bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Examination of factors affecting the intraoral perception of object size: a preliminary study
Authors: Tomita K. , Murakami K. , Takahashi M. , Ooka T. , Hironaka S. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryOral sensory function is essential for the successful performance of a range of ingestion. Although the perception of object size is important in determining the degree of manipulation, evidence suggests that people does not always perceive the size of the object in oral cavity accurately. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the intraoral perception of object size. Twenty‐three healthy young volunteers detected the size of cylinders inserted into oral cavity blindly and identified it from the reference set. The diameter of cross section varied from 10 to 14 mm in a gap of 1 mm and had three different temperatures (5, 36, 50 °C) in each. The perceived size was recorded, and the difference with the actual size was assessed. The required time for identification was also measured and compared between gender and between temperatures. The results demonstrated that the direction of size illusion was significantly affected by the required time for identification. Long manipulation led to overestimation, and short manipulation led to underestimation of object size irrespective of temperature and size. Gender was the other factor affecting intraoral size perception. The rate of overestimation was low in female participants comparing with male participants in this experiment, although the number of participants was limited. We therefore concluded that in order to detect the other factors affecting intraoral size perception, regulating oral manipulation time is indispensable.
Treatment of presumptive primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia with mycophenolate mofetil versus cyclosporine in dogs
Authors: Cummings F. O. , Rizzo S. A. 
Published: February 2017

ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to compare hospitalisation duration, survival times, adverse events and cost of therapy in dogs with presumptive primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia undergoing therapy with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids versus cyclosporine and corticosteroids.MethodsA retrospective study of medical case records of dogs with presumed primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia was conducted. Data collected included signalment, presenting complaints, haematologic and biochemical profiles, vector‐borne disease testing, thoracic and abdominal radiographs, abdominal ultrasound, medications administered, duration of hospitalisation, 30‐ and 60‐day survival, adverse events and cost of therapy. Variables were compared between dogs treated solely with mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids or cyclosporine and corticosteroids.ResultsA total of 55 dogs with primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia were identified. Eighteen were excluded because multiple immunosuppressive medications were used during treatment. Hospitalisation times, 30‐day survival and 60‐day survival times were similar between both groups. Dogs in the mycophenolate mofetil/corticosteroid group experienced fewer adverse events than the cyclosporine/corticosteroid group. Therapy with mycophenolate mofetil was less expensive than that with cyclosporine.Clinical SignificanceThese results suggest that using the combination of mycophenolate mofetil and corticosteroids appears to be as effective as cyclosporine and corticosteroids in the treatment of presumed primary immune‐mediated thrombocytopenia in dogs. Adverse events were less common and cost of therapy was lower in the mycophenolate mofetil group. Additional larger prospective, controlled, double‐masked, outcome‐based, multi‐institutional studies are required to substantiate these preliminary findings.
Urinary F2‐Isoprostanes in Cats with International Renal Interest Society Stage 1–4 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Whitehouse W. , Quimby J. , Wan S. , Monaghan K. , Robbins R. , Trepanier L.A. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundF2‐isoprostanes, a biomarker of oxidant injury, increase with advancing chronic kidney disease (CKD) in humans. In cats, the relationship between CKD and oxidative stress is poorly understood.ObjectivesTo determine whether cats with advancing CKD have increasing urinary F2‐isoprostanes.AnimalsControl cats without evidence of CKD (≥6 years old; n = 11), and cats with IRIS stage 1 (n = 8), 2 (n = 38), 3 (n = 21), and 4 (n = 10) CKD.MethodsThis was a prospective observational study. Urinary F2‐isoprostanes (specifically free 15‐F2t‐isoprostanes) normalized to urine creatinine (IsoPs) were compared among groups and tested for correlations with blood pressure, proteinuria, serum creatinine concentration, and urine specific gravity. The IsoPs also were compared between cats with and without hypertension or proteinuria, and in cats fed predominantly standard versus renal diets.ResultsUrinary IsoPs were increased, but not significantly, in cats with stage 1 CKD (median 263 pg/mg creatinine; range, 211–380) compared to controls (182 pg/mg; range, 80–348) and decreased significantly from stage 1 through advancing CKD (stage 2, 144 pg/mg; range, 49–608; stage 3, 102 pg/mg; range, 25–158; stage 4, 67 pg/mg; range, 26–117; P < .01). Urinary IsoPs were inversely correlated with serum creatinine (r = −0.66, P < .0001).Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceUrinary IsoPs are significantly higher in early CKD (stage 1) compared to cats with more advanced CKD. Additional studies are warranted to characterize oxidative stress in cats with stage 1 CKD and determine whether early antioxidant treatments have a protective effect on CKD progression.
