bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characteristics and functional analysis of the β‐1,4‐endoglucanaseBm‐eng‐1gene ofBursaphelenchus mucronatus(Nematoda: Aphelenchoididae)
Authors: Wang J. C. , Zeng Q. W. , Zhou L. F. , Chen F. M. 
Published: December 2017

SummaryThe pine nematodeBursaphelenchus mucronatushas been associated with pine wilt in China. This work was intended to investigate the role of the pathogenicity‐related β‐1,4‐endoglucanase gene ofB. mucronatusin the infection of pines. In this study, the full‐length cDNA of theBm‐eng‐1gene was cloned and characterized from aB. mucronatusisolate. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that theBm‐eng‐1gene ofB. mucronatusmay be acquired from fungi through horizontal gene transfer. The function of the gene was demonstrated using RNA interference. RNA interference indicated thatBm‐eng‐1was involved in the dispersal, reproductive ability and pathogenicity ofB. mucronatus. In situ hybridization showed thatBm‐eng‐1was specifically expressed in the oesophageal gland ofB. mucronatus. Furthermore, to investigate the relation between β‐1,4‐endoglucanase activities and virulence of different isolates, the β‐1,4‐endoglucanase activities and the expression levels ofBm‐eng‐1were detected in sixB. mucronatusisolates with different virulence. β‐1,4‐Endoglucanase activity was generally higher in pathogenic isolates than in non‐pathogenic isolates, and theBm‐eng‐1expression levels in different isolates were positively correlated with the β‐1,4‐endoglucanase activity. These findings suggested that β‐1,4‐endoglucanase plays important roles in the pathogenic process ofB. mucronatus, and the differential expression of the gene may underlie the different activity levels of β‐1,4‐endoglucanase, subsequently influencing variations in virulence ofB. mucronatusisolates.
The Public Works Loan Board and the growth of the state in nineteenth‐century England
Authors: Webster Ian 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe nineteenth‐century archive of the Public Works Loan Board (PWLB) has been overlooked by economic historians. Yet the archive reveals how the PWLB came to play a major part in the financing of new schools, water supplies and sewers in the 1870s. Ten thousand loan applications have been analysed to highlight the changing patterns of the PWLB's lending, while the 60 volumes of minutes indicate why the pattern changed. The analysis shows that in the 1870s there was a large rise in local infrastructure investment caused by the switch from permissive to compulsory public health and education legislation. At the same time, the PWLB became predominantly a low‐cost, rather than a market rate, lender. This change shows how MPs’ views developed as they became more sensitive to the impact of the local costs of parliamentary legislation. Overall, the activities of the PWLB illustrate the legislative and institutional changes that contributed significantly to the growth in the role and spending of the state.
Differences in regional grey matter volumes in currently ill patients with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Phillipou Andrea , Rossell Susan Lee , Gurvich Caroline , Castle David Jonathan , Abel Larry Allen , Nibbs Richard Grant , Hughes Matthew Edward 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNeurobiological findings in anorexia nervosa (AN) are inconsistent, including differences in regional grey matter volumes. Methodological limitations often contribute to the inconsistencies reported. The aim of this study was to improve on these methodologies by utilising voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) analysis with the use of diffeomorphic anatomic registration through an exponentiated lie algebra algorithm (DARTEL), in a relatively large group of individuals with AN. Twenty‐six individuals with AN and 27 healthy controls underwent a T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan. AN participants were found to have reduced grey matter volumes in a number of areas including regions of the basal ganglia (including the ventral striatum), and parietal and temporal cortices. Body mass index (BMI) and global scores on the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) were also found to correlate with grey matter volumes in a region of the brainstem (including the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area) in AN, and predicted 56% of the variance in grey matter volumes in this area. The brain regions associated with grey matter reductions in AN are consistent with regions responsible for cognitive deficits associated with the illness including anhedonia, deficits in affect perception and saccadic eye movement abnormalities. Overall, the findings suggest reduced grey matter volumes in AN that are associated with eating disorder symptomatology.
