bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The opposite end of the attention deficit hyperactivity disorder continuum: genetic and environmental aetiologies of extremely low ADHD traits
Authors: Greven Corina U. , Merwood Andrew , van der Meer Jolanda M. J. , Haworth Claire M. A. , Rommelse Nanda , Buitelaar Jan K.
Published: October 2015

Background

Although attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is thought to reflect a continuously distributed quantitative trait, it is assessed through binary diagnosis or skewed measures biased towards its high, symptomatic extreme. A growing trend is to study the positive tail of normally distributed traits, a promising avenue, for example, to study high intelligence to increase power for gene‐hunting for intelligence. However, the emergence of such a ‘positive genetics’ model has been tempered for ADHD due to poor phenotypic resolution at the low extreme. Overcoming this methodological limitation, we conduct the first study to assess the aetiologies of low extreme ADHD traits.

Methods

In a population‐representative sample of 2,143 twins, the Strength and Weaknesses of ADHD Symptoms and Normal behaviour (SWAN) questionnaire was used to assess ADHD traits on a continuum from low to high. Aetiological influences on extreme ADHD traits were estimated using DeFries–Fulker extremes analysis. ADHD traits were related to behavioural, cognitive and home environmental outcomes using regression.

Results

Low extreme ADHD traits were significantly influenced by shared environmental factors (23–35%) but were not significantly heritable. In contrast, high‐extreme ADHD traits showed significant heritability (39–51%) but no shared environmental influences. Compared to individuals with high extreme or with average levels of ADHD traits, individuals with low extreme ADHD traits showed fewer internalizing and externalizing behaviour problems, better cognitive performance and more positive behaviours and positive home environmental outcomes.

Conclusions

Shared environmental influences on low extreme ADHD traits may reflect passive gene‐environment correlation, which arises because parents provide environments as well as passing on genes. Studying the low extreme opens new avenues to study mechanisms underlying previously neglected positive behaviours. This is different from the current deficit‐based model of intervention, but congruent with a population‐level approach to improving youth wellbeing.
Springboards and Barriers to Creative Risk–Taking and Resolve in Undergraduate Interior Design Studios
Authors: Ellis Natasha , Meneely Jason
Published: October 2015

This study identified springboards and barriers to creative risk–taking that interior design students perceive in their studio courses. Three research questions were posed: (1) What personality traits associated with creative risk–taking do interior design students display? (2) What springboards and barriers to creative risk–taking do interior design students perceive in their studio courses? (3) How do classroom expectations differ between safekeeping and risk–taking students? Participants included ( n = 66) undergraduate interior design students from a Council for Interior Design Accreditation program located in the southeastern United States. The NEO Personality Inventory Revised was used to profile personality traits while a locally developed survey identified student perceptions of creative risk–taking in studio. Using self–reported and faculty ratings of risk–taking propensity, each student was categorized into either a safekeeping or risk–taking group for data analysis. Private interviews ( n = 18) were conducted with selected students from each group to gain further insight into their perceptions of risk. Findings indicated that the sample displayed higher levels of Extraversion, Openness, and lower levels of Agreeableness than normative populations. Safekeeping students expressed a need for compassionate support, encouragement, and daily feedback from their instructors, whereas risk–takers wanted instructors who challenged and criticized their work while providing feedback on a less regular basis. Safekeepers favored more detailed project structures with clear requirements, whereas risk–takers preferred a loose project structure with broad instructions and limitations. Educational implications and curricular strategies surfacing from the findings are discussed.
Effects of Grinding Time on Rheological, Textural and Physical Properties of Natural Peanut Butter Stored at Different Temperatures
Authors: Norazatul Hanim M.R. , Chin N.L. , Yusof Y.A.
Published: October 2015

The effects of ultrahigh speed grinding process duration of 2–4 min and its storage temperature on rheological, textural and physical properties of natural peanut butter produced from peanuts of Virginia and Spanish varieties were investigated. Both types of peanut butter samples exhibited food suspension with multimodal particle size distribution, fitted adequately to the Casson model and demonstrated nonNewtonian shear‐thinning behavior with apparent yield stress. The storage (G′) and loss (G′′) modulus decreased as a function of grinding time and temperature. Grinding time and storage temperature gave significant effects on all the responses (P < 0.05) while peanut variety only has impact on the particle size distribution. Identical trends were observed for the natural peanut butter from both Virginia and Spanish peanut varieties.

