bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid Germination of a Barley Mutant Is Correlated with a Rapid Turnover of Abscisic Acid Outside the Embryo
Authors: Visser K. , Vissers APA. , Cagirgan M. I. , Kijne J. W. , Wang M. 
Published: August 2016

Abstract
In our study of the role of abscisic acid (ABA) in controlling the germination of barley grains, we tested a barley mutant line with a gigantum appearance (Hordeum distichum cv Quantum) for an ABA-insensitive phenotype by assaying germination in the presence of 10–4 M ABA. Dissected embryos of the mutant germinated at least 10 h earlier than did those of the wild type. The half-maximal concentrations of ABA inhibitory for germination were determined to be 5 x 10–4 M for the mutant and 10–6 M for the wild type. Expression of an ABA-induced Rab gene was studied to determine ABA responsiveness. The ABA concentration required for a half-maximal induction of Rab gene expression was 4 x 10–6 M in isolated embryos of both the mutant and wild type. This result suggests that ABA signal transduction pathways were not affected in the mutant. When isolated embryos were allowed to imbibe in water, ABA was released from the mutant and wild-type embryos at the same rate. However, the free ABA level in the incubation medium of the mutant showed a much faster decrease than that of the wild type, as demonstrated by two independent ABA assay methods (high-performance liquid chromatography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay). Our results suggest that turnover of ABA outside the embryo is a determining factor in the germination of barley seeds.
Improving relations between users and libraries: a survey of Chinese academic libraries
Authors: Zhai Xiaojuan , Wang Jingjing 
Published: August 2016

Purpose
This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of library services according to user experiences (UXs). The study discusses underlying internal problems existing in libraries that affect user satisfaction. Furthermore, it seeks to identify ways to improve the UX.

Design/methodology/approach
The methodology comprised a questionnaire administered at Nanjing University Library, China. The survey examined users’ satisfaction with the online public access catalogue, locating books on the shelves, and users’ participation in the organization of library resources. This study used the annual reading quantity of users system, a new system of measurement that distinguishes between informal and avid library users.

Findings
The data analysis indicated poor user satisfaction. The problems were mainly associated with the libraries’ resource organization, such as descriptive cataloguing, subject headings and classification, which is controlled by library administration. Moreover, users’ feedback is not integrated within the library system. Because of the process-oriented architecture of the current integrated library system, librarians and users do not communicate effectively. These barriers between users and the library staff members are difficult to overcome.

