bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A single point mutation in Ms44 results in dominant male sterility and improves nitrogen use efficiency in maize
Authors: Fox Tim , DeBruin Jason , Haug Collet Kristin , Trimnell Mary , Clapp Joshua , Leonard April , Li Bailin , Scolaro Eric , Collinson Sarah , Glassman Kimberly , Miller Michael , Schussler Jeff , Dolan Dennis , Liu Lu , Gho Carla , Albertsen Marc , Loussaert Dale , Shen Bo 
Published: January 2017

SummaryApplication of nitrogen fertilizer in the past 50 years has resulted in significant increases in crop yields. However, loss of nitrogen from crop fields has been associated with negative impacts on the environment. Developing maize hybrids with improved nitrogen use efficiency is a cost‐effective strategy for increasing yield sustainably. We report that a dominant male‐sterile mutant Ms44 encodes a lipid transfer protein which is expressed specifically in the tapetum. A single amino acid change from alanine to threonine at the signal peptide cleavage site of the Ms44 protein abolished protein processing and impeded the secretion of protein from tapetal cells into the locule, resulting in dominant male sterility. While the total nitrogen (N) content in plants was not changed, Ms44 male‐sterile plants reduced tassel growth and improved ear growth by partitioning more nitrogen to the ear, resulting in a 9.6% increase in kernel number. Hybrids carrying the Ms44 allele demonstrated a 4%–8.5% yield advantage when N is limiting, 1.7% yield advantage under drought and 0.9% yield advantage under optimal growth conditions relative to the yield of wild type. Furthermore, we have developed an Ms44 maintainer line for fertility restoration, male‐sterile inbred seed increase and hybrid seed production. This study reveals that protein secretion from the tapetum into the locule is critical for pollen development and demonstrates that a reduction in competition between tassel and ear by male sterility improves grain yield under low‐nitrogen conditions in maize.
S‐locus diversity and cross‐compatibility of wildPrunus aviumfor timber breeding
Authors: Cachi Ariana M. , Wünsch Ana , Vilanova Antoni , Guàrdia Merce , Ciordia Marta , Aletà Neus 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPrunus aviumis primarily cultivated for its fruit, sweet cherries. However, it is also used to produce high‐quality timber. In aP. aviumseed orchard, gametophytic self‐incompatibility is a restriction for free pollen flow and should be considered when establishing basic forest materials. In this study,S‐locus diversity and cross‐incompatibility of wild cherry individuals in clonal banks established for breeding for timber production were investigated. Wild cherry trees (140) with outstanding forest growth habit, collected in northern Spain, grafted and planted in two clonal banks, were genotyped at theS‐locus. The self‐incompatibilityS‐locus genes,S‐RNaseandSFB, were analysed byPCR. Twenty‐twoS‐haplotypes, resulting in 72 differentS‐genotypes, were identified. The genotypes were grouped into 33 incompatibility groups and 39 unique genotypes. This initialS‐locus analysis revealed large genetic diversity of wild cherry trees from the Spanish northern deciduous forest, and provides useful information for seed orchard design. WildP. aviumdisplays significantly more genetic diversity than what is detected in local cultivars, revealing a narrowing of genetic diversity during local domestication.
Does ozone increase ABA levels by non‐enzymatic synthesis causing stomata to close?
Authors: McAdam Erin L. , Brodribb Timothy J. , McAdam Scott A. M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractReactive oxygen species (ROS) are widely recognized as important regulators of stomatal aperture and plant gas exchange. The pathways through which stomata perceive ROS share many common linkages with the well characterized signalling pathway for the hormone abscisic acid (ABA), a major driver of stomatal closure. Given reports that ABA receptor mutants have no stomatal response to ozone‐triggered ROS production, as well as evidence that all steps in the ABA biosynthetic pathway can be non‐enzymatically converted by ROS, here we investigated the possibility that ozone closes stomata by directly converting ABA precursors to ABA. In plants where stomata were responsive to ozone, we found that foliar ABA levels rapidly increased upon exposure to ozone. Recovery of gas exchange post‐exposure occurred only when ABA levels declined. Our data suggest that stomatal closure in response to ozone exposure occurs as a result of direct oxidation of ABA precursors leading to ABA production, but the importance of this ROS interaction remains uncertain under normal photosynthetic conditions.
Identification of mega‐environments in Europe and effect of allelic variation at maturity E loci on adaptation of European soybean
