bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kernel size‐related genes revealed by an integrated eQTL analysis during early maize kernel development
Authors: Pang Junling , Fu Junjie , Zong Na , Wang Jing , Song Dandan , Zhang Xia , He Cheng , Fang Ting , Zhang Hongwei , Fan Yunliu , Wang Guoying , Zhao Jun 
Published: December 2018

SummaryIn maize, kernel traits strongly impact overall grain yields, and it is known that sophisticated spatiotemporal programs of gene expression coordinate kernel development, so advancing our knowledge of kernel development can help efforts to improve grain yields. Here, using phenotype, genotype and transcriptomics data of maize kernels at 5 and 15 days after pollination (DAP) for a large association mapping panel, we employed multiple quantitative genetics approaches—genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) as well as expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) and quantitative trait transcript (QTT) analyses—to gain insights about molecular genetic basis of kernel development in maize. This resulted in the identification of 137 putative kernel length‐related genes at 5 DAP, of which 43 are located in previously reported QTL regions. Strikingly, we identified an eQTL that overlaps the locus encoding a maize homolog of the recently described m6A methylation reader protein ECT2 from Arabidopsis; this putative epieQTL is associated with 53 genes and may represent a master epi‐transcriptomic regulator of kernel development. Notably, among the genes associated with this epieQTL, 10 are for the main storage proteins in the maize endosperm (zeins) and two are known regulators of zein expression or endosperm development (Opaque2 and ZmICE1). Collectively, beyond cataloging and characterizing genomic attributes of a large number of eQTL associated with kernel development in maize, our study highlights how an eQTL approach can bolster the impact of both GWAS and QTT studies and can drive insights about the basic biology of plants.
Description and characterization of a hair coat disorder in schipperkes
Authors: May Elizabeth R. , Frank Linda A. , Sula Mee‐Ja M. 
Published: December 2018

BackgroundSchipperkes develop bilaterally symmetrical alopecia preceded by lightening of the hair coat not associated with systemic clinical signs. The alopecia is presumptively diagnosed as Alopecia X but has never been investigated.Hypothesis/ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to describe clinical features, histopathological and laboratory abnormalities associated with symmetrical, noninflammatory alopecia in schipperkes.AnimalsThree healthy and eight affected schipperkes.Methods and materialsComplete blood count (CBC), serum chemistry panel, urinalysis (UA), urine cortisol: creatinine ratio (UCCR), total thyroxine (T4), free thyroxine by equilibrium dialysis (fT4ed), thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and pre‐ and post‐stimulation cortisol with sex hormone analyses were performed for all dogs. A minimum of two skin biopsy sites were sampled for histopathological evaluation.ResultsThe CBC, serum chemistry panel, UA, T4, fT4ed, TSH and post‐ACTH cortisol concentrations were normal for all dogs. Androstenedione concentrations were increased for all dogs; two of three healthy and five of eight affected dogs had increased post‐ACTH androstenedione concentrations. Estradiol concentrations were increased for all healthy and four of eight affected dogs, with post‐ACTH estradiol concentrations increased for all healthy and five of eight affected dogs. Progesterone concentrations were increased for two of three healthy and four of eight affected dogs. Post‐ACTH progesterone concentrations were increased for one of three healthy and four of eight affected dogs. For one of three healthy and two of eight affected dogs, 17‐hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were increased; post‐ACTH 17‐hydroxyprogesterone concentrations were increased in three of eight affected dogs only. Histopathology results from affected dogs were consistent with hair cycle arrest.Conclusions and clinical importanceThis disorder resembles Alopecia X clinically and histologically.
Improving antimicrobial stewardship in the outpatient department of a district general hospital in Sierra Leone
Authors: Hamilton David , Bugg Ian 
Published: December 2018

