bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unravelling the genetic loci for growth and carcass traits in Chinese Bamaxiang pigs based on a 1.4 million SNP array
Authors: Gong Huanfa , Xiao Shijun , Li Wanbo , Huang Tao , Huang Xiaochang , Yan Guorong , Huang Yizhong , Qiu Hengqing , Jiang Kai , Wang Xiaopeng , Zhang Hui , Tang Jianhong , Li Lin , Li Yiping , Wang Chenbin , Qiao Chuanmin , Ren Jun , Huang Lusheng , Yang Bin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBamaxiang pig is from Guangxi province in China, characterized by its small body size and two‐end black coat colour. It is an important indigenous breed for local pork market and excellent animal model for biomedical research. In this study, we performed genomewide association studies (GWAS) on 43 growth and carcass traits in 315 purebred Bamaxiang pigs based on a 1.4 million SNP array. We observed considerable phenotypic variability in the growth and carcass traits in the Bamaxiang pigs. The corresponding SNP based heritability varied greatly across the 43 traits and ranged from 9.0% to 88%. Through a conditional GWAS, we identified 53 significant associations for 35 traits at p value threshold of 10−6. Among which, 26 associations on chromosome 3, 7, 14 and X passed a genomewide significance threshold of 5 × 10−8. The most remarkable loci were at around 30.6 Mb on chromosome 7, which had growth stage‐dependent effects on body lengths and cannon circumferences and showed large effects on multiple carcass traits. We discussed HMGA1 NUDT3, EIF2AK1, TMEM132C and AFF2 that near the lead SNP of significant loci as plausible candidate genes for corresponding traits. We also showed that including phenotypic covariate in GWAS can help to reveal additional significant loci for the target traits. The results provide insight into the genetic architecture of growth and carcass traits in Bamaxiang pigs.
Zbed3 promotes proliferation and invasion of lung cancer partly through regulating the function of Axin‐Gsk3β complex
Authors: Shi Xiuying , Zhao Yang , Fan Chuifeng 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOur previous work showed that Zbed3 is overexpressed in nonsmall cell lung cancer and that down‐regulation of Zbed3 inhibited β‐catenin expression and cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Here, we investigated Zbed3's ability to promote lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion and the involvement of the Axin/TPC/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (Gsk‐3β) complex to the response. Coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that wild‐type Zbed3 bound to Axin but a Zbed3 mutant lacking the Axin binding site did not. In A549 and H1299 lung cancer cells, Zbed3 overexpression promoted cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness, as well as Wnt signalling and expression of downstream mediators, including β‐catenin, cyclin D1 and MMP7 (P < 0.05). In contrast, the Zbed3 mutant failed to enhance β‐catenin expression (P > 0.05), and its ability to promote cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness was much less than wild‐type Zbed3 (P < 0.05). The ability of Zbed3 to increase β‐catenin levels was abolished by Axin knockdown in A549 cells (P > 0.05). Similarly, treating the cells with a GSK‐3β inhibitor abolished Zbed3's ability to increase β‐catenin levels and Wnt signalling. These results indicate that Zbed3 enhances lung cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness at least in part by inhibiting Axin/adenomatous polyposis coli/GSK‐3β‐mediated negative regulation of β‐catenin levels.
