bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unraveling enzyme discrimination during cellulosome assembly independent of cohesin–dockerin affinity
Authors: Borne Romain , Bayer Edward A. , Pagès Sandrine , Perret Stéphanie , Fierobe Henri‐Pierre 
Published: August 2013

Bacterial cellulosomes are generally believed to assemble at random, like those produced by Clostridium cellulolyticum. They are composed of one scaffolding protein bearing eight homologous type I cohesins that bind to any of the type I dockerins borne by the 62 cellulosomal subunits, thus generating highly heterogeneous complexes. In the present study, the heterogeneity and random assembly of the cellulosomes were evaluated with a simpler model: a miniscaffoldin containing three C. cellulolyticum cohesins and three cellulases of the same bacterium bearing the cognate dockerin (Cel5A, Cel48F, and Cel9G). Surprisingly, rather than the expected randomized integration of enzymes, the assembly of the minicellulosome generated only three distinct types of complex out of the 10 possible combinations, thus indicating preferential integration of enzymes upon binding to the scaffoldin. A hybrid scaffoldin that displays one cohesin from C. cellulolyticum and one from C. thermocellum, thus allowing sequential integration of enzymes, was exploited to further characterize this phenomenon. The initial binding of a given enzyme to the C. thermocellum cohesin was found to influence the type of enzyme that subsequently bound to the C. cellulolyticum cohesin. The preferential integration appears to be related to the length of the inter‐cohesin linker. The data indicate that the binding of a cellulosomal enzyme to a cohesin has a direct influence on the dockerin‐bearing proteins that will subsequently interact with adjacent cohesins. Thus, despite the general lack of specificity of the cohesin–dockerin interaction within a given species and type, bacterial cellulosomes are not necessarily assembled at random.
Threat to the point: improving the value of comparative extinction risk analysis for conservation action
Authors: Murray Kris A. , Verde Arregoitia Luis D. , Davidson Ana , Di Marco Moreno , Di Fonzo Martina M. I. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractComparative extinction risk analysis is a common approach for assessing the relative plight of biodiversity and making conservation recommendations. However, the usefulness of such analyses for conservation practice has been questioned. One reason for underperformance may be that threats arising from global environmental changes (e.g., habitat loss, invasive species, climate change) are often overlooked, despite being widely regarded as proximal drivers of species’ endangerment. We explore this problem by (i) reviewing the use of threats in this field and (ii) quantitatively investigating the effects of threat exclusion on the interpretation and potential application of extinction risk model results. We show that threat variables are routinely (59%) identified as significant predictors of extinction risk, yet while most studies (78%) include extrinsic factors of some kind (e.g., geographic or bioclimatic information), the majority (63%) do not include threats. Despite low overall usage, studies are increasingly employing threats to explain patterns of extinction risk. However, most continue to employ methods developed for the analysis of heritable traits (e.g., body size, fecundity), which may be poorly suited to the treatment of nonheritable predictors including threats. In our global mammal and continental amphibian extinction risk case studies, omitting threats reduced model predictive performance, but more importantly (i) reduced mechanistic information relevant to management; (ii) resulted in considerable disagreement in species classifications (12% and 5% for amphibians and mammals, respectively, translating to dozens and hundreds of species); and (iii) caused even greater disagreement (20–60%) in a downstream conservation application (species ranking). We conclude that the use of threats in comparative extinction risk analysis is important and increasing but currently in the early stages of development. Priorities for future studies include improving uptake, availability, quality and quantification of threat data, and developing analytical methods that yield more robust, relevant and tangible products for conservation applications.