There is global concern over increasing antibiotic resistance rates due to poor antimicrobial stewardship, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries where there are limited diagnostic facilities, fewer doctors per capita and inadequate control over the production and sale of antibiotics. This quality improvement project was designed to improve the antimicrobial prescriptions practices of paramedical staff in the outpatient department of a rural district general hospital in Masanga, Sierra Leone, West Africa.At baseline, 57 of 66 (86%) of patients were prescribed at least one antimicrobial. On further review of 243 prescriptions for 128 patients, only 161 (66%) antimicrobials were deemed appropriate for the named diagnosis when compared with international guidelines or senior medical opinion, and 86 (35%) prescriptions had the correct drug, dose and course-length.A full, empirical antimicrobial guideline was written and introduced to local staff via a number of different methods, including: one-to-one feedback, announcements in general meetings and printed copies placed in each outpatient room. After the first cycle, the choice of appropriate antimicrobial had improved to 85% and the correct drug, dose and course-length to 53%. Unfortunately, 2 months after the second cycle, coinciding with the departure of the international internal medical physician, the rates had degraded to 65% and 43%, respectively.This study shows that implementing an empirical antimicrobial guideline can be effective at improving appropriate antibiotic prescription but that other measures are required for sustainable change. It is suggested that projects designed to change practice in low-resource countries should include national staff from the outset to improve longer term sustainability.
Predictors of β-blocker adherence in cardiac inherited disease
Authors: O’Donovan Claire E , Waddell-Smith Kathryn E , Skinner Jonathan R , Broadbent Elizabeth 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveThe cardiac inherited disease (CID) population has suboptimal adherence to long-term β-blocker therapy, which is known to be a risk for sudden cardiac death. This study aimed to identify the clinical and psychosocial variables associated with non-adherence in this population.Methods130 individuals (aged 16–81 years, median: 54) from the New Zealand Cardiac Inherited Disease Registry taking β-blockers participated: 65 (50%) long QT syndrome, 42 (32%) hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and 23 (18%) other. Participants completed one questionnaire recording self-reported adherence, anxiety, depression, confidence in taking medication, illness perceptions and medication beliefs. Demographic and clinical variables were taken from the registry.Results21 participants (16%) were classed as non-adherent. Bivariate analysis showed that self-reported adherence was worse in those who were younger (p<0.001), had a channelopathy not cardiomyopathy (p<0.01), reported lower confidence in taking β-blockers (p<0.001), had high concerns (p<0.05) and low necessity beliefs about their β-blocker (p<0.001), a poorer understanding of their CID (p<0.01), and lower treatment control beliefs (p<0.01). These variables accounted for 37% of the variance in adherence in a linear regression model. Stronger beliefs around medication necessity and higher confidence in their ability to take their medication predicted β-blocker adherence.ConclusionsFactors associated with β-blocker non-adherence in patients with CID include young age, having a channelopathy, negative medication beliefs, low confidence in taking medication and poor illness perceptions. These findings present an opportunity to develop targeted interventions to improve adherence.
Short-term legacy effects of feedlot manure amendments on water-extractable organic carbon in a clay loam soil profile
Authors: Miller J.J. , Owen M.L. , Hao X. , Drury C.F. , Chanasyk D.S. 
Published: December 2018

Limited research exists on legacy effects of land application of feedlot manure on accumulation, redistribution, and leaching potential of water-extractable organic carbon (WEOC) in soil profiles. We sampled a clay loam soil at six depths (0–1.50 m) 2 yr after the last application (2014) of 17 continuous annual manure applications (since 1998). The amendment treatments were stockpiled (SM) or composted (CM) feedlot manure containing straw (ST) or wood-chip (WD) bedding at three application rates (13, 39, and 77 Mg ha−1dry basis). There was also an unamended control (CON) and inorganic fertilizer (IN) treatment. The soil samples were analyzed for concentrations of WEOC. The total mass or accumulation of WEOC in the soil profile was greater (P ≤ 0.05) by 1.2–3.3 times for the CM-ST-77 treatment than 12 of 14 other treatments, and it was significantly greater for amended than CON or IN treatments. The total WEOC mass was 14%–20% greater for CM-ST than CM-WD, SM-ST, and SM-WD treatments, and it was 16%–22% greater for CM than SM at the 39 and 77 Mg ha−1rates. The 77 Mg ha−1rate of the four manure type-bedding treatments had the significantly greatest (by 37%–527%) concentrations of WEOC at the six depths compared with other treatments, suggesting greater redistribution and leaching potential. Significant manure effects occurred on soil WEOC 2 yr after the manure was last applied following 17 continuous applications, and it indicated an increased risk of leaching potential at the higher application rate.
Some Open Problems in Fine-Grained Complexity
Authors: Williams Virginia Vassilevska 
Published: December 2018

