bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Haplotype analysis of key genes governing grain yield and quality traits across 3K RG panel reveals scope for the development of tailor‐made rice with enhanced genetic gains
Authors: Abbai Ragavendran , Singh Vikas Kumar , Nachimuthu Vishnu Varthini , Sinha Pallavi , Selvaraj Ramchander , Vipparla Abhilash Kumar , Singh Arun Kumar , Singh Uma Maheshwar , Varshney Rajeev K. , Kumar Arvind 
Published: January 2019

SummaryThough several genes governing various major traits have been reported in rice, their superior haplotype combinations for developing ideal variety remains elusive. In this study, haplotype analysis of 120 previously functionally characterized genes, influencing grain yield (87 genes) and grain quality (33 genes) revealed significant variations in the 3K rice genome (RG) panel. For selected genes, meta‐expression analysis using already available datasets along with co‐expression network provided insights at systems level. Also, we conducted candidate gene based association study for the 120 genes and identified 21 strongly associated genes governing 10‐grain yield and quality traits. We report superior haplotypes upon phenotyping the subset of 3K RG panel, SD1‐H8 with haplotype frequency (HF) of 30.13% in 3K RG panel, MOC1‐H9 (HF: 23.08%), IPA1‐H14 (HF: 6.64%), DEP3‐H2 (HF: 5.59%), DEP1‐H2 (HF: 37.53%), SP1‐H3 (HF: 5.05%), LAX1‐H5 (HF: 1.56%), LP‐H13 (3.64%), OSH1‐H4 (5.52%), PHD1‐H14 (HF: 15.21%), AGO7‐H15 (HF: 3.33%), ROC5‐H2 (31.42%), RSR1‐H8 (HF: 4.20%) and OsNAS3‐H2 (HF: 1.00%). For heading date, Ghd7‐H8 (HF: 3.08%), TOB1‐H10 (HF: 4.60%) flowered early, Ghd7‐H14 (HF: 42.60%), TRX1‐H9 (HF: 27.97%), OsVIL3‐H14 (HF: 1.72%) for medium duration flowering, while Ghd7‐H6 (HF: 1.65%), SNB‐H9 (HF: 9.35%) were late flowering. GS5‐H4 (HF: 65.84%) attributed slender, GS5‐H5 (HF: 29.00%), GW2‐H2 (HF: 4.13%) were medium slender and GS5‐H9 (HF: 2.15%) for bold grains. Furthermore, haplotype analysis explained possible genetic basis for superiority of selected mega‐varieties. Overall, this study suggests the possibility for developing next‐generation tailor‐made rice with superior haplotype combinations of target genes suiting future food and nutritional demands via haplotype‐based breeding.
Long‐term plant community trajectories suggest divergent responses of native and non‐native perennials and annuals to vegetation removal and seeding treatments
Authors: Copeland Stella M. , Munson Seth M. , Bradford John B. , Butterfield Bradley J. , Gunnell Kevin L. 
Published: January 2019

Land managers frequently apply vegetation removal and seeding treatments to restore ecosystem function following woody plant encroachment, invasive species spread, and wildfire. However, the long‐term outcome of these treatments is unclear due to a lack of widespread monitoring. We quantified how vegetation removal (via wildfire or management) with or without seeding and environmental conditions related to plant community composition change over time in 491 sites across the intermountain western United States. Most community metrics took over 10 years to reach baseline conditions posttreatment, with the slowest recovery observed for native perennial cover. Total cover was initially higher in sites with seeding after vegetation removal than sites with vegetation removal alone, but increased faster in sites with vegetation removal only. Seeding after vegetation removal was associated with rapidly increasing non‐native perennial cover and decreasing non‐native annual cover. Native perennial cover increased in vegetation removal sites irrespective of seeding and was suppressed by increasing non‐native perennial cover. Seeding was associated with higher non‐native richness across the monitoring period as well as initially higher, then declining, total and native species richness. Several cover and richness recovery metrics were positively associated with mean annual precipitation and negatively associated with mean annual temperature, whereas relationships with weather extremes depended on the lag time and season. Our results suggest that key plant groups, such as native perennials and non‐native annuals, respond to restoration treatments at divergent timescales and with different sensitivities to climate and weather variation.
Testing the Measurement Invariance of Nativism*
Authors: Zhao Yikai 
Published: January 2019

