bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SuhB is a novel ribosome associated protein that regulates expression of MexXY by modulating ribosome stalling in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Shi Jing , Jin Yongxin , Bian Ting , Li Kewei , Sun Ziyu , Cheng Zhihui , Jin Shouguang , Wu Weihui
Published: July 2015

Translation elongation is modulated by various ribosome‐binding proteins. Environmental stresses, such as starvation and antibiotics, can cause stalling of bacterial ribosomes, which may alter gene expression through a transcription or translation attenuation mechanism. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the expression of MexXY multidrug efflux system, which plays a significant role in resistance against aminoglycoside antibiotics, is controlled by a translation surveillance mechanism. Stalling of ribosome at the PA5471 leader peptide (PA5471.1) mRNA leads to transcription of PA5471, which subsequently up‐regulates the expression of MexXY. In this study, we found that mutation in a suhB gene leads to decreased susceptibility to aminoglycosides. Transcriptomic analysis revealed an up‐regulation of MexXY and PA5471, which were demonstrated to be responsible for the decreased susceptibility of the suhB mutant. We further demonstrated that PA5471.1 is essential for the up‐regulation of PA5471 in the suhB mutant. Co‐immunoprecipitation assay revealed an interaction between SuhB and ribosome, suggesting a role of SuhB in translation. Indeed, higher amount of PA5471.1 mRNA was found to associate with ribosome isolated from the suhB mutant, indicating increased ribosome stalling. Therefore, this study identified SuhB as a novel ribosome associated protein that is involved in modulating ribosome activity.
Ribosomal protein S6 phosphorylation is controlled by TOR and modulated by PKA in Candida albicans
Authors: Chowdhury Tahmeena , Köhler Julia R.
Published: July 2015

TOR and PKA signaling pathways control eukaryotic cell growth and proliferation. TOR activity in model fungi, such as Saccharomyces cerevisiae, responds principally to nutrients, e.g., nitrogen and phosphate sources, which are incorporated into the growing cell mass; PKA signaling responds to the availability of the cells' major energy source, glucose. In the fungal commensal and pathogen, Candida albicans, little is known of how these pathways interact. Here, the signal from phosphorylated ribosomal protein S6 (P‐S6) was defined as a surrogate marker for TOR‐dependent anabolic activity in C. albicans. Nutritional, pharmacologic and genetic modulation of TOR activity elicited corresponding changes in P‐S6 levels. The P‐S6 signal corresponded to translational activity of a GFP reporter protein. Contributions of four PKA pathway components to anabolic activation were then examined. In high glucose concentrations, only Tpk2 was required to upregulate P‐S6 to physiologic levels, whereas all four tested components were required to downregulate P‐S6 in low glucose. TOR was epistatic to PKA components with respect to P‐S6. In many host niches inhabited by C. albicans, glucose is scarce, with protein being available as a nitrogen source. We speculate that PKA may modulate TOR‐dependent cell growth to a rate sustainable by available energy sources, when monomers of anabolic processes, such as amino acids, are abundant.
Dorsal root enhancement in paraneoplastic sensory ataxic neuropathy with anti‐Hu antibody
Authors: Shibui Aya , Kobayashi Junpei , Kuroda Hiroshi , Aoki Masashi
Published: July 2015

Magnetic resonance imaging findings of paraneoplastic sensory ataxic neuropathy have previously shown that spinal cord lesions are located in the dorsal column. We report a 65‐year‐old man with paraneoplastic sensory ataxic neuropathy of subacute onset presenting dorsal root enhancement on magnetic resonance imaging. Pathological studies found that, in patients with sensory ataxic neuropathy associated with lung cancer, the dorsal roots and ganglia were severely degenerated with inflammatory cell infiltration, whereas the dorsal columns of the spinal cord were simply degenerated without inflammatory reaction, indicating centripetal Wallerian degeneration. There have been no radiological reports describing the preceding steps of Wallerian degeneration in the dorsal column, indicating the disruption of dorsal root ganglia. In the present case, we showed direct evidence of root inflammation detected as dorsal root enhancement in a patient with paraneoplastic sensory ataxic neuropathy of subacute onset.
Case of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies presenting progressive muscular atrophy with lower motor neuron degeneration in the spinal cord and the brainstem
Authors: Tohge Rie , Shinoto Yuya , Takahashi Makio
Published: July 2015

