bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ERECTA signaling controls Arabidopsis inflorescence architecture through chromatin‐mediated activation of PRE1 expression
Authors: Cai Hanyang , Zhao Lihua , Wang Lulu , Zhang Man , Su Zhenxia , Cheng Yan , Zhao Heming , Qin Yuan 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Flowering plants display a remarkable diversity in inflorescence architecture, and pedicel length is one of the key contributors to this diversity. In Arabidopsis thaliana, the receptor‐like kinase ERECTA (ER) mediated signaling pathway plays important roles in regulating inflorescence architecture by promoting cell proliferation. However, the regulating mechanism remains elusive in the pedicel.

Genetic interactions between ERECTA signaling and the chromatin remodeling complex SWR1 in the control of inflorescence architecture were studied. Comparative transcriptome analysis was applied to identify downstream components. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and nucleosome occupancy was further investigated.

The results indicated that the chromatin remodeler SWR1 coordinates with ERECTA signaling in regulating inflorescence architecture by activating the expression of PRE1 family genes and promoting pedicel elongation. It was found that SWR1 is required for the incorporation of the H2A.Z histone variant into nucleosomes of the whole PRE1 gene family and the ERECTA controlled expression of PRE1 gene family through regulating nucleosome dynamics.

We propose that utilization of a chromatin remodeling complex to regulate gene expression is a common theme in developmental control across kingdoms. These findings shed light on the mechanisms through which chromatin remodelers orchestrate complex transcriptional regulation of gene expression in coordination with a developmental cue.
Alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) as a supplementation for weight loss: results from a meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Kucukgoncu S. , Zhou E. , Lucas K.B. , Tek C. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryObjectivesObesity is associated with significant morbidity and mortality rates. Even modest weight loss may be associated with health benefits. Alpha‐lipoic acid (ALA) is a naturally occurring antioxidant. Studies have suggested anti‐obesity properties of ALA; however, results are inconsistent. The purpose of this study is to conduct a meta‐analysis of the effect of ALA on weight and body mass index (BMI).MethodsA comprehensive, systematic literature search identified 10 articles on randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled studies involving ALA. We conducted a meta‐analysis of mean weight and BMI change differences between ALA and placebo treatment groups.ResultsAlpha‐lipoic acid treatment coincided with a statistically significant 1.27 kg (confidence interval = 0.25 to 2.29) greater mean weight loss compared with the placebo group. A significant overall mean BMI difference of −0.43 kg/ m2 (confidence interval = −0.82 to −0.03) was found between the ALA and placebo groups. Meta‐regression analysis showed no significance in ALA dose on BMI and weight changes. Study duration significantly affected BMI change, but not weight change.ConclusionsAlpha‐lipoic acid treatment showed small, yet significant short‐term weight loss compared with placebo. Further research is needed to examine the effect of different doses and the long‐term benefits of ALA on weight management.
How well does a part represent the whole? A comparison of cranidial shape evolution with exoskeletal character evolution in the trilobite family Pterocephaliidae
Authors: Hopkins Melanie J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractFor taphonomic and practical reasons, our understanding of morphological evolution within and among species is based primarily on measurements taken from one or a few morphological traits. However, patterns can be highly dependent on trait choice, making it difficult to draw conclusions about evolution of species or clades as a whole. In this paper, I test whether patterns of evolutionary change in the shape of a part are coincident with patterns of evolutionary change based on a more comprehensive description of the organism. The former is based on geometric morphometrics of the trilobite cranidium and the latter on discrete character data describing the exoskeleton, collected from species belonging to the Cambrian family Pterocephaliidae. Using these two datasets, I compare the amount of change occurring along phylogenetic branches, as well as changes in morphospace occupation and changes in different measures of disparity. Unlike previous studies, I apply as similar a data treatment as possible to each data set in order to facilitate the comparison and interpretation of discrepancies. Results suggest that cranidial shape is a robust proxy for species‐level disparity and rates of evolution in this family of trilobites. This indicates that studies that have relied on data collected from the cranidium may be representative of the patterns that would be detected if more comprehensive description of the specimens had been available.
Characterization of maize male sterile 2 mutant by phenotypic and RNA sequencing analyses
Authors: Kang Dan , Wang Cuiyun , Xu Qilong , Wang Guoying , Liu Yunjun 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMale sterility plays an important role in the hybrid seed production. Elucidation of the mechanism of male sterility will provide useful information for the usage of male sterility. In this study, we performed detailed phenotypic analysis of ms2 mutant, and the results showed that ms2 anthers are defects in synthesis and transportation of lipophilic molecules. To investigate the defects of transcriptome of ms2 anthers, 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 mm anthers were sampled, respectively. Among the 23 037 expressed transcripts at 1.5 mm stage, only 15 genes were differentially expressed between fertile siblings and ms2 mutant. Compared to the fewer detected differentially expressed genes (DEGs) at 1.5 mm stage, 950 DEGs and 2212 DEGs between the fertile siblings and ms2 anthers were detected at 2.5 mm and 3.5 mm stages. These differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were mainly enriched in the secondary metabolism and lipid metabolism pathways. A series of genes related to the long‐chain fatty acids metabolism process were changed in ms2 mutant compared with the fertile siblings. The results in this study provide useful information on the mechanism of male sterility in ms2 mutant.
Factors affecting prolonged length of stay in psychiatric patients in Japan: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Shinjo Daisuke , Tachimori Hisateru , Sakurai Keiko , Ohnuma Tetsu , Fujimori Kenji , Fushimi Kiyohide 
Published: March 2017

