bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Allele exchange at the EPSPS locus confers glyphosate tolerance in cassava
Authors: Hummel Aaron W. , Chauhan Raj Deepika , Cermak Tomas , Mutka Andrew M. , Vijayaraghavan Anupama , Boyher Adam , Starker Colby G. , Bart Rebecca , Voytas Daniel F. , Taylor Nigel J. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryEffective weed control can protect yields of cassava (Manihot esculenta) storage roots. Farmers could benefit from using herbicide with a tolerant cultivar. We applied traditional transgenesis and gene editing to generate robust glyphosate tolerance in cassava. By comparing promoters regulating expression of transformed 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate‐3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) genes with various paired amino acid substitutions, we found that strong constitutive expression is required to achieve glyphosate tolerance during in vitro selection and in whole cassava plants. Using strategies that exploit homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end‐joining (NHEJ) DNA repair pathways, we precisely introduced the best‐performing allele into the cassava genome, simultaneously creating a promoter swap and dual amino acid substitutions at the endogenous EPSPS locus. Primary EPSPS‐edited plants were phenotypically normal, tolerant to high doses of glyphosate, with some free of detectable T‐DNA integrations. Our methods demonstrate an editing strategy for creating glyphosate tolerance in crop plants and demonstrate the potential of gene editing for further improvement of cassava.
Plant‐expressed Fc‐fusion protein tetravalent dengue vaccine with inherent adjuvant properties
Authors: Kim Mi Young , Copland Alastair , Nayak Kaustuv , Chandele Anmol , Ahmed Muhammad S. , Zhang Qibo , Diogo Gil R. , Paul Matthew J. , Hofmann Sven , Yang Moon‐Sik , Jang Yong‐Suk , Ma Julian K‐C. , Reljic Rajko 
Published: December 2017

SummaryDengue is a major global disease requiring improved treatment and prevention strategies. The recently licensed Sanofi Pasteur Dengvaxia vaccine does not protect children under the age of nine, and additional vaccine strategies are thus needed to halt this expanding global epidemic. Here, we employed a molecular engineering approach and plant expression to produce a humanized and highly immunogenic poly‐immunoglobulin G scaffold (PIGS) fused to the consensus dengue envelope protein III domain (cEDIII). The immunogenicity of this IgG Fc receptor‐targeted vaccine candidate was demonstrated in transgenic mice expressing human FcγRI/CD64, by induction of neutralizing antibodies and evidence of cell‐mediated immunity. Furthermore, these molecules were able to prime immune cells from human adenoid/tonsillar tissue ex vivo as evidenced by antigen‐specific CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cell proliferation, IFN‐γ and antibody production. The purified polymeric fraction of dengue PIGS (D‐PIGS) induced stronger immune activation than the monomeric form, suggesting a more efficient interaction with the low‐affinity Fcγ receptors on antigen‐presenting cells. These results show that the plant‐expressed D‐PIGS have the potential for translation towards a safe and easily scalable single antigen‐based tetravalent dengue vaccine.
A histopathological classification system of Tyr::NRASQ61Kmurine melanocytic lesions: A reproducible simplified classification
Authors: Sohier Pierre , Legrand Léa , Aktary Zackie , Grill Christine , Delmas Véronique , Bernex Florence , Reyes‐Gomez Edouard , Larue Lionel , Vergier Béatrice 
Published: December 2017