Biosecure Shrimp Feeds and Feeding Practices: Guidelines for Future Development
Authors: Tacon Albert G. J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFor the purposes of this paper, biosecure shrimp feeds and on‐farm feeding strategies refer to the “feed, whether live, fresh, or formulated, and the management of the feed on the farm, should not be an entry point of potential pathogens to the shrimp and/or to the culture system.” The paper reviews the different feeds commonly used for the production of farmed shrimp and discusses their potential risks from a disease perspective, including the use of live hatchery and nursery feeds, the use of live and/or fresh food organisms for the production of broodstock, and the use of dry formulated shrimp feeds for shrimp growout operations. In addition, the paper discusses the critical role played by feed‐processing techniques for the pasteurization and destruction of pathogens within shrimp feeds and the need for nutritionists to formulate feeds for optimal nutrition and health, and not just for optimal growth. The importance of the development and implementation of good on‐farm feed management practices by farmers is discussed, including the prohibition of the top‐dressing of pelleted feeds on farm by farmers with unapproved feed additives such as antibiotics. Finally, the paper discusses the responsibilities of farmers, feed manufacturers, and traders regarding the development and use of recommended biosecure shrimp feeds and feeding practices.
Population genetic analysis of a parasitic mycovirus to infer the invasion history of its fungal host
Authors: Schoebel Corine N. , Botella Leticia , Lygis Vaidotas , Rigling Daniel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractHymenoscyphus fraxineus mitovirus 1 (HfMV1) occurs in the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, an introduced plant pathogen responsible for the devastating ash dieback epidemic in Europe. Here, we explored the prevalence and genetic structure of HfMV1 to elucidate the invasion history of both the virus and the fungal host. A total of 1298 H. fraxineus isolates (181 from Japan and 1117 from Europe) were screened for the presence of this RNA virus and 301 virus‐positive isolates subjected to partial sequence analysis of the viral RNA polymerase gene. Our results indicate a high mean prevalence (78.7%) of HfMV1 across European H. fraxineus isolates, which is supported by the observed high transmission rate (average 83.8%) of the mitovirus into sexual spores of its host. In accordance with an expected founder effect in the introduced population in Europe, only 1.1% of the Japanese isolates were tested virus positive. In Europe, HfMV1 shows low nucleotide diversity but a high number of haplotypes, which seem to be subject to strong purifying selection. Phylogenetic and clustering analysis detected two genetically distinct HfMV1 groups, both present throughout Europe. This pattern supports the hypothesis that only two (mitovirus‐carrying) H. fraxineus individuals were introduced into Europe as previously suggested from the bi‐allelic nature of the fungus. Moreover, our data points to reciprocal mating events between the two introduced individuals, which presumably initiated the ash dieback epidemic in Europe.
Newman on Consulting the Faithful: Context, Content, and Consequences
Authors: Strange Roderick 
Published: February 2017

AbstractNewman's article, ‘On Consulting the Faithful in Matters of Doctrine’, which appeared in the Rambler in July 1859, has become a natural reference point when people consider the sensus fidelium. It is helpful, therefore, to know how the article came to be written and important to be clear about what it actually said. Newman was not supporting some loose exercise in democracy, but was pointing to a vital process for the health of the Church, and encouraging the lay faithful and their pastors to work together. There are lessons too to be learnt from the way people behaved in the aftermath of the controversy. The episode may also be seen as illustrating Newman's life in a nutshell.