AimHospital length of stay (LOS) is one of the stratified measures of health‐care efficiency and is commonly used to assess performance of psychiatric care. The aim of this study was to identify risk factors for prolonged LOS of psychiatric patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed adult psychiatric patients (ICD‐10; F00–F99) between April 2012 and March 2014 in the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database. We examined factors affecting prolonged LOS using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Subgroup analyses of the logistic regression were undertaken according to two diagnostic groups (F20–F29 and F30–F39).ResultsA total of 34 326 patients admitted to and discharged from psychiatric beds were included. Older age, lower Global Assessment of Functioning score, involuntary commitment, several psychiatric services, certain other patient factors, academic hospitals, public hospitals, and higher density of psychiatric beds were significantly associated with prolonged LOS. Hospital patient volume was significantly associated with shorter LOS. In the subgroup analyses, most of these factors were consistent although some were not associated with prolonged LOS.ConclusionNot only clinical factors but also institutional characteristics were associated with prolonged LOS. Our study provided useful information for improvement in psychiatric services and indicated the need to consider the division of roles between healthcare/welfare institutions and psychiatric‐related resource allocation. Interventions should be considered for achieving shorter LOS for psychiatric patients.
Geographical variation and the role of climate in leaf traits of a relict tree species across its distribution in China
Authors: Meng H. , Wei X. , Franklin S. B. , Wu H. , Jiang M. 
Published: March 2017

Abstract

Intraspecific trait variation and trait–climate relationships are crucial for understanding a species’ response to climate change. However, these phenomena have rarely been studied for tree species. Euptelea pleiospermum is a relict tree species with a wide distribution in China that offers a novel opportunity to examine such relationships.

Here, we measured 13 leaf traits of E. pleiospermum in 20 sites across its natural distribution in China. We investigated the extent of trait variation at local and regional scales, and developed geographic and climate models to explain trait variation at the regional scale.

