bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Body Posture on Comfort During Cycling
Authors: Polanco Alejandra P. , Suárez Daniel R. , Muñoz Luis E. 
Published: November 2017

The purpose of this study was to analyze the influence of body posture on comfort during road cycling by implementing procedures that require only basic instrumentation. Static comfort and dynamic comfort were studied through experimental and computational approaches, respectively. For the experimental approach, subjective rating scales and an objective index proposed by the authors were used to assess static comfort. For the computational approach, a lumped-mass model with four degrees of freedom was implemented to compute the vertical acceleration of the bicycle and cyclist. The vertical acceleration was used to evaluate dynamic comfort according to ISO 2631. Body posture was determined from the handlebar-hands contact point and quantified in terms of the location of its center of mass and the location of the hands-handlebar contact point. Five postures were considered in the study.
For static comfort, correlation indexes of 0.941 and −0.913 were found between the cyclist’s center of mass location and the hands and buttocks static comfort, respectively. For dynamic comfort, a correlation index of −0.992 was found between dynamic comfort and the hands-handlebar contact point location. The results suggest correlations between the body posture and static and dynamic comfort.
A Modular Method for Manufacturing Error Analysis of Linkages and Manipulators
Authors: Ting Kwun-Lon , Hsu Kuan-Lun , Wu Long-Iong , Wang Jun 
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a simple and effective methodology to address the issues on the manufacturing error analysis and the tolerance design of linkages and manipulators. It assesses the effect of the dimension tolerances to the performance error and inversely determines the required dimensional tolerances for a prescribed performance tolerance. The methodology is adaptable to assess the effect of an individual tolerance as well as any combination of tolerances.
Instead of using complex closed loop equations to describe the linkage geometry, the methodology is focused on using linkage topology. Complex linkages are broken down to basic RR, PR, and RP units. The error and tolerance computation of complex linkages are reduced to repeatedly or alternatively using forward and inverse analysis of basic RR, PR, and RP units. The methodology is exemplified by simple and complex linkages.
For design and manufacturing engineers, the proposed method is most useful for quick tolerance allocation and performance error assessment.
A Smart Device to Substitute the Neurothesiometer
Authors: Vaughan Neil , Dubey Venketesh N. , Hickish Tamas , Cole Jonathan 
Published: November 2017

This paper presents a patented smart point-of-care testing (POCT) system for the diagnosis and grading of peripheral neuropathy at the patient’s home or care center. The device aims to detect changes or worsening of a patient’s neuropathy.
Our system utilizes the vibration motor within a smartphone, applied through a 3D printed probe attachment to detect sensation loss in vibration sensitivity threshold (VST). A smartphone app displays several neuropathy questionnaires to the user to identify and monitor changes in their condition.
This paper presents results from comparison between the new smart device and the gold standard Neurothesiometer. Results suggest that the new device performs closely to the gold standard in terms of the frequency and amplitude of vibration.
Is there a correlation between kidney shear wave velocity measured with VTQ and histological parameters in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis? A pilot study
Authors: Bob Flaviu , Grosu Iulia , Sporea Ioan , Bota Simona , Popescu Alina , Sirli Roxana , Petrica Ligia , Schiller Adalbert 
Published: November 2017

Aim: To analyze the relationship between shear wave velocity in the kidney measured by point shear wave elastography using Virtual Touch Quantification (VTQ) (Siemens Acuson S2000) and histological parameters obtained from renal biopsies, in patients with chronic glomerulonephritis (CGN).Material and methods: The study group included 20 patients (mean age 47.95±13.59 years) with different types of CGN, that had underwent renal biopsy and 57 normal controls (mean age 38.07±17.32 years). In all patients, five valid stiffness measurements were obtained in each kidney, with the patient in lateral decubitus. Regarding the histological results, we assessed the presence or absence of glomerulosclerosis, interstitial fibrosis, and arteriolo-hyalinosis.Results: In patients with CGN we obtained the following mean values of VTQ values: right kidney: 2.12±0.81 m/s, left kidney 1.65±0.54 m/s, while in the normal controls significantly higher VTQ values were obtained: right kidney 2.69±0.72 m/s (p=0.004), left kidney 2.48±0.73 m/s (p<0.0001). In patients with CGN no statistically significant correlations between VTQ values and eGFR (r=0.37, p=0.12) or proteinuria (r=0.2, p=0.37) were found. We found significantly lower VTQ values in patients with interstitial fibrosis (1.46 vs. 1.99 m/s, p<0.05) and also in patients with arteriolo-hyalinosis (1.55 vs. 2.47 m/s, p<0.05).Conclusion: Our pilot study shows that shear wave velocity values in patients with CGN are significantly lower compared to normal controls, and there is a tendency to decrease with the decrease of eGFR, with the presence of interstitial fibrosis and of arteriolo-hyalinosis.
Prostate ultrasound: back in business!
Authors: Crisan Nicolae , Andras Iulia , Radu Corina , Andras David , Coman Radu-Tudor , Tucan Paul , Pisla Doina , Crisan Dana , Coman Ioan 
Published: November 2017