ObjectiveSurvey questions regarding immigration have been frequently used to compare how mass publics think about nativism, but it remains unclear whether the resulting nativism measures are comparable across countries. In this article, we empirically examine whether nativism achieves scalar invariance—an important measurement feature for valid instrumentation—across very different country contexts.MethodWe examine measurement invariance of a nativism scale using survey data from 22 countries representing 16,096 individual respondents. To test for invariance, we utilize multigroup confirmatory factor analysis (MG‐CFA).ResultsWhile the nativism scale fails to achieve full scalar invariance, we are able to establish partial scalar invariance, indicating the nativism scale is valid across many national contexts. Though highly correlated, the means of the latent nativist variable also provide different rankings than the means of an additive scale.ConclusionsWith a few limitations, nativist sentiments can be meaningfully measured across political contexts. Across 19 of the 22 countries, respondents answered survey items on nativism in ways that suggest their answers reflect the same underlying latent construct.
Young People are the Future? Comparing Adults’ and Young People’s Perceptions and Practices of Diversity in a Highly Diverse Neighbourhood
Authors: Visser Kirsten , Tersteeg Anouk K. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAs today’s cities are becoming more diverse, scholars and policy makers have become increasingly interested in the impacts of living in diverse neighbourhoods on people’s perceptions of diversity. While adults’ and young people’s perceptions have been studied separately, we know little about how different age groups living in the same neighbourhood encounter and experience diversity. In this paper we explore how adults (aged 35–65) and young people (aged 12–19) in Feijenoord, Rotterdam perceive neighbourhood diversity and how this is related to encounters with differences in public, semi‐public and private neighbourhood spaces. We argue for combining generational and spatial approaches when studying perceptions of diversity by showing that these perceptions cannot be explained by age and the time people grew up in alone, but are also shaped by the different ways in which age groups use neighbourhood spaces and encounter others in these spaces.
Probable transmission of hepatitis E virus (HEV) via transfusion in the United States
Authors: Ticehurst John R. , Pisanic Nora , Forman Michael S. , Ordak Carly , Heaney Christopher D. , Ong Edgar , Linnen Jeffrey M. , Ness Paul M. , Guo Nan , Shan Hua , Nelson Kenrad E. 
Published: January 2019

BACKGROUNDHepatitis E virus (HEV) can inapparently infect blood donors. To assess transfusion transmission of HEV in the United States, which has not been documented, a donor‐recipient repository was evaluated.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSTo identify donations that contained HEV RNA and were linked to patient‐recipients with antibody evidence of HEV exposure, we assayed samples from the Retrovirus Epidemiology Donor Study (REDS) Allogeneic Donor and Recipient repository that represents 13,201 linked donations and 3384 transfused patients. Posttransfusion samples, determined to contain IgG anti‐HEV by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, were reassayed along with corresponding pretransfusion samples for seroconversion (incident exposure) or at least fourfold IgG anti‐HEV increase (reexposure). HEV‐exposed patients were linked to donations in which HEV RNA was then detected by reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction, confirmed by transcription‐mediated amplification, and phylogenetically analyzed as subgenomic cDNA sequences.RESULTSAmong all patients, 19 of 1036 (1.8%) who had IgG anti‐HEV before transfusion were reexposed; 40 of 2348 (1.7%) without pretransfusion IgG anti‐HEV seroconverted. These 59 patients were linked to 257 donations, 1 of which was positive by reverse‐transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and transcription‐mediated amplification. Plasma from this donation contained 5.5 log IU/mL of HEV RNA that grouped with HEV genotype 3, clade 3abchij. The patient‐recipient of RBCs from this donation had a greater than eightfold IgG increase; however, clinical data are unavailable.CONCLUSIONSThis is the first report of probable HEV transmission via transfusion in the United States, although it has been frequently observed in Europe and Japan. Additional data on the magnitude of the risk in the United States are needed.
Inspiratory Muscle Training: Improvement of Exercise Performance With Acute Hypoxic Exposure
Authors: Hursh Daniel G. , Baranauskas Marissa N. , Wiggins Chad C. , Bielko Shane , Mickleborough Timothy D. , Chapman Robert F. 
Published: January 2019