We present a case of hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsies developing progressive muscular atrophy, caused by the deletion of peripheral myelin protein‐22. The patient had a history of episodic peripheral nerve palsies during adolescence, and later manifested progressive bulbar palsy and muscular atrophy in all extremities in his 70s. Peripheral myelin protein‐22 is known to be expressed in Schwann cells, and its messenger ribonucleic acid is also expressed in lower motor neurons in the spinal cord and the brainstem. Therefore, the presented case suggests that the deletion of peripheral myelin protein‐22 facilitated impairment of peripheral nerves and lower motor neurons with aging and/or genetic stress, which could contribute to the pathogenesis of progressive muscular atrophy.
An autopsy case of hemiconvulsion‐hemiplegia‐epilepsy syndrome manifesting as cerebral hemiatrophy in an elderly man
Authors: Iwase Tamaki , Yoshida Mari , Mizuno Tomoyuki , Sato Shinya , Nokura Kazuya
Published: July 2015

We report an autopsy case of hemiconvulsion‐hemiplegia‐epilepsy (HHE) syndrome in a 79‐year‐old man. HHE syndrome usually occurs in children younger than 4 years of age. Although most HHE syndrome patients live into adult life, only a few cases of the syndrome have been reported in the elderly. In our case, cerebral hemiatrophy, left mesial temporal sclerosis and crossed cerebellar atrophy were observed. Because this is the oldest case ever reported, we further investigated age‐related neuropathological changes and found an interhemispheric difference in amyloid‐β‐related neuropathologic changes. There were almost no senile plaques or amyloid‐laden vessels in the left hemisphere. As far as we know, this is the first report of age‐related neuropathology in a brain manifesting HHE syndrome.
Resting anal pressure, not outlet obstruction or transit, predicts healthcare utilization in chronic constipation: a retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Staller K. , Barshop K. , Kuo B. , Ananthakrishnan A. N.
Published: July 2015

Background

Chronic constipation is common and exerts a considerable burden on health‐related quality of life and healthcare resource utilization. Anorectal manometry (ARM) and colonic transit testing have allowed classification of subtypes of constipation, raising promise of targeted treatments. There has been limited study of the correlation between physiological parameters and healthcare utilization.

Methods

All patients undergoing ARM and colonic transit testing for chronic constipation at two tertiary care centers from 2000 to 2014 were included in this retrospective study. Our primary outcomes included number of constipation‐related and gastroenterology visits per year. Multivariate linear regression adjusting for confounders defined independent effect of measures of colonic and anorectal function on healthcare utilization.

Key Results

Our study included 612 patients with chronic constipation. More than 50% (n = 333) of patients had outlet obstruction by means of balloon expulsion testing and 43.5% (n = 266) had slow colonic transit. On unadjusted analysis, outlet obstruction (1.98 vs 1.68), slow transit (2.40 vs 2.07) and high resting anal pressure (2.16 vs 1.76) were all associated with greater constipation‐related visits/year compared to patients without each of those parameters (p < 0.05 for all). Outlet obstruction and high resting anal pressure were also associated with greater number of gastroenterology visits/year. After multivariate adjustment, high resting anal pressure was the only independent predictor of increased constipation‐related visits/year (p = 0.02) and gastroenterology visits/year (p = 0.04).

Conclusions & Inferences

Among patients with chronic constipation, high resting anal pressure, rather than outlet obstruction or slow transit, predicts healthcare resource utilization.
Integration of photosynthesis, development and stress as an opportunity for plant biology
Authors: Allahverdiyeva Yagut , Battchikova Natalia , Brosché Mikael , Fujii Hiroaki , Kangasjärvi Saijaliisa , Mulo Paula , Mähönen Ari Pekka , Nieminen Kaisa , Overmyer Kirk , Salojärvi Jarkko , Wrzaczek Michael
Published: July 2015

With the tremendous progress of the past decades, molecular plant science is becoming more unified than ever. We now have the exciting opportunity to further connect subdisciplines and understand plants as whole organisms, as will be required to efficiently utilize them in natural and agricultural systems to meet human needs. The subfields of photosynthesis, plant developmental biology and plant stress are used as examples to discuss how plant science can become better integrated. The challenges, strategies and rich opportunities for the integration of the plant sciences are discussed. In recent years, more and more overlap between various subdisciplines has been inadvertently discovered including tradeoffs that may occur in plants engineered for biotechnological applications. Already important, bioinformatics and computational modelling will become even more central to structuring and understanding the ever growing amounts of data. The process of integrating and overlapping fields in plant biology research is advancing, but plant science will benefit from dedicating more effort and urgency to reach across its boundaries.
Emerging and changing viral diseases in the new millennium
Authors: Scully C , Samaranayake LP
Published: July 2015

