bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The NB‐LRR gene Pm60 confers powdery mildew resistance in wheat
Authors: Zou Shenghao , Wang Huan , Li Yiwen , Kong Zhaosheng , Tang Dingzhong 
Published: December 2017

Summary

Powdery mildew is one of the most devastating diseases of wheat. To date, few powdery mildew resistance genes have been cloned from wheat due to the size and complexity of the wheat genome.

Triticum urartu is the progenitor of the A genome of wheat and is an important source for powdery mildew resistance genes. Using molecular markers designed from scaffolds of the sequenced T. urartu accession and standard map‐based cloning, a powdery mildew resistance locus was mapped to a 356‐kb region, which contains two nucleotide‐binding and leucine‐rich repeat domain (NB‐LRR) protein‐encoding genes.

Virus‐induced gene silencing, single‐cell transient expression, and stable transformation assays demonstrated that one of these two genes, designated Pm60, confers resistance to powdery mildew. Overexpression of full‐length Pm60 and two allelic variants in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves induced hypersensitive cell death response, but expression of the coiled‐coil domain alone was insufficient to induce hypersensitive response.

Yeast two‐hybrid, bimolecular fluorescence complementation and luciferase complementation imaging assays showed that Pm60 protein interacts with its neighboring NB‐containing protein, suggesting that they might be functionally related. The identification and cloning of this novel wheat powdery mildew resistance gene will facilitate breeding for disease resistance in wheat.
Computer monitor pixellation and Sloan letter visual acuity measurement
Authors: Carkeet Andrew , Lister Lucas J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPurposeTo assess the effects of changing computer monitor pixel density on visual acuity measurements made using Sloan optotypes.MethodsAcuity was measured on 10 participants aged 19 to 38 years (mean 27.9 ± 7.0) measured binocularly wearing their best spectacle correction. Stimuli were eight lines of five Sloan letter optotypes in logarithmic progression, ranging in size from −0.4 to 0.3 logMAR. Test distance was varied so that pixels on the monitor ranged in size from 0.125 mins of arc to 1.97 mins of arc. Two sampling approaches were used: (1) unfiltered sampling, with each pixel rendered either black or white; and (2) filtered sampling with pixel luminance averaged across a pixel aperture, giving grey‐scale smoothing of letter edges.ResultsA broken line fit was made to each data set, with acuity being stable at an asymptotic threshold VAas for small pixels sizes, with thresholds increasing linearly when pixel sizes exceeded a critical pixel size Pcrit. For unfiltered stimuli, Pcrit averaged 1.1 mins of arc and for unfiltered stimuli averaged 0.69 mins of arc. For filtered stimuli, Pcrit was 1.79xVAas, and for unfiltered Pcrit was 1.05xVAas.ConclusionThe results show that grey‐scale filtering makes acuity measurement more resistant to the effects of pixellation. Based on a conservative interpretation of these findings, we make the recommendation that charts be constructed with, for filtered optotypes, a maximum pixel size of 0.6 x of the smallest MAR used and, for unfiltered optotypes, 0.35 x the smallest MAR used.
Prognostic factors in the early phase of acute encephalopathy
Authors: Oba Chizu , Kashiwagi Mitsuru , Tanabe Takuya , Nomura Shohei , Ogino Motoko , Matsuda Takuya , Murata Shinya , Nakamura Michiko , Shirasu Akihiko , Inoue Keisuke , Okasora Keisuke , Tamai Hiroshi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundNeurological sequelae occur in 40% of patients with acute encephalopathy (AE). The early prediction of poor outcomes is critical to the initiation of appropriate treatment. The aim of the present study was therefore to elucidate prognostic factors that can be quickly and feasibly evaluated on hospital admission in patients with AE.MethodsWe analyzed data from 51 AE patients admitted to Hirakata City Hospital between January 2005 and December 2014. Age at onset, sex, underlying disease, status epilepticus (SE), presence of benzodiazepine‐resistant SE (BZD‐resistant SE), and basic blood serum parameters on admission were evaluated in relation to each patient's outcome.ResultsOn univariate analysis age at onset, BZD‐resistant SE, and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, and platelet count varied significantly according to outcome. On multivariate analysis age at onset (≤21 months), presence of BZD‐resistant SE, and AST (≥46 IU/L) were identified as independent variables associated with poor outcome.ConclusionAge at onset, presence of BZD‐resistant SE, and AST are associated with a poor prognosis in AE.
Screening tomato genotypes for resistance and tolerance to Tomato chlorosis virus
Authors: Mansilla‐Córdova P. J. , Bampi D. , Rondinel‐Mendoza N. V. , Melo P. C. T. , Lourenção A. L. , Rezende J. A. M. 
Published: December 2017

Tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) is an emerging crinivirus in Brazil that causes an economically important disease in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and other solanaceous species. ToCV is transmitted predominantly by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1, formerly biotype B), in a semipersistent manner. As all cultivated tomato varieties and hybrids are susceptible to this crinivirus, the main alternatives for the control of the disease are the use of healthy seedlings for transplanting and the chemical control of the insect vector. The objective of this work was to evaluate the responses of tomato genotypes to infection with this crinivirus and their tolerance to the disease in order to support the development of other alternatives for disease control. Resistance to infection was evaluated by ToCV inoculation with viruliferous B. tabaciMEAM1 followed by virus detection by RT‐PCR and RT‐qPCR. To measure tolerance to the disease, plant development and fruit yield of ToCV‐infected and healthy plants were compared. Among 56 genotypes, only the lineage IAC‐CN‐RT (S. lycopersicum ‘Angela Gigante’ × S. peruvianum ‘LA 444‐1’) was highly resistant to infection with ToCV. Tolerance to the disease over two trials with different genotypes showed variable results. The effect of ToCV on plant development varied from 2.9% to 71.9% reduction, while yield loss varied from 0.2% to 51.8%. The highly ToCV‐resistant lineage IAC‐CN‐RT, which is also resistant to a Spanish isolate of ToCV, might be useful for tomato breeding programmes.
UV‐radiation effects on photosynthesis and photoprotection in gametophytic and sporophytic stages of the freshwater red alga Kumanoa ambigua (Rhodophyta, Batrachospermales)
Authors: Bautista‐Saraiva Anna Isabel N. , Bonomi‐Barufi José , Figueroa Félix L. , Necchi Orlando 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYThe aim of this study was to analyze the photosynthetic performance of gametophytic and sporophytic (‘Chantransia’) stages of Kumanoa ambigua in culture under UV radiation. We hypothesized that both life history stages of K. ambigua would exhibit different photosynthetic responses to UVR exposure. Experiments were performed under three conditions: (i) photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) only (400–700 nm), P control; (ii) PAR + UVA (320–700 nm), PA treatment; and (iii) PAR + UVA + UVB (280–700 nm), PAB treatment. The photosynthetic parameters were measured as in vivo chlorophyll a fluorescence. Differences were found between life stages, observing higher values of NPQ and effective quantum yields (ΔF/Fm′) under UVA and PAR in gametophytes compared to sporophytes. One type of mycosporine‐like amino acid (MAA) was detected in the gametophyte in all treatments, but not in the ‘Chantransia’ stage. The increased photosynthetic performance for some parameters and the presence of MAA in gametophyte suggest that it is less sensitive to UV radiation, particularly UVA, in comparison to sporophyte under culture conditions. This approach is relevant for a better understanding of the adaptation and physiological acclimation of freshwater Rhodophyta to varying light climates in terms of global changes.
Crash simulation: an immersive learning model
Authors: Wenham John , Bennett Paul , Gleeson Wendy 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundFar West New South Wales Local Emergency Management Committee runs an annual crash simulation exercise to assess the operational readiness of all local emergency services to coordinate and manage a multi‐casualty exercise.ContextSince 2009, the Broken Hill University Department of Rural Health (BHUDRH) has collaborated with the committee, enabling the inclusion of health students in this exercise. It is an immersive interprofessional learning experience that evaluates teamwork, communication and safe effective clinical trauma management outside the hospital setting.InnovationAfter 7 years of modifying and developing the exercise, we set out to evaluate its impact on the students’ learning, and sought ethics approval from the University of Sydney for this study. At the start of this year's crash simulation, students were given information sheets and consent forms with regards to the research. Once formal debriefing had finished, the researchers conducted a semi‐structured focus‐group interview with the health students to gain insight into their experience and their perceived value of the training. Students also completed short‐answer questionnaires, and the anonymised responses were analysed.Crash simulation … evaluates teamwork, communication and safe effective clinical trauma managementImplicationsParticipants identified that this multidisciplinary learning opportunity in a pre‐hospital mass casualty situation was of value to them. It has taken them outside of their usually protected hospital or primary care setting and tested their critical thinking and communication skills. We recommend this learning concept to other educational institutions. Further research will assess the learning value of the simulated event to the other agencies involved.
Reviewer Acknowledgements
Authors: Young James 
Published: December 2017