Practical Applications

Processing and storage temperature are among factors influencing texture of food suspension such as butter and spreads. Our research investigated the effect of grinding time and storage temperature on rheological, textural and physical properties of natural peanut butter in the effort of producing optimum quality in terms of finest texture. The relationship between particle size distribution and textural properties is useful in the development of natural peanut butter with this study focusing on grinding effects as its processing and stability in terms of storage temperature.
Discordant patterns of genetic and phenotypic differentiation in five grasshopper species codistributed across a microreserve network
Authors: Ortego Joaquín , García‐Navas Vicente , Noguerales Víctor , Cordero Pedro J.
Published: October 2015

Conservation plans can be greatly improved when information on the evolutionary and demographic consequences of habitat fragmentation is available for several codistributed species. Here, we study spatial patterns of phenotypic and genetic variation among five grasshopper species that are codistributed across a network of microreserves but show remarkable differences in dispersal‐related morphology (body size and wing length), degree of habitat specialization and extent of fragmentation of their respective habitats in the study region. In particular, we tested the hypothesis that species with preferences for highly fragmented microhabitats show stronger genetic and phenotypic structure than codistributed generalist taxa inhabiting a continuous matrix of suitable habitat. We also hypothesized a higher resemblance of spatial patterns of genetic and phenotypic variability among species that have experienced a higher degree of habitat fragmentation due to their more similar responses to the parallel large‐scale destruction of their natural habitats. In partial agreement with our first hypothesis, we found that genetic structure, but not phenotypic differentiation, was higher in species linked to highly fragmented habitats. We did not find support for congruent patterns of phenotypic and genetic variability among any studied species, indicating that they show idiosyncratic evolutionary trajectories and distinctive demographic responses to habitat fragmentation across a common landscape. This suggests that conservation practices in networks of protected areas require detailed ecological and evolutionary information on target species to focus management efforts on those taxa that are more sensitive to the effects of habitat fragmentation.
Detection of active human papilloma virus‐16 in head and neck cancers of Asian North Indian patients
Authors: Sannigrahi MK , Singh V , Sharma R , Panda NK , Radotra BD , Khullar M
Published: October 2015

Background

Head and neck cancers (HNC) are one of the most common cancers in India. Human papillomavirus (HPV) has been identified as an emerging risk factor for HNC.

Methods

The present study was carried out to determine the active form of HPV‐16 using a combination of PCR, viral load determination, HPV‐16 E7 mRNA expression, p16, p53, and pRB immuno‐histochemistry (IHC).

Results

A total of 226 HNC patients were enrolled in the present study. Sixty‐seven (29.7%) of HNC cases were found to be HPV DNA positive. Thirty‐two (14%) cases were HPV‐16 DNA positive and 20 (9%) cases expressed HPV‐16 E7 mRNA. HPV‐16 mRNA/p16 positive cases had significantly increased viral load and integrated HPV‐16 DNA. In summary, of total HNC patients, 6% cases were positive for both HPV‐16 DNA and p16, and 5% were positive for both E7 mRNA and p16 IHC. We observed similar HPV‐16 DNA/E7mRNA prevalence in oropharynx and oral cavity sites, however, oropharynx SCC had significantly higher viral load.

Conclusion

Our results show low prevalence of active HPV‐16 in North Indian HNC patients. HPV‐16 E7 mRNA expression correlated with p16 nuclear positivity and increased viral load. Therefore, E7 mRNA expression may be used as a good surrogate indicator for active form of HPV‐16 infection.
The chloroplast NADPH thioredoxin reductase C, NTRC, controls non‐photochemical quenching of light energy and photosynthetic electron transport in Arabidopsis
Authors: Naranjo Belén , Mignée Clara , Krieger‐Liszkay Anja , Hornero‐Méndez Dámaso , Gallardo‐Guerrero Lourdes , Cejudo Francisco Javier , Lindahl Marika
Published: October 2015

High irradiances may lead to photooxidative stress in plants, and non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) contributes to protection against excess excitation. One of the NPQ mechanisms, qE, involves thermal dissipation of the light energy captured. Importantly, plants need to tune down qE under light‐limiting conditions for efficient utilization of the available quanta. Considering the possible redox control of responses to excess light implying enzymes, such as thioredoxins, we have studied the role of the NADPH thioredoxin reductase C (NTRC). Whereas Arabidopsis thaliana plants lacking NTRC tolerate high light intensities, these plants display drastically elevated qE, have larger trans‐thylakoid ΔpH and have 10‐fold higher zeaxanthin levels under low and medium light intensities, leading to extremely low linear electron transport rates. To test the impact of the high qE on plant growth, we generated an ntrc–psbs double‐knockout mutant, which is devoid of qE. This double mutant grows faster than the ntrc mutant and has a higher chlorophyll content. The photosystem II activity is partially restored in the ntrc–psbs mutant, and linear electron transport rates under low and medium light intensities are twice as high as compared with plants lacking ntrc alone. These data uncover a new role for NTRC in the control of photosynthetic yield.
Photosynthetic response to globally increasing CO2 of co‐occurring temperate seagrass species
Authors: Borum Jens , Pedersen Ole , Kotula Lukasz , Fraser Matthew W. , Statton John , Colmer Timothy D. , Kendrick Gary A.
Published: October 2015