Developmental stress and telomere dynamics in a genetically polymorphic species
Authors: Grunst Andrea S. , Grunst Melissa L. , Gonser Rusty A. , Tuttle Elaina M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractA central objective of evolutionary biology is understanding variation in life‐history trajectories and the rate of aging, or senescence. Senescence can be affected by trade‐offs and behavioural strategies in adults but may also be affected by developmental stress. Developmental stress can accelerate telomere degradation, with long‐term longevity and fitness consequences. Little is known regarding whether variation in developmental stress and telomere dynamics contributes to patterns of senescence during adulthood. We investigated this question in the dimorphic white‐throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), a species in which adults of the two morphs exhibit established differences in behavioural strategy and patterns of senescence, and also evaluated the relationship between oxidative stress and telomere length. Tan morph females, which exhibit high levels of unassisted parental care, display faster reproductive senescence than white females, and faster actuarial senescence than all of the other morph–sex classes. We hypothesized that high oxidative stress and telomere attrition in tan female nestlings could contribute to this pattern, since tan females are small and potentially at a competitive disadvantage even as nestlings. Nestlings that were smaller than nest mates had higher oxidative stress, and nestlings with high oxidative stress and fast growth rates displayed shorter telomeres. However, we found no consistent morph–sex differences in oxidative stress or telomere length. Results suggest that oxidative stress and fast growth contribute to developmental telomere attrition, with potential ramifications for adults, but that developmental oxidative stress and telomere dynamics do not account for morph–sex differences in senescence during adulthood.
Door‐to‐balloon time and factors associated with delayed door‐to‐balloon time in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction at Thailand's largest tertiary referral centre
Authors: Tungsubutra Wiwun , Ngoenjan Deachart 
Published: November 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse door‐to‐balloon (DTB) time and to identify factors significantly associated with delayed DTB in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at Thailand's largest tertiary referral centre.BackgroundDTB time is considered an important measure of performance quality.MethodsThis observational study analysed DTB time in patients with STEMI who presented to our institute's emergency department and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during June 2008 to May 2011. DTB time greater than 90 minutes was considered delayed. Data were collected to determine which clinical variables were associated with delays.ResultsOne hundred thirty‐three patients were included. The mean age of patients was 61.1 ± 13.2 years, and 71.4% were male. Delayed DTB was observed in 70.7% of patients. Median DTB time was 117 (interquartile range [IQR], 86‐168), 66 (IQR, 58‐84), and 135 (IQR, 112‐194) minutes in all patients, in nondelayed patients, and in delayed patients, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed triage to urgent care (P = 0.001) and presentation during on‐call hours (P < 0.001) to be significantly associated with delayed DTB. Patients who were triaged to urgent care had a DTB time of 184 vs 105 minutes for triage to the emergency room. Patients who presented during on‐call hours had a DTB time of 128 vs 86 minutes for work hour presentation. Presentation during on‐call hours was the only significant predictor of DTB time >90 minutes in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 7.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.39‐18.22; P < 0.001). All patients that were triaged to urgent care were delayed; thus, association between urgent care triage and on‐call hour service could not be determined.ConclusionsDelayed DTB time occurred in 70.7% of patients. Two key factors that significantly contributed to delayed DTB were patient mistriage to urgent care and presentation during on‐call hours.
Effects of plasmin and plasminogen on textural biochemical and microbiological properties of clotted cream
Authors: Şimşek Bedia , Gün İlhan , Ekinci Melike Baran 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn this study, clotted cream was produced by adding plasmin (25 μL/L) and plasminogen (75 μg/L) to raw cow milk. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of plasmin and plasminogen enzymes on some properties of clotted cream during 10‐day storage period. β‐Casein was hydrolyzed by plasmin and plasminogen in samples during storage. In sensory evaluation, appearance and structure scores of clotted cream samples containing plasmin and plasminogen were higher than the control sample during storage. Total aerobic mesophilic microorganism, proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria count in all samples were identified as 2.451–3.320 logcfu/g, 1.929–1.977 logcfu/g, 1.312–1.736 logcfu/g on the 10th day of storage, but psychrophilic bacteria count were determined below 1 logcfu/g during storage. Statistically the difference between samples for plasmin activity, α‐casein, β‐casein, hardness, and spreadability was found to be significant (P<0.05). Plasmin and plasminogen may affect positively on texture of clotted cream.Practical applicationsClotted cream is a breakfast dairy product consumed in many countries. The effect of plasmin, the natural enzymes of milk, on the quality of the cream is important. This information would be useful, especially to individuals who produce and consume clotted cream.
