bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex genetic architecture underlies maize tassel domestication
Authors: Xu Guanghui , Wang Xufeng , Huang Cheng , Xu Dingyi , Li Dan , Tian Jinge , Chen Qiuyue , Wang Chenglong , Liang Yameng , Wu Yaoyao , Yang Xiaohong , Tian Feng 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Maize (Zea mays) tassels underwent profound morphological changes during maize domestication and improvement. Although a number of genes affecting maize inflorescence development have been identified, the genetic basis of the morphological changes in maize tassels since domestication is not well understood.

Here, using a large population of 866 maize‐teosinte BC2S3 recombinant inbred lines genotyped using 19 838 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers, we performed high‐resolution quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for five tassel morphological traits.

We showed that the five tassel traits were associated with different genetic architecture features. Known genes for maize inflorescence development identified by mutagenesis were significantly enriched in the tassel trait QTLs, and many of these genes, including ramosa1 (ra1), barren inflorescence2 (bif2), unbranched2 (ub2), zea floricaula leafy2 (zfl2) and barren stalk fastigiate1 (baf1), showed evidence of selection. An in‐depth nucleotide diversity analysis at the bif2 locus identified strong selection signatures in the 5′‐regulatory region. We also found that several known flowering time genes co‐localized with tassel trait QTLs. A further association analysis indicated that the maize photoperiod gene ZmCCT was significantly associated with tassel size variation. Using near‐isogenic lines, we narrowed down a major‐effect QTL for tassel length, qTL9‐1, to a 513‐kb physical region.