Photosynthesis of most seagrass species seems to be limited by present concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC). Therefore, the ongoing increase in atmospheric CO2 could enhance seagrass photosynthesis and internal O2 supply, and potentially change species competition through differential responses to increasing CO2 availability among species. We used short‐term photosynthetic responses of nine seagrass species from the south‐west of Australia to test species‐specific responses to enhanced CO2 and changes in HCO3−. Net photosynthesis of all species except Zostera polychlamys were limited at pre‐industrial compared to saturating CO2 levels at light saturation, suggesting that enhanced CO2 availability will enhance seagrass performance. Seven out of the nine species were efficient HCO3− users through acidification of diffusive boundary layers, production of extracellular carbonic anhydrase, or uptake and internal conversion of HCO3−. Species responded differently to near saturating CO2 implying that increasing atmospheric CO2 may change competition among seagrass species if co‐occurring in mixed beds. Increasing CO2 availability also enhanced internal aeration in the one species assessed. We expect that future increases in atmospheric CO2 will have the strongest impact on seagrass recruits and sparsely vegetated beds, because densely vegetated seagrass beds are most often limited by light and not by inorganic carbon.
The phosphate transporters LjPT4 and MtPT4 mediate early root responses to phosphate status in non mycorrhizal roots
Authors: Volpe Veronica , Giovannetti Marco , Sun Xue‐Guang , Fiorilli Valentina , Bonfante Paola
Published: October 2015

Arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) symbiosis improves host plant phosphorous (P) status and elicits the expression of AM‐inducible phosphate transporters (PTs) in arbuscule‐containing cells, where they control arbuscule morphogenesis and P release. We confirmed such functions for LjPT4 in mycorrhizal Lotus japonicus. Promoter‐GUS experiments showed LjPT4 transcription not only in arbusculated cells but also in root tips, in the absence of the fungus: here LjPT4 transcription profile depended on the phosphate level. In addition, quantitative RT‐PCR confirmed the expression of Lotus and Medicago truncatula PT4 in the tips of non‐mycorrhizal roots. Starting from these observations, we hypothesized that AM‐inducible PTs may have a regulatory role in plant development, irrespective of the fungal presence. Firstly, we focused on root development responses to different phosphate treatments in both plants demonstrating that phosphate starvation induced a higher number of lateral roots. By contrast, Lotus PT4i plants and Medicago mtpt4 mutants did not show any differential response to phosphate levels, suggesting that PT4 genes affect early root branching. Phosphate starvation‐induced genes and a key auxin receptor, MtTIR1, showed an impaired expression in mtpt4 plants. We suggest PT4 genes as novel components of the P‐sensing machinery at the root tip level, independently of AM fungi.
Error‐related electromyographic activity over the corrugator supercilii is associated with neural performance monitoring
Authors: Elkins‐Brown Nathaniel , Saunders Blair , Inzlicht Michael
Published: October 2015

Emerging research in social and affective neuroscience has implicated a role for affect and motivation in performance monitoring and cognitive control. No study, however, has investigated whether facial electromyography (EMG) over the corrugator supercilii—a measure associated with negative affect and the exertion of effort—is related to neural performance monitoring. Here, we explored these potential relationships by simultaneously measuring the error‐related negativity, error positivity (Pe), and facial EMG over the corrugator supercilii muscle during a punished, inhibitory control task. We found evidence for increased facial EMG activity over the corrugator immediately following error responses, and this activity was related to the Pe for both between‐ and within‐subject analyses. These results are consistent with the idea that early, avoidance‐motivated processes are associated with performance monitoring, and that such processes may also be related to orienting toward errors, the emergence of error awareness, or both.
A Simplified Method for Quantitative Reliability and Integrity Analysis of Steel Catenary Risers
Authors: Mousavi Mir Emad , Reza Zaqie , Upadhye Sanjeev , Vijayaraghavan Vishnu , Haverty Kevin
Published: October 2015

Quantitative reliability and integrity analysis of steel catenary risers (SCRs) can provide important information about their safety and toward their cost-effective and optimal design. SCRs are one of the commonly used riser systems in offshore production stations. The consequence of an SCR failure is significant; however, the overall safety of the riser is typically not quantified. Especially, because of the uncertainties associated with environmental conditions and structural capacities, quantitative reliability methods can take advantage of available data and developments in computing technology to provide a strong basis for their reliable engineering decision making. This paper presents a simplified approach for assessing the strength and fatigue reliability of SCRs, accounting for the uncertainties with their yield strength and fatigue capacities as well as the environmental conditions. Moreover, the integrity-based optimal design of riser strength limit state for a target annual probability of failure is discussed. The fatigue reliability of the SCR system is also assessed in component and system levels. The proposed method is then applied to a typical SCR attached to a semisubmersible vessel under Gulf of Mexico (GOM) conditions. Results of dynamic (time-domain) analyses under various environmental conditions are used to quantify the SCR safety and integrity and to optimize its design for a target annual probability of strength failure. By estimating the riser system probability of strength and fatigue failure in its lifetime, the strength and fatigue integrity indices, and the optimality factors of the riser sections for the strength limit state, suggestions are provided to improve the riser design. For example, it was found that considering the two main limit states of strength and fatigue failure of the SCR system, a strength failure at the taper stress joint (TSJ) is the likely mode of failure in this riser system, which has a probability of 0.0035 in its 25 year lifetime.
Interacting With Grasped Objects in Expanded Haptic Workspaces Using the Bubble Technique
Authors: Pavlik Ryan A. , Vance Judy M.
Published: October 2015