Release from informational masking by auditory stream segregation: perception and its neural correlate
Authors: Dolležal Lena‐Vanessa , Tolnai Sandra , Beutelmann Rainer , Klump Georg M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn the analysis of acoustic scenes, we easily miss sounds or are insensitive to sound features that are salient if presented in isolation. This insensitivity that is not due to interference in the inner ear is termed informational masking (IM). So far, the cellular mechanisms underlying IM remained elusive. Here, we apply a sequential IM paradigm to humans and gerbils using a sound level increment detection task determining the sensitivity to target tones in a background of standard (same frequency) and distracting tones (varying in level and frequency). The amount of IM that was indicated by the level increment thresholds depended on the frequency separation between the distracting and the standard and target tones. In humans and gerbils, we observed similar perceptual thresholds. A release from IM of more than 20 dB was observed in both species if the distracting tones were well segregated in frequency from the other tones. Neuronal rate responses elicited by similar sequences in gerbil inferior colliculus and auditory cortex were recorded. At both levels of the auditory pathway, the neuronal thresholds obtained with a signal‐detection‐theoretic approach deducing the sensitivity from the analysis of the neurons’ receiver operating characteristics matched the psychophysical thresholds revealing that IM already emerges at midbrain level. By applying objective response measures in physiology and psychophysics, we demonstrated that the population of neurons has a sufficient sensitivity for explaining the perceptual level increment thresholds indicating IM. There was a good correspondence between the neuronal and perceptual release from IM being related to auditory stream segregation.
The locus coeruleus–norepinephrine system as pacemaker of attention – a developmental mechanism of derailed attentional function in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Bast Nico , Poustka Luise , Freitag Christine M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractChildren with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit diminished visual engagement to environmental stimuli. Aberrant attentional function provides an explanation by reduced phasic alerting and orienting to exogenous stimuli. We review aberrant attentional function (alerting, orienting and attentional control) in children with ASD as studied by neurocognitive and neurophysiological tasks as well as magnetic resonance imaging studies. The locus coeruleus–norepinephrine (LC–NE) system is outlined as a pacemaker of attentional function. The LC–NE system regulates adaptive gain in synaptic signal transmission, which moderates phasic alerting (‘promoting’) and the activation of the ventral frontoparietal attention network within orienting (‘permitting’). In children with ASD, atypical LC–NE activity is proposed as underlying mechanism of aberrant attentional function. It may manifest as (i) increased tonic activity with reduced phasic reactivity to exogenous stimuli, (ii) attenuated bottom‐up signalling mitigating salience and predictive reward attribution during phasic alerting, and (iii) reduced activation of the ventral frontoparietal attention system attenuating orienting to exogenous stimuli. Increased tonic pupil dilation and aberrant pupil reactivity are discussed as indicators of atypical LC–NE activity. Pupillometry is outlined as feasible method to assess alerting, orienting and attentional control that can be dissected from the pupil dilation time course. In children with ASD, aberrant attentional function through atypical LC–NE activity is proposed as developmental mechanism leading to reduced social attention as well as social interaction and communication impairments.
Cross‐modal refinement of visual performance after brief somatosensory deprivation in adult mice
Authors: Teichert Manuel , Isstas Marcel , Wenig Steven , Setz Christoph , Lehmann Konrad , Bolz Jürgen 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIt is well established that the congenital lack of one sensory modality enhances functionality in the spared senses. However, whether a late onset deprivation of one sense leads to such alterations is largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether a somatosensory deprivation induced by bilateral whisker removal affects visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in fully adult mice. Using the visual cortex‐dependent visual water task, we found that a brief somatosensory deprivation markedly improved behavioral visual acuity and contrast sensitivity by about 40%. Determining these attributes of vision using periodic optical imaging of intrinsic signals in the same mice revealed that visual cortex responses elicited by weak visual stimuli were massively increased after somatosensory deprivation. Strikingly, comparison of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity values determined by the visual water task and intrinsic signal imaging revealed that these measurements were almost identical, even at the level of individual animals. In summary, our results suggest that a brief manipulation of somatosensory experience profoundly boosts visual cortex‐dependent vision in adults.