Authors: Kurasch Alena K. , Hahn Volker , Leiser Willmar L. , Vollmann Johann , Schori Arnold , Bétrix Claude‐Alain , Mayr Bernhard , Winkler Johanna , Mechtler Klemens , Aper Jonas , Sudaric Aleksandra , Pejic Ivan , Sarcevic Hrvoje , Jeanson Patrice , Balko Christiane , Signor Marco , Miceli Fabiano , Strijk Peter , Rietman Hendrik , Muresanu Eugen , Djordjevic Vuk , Pospišil Ana , Barion Giuseppe , Weigold Peter , Streng Stefan , Krön Matthias , Würschum Tobias 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSoybean cultivation holds great potential for a sustainable agriculture in Europe, but adaptation remains a central issue. In this large mega‐environment (MEV) study, 75 European cultivars from five early maturity groups (MGs 000–II) were evaluated for maturity‐related traits at 22 locations in 10 countries across Europe. Clustering of the locations based on phenotypic similarity revealed six MEVs in latitudinal direction and suggested several more. Analysis of maturity identified several groups of cultivars with phenotypic similarity that are optimally adapted to the different growing regions in Europe. We identified several haplotypes for the allelic variants at the E1, E2, E3 and E4 genes, with each E haplotype comprising cultivars from different MGs. Cultivars with the same E haplotype can exhibit different flowering and maturity characteristics, suggesting that the genetic control of these traits is more complex and that adaptation involves additional genetic pathways, for example temperature requirement. Taken together, our study allowed the first unified assessment of soybean‐growing regions in Europe and illustrates the strong effect of photoperiod on soybean adaptation and MEV classification, as well as the effects of the E maturity loci for soybean adaptation in Europe.
Ratoon rice generated from primed parent plants exhibit enhanced herbivore resistance
Authors: Ye Mao , Song Yuan‐Yuan , Baerson Scott R. , Long Jun , Wang Jie , Pan Zhiqiang , Lin Wen‐Xiong , Zeng Ren‐Sen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRice ratooning is practiced in many rice‐growing countries for achieving increased rice production with limited labour input. Here, we report that attack by insect herbivores, or treatment with a defense signaling compound in parent plants, can prime anti‐herbivore defense responses in subsequent ratoon plants. We compared the defense responses of rice ratoons generated from parent plants that had been either infested by Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (rice leaffolder, LF) caterpillars or treated with methyl jasmonate (MeJA) during vegetative growth, with ratoons generated from control parent plants. Ratoon plants generated from parents receiving prior LF infestation or MeJA treatment exhibited higher jasmonic acid (JA) levels, as well as elevated levels of transcripts of defense‐related genes associated with JA signaling. In addition, elevated activities of peroxidase, polyphenol oxidase and trypsin protease inhibitor were observed, as well as enhanced resistance towards subsequent LF infestation. Pre‐priming of ratoon defense responses was significantly reduced in plants where expression of OsAOS (allene oxide synthase, involved in JA biosynthesis) or OsCOI1 (CORONATINE INSENSITIVE1, involved in JA perception) was inhibited by RNA interference. Our results indicate that herbivore exposure or MeJA treatment in rice parent plants enhances anti‐herbivore resistance in subsequently generated ratoons through priming of JA‐mediated defenses.
Effect of UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism on prognosis in pediatric cancer
Authors: Ishimaru Sae , Yuza Yuki , Kaneko Takashi , Urashima Mitsuyoshi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundUDP‐glucuronosyltransferase 2 family, polypeptide B17 (UGT2B17) encodes for an enzyme that modifies carcinogens, C19 steroids, xenobiotics, and anticancer chemotherapeutic agents by glucuronidation. Pediatric cancers are much more sensitive to anticancer agents than adult cancers. The aim of this study was therefore to examine the effects of UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism on prognosis in pediatric cancer.MethodsA total of 145 DNA samples were collected from children with malignant disease. UGT2B17 copy number variant was determined on polymerase chain reaction. Survival analysis was carried out to analyze the effects of UGT2B17 deletion on relapse‐free rate in lymphoblastic and non‐lymphoblastic malignancy.ResultsUGT2B17 was deleted in 64% of children with lymphoblastic malignancy, but in 83% of children with non‐lymphoblastic malignancy. Moreover, in non‐lymphoblastic malignancy, children without UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism had significantly higher relapse rates than those with the deletion polymorphism (HR, 16.1; 95%CI: 1.67–154; P = 0.016), which remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, underlying disease, advanced stage, and adverse events (HR, 22.4; 95%CI: 1.10–454; P = 0.043). There was a significant interaction between UGT2B17 deletion and non‐lymphoblastic malignancy. In the early subgroup, that is, stages 1–3 or standard/intermediate risk, children without UGT2B17 deletion polymorphism had a higher relapse rate than children with more advanced disease (log‐rank test: P = 0.0004).ConclusionsUGT2B17 deletion polymorphism may improve the relapse‐free rate in children with non‐lymphoblastic malignancy.
Early and late neurological complications of liver transplantation in pediatric patients
Authors: Gungor Serdal , Kilic Betul , Arslan Mujgan , Selimoglu M. Ayse , Karabiber Hamza , Yilmaz Sezai 
Published: January 2017