Most viral infections encountered in resource‐rich countries are relatively trivial and transient with perhaps fever, malaise, myalgia, rash (exanthema) and sometimes mucosal manifestations (enanthema), including oral in some. However, the apparent benignity may be illusory as some viral infections have unexpected consequences – such as the oncogenicity of some herpesviruses and human papillomaviruses. Infections are transmitted from various human or animal vectors, especially by close proximity, and the increasing movements of peoples across the globe, mean that infections hitherto confined largely to the tropics now appear worldwide. Global warming also increases the range of movement of vectors such as mosquitoes. Thus recent decades have seen a most dramatic change with the emergence globally also of new viral infections – notably human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) – and the appearance of some other dangerous and sometimes lethal infections formerly seen mainly in, and reported from, resource‐poor areas especially in parts of Asia, Latin America and Africa. This study offers a brief update of the most salient new aspects of the important viral infections, especially those with known orofacial manifestations or other implications for oral health care.
Betylmania? – Small Standing Stones and the Megaliths ofSouth‐WestBritain
Authors: Gillings Mark
Published: July 2015

This paper calls attention to a previously neglected element of the broad repertoire of monumental megalithic structures that characterize the later third and second millenniaBCacross theBritishIsles – extremely small standing stones. Despite their frequency and the complex arrangements and associations they embody, these miniliths are rarely recorded in detail and frequently marginalized to a generic background. As a result, they are largely absent from interpretative accounts. Drawing upon recent debates regarding materiality and monument form, alongside the results of excavations explicitly targeting tiny stone settings, the discussion argues that the phenomenon of raising and fixing small uprights was not only widespread and persistent, but sheds important light upon the beliefs and ideas driving monument construction during the laterNeolithic andBronzeAges.
Early Specialized Production? A Chalcolithic Stone Bracelet Workshop at Kanlitaş, Turkey
Authors: Baysal Emma , Baysal Adnan , Türkcan Ali Umut , Nazaroff Adam
Published: July 2015

An assemblage of marble bracelets, at various stages of manufacture, recovered during surface survey of the site of Kanlıtaş in Turkey, indicates that there was specialized production activity at the site during the Chalcolithic period. In this article we present the assemblage, evidence about material procurement, technology and manufacturing processes. We discuss the significance of the assemblage in relation to other sites in the area and as an example of production intended for inter‐site trade or exchange. We also address the wider issues of both the production of stone bracelets as a widespread practice in Anatolia from the Neolithic onwards, and the phenomenon of early specialized production.
Absence of capsule reveals glycan‐mediated binding and recognition of salivary mucin MUC7 by Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Thamadilok S. , Roche‐Håkansson H. , Håkansson A.P. , Ruhl S.
Published: July 2015

Salivary proteins modulate bacterial colonization in the oral cavity and interact with systemic pathogens that pass through the oropharynx. An interesting example is the opportunistic respiratory pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae that normally resides in the nasopharynx, but belongs to the greater Mitis group of streptococci, most of which colonize the oral cavity. Streptococcus pneumoniae also expresses a serine‐rich repeat (SRR) adhesin, PsrP, which is a homologue to oral Mitis group SRR adhesins, such as Hsa of Streptococcus gordonii and SrpA of Streptococcus sanguinis. As the latter bind to salivary glycoproteins through recognition of terminal sialic acids, we wanted to determine whether S. pneumoniae also binds to salivary proteins through possibly the same mechanism. We found that only a capsule‐free mutant of S. pneumoniae TIGR4 binds to salivary proteins, most prominently to mucin MUC7, but that this binding was not mediated through PsrP or recognition of sialic acid. We also found, however, that PsrP is involved in agglutination of human red blood cells (RBCs). After removal of PsrP, an additional previously masked lectin‐like adhesin activity mediating agglutination of sialidase‐treated RBCs becomes revealed. Using a custom‐spotted glycoprotein and neoglycoprotein dot blot array, we identify candidate glycan motifs recognized by PsrP and by the putative S. pneumoniae adhesin that could perhaps be responsible for pneumococcal binding to salivary MUC7 and glycoproteins on RBCs.
TLR4, NOD1 and NOD2 mediate immune recognition of putative newly identified periodontal pathogens
Authors: Marchesan J. , Jiao Y.Z. , Schaff R.A. , Hao J. , Morelli T. , Kinney J.S. , Gerow E. , Sheridan R. , Rodrigues V. , Paster B.J. , Inohara N. , Giannobile W.V.
Published: July 2015