Haptic force-feedback can provide useful cues to users of virtual environments. Body-based haptic devices are portable but the more commonly used ground-based devices have workspaces that are limited by their physical grounding to a single base position and their operation as purely position-control devices. The “bubble technique” has recently been presented as one method of expanding a user's haptic workspace. The bubble technique is a hybrid position-rate control system in which a volume, or “bubble,” is defined entirely within the physical workspace of the haptic device. When the device's end effector is within this bubble, interaction is through position control. When the end effector moves outside this volume, an elastic restoring force is rendered, and a rate is applied that moves the virtual accessible workspace. Publications have described the use of the bubble technique for point-based touching tasks. However, when this technique is applied to simulations where the user is grasping virtual objects with part-to-part collision detection, unforeseen interaction problems surface. Methods of addressing these challenges are introduced, along with discussion of their implementation and an informal investigation.
Comparative Study of Optimization Techniques in Sizing Mesostructures for Use in NonPneumatic Tires
Authors: Shankar Prabhu , Fazelpour Mohammad , Summers Joshua D.
Published: October 2015

This paper presents a comparative study on the size optimization of four mesostructures to meet the design requirements for a nonpneumatic tire's (NPT) shear beam with 10% shear flexure (SF) at 10 MPa effective shear modulus. The need for such comparison is motivated from the previous research wherein a systematic design method is proposed to design a mesostructure with high SF by studying the strain energy distribution pattern in honeycomb, auxetic, and sinusoidal auxetic mesostructure. Based upon the distribution pattern, a new type of mesostructure termed S-type is invented. Although it exhibited higher SF than the other mesostructures for a comparable set of geometry, it is not possible to validate the design method without exploring the complete design space of both existing and newly invented mesostructures. In order to address this limitation, these four mesostructures are optimized using the following optimization algorithms: (i) particle swarm; (ii) genetic algorithm (GA); and (iii) FAST–SIMPLEX (using response surface method). The results show the S-type mesostructure can be configured to meet the design requirements, thereby validating the design method presented in previous research. Additionally, it is also observed that auxetic mesostructure is only 5% less than the required design target, which presents an opportunity in future, to develop an alternate design method to maximize SF other than the one that is being validated in this paper.
Design Sensitivity Method for Sampling-Based RBDO With Varying Standard Deviation
Authors: Cho Hyunkyoo , Choi K. K. , Lee Ikjin , Lamb David
Published: October 2015

Conventional reliability-based design optimization (RBDO) uses the mean of input random variable as its design variable; and the standard deviation (STD) of the random variable is a fixed constant. However, the constant STD may not correctly represent certain RBDO problems well, especially when a specified tolerance of the input random variable is present as a percentage of the mean value. For this kind of design problem, the STD of the input random variable should vary as the corresponding design variable changes. In this paper, a method to calculate the design sensitivity of the probability of failure for RBDO with varying STD is developed. For sampling-based RBDO, which uses Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) for reliability analysis, the design sensitivity of the probability of failure is derived using a first-order score function. The score function contains the effect of the change in the STD in addition to the change in the mean. As copulas are used for the design sensitivity, correlated input random variables also can be used for RBDO with varying STD. Moreover, the design sensitivity can be calculated efficiently during the evaluation of the probability of failure. Using a mathematical example, the accuracy and efficiency of the developed design sensitivity method are verified. The RBDO result for mathematical and physical problems indicates that the developed method provides accurate design sensitivity in the optimization process.
Native proteins trap high-energy transit conformations
Authors: Brereton Andrew E. , Karplus P. Andrew
Published: October 2015

Highly accurate protein structures reveal how large bond angle distortions enable “disallowed” protein folding transitions.
Conserved S-Layer-Associated Proteins Revealed by Exoproteomic Survey of S-Layer-Forming Lactobacilli
Authors: Johnson Brant R. , Hymes Jeffrey , Sanozky-Dawes Rosemary , Henriksen Emily DeCrescenzo , Barrangou Rodolphe , Klaenhammer Todd R.
Published: October 2015

The
Lactobacillus acidophilus
homology group comprises Gram-positive species that include
L. acidophilus
,
L. helveticus
,
L. crispatus
,
L. amylovorus
,
L. gallinarum
,
L. delbrueckii
subsp.
bulgaricus
,
L. gasseri
, and
L. johnsonii
. While these bacteria are closely related, they have varied ecological lifestyles as dairy and food fermenters, allochthonous probiotics, or autochthonous commensals of the host gastrointestinal tract. Bacterial cell surface components play a critical role in the molecular dialogue between bacteria and interaction signaling with the intestinal mucosa. Notably, the
L. acidophilus
complex is distinguished in two clades by the presence or absence of S-layers, which are semiporous crystalline arrays of self-assembling proteinaceous subunits found as the outermost layer of the bacterial cell wall. In this study, S-layer-associated proteins (SLAPs) in the exoproteomes of various S-layer-forming
Lactobacillus
species were proteomically identified, genomically compared, and transcriptionally analyzed. Four gene regions encoding six putative SLAPs were conserved in the S-layer-forming
Lactobacillus
species but not identified in the extracts of the closely related progenitor,
L. delbrueckii
subsp.
bulgaricus
, which does not produce an S-layer. Therefore, the presence or absence of an S-layer has a clear impact on the exoproteomic composition of
Lactobacillus
species. This proteomic complexity and differences in the cell surface properties between S-layer- and non-S-layer-forming lactobacilli reveal the potential for SLAPs to mediate intimate probiotic interactions and signaling with the host intestinal mucosa.
Metabolic Impact of Redox Cofactor Perturbations on the Formation of Aroma Compounds in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Bloem Audrey , Sanchez Isabelle , Dequin Sylvie , Camarasa Carole
Published: October 2015