The roles of TRPV1, TRPA1 and TRPM8 channels in chemical and thermal sensitivity of the mouse oral mucosa
Authors: Kichko Tatjana I. , Neuhuber Winfried , Kobal Gerd , Reeh Peter W. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSpices in food and beverages and compounds in tobacco smoke interact with sensory irritant receptors of the transient receptor potential (TRP) cation channel family. TRPV1 (vanilloid type 1), TRPA1 (ankyrin 1) and TRPM8 (melastatin 8) not only elicit action potential signaling through trigeminal nerves, eventually evoking pungent or cooling sensations, but by their calcium conductance they also stimulate the release of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP). This is measured as an index of neuronal activation to elucidate the chemo‐ and thermosensory transduction in the isolated mouse buccal mucosa of wild types and pertinent knockouts. We found that the lipophilic capsaicin, mustard oil and menthol effectively get access to the nerve endings below the multilayered squamous epithelium, while cigarette smoke and its gaseous phase were weakly effective releasing CGRP. The hydrophilic nicotine was ineffective unless applied unprotonated in alkaline (pH9) solution, activating TRPA1 and TRPV1. Also, mustard oil activated both these irritant receptors in millimolar but only TRPA1 in micromolar concentrations; in combination (1 mm) with heat (45 °C), it showed supraadditive, that is heat sensitizing, effects in TRPV1 and TRPA1 knockouts, suggesting action on an unknown heat‐activated channel and mustard oil receptor. Menthol caused little CGRP release by itself, but in subliminal concentration (2 mm), it enabled a robust cold response that was absent in TRPM8−/− but retained in TRPA1−/− and strongly reduced by TRPM8 inhibitors. In conclusion, all three relevant irritant receptors are functionally expressed in the oral mucosa and play their specific roles in inducing neurogenic inflammation and sensitization to heat and cold.
Fishway with two entrance branches: Understanding its performance for potamodromous Mediterranean barbels
Authors: Bravo‐Córdoba F. J. , Sanz‐Ronda F. J. , Ruiz‐Legazpi J. , Fernandes Celestino L. , Makrakis S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMany fish passes have been built across the world in recent years. This study analyses the performance of a modified type of pool and weir fishway with two access branches, using passive integrated transponder telemetry. A circum‐Mediterranean barbel, Luciobarbus bocagei (Steindachner, 1864), was chosen as the target species. Both hydraulic values (flow and volumetric energy dissipation) and biological parameters (attraction, entrance and passage success) were measured in the fishway, these being related to the environmental variables affecting upstream fish movement. Flow discharge, water temperature and atmospheric pressure were important for fish entering the fishway. There was no preference between path routes, even though the main discharge was concentrated in the turbine channel. This type of fishway design could be an alternative for the conservation of fish populations where multiple fish approach options are possible.
Larger temperature response of autumn leaf senescence than spring leaf‐out phenology
Authors: Fu Yongshuo H. , Piao Shilong , Delpierre Nicolas , Hao Fanghua , Hänninen Heikki , Liu Yongjie , Sun Wenchao , Janssens Ivan A. , Campioli Matteo 
Published: December 2017

AbstractClimate warming is substantially shifting the leaf phenological events of plants, and thereby impacting on their individual fitness and also on the structure and functioning of ecosystems. Previous studies have largely focused on the climate impact on spring phenology, and to date the processes underlying leaf senescence and their associated environmental drivers remain poorly understood. In this study, experiments with temperature gradients imposed during the summer and autumn were conducted on saplings of European beech to explore the temperature responses of leaf senescence. An additional warming experiment during winter enabled us to assess the differences in temperature responses of spring leaf‐out and autumn leaf senescence. We found that warming significantly delayed the dates of leaf senescence both during summer and autumn warming, with similar temperature sensitivities (6–8 days delay per °C warming), suggesting that, in the absence of water and nutrient limitation, temperature may be a dominant factor controlling the leaf senescence in European beech. Interestingly, we found a significantly larger temperature response of autumn leaf senescence than of spring leaf‐out. This suggests a possible larger contribution of delays in autumn senescence, than of the advancement in spring leaf‐out, to extending the growing season under future warmer conditions.