Periodontitis is a polymicrobial inflammatory disease that results from the interaction between the oral microbiota and the host immunity. Although the innate immune response is important for disease initiation and progression, the innate immune receptors that recognize both classical and putative periodontal pathogens that elicit an immune response have not been elucidated. By using the Human Oral Microbe Identification Microarray (HOMIM), we identified multiple predominant oral bacterial species in human plaque biofilm that strongly associate with severe periodontitis. Ten of the identified species were evaluated in greater depth, six being classical pathogens and four putative novel pathogens. Using human peripheral blood monocytes (HPBM) and murine bone‐marrow‐derived macrophages (BMDM) from wild‐type (WT) and Toll‐like receptor (TLR)‐specific and MyD88 knockouts (KOs), we demonstrated that heat‐killed Campylobacter concisus, Campylobacter rectus, Selenomonas infelix, Porphyromonas endodontalis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and Tannerella forsythia mediate high immunostimulatory activity. Campylobacter concisus, C. rectus, and S. infelix exhibited robust TLR4 stimulatory activity. Studies using mesothelial cells from WT and NOD1‐specific KOs and NOD2‐expressing human embryonic kidney cells demonstrated that Eubacterium saphenum, Eubacterium nodatum and Filifactor alocis exhibit robust NOD1 stimulatory activity, and that Porphyromonas endodontalis and Parvimonas micra have the highest NOD2 stimulatory activity. These studies allowed us to provide important evidence on newly identified putative pathogens in periodontal disease pathogenesis showing that these bacteria exhibit different immunostimulatory activity via TLR4, NOD1, and NOD2 (Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01154855).
Caregivers of children with no food allergy—their experiences and perception of food allergy
Authors: Yamamoto‐Hanada Kiwako , Futamura Masaki , Takahashi Osamu , Narita Masami , Kobayashi Fumio , Ohya Yukihiro
Published: July 2015

Background

Food allergy (FA) is one of the most important health issues in schoolchildren. Although one of the most common places where pediatric anaphylaxis occurs is the home of a peer, the perception and experiences of caregivers who do not have a child with FA are unclear.

Methods

An anonymous paper‐based questionnaire was distributed to caregivers of FA children (FA caregivers) in the National Center for Child Health and Development and caregivers of non‐FA children (non‐FA caregivers) in public school in Tokyo. We examined the perception and experiences of FA among three groups: Group 1, non‐FA caregiver who had not witnessed adverse reactions and near‐miss events related to FA; Group 2, non‐FA caregivers who had witnessed adverse reactions and near‐miss events related to FA; and Group 3, caregivers who had a child with FA.

Results

Epinephrine auto‐injector was recognized by 43.6% non‐FA caregivers. Only 2.8% of non‐FA caregivers had experienced a child being bullied, harassed, or refused by a school because of FA. There were more caregivers in Group 2 who thought they could take the appropriate action if they witnessed a child with adverse response to causal food than in Group 1 (p < 0.05). All groups felt anxious over adverse events related to FA.

Conclusion

The experiences and perception of FA were lacking among non‐FA caregivers. Therefore, it is also important to provide FA education for non‐FA caregivers to improve the quality of life of FA children.
Two Kinds of Stakes
Authors: Worsnip Alex
Published: July 2015

I distinguish two different kinds of practical stakes associated with propositions. The W‐stakes (world) track what is at stake with respect to whether the proposition is true or false. The A‐stakes (attitude) track what is at stake with respect to whether an agent believes (or relies on) the proposition. This poses a dilemma for those who claim that whether a proposition is known can depend on the stakes associated with it. Only the W‐stakes reading of this view preserves intuitions about knowledge‐attributions, but only the A‐stakes reading preserves the putative link between knowledge and practical reasoning that has motivated it.
Common ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia L.): allergenicity and molecular characterization of pollen after plant exposure to elevated NO2
Authors: Zhao Feng , Elkelish Amr , Durner Jörg , Lindermayr Christian , Winkler J. Barbro , Ruёff Franziska , Behrendt Heidrun , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Holzinger Andreas , Kofler Werner , Braun Paula , von Toerne Christine , Hauck Stefanie M. , Ernst Dieter , Frank Ulrike
Published: July 2015

Ragweed pollen is the main cause of allergenic diseases in Northern America, and the weed has become a spreading neophyte in Europe. Climate change and air pollution are speculated to affect the allergenic potential of pollen. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of NO2, a major air pollutant, under controlled conditions, on the allergenicity of ragweed pollen.