Natural variations in snow cover do not affect the annual soil CO2 efflux from a mid‐elevation temperate forest
Authors: Schindlbacher Andreas , Jandl Robert , Schindlbacher Sabine 
Published: August 2013

AbstractClimate change might alter annual snowfall patterns and modify the duration and magnitude of snow cover in temperate regions with resultant impacts on soil microclimate and soil CO2 efflux (Fsoil). We used a 5‐year time series of Fsoil measurements from a mid‐elevation forest to assess the effects of naturally changing snow cover. Snow cover varied considerably in duration (105–154 days) and depth (mean snow depth 19–59 cm). Periodically shallow snow cover (<10 cm) caused soil freezing or increased variation in soil temperature. This was mostly not reflected in Fsoil which tended to decrease gradually throughout winter. Progressively decreasing C substrate availability (identified by substrate induced respiration) likely over‐rid the effects of slowly changing soil temperatures and determined the overall course of Fsoil. Cumulative CO2 efflux from beneath snow cover varied between 0.46 and 0.95 t C ha−1 yr−1 and amounted to between 6 and 12% of the annual efflux. When compared over a fixed interval (the longest period of snow cover during the 5 years), the cumulative CO2 efflux ranged between 0.77 and 1.18 t C ha−1 or between 11 and 15% of the annual soil CO2 efflux. The relative contribution (15%) was highest during the year with the shortest winter. Variations in snow cover were not reflected in the annual CO2 efflux (7.44–8.41 t C ha−1) which did not differ significantly between years and did not correlate with any snow parameter. Regional climate at our site was characterized by relatively high amounts of precipitation. Therefore, snow did not play a role in terms of water supply during the warm season and primarily affected cold season processes. The role of changing snow cover therefore seems rather marginal when compared to potential climate change effects on Fsoil during the warm season.
Simulating greenhouse gas mitigation potentials for Chinese Croplands using the DAYCENT ecosystem model
Authors: Cheng Kun , Ogle Stephen M. , Parton William J. , Pan Genxing 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the potential for greenhouse gas (GHG) mitigation in agricultural lands is a critical challenge for climate change policy. This study uses the DAYCENT ecosystem model to predict GHG mitigation potentials associated with soil management in Chinese cropland systems. Application of ecosystem models, such as DAYCENT, requires the evaluation of model performance with data sets from experiments relevant to the climate and management of the study region. DAYCENT was evaluated with data from 350 cropland experiments in China, including measurements of nitrous oxide emissions (N2O), methane emissions (CH4), and soil organic carbon (SOC) stock changes. In general, the model was reasonably accurate with R2 values for model predictions vs. measurements ranging from 0.71 to 0.85. Modeling efficiency varied from 0.65 for SOC stock changes to 0.83 for crop yields. Mitigation potentials were estimated on a yield basis (Mg CO2‐equivalent Mg−1Yield). The results demonstrate that the largest decrease in GHG emissions in rainfed systems are associated with combined effect of reducing mineral N fertilization, organic matter amendments and reduced‐till coupled with straw return, estimated at 0.31 to 0.83 Mg CO2‐equivalent Mg−1Yield. A mitigation potential of 0.08 to 0.36 Mg CO2‐equivalent Mg−1Yield is possible by reducing N chemical fertilizer rates, along with intermittent flooding in paddy rice cropping systems.
A Facile Route to Construct SiCO Nanospheres with Tunable Sizes
Authors: Yu Yuxi , Wang Han , San Haisheng , Liu Yu , Fang Jiyu , An Linan , Fang Qingling 
Published: August 2013

We report a facile route to synthesize SiCO nanospheres using Pluronic F127/polyvinylsilazane (PVSZ) mixed micelles as a template, in which PVSZ selectively swells with the PEO core of the F127 micelles. The thermal degradation of the F127/PVSZ mixed micelles leads to the formation of SiCO nanospheres. The size of the resultant SiCO nanospheres can be tuned in the range from 25 nm to 75 nm by controlling annealing time at 70°C.
The impact of different types of concernment on the consumption of organic food
Authors: Hoffmann Stefan , Schlicht Julia 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPrevious research has mainly focused on consumers' environmental values and attitudes to explain green consumption. However, it has been neglected how situational factors like the way a consumer is affected by the impacts of environmental pollution influence environmental attitudes and the demand for organic food products. To fill this void, we firstly introduce a taxonomy of different types of factual concernment and perceived concern. Factual concernment describes the manner in which a person is affected by the negative consequences of environmental pollution, whereas perceived concern expresses an anxious sense of interest. Building on that taxonomy, an experimental study analyses how four types of factual concernment (direct vs. indirect; material vs. immaterial) influence consumers' perceived concerns (in terms of environmental and health concern) as well as the readiness to gather information, the readiness to make sacrifices, the willingness to pay higher prices and purchase intentions. The study reveals that particularly direct concernment fosters the consumption of organic food. However, the study did not find any differences between the influences of material and immaterial concernment on the organic food purchase decision.