SummaryGenetically engineered mouse models offer essential opportunities to investigate the mechanisms of initiation and progression in melanoma. Here, we report a new simplified histopathology classification of mouse melanocytic lesions in Tyr::NRASQ61Kderived models, using an interactive decision tree that produces homogeneous categories. Reproducibility for this classification system was evaluated on a panel of representative cases of murine melanocytic lesions by pathologists and basic scientists. Reproducibility, measured as inter‐rater agreement between evaluators using a modified Fleiss’kappastatistic, revealed a very good agreement between observers. Should this new simplified classification be adopted, it would create a robust system of communication between researchers in the field of mouse melanoma models.
Geometry, distribution and fill of erosional scours in a heterolithic, distal lower shoreface sandstone reservoir analogue: Grassy Member, Blackhawk Formation, Book Cliffs, Utah,USA
Authors: Onyenanu God'spower I. , Jacquemyn Carl E. M. M. , Graham Gavin H. , Hampson Gary J. , Fitch Peter J. R. , Jackson Matthew D. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMany shoreface sandstone reservoirs host significant hydrocarbon volumes within distal intervals of interbedded sandstones and mudstones. Hydrocarbon production from these reservoir intervals depends on the abundance and proportion of sandstone beds that are connected by erosional scours, and on the lateral extent and continuity of interbedded mudstones. Cliff‐face exposures of the Campanian ‘G2’ parasequence, Grassy Member, Blackhawk Formation in the Book Cliffs of east‐central Utah,USA, allow detailed characterization of 128 erosional scours within such interbedded sandstones and mudstones in a volume of 148 m length, 94 m width and 15 m height. The erosional scours have depths of up to 1·1 m, apparent widths of up to 15·1 m and steep sides (up to 35°) that strike approximately perpendicular (N099 ± 36°) to the local north–south palaeoshoreline trend. The scours have limited lateral continuity along strike and down dip, and a relatively narrow range of apparent aspect ratio (apparent width/depth), implying that their three‐dimensional geometry is similar to non‐channelized pot casts. There is no systematic variation in scour dimensions, but ‘scour density’ is greater in amalgamated (conjoined) sandstone beds over 0·5 m thick, and increases upward within vertical successions of upward‐thickening conjoined sandstone beds. There is no apparent organization of the overall lateral distribution of scours, although localized clustering implies that some scours were re‐occupied during multiple erosional events. Scour occurrence is also associated with locally increased amplitude and laminaset thickness of hummocky cross‐stratification in sandstone beds. The geometry, distribution and infill character of the scours imply that they were formed by storm‐generated currents coincident with riverine sediment influx (‘storm floods’). The erosional scours increase the vertical and lateral connectivity of conjoined sandstone beds in the upper part of upward‐thickening sandstone bed successions, resulting in increased effective vertical and horizontal permeability of such intervals.
Mesozoic and Cenozoic thermal history of the Western Reguibat Shield (West African Craton)
Authors: Gouiza Mohamed , Bertotti Giovanni , Andriessen Paul A. M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractUsing low‐temperature thermochronology on apatite and zircon crystals, we show that the western Reguibat Shield, located in the northern part of the West African Craton, experienced significant cooling and heating events between Jurassic and present times. The obtained apatite fission track ages range between 49 and 102 Ma with mean track lengths varying between 11.6 and 13.3 μm and Dpar values between 1.69 and 3.08 μm. Zircon fission track analysis yielded two ages of 159 and 118 Ma. Apatite (U–Th)/He uncorrected single‐grain ages range between 76 and 95 Ma. Thermal inverse modelling indicates that the Reguibat Shield was exhumed during the Early Cretaceous, Late Cretaceous, Palaeocene–Eocene and Quaternary. These exhumation events were coeval with regional tectonic and geodynamic events, and were probably driven by a combined effect of plate tectonics and mantle dynamics.
Intensive and extensive margins of exports: What can India learn from China?
Authors: Veeramani Choorikkad , Aerath Lakshmi , Gupta Prachi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe decompose India's export performance in manufactured products during 2000–15 into changes at the intensive and extensive margins. India's performance, along different margins, is compared and contrasted with that of China. The results show that while China outperforms India at both the margins, the gap is particularly wide at the intensive margin. Decomposition of intensive margin along quantity and price margins shows that Chinese products are generally sold cheaper than Indian products. Higher price margin, however, has not translated into high intensive margin for India due to its abysmally low quantity margin. We examine different explanations for China's superior performance relative to India, along different margins, using a gravity model. Our results suggest that China's exchange rate policy was not the prime reason for its export success. Neither do we find that FDI inflows were significant in explaining the export performance gap between them. The results show that China's export relationship bias towards high‐income partner countries holds the key in understanding its superior performance. This bias is a natural consequence of China's high degree of specialization in labor‐intensive activities. India, by contrast, due to an idiosyncratic pattern of specialisation, has failed to exploit its export potential in high income countries.
Walnut Shell-Templated Ceria Nanoparticles: Green Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Application
Authors: Zamani Asghar , Marjani Ahmad Poursattar , Alimoradlu Khadijeh 
Published: December 2017

