bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Accelerated selection of a viral RNA polymerase variant during gene copy number amplification promotes rapid evolution of vaccinia virus
Authors: Cone Kelsey R. , Kronenberg Zev N. , Yandell Mark , Elde Nels C. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractViruses are under relentless selective pressure from host immune defenses. To study how poxviruses adapt to innate immune detection pathways, we performed serial infections of vaccinia virus in primary human cells. Independent courses of experimental evolution with a recombinant strain lacking E3L revealed several high frequency point mutations in conserved poxvirus genes, suggesting important roles for essential poxvirus proteins in innate immune subversion. Two distinct mutations were identified in the viral RNA polymerase gene A24R, which seem to act through different mechanisms to increase virus replication. Specifically, a Leu18Phe substitution in A24R conferred fitness tradeoffs, including increased activation of the antiviral factor Protein kinase R (PKR). Intriguingly, this A24R variant underwent a drastic selective sweep during passaging, despite enhanced PKR activity. We show that the sweep of this variant can be accelerated by the presence of copy number variation (CNV) at the K3L locus, which with multiple copies strongly reduces PKR activation. Therefore, adaptive cases of CNV can also facilitate the accumulation of point mutations separate from the expanded locus. This study reveals how rapid bouts of gene copy number amplification during accrual of distant point mutations can potently facilitate poxvirus adaptation to host defenses.ImportanceViruses can quickly evolve to defeat host immune functions. For poxviruses, little is known about how multiple adaptive mutations might concurrently emerge in populations. In this study, we uncovered a means of vaccinia virus adaptation involving the accumulation of distinct genetic variants within a single population. We identified adaptive point mutations in the viral RNA polymerase gene A24R, and show that these mutations can affect the activation of host nucleic acid sensing pathways through different mechanisms. We also found that structural variants within viral genomes in the form of gene copy number variation (CNV) provide dual benefits to evolving populations, including evidence that CNV facilitates the accumulation of a point mutation distant from the expanded locus. Our data suggest that transient CNV can accommodate the accumulation of mutations conferring modest benefits, or even fitness tradeoffs, and highlight how structural variation might aid poxvirus adaptation through both direct and indirect action.
Sucrose Phosphate Synthase Expression at the Cell and Tissue Level Is Coordinated with Sucrose Sink-to-Source Transitions in Maize Leaf
Authors: Cheng W. H. , Im K. H. , Chourey P. S. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Immunohistological analyses for sucrose phosphate synthase (SPS) show that the protein is localized in both bundle-sheath cells (BS) and mesophyll cells (M) in maize (Zea mays) leaves. In young leaves, SPS protein was predominantly in the BS, whereas mature leaves showed nearly equal levels of signal in both BS and M. A cell-type-specific response was also seen in light and dark treatments. Dark treatments led to reduced signal in M; however, little or no change was detected in BS. We suggest that SPS in BS is engaged in sucrose biosynthesis by both photoassimilatory and starch turnover reactions in maize leaves. In addition, we suggest that the enzyme in BS may play a major role in the early biosynthesis of sucrose in young leaves. These cell-specific changes in expression in situ were in agreement with the estimates of extractable enzyme activity from isolated BS and M of mature leaves (R. Ohsugi, S.C. Huber [1987] Plant Physiol 84: 1096–1101). In contrast, western blot analyses did not show any significant changes in the levels of SPS protein in either young or mature leaves subsequent to similar dark treatments. It is interesting that the northern blot analyses indicate that the steady-state levels of SPS transcripts were markedly reduced after dark treatments of &gt; 12 h. Overall, our results indicate that Sps gene expression in maize leaf is modulated at multiple levels of controls by both developmental and environmental factors.