Role of gastronomic, externality and feasibility attributes in consumer demand for organic and local foods: The case of honey and apples
Authors: Jensen Jørgen D. , Mørkbak Morten R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractLocal food systems providing high‐value products are seen as a tool to sustain economic activity on family farms in rural areas. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of gastronomic, externality and feasibility characteristics in consumers' demand for local and for organic foods. An Internet questionnaire survey was conducted in 2010 among Danish consumers. 3211 respondents completed the questionnaire, which included questions about respondents' food‐related values and their specific perception of organic and local varieties of honey and apples. Variables related to consumers' food‐related values and product perception were analysed using principal component analysis, in order to identify overall dimensions (factors) in these variables. Although statements about gastronomic attributes (e.g. taste, appearance, quality) were quite strongly represented in three of these factors, externality and availability concerns also contributed significantly to the overall variation in the variables. Multinomial logit choice modelling was used for describing the relationship between these dimensions and respondents' stated choices regarding organic and local varieties of honey and apples. Results suggest that although both organic and local food supply chains are often associated with special attributes such as gastronomic characteristics and relatively beneficial externality attributes, these attributes are perceived differently for the two types of supply chains. Perceived gastronomic quality is the most important determinant for food choice, but externality and feasibility aspects are also important correlates.
Consumers' experiences of cold chain food packaging: A qualitative study among women in South Africa
Authors: van der Merwe Daleen , Viljoen Stephné , de Beer Hanli , Bosman Magdalena , Kempen Elizabeth 
Published: August 2013

AbstractFood packaging defines a product's uniqueness and strengthens consumers' relationship with a brand, in this way offering functional and experiential benefits. Although cold chain food is predicted to become even more important to consumers, consumers' experiences of the packaging of these products have been neglected in the literature. Thus, this exploratory study investigated these experiences of female participants in Potchefstroom, South Africa, using semi‐structured interviews and a projective technique assisted by ambiguous mock packaging. The findings reveal that despite marketers' intention to use packaging to lure consumers to purchase food products, participants also valued functionality and quality in cold chain food packaging. This study also identified a dislike of carton boxes and preference for plastic bottles for this kind of packaging, as well as further negative and positive characteristics for consideration by manufacturers. Although brand loyalty and price sensitivity were stronger considerations for some participants than the packaging, the latter seemed to play a pre‐eminent role in most participants' purchasing decisions. Therefore, it is recommended that when designing packaging for frozen and refrigerated foods, product developers and manufacturers should take into account consumers' experiences, requirements and needs of the packaging specific to cold chain food. Our research offers a starting point for designing cold chain food packaging that complies as closely as possible with consumers' expectations.
Odorant receptors of a primitive hymenopteran pest, the wheat stem sawfly
Authors: Gress J. C. , Robertson H. M. , Weaver D. K. , Dlakić M. , Wanner K. W. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe wheat stem sawfly, Cephus cinctus, is an herbivorous hymenopteran that feeds exclusively on members of the Graminae family. Synanthropically, it has become one of the most important insect pests of wheat grown in the northern Great Plains region of the USA and Canada. Insecticides are generally ineffective because of the wheat stem sawfly's extended adult flight period and its inaccessible larval stage, during which it feeds within the wheat stems, making it virtually intractable to most pest management strategies. While research towards integrated pest management strategies based on insect olfaction has proved promising, nothing is known about the molecular basis of olfaction in this important pest species. In this study we identified 28 unique odorant receptor (Or) transcripts from an antennal transcriptome. A phylogenetic analysis with the predicted Ors from the honey bee and jewel wasp genomes revealed at least four clades conserved amongst all three Hymenoptera species. Antennal expression levels were analysed using quantitative real‐time PCR, and one male‐biased and five female‐biased Ors were identified. This study provides the basis for future functional analyses to identify behaviourally active odours that can be used to help develop olfactory‐mediated pest management tools.