Originality/value
The study describes that the results relate to user satisfaction with searching and locating books based on the patron’s reading level. Differences were observed between light and avid readers in terms of satisfaction with the ease of searching and finding books. This demonstrates the internal connections of these results with library procedures. Furthermore, this study identifies improvement measures to resolve these problems.
Prevalence of halitosis in elderly living in nursing homes
Authors: Zellmer M , Gahnberg L , Ramberg P 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectivesHalitosis is a concern for many people, but has sparsely been studied in elderly living in nursing homes. The aim of this investigation was to study the prevalence of halitosis in this particular group and factors that could be associated with this condition.Method and materialsOne hundred and twenty‐four residents at three different nursing homes were included in the study. The level of halitosis was assessed using an organoleptic method based on a 6‐graded scale. Oral status, including registrations of plaque, gingivitis and assessment of hyposalivation, was performed by two investigators who both examined all patients. Medical history, that is medication, neurological conditions, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/asthma, dementia and mental illness, was obtained from the patient files. Registrations of the use of oral hygiene aids, ADL (Activity of Daily Life) and the frequency of contact with dental services were included in the clinical examination.ResultsHalitosis occurred in over 50% of residents living in nursing homes and was found to be associated with the presence of hyposalivation, periodontal disease, calculus, fixed prosthodontics and dementia.ConclusionHalitosis was a common finding in the elderly living in Swedish nursing homes.
Encumbered by vulnerability and temporality – the meanings of trigger situations when learning to live with diabetes
Authors: Kneck Åsa , Eriksson Lars E , Lundman Berit , Fagerberg Ingegerd 
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectivesThe aim of the study was to illuminate the meanings of trigger situations experienced in everyday life when learning to live with diabetes.BackgroundAdults become active learners when faced with situations they do not know how to manage, triggering a need to understand something in a different way than before. Knowing more about experiential learning for persons living with diabetes is important for understanding how learning can be supported by health care.DesignA life‐world approach with a phenomenological hermeneutical method, inspired by the philosophy of Paul Ricoeur.MethodsThis method was used for interpreting transcriptions of interviews and consists of three stages: naïve understanding, structural analysis and a comprehensive understanding. Participants (n = 13), with either type I or type II diabetes, were interviewed on three different occasions over a three‐year period after being diagnosed with diabetes.ResultsWhen learning to live with diabetes, the meanings of trigger situations were described as ‘the unpredictable body heightens insecurity with awareness of one's own dependability’, ‘losing control in unsustainable situations’ and ‘encumbered by vulnerability and temporality in earlier familiar situations’.ConclusionThe meanings of trigger situations were to lose the smooth, unreflected way of managing an everyday life situation, interlaced with feelings of lost control of how to live with new insights of being vulnerable. Trigger situations meant an opportunity for learning, as well as being demanding, unplanned and with limited freedom of choice. Trigger situations presented life and body as unpredictable.Relevance to clinical practiceIf healthcare professionals can identify the worries and questions raised in trigger situations, knowledge gaps can be identified and reflected on to stimulate learning.
Wide recognition of Culex pipiens and lack of detection of Culex torrentium through biomolecular differentiation of mosquitoes in the Emilia‐Romagna region, Northern Italy
Authors: CALZOLARI M. , BONILAURI P. , BELLINI R. , BECKER S. , DOTTORI M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe Culex pipiens complex includes species with reported differences in vector competence for arthropod‐borne viruses, many of which are of significant importance to human health such as the West Nile virus and the Sindbis virus. This group of mosquitoes is difficult to distinguish morphologically; particularly as adult females. In Europe, the two species of the complex, Culex pipiens Linnaeus 1758 and Culex torrentium Martini 1925, are often found sympatrically. With the aim to characterize the presence and spread of both species in the Emilia‐Romagna region, Northern Italy, mosquitoes of the complex – collected during the West Nile virus surveillance plans – were tested by multiplex real‐time PCR for the detection of the two species Cx. pipiens and Cx. torrentium. A total of 24 165 mosquitoes, collected between 2012 and 2014 from 105 sites, and sorted in 204 pools, were tested. All tested pools were found to be composed of Cx. pipiens, whereas Cx. torrentium was not detected. These results indicate a likely absence of Cx. torrentium mosquitoes within the surveyed territory, whereas Cx. pipiens is widely distributed in the area mentioned. This is in line with previous reports, which describe a pre‐alpine distribution of Cx. torrentium in Italy.
Effects of neratinib and combination with irradiation and chemotherapy in head and neck cancer cells
Authors: Schneider S , Thurnher D , Kadletz L , Seemann R , Brunner M , Kotowski U , Schmid R , Lill C , Heiduschka G 
Published: August 2016

ObjectivePrognosis of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is still poor. Novel therapeutic approaches are of great interest to improve the effects of radiochemotherapy. We evaluated the effects of tyrosine kinase inhibitor neratinib on HNSCC cell lines CAL27, SCC25 and FaDu as a single agent and in combination with irradiation and chemotherapy.MethodsEffects of neratinib were evaluated in HNSCC cell lines CAL27, SCC25 and FaDu. Effect on cell viability of neratinib and combination with cisplatin and irradiation was measured using CCK‐8 assays and clonogenic assays. Western blot analysis was performed to distinguish the effect on epithelial growth factor receptor and HER2 expression. Apoptosis was evaluated by flow cytometry analysis.ResultsGrowth inhibition was achieved in all cell lines, whereas combination of cisplatin and neratinib showed greater inhibition than each agent alone. Apoptosis was induced in all cell lines. Combination of neratinib with irradiation or cisplatin showed significantly increased apoptosis. In clonogenic assays, significant growth inhibition was observed in all investigated cell lines.ConclusionNeratinib, as a single agent or in combination with chemo‐irradiation, may be a promising treatment option for patients with head and neck cancer.
Physiological and Proteomic Responses of Continuous Cultures of Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 to Changes in Iron Bioavailability and Growth Rate
Authors: Yeung Anna C. Y. , D'Agostino Paul M. , Poljak Anne , McDonald James , Bligh Mark W. , Waite T. David , Neilan Brett A. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

The hepatotoxin microcystin (MCYST) is produced by a variety of freshwater cyanobacterial species, including
Microcystis aeruginosa
. Interestingly, MCYST-producing
M. aeruginosa
strains have been shown to outcompete their nontoxic counterparts under iron-limiting conditions. However, the reasons for this are unclear. Here we examined the proteomic response of
M. aeruginosa
PCC 7806 continuous cultures under different iron and growth regimes. Iron limitation was correlated with a global reduction in levels of proteins associated with energy metabolism and photosynthesis. These proteomic changes were consistent with physiological observations, including reduced chlorophyll
a
content and reduced cell size. While levels of MCYST biosynthesis proteins did not fluctuate during the study period, both intra- and extracellular toxin quotas were significantly higher under iron-limiting conditions. Our results support the hypothesis that intracellular MCYST plays a role in protecting the cell against oxidative stress. Further, we propose that extracellular MCYST may act as a signaling molecule, stimulating MCYST production under conditions of iron limitation and enhancing the fitness of bloom populations.