Complexity and Genetic Variability of Heat-Shock Protein Expression in Isolated Maize Microspores
Authors: Magnard J. L. , Vergne P. , Dumas C. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
The expression of heat-shock proteins (HSPs) in isolated maize (Zea mays L.) microspores has been investigated using high-resolution two-dimensional electrophoresis coupled to immunodetection and fluorography of in vivo synthesized proteins. To this end, homogeneous and viable populations of microspores have been purified in sufficient amounts for molecular analysis from plants grown in controlled conditions. Appropriate conditions for thermal stress application have been defined. The analysis revealed that isolated microspores from maize display a classical heat-shock response characterized by the repression of the normal protein synthesis and the expression of a set of HSPs. A high complexity of the response was demonstrated, with numerous different HSPs being resolved in each known major HSP molecular weight class. However, the extent of this heat-shock response is limited in that some of these HSPs do not accumulate at high levels following temperature elevation. Comparative analysis of the heat-shock responses of microspores isolated from five genotypes demonstrated high levels of genetic variability. Furthermore, many HSPs were detected in microspores at control temperature, indicating a possible involvement of these proteins in pollen development at stages close to first pollen mitosis.
The Effect of Nitrogen Nutrition on the Cellular Localization of Glutamine Synthetase Isoforms in Barley Roots
Authors: Peat L. J. , Tobin A. K. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
Glutamine synthetase (GS) was detected by immunogold localization in the cytosol and plastids of roots of 7-d-old barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Klaxon) seedlings grown in the presence or absence of NO3- (15 mM) or NH4+ (30 mM). The number of GS polypeptides changed during root development, and this was affected by N nutrition. There was no evidence of a NO3--inducible root plastid GS.In apical 5- to 10-mm regions of the root the concentration of immunogold labeling of cytosolic GS was higher in the cortical parenchyma than in the vascular cells of the stele, irrespective of N nutrition. This labeling was at least 50% higher in both cell types in N-free compared with N-grown (either NO3- or NH4+) seedlings. In contrast, GS specific activity was highest in roots of NO3--grown seedlings. It is suggested that this indicates the presence of inactive GS in roots grown without N. This study has identified both cell- and development-specific responses of GS to N nutrition.
Sharing personal genetic information: the impact of privacy concern and awareness of benefit
Authors: Heath Don , Ardestani Ali , Nemati Hamid 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
Human genomic research (HGR) demands very large pools of data to generate meaningful inference. Yet, the sharing of one’s genetic data for research is a voluntary act. The collection of data sufficient to fuel rapid advancement is contingent on individuals’ willingness to share. Privacy risks associated with sharing this unique and intensely personal data are significant. Genetic data are an unambiguous identifier. Public linkage of donor to their genetic data could reveal predisposition to diseases, behaviors, paternity, heredity, intelligence, etc. The purpose of this paper is to understand individuals’ willingness to volunteer their private information in this high-risk/high-reward context.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors collect survey data from 273 respondents and use structural equation modeling techniques to analyze responses.

