bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atrial fibrillation screening with photo-plethysmography through a smartphone camera
Authors: Verbrugge Frederik H , Proesmans Tine , Vijgen Johan , Mullens Wilfried , Rivero-Ayerza Maximo , Van Herendael Hugo , Vandervoort Pieter , Nuyens Dieter 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Aims
This cross-sectional study was set up to assess the feasibility of mass screening for atrial fibrillation (AF) with only the use of a smartphone.

Methods and results
A local newspaper published an article, allowing to subscribe for a 7-day screening period to detect AF. Screening was performed through an application that uses photo-plethysmography (PPG) technology by exploiting a smartphone camera. Participants received instructions on how to perform correct measurements twice daily, with notifications pushed through the application’s software. In case of heart rhythm irregularities, raw PPG signals underwent secondary offline analysis to confirm a final diagnosis. From 12 328 readers who voluntarily signed up for screening (49 ± 14 years; 58% men), 120 446 unique PPG traces were obtained. Photo-plethysmography signal quality was adequate for analysis in 92% of cases. Possible AF was detected in 136 individuals (1.1%). They were older (P < 0.001), more frequently men (P < 0.001), and had higher body mass index (P = 0.004). In addition, participants who strictly adhered to the recommended screening frequency (i.e. twice daily) were more often diagnosed with possible AF (1.9% vs. 1.0% in individuals who did not adhere; P = 0.008). Symptoms of palpitations, confusion, and shortness of breath were more frequent in case of AF (P < 0.001). The cumulative diagnostic yield for possible AF increased from 0.4% with a single heart rhythm assessment to 1.4% with screening during the entire 7-day screening period.

Conclusion
Mass screening for AF using only a smartphone with dedicated application based on PPG technology is feasible and attractive because of its low cost and logistic requirements.
Novel, Film and the Art of Translational Storytelling: Dai Sijie's Balzac et la petite tailleuse chinoise
Authors: Li Shuangyi 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This article examines the novel and film Balzac et la Petite Tailleuse chinoise, by the Franco-Chinese writer and filmmaker Dai Sijie, the story of which takes place against the background of the Cultural Revolution. The first part of my analysis will make clear how the film illuminates and dramatizes the special texture, aesthetic and structure of the novel, highlighting the cinematic sensibility of Dai’s literary aesthetic. I then move on to investigate the linguistic aspects of the various translations between the novel and the film in French, Mandarin Chinese and Sichuanese. The aesthetic effects of dubbing, in particular, will allow me to investigate new possibilities of reading exophone literature. Finally, this paper highlights the central role of oral storytelling in the Chinese tradition in/through various forms of translation: interlingual as well as intermedial. In so doing, this article aims to add nuance to and enrich current debates on issues such as intercultural misreading and exoticism in Dai’s works.
Identifying Characteristics of Frailty in Female Mice Using a Phenotype Assessment Tool
Authors: Kwak Dongmin , Baumann Cory W , Thompson LaDora V 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Preclinical studies are important in identifying the underlying mechanisms contributing to frailty. Frailty studies have mainly focused on male rodents with little directed at female rodents. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to identify the onset and prevalence of frailty across the life span in female mice, and to determine if frailty predicts mortality. Female C57BL/6 (n = 27) mice starting at 17 months of age were assessed across the life span using a frailty phenotype, which included body weight, walking speed, strength, endurance, and physical activity. The onset of frailty occurred at approximately 17 months (1/27 mice), with the prevalence of frailty increasing thereafter. At 17 months, 11.1% of the mice were pre-frail and by 26 months peaked at 36.9%. The percentage of frail mice progressively increased up to 66.7% at 32 months. Non-frail mice lived to 29 months whereas frail/pre-frail mice lived only to 26 months (p = .04). In closing, using a mouse frailty phenotype, we are able to identify that the prevalence of frailty in female mice increases across the life span and accurately predicts mortality. Together, this frailty phenotype has the potential to yield information about the underlying mechanisms contributing to frailty.