Endurance exercise performance in hypoxia may be influenced by an ability to maintain high minute ventilation () in defense of reduced arterial oxyhemoglobin saturation. Inspiratory muscle training (IMT) has been used as an effective intervention to attenuate the negative physiological consequences associated with an increased , resulting in improved submaximal-exercise performance in normoxia. However, the efficacy of IMT on hypoxic exercise performance remains unresolved. Purpose: To determine whether chronic IMT improves submaximal-exercise performance with acute hypoxic exposure. Methods: A total of 14 endurance-trained men completed a 20-km cycling time trial (TT) in normobaric hypoxia (fraction of inspired oxygen [FiO2] = 0.16) before and after either 6 wk of an IMT protocol consisting of inspiratory loads equivalent to 80% of sustained maximal inspiratory pressure (n = 9) or a SHAM protocol (30% of sustained maximal inspiratory pressure; n = 5). Results: In the IMT group, 20-km TT performance significantly improved by 1.45 (2.0%), P = .03, after the 6-wk intervention. The significantly faster TT times were accompanied by a higher average (pre vs post: 99.3 [14.5] vs 109.9 [18.0] L·min−1, P = .01) and absolute oxygen uptake (pre vs post: 3.39 [0.52] vs 3.60 [0.58] L·min−1, P = .010), with no change in ratings of perceived exertion or dyspnea (P > .06). There were no changes in TT performance in the SHAM group (P = .45). Conclusion: These data suggest that performing 6 wk of IMT may benefit hypoxic endurance exercise performance lasting 30–40 min.
Effect of Heavy Resisted Sled Sprint Training During the Competitive Season on Sprint and Change-of-Direction Performance in Professional Soccer Players
Authors: McMorrow Brian J. , Ditroilo Massimiliano , Egan Brendan 
Published: January 2019

Purpose: Resisted sled sprinting (RSS) is an effective tool for improving sprint performance over short distances, but the effect on change-of-direction (COD) performance is largely unknown. The present study investigated the effect of heavy RSS training during the competitive season on sprint and COD performance in professional soccer players. Methods: Over 6 wk in-season, an RSS training group (n = 6) performed RSS at a sled load of 30% body mass for a total program running distance of 800 m, whereas an unresisted sprint (URS) training group (n = 7) performed the same distance of unresisted sprinting. A 20-m maximal sprint with split times measured at 5, 10, and 20 m and the sprint 9-3-6-3-9 m with 180° turns COD test were performed before and after the intervention. Results: Sprint performance (mean, 95% confidence limits, qualitative inference) was improved in both groups over 5 m (URS, 5.1%, −2.4 to 12.7, likely moderate; RSS, 5.4%, 0.5–10.4, likely moderate), 10 m (URS, 3.9%, −0.3 to 8.1, very likely moderate; RSS, 5.0%, 1.8–8.0, very likely large), and 20 m (URS, 2.0%, −0.6 to 4.5, likely moderate; RSS, 3.0%, 1.7–4.4, very likely moderate). COD was improved in both groups (URS, 3.7%, 2.2–5.2, most likely large; RSS, 3.3%, 1.6–5.0, most likely moderate). Between-groups differences were unclear. Conclusion: Heavy RSS and URS training matched for running distance were similarly effective at improving sprint and COD performance in professional soccer players when performed in the competitive phase of the season.
Depositional architecture and structural evolution of a region immediately inboard of the locus of continental breakup (Liwan Sub-basin, South China Sea)
Authors: Lei Chao , Alves Tiago M. , Ren Jianye , Pang Xiong , Yang Linlong , Liu Jun 
Published: January 2019

AbstractNew 3-D seismic data and regional 2-D seismic profiles from the northern South China Sea, the most extensive data set imaging a distal rifted margin in the world, are used to characterize a region located immediately inboard of the locus of Cenozoic continental breakup. The interpreted data set images a ∼6-km-thick continental crust in which the Moho and the base of syn-rift sediment are observed as clear, well-resolved seismic reflections. This extremely thinned continental crust was offset at its base by a complex detachment fault system from which oceanward-dipping listric faults propagated vertically to bound six separate tilted blocks, in a style akin to tectonic rafts. The seismic reflection data allowed us to investigate the thickness of syn- and post-rift strata above tilt blocks, revealing that the early-middle Eocene syn-rift topography was gradually blanketed in the late Eocene (ca. 38 Ma). After 33 Ma (earliest Oligocene), the main depocenter on the margin migrated to the south of the Liwan Sub-basin, i.e., oceanwards, as recorded by the thickening of strata within a breakup sequence. This work is important as it demonstrates how closely structures and sedimentation within the Liwan Sub-basin were controlled by a basal, rift-related detachment system, which is imaged in detail by 3-D seismic data for the first time on a rifted continental margin. Continental breakup was marked by a shift in the locus of subsidence (and crustal stretching) toward ocean crust, within a time period spanning ∼16 m.y. We extrapolate our findings from the South China Sea to the development of asymmetric passive margins across the world.
Areal summed corneal power shift is an important determinant for axial length elongation in myopic children treated with overnight orthokeratology
Authors: Hu Yin , Wen Canhong , Li Zhouyue , Zhao Wenchen , Ding Xiaohu , Yang Xiao 
Published: January 2019