The use of grey scale prostate ultrasound decreased after the implementation of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for the diagnosis and evaluation of prostate cancer. The new developments, such as multiparametric ultrasound and MRI-ultrasound fusion technology, renewed the interest for this imaging method in the assessment of prostate cancer. The purpose of this paper was to review the current role of prostate ultrasound in the setting of these new applications. A thorough reevaluation of the selection criteria of the patients is required to assess which patients would benefit from multiparametric ultrasound, who wouldbenefit from multiparametric MRI or the combination of both to assist prostate biopsy in order to ensure the balance between overdiagnosis and underdiagnosis of prostate cancer.
Interdependence of Primary Metabolism and Xenobiotic Mitigation Characterizes the Proteome of Bjerkandera adusta during Wood Decomposition
Authors: Moody S. C. , Dudley E. , Hiscox J. , Boddy L. , Eastwood D. C. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe aim of the current work was to identify key features of the fungal proteome involved in the active decay of beechwood blocks by the white rot fungusBjerkandera adustaat 20°C and 24°C. A combination of protein and domain analyses ensured a high level of annotation, which revealed that while the variation in the proteins identified was high between replicates, there was a considerable degree of functional conservation between the two temperatures. Further analysis revealed differences in the pathways and processes employed by the fungus at the different temperatures, particularly in relation to nutrient acquisition and xenobiotic mitigation. Key features showing temperature-dependent variation in mechanisms for both lignocellulose decomposition and sugar utilization were found, alongside differences in the enzymes involved in mitigation against damage caused by toxic phenolic compounds and oxidative stress.IMPORTANCEThis work was conducted using the wood decay fungusB. adusta, grown on solid wood blocks to closely mimic the natural environment, and gives greater insight into the proteome of an important environmental fungus during active decay. We show that a change in incubation temperature from 20°C to 24°C altered the protein profile. Proteomic studies in the field of white-rotting basidiomycetes have thus far been hampered by poor annotation of protein databases, with a large proportion of proteins simply with unknown function. This study was enhanced by extensive protein domain analysis, enabling a higher level of functional assignment and greater understanding of the proteome composition. This work revealed a strong interdependence of the primary process of nutrient acquisition and specialized metabolic processes for the detoxification of plant extractives and the phenolic breakdown products of lignocellulose.
Distribution and Phylogeny of Microsymbionts Associated with Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) Nodulation in Three Agroecological Regions of Mozambique
Authors: Chidebe Ifeoma N. , Jaiswal Sanjay K. , Dakora Felix D. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Cowpea derives most of its N nutrition from biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) via symbiotic bacteroids in root nodules. In Sub-Saharan Africa, the diversity and biogeographic distribution of bacterial microsymbionts nodulating cowpea and other indigenous legumes are not well understood, though needed for increased legume production. The aim of this study was to describe the distribution and phylogenies of rhizobia at different agroecological regions of Mozambique using PCR of the BOX element (BOX-PCR), restriction fragment length polymorphism of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS-RFLP), and sequence analysis of ribosomal, symbiotic, and housekeeping genes. A total of 122 microsymbionts isolated from two cowpea varieties (IT-1263 and IT-18) grouped into 17 clades within the BOX-PCR dendrogram. The PCR-ITS analysis yielded 17 ITS types for the bacterial isolates, while ITS-RFLP analysis placed all test isolates in six distinct clusters (I to VI). BLAST
n
sequence analysis of 16S rRNA and four housekeeping genes (
glnII
,
gyrB
,
recA
, and
rpoB
) showed their alignment with
Rhizobium
and
Bradyrhizobium
species. The results revealed a group of highly diverse and adapted cowpea-nodulating microsymbionts which included
Bradyrhizobium pachyrhizi
,
Bradyrhizobium arachidis
,
Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense
, and a novel
Bradyrhizobium
sp., as well as
Rhizobium tropici
,
Rhizobium pusense
, and
Neorhizobium galegae
in Mozambican soils. Discordances observed in single-gene phylogenies could be attributed to horizontal gene transfer and/or subsequent recombinations of the genes. Natural deletion of 60 bp of the
gyrB
region was observed in isolate TUTVU7; however, this deletion effect on DNA gyrase function still needs to be confirmed. The inconsistency of
nifH
with core gene phylogenies suggested differences in the evolutionary history of both chromosomal and symbiotic genes.