AbstractNCs occur commonly after solid organ transplantation and affect 15%‐30% of liver transplant recipients. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the type and incidence of neurologic events in pediatric patients following LT. Between May 2006 and June 2015, 242 patients (118 females, 124 males) requiring LT for different etiologies at the İnönü University Liver Transplantation Institute were included. The incidence, types, and risk factors of NCs that occurred following LT were evaluated retrospectively. Neurologic events occurred in 57 (23.5%) of the patients. Early NCs were encephalopathy (12.4%), seizures (11.5%), and PRES (7%). Of 57 patients, five (8.7%) experienced NCs at least 1 month after LT; these late NCs included tremor, headaches, encephalopathy, ataxia, and neuropathy. The psychiatric symptoms after LT were noted in 42 patients (17.4%). The mortality rate after LT in those with or without neurological events was not significantly different (P=.73). There was a high incidence of serious neurologic events after LT. The major neurologic manifestation in our patients was encephalopathy followed by seizures.
Drought responses, phenotypic plasticity and survival of Mediterranean species in two different microclimatic sites
Authors: Bongers F. J. , Olmo M. , Lopez‐Iglesias B. , Anten N. P. R. , Villar R. 
Published: January 2017

Abstract

Climate models predict a further drying of the Mediterranean summer. One way for plant species to persist during such climate changes is through acclimation. Here, we determine the extent to which trait plasticity in response to drought differs between species and between sites, and address the question whether there is a trade‐off between drought survival and phenotypic plasticity.

Throughout the summer we measured physiological traits (photosynthesis – Amax, stomatal conductance – gs, transpiration – E, leaf water potential – ψl) and structural traits (specific leaf area – SLA, leaf density – LD, leaf dry matter content – LDMC, leaf relative water content – LRWC) of leaves of eight woody species in two sites with slightly different microclimate (north‐ versus south‐facing slopes) in southern Spain. Plant recovery and survival was estimated after the summer drought period.

We found high trait variability between species. In most variables, phenotypic plasticity was lower in the drier site. Phenotypic plasticity of SLA and LDMC correlated negatively with drought survival, which suggests a trade‐off between them. On the other hand, high phenotypic plasticity of SLA and LDMC was positively related to traits associated with rapid recovery and growth after the drought period.