Neuropathic Pain Assessment with the PainDETECT Questionnaire: Cross‐Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation to Hindi
Authors: Gudala Kapil , Ghai Babita , Bansal Dipika 
Published: February 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe contribution of neuropathic pain (NeP) in chronic pain conditions is increasingly emphasized with the development of multiple questionnaire‐based measurement scales. The painDETECT questionnaire (PDQ) is a frequently used self‐reported outcome measure to assess NeP in patients with chronic pain conditions in research and regular clinical practice. The aim of the study was to translate and cross‐culturally adapt the PDQ into Hindi (Hi‐PDQ) for use in India and to investigate its psychometric properties.MethodsPainDETECT questionnaire translation into the Hindi language was carried out according to standard guidelines. Patients suffering from chronic pain attending a pain clinic were recruited. Patients completed the Hi‐PDQ at baseline and were retested was conducted after 3 days Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was carried out to assess the factor structure of the Hi‐PDQ. Measurement properties, including floor and ceiling effects, discriminative validity, and psychometric properties, were also assessed.ResultsA total of 160 patients with chronic pain were recruited, including 80 in each NeP and non‐NeP group. The retest was completed in 82 patients. Mean Hi‐PDQ scores were significantly higher in the NeP group compared with the non‐NeP group (20.7 [SD 5.9] vs. 9.9 [SD 5.9]; P < 0.01). EFA revealed a 2‐factor structure explaining 56.9% variance. The Hi‐PDQ was found to have adequate internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83), test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.94), and excellent discriminant validity (area under the curve = 0.88), with an optimal cutoff value of > 18 (sensitivity and specificity of 82.5% and 91.2%, respectively).ConclusionThe PDQ was successfully translated into the Hindi language. The Hi‐PDQ showed good discriminative validity and psychometric properties. The Hi‐PDQ is a reliable instrument to assess NeP in chronic pain conditions.
Isoprene research – 60 years later, the biology is still enigmatic
Authors: Sharkey Thomas D. , Monson Russell K. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIsoprene emission is a major component of biosphere–atmosphere interactions. It is the single largest source of non‐methane hydrocarbon in the atmosphere. The first report of isoprene emission from plants was published in 1957 by Professor Guivi Sanadze. While humans have smelled the monoterpene hydrocarbons made by coniferous trees since their earliest migrations, only in 1957 did the world became aware that other trees make a type of hydrocarbon in even greater amounts but one to which the human nose is much less sensitive. For this 60th anniversary of the first report of isoprene emission from leaves, we trace the discovery and development of the research field, highlighting some of the most seminal observations and theoretical interpretations. This is not an exhaustive review, and many important papers are not cited, but we hope it will be of general interest to read how research in this field developed, how new observations forced us to reevaluate our theories about the significance of isoprene biosynthesis to plant physiology and adaptation and how scientific serendipity can sometimes drive a topic forward.
Keeping calm when riding the rapids: Optimism and perceived partner withdrawal
Authors: PARISE MIRIAM , DONATO SILVIA , PAGANI ARIELA F. , SCHOEBI DOMINIK 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPartners often encounter situations in which their needs and preferences diverge. Partners sometimes prefer to be on their own and withdraw from interactions, and these situations can cause distress. We hypothesized that optimists may navigate such situations more adaptively. Using momentary assessment and questionnaire data from 103 couples, we examined how spouses responded to perceived partner withdrawal and whether optimism moderated these responses. When spouses perceived the partner to withdraw, they reported less positive and more negative behaviors. Optimism moderated this effect beyond the effects of positive expectations, suggesting that optimists are less reactive to withdrawal. Partners with more positive expectations reported more benevolent behaviors, although they reported less benevolent behaviors on days of partner withdrawal than on other days.
Attractiveness and relationship longevity: Beauty is not what it is cracked up to be
Authors: MA‐KELLAMS CHRISTINE , WANG MARGARET C. , CARDIEL HANNAH 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAcross four studies, we examined the relational repercussions of physical attractiveness (PA). Study 1 (n = 238) found that those rated as more attractive in high school yearbooks were married for shorter durations and more likely to divorce. Study 2 (n = 130) replicated these effects using a different sample (high‐profile celebrities). Study 3 (n = 134) examined the link between PA and the derogation of attractive alternatives, a relationship maintenance strategy. Study 4 (n = 156) experimentally manipulated perceived PA and examined its relation with both derogation of attractive alternatives and current relationship satisfaction. PA predicted likelihood of relationship dissolution and decreased derogation of attractive alternatives. Furthermore, PA predicted greater vulnerability to relationship threats—in this case, relationship alternatives—resulting from poor relationship satisfaction.