Influence of the crosstalk on the intensity of HAADF‐STEM images of quaternary semiconductor materials
Authors: BALADÉS N. , HERRERA M. , SALES D.L. , GUERRERO M.P. , GUERRERO E. , GALINDO P.L. , MOLINA S.I. 
Published: November 2018

SummaryThe influence of the neighbouring atomic‐columns in determining the composition at atomic column scale of quaternary semiconductor compounds, using simulated HAADF‐STEM images is evaluated. The InAlAsSb alloy, a promising material in the photovoltaic field, is considered. We find that the so called ‘crosstalk’ effect plays an important role for the aimed compositional determination. The intensity transfer is larger from neighbouring atomic columns with higher average Z, and towards atomic columns with smaller Z. Our results show that in order to obtain precise information on the column composition, the HAADF‐STEM intensities of both columns need to be taken into account simultaneously.
Glycyrrhizin, an HMGB1 inhibitor, exhibits neuroprotective effects in rats after lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus
Authors: Li Ya-jun , Wang Lin , Zhang Bei , Gao Fei , Yang Chun-Mei 
Published: November 2018

Abstract

Objectives
It has been proven that extracellular HMGB1 is involved in progression of neurologic disorders, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, meningitis and epilepsy. Glycyrrhizin (GL) is a direct inhibitor of HMGB1, and blocks HMGB1 release into the extracellular. We aim in this study to investigate the neuroprotective effects of GL in a rat model after lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE).

Methods
Adult male SD rats were divided into three groups: Sham group, SE-group and (SE + GL)-treated group. The HMGB1 expression in serum and hippocampus, the damage extent of blood brain barrier (BBB) and hippocampal neuronal damage were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, western blot and nissl's staining.

Key findings
Glycyrrhizin markedly reduced HMGB1 expression in serum and hippocampus, prevented HMGB1 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm in hippocampal CA1, CA3 and hilus areas of SE rats. Meanwhile, GL significantly ameliorated neuronal damage in the CA1, CA3 and hilus areas of hippocampus, and protected BBB disruption after SE. The administration of GL significantly decreased the mortality from 25 to 8.9% in rats.

Conclusions
Glycyrrhizin may exert neuroprotective effects via inhibiting HMGB1 and protect BBB permeability in lithium-pilocarpine-induced rats with SE.
Efficacy and safety of antiviral treatment on blocking the mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Jiahui , Yang Fan , Wang Shuo , Tikande Sakinatou , Deng Yang , Tang Weina , Cao Guangwen 
Published: November 2018

SummaryNucleo(t)side analogues (NAs) have been administered as adjunctive therapy to interrupt the mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The efficacy and safety of this method remain controversial. A meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NAs treatment during pregnancy. The differences among different agents and initiation trimesters were analysed. A total of 9228 mother‐infant pairs in 59 studies (32 RCTs and 27 non‐RCTs) were included in this meta‐analysis. NAs significantly reduced the risk of MTCT, as indicated by seropositivity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (risk ratio (RR) = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45‐0.57) and HBV DNA in newborns (RR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.18‐0.26). No differences in the efficacy of interrupting HBV MTCT were evident among lamivudine, telbivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. NA was more effective when administered from the second than from the third trimester as indicated by HBV DNA (RR: the second vs the third 0.08 vs 0.22, P = 0.010), but this effect was not evident as indicated by HBsAg (RR: the second vs the third 0.46 vs 0.53, P = 0.596). Antiviral treatment initiated from the second trimester did not confer a higher risk of safety problems in the newborns compared with treatment from the third trimester, as indicated by weight (P = 0.064), length (P = 0.491) and malformation rate (P = 0.635) of newborns.ConclusionsLamivudine, telbivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are equally effective in blocking HBV MTCT. Antiviral treatment can be applied from the second trimester, without obvious safety concerns.