Ragweed was exposed to different levels of NO2 throughout the entire growing season, and its pollen further analysed. Spectroscopic analysis showed increased outer cell wall polymers and decreased amounts of pectin. Proteome studies using two‐dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry indicated increased amounts of several Amb a 1 isoforms and of another allergen with great homology to enolase Hev b 9 from rubber tree. Analysis of protein S‐nitrosylation identified nitrosylated proteins in pollen from both conditions, including Amb a 1 isoforms. However, elevated NO2 significantly enhanced the overall nitrosylation. Finally, we demonstrated increased overall pollen allergenicity by immunoblotting using ragweed antisera, showing a significantly higher allergenicity for Amb a 1. The data highlight a direct influence of elevated NO2 on the increased allergenicity of ragweed pollen and a direct correlation with an increased risk for human health.
RAC1 P29S regulates PD‐L1 expression in melanoma
Authors: Vu Ha Linh , Rosenbaum Sheera , Purwin Timothy J. , Davies Michael A. , Aplin Andrew E.
Published: July 2015

Whole exome sequencing of cutaneous melanoma has led to the detection of P29 mutations in RAC1 in 5–9% of samples, but the role of RAC1 P29 mutations in melanoma biology remains unclear. Using reverse phase protein array analysis to examine the changes in protein/phospho‐protein expression, we identified cyclin B1, PD‐L1, Ets‐1, and Syk as being selectively upregulated with RAC1 P29S expression and downregulated with RAC1 P29S depletion. Using the melanoma patient samples in TCGA, we found PD‐L1 expression to be significantly increased in RAC1 P29S patients compared to RAC1 WT as well as other RAC1 mutants. The finding that PD‐L1 is upregulated suggests that oncogenic RAC1 P29S may promote suppression of the antitumor immune response. This is a new insight into the biological function of RAC1 P29S mutations with potential clinical implications as PD‐L1 is a candidate biomarker for increased benefit from treatment with anti‐PD1 or anti‐PD‐L1 antibodies.
First‐episode psychosis is associated with oxidative stress: Effects of short‐term antipsychotic treatment
Authors: Sarandol Asli , Sarandol Emre , Acikgoz Hacer Ebru , Eker Salih Saygin , Akkaya Cengiz , Dirican Melehat
Published: July 2015

Aims

In the present study, our aim was to investigate the oxidative–antioxidative systems in unmedicated first‐episode psychosis (FEP) patients at the beginning and after short‐term treatment.

Methods

This study consisted of 29 patients who experienced an FEP and 25 control subjects. In order to investigate the oxidative status, we determined plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, oxidizability of red blood cells, oxidation and oxidizability of apolipoprotein B‐containing lipoproteins (apo B‐basal MDA and apo B‐ΔMDA). In order to evaluate the antioxidative defense, we measured serum total antioxidative capacity, uric acid, albumin, total bilirubin and vitamin E levels and serum paraoxonase/arylesterase, whole blood glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and red blood cell superoxide dismutase activities before and after 6 weeks of treatment in patients with FEP.

Results

Plasma MDA and apo B‐basal MDA levels and red blood cell superoxide dismutase activity were significantly higher and serum arylesterase and whole blood‐GPx activities were lower in the FEP group than those of the healthy control group. There were not any significant changes in the oxidative and antioxidative system parameters (except increased vitamin E levels) after treatment.

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that FEP is accompanied by oxidative stress. However, further studies are needed to clarify the role of oxidative stress in the physiopathologic mechanisms of FEP, so that oxidative and antioxidative system parameters can be used in the management of these patients. In accordance with psychiatric evaluation, for a better management, patients with FEP may require a multidisciplinary approach, including oxidative and antioxidative system parameters.
The Sceptical Paradox and the Nature of the Self
Authors: Cheng Tony
Published: July 2015

In interpretation, understanding does not become something different. It becomes itself. Such interpretation is grounded existentially in understanding; the latter does not arise from the former. – Martin Heidegger, Being and Time, §32

In the present article, I attempt to relate Saul Kripke's “sceptical paradox” to some issues about the self; specifically, the relation between the self and its mental states and episodes. I start with a brief reconstruction of the paradox, and venture to argue that it relies crucially on a Cartesian model of the self: the sceptic regards the Wittgensteinian “infinite regress of interpretation” as the foundation of his challenge, and this is where he commits the crucial mistake. After the diagnosis, I attempt to sketch my own model of the self and its mental states and episodes. This tentative picture binds meaning and the self together, stressing the subjective aspect of meaning without committing the same fallacy. The solution ventured here is relatively independent of the secondary literatures on the sceptical paradox of following rules, for it aims to provide a new angle to understand and meet the challenge presented by the sceptic.
Functional Characterization of a LOV‐Histidine Kinase Photoreceptor from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri
Authors: Kraiselburd Ivana , Gutt Alexander , Losi Aba , Gärtner Wolfgang , Orellano Elena G.
Published: July 2015