IMPORTANCE
Microcystin production in water supply reservoirs is a global public health problem. Understanding the ecophysiology of hepatotoxic cyanobacteria, including their responses to the presence of key micronutrient metals such as iron, is central to managing harmful blooms. To our knowledge, this was the first study to examine proteomic and physiological changes occurring in
M. aeruginosa
continuous cultures under conditions of iron limitation at different growth rates.
Transcriptional Control in Marine Copiotrophic and Oligotrophic Bacteria with Streamlined Genomes
Authors: Cottrell Matthew T. , Kirchman David L. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTBacteria often respond to environmental stimuli using transcriptional control, but this may not be the case for marine bacteria such as “CandidatusPelagibacter ubique,” a cultivated representative of the SAR11 clade, the most abundant organism in the ocean. This bacterium has a small, streamlined genome and an unusually low number of transcriptional regulators, suggesting that transcriptional control is low inPelagibacterand limits its response to environmental conditions. Transcriptome sequencing during batch culture growth revealed that only 0.1% of protein-encoding genes appear to be under transcriptional control inPelagibacterand in another oligotroph (SAR92) whereas >10% of genes were under transcriptional control in the copiotrophsPolaribactersp. strain MED152 andRuegeria pomeroyi. When growth levels changed, transcript levels remained steady inPelagibacterand SAR92 but shifted in MED152 andR. pomeroyi. Transcript abundances per cell, determined using an internal RNA sequencing standard, were low (<1 transcript per cell) for all but a few of the most highly transcribed genes in all four taxa, and there was no correlation between transcript abundances per cell and shifts in the levels of transcription. These results suggest that low transcriptional control contributes to the success ofPelagibacterand possibly other oligotrophic microbes that dominate microbial communities in the oceans.IMPORTANCEDiverse heterotrophic bacteria drive biogeochemical cycling in the ocean. The most abundant types of marine bacteria are oligotrophs with small, streamlined genomes. The metabolic controls that regulate the response of oligotrophic bacteria to environmental conditions remain unclear. Our results reveal that transcriptional control is lower in marine oligotrophic bacteria than in marine copiotrophic bacteria. Although responses of bacteria to environmental conditions are commonly regulated at the level of transcription, metabolism in the most abundant bacteria in the ocean appears to be regulated by other mechanisms.
An Ecotype of Neorickettsia risticii Causing Potomac Horse Fever in Canada
Authors: Xiong Qingming , Bekebrede Hannah , Sharma Pratibha , Arroyo Luis G. , Baird John D. , Rikihisa Yasuko 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Neorickettsia
(formerly
Ehrlichia
)
risticii
is an obligatory intracellular bacterium of digenetic trematodes. When a horse accidentally ingests aquatic insects containing encysted trematodes infected with
N. risticii
, the bacterium is transmitted from trematodes to horse cells and causes an acute and often fatal disease called Potomac horse fever (PHF). Since the discovery of
N. risticii
in the United States in 1984, using immunofluorescence and PCR assays, PHF has been increasingly recognized throughout North America and South America. However, so far, there exist only a few stable
N. risticii
culture isolates, all of which are from horses within the United States, and the strain diversity and environmental spreading and distribution of pathogenic
N. risticii
strains remain poorly understood. This paper reports the isolation of
N. risticii
from the blood of a horse with acute PHF in Ontario, Canada. Intracellular
N. risticii
colonies were detected in P388D
1
cells after 47 days of culturing and 8 days after the addition of rapamycin. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on amino acid sequences of major surface proteins P51 and Ssa1 showed that this isolate is distinct from any previously sequenced strains but closely related to midwestern U.S. strains. This is the first Canadian strain cultured, and a new method was developed to reactivate dormant
N. risticii
to improve culture isolation.