IMPORTANCE
A diverse group of both
Bradyrhizobium
and
Rhizobium
species responsible for cowpea nodulation in Mozambique was found in this study. Future studies could prove useful in evaluating these bacterial isolates for symbiotic efficiency and strain competitiveness in Mozambican soils.
Effects of Reduced and Enhanced Glycogen Pools on Salt-Induced Sucrose Production in a Sucrose-Secreting Strain of Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942
Authors: Qiao Cuncun , Duan Yangkai , Zhang Mingyi , Hagemann Martin , Luo Quan , Lu Xuefeng 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Sucrose and glycogen syntheses in cyanobacteria share the common precursor glucose-1-phosphate. It is generally assumed that lowering glycogen synthesis could drive more carbon toward sucrose synthesis that can be induced by salt stress among cyanobacteria. By using a theophylline-dependent riboswitch system, the expression of
glgC
, a key gene in glycogen synthesis, was downregulated in a quantitative manner in a sucrose-secreting strain of
Synechococcus elongatus
PCC 7942. We observed that the stepwise suppression of glycogen synthesis limited rather than stimulated sucrose production in the salt-stressed cells, suggesting that glycogen could serve as a carbon pool for the synthesis of sucrose. Accordingly, we generated glycogen-overproducing strains, but the increased glycogen pool alone did not stimulate sucrose production, indicating that alternative steps limit the carbon flux toward the synthesis of sucrose. Consistent with previous studies that showed that sucrose-phosphate synthase (SPS) catalyzes the rate-limiting step in sucrose synthesis, the combination of glycogen overproduction and
sps
overexpression resulted in increased sucrose production. Our results indicate that the glycogen and sucrose pools are closely linked in
Synechococcus elongatus
PCC 7942, and we propose that enhancing the glycogen pool could be a promising strategy for the improvement of sucrose production by cyanobacteria in the presence of a strong sucrose synthesis sink.

IMPORTANCE
Many cyanobacteria naturally synthesize and accumulate sucrose when stressed by NaCl, which provides novel possibilities for obtaining sugar feedstock by engineering of cyanobacteria. It has been assumed that glycogen synthesis competes with sucrose synthesis for the carbon flux. However, our results showed that the suppression of glycogen synthesis decreased rather than stimulated sucrose production in a sucrose-secreting strain of
Synechococcus elongatus
PCC 7942. This result suggests that glycogen could serve as a supportive rather than a competitive carbon pool for the synthesis of sucrose, providing new insights about the relation between glycogen synthesis and sucrose synthesis in cyanobacteria. This finding is also useful to guide metabolic engineering work to optimize the production of sucrose and possibly other products by cyanobacteria.
Porcine Small and Large Intestinal Microbiota Rapidly Hydrolyze the Masked Mycotoxin Deoxynivalenol-3-Glucoside and Release Deoxynivalenol in Spiked Batch Cultures
In Vitro
Authors: Gratz Silvia W. , Currie Valerie , Richardson Anthony J. , Duncan Gary , Holtrop Grietje , Farquharson Freda , Louis Petra , Pinton Philippe , Oswald Isabelle P. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
Mycotoxin contamination of cereal grains causes well-recognized toxicities in animals and humans, but the fate of plant-bound masked mycotoxins in the gut is less well understood. Masked mycotoxins have been found to be stable under conditions prevailing in the small intestine but are rapidly hydrolyzed by fecal microbiota. This study aims to assess the hydrolysis of the masked mycotoxin deoxynivalenol-3-glucoside (DON3Glc) by the microbiota of different regions of the porcine intestinal tract. Intestinal digesta samples were collected from the jejunum, ileum, cecum, colon, and feces of 5 pigs and immediately frozen under anaerobic conditions. Sample slurries were prepared in M2 culture medium, spiked with DON3Glc or free deoxynivalenol (DON; 2 nmol/ml), and incubated anaerobically for up to 72 h. Mycotoxin concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, and the microbiota composition was determined using a quantitative PCR methodology. The jejunal microbiota hydrolyzed DON3Glc very slowly, while samples from the ileum, cecum, colon, and feces rapidly and efficiently hydrolyzed DON3Glc. No further metabolism of DON was observed in any sample. The microbial load and microbiota composition in the ileum were significantly different from those in the distal intestinal regions, whereas those in the cecum, colon and feces did not differ.

