bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rmg8 and Rmg7, wheat genes for resistance to the wheat blast fungus, recognize the same avirulence gene AVR‐Rmg8
Authors: Anh Vu Lan , Inoue Yoshihiro , Asuke Soichiro , Vy Trinh Thi Phuong , Anh Nguyen Tuan , Wang Shizhen , Chuma Izumi , Tosa Yukio 
Published: August 2017

SummaryRmg8 and Rmg7 are genes for resistance to the wheat blast fungus (Pyricularia oryzae), located on chromosome 2B in hexaploid wheat and chromosome 2A in tetraploid wheat, respectively. AVR‐Rmg8, an avirulence gene corresponding to Rmg8, was isolated from a wheat blast isolate through a map‐based strategy. The cloned fragment encoded a small protein containing a putative signal peptide. AVR‐Rmg8 was recognized not only by Rmg8, but also by Rmg7, suggesting that these two resistance genes are equivalent to a single gene from the viewpoint of resistance breeding.
Prevalence and distribution of Borrelia and Babesia species in ticks feeding on dogs in the U.K.
Authors: ABDULLAH S. , HELPS C. , TASKER S. , NEWBURY H. , WALL R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTicks were collected during March–July 2015 from dogs by veterinarians throughout the U.K. and used to estimate current prevalences and distributions of pathogens. DNA was extracted from 4750 ticks and subjected to polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis to identify Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (Spirochaetales: Spirochaetaceae) and Babesia (Piroplasmida: Babesiidae) species. Of 4737 ticks [predominantly Ixodes ricinus Linneaus (Ixodida: Ixodidae)], B. burgdorferi s.l. was detected in 94 (2.0%). Four Borrelia genospecies were identified: Borrelia garinii (41.5%); Borrelia afzelli (31.9%); Borrelia burgdorferi sensu stricto (25.5%), and Borrelia spielmanii (1.1%). One Rhipicephalus sanguineus Latreille (Ixodida: Ixodidae), collected from a dog with a history of travel outside the U.K., was positive for B. garinii. Seventy ticks (1.5%) were positive for Babesia spp. Of these, 84.3% were positive for Babesia venatorum, 10.0% for Babesia vulpes sp. nov., 2.9% for Babesia divergens/Babesia capreoli and 1.4% for Babesia microti. One isolate of Babesia canis was detected in a Dermacentor reticulatus (Ixodida: Ixodidae) tick collected from a dog that had recently travelled to France. Prevalences of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Babesia spp. did not differ significantly between different regions of the U.K. The results map the widespread distribution of B. burgdorferi s.l. and Babesia spp. in ticks in the U.K. and highlight the potential for the introduction and establishment of exotic ticks and tick‐borne pathogens.
Spectrum of biopsy proven renal disease in South Asian children: Two decades at a tropical tertiary care centre
Authors: Mohapatra Anjali , Kakde Shailesh , Annapandian Vellaichamy M , Valson Anna T , Duhli Neelaveni , Korula Anila , Matthai Smita M , Pulimood Anna B , David Vinoi G , Alexander Suceena , Jacob Shibu , Varughese Santosh , Basu Gopal , Tamilarasi Veerasamy , John George T 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTAimWe report findings from a large single centre paediatric renal biopsy cohort in South Asia.MethodsWe analyzed all renal biopsies performed on children aged ≤18 years between 1996 and 2015 at our centre. The clinical characteristics and histological diagnosis pertaining to each case, distribution of renal diseases in children with various clinical presentations, and changes in the pattern of kidney disease during the study period were analyzed.ResultsA total of 1740 paediatric kidney biopsies were performed during the study period. The mean age was 12.8 ± 4.9 years (8 months to 18 years) and the male: female ratio was 1.5:1. The most common indication for renal biopsy was nephrotic syndrome (63.2%) followed by acute nephritic syndrome (13%). Minimal change disease was the most common cause of nephrotic syndrome while endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis (65.7% infection related), remained the commonest cause of acute nephritic syndrome. IgA nephropathy was the commonest cause of chronic kidney disease. Contrary to trends in European paediatric cohorts, the frequency of lupus nephritis increased over the two decades of the study, while that of endocapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis did not show any appreciable decline.ConclusionThis study provides the largest data on biopsy proven renal disease in children from South Asia published till date and highlights important differences in the spectrum and trends of kidney disease compared to data from other regions.
