bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial degradation of halogenated aromatics: molecular mechanisms and enzymatic reactions
Authors: Pimviriyakul Panu , Wongnate Thanyaporn , Tinikul Ruchanok , Chaiyen Pimchai 
Published: October 2019

SummaryHalogenated aromatics are used widely in various industrial, agricultural and household applications. However, due to their stability, most of these compounds persist for a long time, leading to accumulation in the environment. Biological degradation of halogenated aromatics provides sustainable, low‐cost and environmentally friendly technologies for removing these toxicants from the environment. This minireview discusses the molecular mechanisms of the enzymatic reactions for degrading halogenated aromatics which naturally occur in various microorganisms. In general, the biodegradation process (especially for aerobic degradation) can be divided into three main steps: upper, middle and lower metabolic pathways which successively convert the toxic halogenated aromatics to common metabolites in cells. The most difficult step in the degradation of halogenated aromatics is the dehalogenation step in the middle pathway. Although a variety of enzymes are involved in the degradation of halogenated aromatics, these various pathways all share the common feature of eventually generating metabolites for utilizing in the energy‐producing metabolic pathways in cells. An in‐depth understanding of how microbes employ various enzymes in biodegradation can lead to the development of new biotechnologies via enzyme/cell/metabolic engineering or synthetic biology for sustainable biodegradation processes.
PHLPP2 as a novel metastatic and prognostic biomarker in non‐small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Gu Ruixue , Tian Fanglin , Liu Yuechao , Fan Weina , Xue Guiqin , Cai Li , Xing Ying 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundPH domain and leucine‐rich repeat protein phosphatase 2 (PHLPP2) has been reported to be a potent tumor suppressor in many human cancers. However, PHLPP2 has not been fully researched as a putative clinical prognostic biomarker of lung cancer.MethodsThe Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases including data on 1383 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients were used to determine PHLPP2 expression. PHLPP2 expression was then examined by immunohistochemistry, and its clinical significance analyzed in 134 NSCLC patients, including 73 patients with adenocarcinoma and 81 with squamous cell carcinoma.ResultsWe found PHLPP2 expression to be less pronounced in NSCLC tissue samples than that in nontumoral lung tissues according to data taken from TCGA and GEO datasets; this outcome was further validated by immunohistochemistry assay. The low PHLPP2 expression level was found to be associated with the presence of lymph node metastasis (P = 0.003). Importantly, PHLPP2 was found to be an independent indicator of prognosis for overall (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.520, 95% confidence interval [Cl] = 0.327–0.827; P = 0.006) and disease‐free survival (HR = 0.489, 95% Cl = 0.308–0.775; P = 0.002) in patients with surgically‐resected NSCLC by multivariate analysis.ConclusionTaken together, our findings show that PHLPP2 is a robust clinical marker for NSCLC survival and could serve as a potential therapeutic target.
Chaco forest fragmentation effects on leaf litter decomposition are not explained by changes in litter fauna
Authors: Moreno María Laura , Bernaschini María Laura , Pérez‐Harguindeguy Natalia , Lomba Angela , Valladares Graciela 
Published: October 2019

AbstractForest fragmentation is a component of global change, with substantial impact on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Despite extensive evidence of forest fragmentation effects on above‐ground ecological processes, little is understood about its below‐ground effects. Abundance and richness of leaf litter fauna can be affected by forest fragmentation, and this can have cascading effects on the decomposition process. Here, we examine how fragmentation of a subtropical dry forest affects aspects of ecosystem structure and functioning, by unravel area and edge effects on leaf litter fauna and decomposition rates and testing whether changes in abundance or richness of litter fauna mediated fragment area and edge effects on litter decomposition. We incubated litterbags filled with a common substrate, at the edge and interior of 12 fragments of Chaco Serrano forest in Central Argentina, for 180 days. We found that invertebrate abundance was higher at the forest edge but independent of fragment area, whereas decomposition declined with fragment size independently of edge or interior location. According to our results, the effect of forest size on decomposition was not mediated by changes in abundance or richness of leaf litter fauna, suggesting independent changes in ecosystem structure and functioning.