These results provide important insights into the genetic architecture that controls maize tassel evolution.
Natural 13C abundance and soil carbon dynamics under long‐term residue retention in a no‐till maize system
Authors: Jha Pramod , Verma S. , Lal R. , Eidson C. , Dheri G. S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractResidue retention and reduced tillage are both conservation agricultural practices that may enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) stabilization in soil. We evaluated the long‐term effects of no‐till (NT) and stover retention from maize on SOC dynamics in a Rayne silt loam Typic Hapludults in Ohio. The six treatments consisted of retaining 0, 25, 50, 75, 100 and 200% of maize residues on each 3 × 3 m plot from the crop of previous year. Soil samples were obtained after 9 yrs of establishing the experiment. The whole soil (0–10 and 10–20 cm of soil depths) samples under different treatments were analysed for total C, total N, recalcitrant C (NaOCl treated sample) and 13C isotopic abundance (0–10 cm soil depth). Complete removal of stover for a period of 9 yrs significantly (P < 0.01) decreased soil C content (15.5 g/kg), whereas 200% of stover retention had the maximum soil C concentration (23.1 g/kg). Relative distribution of C for all the treatments in different fractions comprised of 55–58% as labile and 42–45% as recalcitrant. Retention of residue did not significantly affect total C and N concentration in 10–20 cm depth. 13C isotopic signature data indicated that C4‐C (maize‐derived C) was the dominant fraction of C in the top 0–10 cm of soil layer under NT with maize‐derived C accounting for as high as 80% of the total SOC concentration. Contribution of C4‐C or maize‐derived C was 71–84% in recalcitrant fraction in different residue retained plots. Residue management is imperative to increase SOC concentrations and long‐term agro‐ecosystem necessitates residue retention for stabilizing C in light‐textured soils.
Outcomes among HIV‐infected children initiating HIV care and antiretroviral treatment in Ethiopia
Authors: Melaku Zenebe , Lulseged Sileshi , Wang Chunhui , Lamb Matthew R. , Gutema Yoseph , Teasdale Chloe A. , Ahmed Solomon , Gadisa Tsigereda , Habtamu Zelalem , Bedri Abubaker , Fayorsey Ruby , Abrams Elaine J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo describe pediatric ART scale‐up in Ethiopia, one of the 21 global priority countries for elimination of pediatric HIV infection.MethodsA descriptive analysis of routinely collected HIV care and treatment data on HIV‐infected children (<15 years) enrolled at 70 health facilities in four regions in Ethiopia, January 2006–September 2013. Characteristics at enrollment and ART initiation are described along with outcomes at 1 year after enrollment. Among children who initiated ART, cumulative incidence of death and loss to follow‐up (LTF) were estimated using survival analysis.Results11 695 children 0–14 years were enrolled in HIV care and 6815 (58.3%) initiated ART. At enrollment, 31.2% were WHO stage III and 6.3% stage IV. The majority (87.9%) were enrolled in secondary or tertiary facilities. At 1 year after enrollment, 17.9% of children were LTF prior to ART initiation. Among children initiating ART, cumulative incidence of death was 3.4%, 4.1% and 4.8%, and cumulative incidence of LTF was 7.7%, 11.8% and 16.6% at 6, 12 and 24 months, respectively. Children <2 years had higher risk of LTF and death than older children (P < 0.0001). Children with more advanced disease and those enrolled in rural settings were more likely to die. Children enrolled in more recent years were less likely to die but more likely to be LTF.ConclusionsOver the last decade large numbers of HIV‐infected children have been successfully enrolled in HIV care and initiated on ART in Ethiopia. Retention prior to and after ART initiation remains a major challenge.
Visual Working Memory Resources Are Best Characterized as Dynamic, Quantifiable Mnemonic Traces
Authors: Veksler Bella Z. , Boyd Rachel , Myers Christopher W. , Gunzelmann Glenn , Neth Hansjörg , Gray Wayne D. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractVisual working memory (VWM) is a construct hypothesized to store a small amount of accurate perceptual information that can be brought to bear on a task. Much research concerns the construct's capacity and the precision of the information stored. Two prominent theories of VWM representation have emerged: slot‐based and continuous‐resource mechanisms. Prior modeling work suggests that a continuous resource that varies over trials with variable capacity and a potential to make localization errors best accounts for the empirical data. Questions remain regarding the variability in VWM capacity and precision. Using a novel eye‐tracking paradigm, we demonstrate that VWM facilitates search and exhibits effects of fixation frequency and recency, particularly for prior targets. Whereas slot‐based memory models cannot account for the human data, a novel continuous‐resource model does capture the behavioral and eye tracking data, and identifies the relevant resource as item activation.
Antibody Prevalence and Risk Factors for Toxoplasma gondii Infection in Women from Multan, Pakistan
Authors: Nazir M. M. , Akhtar M. , Maqbool A. , Waheed A. , Sajid M. A. , Ali M. A. , Oneeb M. , Alam M. A. , Ahmad A. N. , Nazir N. , Fatima S. , Lindsay D. S. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryToxoplasma gondii infections are prevalent in humans and warm‐blooded animals. Maternal infections during pregnancy may have devastating consequences for transplacentally infected neonates. This study was conducted to examine the seroprevalence of antibodies to T. gondii in pregnant women of childbearing age and determine risk factors associated with pregnancy history, pet ownership, social and cultural factors at Nishtar Hospital, Multan. Samples were collected from 403 women and examined using a commercially available enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The overall prevalence of antibodies to T. gondii was 17.6% (71) in the 403 samples collected from women. Antibodies to T. gondii were present in 19.4% (45) of 232 pregnant women and 15.2% (26) of the samples from 171 non‐pregnant women. This study identified miscarriage history, pet ownership, type of residence, marital status, source of drinking water and eating habits as significant (P < 0.05) risk factors associated with the presence of antibodies to T. gondii infection. Seroprevalence was not significantly different (P > 0.05) in women from different ethnic groups based upon lifestyle and culture.
IRAV
(
FLJ11286
), an Interferon-Stimulated Gene with Antiviral Activity against Dengue Virus, Interacts with MOV10
Authors: Balinsky Corey A. , Schmeisser Hana , Wells Alexandra I. , Ganesan Sundar , Jin Tengchuan , Singh Kavita , Zoon Kathryn C. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Dengue virus (DENV) is a member of the genus
Flavivirus
and can cause severe febrile illness. Here, we show that FLJ11286, which we refer to as IRAV, is induced by DENV in an interferon-dependent manner, displays antiviral activity against DENV, and localizes to the DENV replication complex. IRAV is an RNA binding protein and localizes to cytoplasmic processing bodies (P bodies) in uninfected cells, where it interacts with the MOV10 RISC complex RNA helicase, suggesting a role for IRAV in the processing of viral RNA. After DENV infection, IRAV, along with MOV10 and Xrn1, localizes to the DENV replication complex and associates with DENV proteins. Depletion of IRAV or MOV10 results in an increase in viral RNA. These data serve to characterize an interferon-stimulated gene with antiviral activity against DENV, as well as to propose a mechanism of activity involving the processing of viral RNA.