International Journal of Social Science Studies (IJSSS) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether IJSSS publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue.Reviewers for Volume 6, Number 1 Agboola O. Paul, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, MalaysiaAmanda ElBassiouny, Spring Hill College, USAAnastasia Panagakos, Cosumnes River College, USAAntónio Calha, Polytechnic Institute of Portalegre, PortugalGhazali Bello Abubakar, Sokoto State University, NigeriaHyejin Lee, Tufts University, MA, USA and Konkuk University, Seoul, South Korea, USAJadranka Svarc, Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, CroatiaJamie Spinney, Saint Mary’s University, CanadaJehu Onyekwere Nnaji, University of Naples II, Italy and Globe Visions Network Italy, ItalyJulia M. Mack, Gannon University, USAMickey Langlais, University of Nebraska – Kearney, USAMohammad Naji Shah Mohammadi, Kuala Lumpur, MalaysiaShun - Jen Hsiao, University of Washington, USATimbre Wulf-Ludden, University of Nebraska at Kearney, USA
Exercise response in Parkinson’s disease: insights from a cross-sectional comparison with sedentary controls and a per-protocol analysis of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Mavrommati Foteini , Collett Johnny , Franssen Marloes , Meaney Andy , Sexton Claire , Dennis-West Andrea , Betts Jill F , Izadi Hooshang , Bogdanovic Marko , Tims Martin , Farmer Andrew , Dawes Helen 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivesTo investigate the acute and adaptation cardiovascular and metabolic training responses in people with Parkinson’s disease (pwP).Design(1) A cross-sectional study of exercise response of pwP compared with sedentary controls and (2) an interventional study of exercise training in pwP.SettingCommunity leisure facilities.ParticipantspwP (n=83) and sedentary controls (n=55).InterventionsStudy 1 included participants from a two-arm-parallel single-blind phase II randomised controlled trial (RCT), that undertook a baseline maximal incremental exercise test and study 2 included those randomised to the exercise group in the RCT, who completed a 6-month weekly exercise programme (n=37). The intervention study 2 was a prescribed exercise program consisting of sessions lasting 60 min, two times a week over a 6-month period. The control group followed the same protocol which derived the same cardiorespiratory parameters, except that they were instructed to aim for a cadence of ~60 revolutions per minute and the unloaded phase lasted 3 min with an initial step of 25 W.Primary and secondary outcome measuresStepwise incremental exercise test to volitional exhaustion was the primary outcome measure.ResultsStudy 1 showed higher maximum values for heart rate (HR), VO2L/min, VCO2L/min and ventilation L/min for the control group; respiratory exchange ratio (RER), perceived exertion and O2pulse (VO2L/min/HR) did not differ between groups. In study 2, for pwP who adhered to training (n=37), RER increased significantly and although there was no significant change in aerobic capacity or HR response, reduced blood pressure was found.ConclusionsAn abnormal cardiovascular response to exercise was observed in pwP compared to controls. After the exercise programme, metabolic deficiencies remained for pwP. These observations add to the pathogenic understanding of PD, acknowledge an underling metabolic contribution and support that certain cardiovascular symptoms may improve as a result of this type of exercise.
Developing and validating a novel multisource comorbidity score from administrative data: a large population-based cohort study from Italy
Authors: Corrao Giovanni , Rea Federico , Di Martino Mirko , De Palma Rossana , Scondotto Salvatore , Fusco Danilo , Lallo Adele , Belotti Laura Maria Beatrice , Ferrante Mauro , Pollina Addario Sebastiano , Merlino Luca , Mancia Giuseppe , Carle Flavia 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a novel comorbidity score (multisource comorbidity score (MCS)) predictive of mortality, hospital admissions and healthcare costs using multiple source information from the administrative Italian National Health System (NHS) databases.MethodsAn index of 34 variables (measured from inpatient diagnoses and outpatient drug prescriptions within 2 years before baseline) independently predicting 1-year mortality in a sample of 500 000 individuals aged 50 years or older randomly selected from the NHS beneficiaries of the Italian region of Lombardy (training set) was developed. The corresponding weights were assigned from the regression coefficients of a Weibull survival model. MCS performance was evaluated by using an internal (ie, another sample of 500 000 NHS beneficiaries from Lombardy) and three external (each consisting of 500 000 NHS beneficiaries from Emilia-Romagna, Lazio and Sicily) validation sets. Discriminant power and net reclassification improvement were used to compare MCS performance with that of other comorbidity scores. MCS ability to predict secondary health outcomes (ie, hospital admissions and costs) was also investigated.ResultsPrimary and secondary outcomes progressively increased with increasing MCS value. MCS improved the net 1-year mortality reclassification from 27% (with respect to the Chronic Disease Score) to 69% (with respect to the Elixhauser Index). MCS discrimination performance was similar in the four regions of Italy we tested, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (95% CI) being 0.78 (0.77 to 0.79) in Lombardy, 0.78 (0.77 to 0.79) in Emilia-Romagna, 0.77 (0.76 to 0.78) in Lazio and 0.78 (0.77 to 0.79) in Sicily.ConclusionMCS seems better than conventional scores for predicting health outcomes, at least in the general population from Italy. This may offer an improved tool for risk adjustment, policy planning and identifying patients in need of a focused treatment approach in the everyday medical practice.
Power supplies and equipment for military field research: lessons from the British Service Dhaulagiri Research Expedition 2016
Authors: Howard Matt , Bakker-Dyos J , Gallagher L , O’Hara J P , Woods D , Mellor A 
Published: December 2017