Findings
The authors find statistical support for our theorization. They find that while heightened awareness of the benefits and risks of sharing correlates with increased privacy concerns, the net impact is an increase in intention to share.

Social implications
The findings suggest that prescriptive awareness might be an effective tool with which policy-makers can gain the sufficient voluntary participation from individuals necessary to drive large-scale medical research.

Originality/value
This study contributes a theoretically and empirically informed model which demonstrates the impact of awareness and privacy concern on individuals’ willingness to share their genetic data for large-scale HGR. It helps inform a rising class of data sufficiency problems related to large-scale medical research.
Non-linear relationship between gender diversity in the partnership and profit performance in accounting firms
Authors: Hsu Chih-Shun , Kuo Lopin , Chang Bao-guang 
Published: August 2016

PurposeThis study aims to examine how gender diversity within the CPA partnership team impacts the firm’s profit performance.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use the two-stage least squares method in analyzing the gender–diversity–performance relationship using the pooled sample obtained from the National Survey Reports on Taiwan CPA firms between 1992 and 2008.FindingsThe authors observe a non-linear relationship between gender diversity at the partner level and profit performance. The relationship curves vary according to firm size. After identifying the point of inflexion for these curves, the findings indicate that the average gender diversity is below the inflexion point for large CPA firms, but exceeds the inflexion point for medium size firms.Practical implicationsAccording to the critical mass theory, increasing gender diversity within the partnership team can have a positive influence on the value of the firm. Hence, the authors argue that for large CPA firms in Taiwan, the proportion of female partners leaves room for improvement. If the average number of female partners could be increased by 0.95 persons, the critical mass would be attained.Originality/valueThe study provides the empirical evidence that increasing a CPA firm’s proportion of female partners positively impacts the firm’s profit performance. The findings serve a practical value as reference source for any further studies.
Arbovirus and insect‐specific virus discovery in Kenya by novel six genera multiplex high‐resolution melting analysis
Authors: Villinger Jandouwe , Mbaya Martin K. , Ouso Daniel , Kipanga Purity N. , Lutomiah Joel , Masiga Daniel K. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA broad diversity of arthropod‐borne viruses (arboviruses) of global health concern are endemic to East Africa, yet most surveillance efforts are limited to just a few key viral pathogens. Additionally, estimates of arbovirus diversity in the tropics are likely to be underestimated as their discovery has lagged significantly over past decades due to limitations in fast and sensitive arbovirus identification methods. Here, we developed a nearly pan‐arbovirus detection assay that uses high‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis of RT–PCR products from highly multiplexed assays to differentiate broad diversities of arboviruses. We differentiated 15 viral culture controls and seven additional synthetic viral DNA sequence controls, within Flavivirus, Alphavirus, Nairovirus, Phlebovirus, Orthobunyavirus and Thogotovirus genera. Among Bunyamwera, sindbis, dengue and Thogoto virus serial dilutions, detection by multiplex RT–PCR‐HRM was comparable to the gold standard Vero cell plaque assays. We applied our low‐cost method for enhanced broad‐range pathogen surveillance from mosquito samples collected in Kenya and identified diverse insect‐specific viruses, including a new clade in anopheline mosquitoes, and Wesselsbron virus, an arbovirus that can cause viral haemorrhagic fever in humans and has not previously been isolated in Kenya, in Culex spp. and Anopheles coustani mosquitoes. Our findings demonstrate how multiplex RT–PCR‐HRM can identify novel viral diversities and potential disease threats that may not be included in pathogen detection panels of routine surveillance efforts. This approach can be adapted to other pathogens to enhance disease surveillance and pathogen discovery efforts, as well as the study of pathogen diversity and viral evolutionary ecology.
Clinical impact of post‐progression survival on overall survival in elderly patients with extensive disease small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Imai Hisao , Mori Keita , Watase Nodoka , Kazama Toshifumi , Fujimoto Sakae , Kaira Kyoichi , Yamada Masanobu , Minato Koichi 
Published: August 2016

BackgroundThe effects of first‐line chemotherapy on overall survival (OS) might be confounded by subsequent therapies in patients with small‐cell lung cancer (SCLC). Therefore, the objective of our study was to determine the relationships between progression‐free survival (PFS) or post‐progression survival (PPS) and OS after first‐line chemotherapy in elderly patients with extensive disease‐SCLC (ED‐SCLC), using individual level data.MethodsBetween July 1998 and December 2014, we analyzed 57 cases of elderly patients with ED‐SCLC who were treated with carboplatin and etoposide as first‐line chemotherapy. The relationships between PFS and PPS with OS were analyzed at an individual level.ResultsSpearman rank correlation and linear regression analyses showed that PPS was strongly correlated with OS (r = 0.92, P < 0.05, R
2 = 0.83) and PFS was moderately correlated with OS (r = 0.76, P < 0.05, R
2 = 0.25). The best response at second‐line treatment and the number of regimens after progression beyond first‐line chemotherapy were both significantly associated with PPS (P < 0.05).Conclusions
PPS has a stronger impact on OS than PFS in elderly ED‐SCLC patients after first‐line chemotherapy. In addition, the response at second‐line treatment and the number of additional regimens after first‐line treatment are significant independent prognostic factors for PPS. These results suggest that OS in elderly ED‐SCLC patients may be influenced by treatments subsequent to first‐line chemotherapy; however, this remains to be verified with prospective studies.
Revision ofGodartianaForster (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae), with the description of a new species from northeastern Brazil
Authors: Zacca Thamara , Paluch Marlon , Siewert Ricardo , Freitas André , Barbosa Eduardo , Mielke Olaf , Casagrande Mirna 
Published: August 2016