IMPORTANCE
Dengue virus, a member of the family
Flaviviridae
, can result in a life-threatening illness and has a significant impact on global health. Dengue virus has been shown to be particularly sensitive to the effects of type I interferon; however, little is known about the mechanisms by which interferon-stimulated genes function to inhibit viral replication. A better understanding of the interferon-mediated antiviral response to dengue virus may aid in the development of novel therapeutics. Here, we examine the influence of the interferon-stimulated gene
IRAV
(
FLJ11286
) on dengue virus replication. We show that IRAV associates with P bodies in uninfected cells and with the dengue virus replication complex after infection. IRAV also interacts with MOV10, depletion of which is associated with increased viral replication. Our results provide insight into a newly identified antiviral gene, as well as broadening our understanding of the innate immune response to dengue virus infection.
Spin clusters and low-energy excitations in rare earth kagome systems
Authors: Hoch M. J. R. 
Published: January 2017

The rare earth kagome systems R3Ga5SiO[Formula: see text] (R = Nd or Pr), which are weakly frustrated antiferromagnets, do not exhibit long-range order at temperatures down to 40 mK as revealed by neutron scattering. The neutron experiments provide evidence for the emergence at low temperatures of correlated spins in nanoscale cluster regions with magnetic field-dependent correlation lengths. A variety of techniques have been used to determine the magnetic and thermal properties of these systems. In particular, high-field electron spin resonance (ESR), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and muon spin resonance ([Formula: see text]SR) experiments have established that dynamic correlation of spins remains significant at temperatures well above 1 K. ESR provides evidence for spin wave excitations in spin clusters and the spectra have been interpreted using a Heisenberg model approach. While Nd[Formula: see text] (J = 9/2) is a Kramers ion Pr[Formula: see text] (J = 4) is not. This difference leads to contrasts in the magnetic properties of the two systems. This review surveys the information that has been obtained on the properties of these kagome materials over the past decade.
Return on Retention (RoR): A Grounded Theory Study of Knowledge Workers in Indian IT Services Industry
Authors: Premalatha P. 
Published: January 2017

Knowledge workers in the Indian information technology (IT) services industry are the main contributors to the growth of the industry and the economy. However, human resource (HR) processes to manage knowledge workers are still evolving. There are gaps in understanding how HR interventions which lead to the retention of key employees can strengthen organizational outcomes. This study proposes a framework that builds linkages between different elements of retention of knowledge workers and outcomes that exhibit the competitiveness of IT companies. Knowledge of these outcomes can be an important incentive for firms to continue pursuing strategies for retaining talent. The purpose of this study is to explore the outcomes of talent retention strategies adopted in the IT services industry through the grounded theory approach. The study reflects the lived experiences of line managers (16), employees (17), HR managers (10) and top-level executives (2) in the sector. Purposeful sampling was used to identify the research participants. The in-depth interviews conducted with the participants were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using open, axial and selective coding. The study uncovers seven propositions as returns on retention (RoR) strategies: (i) successful talent retention contributes to cost-effective HR practices, (ii) managing individuals’ performance and retaining achievers foster corporate performance management, (iii) retaining young and senior workforce results in retaining knowledge assets and strengthening human capital development, (iv) retaining women talent promotes gender inclusivity across levels, (v) successful retention strategies result in workforce motivation and morale, (vi) talent retention positively impacts job involvement and organizational commitment and (vii) employee recognition and retention practices promote reverse brain drain.
miRNAs in cerebrospinal fluid identify patients with MS and specifically those with lipid-specific oligoclonal IgM bands
Authors: Quintana Ester , Ortega Francisco José , Robles-Cedeño René , Villar María Luisa , Buxó Maria , Mercader Josep Maria , Alvarez-Cermeño José Carlos , Pueyo Neus , Perkal Héctor , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Ramió-Torrentà Lluís 
Published: January 2017