Ceria (CeO2) nanoparticles (NPs) have been produced from cerium nitrate and walnut shell as a worthless agricultural waste by a thermal decomposition method followed by open air calcination. These NPs further were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, particle sizes can be tuned by changing cerium source/biomass ratio. To test the catalytic activity of cerium NPs as a heterogeneous catalyst, we selected three-component synthesis of 3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2-amine. Also, the efficiency of CeO2 NPs as a support for palladium NPs and subsequent use in aerobic oxidation of alcohols has been investigated. TEM image of a recovered catalyst indicates the formation of 12 nm sized palladium NPs within the cerium oxide NPs. The catalyst is quite effective for the oxidation of primary and secondary benzylic alcohols into their corresponding aldehydes and ketones under atmospheric pressure of air. Oxidation of secondary aliphatic alcohols is performed in oxygen atmosphere.
Nitrogen Doping of Hexagonal and Cubic Ge2Sb2Te5 Nanocrystals: An Ab Initio Study
Authors: Odhiambo Henry , Amolo George , Makau Nicholas , Kiptiemoi Korir , Othieno Herick 
Published: December 2017

The effect of nitrogen doping on the structural, electronic and optical properties of hexagonal and cubic Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) has been investigated from first principles. The nitrogen content was set to 10 at.% and 25 at.%, in which it was found that the hexagonal phase becomes more stable, whereas the cubic phase becomes more unstable with increasing nitrogen content. A difference in optical reflectivity of about 8% was calculated for pure hexagonal and cubic phases. Pure GST was found to possess a higher reflectivity contrast in the infrared spectral range, whereas doped GST had a higher reflectivity contrast, which increased with rising nitrogen content, in the visible and ultraviolet spectral range. The optical conductivity was found to fall with increasing nitrogen content, in agreement with experiment and other theoretical studies.
Effect of PCSK9 Inhibitors on Clinical Outcomes in Patients With Hypercholesterolemia: A Meta‐Analysis of 35 Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Karatasakis Aris , Danek Barbara A , Karacsonyi Judit , Rangan Bavana V , Roesle Michele K , Knickelbine Thomas , Miedema Michael D , Khalili Houman , Ahmad Zahid , Abdullah Shuaib , Banerjee Subhash , Brilakis Emmanouil S. 
Published: December 2017

Background
We sought to examine the efficacy and safety of 2 PCSK9 (proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9) inhibitors: alirocumab and evolocumab.

Methods and Results

We performed a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials comparing treatment with and without PCSK9 inhibitors; 35 randomized controlled trials comprising 45 539 patients (mean follow‐up: 85.5 weeks) were included. Mean age was 61.0±2.8 years, and mean baseline low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was 106±22 mg/dL. Compared with no PCSK9 inhibitor therapy, treatment with a PCSK9 inhibitor was associated with a lower rate of myocardial infarction (2.3% versus 3.6%; odds ratio [OR]: 0.72 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.64–0.81];
P
<0.001), stroke (1.0% versus 1.4%; OR: 0.80 [95% CI, 0.67–0.96];
P
=0.02), and coronary revascularization (4.2% versus 5.8%; OR: 0.78 [95% CI, 0.71–0.86];
P
<0.001). Overall, no significant change was observed in all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.71 [95% CI, 0.47–1.09];
P
=0.12) or cardiovascular mortality (OR: 1.01 [95% CI, 0.85–1.19];
P
=0.95). A significant association was observed between higher baseline low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol and benefit in all‐cause mortality (
P
=0.038). No significant change was observed in neurocognitive adverse events (OR: 1.12 [95% CI, 0.88–1.42];
P
=0.37), myalgia (OR: 0.95 [95% CI, 0.75–1.20];
P
=0.65), new onset or worsening of preexisting diabetes mellitus (OR: 1.05 [95% CI, 0.95–1.17];
P
=0.32), and increase in levels of creatine kinase (OR: 0.84 [95% CI, 0.70–1.01];
P
=0.06) or alanine or aspartate aminotransferase (OR: 0.96 [95% CI, 0.82–1.12];
P
=0.61).