The function of dendritic cells in modulating the host response
Authors: Song L. , Dong G. , Guo L. , Graves D.T. 
Published: August 2017

SummaryDendritic cells (DCs) are antigen‐presenting cells that capture, process, and present antigens to lymphocytes to initiate and regulate the adaptive immune response. DCs detect bacteria in skin and mucosa and migrate into regional lymph nodes, where they stimulate antigen‐specific T and B lymphocyte activation and proliferation. DCs direct CD4 T cells to differentiate to T‐cell subsets such as T helper cells types 1, 2, and 17, and regulatory T cells. The periodontium is chronically exposed to oral bacteria that stimulate an inflammatory response to induce gingivitis or periodontitis. DCs play both protective and destructive roles through activation of the acquired immune response and are also reported to be a source of osteoclast precursors that promote bone resorption. FOXO1, a member of the forkhead box O family of transcription factors, plays a significant role in the activation of DCs. The function of DCs in periodontal inflammation has been investigated in a mouse model by lineage‐specific deletion of FOXO1 in these cells. Deletion of FOXO1 reduces DC protective function and enhances susceptibility to periodontitis. The kinase Akt, phosphorylates FOXO1 to inhibit FOXO activity. Hence the Akt–FOXO1 axis may play a key role in regulating DCs to have a significant impact on periodontal disease.
SMU.940 regulates dextran‐dependent aggregation and biofilm formation in Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Senpuku Hidenobu , Yonezawa Hideo , Yoneda Saori , Suzuki Itaru , Nagasawa Ryo , Narisawa Naoki 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe oral bacterium Streptococcus mutans is the principal agent in the development of dental caries. Biofilm formation by S. mutans requires bacterial attachment, aggregation, and glucan formation on the tooth surface under sucrose supplementation conditions. Our previous microarray analysis of clinical strains identified 74 genes in S. mutans that were related to biofilm morphology; however, the roles of almost all of these genes in biofilm formation are poorly understood. We investigated the effects of 21 genes randomly selected from our previous study regarding S. mutans biofilm formation, regulation by the complement pathway, and responses to competence‐stimulating peptide. Eight competence‐stimulating peptide‐dependent genes were identified, and their roles in biofilm formation and aggregation were examined by mutational analyses of the S. mutansUA159 strain. Of these eight genes, the inactivation of the putative hemolysin III family SMU.940 gene of S. mutansUA159 promoted rapid dextran‐dependent aggregation and biofilm formation in tryptic soy broth without dextrose (TSB) with 0.25% glucose and slightly reduced biofilm formation in TSB with 0.25% sucrose. The SMU.940 mutant showed higher expression of GbpC and gbpC gene than wild‐type. GbpC is known to be involved in the dextran‐dependent aggregation of S. mutans. An SMU.940‐gbpC double mutant strain was constructed in the SMU.940 mutant background. The gbpC mutation completely abolished the dextran‐dependent aggregation of the SMU.940 mutant. In addition, the aggregation of the mutant was abrogated by dextranase. These findings suggest that SMU.940 controls GbpC expression, and contributes to the regulation of dextran‐dependent aggregation and biofilm formation.