Ten years of the horse reference genome: insights into equine biology, domestication and population dynamics in the post‐genome era
Authors: Raudsepp T. , Finno C. J. , Bellone R. R. , Petersen J. L. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryThe horse reference genome from the Thoroughbred mare Twilight has been available for a decade and, together with advances in genomics technologies, has led to unparalleled developments in equine genomics. At the core of this progress is the continuing improvement of the quality, contiguity and completeness of the reference genome, and its functional annotation. Recent achievements include the release of the next version of the reference genome (EquCab3.0) and generation of a reference sequence for the Y chromosome. Horse satellite‐free centromeres provide unique models for mammalian centromere research. Despite extremely low genetic diversity of the Y chromosome, it has been possible to trace patrilines of breeds and pedigrees and show that Y variation was lost in the past approximately 2300 years owing to selective breeding. The high‐quality reference genome has led to the development of three different SNP arrays and WGSs of almost 2000 modern individual horses. The collection of WGS of hundreds of ancient horses is unique and not available for any other domestic species. These tools and resources have led to global population studies dissecting the natural history of the species and genetic makeup and ancestry of modern breeds. Most importantly, the available tools and resources, together with the discovery of functional elements, are dissecting molecular causes of a growing number of Mendelian and complex traits. The improved understanding of molecular underpinnings of various traits continues to benefit the health and performance of the horse whereas also serving as a model for complex disease across species.
Genetic determination of sex and shell color in the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai revealed by an integrated linkage map
Authors: Yang Z. , Xu F. , Zhang Z. , Li J. , Jia Y. , Li H. , Liu X. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryIntegrated linkage maps for each sex have been constructed for the Pacific abalone Haliotis discus hannai using three F1 mapping families based on co‐dominant markers. A total of 273 markers were placed on the female map, spanning 927.3 cM with an average interval of 3.64 cM, whereas 277 markers were mapped on the male map, covering 727.0 cM with an average spacing of 2.80 cM. Both female and male maps consisted of 18 linkage groups, corresponding well with the number of chromosomes. Furthermore, the sex‐determining locus and the green/orange shell color controlling locus were mapped to the linkage group 3 (LG3) and LG9 respectively. A marker completely linked to phenotypic sex was identified, and the sex determination system was further concluded as paternal heterogametic (males XY and females XX). Based on the segregation ratio of the shell color in the progeny, a simple recessive model of epistasis was proposed to explain the distribution of different color morphs (green, orange and blue): the recessive allele determining orange type masks the effect of the locus controlling green and blue types, whereas the dominant allele at the green/orange locus permits the expression of green and blue types controlled by another locus. The current consensus map provides a useful framework for genetic studies in the Pacific abalone. Mapping of the sex‐determining locus and the shell color‐controlling locus leads to further understanding of the mechanisms underlying these important traits.
A missense variant in the NSDHL gene in a Chihuahua with a congenital cornification disorder resembling inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevi
Authors: Leuthard F. , Lehner G. , Jagannathan V. , Leeb T. , Welle M. 
Published: October 2019

SummaryCongenital hemidysplasia with ichthyosiform nevus and limb defects syndrome in humans is a genodermatosis characterized by inflammatory linear verrucous epidermal nevi (ILVEN), often showing a striking lateralization pattern. It is caused by variants in the NSDHL gene encoding a 3β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase involved in the cholesterol biosynthesis pathway. In the present study, we investigated a female Chihuahua, which showed clinical and histological signs of ILVEN. We performed a candidate gene analysis in the affected animal. This analysis revealed a single missense variant in the NSDHL gene in the affected dog (XM_014111859.2:c.700G>A). The variant is predicted to cause a non‐conservative amino acid change from glycine to arginine, XP_013967334.1:p.(Gly234Arg). The mutant allele was absent from WGS data of 594 genetically diverse dogs and eight wolves. Sanger sequencing confirmed that the variant was heterozygous in the affected dog and absent from 22 control Chihuahuas. Based on the knowledge about the functional impact of NSDHL variants in dogs and other species, c.700G>A is probably pathogenic and a convincing candidate causative variant for the observed skin lesions in the affected Chihuahua.
A novel homozygous LRRK1 stop gain mutation in a patient suspected with osteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia
Authors: Miryounesi Mohammad , Nikfar Ali , Changi‐Ashtiani Majid , Shahrooei Mohammad , Dinmohammadi Hossein , Shahani Tina , Zarvandi Samira , Bahrami Tahereh , Momenilandi Mana , Rokni‐Zadeh Hassan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractOsteosclerotic metaphyseal dysplasia (OSMD) is a very rare autosomal‐recessive disorder and a distinctive type of osteopetrosis, characterized mainly by skeletal fractures and deformity, osteosclerosis, and sometimes hypotonia, developmental delay, and seizures. Sequence variants in the leucine‐rich repeat kinase 1 (LRRK1) gene underlying OSMD have been reported previously. In the present study, we investigated a 14‐year‐old girl suspected with OSMD in a consanguineous family of Iranian origin segregating the disease in an autosomal‐recessive manner. The patient had severe short stature, multiple sclerotic lesions, sandwich vertebrae, Erlenmeyer flask deformity, and looser zones. The multifocal active bony pathology suggested multifocal bony inflammation or multiple looser fractures. Whole‐exome sequencing followed by Sanger sequencing confirmation revealed a novel homozygous stop gain mutation (c.G2785T, p.E929X) in the LRRK1 gene. This is the first mutation in the LRRK1 gene, underlying OSMD, in the Iranian population and the third case worldwide. The mutation is located in the C terminal of the Roc domain, distinct from domains affected in the previous two LRRK1 mutations. Additionally, a new group of clinical indications different from the two previous cases is discussed.