IntroductionThe British Service Dhaulagiri Research Expedition (BSDMRE) took place from 27 March to 31 May 2016. The expedition involved 129 personnel, with voluntary participation in nine different study protocols. Studies were conducted in three research camps established at 3600, 4600 and 5140 m and involved taking and storing blood samples, cardiac echocardiography and investigations involving a balance plate. Research in this remote environment requires careful planning in order to provide a robust and resilient power plan. In this paper we aim to report the rationale for the choices we made in terms of power supply, the equipment used and potential military applicability.MethodsThis is a descriptive account from the expedition members involved in planning and conducting the medical research.ResultsPower calculations were used to determine estimates of requirement prior to the expedition. The primary sources used to generate power were internal combustion engine (via petrol fuelled electric generators) and solar panels. Having been generated, power was stored using lithium-ion batteries. Special consideration was given to the storage of samples taken in the field, for which electric freezers and dry shippers were used. All equipment used functioned well during the expedition, with the challenges of altitude, temperature and transport all overcome due to extensive prior planning.ConclusionsPower was successfully generated, stored and delivered during the BSDMRE, allowing extensive medical research to be undertaken. The challenges faced and overcome are directly applicable to delivering military medical care in austere environments, and lessons learnt can help with the planning and delivery of future operations, training exercises or expeditions.
UK Role 4 military infectious diseases and tropical medicine cases in 2005–2013
Authors: Burns Daniel S , Riley M R , Mason A , Bailey M S 
Published: December 2017