IMPORTANCE
Results from this study clearly demonstrate that the masked mycotoxin DON3Glc is hydrolyzed efficiently in the distal small intestine and large intestine of pigs. Once DON is released, toxicity and absorption in the distal intestinal tract likely occur
in vivo
. This study further supports the need to include masked metabolites in mycotoxin risk assessments and regulatory actions for feed and food.
Fecal Microbiota Transplant from Highly Feed-Efficient Donors Shows Little Effect on Age-Related Changes in Feed-Efficiency-Associated Fecal Microbiota from Chickens
Authors: Siegerstetter Sina-Catherine , Petri Renée M. , Magowan Elizabeth , Lawlor Peadar G. , Zebeli Qendrim , O'Connell Niamh E. , Metzler-Zebeli Barbara U. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Chickens with good or poor feed efficiency (FE) have been shown to differ in their intestinal microbiota composition. This study investigated differences in the fecal bacterial community of highly and poorly feed-efficient chickens at 16 and 29 days posthatch (dph) and evaluated whether a fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from feed-efficient donors early in life can affect the fecal microbiota in chickens at 16 and 29 dph and chicken FE and nutrient retention at 4 weeks of age. A total of 110 chickens were inoculated with a FMT or a control transplant (CT) on dph 1, 6, and 9 and ranked according to residual feed intake (RFI; the metric for FE) on 30 dph. Fifty-six chickens across both inoculation groups were selected as the extremes in RFI (29 low, 27 high). RFI-related fecal bacterial profiles were discernible at 16 and 29 dph. In particular,
Lactobacillus salivarius
,
Lactobacillus crispatus
, and
Anaerobacterium
operational taxonomic units were associated with low RFI (good FE). Multiple administrations of the FMT only slightly changed the fecal bacterial composition, which was supported by weighted UniFrac analysis, showing similar bacterial communities in the feces of both inoculation groups at 16 and 29 dph. Moreover, the FMT did not change the RFI and nutrient retention of highly and poorly feed-efficient recipients, whereas it tended to increase feed intake and body weight gain in female chickens. This finding suggests that host- and environment-related factors may more strongly affect chicken fecal microbiota and FE than the FMT.

IMPORTANCE
Modulating the chicken's early microbial colonization using a FMT from highly feed-efficient donor chickens may be a promising tool to establish a more desirable bacterial profile in recipient chickens, thereby improving host FE. Although FE-associated fecal bacterial profiles at 16 and 29 dph could be established, the microbiota composition of a FMT, when administered early in life, may not be a strong factor modulating the fecal microbiota at 2 to 4 weeks of life and reducing the variation in chicken's FE. Nevertheless, the present FMT may have potential benefits for growth performance in female chickens.
Draft Genome Sequences of 63 Swine-Associated Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Sequence Type 5 Isolates from the United States
Authors: Hau Samantha J. , Bayles Darrell O. , Alt David P. , Frana Timothy S. , Nicholson Tracy L. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
colonizes humans and other animals such as swine. Livestock-associated methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(LA-MRSA) sequence type 5 (ST5) isolates are a public concern due to their pathogenicity and ability to acquire mobile genetic elements. This report presents draft genome sequences for 63 LA-MRSA ST5 isolates in the United States.
Complete Genome Sequence of Heat-Resistant Newcastle Disease Virus Strain HR09
Authors: Cao Yongzhong , Liu Qian , Zhang Xiaorong , Hu Hai , Wu Yantao 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT
In this study, the complete genome sequence of the heat-resistant Newcastle disease virus (NDV) strain HR09, which was isolated in China in the 1990s, was determined and characterized phylogenetically. This is the first report regarding the complete genomic information of a thermostable NDV strain from China.
Genome Sequences of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv-
ptkA
Deletion Mutant and Its Parental Strain
Authors: Tsui Clement K. M. , Wong Dennis , Narula Gagandeep , Gardy Jennifer L. , Hsiao William W. H. , Av-Gay Yossef 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, the etiological agent of tuberculosis, is one of the most devastating infectious agents in the world. Here, we report the draft genome sequences of the
M. tuberculosis
protein tyrosine kinase (
ptkA
) deletion mutant and its parental strain H37Rv, which are used in genetic studies and for drug discovery.
Genome Sequence of Piezophilic Bacterium Desulfovibrio profundus Strain 500-1, Isolated from a Deep Sediment Layer in the Japan Sea
Authors: Fouteau Stéphanie , Guerin Thomas , Magdelenat Ghislaine , Roumagnac Marie , Bartoli Manon , Ollivier Bernard , Dolla Alain , Barbe Valérie , Pradel Nathalie 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Piezophilic
Desulfovibrio profundus
strain 500-1 was isolated in the Japan Sea from a sediment layer at 500-m depth under a water column of 1,000 m. Here, we report the genome sequence of this strain, which includes a 4,168,905-bp circular chromosome and two plasmids of 42,836 bp and 6,167 bp.
Twelve Complete Reference Genomes of Clinical Isolates in the
Capnocytophaga
Genus
Authors: Villarma Aaron , Gulvik Christopher A. , Rowe Lori A. , Sheth Mili , Juieng Phalasy , Nicholson Ainsley C. , Loparev Vladimir N. , McQuiston John R. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