We documented intraspecific trait variation among leaf traits of E. pleiospermum at local and regional scales. Five traits exhibited relatively high trait variation: leaf area, leaf density and three leaf economic traits (leaf dry matter content, specific leaf area [SLA] and leaf phosphorus concentration). Significant trait–geography correlations were mediated by local climate. Most leaf trait variation could be explained (from 24% to 64%) by geographic or climate variables, except leaf width, leaf thickness, leaf dry matter content and leaf length–width ratio. Latitude and temperature were the strongest predictors of trait variation throughout the distribution of E. pleiospermum in China, and temperature explained more leaf trait variation than precipitation. In particular, we showed that leaves had longer petiole lengths, higher SLA and lower densities in northern E. pleiospermum populations. We suggest that northern E. pleiospermum populations are adapting to higher latitudinal environments via high growth rate (higher SLA) and low construction investment strategies (lower leaf densities), benefitting northern migration.

Overall, we demonstrate that intraspecific trait variation reflects E. pleiospermum response to the local environment. We call for consideration of intraspecific trait variation to examine specific climate response questions. In addition, provenance experiments using widely distributed species are needed to separate trait variation resulting from genetic differentiation and plastic responses to environmental change.
High morpho‐anatomical variability in Halimeda macroloba (Bryopsidales, Chlorophyta) in Thai waters
Authors: Pongparadon Supattra , Zuccarello Giuseppe C. , Prathep Anchana 
Published: March 2017

SUMMARYHalimeda macroloba is a common widespread and morphologically variable species in the Indo‐Pacific Ocean. A series of morphometric data (16 morphological and 46 anatomical variables) and the chloroplast‐encoded tuf A gene were examined to explore the morphological and genetic variations within the species and to better determine species boundaries in H. macroloba in Thai waters. Moreover, the environmental conditions, which may affect morphological variations in H. macroloba, especially of Haplotype I were examined. Our results showed that H. macroloba has more morpho‐anatomical variability and broader species boundaries than previously thought in several characters: holdfast type, segment shape and size, node height with differences in pore size, the presence of two additional patterns of peripheral utricle as seen in surface view, and additional layers of utricles (up to seven layers). Additionally, two new variable characteristics have been reported for the first time, i.e. shape and margin of peripheral utricles. Water depth and light correlated with thallus morphology, larger thalli and segments with a greater number of utricle layers were associated with subtidal plants, while smaller thalli and segments were found in the intertidal or high light intensity areas. The high plasticity of this species may explain why in the Indo‐Pacific Ocean this species is common and dominant.
Polymorphism in 5′ untranslated region of heat‐shock protein 70 gene as marker of post‐partum anoestrus in Murrah buffaloes
Authors: Kumar R , Ghosh M , Kumar N , Balhara AK , Gupta M , Sharma RK , Singh I 
Published: March 2017

ContentsThe enormous production potential of buffaloes has never been accomplished due to various reproductive insufficiencies. Among them, post‐partum anoestrus, a multifactorial disorder, is predominant but any genetic association is yet to be established. This study focused to identify novel polymorphisms in heat‐shock protein 70 (HSP70) gene and its possible association with post‐partum anoestrus in Murrah buffaloes. A 579‐bp fragment from 5′ untranslated region of HSP70 gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction from blood genomic DNA of 614 animals maintained under similar management conditions. In phase‐I experiment, custom sequencing and restriction enzyme (RE) digestion of the amplified fragment were performed in 40 buffaloes with similar post‐partum oestrous conditions over previous consecutive three or more gestations—20 animals each showing post‐partum anoestrus (>120 days after parturition) and normal cyclicity (<65 days after parturition). While in phase‐II experiment, herd screening by RE analysis was performed in remaining 574 animals. Four transversions at T‐75G, C+31G, T+38G and C+97A and three transition mutations at T‐153C, T+33C and A+44G positions were observed. Polymorphism at T+38G site revealed significant (p < .05) variation, where homozygous G was present only in post‐partum anoestrous animals while nucleotide T was present randomly in both groups of phase‐I animals whereas phase‐II experiments revealed homozygous G in 55 animals. Regression analysis in relation to average post‐partum interval against genotypic frequencies at T+38G also depicted significant association. HSP70 gene polymorphism at T+38G position can therefore be used as genetic marker for excluding probable post‐partum anoestrous buffaloes from herd for breeding programmes.
Effect of steroid hormones on the innate immune response induced by Staphylococcus aureus in the goat mammary gland
Authors: Kuwahara K , Yoshimura Y , Isobe N 
Published: March 2017