The first large-scale assessment of three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) biomass and spatial distribution in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Olsson Jens , Jakubavičiūtė Eglė , Kaljuste Olavi , Larsson Niklas , Bergström Ulf , Casini Michele , Cardinale Massimiliano , Hjelm Joakim , Byström Pär 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Declines in predatory fish in combination with the impact of climate change and eutrophication have caused planktivores, including three-spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), to increase dramatically in parts of the Baltic Sea. Resulting impacts of stickleback on coastal and offshore foodwebs have been observed, highlighting the need for increased knowledge on its population characteristics. In this article, we quantify abundance, biomass, size structure, and spatial distribution of stickleback using data from the Swedish and Finnish parts of the Baltic International Acoustic Survey (BIAS) during 2001–2014. Two alternative methods for biomass estimation suggest an increase in biomass of stickleback in the Baltic Proper, stable or increasing mean size over time, and larger individuals toward the north. The highest abundance was found in the central parts of the Baltic Proper and Bothnian Sea. The proportion of stickleback biomass in the total planktivore biomass increased from 4 to 10% in the Baltic Proper and averaged 6% of the total planktivore biomass in the Bothnian Sea. In some years, however, stickleback biomass has ranged from half to almost twice that of sprat (Sprattus sprattus) in both basins. Given the recent population expansion of stickleback and its potential role in the ecosystem, we recommend that stickleback should be considered in future monitoring programmes and in fisheries and environmental management of the Baltic Sea.
Hedging in South Asia: balancing economic and security interests amid Sino-Indian competition
Authors: Lim Darren J , Mukherjee Rohan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe literature on hedging as a secondary state strategy – built largely on evidence from United States-China competition in East and Southeast Asia – focuses on conditions where a major power presents both an economic opportunity and a security threat. In South Asia, in contrast, secondary states facing strategic competition between India and China have pursued hedging strategies in the absence of a security threat. We develop a theoretical reconciliation of these two phenomena. Hedging at its core involves a trade-off between the material benefits and autonomy costs of cooperating with a major power in a competitive environment. States are likely to hedge when these benefits and costs are simultaneously rising. We test the plausibility of this theory in the cases of the Maldives and Sri Lanka. The autonomy trade-off operates both in the absence and in the presence of a security threat, thus offering a theoretical advancement with greater empirical scope.
Prevalence and molecular epidemiology of ESBLs, plasmid-determined AmpC-type β-lactamases and carbapenemases among diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli isolates from children in Gwangju, Korea: 2007–16
Authors: Kim Kwang gon , Jeong Jin , Kim Min ji , Park Duck woong , Shin Ji hyun , Park Hye jung , Chung Jae keun , Kee Hye young 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Young children could act as important carriers of cefotaxime-resistant Enterobacteriaceae. However, most studies on these bacteria have focused on hospitalized adults. Therefore, we determined the prevalence and characteristics of ESBL-, plasmid-determined AmpC-type β-lactamase (PABL)- and carbapenemase-producing diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli isolates mainly from infants and children in the south-west region of Korea over a 10 year period.

Methods
Non-duplicate E. coli clinical isolates were recovered from diarrhoeagenic patient specimens at 12 hospitals in Gwangju, Korea, between January 2007 and December 2016. Antimicrobial susceptibilities and molecular features of ESBL- and carbapenemase-producing isolates were determined.

Results
A total of 1047 pathogenic E. coli isolates were collected and 58 cefotaxime-resistant E. coli isolates (5.5%) were identified. The prevalence and types of β-lactamase genes increased steadily from 5.7% in 2007 to 11.6% in 2016 with some fluctuations. CTX-M-14 (53.4%) was the predominant CTX-M genotype. PFGE revealed high genetic heterogeneities among diarrhoeagenic E. coli isolates, suggesting horizontal transfer of antibiotic resistance genes, which was also proved by conjugation assay.

Conclusions
Progressive increases in carriage rates and the number of β-lactamase types, and the possibility of community outbreaks of these food-borne bacteria in young children, may pose tangible public health threats.