Floating ability, shoot length and abundance facilitate hydrochorous dispersal of moss and liverwort fragments
Authors: Boedeltje Ger , Sollman Philip , Lenssen John P. M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractQuestionVegetative diaspores are pivotal to the ability of bryophytes to colonize new areas, but life‐history traits and other factors facilitating vegetative hydrochorous dispersal are largely unknown. Here, we ask whether hydrochorous dispersal of vegetative bryophyte fragments can be predicted by specific traits in addition to discharge and abundance of species in the vegetation.LocationThe Twentekanaal, a navigation canal in the Netherlands.MethodsOver a one‐year period, viable bryophyte fragments dispersed in the canal were quantified using a 200‐μm net and related to five potentially predicting variables. These variables are fragment buoyancy, shoot length, growth form, abundance in the vegetation and discharge. Buoyancy of fragments including regeneration was determined experimentally for all species found; other traits were derived from the literature. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model approach was adopted to identify the traits and trait–discharge interactions best explaining the presence of fragments in water.ResultsOf the 144 samples collected, 77% contained bryophyte fragments. A total of 54,514 fragments were counted, representing 18 species. The free‐floating Riccia fluitans was the most abundant species, followed by Brachythecium rutabulum. In total, 55% of the variation in diaspore presence of sessile species could be explained by abundance in the vegetation, buoyancy and shoot length. Of the sessile species of which fragments were trapped, mean floating time (T50) was 5.9 days and mean shoot length 79 mm. Species that occurred in the vegetation, but were not found in the water had a significantly lower buoyancy and shoot length.ConclusionsWe conclude that abundance in the vegetation, buoyancy and shoot length are significant predictors for vegetative hydrochorous dispersal of aquatic and riparian bryophytes. As fragments of species found are able to regenerate after being in water for weeks, they may contribute to colonization of new favourable substrate patches along water bodies after being dispersed.
Clinical outcomes and management of patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver stiffness measurement in the grey zone
Authors: Liu Ken , Wong Vincent W. S. , Liang Lilian Y. , Lui Grace C. Y. , Chan Henry L. Y. , Wong Grace L. H. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundA significant number of patients have liver stiffness measurements in the grey zone where liver biopsy is recommended.AimsTo study chronic hepatitis B patients with initial liver stiffness measurements in the grey zone with regards to rates of liver biopsy, repeat liver stiffness measurements and outcomes.MethodsConsecutive chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent transient elastography from August 2006 to July 2017 were retrospectively studied. Liver‐related events were defined as hepatocellular carcinoma or cirrhotic complications. Grey zone was defined as liver stiffness measurements: 6.1‐9.0 kPa (normal ALT) or 7.6‐12.0 kPa (ALT 1‐5 × upper limit of normal) on M‐probe and 6.9‐10.0 kPa on XL‐probe.ResultsOf the 3212 patients analysed, 837 (26%) had initial liver stiffness measurements in grey zone. Only 3.6% of grey zone patients proceeded to liver biopsy within 6 months of transient elastography, of which 33% had METAVIR F3‐4 fibrosis. Repeat liver stiffness measurements was performed in 44% of grey zone patients. Liver biopsy and repeat liver stiffness measurements prompted change in management in 47% and 31% of patients respectively. Independent predictors for liver‐related events in grey zone patients included increased age, low albumin and low platelet count. Liver‐related events rates were increased (9%‐17%) in patients with METAVIR > F2 fibrosis on biopsy or repeat liver stiffness measurements which did not improve.ConclusionsChronic hepatitis B patients with initial liver stiffness measurements in the grey zone rarely proceed to a clarifying liver biopsy which would reveal advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis in one‐third of patients. Both liver biopsy and repeat liver stiffness measurements in grey zone patients have clinical utility in prompting changes in management and providing prognostic information.