Although phenotypic plasticity is generally seen as favourable during stress conditions, here it seemed beneficial for favourable conditions. We propose that in environments with fluctuating drought periods there can be a trade‐off between drought survival and growth during favourable conditions. When climate become drier, species with high drought survival but low phenotypic plasticity might be selected for.
Neogene exhumation and relief evolution in the eastern Betics (SE Spain): Insights from the Sierra de Gador
Authors: Janowski Marianne , Loget Nicolas , Gautheron Cécile , Barbarand Jocelyn , Bellahsen Nicolas , Van Den Driessche Jean , Babault Julien , Meyer Bertrand 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Betics are a key area to study an orogenic landscape disrupted by late‐orogenic extension. New low‐temperature thermochronology (LTT) data (AHe and AFT) coupled with geomorphic constraints in the Sierra de Gador (Alpujarride complex) are used to reconstruct the cooling history and evolution of relief during the Neogene. We document three stages: (1) a fast cooling event between 23 and 16 Ma associated with the well‐known extensive tectonic exhumation of the Alpujarride unit, (2) a period of slow cooling between 16 and 7.2 Ma related to a planation event and (3) a post‐7.2 Ma surface uplift associated with the inversion of the Alboran domain undetected by LTT. The planation event followed by this late uplift can explain the occurrence of inherited low‐relief surfaces overlain by Tortonian–Messinian platform deposits at the top of the range. Finally, we propose that the Sierra de Gador is a more transient landscape than the nearby Sierra Nevada.
Liver transplantation is associated with good clinical outcome in patients with active tuberculosis and acute liver failure due to anti‐tubercular treatment
Authors: Bartoletti Michele , Martelli Giulia , Tedeschi Sara , Morelli Mariacristina , Bertuzzo Valentine , Tadolini Marina , Pianta Paolo , Cristini Francesco , Giannella Maddalena , Lewis Russell E. , Pinna Antonio D. , Viale Pierluigi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackgroundActive tuberculosis (TB) is commonly considered a contraindication for liver transplantation (LT). However, in patients with TB who develop acute liver failure (ALF) due to toxicity induced by anti‐tubercular treatment (ATT), LT could be the only opportunity for treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of LT in this scenario.MethodsWe described 2 cases and comprehensively reviewed the literature finding 26 cases of LT performed in patients having a concomitant active TB and liver failure secondary to ATT toxicity.ResultsTB was classified as pulmonary in 18/26 (69%), nodal in 3/26 (11%) TB cases, while the remaining 5/26 cases included disseminated, pleural, renal, ovarian, and vertebral TB localization (1 case each). ATT following LT consisted mainly of isoniazid or rifampin (RIF)‐sparing regimens and included primarily fluoroquinolones and ethambutol. Rejection episodes and liver toxicity were reported in 19% and 8% of patients respectively. Graft rejection was more frequent among patients treated with RIF‐containing regimens (P<.001). Mortality rate was 15% after a median follow up of 12 months. In only one case was death attributed to uncontrolled TB infection.ConclusionOur findings suggest that LT is an effective therapeutic option for patients with active TB developing ALF following ATT and should be considered for patients failing medical treatment.
IMPROVING CONSPICUITY OF THE CANINE GASTROINTESTINAL WALL USING DUAL PHASE CONTRAST‐ENHANCED COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY: A RETROSPECTIVE CROSS‐SECTIONAL STUDY
Authors: Fitzgerald Ella , Lam Richard , Drees Randi 
Published: January 2017

Gastrointestinal (GI) disease is a common clinical complaint in small animal patients; computed tomography (CT) examinations enable a global overview of the GI tract and associated structures. Previously, the GI wall has been reportedly identified from serosa to mucosa in 77% of standard postcontrast CT studies and wall layers seen in ultrasound have not been distinguished. Inconsistent strong contrast enhancement of the inner layer of the GI mucosal surface was noted on dual phase CT studies acquired in our institution, which increased the visibility of the GI tract and disease processes. The aim of this retrospective, observational, cross‐sectional study was to determine the optimal portal vein attenuation for maximizing GI wall conspicuity using dual phase contrast‐enhanced CT. Patients with abdominal CT for a non‐GI related disease were included. In a pilot study, 175 GI segments from 35 CT studies were graded for presence of mucosal surface enhancement (MSE). The strongest mucosal surface enhancement grade correlated with portal vein attenuation of 43–150 HU; this value was used as inclusion criterion in the main study. A total of 441 GI segments were evaluated in 42 CT studies postcontrast for GI wall conspicuity. The GI wall was conspicuous in 56.7% precontrast, 84.5% at 30s, and 77.3% late postcontrast; 4.7% of segments were removed due to motion blur. At 30 s distinct mucosal surface enhancement was seen in the small intestine and gastric mucosal surface enhancement was poor. Findings supported the use of dual phase contrast‐enhanced CT for improving conspicuity of the GI wall.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Smith Robert 
Published: January 2017