Redox homeostasis is a fundamental requirement for the maintenance of metabolism, energy generation, and growth in
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
. The redox cofactors NADH and NADPH are among the most highly connected metabolites in metabolic networks. Changes in their concentrations may induce widespread changes in metabolism. Redox imbalances were achieved with a dedicated biological tool overexpressing native NADH-dependent or engineered NADPH-dependent 2,3-butanediol dehydrogenase, in the presence of acetoin. We report that targeted perturbation of the balance of cofactors (NAD
+
/NADH or, to a lesser extent, NADP
+
/NADPH) significantly affected the production of volatile compounds. In most cases, variations in the redox state of yeasts modified the formation of all compounds from the same biochemical pathway (isobutanol, isoamyl alcohol, and their derivatives) or chemical class (ethyl esters), irrespective of the cofactors. These coordinated responses were found to be closely linked to the impact of redox status on the availability of intermediates of central carbon metabolism. This was the case for α-keto acids and acetyl coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA), which are precursors for the synthesis of many volatile compounds. We also demonstrated that changes in the availability of NADH selectively affected the synthesis of some volatile molecules (e.g., methionol, phenylethanol, and propanoic acid), reflecting the specific cofactor requirements of the dehydrogenases involved in their formation. Our findings indicate that both the availability of precursors from central carbon metabolism and the accessibility of reduced cofactors contribute to cell redox status modulation of volatile compound formation.
Effects of Temperature and Moisture on Development of Fusarium graminearum Perithecia in Maize Stalk Residues
Authors: Manstretta Valentina , Rossi Vittorio
Published: October 2015

Fusarium graminearum
is the predominant component of the Fusarium head blight complex of wheat.
F. graminearum
ascospores, which initiate head infection, mature in perithecia on crop residues and become airborne. The effects of temperature (
T
) and moisture on perithecium production and maturation and on ascospore production on maize stalk residues were determined. In the laboratory, perithecia were produced at temperatures between 5 and 30°C (the optimum was 21.7°C) but matured only at 20 and 25°C. Perithecia were produced when relative humidity (RH) was ≥75% but matured only when RH was ≥85%; perithecium production and maturation increased with RH. Equations describing perithecium production and maturation over time as a function of
T
and RH (
R
2
> 0.96) were developed. Maize stalks were also placed outdoors on three substrates: a grass lawn exposed to rain; a constantly wet, spongelike foam exposed to rain; and a grass lawn protected from rain. No perithecia were produced on stalks protected from rain. Perithecium production and maturation were significantly higher on the constantly wet foam than on the intermittently wet lawn (both exposed to rain). Ascospore numbers but not their dispersal patterns were also affected by the substrate.
Inactivation Kinetics and Mechanism of a Human Norovirus Surrogate on Stainless Steel Coupons via Chlorine Dioxide Gas
Authors: Yeap Jia Wei , Kaur Simran , Lou Fangfei , DiCaprio Erin , Morgan Mark , Linton Richard , Li Jianrong
Published: October 2015

Acute gastroenteritis caused by human norovirus is a significant public health issue. Fresh produce and seafood are examples of high-risk foods associated with norovirus outbreaks. Food contact surfaces also have the potential to harbor noroviruses if exposed to fecal contamination, aerosolized vomitus, or infected food handlers. Currently, there is no effective measure to decontaminate norovirus on food contact surfaces. Chlorine dioxide (ClO
2
) gas is a strong oxidizer and is used as a decontaminating agent in food processing plants. The objective of this study was to determine the kinetics and mechanism of ClO
2
gas inactivation of a norovirus surrogate, murine norovirus 1 (MNV-1), on stainless steel (SS) coupons. MNV-1 was inoculated on SS coupons at the concentration of 10
7
PFU/coupon. The samples were treated with ClO
2
gas at 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 4 mg/liter for up to 5 min at 25°C and a relative humidity of 85%, and virus survival was determined by plaque assay. Treatment of the SS coupons with ClO
2
gas at 2 mg/liter for 5 min and 2.5 mg/liter for 2 min resulted in at least a 3-log reduction in MNV-1, while no infectious virus was recovered at a concentration of 4 mg/liter even within 1 min of treatment. Furthermore, it was found that the mechanism of ClO
2
gas inactivation included degradation of viral protein, disruption of viral structure, and degradation of viral genomic RNA. In conclusion, treatment with ClO
2
gas can serve as an effective method to inactivate a human norovirus surrogate on SS contact surfaces.
Flavor Profile of Chinese Liquor Is Altered by Interactions of Intrinsic and Extrinsic Microbes
Authors: Wu Qun , Kong Yu , Xu Yan
Published: October 2015