Estimation of Genetic Variance in Fitness, and Inference of Adaptation, When Fitness Follows a Log-Normal Distribution
Authors: Bonnet Timothée , Morrissey Michael B , Kruuk Loeske E B 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAdditive genetic variance in relative fitness (σA2(w)) is arguably the most important evolutionary parameter in a population because, by Fisher’s fundamental theorem of natural selection (FTNS; Fisher RA. 1930. The genetical theory of natural selection. 1st ed. Oxford: Clarendon Press), it represents the rate of adaptive evolution. However, to date, there are few estimates of σA2(w) in natural populations. Moreover, most of the available estimates rely on Gaussian assumptions inappropriate for fitness data, with unclear consequences. “Generalized linear animal models” (GLAMs) tend to be more appropriate for fitness data, but they estimate parameters on a transformed (“latent”) scale that is not directly interpretable for inferences on the data scale. Here we exploit the latest theoretical developments to clarify how best to estimate quantitative genetic parameters for fitness. Specifically, we use computer simulations to confirm a recently developed analog of the FTNS in the case when expected fitness follows a log-normal distribution. In this situation, the additive genetic variance in absolute fitness on the latent log-scale (σA2(l)) equals (σA2(w)) on the data scale, which is the rate of adaptation within a generation. However, due to inheritance distortion, the change in mean relative fitness between generations exceeds σA2(l) and equals (exp⁡(σA2(l))−1). We illustrate why the heritability of fitness is generally low and is not a good measure of the rate of adaptation. Finally, we explore how well the relevant parameters can be estimated by animal models, comparing Gaussian models with Poisson GLAMs. Our results illustrate 1) the correspondence between quantitative genetics and population dynamics encapsulated in the FTNS and its log-normal-analog and 2) the appropriate interpretation of GLAM parameter estimates.
Time to rethink the law on part-human chimeras
Authors: Koplin Julian J , Savulescu Julian 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
It may soon be possible to generate human tissues and organs inside of part-human chimeras via a technique known as interspecies blastocyst complementation. Using Australian legislation as a case study, we show why this technique of creating part-human chimeras falls within the gaps of existing legislation. We give an overview of the key ethical issues raised by part-human chimera research, and we describe how well these issues are met by a range of possible regulatory approaches. We ultimately argue that regulation of part-human chimera research should be (re)designed to balance two key aims: to facilitate ethical research involving part-human chimeras and to prevent unethical experimentation with chimeras that have an uncertain—and potentially substantial—degree of moral status.
Nitric oxide signaling, metabolism and toxicity in nitrogen-fixing symbiosis
Authors: Berger Antoine , Boscari Alexandre , Frendo Pierre , Brouquisse Renaud 
Published: April 2019

AbstractInteractions between legumes and rhizobia lead to the establishment of a symbiotic relationship characterized by the formation of a new organ, the nodule, which facilitates the fixation of atmospheric nitrogen (N2) by nitrogenase through the creation of a hypoxic environment. Significant amounts of nitric oxide (NO) accumulate at different stages of nodule development, suggesting that NO performs specific signaling and/or metabolic functions during symbiosis. NO, which regulates nodule gene expression, accumulates to high levels in hypoxic nodules. NO accumulation is considered to assist energy metabolism within the hypoxic environment of the nodule via a phytoglobin–NO-mediated respiration process. NO is a potent inhibitor of the activity of nitrogenase and other plant and bacterial enzymes, acting as a developmental signal in the induction of nodule senescence. Hence, key questions concern the relative importance of the signaling and metabolic functions of NO versus its toxic action and how NO levels are regulated to be compatible with nitrogen fixation functions. This review analyses these paradoxical roles of NO at various stages of symbiosis, and highlights the role of plant phytoglobins and bacterial hemoproteins in the control of NO accumulation.
Nitrite and nitric oxide are important in the adjustment of primary metabolism during the hypersensitive response in tobacco
Authors: Mur Luis A J , Kumari Aprajita , Brotman Yariv , Zeier Jurgen , Mandon Julien , Cristescu Simona M , Harren Frans , Kaiser Werner M , Fernie Alisdair R , Gupta Kapuganti Jagadis 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNitrate and ammonia deferentially modulate primary metabolism during the hypersensitive response in tobacco. In this study, tobacco RNAi lines with low nitrite reductase (NiRr) levels were used to investigate the roles of nitrite and nitric oxide (NO) in this process. The lines accumulate NO2–, with increased NO generation, but allow sufficient reduction to NH4+ to maintain plant viability. For wild-type (WT) and NiRr plants grown with NO3–, inoculation with the non-host biotrophic pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. phaseolicola induced an accumulation of nitrite and NO, together with a hypersensitive response (HR) that resulted in decreased bacterial growth, increased electrolyte leakage, and enhanced pathogen resistance gene expression. These responses were greater with increases in NO or NO2– levels in NiRr plants than in the WT under NO3– nutrition. In contrast, WT and NiRr plants grown with NH4+ exhibited compromised resistance. A metabolomic analysis detected 141 metabolites whose abundance was differentially changed as a result of exposure to the pathogen and in response to accumulation of NO or NO2–. Of these, 13 were involved in primary metabolism and most were linked to amino acid and energy metabolism. HR-associated changes in metabolism that are often linked with primary nitrate assimilation may therefore be influenced by nitrite and NO production.