Podocyte and endothelial cell injury lead to nephrotic syndrome in proliferative lupus nephritis
Authors: Nawata Aya , Hisano Satoshi , Shimajiri Shohei , Wang Ke‐Yong , Tanaka Yoshiya , Nakayama Toshiyuki 
Published: December 2017

AimsNephrotic syndrome (NS) is a major manifestation of lupus nephritis (LN). The dysregulation of podocytes, the glomerular basement membrane (GBM) and endothelial cells (ECs) results in proteinuria in glomerular diseases. The aim of our study was to clarify whether the dysregulation of these barriers is associated withNSin proliferativeLNand membranousLN.Methods and resultsFifty‐six patients withNS, including minimal changeNSin 15, primary membranous nephropathy (PMN) in 13, classIII/IV LNin 15, and class VLNin 13, were enrolled in this study. Subjects with idiopathic haematuria were assigned as controls. Glomerular expression of Wilms tumour protein 1 (WT1), nephrin, synaptopodin and podocalyxin was evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real‐time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.ECinjury was evaluated byCD31 immunostaining and electron microscopy (EM). Reduced expression ofWT1, nephrin and synaptopodin was found inPMN, classIII/IV LNand class VLNas compared with controls byIHCandmRNAanalysis. Reduced expression of these molecules was not different between classIII/IV LNand class VLN. Reduced numbers ofCD31‐positiveECs were found in classIII/IV LNas compared with class VLN.ECinjury showing subendothelial widening onEMwas apparent in classIII/IV LNas compared with class VLN. Foot process effacement was found only along theGBMshowingECinjury in classIII/IV LN.ConclusionsOur study suggests that coexistence of podocyte andECinjury may lead toNSin proliferativeLN. Podocyte damage alone leads toNSin membranousLN.
Role of conventional immunomarkers, HNF4‐α and SATB2, in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary and colorectal adenocarcinomas
Authors: Kriegsmann Mark , Harms Alexander , Longuespée Rémi , Muley Thomas , Winter Hauke , Kriegsmann Katharina , Kazdal Daniel , Goeppert Benjamin , Pathil Anita , Warth Arne 
Published: December 2017

AimsPulmonary (ADC) and colorectal (CRC) adenocarcinomas are frequent entities in pathological routine diagnostics. Whereas the differential diagnosis is usually straightforward based on histomorphology, it can be challenging in small biopsies. In general, CDX‐2, CK20, Napsin‐A and TTF‐1 are recommended immunohistological markers in this scenario. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4‐α) and special AT‐rich sequence‐binding protein 2 (SATB2) were described recently as promising additional markers, but comprehensive large‐scale data are lacking so far. Therefore, we analysed the expression of these six markers in 1021 non‐small‐cell lung cancers (NSCLC), including 472 ADC as well as in 80 pulmonary metastases of CRC.Methods and resultsTissue microarrays of NSCLC and pulmonary metastases of CRC were stained for CDX‐2, CK20, HNF4‐α, Napsin‐A, SATB2 and TTF‐1 and staining results were correlated with clinicopathological variables. ADC exhibited expression of CDX‐2, CK20, HNF4‐α, Napsin‐A, SATB2 and TTF‐1 in nine (2%), 21 (4%), 17 (4%), 345 (73%), 35 (7%) and 408 (86%) samples, while 80 CRC were positive in 79 (99%), 74 (93%), 77 (96%), no (0%), 78 (98%) and five (6%) cases, respectively.ConclusionsIn addition to conventional immunomarkers, HNF4‐α and particularly SATB2 may be helpful in the differential diagnosis of pulmonary ADC and metastases of CRC.