Background: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are non-coding RNAs that regulate cellular processes by controlling protein translation and mRNA degradation. Objective: We aimed to explore the miRNA signature of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients versus controls and the possibility that patients with lipid-specific oligolconal IgM bands (LS_OCMB), a predictor of a more severe disease course, may have a distinct profile. Methods: An extensive profile of 754 miRNAs was evaluated in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 14 women using TaqMan low-density arrays. Differentially expressed miRNAs together with others previously identified in the literature were validated in an extended sample of 86 MS patients (39 LS_OCMB+) and 55 controls. Results: We detected higher levels of miR-150 in MS patients and especially in those with LS_OCMB+. Other miRNAs (miR-328, miR-30a-5p and miR-645) were up-regulated in MS patients compared to controls while miR-21, miR-199a-3p, miR-191, miR-365, miR-106a and miR-146a showed down-regulated expression. Considering only patients with LS_OCMB+, we also detected up-regulation of miR-30a-5p, miR-150 and miR-645 and down-regulation of miR-191 compared to controls. Conclusion: Our study confirms the recent findings regarding the deregulated expression of miR-150 not only with MS but also with the presence of LS_OCMB. This study highlights the potential utility of miRNAs in CSF as biomarkers for MS.
An embedded randomised controlled trial of a Teaser Campaign to optimise recruitment in primary care
Authors: Lee Hopin , Hübscher Markus , Moseley G Lorimer , Kamper Steven J , Traeger Adrian C , Skinner Ian W , Williams Christopher M , McAuley James H 
Published: January 2017

Background: Marketing communication and brand identity is a fundamental principle of advertising and end-user engagement. Health researchers have begun to apply this principle to trial recruitment in primary care. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether a Teaser Campaign using a series of postcards in advance of a conventional mail-out increases the number of primary care clinics that engage with a clinical trial. Methods: Embedded randomised recruitment trial across primary care clinics (general practitioners and physiotherapists) in the Sydney metropolitan area. Clinics in the Teaser Campaign group received a series of branded promotional postcards in advance of a standard letter inviting them to participate in a clinical trial. Clinics in the Standard Mail group did not receive the postcards. Results: From a total of 744 clinics that were sent an invitation letter, 46 clinics in the Teaser Campaign group and 40 clinics in the Standard Mail group responded (11.6% total response rate). There was no between-group difference in the odds of responding to the invitation letter (odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval = 0.75–1.85, p = 0.49). For physiotherapy clinics and general practice clinics, the odds ratios were 1.43 (confidence interval = 0.82–2.48, p = 0.21) and 0.77 (confidence interval = 0.34–1.75, p  = 0.54), respectively. Conclusion: A Teaser Campaign using a series of branded promotional postcards did not improve clinic engagement for a randomised controlled trial in primary care.
Intracranial atherosclerosis: From anatomy to pathophysiology
Authors: Pu Yuehua , Lan Linfang , Leng Xinyi , Wong Lawrence KS , Liu Liping 
Published: January 2017

Background Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis is an important etiology subtype of ischemic stroke. Stenosis severity was thought to be the main reference index for clinical treatment and research. However, stenosis could not reflect the ischemia risk completely, instead the hemodynamic state across the lesion, the extent of collateral circulation, and perfusion impairment downstream the stenosis are more important. Aims We write this review aimed to summarize novel angiographic methods applied in the evaluation of functional severity of ICAS, and commented on their limitations and prospects in future research. Summary of review The main methods to estimate cerebral blood flow including fractional flow assessed by signal intensity ratio, computational fluid dynamics analysis or pressure wire, quantitative magnetic resonance angiography. Fractional flow as a series cerebral hemodynamic parameters may reflect the status of collateral circulation and cerebral blood flow. But the accuracy of the methods was not validated. The method to calculate fractional flow reserve in cardiovascular disease cannot duplicate in cerebrovascular disease. Fractional flow measurement by floating a pressure guidewire across the intracranial stenosis was technically feasible and safe. In the future researches, a non-invasive method should be established to identify high-risk intracranial lesions and may help in decision-making. Conclusions The relationship between stenosis and cerebral blood flow was individualized. Cerebral hemodynamic criteria should be used to screen patients to endovascular treatment, which will optimize the diagnosis and treatment strategies for patients with symptomatic intracranial artery stenosis.
Assessment of Biochemical Bone Turnover Markers and Bone Mineral Density in Thin and Normal-Weight Children
Authors: Ambroszkiewicz Jadwiga , Gajewska Joanna , Rowicka Grazyna , Klemarczyk Witold , Chelchowska Magdalena 
Published: January 2017