Changes in microRNA expression in response to Schistosoma japonicum infection
Authors: Hong Y. , Fu Z. , Cao X. , Lin J. 
Published: February 2017

SummarySchistosomiasis japonicum is one of the most serious zoonotic diseases in the world. There is increasing evidence to show that host miRNAs are modulated following Schistosoma japonicum infection, and some of these miRNAs may play important regulatory roles in response to schistosome infection. Several host miRNAs have been identified and shown to be potential diagnostic biomarkers or novel therapeutic targets for schistosomiasis. These studies have paved the way to a better understanding of the mechanisms of schistosome‐host interaction and may facilitate the development of novel approaches to the control of the disease.
Homolactic Acid Fermentation by the Genetically Engineered Thermophilic Homoacetogen Moorella thermoacetica ATCC 39073
Authors: Iwasaki Yuki , Kita Akihisa , Yoshida Koichiro , Tajima Takahisa , Yano Shinichi , Shou Tomohiro , Saito Masahiro , Kato Junichi , Murakami Katsuji , Nakashimada Yutaka 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

For the efficient production of target metabolites from carbohydrates, syngas, or H
2
-CO
2
by genetically engineered
Moorella thermoacetica
, the control of acetate production (a main metabolite of
M. thermoacetica
) is desired. Although propanediol utilization protein (PduL) was predicted to be a phosphotransacetylase (PTA) involved in acetate production in
M. thermoacetica
, this has not been confirmed. Our findings described herein directly demonstrate that two putative PduL proteins, encoded by Moth_0864 (
pduL1
) and Moth_1181 (
pduL2
), are involved in acetate formation as PTAs. To disrupt these genes, we replaced each gene with a lactate dehydrogenase gene from
Thermoanaerobacter pseudethanolicus
ATCC 33223 (
T-ldh
). The acetate production from fructose as the sole carbon source by the
pduL1
deletion mutant was not deficient, whereas the disruption of
pduL2
significantly decreased the acetate yield to approximately one-third that of the wild-type strain. The double-deletion (both
pduL
genes) mutant did not produce acetate but produced only lactate as the end product from fructose. These results suggest that both
pduL
genes are associated with acetate formation via acetyl-coenzyme A (acetyl-CoA) and that their disruption enables a shift in the homoacetic pathway to the genetically synthesized homolactic pathway via pyruvate.

IMPORTANCE
This is the first report, to our knowledge, on the experimental identification of PTA genes in
M. thermoacetica
and the shift of the native homoacetic pathway to the genetically synthesized homolactic pathway by their disruption on a sugar platform.
Revisiting the Regulation of the Primary Scaffoldin Gene in Clostridium thermocellum
Authors: Ortiz de Ora Lizett , Muñoz-Gutiérrez Iván , Bayer Edward A. , Shoham Yuval , Lamed Raphael , Borovok Ilya 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Cellulosomes are considered to be one of the most efficient systems for the degradation of plant cell wall polysaccharides. The central cellulosome component comprises a large, noncatalytic protein subunit called scaffoldin. Multiple saccharolytic enzymes are incorporated into the scaffoldins via specific high-affinity cohesin-dockerin interactions. Recently, the regulation of genes encoding certain cellulosomal components by multiple RNA polymerase alternative σ
I
factors has been demonstrated in
Clostridium
(
Ruminiclostridium
)
thermocellum
. In the present report, we provide experimental evidence demonstrating that the
C. thermocellum cipA
gene, which encodes the primary cellulosomal scaffoldin, is regulated by several alternative σ
I
factors and by the vegetative σ
A
factor. Furthermore, we show that previously suggested transcriptional start sites (TSSs) of
C. thermocellum cipA
are actually posttranscriptional processed sites. By using comparative bioinformatic analysis, we have also identified highly conserved σ
I
- and σ
A
-dependent promoters upstream of the primary scaffoldin-encoding genes of other clostridia, namely,
Clostridium straminisolvens
,
Clostridium clariflavum
,
Acetivibrio cellulolyticus
, and
Clostridium
sp. strain Bc-iso-3. Interestingly, a previously identified TSS of the primary scaffoldin CbpA gene of
Clostridium cellulovorans
matches the predicted σ
I
-dependent promoter identified in the present work rather than the previously proposed σ
A
promoter. With the exception of
C. cellulovorans
, both σ
I
and σ
A
promoters of primary scaffoldin genes are located more than 600 nucleotides upstream of the start codon, yielding long 5′-untranslated regions (5′-UTRs). Furthermore, these 5′-UTRs have highly conserved stem-loop structures located near the start codon. We propose that these large 5′-UTRs may be involved in the regulation of both the primary scaffoldin and other cellulosomal components.