BackgroundThe myopia control effect of orthokeratology (OK) varies among individuals. The variation might relate to the proposed ‘areal summation effect’ of lens-induced visual signals. The current study evaluated the areal summed corneal power shift (ASCPS) in myopic children treated with OK lenses and assessed whether the ASCPS achieved at early post-OK visit can predict the lens long-term effect on the axial length (AL) elongation.MethodsStudy participants were 130 myopic children treated with OK lenses (age range, 8 to 15 years) in a prospective study. Corneal topography and AL were measured at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after OK lens wear. The ASCPS was derived from corneal topographic measurements and defined as the change in the areal summed corneal relative refraction at the follow-up visit from baseline. The impact of the ASCPS achieved at the 1 month post-OK visit on the 12 months AL elongation was examined using multivariate linear regression analysis.ResultsBaseline age of the study participants was 11.8 ± 1.8 years and their mean spherical equivalent was −3.00±0.92 D. The ASCPS was 6.90±6.09 D*mm at the 1 month visit and remained stable throughout the follow-up period (p=0.5508, repeated-measures analysis of variance). Greater 1 month ASCPS was associated with slower AL elongation at the 12 months visit (β=−0.007, p=0.001).ConclusionsThe ASCPS achieved at early post-OK visit is predictive for the lens long-term effect on the myopic AL elongation. The parameter is potential in guiding the OK lens practice to slow down axial growth in myopic children.
Ziv-aflibercept versus bevacizumab administration prior to diabetic vitrectomy: a randomised and controlled trial
Authors: Aleman Isaac , Castillo Velazquez Javier , Rush Sloan W , Rush Ryan B 
Published: January 2019

PurposeTo compare the effectiveness of intravitreal ziv-aflibercept (IVZ) to intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) administered preoperatively to patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) for severe manifestations of proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).DesignRandomised clinical trial (RCT).MethodsTwo hundred and six patients with PDR-related complications requiring PPV were randomised into one of two treatment groups: Group A received IVZ (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) 1–10 days before PPV, while Group B received IVB (1.25 mg/0.05 mL) 1–10 days before PPV. The primary outcome was best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months follow-up. Secondary outcome measures were perioperative tractional retinal detachment (TRD) rates, surgical times, intraoperative and postoperative complications and incidence of unplanned PPV during the 6 month study interval.ResultsOne hundred and seventy three subjects underwent PPV and completed the 6-month follow-up interval. Group A subjects had better BCVA at 6 months (p=0.0035), shorter surgical times (p=0.0013) and were less likely to have a recurrence of vitreous haemorrhaging in the postoperative period (p=0.0101) when compared with subjects in Group B. There were no significant differences among the treatment groups with regards to baseline characteristics, perioperative TRD development, intraoperative complications and incidence of unplanned PPV during the 6 month study interval.ConclusionsThis RCT demonstrated better final visual outcomes, shorter operating times and less vitreous haemorrhage recurrences in the postoperative period when subjects received IVZ compared to IVB prior to PPV for the treatment of PDR-related complications.
Classification of disease severity in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Iftikhar Mustafa , Lemus Marili , Usmani Bushra , Campochiaro Peter A , Sahel José Alain , Scholl Hendrik P N , Shah Syed Mahmood Ali 
Published: January 2019