Root stem cell niche maintenance and apical meristem activity critically depend on THREONINE SYNTHASE1
Authors: Reyes-Hernández Blanca Jazmín , Shishkova Svetlana , Amir Rachel , Quintana-Armas Aranza Xhaly , Napsucialy-Mendivil Selene , Cervantes-Gamez Rocio Guadalupe , Torres-Martínez Héctor Hugo , Montiel Jesús , Wood Christopher D , Dubrovsky Joseph G 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIndeterminate root growth depends on the stem cell niche (SCN) and root apical meristem (RAM) maintenance whose regulation permits plasticity in root system formation. Using a forward genetics approach, we isolated the moots koom1 (‘short root’ in Mayan) mutant that shows complete primary RAM exhaustion and abolished SCN activity. We identified that this phenotype is caused by a point mutation in the METHIONINE OVERACCUMULATOR2 (MTO2) gene that encodes THREONINE SYNTHASE1 and renamed the mutant as mto2-2. The amino acid profile showed drastic changes, most notorious of which was accumulation of methionine. In non-allelic mto1-1 (Arabidopsis thaliana cystathionine gamma-synthetase1) and mto3-1 (S-adenosylmethionine synthetase) mutants, both with an increased methionine level, the RAM size was similar to that of the wild type, suggesting that methionine overaccumulation itself did not cause RAM exhaustion in mto2 mutants. When mto2-2 RAM is not yet completely exhausted, exogenous threonine induced de novo SCN establishment and root growth recovery. The threonine-dependent RAM re-establishment in mto2-2 suggests that threonine is a limiting factor for RAM maintenance. In the root, MTO2 was predominantly expressed in the RAM. The essential role of threonine in mouse embryonic stem cells and in RAM maintenance suggests that common regulatory mechanisms may operate in plant and animal SCN maintenance.
Interaction of bZIP transcription factor TGA6 with salicylic acid signaling modulates artemisinin biosynthesis in Artemisia annua
Authors: Lv Zongyou , Guo Zhiying , Zhang Lida , Zhang Fangyuan , Jiang Weimin , Shen Qian , Fu Xueqing , Yan Tingxiang , Shi Pu , Hao Xiaolong , Ma Yanan , Chen Minghui , Li Ling , Zhang Lei , Chen Wansheng , Tang Kexuan 
Published: April 2019

AbstractArtemisinin is a sesquiterpene lactone produced by the Chinese traditional herb Artemisia annua and is used for the treatment of malaria. It is known that salicylic acid (SA) can enhance artemisinin content but the mechanism by which it does so is not known. In this study, we systematically investigated a basic leucine zipper family transcription factor, AaTGA6, involved in SA signaling to regulate artemisinin biosynthesis. We found specific in vivo and in vitro binding of the AaTGA6 protein to a ‘TGACG’ element in the AaERF1 promoter. Moreover, we demonstrated that AaNPR1 can interact with AaTGA6 and enhance its DNA-binding activity to its cognate promoter element ‘TGACG’ in the promoter of AaERF1, thus enhancing artemisinin biosynthesis. The artemisinin contents in AaTGA6-overexpressing and RNAi transgenic plants were increased by 90–120% and decreased by 20–60%, respectively, indicating that AaTGA6 plays a positive role in artemisinin biosynthesis. Importantly, heterodimerization with AaTGA3 significantly inhibits the DNA-binding activity of AaTGA6 and plays a negative role in target gene activation. In conclusion, we demonstrate that binding of AaTGA6 to the promoter of the artemisinin-regulatory gene AaERF1 is enhanced by AaNPR1 and inhibited by AaTGA3. Based on these findings, AaTGA6 has potential value in the genetic engineering of artemisinin production.