Conclusions
Treatment with a PCSK9 inhibitor is well tolerated and improves cardiovascular outcomes. Although no overall benefit was noted in all‐cause or cardiovascular mortality, such benefit may be achievable in patients with higher baseline low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Residual Risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Events in Relation to Reductions in Very‐Low‐Density Lipoproteins
Authors: Lawler Patrick R. , Akinkuolie Akintunde O. , Harada Paulo , Glynn Robert J. , Chasman Daniel I. , Ridker Paul M , Mora Samia 
Published: December 2017

Background
It is uncertain whether pharmacological reductions in very‐low‐density lipoproteins (VLDLs), and their component triglyceride and cholesterol could reduce residual risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) events among individuals in whom low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) has been adequately lowered. We examined whether individuals with greater on‐statin reductions in VLDL‐related measures—beyond reductions in LDL‐C—were at further reduced risk of ASCVD.

Methods and Results

In 9423 participants in the JUPITER (Justification for the Use of Statins in Prevention) trial (NCT00239681), at baseline and on statin we measured standard lipids, 400‐MHz proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy‐measured VLDL particle subclasses (small, medium, and large VLDL lipoprotein particle concentration), and total VLDL cholesterol mass. Compared with individuals allocated to placebo, we examined risk of incident ASCVD (N=211) among statin‐allocated participants who achieved minimal (<median) or greater (≥median) marker reductions using adjusted Cox models. On‐statin changes in VLDL‐related markers were only modestly correlated (Spearman
r
≤0.29) with change in LDL‐C. On‐statin median LDL‐C was 54 mg/dL and triglyceride was 101 mg/dL. Dose‐response reductions in ASCVD risk were observed for greater reductions in LDL‐C, VLDL cholesterol mass, and small VLDL lipoprotein particle concentration; the latter 2 remained significant after incremental adjustment for change in LDL‐C (
P
≤0.006). Conversely, there was no further risk reduction with greater reductions in triglycerides or large/medium VLDL lipoprotein particle concentration.

Conclusions
Pharmacological reduction in small, cholesterol‐enriched, triglyceride‐depleted VLDL was associated with reduction in ASCVD risk. Chemically measured triglycerides may not sufficiently capture risk related to VLDL pathways. These findings also support broader profiling of lipid and lipoprotein changes in response to statins as prognostic markers of individual benefit, supporting more precision‐medicine, individualized approaches to cardiovascular risk reduction.

Clinical Trial Registration

URL:
https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00239681.
Prognostic Utility of Morning Blood Pressure Surge for 20‐Year All‐Cause and Cardiovascular Mortalities: Results of a Community‐Based Study
Authors: Cheng Hao‐Min , Wu Chung‐Li , Sung Shih‐Hsien , Lee Jia‐Chun , Kario Kazuomi , Chiang Chern‐En , Huang Chi‐Jung , Hsu Pai‐Feng , Chuang Shao‐Yuan , Lakatta Edward G. , Yin Frank C. P. , Chou Pesus , Chen Chen‐Huan 
Published: December 2017

Background

Morning blood pressure (
BP
) surge (
MS
), defined by the
MS
amplitude, is an independent prognostic factor of cardiovascular outcomes in some, but not all, populations.