AbstractA revision ofGodartianaForster, 1964 (Satyrinae: Euptychiina) is provided, including the description of a new species,G.amadoiPaluch, Zacca & Freitas sp. nov. from Bahia and Pernambuco, northeastern Brazil. Two genera,CercyeuptychiaL. Miller & Emmel, 1971 syn. nov. andPraefaunulaForster, 1964 syn. nov., are herein synonymised withGodartiana, based on morphological and molecular data from mitochondrial gene Cytochrome C Oxidase I and the nuclear genes GAPDH and RpS5. A new taxonomic arrangement is proposed forGodartiana, increasing to five the number of species known in this genus and also synonymisingEuptychia liturataButler, 1867 syn. nov. andE.vesperButler, 1867 syn. nov. withG.armilla(Butler, 1867) comb. nov. The female genitalia of all species ofGodartianaare described and illustrated, information is given on host plants and biology, and the previously unknown immature stages ofG.muscosaare described and illustrated.
Effects of bilateral vasectomy on the interleukin 1 system in mouse epididymis
Authors: Oh Yeong Seok , Na Eun Ju , Gye Myung Chan 
Published: August 2016

ProblemRegional difference in the inflammatory response in vasectomized (VAX) epididymis remains unraveled.Method of studyEpididymal expression of interleukin 1α (IL1α), IL1β, IL1 receptor antagonist (IL1ra), IL1 receptor 1 (IL1R1), IL6, IL10, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α), and transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) was examined in bilateral VAX mice by real‐time RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry.ResultsIL1α, IL1β, IL1ra, and IL1R1 were expressed in the epididymal epithelia of normal mice. Following VAX, IL1R1 mRNA was not changed, but TNF‐α, IL10, IL1α, IL1β, and IL1ra mRNA were significantly upregulated in whole epididymis, whereas IL6 and TGF‐β1 mRNA were significantly increased in corpus and cauda but not in caput epididymis. Consistently, IL1α, IL1β, and IL1ra immunoreactivities were visibly increased in epididymis following VAX.ConclusionFollowing VAX, IL1α, IL1β, IL1ra, IL10, and TNF‐α may mediate immune reaction in whole epididymis, whereas IL6 and TGF‐β1 may mediate regionally different immune response primarily in the lower part of epididymis.
Influence of feed type and its effect on repressing wool‐biting behavior in housed sheep
Authors: Huang Chen‐Yu , Takeda Ken‐ichi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractSheep sometimes develop an abnormal behavior termed as wool‐biting when kept in an indoor system; however, little is known about this behavior. As the provided feed type may affect the foraging behavior and repress abnormal behavior in animals, we tested the effect of feed type on repressing wool‐biting behavior in this study. We used hay prepared in three forms, that is hay bales, rolls and cubes. The wool‐biting frequency associated with hay bales was significantly higher than that associated with rolls (P < 0.05) and cubes (P < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference between rolls and cubes. For hay rolls, wool‐biting significantly decreased after feeding (P < 0.05), suggesting that rolls may provide sheep with appropriate oral stimulation; thus, decreasing the post‐feeding oral abnormal behavior. An individual difference of wool‐biting behavior between sheep was also detected, and an unexpected bed‐eating behavior was found in the hay cube treatment. We suggest that sheep performing movements that are similar to their natural foraging behavior while grazing would repress wool‐biting behavior, which happened in hay roll and hay cube treatments. Considering sanitation and animal welfare, providing sheep with hay rolls may provide an easier method to control wool‐biting behavior in housed sheep.
Persistence of DNMT3A R882 mutations during remission does not adversely affect outcomes of patients with acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Bhatnagar Bhavana , Eisfeld Ann‐Kathrin , Nicolet Deedra , Mrózek Krzysztof , Blachly James S. , Orwick Shelley , Lucas David M. , Kohlschmidt Jessica , Blum William , Kolitz Jonathan E. , Stone Richard M. , Bloomfield Clara D. , Byrd John C. 
Published: August 2016