IMPORTANCE
Neorickettsia risticii
is an environmental bacterium that lives inside flukes that are parasitic to aquatic snails, insects, and bats. When a horse accidentally ingests insects harboring flukes infected with
N. risticii
, the bacterium is transmitted to the horse and causes an acute and often fatal disease called Potomac horse fever. Although the disease has been increasingly recognized throughout North and South America,
N. risticii
has not been cultured outside the United States. This paper reports the first Canadian strain cultured and a new method to effectively culture isolate
N. risticii
from the horse blood sample. Molecular analysis showed that the genotype of this Canadian strain is distinct from previously sequenced strains but closely related to midwestern U.S. strains. Culture isolation of
N. risticii
strains would confirm the geographic presence of pathogenic
N. risticii
, help elucidate
N. risticii
strain diversity and environmental spreading and distribution, and improve diagnosis and development of vaccines for this dreadful disease.
Inclusion of Konjac Flour in the Gestation Diet Changes the Gut Microbiota, Alleviates Oxidative Stress, and Improves Insulin Sensitivity in Sows
Authors: Tan Chengquan , Wei Hongkui , Ao Jiangtao , Long Guang , Peng Jian 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Although dietary fibers contribute to health and physiology primarily via the fermentative actions of the gut microbiota of the hosts, few studies have focused on how these interactions influence the metabolic status of sows. Here, the effects of inclusion of konjac flour (KF) in a gestation diet on oxidative stress status, insulin sensitivity, and gut microbiota were investigated to elucidate the correlation between the microbiota and metabolic changes in sows. Sows were assigned to either control or 2.2% KF dietary treatment during gestation. The gut microbiota population in sows during gestation and lactation was assessed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The oxidative stress parameters, homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) values, and fatty acids in the blood of sows were also assessed. Compared to the control diet group, KF significantly reduced the serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) but increased the serum concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in sows on day 1 in lactation. Additionally, sows in the KF group had a lower HOMA insulin resistance value but a higher HOMA insulin sensitivity (HOMA-IS) value. KF induced changes in the gut microbial composition at the phylum and genus levels. The increased relative abundances of
Akkermansia
and
Roseburia
in the KF group were positively correlated with the HOMA-IS. Overall, dietary KF alleviated oxidative stress and improved insulin sensitivity of sows, and the changes in the gut microbiota in response to KF may have been correlated with the host metabolism response.

IMPORTANCE
To date, the effect of dietary fiber on metabolism responses and gut microbiota in sows has not been investigated. Here, KF supplementation of a gestation diet in sows was found to alleviate oxidative stress and to improve insulin sensitivity. Pyrosequencing analysis revealed that KF treatment induces changes in the gut microbiota composition at the phylum and genus levels. Moreover, the changes of gut microbiota in response to KF may be correlated with the host metabolism response.
Use of a Bacterial Luciferase Monitoring System To Estimate Real-Time Dynamics of Intracellular Metabolism in Escherichia coli
Authors: Shimada Tomohiro , Tanaka Kan 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACT

Regulation of central carbon metabolism has long been an important research subject in every organism. While the dynamics of metabolic flows during changes in available carbon sources have been estimated based on changes in metabolism-related gene expression, as well as on changes in the metabolome, the flux change itself has scarcely been measured because of technical difficulty, which has made conclusions elusive in many cases. Here, we used a monitoring system employing
Vibrio fischeri
luciferase to probe the intracellular metabolic condition in
Escherichia coli
. Using a batch culture provided with a limited amount of glucose, we performed a time course analysis, where the predominant carbon source shifts from glucose to acetate, and identified a series of sequential peaks in the luciferase activity (peaks 1 to 4). Two major peaks, peaks 1 and 3, were considered to correspond to the glucose and acetate consuming phases, respectively, based on the glucose, acetate, and dissolved oxygen concentrations in the medium. The pattern of these peaks was changed by the addition of a different carbon source or by an increasing concentration of glucose, which was consistent with the present model. Genetically, mutations involved in glycolysis or the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle/gluconeogenesis specifically affected peak 1 or peak 3, respectively, as expected from the corresponding metabolic phase. Intriguingly, mutants for the acetate excretion pathway showed a phenotype of extended peak 2 and delayed transition to the TCA cycle/gluconeogenesis phase, which suggests that peak 2 represents the metabolic transition phase. These results indicate that the bacterial luciferase monitoring system is useful to understand the real-time dynamics of metabolism in living bacterial cells.

IMPORTANCE
Intracellular metabolic flows dynamically change during shifts in available carbon sources. However, because of technical difficulty, the flux change has scarcely been measured in living cells. Here, we used a
Vibrio fischeri
luciferase monitoring system to probe the intracellular metabolic condition in
Escherichia coli
. Using a limited amount of glucose batch culture, a series of sequential peaks (peaks 1 to 4) in the luciferase activity was observed. Changes in the pattern of these peaks by the addition of extra carbon sources and in mutant strains involved in glycolysis or the TCA cycle/gluconeogenesis gene assigned the metabolic phase corresponding to peak 1 as the glycolysis phase and peak 3 as the TCA cycle/gluconeogenesis phase. Intriguingly, the acetate excretion pathway engaged in peak 2 represents the metabolic transition phase. These results indicate that the bacterial luciferase monitoring system is useful to understand the real-time dynamics of metabolism in living bacterial cells.