Impact of ICD lead on the system durability, predictors of long‐term survival following ICD system extraction
Authors: Jacheć Wojciech , Tomasik Andrzej , Polewczyk Anna , Kutarski Andrzej 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundImplantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) and cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) systems are considered as having higher risk of complication and shorter durability but reasons of this multifactorial phenomenon remain unclear. We aimed to analyze this problem in population of patients with ICD leads referred for lead extraction (TLE).MethodsWe have compared TLE indications, procedural results, and defined the long‐term outcomes of TLE in patients with ICD/CRT‐D devices (n = 482, ICD (+)) with lead extractions in patients with standard pacemakers (n = 1,402, ICD (−)). Demographic, clinical characteristics, and procedural outcomes were ascertained from single, primary operator registry. Long‐term survival data were provided by the National Health Fund.ResultsThe ICD (+) subgroup had a significantly higher incidence rate of either infective or noninfective indications for TLE. The clinical success rate of extraction was 99.2% in ICD (+) versus 97.4% in ICD (−) (P = 0.05) at a complication rate of 1.04% versus 2.14% (NS), respectively. In the median follow‐up of 3.39 years, 142 patients from the ICD (+) subgroup and 303 from the ICD (−) subgroup died. The highest mortality rate of 41.1% was observed in the ICD (+) subgroup with infective indications. Infection, renal failure, diabetes, and age were the multivariate factors associated with increased mortality in the ICD (+) subgroup.ConclusionICD leads remain more vulnerable, with respect to mechanical failure and their propensity to infection, in comparison to pacing leads. Their TLE is very effective at least complication rate, when performed by a highly skilled and experienced operator. However, long‐term mortality after their TLE is high and is affected mostly by infections or patient‐related factors.
Cardiac mapping and pulmonary vein isolation using a novel ablation catheter with tip minielectrodes
Authors: Heringhaus Florian , Lotz Tanja , Loehr Lena , Gelep Julia , Lask Sebastian , Kara Kaffer , Mügge Andreas , Wutzler Alexander 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundPulmonary vein isolation (PVI) is a standard treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF). Identification of gaps in the ablation line is difficult. Tip‐ring electrograms from ablation catheters represent relative large areas of myocardial tissue. Recently, an ablation catheter with three minielectrodes (ME) on the catheter tip with closer interelectrode spacing was introduced. The aim of our study was to evaluate the novel electrodes during PVI.MethodsPVI was performed with an irrigated ablation catheter equipped with conventional electrodes and three additional radial tip electrodes. Detection of pulmonary vein potentials (PVPs), local signal amplitude, amplitude reduction during ablation, and loss of capture after ablation were compared between the ME and the conventional tip‐ring electrodes.ResultsThirty‐one patients (mean age 67.8 ± 10.3 years, 45.2 % men) were included. A total of 306 mapping/lesion points were analyzed. A PVP was significantly more often obtained with the ME compared to the conventional tip‐ring electrodes (99.2% vs 83.5%, P < 0.001). Local amplitude was significantly higher on the ME (0.8 ± 0.6 mV vs 0.67 ± 0.46 mV, P = 0.003). Amplitude reduction during 1 RF pulse was significantly greater on the ME (82.9 ± 19.5% vs. 61.8 ± 26.9%, P < 0.001). During pace mapping, loss of capture after 1 RF pulse was observed significantly more often on ME (98.3% vs 63.3%, P < 0.001).ConclusionSignal amplitude is higher and sensitivity during PVP mapping and ablation is increased when ME are used. ME may facilitate catheter ablation of AF in the future.
The role of ultrasound in appropriate endotracheal tube size selection in pediatric patients
Authors: Altun Demet , Orhan‐Sungur Mukadder , Ali Achmet , Özkan‐Seyhan Tülay , Sivrikoz Nükhet , Çamcı Emre 
Published: August 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe aim of this prospective study was to investigate the success of ultrasound in pediatric patients in determining the appropriate sized cuffed endotracheal tube and to compare the results with conventional height‐based (Broselow) tape and age‐based formula tube size.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐two children of 1‐10 years of age, who received general anesthesia for adenotonsillectomy were enrolled to the study. In all participants, the transverse diameter of the subglottis was measured with ultrasound during apnea. An endotracheal tube was chosen with the outer diameter matched to the measured subglottic airway diameter. An age‐based (Motoyama‐Khine) and height‐based (Broselow) endotracheal tube size was calculated. If there was resistance to passage of the tube into the trachea or an airway pressure >25 cmH20 was required to detect an audible leak, the endotracheal tube was replaced with internal diameter of 0.5 mm smaller. If there was an audible leak at airway pressure <10 cmH2O, or peak pressure >25 cmH20 or a cuff pressure > 25 cmH2O was required to seal, the tube was changed to the 0.5 mm larger internal diameter. Best‐fit tube internal diameter was the resultant tube internal diameter that met the previously stated conditions. The need for endotracheal tube replacement and peak airway pressure were recorded.ResultsThe internal diameter of ultrasound determined tube was the same as best‐fit tube in 88% of children. Endotracheal tube was replaced in 15 patients with a one size larger, and in three patients with one size smaller tube. Using Bland‐Altman analysis, a better agreement was observed with ultrasound measurement rather than height‐based estimation and age‐based formulas.ConclusionOur findings show that subglottic diameter measured by ultrasound appears to be a reliable predictor for the assessment of the subglottic diameter of the airway in estimating appropriate size pediatric endotracheal tube.