Objective There is scant research examining the prevalence of thinness in early childhood, despite its potential negative consequences for health and development across the life course. The objective of this study was to assess bone status through measurement of bone mineral density and biochemical bone turnover markers, with special attention paid to carboxylated (c-OC) as well as undercarboxylated (uc-OC) forms of osteocalcin, in the groups of thin and normal-weight children. Design The study included 80 healthy prepubertal children (median age 7.0 years), who were divided (according to Cole’s international cutoffs) into 2 subgroups: thin children ( n = 40, body mass index [BMI] = 13.5 kg/m2) and normal-weight children ( n = 40, BMI = 16.1 kg/m2). Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were assessed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry method. Serum concentrations of C-terminal telopeptide of collagen type I (CTX), total osteocalcin (OC), and c-OC, and uc-OC forms of osteocalcin were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Results In thin children, we observed higher levels of bone resorption marker CTX compared with normal-weight peers. Total osteocalcin concentrations were comparable in both groups of children; however, in thin children we observed higher median values of uc-OC (34.40 vs. 29.30 ng/mL, P < 0.05) and similar c-OC levels (25.65 vs. 28.80 ng/mL). The ratio of c-OC to uc-OC was significantly lower ( P < 0.05) in thin than in normal-weight children. Total BMD and BMC were significantly decreased ( P < 0.0001) in thin children compared with normal-weight peers (0.724 ± 0.092 vs. 0.815 ± 0.060 g/cm2 and 602.7 ± 159.2 vs. 818.2 ± 220.1 g, respectively). Conclusion Increased concentrations of CTX and uc-OC might lead to disturbances in bone turnover and a decrease in bone mineral density in thin children.
Oncogenic ZEB2 activation drives sensitivity toward KDM1A inhibition in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Goossens Steven , Peirs Sofie , Van Loocke Wouter , Wang Jueqiong , Takawy Mina , Matthijssens Filip , Sonderegger Stefan E. , Haigh Katharina , Nguyen Thao , Vandamme Niels , Costa Magdaline , Carmichael Catherine , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip , Deforce Dieter , Kleifeld Oded , Curtis David J. , Berx Geert , Van Vlierberghe Pieter , Haigh Jody J. 
Published: January 2017

Key Points
ZEB2, a novel driver of immature T-ALL, interacts with the lysine-specific demethylase KDM1A. KDM1A function is critical for leukemic survival of T-ALL cells with high ZEB2 levels.
Cardiorenal syndrome
Authors: Omar Sabry , Zedan Ahmed 
Published: January 2017

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in patients with chronic kidney disease. Heart failure may lead to acute kidney injury and vice versa. Chronic kidney disease may affect the clinical outcomes in patients with cardiovascular disorders. Renal impairment with any degree of albuminuria has been increasingly recognized as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and heart failure hospitalizations, while chronic heart failure may cause chronic kidney disease. The bidirectional nature of these disorders contributes to the complexity and the composite definitions of cardiorenal syndromes. However, the most important clinical trials in heart failure tend to exclude patients with significant renal dysfunction. The mechanisms whereby renal insufficiency worsens the outcome in heart failure are not known, and several pathways could contribute to the ‘‘vicious heart/kidney circle.’’ Traditionally, renal impairment has been attributed to the renal hypoperfusion due to reduced cardiac output and decreased systemic pressure. The hypovolemia leads to sympathetic activity, increased renin-angiotensin aldosterone pathway, and arginine-vasopressin release. These mechanisms cause fluid and sodium retention, peripheral vasoconstriction, and volume overload. Therapy to improve renal dysfunction, reduce neurohormonal activation and ameliorate renal blood flow could lead to a reduction in mortality and hospitalization in patients with cardiorenal syndrome.