Fine-grained complexity studies problems that are "hard" in the following sense. Consider a computational problem for which existing techniques easily give an algorithm running in a(n) time for inputs of size n, for some a. The algorithm is often brute-force, and despite decades of research, no O(a(n)1-∈) time algorithm for constant " > 0 has been developed.
There are many diverse examples of such problems. Here are two: CNF-SAT on n variables and m clauses can be solved via exhaustive search in O(2nmn) time, and no 2(1-∈)npoly(m; n) time algorithm for constant " > 0 is known. The Longest Common Subsequence (LCS) problem on strings of length n has a classical O(n2) time algorithm, and no O(n-∈) time algorithm for " > 0 is known. Let's call these running times the "textbook running times". (Note that this is not well-defined but for many fundamental problems such as SAT or LCS, it is natural. The textbook runtime is the runtime of the algorithm a bright student in an algorithms class would come up with.)
SIGACT News Online Algorithms Column 34
Authors: van Stee Rob 
Published: December 2018

In this column, I will discuss some papers in online algorithms that appeared in 2018. It is very nice to see many good papers on this topic appearing year after year. I make no claim at complete coverage here, and have instead made a selection.
As always, if I have unaccountably missed your favorite paper and you would like to write about it or about any other topic in online algorithms, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Effects of Liraglutide on Cardiovascular Outcomes in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus With or Without History of Myocardial Infarction or Stroke
Authors: Verma Subodh , Poulter Neil R. , Bhatt Deepak L. , Bain Stephen C. , Buse John B. , Leiter Lawrence A. , Nauck Michael A. , Pratley Richard E. , Zinman Bernard , Ørsted David D. , Monk Fries Tea , Rasmussen Søren , Marso Steven P. ,   For the LEADER Publication Committee on Behalf of the LEADER Trial Investigators
Published: December 2018

Background:
The glucagon-like peptide-1 analog liraglutide reduced cardiovascular events and mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the LEADER trial (Liraglutide and Cardiovascular Outcomes in Type 2 Diabetes). In a post hoc analysis, we evaluated the efficacy of liraglutide in those with and without a history of myocardial infarction (MI) and/or stroke.

Methods:
LEADER was a randomized trial of liraglutide (1.8 mg or maximum tolerated dose) versus placebo in 9340 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and high cardiovascular risk, with a median follow-up of 3.8 years. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, or nonfatal stroke (major adverse cardiovascular events). Risk groups in this post hoc analysis were defined by history of MI/stroke, established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease without MI/stroke, or cardiovascular risk factors alone.

Results:

Of the 9340 patients, 3692 (39.5%) had a history of MI/stroke, 3083 (33.0%) had established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease without MI/stroke, and 2565 (27.5%) had risk factors alone. Major adverse cardiovascular events occurred in 18.8% of patients with a history of MI/stroke (incidence rate, 5.0 per 100 patient-years), 11.6% of patients with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease without MI/stroke (incidence rate, 3.0 per 100 patient-years), and 9.8% of patients with cardiovascular risk factors alone (incidence rate, 2.6 per 100 patient-years). Liraglutide reduced major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with a history of MI/stroke (322 of 1865 [17.3%] versus 372 of 1827 patients [20.4%]; hazard ratio, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73–0.99) and in those with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease without MI/stroke (158 of 1538 [10.3%] versus 199 of 1545 patients [12.9%]; hazard ratio, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.62–0.94) compared with placebo. In patients with risk factors alone, the hazard ratio for liraglutide versus placebo was 1.08 (95% CI, 0.84–1.38,
P
interaction
=0.11). Similar results were seen for secondary outcomes across risk groups.