The flavor profile of Chinese liquor is the result of the metabolic activity of its microbial community. Given the importance of the microbial interaction, a novel way to control the liquor's flavor is by regulating the composition of the community. In this study, we efficiently improved the liquor's flavor by perturbing the intrinsic microbial metabolism with extrinsic microbes. We first constructed a basic microbial group (intrinsic) containingSaccharomyces cerevisiae,Wickerhamomyces anomalus, andIssatchenkia orientalisand added special flavor producers (extrinsic),Saccharomyces uvarumandSaccharomyces servazzii, to this intrinsic group. Upon the addition of the extrinsic microbes, the maximum specific growth rates ofS. cerevisiaeandI. orientalisincreased from 6.19 to 43.28/day and from 1.15 to 14.32/day, respectively, but that ofW. anomaluschanged from 1.00 to 0.96/day. In addition, most volatile compounds known to be produced by the extrinsic strains were not produced. However, more esters, alcohols, and acids were produced byS. cerevisiaeandI. orientalis. Six compounds were significantly different by random forest analysis after perturbation. Among them, increases in ethyl hexanoate, isobutanol, and 3-methylbutyric acid were correlated withS. cerevisiaeandI. orientalis, and a decrease in geranyl acetone was correlated withW. anomalus. Variations in ethyl acetate and 2-phenylethanol might be due to the varied activity ofW. anomalusandS. cerevisiae. This work showed the effect of the interaction between the intrinsic and extrinsic microbes on liquor flavor, which would be beneficial for improving the quality of Chinese liquor.
Sucrose- and Fructose-Specific Effects on the Transcriptome of Streptococcus mutans, as Determined by RNA Sequencing
Authors: Zeng Lin , Burne Robert A.
Published: October 2015

Recent genome-scale studies have begun to establish the scope and magnitude of the impacts of carbohydrate source and availability on the regulation of gene expression in bacteria. The effects of sugars on gene expression are particularly profound in a group of lactic acid bacteria that rely almost entirely on their saccharolytic activities for energy production and growth. For
Streptococcus mutans
, the major etiologic agent of human dental caries, sucrose is the carbohydrate that contributes in the most significant manner to establishment, persistence, and virulence of the organism. However, because this organism produces multiple extracellular sucrolytic enzymes that can release hexoses from sucrose, it has not been possible to study the specific effects of sucrose transport and metabolism on gene expression in the absence of carbohydrates that by themselves can elicit catabolite repression and induce expression of multiple genes. By employing RNA deep-sequencing (RNA-Seq) technology and mutants that lacked particular sucrose-metabolizing enzymes, we compared the transcriptomes of
S. mutans
bacteria growing on glucose, fructose, or sucrose as the sole carbohydrate source. The results provide a variety of new insights into the impact of sucrose transport and metabolism by
S. mutans
, including the likely expulsion of fructose after sucrose internalization and hydrolysis, and identify a set of genes that are differentially regulated by sucrose versus fructose. The findings significantly enhance our understanding of the genetics and physiology of this cariogenic pathogen.
Dynamics of Mycobacteriophage-Mycobacterial Host Interaction: Evidence for Secondary Mechanisms for Host Lethality
Authors: Samaddar Sourabh , Grewal Rajdeep Kaur , Sinha Saptarshi , Ghosh Shrestha , Roy Soumen , Das Gupta Sujoy K.
Published: October 2015

Mycobacteriophages infect mycobacteria, resulting in their death. Therefore, the possibility of using them as therapeutic agents against the deadly mycobacterial disease tuberculosis (TB) is of great interest. To obtain better insight into the dynamics of mycobacterial inactivation by mycobacteriophages, this study was initiated using mycobacteriophage D29 and
Mycobacterium smegmatis
as the phage-host system. Here, we implemented a goal-oriented iterative cycle of experiments on one hand and mathematical modeling combined with Monte Carlo simulations on the other. This integrative approach lends valuable insight into the detailed kinetics of bacterium-phage interactions. We measured time-dependent changes in host viability during the growth of phage D29 in
M. smegmatis
at different multiplicities of infection (MOI). The predictions emerging out of theoretical analyses were further examined using biochemical and cell biological assays. In a phage-host interaction system where multiple rounds of infection are allowed to take place, cell counts drop more rapidly than expected if cell lysis is considered the only mechanism for cell death. The phenomenon could be explained by considering a secondary factor for cell death in addition to lysis. Further investigations reveal that phage infection leads to the increased production of superoxide radicals, which appears to be the secondary factor. Therefore, mycobacteriophage D29 can function as an effective antimycobacterial agent, the killing potential of which may be amplified through secondary mechanisms.
MiL-FISH: Multilabeled Oligonucleotides for Fluorescence
In Situ
Hybridization Improve Visualization of Bacterial Cells
Authors: Schimak Mario P. , Kleiner Manuel , Wetzel Silke , Liebeke Manuel , Dubilier Nicole , Fuchs Bernhard M.
Published: October 2015