ContentsThe objective of this study was to compare the dynamics of innate immune components after intramammary infusion of Staphylococcus aureus (SA) under conditions of high oestrogen and high progesterone in goats. In one group (“E‐group”), controlled internal drug release (CIDR) devices were inserted intravaginally from days −11 to −4. Prostaglandin F2α was administered immediately after removal of the CIDR device at day −3, and then oestradiol benzoate (E) was injected intramuscularly once a day from days −2 to 3. Heat‐inactivated SA was then administered via intramammary infusion to the left udder at day 0, whilst only saline was infused to the right udder as a control. In a second group (“P‐group”), CIDR devices were inserted intravaginally from days −3 to 7 and SA was infused at day 0 in the same way as in the E‐group. The milk yield and the concentration of innate immune components (somatic cell count (SCC), lactoferrin (LF), S100A7 and goat ß‐defensin 1 (GBD‐1)) in the milk were measured. Milk yield decreased drastically in both SA and control udders in the E‐group, whereas the P‐group exhibited increased milk yield in both SA and control udders. SCC increased after SA infusion in both E‐ and P‐groups, although it was higher in the E‐group than in the P‐group. There was no significant change in LF concentration in the E‐group, but a decrease was observed in the P‐group. Concentrations of S100A and GBD‐1 were significantly increased after SA infusion in the E‐group but not in the P‐group. These results suggest that E enhances the innate immune response induced by SA in the goat mammary gland. This effect may be due to the reduction in milk yield and upregulation of innate immune components.
Natural Resource Revenues and Public Investment in Resource‐rich Economies in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Karimu Amin , Adu George , Marbuah George , Mensah Justice Tei , Amuakwa‐Mensah Franklin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe general policy prescription for resource‐rich countries is that, for sustainable consumption, a greater percentage of the windfall from resource rents should be channeled into accumulating foreign assets such as a sovereign public fund as done in Norway and other developed but resource‐rich countries. This might not be a correct policy prescription for resource‐rich sub‐Saharan African (SSA) countries, where public capital is very low to support the needed economic growth. In such countries, rents from resources serve as an opportunity to scale‐up the needed public capital. Using a panel data for the period 1990–2013, we find in line with the scaling‐up hypothesis that resource rents significantly increases public investment in SSA and that this tends to depend on the quality of political institutions. Moreover, we also find evidence of a positive effect of public investment on economic growth, which also depends on the level of resource rents.
Policy Failure and Policy Learning: Examining the Conditions of Learning after Disaster
Authors: O'Donovan Kristin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe policy learning literature indicates that governments can and do learn after a policy failure but not always. The purpose of this study is to examine the conditions under which policy failure leads to policy learning. It asks two questions. First, is policy failure associated with policy learning? Second, if policy is associated with policy learning, does the failure initiate different types of learning? Using the policy failure and learning literatures as an organizing framework, this paper analyzes three comparative cases of policy failure revealed by tornados in Greensburg, Kansas (2007); Joplin, Missouri (2011); and Moore, Oklahoma (2013). It finds that failure of the policy process in agenda setting is associated with instrumental policy learning. It also finds that there are two types of failure of decision making: failure to make a timely decision and failure to make any decision. The two types of decision‐making failure are associated with different types of policy learning. In addition, the contextual factors underpinning the link between policy failure and learning are prior experience with the policy problem and capacity to learn.
Exogenous and endogenous lipids of human hair
Authors: Coderch L. , Oliver M. A. , Martínez V. , Manich A. M. , Rubio L. , Martí M. 
Published: March 2017