NF-YC12 is a key multi-functional regulator of accumulation of seed storage substances in rice
Authors: Xiong Yufei , Ren Ye , Li Wang , Wu Fengsheng , Yang Wenjie , Huang Xiaolong , Yao Jialing 
Published: April 2019

AbstractStarch and storage proteins, the primary storage substances of cereal endosperm, are a major source of food for humans. However, the transcriptional regulatory networks of the synthesis and accumulation of storage substances remain largely unknown. Here, we identified a rice endosperm-specific gene, NF-YC12, that encodes a putative nuclear factor-Y transcription factor subunit C. NF-YC12 is expressed in the aleurone layer and starchy endosperm during grain development. Knockout of NF-YC12 significantly decreased grain weight as well as altering starch and protein accumulation and starch granule formation. RNA-sequencing analysis revealed that in the nf-yc12 mutant genes related to starch biosynthesis and the metabolism of energy reserves were enriched in the down-regulated category. In addition, starch and protein contents in seeds differed between NF-YC12-overexpression lines and the wild-type. NF-YC12 was found to interact with NF-YB1. ChIP-qPCR and yeast one-hybrid assays showed that NF-YC12 regulated the rice sucrose transporter OsSUT1 in coordination with NF-YB1 in the aleurone layer. In addition, NF-YC12 was directly bound to the promoters of FLO6 (FLOURY ENDOSPERM6) and OsGS1;3 (glutamine synthetase1) in developing endosperm. This study demonstrates a transcriptional regulatory network involving NF-YC12, which coordinates multiple pathways to regulate endosperm development and the accumulation of storage substances in rice seeds.
Nucleocytosolic mRNA transport in plants: export factors and their influence on growth and development
Authors: Ehrnsberger Hans F , Grasser Marion , Grasser Klaus D 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn eukaryotes, the regulated transport of mRNAs from the cell nucleus to the cytosol is a critical step in the expression of protein-coding genes, as it links nuclear mRNA synthesis with cytosolic translation. The pre-mRNAs that are synthesised by RNA polymerase II are processed by 5´-capping, splicing, and 3´-polyadenylation. The multi-subunit THO/TREX complex integrates mRNA biogenesis with their nucleocytosolic transport. Various export factors are recruited to the mRNAs during their maturation, which occurs essentially co-transcriptionally. These RNA-bound export factors ensure efficient transport of the export-competent mRNAs through nuclear pore complexes. In recent years, several factors involved in plant mRNA export have been functionally characterised. Analysis of mutant plants has demonstrated that impaired mRNA export causes defects in growth and development. Moreover, there is accumulating evidence that mRNA export can influence processes such as plant immunity, circadian regulation, and stress responses. Therefore, it is important to learn more details about the mechanism of nucleocytosolic mRNA transport in plants and its physiological significance.
Working as partners with the community
Authors: Lankester Ted 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This chapter explains how to make first contacts with the community. It describes partnership as the basis of all programme stages and explores factors that obstruct partnership. It covers the importance of the facilitator’s role, and discusses various aspects of being a facilitator. It gives a step-by-step approach towards partnering with a community, choosing a project to work on, setting up community meetings. The chapter highlights strategies to avoid pitfalls, and gives examples of working models. It discusses the value of village health committees (VHCs), women’s groups, children’s clubs, and clusters. Finally, it discusses the importance of involving the community as early on as possible, and provides some tips on how to engage community members.
Community health as part of the health system
Authors: Lankester Ted 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
This chapter elaborates on co-operating with others in community health, particularly working with government, aid, and funding organizations. It explores what government is and whether government or the NGO carries out health care more effectively. It discusses how the government and civil society organizations (NGOs and others) can work together for everyone’s benefit. It provides practical guidelines for those working with or for governments, and suggests resources that are available from government health services. It troubleshoots problems faced by agencies, and goes into detail about collaboration between voluntary agencies, the private sector, doctors, traditional health practitioners (THPs), and hospitals. It includes guidelines for working with THPs in the community setting.