The blue‐light (BL) absorbing protein Xcc‐LOV from Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri is composed of a LOV‐domain, a histidine kinase (HK) and a response regulator. Spectroscopic characterization of Xcc‐LOV identified intermediates and kinetics of the protein's photocycle. Measurements of steady state and time‐resolved fluorescence allowed determination of quantum yields for triplet (ΦT = 0.68 ± 0.03) and photoproduct formation (Φ390 = 0.46 ± 0.05). The lifetime for triplet decay was determined as τT = 2.4–2.8 μs. Fluorescence of tryptophan and tyrosine residues was unchanged upon light‐to‐dark conversion, emphasizing the absence of significant conformational changes. Photochemistry was blocked upon cysteine C76 (C76S) mutation, causing a seven‐fold longer lifetime of the triplet state (τT = 16–18.5 μs). Optoacoustic spectroscopy yielded the energy content of the triplet state. Interestingly, Xcc‐LOV did not undergo the volume contraction reported for other LOV domains within the observation time window, although the back‐conversion into the dark state was accompanied by a volume expansion. A radioactivity‐based enzyme function assay revealed a larger HK activity in the lit than in the dark state. The C76S mutant showed a still lower enzyme function, indicating the dark state activity being corrupted by a remaining portion of the long‐lived lit state.
Effects of iron on growth and reflectance spectrum of the bloom‐forming cyanobacterium Microcystis viridis
Authors: Chi Guangyu , Huang Bin , Ma Jian , Shi Yi , Chen Xin
Published: July 2015

Iron is an important factor in algal blooms because it is involved in cyanobacterial pigment biosynthesis and therefore has the ability to influence the pigment status of algal cells. This role in pigment biosynthesis offers the opportunity for rapid monitoring of iron availability to cyanobacteria through spectral reflectance characterization. In the present study, the freshwater cyanobacterium Microcystis viridis was cultured with different levels of iron. Cell density, cellular content of iron and photosynthetic pigments, and spectral reflectivity of M. viridis were determined daily during the course of the culture experiment. The results showed that at the lowest iron concentration (0.01 μM) the growth of M. viridis was seriously limited, and the maximal cell density was only approximately 6.4% of the density observed with an iron concentration of 18 μM. Iron availability dramatically affected chlorophyll a, carotenoid and phycocyanin content, with the greatest impact on chlorophyll a. The iron‐induced changes in content and ratios of pigments were detectable through spectral reflectance. Eleven spectral indices previously developed for the estimation of concentrations and/or ratios of pigments and a newly proposed chlorophyll a/phycocyanin index were found to be suitable for generating sensitive regression models between cellular iron content and spectral parameters. The comprehensive application of key sensitive spectral indices and regression equations should help to support monitoring and diagnosis of iron availability to cyanobacteria via remote sensing.
Trait absorption is related to enhanced emotional picture processing and reduced processing of secondary acoustic probes
Authors: Benning Stephen D. , Rozalski Vincent , Klingspon Kara L.
Published: July 2015

Trait absorption reflects a propensity to have one's attention drawn to engaging sensory or imaginal experiences. It is related to self‐reported levels of positive and negative emotionality, but little work has examined whether absorption is related to greater levels of basic emotional processing. We used the late positive potential (LPP) to pictures and P3 response to subsequent startle probes during those pictures to examine how absorption was related to initial emotional processing and reactivity to a second stimulus. Across genders, absorption was positively related to LPP amplitude to emotional versus neutral pictures at PZ, and it was negatively related to overall P3 amplitude to startle probes at FZ. Thus, absorption appears to index greater processing of emotional material at the cost of reduced processing of subsequent incoming stimuli.
Representation and Collaboration: Exploring the Role of Shared Identity in the Collaborative Process
Authors: Conner Thaddieus W.
Published: July 2015

Public managers must regularly engage and interact with stakeholders in the external environment to deliver meaningful policy outcomes. Examining the motivations behind such behavior is a critical component of understanding management in the modern era. Some studies suggest that actors with similar interests are more likely to form collaborative partnerships. Using an original mail survey of 150 American Indian education directors in public school districts, this article examines how shared identity and individual attitudes affect levels of interaction with Native American communities. Findings suggest that public school officials who share both a racial and a tribal/co‐ethnic identity with Native American nations in their service area have higher levels of interaction with these groups than public school officials who are either members of Native American nations outside their service area or non‐Indian. This research has broad implications for incorporating theories of representation and social construction into our understanding of collaboration.
Mental Causation is Not Just Downward Causation
Authors: Engelhardt Jeff
Published: July 2015