Pope Francis on Overcoming Exclusion: A Theological Vision with Economic and Social Implications
Authors: Massaro Thomas J. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe ethical imperative to overcome exclusion is a key component of the social teachings and advocacy efforts of Pope Francis. At the very core of the pastoral and social vision he proposes is a drive to resist the global trend toward growing inequality and to encourage greater solidarity, which includes extending economic opportunities much more broadly. Even more vehemently than his papal predecessors, Francis insists on prioritizing the concrete well‐being of people facing hardship and oppression, so that nobody is relegated to the category of “the throwaway.” While the theme of mercy (a “soft” virtue, inasmuch as it involves voluntary action to overcome indifference and suffering) is prominent in many of his ethical appeals, Francis notably displays a distinctive structural analysis (a “hard” diagnostic tool) when addressing injustices in the global economy. The plights of victims of human trafficking, of global climate change, of restricted work opportunities due to globalization, and other causes of human suffering are best analyzed with ample attention to structures that require transformation. While economists and sociologists may be less interested in the underlying moral anthropology and spirituality that grounds the social teachings of Francis, it is undeniable that a coherent social vision undergirds the insistence of the Jesuit pope on greater social inclusion—a vision that applies to the full range of economic, environmental, and social issues. These concerns are on especially full display in two major teaching documents of Francis: his 2013 exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” and his 2015 encyclical Laudato Si’. In each, the pope employs an astute structural lens that reveals injustices and allows him to propose strategies to overcome inequality and exclusion.
It Takes a Village: Peer Effects and Externalities in Technology Adoption
Authors: Ferrali Romain , Grossman Guy , Platas Melina R. , Rodden Jonathan 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDo social networks matter for the adoption of new forms of political participation? We develop a formal model showing that the quality of communication that takes place in social networks is central to understanding whether a community will adopt forms of political participation where benefits are uncertain and where there are positive externalities associated with participation. Early adopters may exaggerate benefits, leading others to discount information about the technology's value. Thus, peer effects are likely to emerge only when informal institutions support truthful communication. We collect social network data for 16 Ugandan villages where an innovative mobile‐based reporting platform was introduced. Consistent with our model, we find variation across villages in the extent of peer effects on technology adoption, as well as evidence supporting additional observable implications. Impediments to social diffusion may help explain the varied uptake of new and increasingly common political communication technologies around the world.
Policymaking with Multiple Agencies
Authors: Bils Peter 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAuthority over related policy issues is often dispersed among multiple government agencies. In this article, I study when Congress should delegate to multiple agencies, and how shared regulatory space complicates agency decision making. To do so, I develop a formal model of decentralized policymaking with two agencies that incorporates information acquisition and information sharing, delineating situations where legislators should and should not prefer multiple agencies. Greater divergence between the agencies' ideal points distorts information sharing and policy choices, but it may increase the amount of information acquisition. Congress achieves better policy outcomes by delegating authority to both agencies if the agencies have strong policy disagreements. If the agencies have similar policy preferences, however, then Congress may want to consolidate authority within one agency because this approach mitigates free‐riding and takes advantage of returns to scale.
Recent developments and highlights in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Meng Yifan , Wang Chengshuo , Zhang Luo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAllergic rhinitis (AR) is a disease with high prevalence all over the world and therefore needs to be thoroughly investigated and treated accordingly. The mechanisms underlying the pathology and treatment of AR have been widely studied, but many aspects remain unclear and warrant further investigations. This review presents an overview of recently published papers highlighting the risk factors, mechanisms, and treatment of AR. Additionally, recent studies discussing the role of single nucleotide polymorphism, DNA methylation, regulatory B cells, group 2 innate lymphoid cells, immunotherapy, and biologics in AR are also covered.