Development of a measure for the assessment of peer‐related positive emotional memories
Authors: Ferreira Cláudia , Cunha Marina , Marta‐Simões Joana , Duarte Cristiana , Matos Marcela , Pinto‐Gouveia José 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesPrevious research has demonstrated a link between early experiences of warmth, safeness, and soothing, and positive feelings, health, and well‐being outcomes. Although the impact of positive parent‐related early relationships and its posterior recall is well documented, research on the recall of warmth and safeness experiences within early peer relationships remains scarce. In fact, it is considered that the protective role of early positive peer relationships deserves intensive research; however, a specific measure that assesses this construct is still to be created. This study describes the development and validation of a new measure designed to assess the recall of early experiences of warmth, safeness, and affection in relation to peers (EMWSS‐peers).Design and methodsDistinct samples, comprising individuals of both genders aged between 18 and 68 years old, were used to test theEMWSS‐peers factorial structure through principal axis factoring (PAF) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and to examine its psychometric properties.ResultsPrincipal axis factoring's results indicated that the 12‐item scale presents a one‐factor structure explaining a total of 71.50% of the variance. TheCFAconfirmed the plausibility of this structure. TheEMWSS‐peers also presented excellent internal consistency and construct, concurrent, and divergent validities.ConclusionsTheEMWSS‐peers seems to be a new avenue for the study of memories of early experiences with friends and colleagues and may entail a relevant contribution to clinical and research fields, particularly for upcoming investigations on the relationship of peer‐related affiliative memories with well‐being and mental health.Practitioner pointsThe EMWSS‐peers is a specific measure to assess the recall of warmth and safeness in early peer relationships.The EMWSS‐peers is a brief, robust, and reliable self‐report instrument.The EMWSS‐peers presented excellent internal consistency and construct, concurrent, and divergent validities.The EMWSS‐peers may open a new avenue for the study of memories of early peer‐related experiences, with potential clinical and research implications.
No Contractual Obligation to Improve Education: School Boards and Their Superintendents
Authors: Maranto Robert , Trivitt Julie , Nichols Malachi , Watson Angela 
Published: August 2017

Since the passage of No Child Left Behind, public schools have felt pressure to emphasize equitable academic outcomes. We investigate whether contracts agreed to by school boards and the superintendents they employ include academic and equity criteria to judge the performance of superintendents. Data come from the universe of 2013‐14 school superintendent contracts in North Carolina. Only nine of the 115 contracts include academic goals of any kind, and none include equity‐related criteria. Similarly, the universe of model superintendent contracts provided by state school boards associations (N = 20) rarely mention such criteria. Findings suggest that one reason for the relatively static equity and achievement outcomes in American public schools since the national introduction of accountability‐oriented reforms is that local school boards refuse to use academic and equity criteria to evaluate superintendents. The political science literature on elections and accountability suggests possible explanations.Related ArticlesPatrick,Barbara.2016. “”Politics & Policy44():1116‐1157.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12185/fullWebber,David J.2010. “.”Politics & Policy38():81‐95.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2009.00229.x/fullPatrick,Barbara.2012. “”Politics & Policy40():593‐628.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2012.00370.x/full
Robust Mean-Squared Error Estimation for Poverty Estimates Based on the Method of Elbers, Lanjouw and Lanjouw
Authors: Das Sumonkanti , Chambers Ray 
Published: August 2017

Summary
The method of Elbers, Lanjouw and Lanjouw (ELL) is the small area estimation method developed by the World Bank for poverty mapping and is widely used in developing countries. However, it has been criticized because of its assumption of negligible between-area variability when used to calculate small area poverty estimates. In particular, the mean-squared errors (MSEs) of these estimates are significantly underestimated when this between-area variability cannot be adequately explained by the model covariates. A method of MSE estimation for ELL-type estimates is proposed which is robust to significant unexplained between-area variability. Simulation results show that the method proposed performs better than standard ELL MSE estimators when the area homogeneity assumption is violated. An application to a Bangladesh poverty mapping study provides some empirical evidence for this robustness.