Fluorescence
in situ
hybridization (FISH) has become a vital tool for environmental and medical microbiology and is commonly used for the identification, localization, and isolation of defined microbial taxa. However, fluorescence signal strength is often a limiting factor for targeting all members in a microbial community. Here, we present the application of a multilabeled FISH approach (MiL-FISH) that (i) enables the simultaneous targeting of up to seven microbial groups using combinatorial labeling of a single oligonucleotide probe, (ii) is applicable for the isolation of unfixed environmental microorganisms via fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and (iii) improves signal and imaging quality of tissue sections in acrylic resin for precise localization of individual microbial cells. We show the ability of MiL-FISH to distinguish between seven microbial groups using a mock community of marine organisms and its applicability for the localization of bacteria associated with animal tissue and their isolation from host tissues using FACS. To further increase the number of potential target organisms, a streamlined combinatorial labeling and spectral imaging-FISH (CLASI-FISH) concept with MiL-FISH probes is presented here. Through the combination of increased probe signal, the possibility of targeting hard-to-detect taxa and isolating these from an environmental sample, the identification and precise localization of microbiota in host tissues, and the simultaneous multilabeling of up to seven microbial groups, we show here that MiL-FISH is a multifaceted alternative to standard monolabeled FISH that can be used for a wide range of biological and medical applications.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Genotyping and Distribution of Coxiella burnetii Strains from Field Samples in Belgium
Authors: Dal Pozzo Fabiana , Renaville Bénédicte , Martinelle Ludovic , Renaville Robert , Thys Christine , Smeets François , Kirschvink Nathalie , Grégoire Fabien , Delooz Laurent , Czaplicki Guy , Saegerman Claude
Published: October 2015

The genotypic characterization of
Coxiella burnetii
provides useful information about the strains circulating at the farm, region, or country level and may be used to identify the source of infection for animals and humans. The aim of the present study was to investigate the strains of
C. burnetii
circulating in caprine and bovine Belgian farms using a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) technique. Direct genotyping was applied to different samples (bulk tank milk, individual milk, vaginal swab, fetal product, and air sample). Besides the well-known SNP genotypes, unreported ones were found in bovine and caprine samples, increasing the variability of the strains found in the two species in Belgium. Moreover, multiple genotypes were detected contemporarily in caprine farms at different years of sampling and by using different samples. Interestingly, certain SNP genotypes were detected in both bovine and caprine samples, raising the question of interspecies transmission of the pathogen.
Degradation of Benzene by Pseudomonas veronii 1YdBTEX2 and 1YB2 Is Catalyzed by Enzymes Encoded in Distinct Catabolism Gene Clusters
Authors: de Lima-Morales Daiana , Chaves-Moreno Diego , Wos-Oxley Melissa L. , Jáuregui Ruy , Vilchez-Vargas Ramiro , Pieper Dietmar H.
Published: October 2015

Pseudomonas veronii
1YdBTEX2, a benzene and toluene degrader, and
Pseudomonas veronii
1YB2, a benzene degrader, have previously been shown to be key players in a benzene-contaminated site. These strains harbor unique catabolic pathways for the degradation of benzene comprising a gene cluster encoding an isopropylbenzene dioxygenase where genes encoding downstream enzymes were interrupted by stop codons. Extradiol dioxygenases were recruited from gene clusters comprising genes encoding a 2-hydroxymuconic semialdehyde dehydrogenase necessary for benzene degradation but typically absent from isopropylbenzene dioxygenase-encoding gene clusters. The benzene dihydrodiol dehydrogenase-encoding gene was not clustered with any other aromatic degradation genes, and the encoded protein was only distantly related to dehydrogenases of aromatic degradation pathways. The involvement of the different gene clusters in the degradation pathways was suggested by real-time quantitative reverse transcription PCR.
ELITE FEMALE RUGBY PLAYERS' (UNION VERSUS TOUCH): COMPARATIVE STUDY OF CERVICAL SPINE FUNCTION
Authors: Zietsman BB , McCarthy PW
Published: October 2015

Aim

Elite male rugby union players have a decreased active cervical range of motion (ACROM), the severity of which appears to correlate with number of years playing and position.1 Although the female game has yet to attain full professional status, players are still subjected to the same game related activities and might be expected to similarly accumulate degenerative changes in vertebral joints.2 This study was designed to determine if playing a contact sport affects ACROM of elite female players, compared with a control of similar level of play in the non-contact equivalent (touch rugby). The presence and degree of such changes might be affected by issues such as BMI, speed and the physiological differences between males and females.

Methods

Protocol used is similar as that described by Lark and McCarthy, 2007. Briefly, a cervical range of motion device (CROM)3 was used to measure ACROM following a warm up procedure. From their neutral point to full flexion/extension and full left/right rotation was measured in no set order, (to reduce potential order effects). Ethical approval was granted by The Faculty of HSS Ethics Committee, University of Glamorgan, written informed consent was obtained from all subjects.