Method and Results

We enrolled 2020 participants (1029 men; aged 30–79 years) with 24‐hour ambulatory
BP
data. During a median 19.7‐year follow‐up, 607 deaths (182 by cardiovascular causes) were confirmed from the National Death Registry. The amplitude of sleep‐trough
MS
(
STMS
) was derived from the difference between morning systolic BP (
SBP
) and lowest nighttime
SBP
. The rate of
STMS
was derived as the slope of linear regression of sequential
SBP
measures on time intervals within the
STMS
period. Thresholds for high
STMS
amplitude and rate were determined by the 95th percentiles (43.7 mm Hg and 11.3 mm Hg/h, respectively). Multivariable Cox models, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, smoking, alcohol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, 24‐hour
SBP
, night:day
SBP
ratio, and antihypertensive treatment, revealed that a high
STMS
rate (hazard ratio, 1.666; 95% confidence interval, 1.185–2.341), but not
STMS
amplitude (hazard ratio, 1.245; 95% confidence interval, 0.984–1.843), was significantly associated with a greater mortality risk. Similarly,
STMS
rate (hazard ratio, 2.608; 95% confidence interval, 1.554–4.375), but not
STMS
amplitude, was significantly associated with the risk of cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio, 0.966; 95% confidence interval, 0.535–1.747). Moreover, the prognostic values of
STMS
rate were comparable in subjects with or without morning and nocturnal hypertension (
P
>0.05 for interaction for all). In simulation studies,
STMS
rate was less susceptible to measurement errors of the sleep‐trough
SBP
than
STMS
amplitude.

Conclusions

STMS
rate could independently help identify subjects with an increased cardiovascular risk.
The mental health of married immigrant women in South Korea and its risk and protective factors: A literature review
Authors: Lee Yeeun , Park Subin 
Published: December 2017

Background and aims: Married immigrant women in South Korea undergo a wide array of psychosocial challenges in the process of adapting to a new culture and marriage with a Korean husband. For an integrative understanding of women’s mental health status and to determine the key risk and protective factors, we systematically reviewed empirical articles about the mental health of married immigrant women. Methods: We searched and reviewed articles from nine online databases: PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Embase, DBpia, KISS, KMbase, KoreaMed and RISS, which were published up until January 2017. We identified 38 quantitative studies that examined psychiatric symptoms and pertinent factors for this population. Results: The relative risks of psychiatric symptoms among married immigrant women varied across diverse samples. We summarized the associated factors existing prior to and after marriage migration that may moderate their mental health consequences. We identified five key risk factors: acculturative stress, country of origin, family stress, domestic violence and extended family structure, and two protective factors: social support and marriage satisfaction, which were consistently supported by the included studies. Conclusion: With the paucity of prospective studies, longitudinal research is needed that addresses the long-term processes of married immigrant women’s psychological adaptation and the underlying risk and protective factors at diverse settlement phases. Furthermore, we suggest that future research should focus on how women’s personal attributes interact with macro-level, socio-cultural contexts, including familial relationship and the community social-support system. Future evidence-based policy and interventions should comprehensively address married immigrant women’s socio-cultural, economic and mental health needs.
Parametric study of condensation at heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning duct's external surface
Authors: Kumar Dileep , Memon Abdul Ghafoor , Memon Rizwan Ahmed , Ali Intizar , Nord Natasa 
Published: December 2017

The compression of insulation causes around a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning duct usually resulted in dew formation around the outer surfaces because of low temperature, which causes significant energy and financial losses. The parameters such as supply air flow rate, supply air temperature, ambient air speed, and the convective heat transfer coefficient (ho) plays significant role in dew formation. In this paper, the parametric study is performed to investigate the effects of these parameters on the external surface temperature of the duct to avoid condensation. A mathematical model is developed to quantify these effects using preliminary data obtained from the heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system of a pharmaceutical company. The results reveal that external surface temperature increases with an increase in insulation thickness and supply air temperature, whereas it decreases with higher supply air flow rate. It is estimated that the minimum insulation thickness at joint and bend should be maintained between 15–55 and 15–35 mm, respectively, with a variation in ho between 6 and 22 W/m2K to avoid condensation. Additionally, it is estimated that air flow rate should be greater than 1.4 m3/s at 10 W/m2 K and 2.2 m3/s at 22 W/m2 K. Similarly, the ambient air speed should be greater than 2.8 m/s at 6 W/m2 K, respectively. Practical application: Building services engineers have a paucity of information on the effects of the compression of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning duct thermal insulation. It can cause condensation that will adversely affect the insulation material, thereby increasing the maintenance cost as well increasing the heat loss from the duct so affecting the conditions of supply air. Proper insulation thickness and operating parameters are important for building owners and operators to control ongoing expenses of buildings. This paper seeks to quantify the effect of insulation compression to improve understanding so that this important area may be properly considered by the building services engineer.