IMPORTANCE
Cellulosome-producing bacteria are among the most effective cellulolytic microorganisms known. This group of bacteria has biotechnological potential for the production of second-generation biofuels and other biocommodities from cellulosic wastes. The efficiency of cellulose hydrolysis is due to their cellulosomes, which arrange enzymes in close proximity on the cellulosic substrate, thereby increasing synergism among the catalytic domains. The backbone of these multienzyme nanomachines is the scaffoldin subunit, which has been the subject of study for many years. However, its genetic regulation is poorly understood. Hence, from basic and applied points of view, it is imperative to unravel the regulatory mechanisms of the scaffoldin genes. The understanding of these regulatory mechanisms can help to improve the performance of the industrially relevant strains of
C. thermocellum
and related cellulosome-producing bacteria
en route
to the consolidated bioprocessing of biomass.
Microaerophilic Fe(II)-Oxidizing Zetaproteobacteria Isolated from Low-Fe Marine Coastal Sediments: Physiology and Composition of Their Twisted Stalks
Authors: Laufer K. , Nordhoff M. , Halama M. , Martinez R. E. , Obst M. , Nowak M. , Stryhanyuk H. , Richnow H. H. , Kappler A. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

Microaerophilic Fe(II) oxidizers are commonly found in habitats containing elevated Fe(II) and low O
2
concentrations and often produce characteristic Fe mineral structures, so-called twisted stalks or tubular sheaths. Isolates originating from freshwater habitats are all members of the
Betaproteobacteria
, while isolates from marine habitats belong almost exclusively to the
Zetaproteobacteria
. So far, only a few isolates of marine microaerophilic Fe(II) oxidizers have been described, all of which are obligate microaerophilic Fe(II) oxidizers and have been thought to be restricted to Fe-rich systems. Here, we present two new isolates of marine microaerophilic Fe(II)-oxidizing
Zetaproteobacteria
that originate from typical coastal marine sediments containing only low Fe concentrations (2 to 11 mg of total Fe/g of sediment [dry weight]; 70 to 100 μM dissolved Fe
2+
in the porewater). The two novel
Zetaproteobacteria
share characteristic physiological properties of the
Zetaproteobacteria
group, even though they come from low-Fe environments: the isolates are obligate microaerophilic Fe(II) oxidizers and, like most isolated
Zetaproteobacteria
, they produce twisted stalks. We found a low organic carbon content in the stalks (∼0.3 wt%), with mostly polysaccharides and saturated aliphatic chains (most likely lipids). The Fe minerals in the stalks were identified as lepidocrocite and possibly ferrihydrite. Immobilization experiments with Ni
2+
showed that the stalks can function as a sink for trace metals. Our findings show that obligate microaerophilic Fe(II) oxidizers belonging to the
Zetaproteobacteria
group are not restricted to Fe-rich environments but can also be found in low-Fe marine environments, which increases their overall importance for the global biogeochemical Fe cycle.

IMPORTANCE
So far, only a few isolates of benthic marine microaerophilic Fe(II) oxidizers belonging to the
Zetaproteobacteria
exist, and most isolates were obtained from habitats containing elevated Fe concentrations. Consequently, it was thought that these microorganisms are important mainly in habitats with high Fe concentrations. The two novel isolates of
Zetaproteobacteria
that are presented in the present study were isolated from typical coastal marine sediments that do not contain elevated Fe concentrations. This increases the knowledge about possible habitats in which
Zetaproteobacteria
can exist. Furthermore, we show that the physiology and the typical organo-mineral structures (twisted stalks) that are produced by the isolates do not notably differ from the physiology and the cell-mineral structures of isolates from environments with high Fe concentrations. We also showed that the organo-mineral structures can function as a sink for trace metals.