SummarySomatic mutation of the DNMT3A gene at the arginine R882 site is common in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The prognostic significance of DNMT3A R882 mutation clearance, using traditional diagnostic next generation sequencing (NGS) methods, during complete remission (CR) in AML patients is controversial. We examined the impact of clearing DNMT3A R882 mutations at diagnosis to the detectable threshold of ˂3% during CR on outcome in 56 adult AML patients. Mutational remission, defined as clearance of pre‐treatment DNMT3A R882 and all other AML‐associated mutations to a variant allele frequency ˂3%, occurred in 14 patients whereas persistent DNMT3A R882 mutations were observed in 42 patients. There were no significant differences in disease‐free or overall survival between patients with and without DNMT3A R882 mutation clearance. Patients with persistent DNMT3A R882 who cleared all other AML mutations and did not acquire new mutations (n = 30), trended towards longer disease‐free survival (1·6 vs. 0·6 years, P = 0·06) than patients with persistence of DNMT3A R882, in addition to other mutations or acquisition of new AML‐associated mutations, such as those in TET2, JAK2, ASXL1 and TP53 (n = 12). These data demonstrate that DNMT3A R882 mutations, as assessed by traditional NGS methods, persist in the majority of AML patients in CR.
Development and face validity of a cerebral visual impairment motor questionnaire for children with cerebral palsy
Authors: Salavati M. , Waninge A. , Rameckers E.A.A. , van der Steen J. , Krijnen W.P. , van der Schans C.P. , Steenbergen B. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractAimThe objectives of this study were (i) to develop two cerebral visual impairment motor questionnaires (CVI‐MQ's) for children with cerebral palsy (CP): one for children with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS) levels I, II and III and one for children with GMFCS levels IV and V; (ii) to describe their face validity and usability; and (iii) to determine their sensitivity and specificity.BackgroundsThe initial versions of the two CVI‐MQ's were developed based on literature. Subsequently, the Delphi method was used in two groups of experts, one familiar with CVI and one not familiar with CVI, in order to gain consensus about face validity and usability. The sensitivity and specificity of the CVI‐MQ's were subsequently assessed in 82 children with CP with (n = 39) and without CVI (n = 43). With the receiver operating curve the cut‐off scores were determined to detect possible presence or absence of CVI in children with CP.ResultsBoth questionnaires showed very good face validity (percentage agreement above 96%) and good usability (percentage agreement 95%) for practical use. The CVI‐MQ version for GMFCS levels I, II and III had a sensitivity of 1.00 and specificity of 0.96, with a cut‐off score of 12 points or higher, and the version for GMFCS levels IV and V had a sensitivity of 0.97 and a specificity of 0.98, with a cut‐off score of eight points or higher.ConclusionThe CVI‐MQ is able to identify at‐risk children with CP for the probability of having CVI.
Impact of body mass index on outcome in stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Gensicke H. , Wicht A. , Bill O. , Zini A. , Costa P. , Kägi G. , Stark R. , Seiffge D. J. , Traenka C. , Peters N. , Bonati L. H. , Giovannini G. , De Marchis G. M. , Poli L. , Polymeris A. , Vanacker P. , Sarikaya H. , Lyrer P. A. , Pezzini A. , Vandelli L. , Michel P. , Engelter S. T. ,   for the Thrombolysis in Stroke Patients (TriSP) collaborators
Published: August 2016

Background and purposeThe impact of body mass index (BMI) on outcome in stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) was investigated.MethodsIn a multicentre IVT‐register‐based observational study, BMI with (i) poor 3‐month outcome (i.e. modified Rankin Scale scores 3–6), (ii) death and (iii) symptomatic intracranial haemorrhage (sICH) based on criteria of the ECASS II trial was compared. BMI was used as a continuous and categorical variable distinguishing normal weight (reference group 18.5–24.9 kg/m2) from underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), overweight (25–29.9 kg/m2) and obese (≥30 kg/m2) patients. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses with adjustments for age and stroke severity were done and odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals [OR (95% CI)] were calculated.ResultsOf 1798 patients, 730 (40.6%) were normal weight, 55 (3.1%) were underweight, 717 (39.9%) overweight and 295 (16.4%) obese. Poor outcome occurred in 38.1% of normal weight patients and did not differ significantly from underweight (45.5%), overweight (36.1%) and obese (32.5%) patients. The same was true for death (9.5% vs. 14.5%, 9.6% and 7.5%) and sICH (3.9% vs. 5.5%, 4.3%, 2.7%). Neither in univariable nor in multivariable analyses did the risks of poor outcome, death or sICH differ significantly between BMI groups. BMI as a continuous variable was not associated with poor outcome, death or sICH in unadjusted [OR (95% CI) 0.99 (0.97–1.01), 0.98 (0.95–1.02), 0.98 (0.94–1.04)] or adjusted analyses [OR (95% CI) 1.01 (0.98–1.03), 0.99 (0.95–1.05), 1.01 (0.97–1.05)], respectively.ConclusionIn this largest study to date, investigating the impact of BMI in IVT‐treated stroke patients, BMI had no prognostic meaning with regard to 3‐month functional outcome, death or occurrence of sICH.