According to a popular model of mental causation, an irreducible mental cause M1 brings about an irreducible mental effect M2 by bringing about M2's supervenience base (ground, realizer, etc.), P2. Call this ‘the Downward Causation View’. This paper raises doubts about the Downward Causation View on grounds that M1 does not cause M2 immediately and there is no causal chain from M1 to M2. Prima facie, then, M1 does not cause M2 on this view. But a theory of mental causation ought to account for how some mental phenomena cause other mental phenomena; so rival theories are to be preferred. After setting out the problem, I consider replies; all fail.
Microsite determinants of variability in seedling and cutting establishment in tropical forest restoration plantations
Authors: Douterlungne David , Ferguson Bruce G. , Siddique Ilyas , Soto‐Pinto Lorena , Jímenez‐Ferrer Guillermo , Gavito Mayra E.
Published: July 2015

Plantations are frequently established on abandoned pasture lands to speed forest recovery. This strategy requires matching a tree species mix with the prevailing microenvironmental conditions. In four degraded pastures of the Mexican Lacandon rainforest, we planted 2,400 trees of 6 species (Guazuma ulmifolia, Inga vera, Ochroma pyramidale, Trichospermum mexicanum, Bursera simaruba, and Spondias mombin) to (1) test survival, initial growth, and establishment costs; (2) evaluate whether vegetative cuttings outperform direct seeding or transplants of nursery‐raised seedlings; (3) determine tree response to herbaceous dominance and soil compaction; and (4) scrutinize the results' consistency across sites and sampling scales of tree–microenvironment interactions (individual tree vs. averaged plot responses). After 2 years, overall survival and growth rates were high for 2 of 3 nursery‐raised species. Contrary to expectations, all seedlings outperformed the cuttings while direct seeding resulted in a cost‐effective option of intermediate efficacy. The impact of soil resistance to root penetration on tree biomass accumulation was species dependent while bulk density was not relevant. Soil‐covering, herbaceous vegetation accelerated growth in 3 of 4 tested species during the dry season. At this initial stage of forest restoration in abandoned pastures, Guazuma and Trichospermum were the most restoration‐effective species. Costs can be reduced by using direct‐seeding Inga and avoiding weeding during the dry season. Finally, our results demonstrate how species selection trials can be misleading due to site variations in tree response and to sampling scales that fail to account for small‐scale environmental heterogeneity. We recommend ways to improve the design of restoration trials.
Hydrological responses of a valley‐bottom wetland to land‐use/land‐cover change in a South African catchment: making a case for wetland restoration
Authors: Rebelo Alanna J. , Le Maitre David C. , Esler Karen J. , Cowling Richard M.
Published: July 2015

Valley‐bottom wetlands are valuable assets as they provide many ecosystem services to mankind. Despite their value, valley‐bottom wetlands are often exploited and land‐use/land‐cover (LULC) change results in trade‐offs in ecosystem services. We coupled physically based hydrological modeling and spatial analysis to examine the effects of LULC change on water‐related ecosystem services in the Kromme catchment: an important water‐providing catchment for the city of Port Elizabeth. LULC scenarios were constructed to match 5 different decades in the last 50 years to explore the potential effects of restoring the catchment to different historic benchmarks. In the Kromme catchment, valley‐bottom wetlands have declined by 84%, driven by key LULC changes: an increase in irrigated land (307 ha) and invasion by alien trees (336 ha). If the wetlands were restored to the relatively pristine extent and condition of the 1950s, riverflow could increase by approximately 1.13 million m3/a, about 6% of the current supply to Port Elizabeth. Wetland restoration would also significantly improve the catchment's ability to absorb extreme rainfall events, decreasing flood damage. We conclude that in the face of the water scarcity in this region, all ecosystem services, particularly those related to water flow regulation, should be taken into account by decision makers in charge of land zonation. Zonation decisions should not continue to be made on the basis of provisioning ecosystem services alone (i.e. food provision or dam yield). We recommend prioritization of the preservation and restoration of valley‐bottom wetlands providing water‐related ecosystem services to settlements downstream.
Secreted mucins and airway bacterial colonization in non‐CF bronchiectasis
Authors: Sibila Oriol , Suarez‐Cuartin Guillermo , Rodrigo‐Troyano Ana , Fardon Thomas C. , Finch Simon , Mateus Eder Freddy , Garcia‐Bellmunt Laia , Castillo Diego , Vidal Silvia , Sanchez‐Reus Ferran , Restrepo Marcos I. , Chalmers James D.
Published: July 2015

Background and objective

Secreted mucins play a key role in antibacterial defence in the airway, but have not previously been characterized in non‐cystic fibrosis (CF) bronchiectasis patients. We aim to investigate the relationship between secreted mucins levels and the presence of bacterial colonization due to potentially pathogenic microorganisms (PPM) in the airways of stable bronchiectasis patients.