AimTo develop a simple and easily applicable classification of disease severity in retinitis pigmentosa (RP).MethodsThis is a retrospective cross-sectional study. Visual acuity (VA), visual field width (VF) and ellipsoid zone width (EZ) were obtained from medical records of patients with RP. A scoring criterion was developed wherein each variable was assigned a score from 0 to 5 depending on its distribution. The cumulative score (from 0 to 15) was used to classify disease severity from grade 0 to 5. The scores were correlated with each other and the final grade. The grades were then correlated with age and disease duration.ResultsThe median age (range) of patients (n=93) was 55 (12–87) years, 51% were female, 70% had been diagnosed within 10 years, and 50% had autosomal recessive disease. Most eyes (n=181) at least had a VA of 20/40 (67%), a VF of 20° (75%) and an EZ of 5° (76%). All scores were correlated with each other (r=0.509–0.613; p<0.001 for all) and with the final grade (r=0.790–0.869; p<0.001 for all). Except for grade 0 (5%), all grades were evenly distributed: 21% for grade 1, 23% for grade 2, 22% for grade 3, 17% for grade 4 and 12% for grade 5. Grades were correlated with both age (r=0.252; p<0.001) and disease duration (r=0.383; p<0.001).ConclusionsWe present a simple, objective and easy to use disease severity classification for RP which can be used to categorise and compare patients.
Assessing global preparedness for the next pandemic: development and application of an Epidemic Preparedness Index
Authors: Oppenheim Ben , Gallivan Mark , Madhav Nita K , Brown Naor , Serhiyenko Volodymyr , Wolfe Nathan D , Ayscue Patrick 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionRobust metrics for national-level preparedness are critical for assessing global resilience to epidemic and pandemic outbreaks. However, existing preparedness assessments focus primarily on public health systems or specific legislative frameworks, and do not measure other essential capacities that enable and support public health preparedness and response.MethodsWe developed an Epidemic Preparedness Index (EPI) to assess national-level preparedness. The EPI is global, covering 188 countries. It consists of five subindices measuring each country’s economic resources, public health communications, infrastructure, public health systems and institutional capacity. To evaluate the construct validity of the EPI, we tested its correlation with proxy measures for preparedness and response capacity, including the timeliness of outbreak detection and reporting, as well as vaccination rates during the 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic.ResultsThe most prepared countries were concentrated in Europe and North America, while the least prepared countries clustered in Central and West Africa and Southeast Asia. Better prepared countries were found to report infectious disease outbreaks more quickly and to have vaccinated a larger proportion of their population during the 2009 pandemic.ConclusionThe EPI measures a country’s capacity to detect and respond to infectious disease events. Existing tools, such as the Joint External Evaluation (JEE), have been designed to measure preparedness within a country over time. The EPI complements the JEE by providing a holistic view of preparedness and is constructed to support comparative risk assessment between countries. The index can be updated rapidly to generate global estimates of pandemic preparedness that can inform strategy and resource allocation.
Intervention to reduce benzodiazepine prescriptions in primary care, study protocol of a hybrid type 1 cluster randomised controlled trial: the BENZORED study
Authors: Vicens Caterina , Leiva Alfonso , Bejarano Ferran , Sempere Ermengol , Rodríguez-Rincón Raquel María , Fiol Francisca , Mengual Marta , Ajenjo Asunción , Do Pazo Fernando , Mateu Catalina , Folch Silvia , Alegret Santiago , Coll Jose Maria , Martín-Rabadán María , Socias Isabel 
Published: January 2019

IntroductionBenzodiazepines (BZDs) are mainly used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, and are often prescribed for long durations, even though prescription guidelines recommend short-term use due to the risk of dependence, cognitive impairment, and falls and fractures. Education of general practitioners (GPs) regarding the prescription of BZDs may reduce the overuse and of these drugs.The aims of this study are to analyse the effectiveness of an intervention targeted to GPs to reduce BZD prescription and evaluate the implementation process.Methods and analysisThe healthcare centres in three regions of Spain (Balearic Islands, Catalonia and Community of Valencia) will be randomly allocated to receive a multifactorial intervention or usual care (control). GPs in the intervention group will receive a 2-hour workshop about best-practice regarding BZD prescription and BZD deprescribing, monthly feedback about their BZD prescribing practices and access to a support web page. Outcome measures for each GP are the defined daily dosage per 1000 inhabitants per day and the proportion of long-term BZD users at 12 months. Data will be collected from the electronic prescription database of the public health system, and will be subjected to intention-to-treat analysis. Implementation will be evaluated by mixed methods following the five domains of the Consolidated Framework For Implementation Research.Ethics and disseminationThis study was approved by the Balearic Islands Ethical Committee of Clinical Research (IB3065/15), l’IDIAP Jordi Gol Ethical Committee of Clinical Research (PI 15/0148) and Valencia Primary Care Ethical Committee of Clinical Research (P16/024). The results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberISRCTN28272199.