Conclusions:
In this post hoc analysis of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and high cardiovascular risk, liraglutide reduced cardiovascular outcomes both in patients with a history of MI/stroke and in those with established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease without MI/stroke. The cardiovascular effect appeared neutral in patients with cardiovascular risk factors alone.

Clinical Trial Registration:

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT01179048.
Clinical Features and Endolymphatic Hydrops in Patients With MRI Evidence of Hydrops
Authors: Shi Suming , Guo Ping , Li Wenquan , Wang Wuqing 
Published: December 2018

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between grades of endolymphatic hydrops (ELH) and clinical characteristics and determine the detailed clinical characteristics of Ménière’s disease (MD) patients with evidence of hydrops based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods: One hundred ninety-eight MD patients (396 ears) with MRI evidence of hydrops were included. ELH grades were evaluated using the Nakashima grading standard. Correlations between the extent of ELH and clinical features were evaluated. Detailed clinical characteristics were analyzed to assess the clinical diagnostic criteria. Results: Of 198 patients, ELH was observed in 100% of cases on the clinically affected side and 8.6% of cases on the asymptomatic side. In addition, 98.5% of ELH was classified as moderate or significant grade. Low-frequency hearing loss was significantly correlated with the extent of both vestibular and cochlear hydrops, whereas the vertigo attack frequency showed no significant correlation with ELH grades. The disease duration of MD with bilateral ELH was longer than that with unilateral ELH. The clinical characteristics were variant and did not completely fit the proposed diagnostic criteria. Conclusions: MRI findings have relevance to the clinical severity, to a certain extent, but not vestibular symptoms. The proposed diagnostic criteria based on clinical characteristics may be partially effective; analysis of the detailed clinical characteristics of MD was meaningful. Diagnosis of MD based on both MRI and clinical symptoms could facilitate an early diagnosis.
Intentions to Purchase Compared with Actual Purchases of Household Durables
Authors: Namias Jean 
Published: December 2018

If consumer surveys are to provide management with an adequate basis for decision, intention-to-purchase data must be evaluated jointly with opinions, attitudes, financial characteristics, and other personal data. The study reported here indicates that consumers who do not plan to buy household durable goods are more consistent in carrying out their intentions than those who plan to buy. On the other hand, a large number of consumers who do not plan to buy change their minds and do buy. These and other findings suggest additional ways in which to analyze consumer intentions.
Revised Estimates of Food Expenditures
Authors: Burk Marguerite C. 
Published: December 2018

Probably more attention is given to the development and study of food statistics than to those for any other group of consumer goods. This is due to the significance of food even in an “affluent society,” and to concern over the agricultural situation in the American economy. Most economic analyses of food marketing begin with a review of food expenditure data of the U. S. Department of Commerce. But recent revisions in these data, discussed in this article, may modify our ideas considerably about past and future trends. Certainly there appears to be a continuing decline in the proportion of income allocated to food and food-marketing services.
Quality, Importance, and Instruction: The Perspectives of Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments on Graphics Use by Students
Authors: Zebehazy Kim T. , Wilton Adam P. 
Published: December 2018

