currently, there is no definitive diagnostic test. Hip instability results in an excessive amount of translation of femoroacetabular articulation, leading to changes on the dynamic loading of the hip. These changes in femoroacetabular translation could be evaluated by human movement analysis methods. The purpose of this study was to describe the triaxial and overall magnitude of acceleration in patients diagnosed with hip instability during gait cycle and compare those results with a control group. Our hypothesis was that acceleration values obtained from the instability group would be higher than asymptomatic controls. Ten patients with previously diagnosed hip instability were included and 10 healthy and asymptomatic subjects were enrolled as control group. Triaxial accelerometers attached bilaterally to the skin over the greater trochanter were used to record acceleration during walking on a treadmill. The overall magnitude of acceleration and the axial, anteroposterior and mediolateral accelerations (x/y/z) were obtained during gait. Mean overall magnitude of acceleration was higher in the hip instability group compared with the control group, 1.51 g (SD: 0.23) versus 1.07 g (SD: 0.16) (P = 0.022). The axial, anteroposterior and mediolateral accelerations significantly differed between the two groups. The axial and mediolateral accelerations showed to be higher for the hip instability group while the anteroposterior axis acceleration was lower.