The interface of language aptitude and multilingualism: Reconsidering the bilingual/multilingual dichotomy
Authors: Thompson Amy S. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThis study is an attempt to fill the gap in SLA research regarding the understudied interface of language aptitude and multilingualism. Although there have been numerous studies lauding the benefits of bilingualism and multilingualism, very few studies have examined the relationship between language aptitude and previous language experience (cf. Sanz, 2000). Using the Cognitive Ability for Novelty in Acquisition of Language (Foreign) aptitude test (CANAL–FT), which is based on Sternberg's (2002) triarchic theory of human intelligence, the language aptitude scores from 79 Brazilian language learners were analyzed using one‐way ANOVAs. Interviews were also conducted to obtain further insight to the participants' language learning experiences. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses were employed; the results indicate that previous language experience has an effect on language aptitude, thus supporting the concept of language aptitude as a dynamic feature. Furthermore, even those participants with a small amount of previous language learning experience outperformed those with no language learning experience other than English on the CANAL–FT, as did those participants who exhibited the feature of Perceived Positive Language Interaction (PPLI). Thus, the results also indicate a need to closely monitor the linguistic background of participants in future studies, as previous language experience was shown to have a significant effect on language aptitude scores.
The link between foreign language classroom anxiety and psychoticism, extraversion, and neuroticism among adult Bi‐ and multilinguals
Authors: Dewaele Jean–Marc 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThe present study focuses on the link between three global personality traits (Psychoticism, Extraversion, and Neuroticism), one sociobiographical factor (knowledge of languages), and levels of foreign language classroom anxiety (FLCA; Horwitz, Horwitz, & Cope, 1986) in the second (L2), third (L3), and fourth (L4) language of two groups of adult language learners and users. The first group consisted of 86 students who were enrolled at Birkbeck College, University of London, and the second group consisted of 62 students from University of Les Illes Balears in Mallorca, Spain. The main aim was to examine whether, as is generally reported in the Second Language Acquisition literature, FLCA is unrelated to a basic personality trait reflecting anxiety (Neuroticism). Contrary to other findings in the field, correlation analyses revealed a significant link between Neuroticism and FLCA in the foreign languages of both groups, sharing between 9% and 25% of variance. Moderately significant relationships were found among Psychoticism, Extraversion, and FLCA in one group only. Language knowledge had an effect on FLCA in some languages. Strong correlations between FLCA values in L2, L3, and L4 suggest that levels of FLCA are relatively stable across the foreign languages known by the learners/users.
Targeted hepatitis C screening among ex‐injection drug users in the community
Authors: Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Chim Angel Mei‐Ling , Cheng Tsz‐Fai , Cheung Shirley Wing‐Yan , Lai Carol Man‐Sze , Szeto Kylie Joan‐Yi , Tsang Sharon , Wu Stephen Ho‐Chun , Yan Kenneth Kar‐Lung , Hui Alex Yui , Yiu Desmond Chi‐Him , Wu Brian Bing‐Ying , Cheung David , Chung Cedric Sze‐Lai , Lai Camey Wai‐Man , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimChronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the leading causes of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma worldwide. It is highly prevalent among injection drug users (IDUs) but is often undiagnosed because they represent an underprivileged group that faces multiple barriers to medical care. Here, we report the results of the New Life New Liver Project, which provides targeted HCV screening and education for ex‐IDUs in the community.MethodsPatients were recruited through the social worker networks and referrals by fellow ex‐IDUs, and rapid diagnosis was based on point‐of‐care anti‐HCV testing at rehabilitation centers.ResultsFrom 2009 to 2012, we served 234 subjects. One hundred thirty (56%) subjects were anti‐HCV positive. The number needed to screen to detect one patient with positive anti‐HCV was 1.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.6–2.0). However, only 69 (53%) HCV patients attended subsequent follow‐up at regional hospitals, and 26 (20%) received antiviral therapy. Patients who attended follow‐up were older, had higher education level and more active disease as evidenced by higher alanine aminotransferase, HCV RNA, and liver stiffness measurement by transient elastography.ConclusionsTargeted screening in ex‐IDUs is effective in identifying patients with HCV infection in the community. Improvement in the referral system and introduction of interferon‐free regimens are needed to increase treatment uptake.