Introduction This study investigated the perceptions and practices of teachers of students with visual impairments in Canada and the United States regarding graphics (both tactile and print) that are used by students with visual impairments. Questions focused on quality, importance, and instruction in the use of graphics. Methods An electronic survey was disseminated. Results were summarized by percentage, based on the number of respondents who answered each question. Parallel questions that compared responses for tactile versus print graphics were statistically compared using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and effect sizes were computed. Results In general, teachers valued the use of graphics and the need to provide instruction. Significant differences were found in how teachers answered tactile and print graphic questions. Fewer than 50% of the respondents felt that graphics were appropriately adapted on large-scale assessments, that there was sufficient instruction in the use of graphics in mainstream classrooms, or that there was an adequate amount of instructional time to teach the use of graphics. Discussion Findings highlighted a need to gain insight into effective teaching strategies that help students gather information from both tactile and print graphics. Attention to students with low vision using print graphics needs to be part of future investigations. Implications for practitioners Advocacy for sufficient instruction time for graphics and continued monitoring of the quality and effectiveness of graphics in educational materials are important. Providing feedback to material producers can help to support quality. Increasing student independence and exposure to graphics could support the effective use of graphics on assessments.
Longitudinal Analysis of Factors Associated with Successful Outcomes for Transition-Age Youths with Visual Impairments
Authors: Connors Elyse , Curtis Amy , Emerson Robert Wall , Dormitorio Benedict 
Published: December 2018

Introduction Transition-age youths with visual impairments have higher rates of unemployment than their peers without impairment, and factors associated with success after graduation have been examined; however, it is unknown whether these factors remain influential across the first decade after exiting high school. Methods Five waves of the 10-year National Longitudinal Transition Study–2 data were used for this analysis. The following factors—number of years since leaving high school, specific year exiting high school, paid work experience during high school, and high school completion— were examined for their longitudinal relationship with successful outcomes using generalized estimating equations. Results Specific year exiting high school, paid work experience during high school, and high school completion were shown to be predictive of successful outcomes (as measured by post–high school employment or enrollment in post-secondary school or both). Youths with visual impairments who left high school in 2000–2002 were 2.2 times more likely to be successful when compared to those who left in 2006–2008 ( p < 0.05). Youths who worked for pay during high school were 3.6 times more likely to be successful compared to those who did not work for pay ( p < 0.01), while those who completed high school were 3.3 times more likely to be successful when compared to those who aged out or dropped out of high school ( p < 0.001). The amount of time spent away from high school was not significantly associated with post–high school success. Discussion Completion of high school and paid work experience during high school are critical to long-term success for up to eight years post–high school. Taking into account specific years can be important in longitudinal studies. In this research, the recession appears to have significantly lowered success across all post–high school groups. Implications for practitioners Professionals and families should encourage and support students with visual impairments to complete high school and to seek paid employment opportunities during high school.
Tactile Sensitivity and Braille Reading in People with Early Blindness and Late Blindness
Authors: Oshima Kensuke , Arai Tetsuya , Ichihara Shigeru , Nakano Yasushi 
Published: December 2018

Introduction The inability to read quickly can be a disadvantage throughout life. This study focused on the associations of braille reading fluency and individual factors, such as the age at onset of blindness and number of years reading braille, and the tactile sensitivity of people with early and late blindness. The relationship between reading speed and these other factors was examined to identify factors that influence reading speed. Methods Nine people with early blindness and 10 people with late blindness participated in this study, which included the measurement of accuracy of word recognition, braille reading speed, and tactile sensitivity. Results We found a significant partial correlation between reading speed and the age at onset of blindness, controlling for number of years reading braille ( r = −0.68, p < .005), and no significant partial correlation between tactile sensitivity and reading speed after controlling for the age at onset of blindness ( r = −0.08, ns). Discussion A direct relationship between reading speed and tactile sensitivity was not confirmed, and the age at onset of blindness appears not only to mediate the relationship between reading speed and tactile sensitivity but also may be a crucial factor influencing braille reading fluency. Implications for practitioners Our results suggested that a crucial factor that influences braille reading fluency was the age at onset of blindness, and that individuals should begin learning braille as early as possible.