Lateral neck metastases in the ipsilateral and contralateral compartments of papillary thyroid carcinoma located in one lobe
Authors: Kim Soo Young , Kim Seok‐Mo , Chang Hojin , Kim Bup‐Woo , Lee Yong Sang , Chang Hang‐Seok , Park Cheong Soo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundPapillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) frequently involves lymph nodes in the lateral compartment, but PTC located in one lobe rarely metastasizes to bilateral lateral nodes. This study was designed to evaluate the clinicopathological features of patients with PTC limited to one lobe but with bilateral lateral neck metastasis (LNM).MethodsBetween January 2009 and December 2013, 698 patients with unilateral PTC with LNM were analysed. Of these patients, 651 had unilateral LNM (ULNM) and 47 had bilateral LNM (BLNM). The clinicopathological characteristics of the two groups were analysed.ResultsThere were no significant between‐group differences in age, extrathyroidal extension, multifocality in one lobe, thyroiditis or psammomatous calcification. Male sex (51.1% versus 29.8%; P = 0.002), central compartment metastasis (91.5% versus 78.6%, P = 0.035), aggressive subtype of PTC (23.4% versus 8.8%; P = 0.001) and Delphian node metastasis (36.2% versus 18.1% versus 36.2%, P = 0.002) were significantly more frequent, and mean primary tumour size (1.79 ± 1.12 cm versus 1.34 ± 0.83 cm, P = 0.010) significantly larger in the BLNM than in the ULNM group.ConclusionsAlthough few patients with PTC located in one lobe have BLNM, the contralateral lateral compartment should be carefully evaluated for BLNM in males and in patients with a primary tumour size >2 cm, aggressive subtype of PTC, central node metastasis and Delphian node metastasis.
Incidence and baseline risk factors for pseudoexfoliation in Sweden: a long‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Ekström Curt , Winblad von Walter Lovisa 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPurposeTo estimate the incidence of pseudoexfoliation (PEX) and its associated risk factors in a defined population in Sweden.MethodsThe development of PEX was studied in a cohort of 489 residents aged 65–74 years, examined in a population survey in the municipality of Tierp 1984–1986. To expand the sample size, 576 people were recruited by means of glaucoma case records established at the Eye Department in Tierp in 1978–2007. In this way, the cohort comprised 1065 subjects, representing nearly 10 500 person‐years at risk. Incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Survival analyses were performed to identify predictors for PEX. Those with a follow‐up time shorter than 1 year were excluded.ResultsBy the end of the study in November 2018, 179 new cases of PEX had been found. Of these, 78 had participated in the population survey, equal to an incidence rate of 14.8 per 1000 person‐years (95% CI 11.5–18.1). The development of PEX was associated with higher age (hazard ratio 1.08 per year; 95% CI 1.03–1.13) and female gender (hazard ratio 1.59; 95% CI 1.16–2.18).ConclusionIn this study on a Swedish population, the incidence of PEX was high. Increasing age and female gender were the only predictors for PEX identified.
School‐based study showed a correlation between physical activity and smartphone and tablet use by students aged eight, 11 and 14
Authors: Raustorp Anders , Spenner Nellie , Wilkenson Agnes , Fröberg Andreas 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAimThis study investigated correlations between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and smartphone and tablet usage by sex and age in subjects aged eight, 11 and 14.MethodsWe recruited 549 children and adolescents (264 boys) from six schools in three middle‐class communities in south‐eastern Sweden. Steps per day were objectively measured using sealed pedometers and a brief daily questionnaire about smartphone and tablet usage. Correlations between mean steps per day and mean daily minutes of smartphone and tablet usage, and differences between low and high users, were investigated.ResultsThere was a moderately inverse correlation between steps per day and smartphone and tablet usage in the total sample (r = −.329, P < .001), but it was lower in boys (r = −.340, P < .001) than girls (r = −.401, P < .001). When stratified further by both sex and age, this correlation was only found among 14‐year‐old girls (r = −.385, P < .001) and this group only, differences between low and high users (P = .005) were seen.ConclusionThere was a moderately inverse correlation between steps per day and smartphone and tablet usage. When stratified by both sex and age groups, this correlation was only observed in 14‐year‐old girls. The results may have implications for future PA interventions that target adolescent girls.
Class Perceptions and Attitudes Toward Immigration and Race Among Working‐Class Whites1
Authors: McDermott Monica , Knowles Eric D. , Richeson Jennifer A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAs neighborhoods that were predominantly White become more racially and ethnically diverse, many Whites in those communities respond with feelings of threat and political shifts to the right. Trump's election in 2016 has often been attributed, at least in part, to such responses among members of the White working class. Building on this work, in the summer of 2017 (and thus after the election) we interviewed 77 working‐class White residents of three majority‐White cities from the Midwestern United States that had recently become more diverse due to an influx of Latino immigrants and/or an increase in native‐born racial minorities. Respondents were asked about their class identity, perceptions of change in their communities, and their attitudes about immigration and racial minorities. Contrary to prevailing narratives regarding the White working class, we found considerable variation in respondents’ reactions to these demographic changes. Notably, these differential reactions are organized by, and potentially rooted in, variation in class identity. Despite all being members of the working class, our respondents conceptualized their class identity according to three types—Class Conflict Aware, Working‐class Connected, and Working‐class Patriots—that were associated with more favorable or more antagonistic attitudes toward Latino immigrants and domestic racial minorities. This work, therefore, offers a more nuanced picture of how members of the White working class are responding to ethnoracial demographic changes in the nation.