Information Hazards in Biotechnology
Authors: Lewis Gregory , Millett Piers , Sandberg Anders , Snyder‐Beattie Andrew , Gronvall Gigi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWith the advance of biotechnology, biological information, rather than biological materials, is increasingly the object of principal security concern. We argue that both in theory and in practice, existing security approaches in biology are poorly suited to manage hazardous biological information, and use the cases of Mousepox, H5N1 gain of function, and Botulinum toxin H to highlight these ongoing challenges. We suggest that mitigation of these hazards can be improved if one can: (1) anticipate hazard potential before scientific work is performed; (2) consider how much the new information would likely help both good and bad actors; and (3) aim to disclose information in the manner that maximally disadvantages bad actors versus good ones.
An Inclusive Treadmill? Expansion of Industrial Maize Farming and Simple‐Commodity Producers in Turkey
Authors: Borlu Yetkin , Matthews Stephen A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe growth of industrial maize farming in Turkey during the first decade of this century points to the primacy of economic development over ecological concerns at a time when global nitrogen and phosphorus flows already exceeded safe limits. In this article we focus on the relations of production as the driver of an economic sector that not only has ecological but also social costs. Through a trend analysis of maize yields as our ecological indicator, we explain how relations of production influence industrial maize farming in this period and how different modes of production (e.g., simple‐commodity producers) participate in a corporate market. A “treadmill of production” perspective argues that simple commodity producers are excluded from industrial treadmills. Our findings indicate that provinces with predominantly simple commodity production experienced significant increases in maize yields and adapted to the industrial maize treadmill. However, there is a significant difference between simple‐commodity producers and large farms that widens over the decade. Our results suggest that simple‐commodity producers are included in ecologically harmful economic practices with significant obstacles. We call for a revision of the assumed relationship between the size of economic operations and their ecological impacts in the critical sociology literature and policy approaches.
Teachers’ views on and preferences for meeting their professional development needs in STEM
Authors: Owens David C. , Sadler Troy D. , Murakami Christopher D. , Tsai Chia‐Lin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhile much is known about the characteristics that researchers deem valuable for professional development (PD), teachers’ perceptions of their PD needs are less understood. In this study, we sought to explore teachers’ perceptions of their PD needs, including PD format, time frame, and topics covered, and how those perceptions varied by teachers’ district size, grade level, subject area, and years of experience. Participants included a statewide representative sample of 800 elementary and secondary STEM teachers with a wide range of teaching experience and from small to large school districts across Missouri. Each participant responded to the MO‐STEM PD Needs Assessment, a 61‐item Likert scale survey. We found teachers to be most interested in learning about real‐world issues and problem‐based learning to teach STEM content. Teachers’ participation in PD positively correlated with district size and the manner in which PD is valued in their community of practice, while years of teaching experience was negatively correlated with interest in virtually all categories of the survey, including formats of PD delivery and the majority of PD topics. We conclude with a discussion of the ways in which teachers’ expressed preferences for PD ran contrary to what the literature suggests as best practices for PD.
Integrating self‐determination theory and the theory of planned behaviour to predict intention to donate blood
Authors: Williams L. A. , Sun J. , Masser B. 
Published: November 2018

SUMMARYObjectivesThe aim of this research was to test a model integrating self‐determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict intention to donate blood.BackgroundSocial science research suggests that motivational orientations outlined by SDT can be usefully integrated with constructs from the TPB to collectively predict intention and behaviour. Such analysis has not yet been undertaken in the context of blood donation.MethodsA total of 458 currently eligible donors completed measures of blood donor motivations, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention. Path analyses modelled the direct and indirect effects (via TPB constructs) of motivational orientations on intention.ResultsSDT motivational orientations explained an additional 14% of the variance in blood donation intention, compared to a TPB‐only model. Amotivation had a negative direct effect on intention; external regulation had no overall effect on intention; introjected regulation had positive direct and indirect effects on intention; and autonomous motivation predicted intention both directly as well as via attitudes, subjective norms and PBC.ConclusionThis research provides the first evidence that integrating SDT and the TPB is a useful approach in donor research, particularly for specifying plausible pathways through which motivational orientations impact intention to donate blood.