IntroductionInfectious diseases are a frequent cause of morbidity among British troops. The aim of this paper is to describe the spectrum of infectious diseases seen when UK service personnel are evacuated for definitive care to the Role 4 Medical Treatment Facility based at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital.MethodA retrospective analysis of all military patients presenting with infectious diseases and treated at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital between 14 April 2005 and 31 December 2013 was undertaken.ResultsDuring this period, 502 patients were identified. Infections originated in 49 countries, most commonly Afghanistan (46% cases), the UK (10% cases) and Belize (9% of cases). The most common presentations were dermatological conditions, gastroenterological illnesses and undifferentiated fevers.ConclusionUK service personnel in significant numbers continue to suffer a wide range of infectious diseases, acquired throughout the globe, which often require specialist tertiary infection services to diagnose and manage. Future prospective data collection is recommended to identify trends, which in turn will inform military training needs and future research priorities in the Defence Medical Services (DMS) and allows development of appropriate policies and clinical guidelines for management of DMS personnel with infectious diseases.
The jet energy profile: A BSM analysis tool
Authors: Chivukula R. S. , Simmons E. H. , Vignaroli N. 
Published: December 2017

A new heavy di-jet resonance could be discovered at the 14 TeV LHC. In this talk we present a strategy to reveal the nature of such a particle; in particular to discern whether it is a quark–antiquark [Formula: see text], quark–gluon [Formula: see text], or gluon–gluon [Formula: see text] resonance. The strategy is based on the study of the energy profiles of the two leading jets in the di-jet channel. Including statistical uncertainties in the signal and the QCD backgrounds, we show that one can distinguish between [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], and [Formula: see text] resonances; an evaluation of systematic uncertainties in the measurement of the jet energy profile will require a detailed detector study once sufficient 14 TeV di-jet data is in hand.
The big IDEA and the PD pipeline
Authors: Nelson Mark R. 
Published: December 2017

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Bile acid profiles within the enterohepatic circulation in a diabetic rat model after bariatric surgeries
Authors: Wei Meng , Shao Yi , Liu Qiao-ran , Wu Qun-zheng , Zhang Xiang , Zhong Ming-wei , Liu Shao-zhuang , Zhang Guang-yong , Hu San-yuan 
Published: December 2017

Bile acids (BAs), which are synthesized in the liver and cycled in the enterohepatic circulation, have been recognized as signaling molecules by activating their receptors in the intestine and liver. Serum taurine-conjugated BAs have been shown to be elevated after bariatric surgeries although the postoperative BA profiles within the enterohepatic circulation have not been investigated. Clarification of these profiles could help explain the mechanisms by which bariatric surgery leads to BA profile alterations and subsequent metabolic effects. We performed duodenal-jejunal bypass (DJB), sleeve gastrectomy (SG), and sham procedures in an obese diabetic rat model induced by high-fat diet and streptozotocin. The weight loss and antidiabetic effects were evaluated postsurgery. BA profiles in the systemic serum and within the enterohepatic circulation were analyzed, together with the expression of related BA transporters and enzymes at week 12 after surgery. Compared with sham, SG induced sustained weight loss, and both DJB and SG significantly improved glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity with enhanced glucagon-like peptide 1 secretion. Similar to changes in the serum, BAs, especially taurine-conjugated species, were also elevated in the enterohepatic circulation (bile and portal vein) after DJB and SG. In addition, the expression of key BA transporters and conjugational enzymes was elevated postoperatively, whereas the enzymes responsible for BA synthesis were decreased. In conclusion, DJB and SG elevated BA levels in the systemic serum and enterohepatic circulation, especially taurine-conjugated species, which likely indicates increased ileal reabsorption and hepatic conjugation rather than synthesis. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Bile acids (BAs) have been implicated as potential mediators of the weight-independent effects of bariatric surgery. For the first time, we discovered that duodenal-jejunal bypass and sleeve gastrectomy elevated BAs, particularly the taurine-conjugated species in the enterohepatic circulation, likely through the promotion of ileal reabsorption and hepatic conjugation rather than BA synthesis. These findings will improve our understanding of BA metabolism after bariatric surgery and their subsequent metabolic effects.