Dermatologic manifestations among human immunodeficiency virus patients in Morocco and association with immune status
Authors: Titou Hicham , Ebongo Christelle , Hjira Naoufal 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe objective was to determine if the type and number of skin diseases can be clinical indicators of underlying immune status in HIV1 disease by estimating and correlating with the CD4 count and CDC stage.Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective cross‐sectional descriptive study. All consecutive patients infected with HIV1 followed at the Dermatology Department of Rabat Military Hospital between January 2008 and January 2017 were studied for dermatological manifestations, CD4 count and CDC clinical stage.ResultsA total of 170 patients with 304 dermatological manifestations were included. The most common dermatoses were fold dermatophytic infections (67%), genital warts (43%), herpes zoster (21%), xerosis (21%), and oral candidiasis (12%). The number of dermatologic manifestations was significantly greater in patients with CD4 count less than 200/mm3 or in stage C of the CDC classification. Five types of skin diseases (dermatophyte infections of the folds, genital warts, shingles, oral candidiasis, and seborrheic dermatitis) were significantly associated (P < 0.05) with CD4 count <200/mm3. Seborrheic dermatitis was the only one skin disease significantly associated with AIDS stage. In multivariate analysis, genital warts (OR = 0.3, 95% CI 0.10–0.92) are independently associated with CD4 count less than 200 CD4/mm3.ConclusionsSkin manifestations not only act as markers but also reflect the underlying immune status. Seborrheic dermatitis and genital warts appear to be a marker of immune status, and seborrheic dermatitis appears to be associated with CDC stage C, especially in their chronic and severe forms.
Prediction models for progression of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: A review
Authors: Fujii Yasuhisa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAn accurate prediction of progression is critically important in the management of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer. At present, three risk models are widely known for prediction of the risk of tumor recurrence and progression of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer: the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer, Club Urológico Español de Tratamiento Oncológico, and new European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer models. Bladder neck involvement has been shown to be one of the significant predictors for progression in non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer, and a new scoring model (Tokyo Medical and Dental University model) consisting of bladder neck involvement, tumor grade, and stage has been developed and externally validated. However, the predictive abilities of these models are still unsatisfactory, and more precise models are necessary for accurate individual prediction of prognosis. Until now, time‐fixed analysis has been used for most studies predicting the prognosis and outcome of non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer patients. In order to predict progression more precisely, time‐dependent models should be developed using multiple‐event analytical techniques, as non‐muscle‐invasive bladder cancer often progresses to muscle‐invasive bladder cancer after multiple recurrences and changes in tumor characteristics over a long natural history. Integration of molecular markers is also a promising approach. A validated model that accurately predicts the risk of progression would help urologists and patients decide whether and when to choose radical cystectomy on an individual basis.
Mindfulness in nursing students: The five facet mindfulness questionnaire in samples of nursing students in China, the Philippines, and South Africa
Authors: Arthur David , Dizon Doroteo , Jooste Karien , Li Zheng , Salvador Mathew , Yao Xiuyu 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMindfulness as a clinical strategy for helping manage physical and psychological symptoms is gathering an impressive evidence base. It is also being embraced widely for personal and professional development. As a therapeutic intervention for nurses working across a spectrum of settings, it helps expand practice, and integrating mindfulness in nursing undergraduate and graduate curricula is imminent. In the present study, we outline the development and measurement of mindfulness as a personality trait and therapeutic intervention, and advocate the use of a questionnaire alternative to expensive and impractical laboratory measures. The aims of the present study were to examine and compare the use and reliability of the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) in samples of nursing students from South Africa, China, and the Philippines, and compare the findings in the nursing student samples to other student and non‐student samples. Three samples of students of nursing from China (n = 193), the Philippines (n = 243), and South Africa (n = 131) completed the 31‐item FFMQ. The internal consistency was acceptable, and the correlations were significant among all facets and the total score. Although the total mean scores between the three samples were not significantly different, there were significant and interesting differences in the facet scores, and these are discussed in the light of likely cultural influences, and comparative data from other samples of students and clinical populations. The instrument shows promise for future use in educational research as a tool for curriculum change, for personal and professional development of nurses, and as a clinical tool for determining mindfulness changes over time.