Sports Participation and Social Capital Formation During Adolescence*
Authors: Schüttoff Ute , Pawlowski Tim , Downward Paul , Lechner Michael 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveNational and international policies claim that young people's sports participation improves their social capital. This article is the first to examine if sports participation has a causal effect on social capital formation during adolescence and whether such effects depend on the organizational format or the type of sports practiced.MethodsPropensity score matching is employed in the analysis with possible endogeneity removed by exploiting the information in, and the structure of, the German Socio‐Economic Panel.ResultsRegular sports participation positively impacts adolescents’ social capital through volunteering, helping friends, and civic involvement. Furthermore, these effects seem to develop predominantly in sports clubs (in contrast to other organizational formats).ConclusionThe empirical evidence of this study is suggestive of the relevant societal role of nonprofit clubs as institutions for practicing sport.
From Categories to Context: Identity Meaning and Political Engagement*
Authors: Bouché Vanessa 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivesThe objective of this article is to set forth and test the identity meaning theory. Borne out of extant theories in sociology and social psychology, this theory posits that all individuals have a salient identity that is hierarchically superior, that individuals attach a subjective meaning to their salient identity that varies in an interpersonal‐intergroup matrix, and that the subjective meaning of the salient identity ultimately guides behavior, in this context specifically political engagement.MethodsI operationalize the identity meaning concepts in a public opinion survey and test the reliability and validity of these new measures on a matched representative sample of 400 Americans. I then test whether these concepts predict individual political engagement.ResultsI find strong support for the identity meaning theory as a predictive measure of political engagement. The meaning individuals attach to their salient identity has a significant impact on affective and behavioral political engagement.ConclusionsWhile a shared categorical identity (e.g., race or gender) impacts political behavior, this research shows that a shared meaning of a salient identity—regardless of what the salient identity is—can also have an impact on political behavior, even if the categorical identities are different. Thus, there is room for a new understanding and conceptualization of identity in political science.
Regulatory‐associated protein of TOR (RAPTOR) alters the hormonal and metabolic composition of Arabidopsis seeds, controlling seed morphology, viability and germination potential
Authors: Salem Mohamed A. , Li Yan , Wiszniewski Andrew , Giavalisco Patrick 
Published: August 2017

SummaryTarget of Rapamycin (TOR) is a positive regulator of growth and development in all eukaryotes, which positively regulates anabolic processes like protein synthesis, while repressing catabolic processes, including autophagy. To better understand TOR function we decided to analyze its role in seed development and germination. We therefore performed a detailed phenotypic analysis using mutants of the REGULATORY‐ASSOCIATED PROTEIN OF TOR 1B (RAPTOR1B), a conserved TOR interactor, acting as a scaffold protein, which recruits substrates for the TOR kinase. Our results show that raptor1b plants produced seeds that were delayed in germination and less resistant to stresses, leading to decreased viability. These physiological phenotypes were accompanied by morphological changes including decreased seed‐coat pigmentation and reduced production of seed‐coat mucilage. A detailed molecular analysis revealed that many of these morphological changes were associated with significant changes of the metabolic content of raptor1b seeds, including elevated levels of free amino acids, as well as reduced levels of protective secondary metabolites and storage proteins. Most of these observed changes were accompanied by significantly altered phytohormone levels in the raptor1b seeds, with increases in abscisic acid, auxin and jasmonic acid, which are known to inhibit germination. Delayed germination and seedling growth, observed in the raptor1b seeds, could be partially restored by the exogenous supply of gibberellic acid, indicating that TOR is at the center of a regulatory hub controlling seed metabolism, maturation and germination.