Factors that predict mortality in children with Wilson disease associated acute liver failure and comparison of Wilson disease specific prognostic indices
Authors: Devarbhavi Harshad , Singh Rajvir , Adarsh Channagiri K , Sheth Keyur , Kiran Ravi , Patil Mallikarjun 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsWilson disease (WD) associated acute liver failure (ALF) affects children more than adults. The predictors of mortality and outcome in patients without encephalopathy are not clear. We investigated the ability of prognostic factors and various models including model for end‐stage liver disease (MELD) to predict mortality among children with WD and ALF.MethodsWe analyzed the admission characteristics in 61 children <18 years with WD and ALF. Factors associated with mortality on univariate Cox regression analysis were analyzed by forward stepwise Cox hazards regression. The prognostic models such as Nazer's model, revised Kings College Model, and pediatric end‐stage liver disease/model for end‐stage liver disease (PELD/MELD) score were compared.ResultsOf the 145 children < 18 years with WD, 61 experienced ALF of whom 33 (54%) died, including 22/27 (81.5%) with encephalopathy and 11/34 (32.4%) without encephalopathy. The mean age of children with ALF was 9.7 years, 38(62.3%) were boys. Prognostic factors significant for mortality included encephalopathy, international normalized ratio, total proteins, total and direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, serum creatinine, and white blood cell count. Forward stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression identified encephalopathy (hazard ratio 2.88; CI 1.1–7.4) and total bilirubin (hazard ratio 1.05; CI: 1.02–1.09) as predictors of outcome. The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) of the Nazer index, revised King's College Criteria, and PELD/MELD were 0.74, 0.76, and 0.75, respectively.ConclusionsMortality in children with WD and ALF is 54% including 81.5% with encephalopathy and 32.4% without encephalopathy. The prognostic models, MELD/PELD score, Nazer index and Kings College Criteria are comparable with a AUC between 0.74–0.76.
Minimal influence of expertise on the evaluation of colorectal neoplastic lesions by confocal laser endomicroscopy
Authors: Yuan Xue Min , Li Zhen , Ji Rui , Li Chang Qing , Zuo Xiu Li , Yu Tao , Gu Xiao Meng , Liu Jun , Wang Peng , Li Ming , Li Yan Qing 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimsThree different confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) diagnostic systems including Maiz, Sanduleanu, and Qilu had been developed to differentiate between benign and neoplastic colorectal lesions. This study was designed to compare and evaluate these three diagnostic systems by different levels of expertise.MethodsThirty‐nine patients with 50 colorectal polyps, including 23 hyperplastic polyps and 27 adenomas diagnosed by histopathology, were recruited. Four confocal images (two superficial images and two deeper images) and one conventional white‐light endoscopic image were selected from each of the 50 lesions in this study by an experienced endomicroscopist. Selected images were evaluated by three experienced CLE investigators and three non‐experienced ones. The accuracy and interobserver agreement between experienced and non‐experienced investigators for prediction of colorectal neoplasia were determined.ResultsThe diagnostic accuracy was 84%, 81%, and 87%, respectively, using the Maiz, Sanduleanu, and Qilu diagnostic system, while the sensitivity was 85%, 79%, and 85%, the specificity was 83%, 84%, and 89%, respectively. There is no significant difference on diagnostic accuracy between experienced and non‐experienced investigators. In addition, there is a short learning curve for non‐experienced CLE investigators identified in this study.ConclusionsThe three diagnostic systems for the prediction of colorectal hyperplastic polyp or adenoma have a high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The diagnostic accuracy was not significantly influenced by the expertise in CLE.