Journal of Education and Training Studies (JETS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether JETS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 5, Number 1 Angela LeeBrenda L. ShookCagla AtmacaCarmen Pérez-SabaterEbrahim MohammadpourErica D. Shifflet-ChilaHanan Mohamed SolimanHoiyung LeungJeyavel SundaramoorthyJiao JiLois TangLorna T. EnervaMarcie ZahareeMarieke van der SchaafMin GuiNele KampaNicole CelestineNiveen M. ZayedRichard H. MartinRichard PennySamad Mirza SuzaniSuzan KavanozVeronica RosaYalçın DilekliZachary Wahl-Alexander Robert SmithEditorial AssistantOn behalf of,The Editorial Board of Journal of Education and Training StudiesRedfame Publishing9450 SW Gemini Dr. #99416Beaverton, OR 97008, USAURL: http://jets.redfame.com
Novel Bioengineered Three-Dimensional Human Intestinal Model for Long-Term Infection of Cryptosporidium parvum
Authors: DeCicco RePass Maria A , Chen Ying , Lin Yinan , Zhou Wenda , Kaplan David L. , Ward Honorine D. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Cryptosporidium
spp. are apicomplexan parasites of global importance that cause human diarrheal disease.
In vitro
culture models that may be used to study this parasite and that have physiological relevance to
in vivo
infection remain suboptimal. Thus, the pathogenesis of cryptosporidiosis remains poorly characterized, and interventions for the disease are limited. In this study, we evaluated the potential of a novel bioengineered three-dimensional (3D) human intestinal tissue model (which we developed previously) to support long-term infection by
Cryptosporidium parvum
. Infection was assessed by immunofluorescence assays and confocal and scanning electron microscopy and quantified by quantitative reverse transcription-PCR. We found that
C. parvum
infected and developed in this tissue model for at least 17 days, the extent of the study time used in the present study. Contents from infected scaffolds could be transferred to fresh scaffolds to establish new infections for at least three rounds. Asexual and sexual stages and the formation of new oocysts were observed during the course of infection. Additionally, we observed ablation, blunting, or distortion of microvilli in infected epithelial cells. Ultimately, a 3D model system capable of supporting continuous
Cryptosporidium
infection will be a useful tool for the study of host-parasite interactions, identification of putative drug targets, screening of potential interventions, and propagation of genetically modified parasites.
High Interlaboratory Reproducibility and Accuracy of Next-Generation-Sequencing-Based Bacterial Genotyping in a Ring Trial
Authors: Mellmann Alexander , Andersen Paal Skytt , Bletz Stefan , Friedrich Alexander W. , Kohl Thomas A. , Lilje Berit , Niemann Stefan , Prior Karola , Rossen John W. , Harmsen Dag 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Today, next-generation whole-genome sequencing (WGS) is increasingly used to determine the genetic relationships of bacteria on a nearly whole-genome level for infection control purposes and molecular surveillance. Here, we conducted a multicenter ring trial comprising five laboratories to determine the reproducibility and accuracy of WGS-based typing. The participating laboratories sequenced 20 blind-coded
Staphylococcus aureus
DNA samples using 250-bp paired-end chemistry for library preparation in a single sequencing run on an Illumina MiSeq sequencer. The run acceptance criteria were sequencing outputs >5.6 Gb and Q30 read quality scores of >75%. Subsequently, spa typing, multilocus sequence typing (MLST), ribosomal MLST, and core genome MLST (cgMLST) were performed by the participants. Moreover, discrepancies in cgMLST target sequences in comparisons with the included and also published sequence of the quality control strain ATCC 25923 were resolved using Sanger sequencing. All five laboratories fulfilled the run acceptance criteria in a single sequencing run without any repetition. Of the 400 total possible typing results, 394 of the reported spa types, sequence types (STs), ribosomal STs (rSTs), and cgMLST cluster types were correct and identical among all laboratories; only six typing results were missing. An analysis of cgMLST allelic profiles corroborated this high reproducibility; only 3 of 183,927 (0.0016%) cgMLST allele calls were wrong. Sanger sequencing confirmed all 12 discrepancies of the ring trial results in comparison with the published sequence of ATCC 25923. In summary, this ring trial demonstrated the high reproducibility and accuracy of current next-generation sequencing-based bacterial typing for molecular surveillance when done with nearly completely locked-down methods.