Results

35 Welsh International Rugby Union players (WRU) volunteered, 29 included. Exclusions: 4 pain on extension, 2 whiplash, split into 15/29 backs (WRU B), 14/29 forwards (WRU F); matched to 22/32 Welsh International Touch Rugby players (WTR), 8 exclusions: 1 whiplash, 7 con-current elite union players.

Table 1Mass (Kg)Height (m)Neck (cm)Age (yrs)Elite Participation (yrs)Left RotationRight RotationTotalFlexionExtensionTotalWTR (n=22)61.7±6.0**1.7±0.131.9±2.2**29.1±5.6**4.4±5.476.4±6.6**73.3±6.8**149.7±11.3**51.0±12.878.8±13.5*129.8±15**WRU F (n=14)78.0±8.31.7±0.135.7±1.424.2±4.23.8±3.963.6±8.264.7±8.2128.3±12.646.7±16.757.3±8.8104.0±16.6WRU B (n=15)65.0±8.4**1.7±0.133.8±1.3**24.1±5.03.8±2.967.9±8.766.7±10.2134.5±12.156.0±17.566.1±17.2*122.1±19.9**

The data was normally distributed (Shapiro-Wilkes), unpaired T-tests were used to compare players using SPSS V19. Data presented as mean ±1 SD: * indicates p<0.05 and ** p<0.01.

Conclusions

The decrease in ACROM for WRU relative to WTR players supports the contention that elite union leads to impaired neck function, regardless of the players' sex. Those in a forward position are particularly affected. This suggests that female elite union players have a similar risk of accelerated degeneration to the vertebral joints as their male counterparts. Further research is needed to determine cause, and whether any protocol can be established to lessen this effect.
PROSPECTIVE USE OF A NEUROMUSCULAR SCREENING TOOL TO DETERMINE RISK OF ATHLETIC INJURY
Authors: Horobin PD , Thawley P
Published: October 2015

Aim

Athletes with poor neuromuscular control of the lower limb and pelvis are more susceptible to non-contact injuries such as primary1 and secondary2 ACL injury. Neuromuscular screening methods can be utilised to identify individuals that may benefit from injury preventative methods. The aim of this pilot study is to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of a visual rating criteria that does not limit focus to knee valgus alone and has not previously been used in a prospective study. The null hypothesis for this study is: poor neuromuscular control does not predispose an athlete to an increased risk of injury.

Methods

21 male footballers and 9 hockey players (4 male, 5 female) with a mean age of 21.5 years (SD 7.74) performed 3 repetitions of the single leg squat test on each limb whilst 2D video analysis software captured the movement in the sagittal plane. A single-leg loading qualitative assessment tool (QASLS) proposed by Herringtonet al3 was used to grade the neuromuscular control and injury statistics were collated throughout the remaining seasons of both sports.

Results

Individuals that sustained injury (n=7), were found to have a poorer QASLS score than those that did not. Statistical significance was observed (p=0.01) between the two groups and inter-reliability of the assessment tool was good with no statistical difference (P=0.72) between two examiners who independently scored the athletes.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that the QASLS is an effective and reliable tool for predicting injuries in athletes and as such can be used as a neuromuscular screening method as part of an injury preventative screening approach. These findings offer great potential for larger repeat studies of longer duration.
Comparative effectiveness of exercise and drug interventions on mortality outcomes: metaepidemiological study
Authors: Naci Huseyin , Ioannidis John P A
Published: October 2015

Objective

To determine the comparative effectiveness of exercise versus drug interventions on mortality outcomes.

Design

Metaepidemiological study.

Eligibility criteria

Meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials with mortality outcomes comparing the effectiveness of exercise and drug interventions with each other or with control (placebo or usual care).

Data sources

Medline and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, May 2013.

Main outcome measure

Mortality.

Data synthesis

We combined study level death outcomes from exercise and drug trials using random effects network meta-analysis.

Results

We included 16 (four exercise and 12 drug) meta-analyses. Incorporating an additional three recent exercise trials, our review collectively included 305 randomised controlled trials with 339 274 participants. Across all four conditions with evidence on the effectiveness of exercise on mortality outcomes (secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, rehabilitation of stroke, treatment of heart failure, prevention of diabetes), 14 716 participants were randomised to physical activity interventions in 57 trials. No statistically detectable differences were evident between exercise and drug interventions in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease and prediabetes. Physical activity interventions were more effective than drug treatment among patients with stroke (odds ratios, exercisevanticoagulants 0.09, 95% credible intervals 0.01 to 0.70 and exercisevantiplatelets 0.10, 0.01 to 0.62). Diuretics were more effective than exercise in heart failure (exercisevdiuretics 4.11,1.17to 24.76). Inconsistency between direct and indirect comparisons was not significant.

Conclusions

Although limited in quantity, existing randomised trial evidence on exercise interventions suggests that exercise and many drug interventions are often potentially similar in terms of their mortality benefits in the secondary prevention of coronary heart disease, rehabilitation after stroke, treatment of heart failure, and prevention of diabetes.