PurposeThe aim of this study was to characterize the external and internal lipids of Caucasian hair and their influence in different hair properties such as moisture content, hydrophobic character, and mechanical properties.MethodsLipid extraction and their analysis by thin layer chromatography with flame ionization detector were carried out. Lipid rearrangement and water sorption and desorption evaluation of these fibers with and without lipids will also be determined using different techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic vapor sorption, mainly to evaluate permeation changes of these hair fibers possibly related to the fluidity of the lipids extracted.ResultsCaucasian fibers were found to be well hydrated, and moisture diminution was observed mainly for the external lipid extracted fibers. Unexpectedly, the lipid extraction promoted an increase in the break tenacity of the Caucasian fibers. The hydrophobic character of the fiber surfaces indicates the marked hydrophobicity of all fibers. Delipidization promotes only a slight diminution of their hydrophobic properties.Water uptake and desorption studies indicate an important water regain for Caucasian fibers. The external extracted hair fibers presented a diminution of maximum water regain, which surprisingly increases with the following internal lipid extraction. This can be due to a higher water desorption found only for external extracted fibers.ConclusionsThe relationship between fluidity of lipids extracted and hair fiber water diffusion were established. Extraction of internal lipids of Caucasian fibers, which have a higher unsaturated lipid content than external lipids of the same hair fiber, leads to a lower water permeability of the fiber. On the capillar formulations should be considered the importance of lipid fluidity to modify the permeability of the fiber.
Wash or wipe? A comparative study of skin physiological changes between water washing and wiping after skin cleaning
Authors: Ogai K. , Matsumoto M. , Aoki M. , Ota R. , Hashimoto K. , Wada R. , Kobayashi M. , Sugama J. 
Published: March 2017

Background/purposePresently, skin‐cleaning agents that claim to be removed by water or wiping alone are commercially available and have been used for the purpose of bed baths. However, there is a lack of knowledge on how water washing and wiping differently affect skin physiological functions or ceramide content. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of water washing and wiping on skin physiological functions and ceramide content.MethodsThree kinds of the cleaning agents with different removal techniques (ie, water washing and wiping) were used in this study. Skin physiological functions (ie, transepidermal water loss, skin hydration, and skin pH) and skin ceramide content were measured before and after seven consecutive days of the application of each cleaning agent.ResultsNo significant differences in skin physiological functions or ceramide content were observed between water washing and wiping.ConclusionCleaning agents that claim to be removed by water washing or wiping do not affect skin physiological functions or ceramide content by either removal method.
Nitrogen uptake, nitrate leaching and root development in winter‐grown wheat and fodder radish
Authors: Munkholm L. J. , Hansen E. M. , Thomsen I. K. , Wahlström E. M. , Østergaard H. S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEarly seeding of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) has been proposed as a means to reduce N leaching as an alternative to growing cover crops like fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L.). The objective of this study was to quantify the effect of winter wheat, seeded early and normally, and of fodder radish on N dynamics and root growth. Field experiments were carried out on a humid temperate sandy loam soil. Aboveground biomass and soil inorganic N were determined in late autumn; N uptake and grain yield of winter wheat were measured at harvest. Nitrate leaching was estimated from soil water samples taken at 1 m depth. Root growth was measured late autumn using the core break and root washing methods. Winter wheat root growth dynamics were followed during the growing season using the minirhizotron method. The 2013–2014 results showed that early seeding of wheat improved autumn growth and N uptake and reduced N leaching during the winter compared with the normal seeding time. Early‐seeded wheat (WWearly) was, however, not as efficient as fodder radish at reducing N leaching. Proper establishment of WWearly was a prerequisite for benefiting from early seeding, as indicated by the 2012–2013 results. Early seeding improved root growth throughout the 2013–2014 growing season compared with normal seeding time, but had no significant effect on crop grain yield. Our results indicate the potential of using early seeding as a tool to limit drought susceptibility and increase nutrient uptake from the subsoil.