We report here 1 near-complete genome sequence and 12 complete genome sequences for clinical
Capnocytophaga
isolates. Total read coverages ranged from 211× to 737×, and genome sizes ranged from 2.41 Mb to 3.10 Mb. These genomes will enable a more comprehensive taxonomic evaluation of the
Capnocytophaga
genus.
Whole-Genome Sequence of Escherichia coli Serotype O157:H7 Strain B6914-ARS
Authors: Uhlich Gaylen A. , Reichenberger Erin R. , Cottrell Bryan J. , Fratamico Pina , Andreozzi Elisa 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Escherichia coli
serotype O157:H7 strain B6914-MS1 is an isolate from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that is missing both Shiga toxin genes and has been used extensively in applied research studies. Here we report the genome sequence of strain B6914-ARS, a B6914-MS1 clone that has unique biofilm properties.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Exiguobacterium
sp. Strain N4-1P, a Psychrophilic Bioemulsifier Producer Isolated from a Cold Marine Environment in North Atlantic Canada
Authors: Cai Qinhong , Ye Xudong , Chen Bing , Zhang Baiyu 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT

Here, we present the complete genome sequence of
Exiguobacterium
sp. strain N4-1P, a psychrophilic bacterium that produces bioemulsifier, isolated for the first time from petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated sediment samples from shoreline Newfoundland, Canada. Many strains of the genus
Exiguobacterium
are extremophiles and have properties of biotechnological interest.
Topographic correlation between juxtapapillary choroidal thickness and parapapillary deep-layer microvasculature dropout in primary open-angle glaucoma
Authors: Lee Seung Hyen , Lee Eun Ji , Kim Tae-Woo 
Published: November 2017

PurposeTo investigate the topographic relationship between parapapillary deep-layer microvasculature dropout (MvD) as assessed by optical coherence tomography (OCT) angiography (OCTA) and the juxtapapillary choroidal thickness (JPCT) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG).MethodsA total of 194 eyes (138 POAG and 56 control eyes) having parapapillary atrophy (PPA) were imaged using the swept-source OCT and OCTA to examine the microstructure of PPA and measure the JPCT, and to determine the presence of the MvD. MvD was defined as a focal sectoral capillary dropout without any visible microvascular network identified in the parapapillary deep-layer in the en face OCTA images.ResultsJPCT was smaller in the POAG group than control group at 6-, 6.5-, 7- and 7.5-o’clock meridians (all p≤0.002). When POAG eyes were classified into those with parapapillary γ-zone and those with only β-zone without γ-zone, the mean JPCT was significantly smaller in the latter (p=0.027). The JPCT differed between with and without MvD only in eyes with a γ-zone: the JPCT was smaller in the eyes having MvD at 7- and 7.5-o’clock meridians (both p=0.001), where MvD was detected most frequently. However, such a difference was not observed in the eyes with only β-zone without the γ-zone at any of the meridians.ConclusionsLocalised reductions in JPCT were observed at the location of MvD in POAG eyes with parapapillary γ-zone. Such a correlation was not observed in the POAG eyes with only β-zone, but the mean JPCT was significantly smaller in this group.