Methods

Clinically stable bronchiectasis patients were studied prospectively at two centres. Patients with other pulmonary conditions were excluded. Spontaneous sputum was subject to bacterial culture, and secreted mucins (MUC2, MUC5AC and MUC5B) were measured in sputum supernatants by ELISA.

Results

A total of 50 patients were included. PPM were identified from sputum samples in 30 (60%), with Pseudomonas aeruginosa (n = 10) and Haemophilus influenzae (n = 10) as the most common PPM. There were no baseline differences among airway colonized and non‐colonized patients. Patients with airways colonized by PPM presented higher levels of airway MUC2. No differences in MUC5AC levels were found among groups, whereas MUC5B levels were undetectable. Patients with P. aeruginosa colonization expressed the highest levels of MUC2. High levels of MUC2 and MUC5AC are also correlated with disease severity using the Bronchiectasis Severity Index.

Conclusions

Airway MUC2 levels were higher in bronchiectasis patients colonized with PPM compared with those without airway colonization, especially in patients with P. aeruginosa. These findings suggest that airway‐secreted mucins levels may play a role in the pathogenesis of airway infection in non‐CF bronchiectasis.
‘God is in the details’: visual culture of closeness in the circle of Cardinal Reginald Pole
Authors: de la Verpillière Lorraine
Published: July 2015

As one of the most important political and religious figures of the mid sixteenth century, Cardinal Reginald Pole (1500–58) has been the subject of valuable historical studies. Although the English prelate was also a humanist, part of a vast intellectual and artistic network he established during his travels to Italy, Flanders, Spain and England, Pole has yet to receive the attention he deserves in History of Art. This article aims at re‐appreciating the artistic patronage of the cardinal, in spite of the difficulties raised by the lack of surviving artworks he commissioned and his apparent insensitivity to visual arts. It will be shown that Pole and his religious circle, the spirituali, tried to develop a visual culture of their own, influenced by their religious beliefs and meditational practices. Building on Michelangelo's famous presentation drawings to Vittoria Colonna – the Pietà and the Crucifixion – as well as on painted and drawn works deriving from them by the hand of other artists, this paper examines Pole and his friends’ preference for sober, small‐sized and confidential artworks, suggesting the genre of the miniature as a promising avenue of research as regards to Pole's patronage.
IRF4 Deficiency Leads to Altered BCR Signalling Revealed by Enhanced PI3K Pathway, Decreased SHIP Expression and Defected Cytoskeletal Responses
Authors: Budzyńska P. M. , Niemelä M. , Sarapulov A.V. , Kyläniemi M.K. , Nera K.‐P. , Junttila S. , Laiho A. , Mattila P.K. , Alinikula J. , Lassila O.
Published: July 2015

The graded expression of transcription factor interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) regulates B cell development and is critical for plasma cell differentiation. However, the mechanisms, by which IRF4 elicits its crucial tasks, are largely unknown. To characterize the molecular targets of IRF4 in B cells, we established an IRF4‐deficient DT40 B cell line. We found that in the absence of IRF4, the expression of several molecules involved in BCR signalling was altered. For example, the expression of B cell adaptor for PI3K (BCAP) was upregulated, whereas the SHIP (SH2‐containing Inositol 5?‐Phosphatase) expression was downregulated. These molecular unbalances were accompanied by increased BCR‐induced calcium signalling, attenuated B cell linker protein (BLNK) and ERK activity and enhanced activity of PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt) pathway. Further, the IRF4‐deficient cells showed dramatically diminished cytoskeletal responses to anti‐IgM cross‐linking. Our results show that IRF4 has an important role in the regulation of BCR signalling and help to shed light on the molecular mechanisms of B cell development and germinal centre response.
Regulating migration to Australia and back to the Philippines: Applying a ‘diaspora strategies’ framework
Authors: Peñafiel Justin
Published: July 2015

This paper examines circular labour migration between Australia and the Philippines by bringing Australian immigration policies and Philippine diaspora strategies under the same analytical framework. An extensive Philippine bureaucracy regulates migrants at each stage of the circular migration cycle, and as a sending state it has an interest in migrants staying temporarily in host countries such as Australia. The requirement to return home at the end of an overseas work contract compels migrants to remain attached to the sending state, their homeland, and return subsequently. However, Australia is allowing a route for temporary migrants to apply for permanent residency while in the host country. This has implications for sending states that rely on migrant ties to the homeland. The paper argues that analysing the intersections between the themes of migration, development and diaspora strategies reveals the multiple meanings of temporariness during migration and in migration studies. It questions whether associating temporariness with precariousness and marginalization is an accurate representation of the complex conditions underpinning circular labour migration.
Rejection Reactivity, Executive Function Skills, and Social Adjustment Problems of Inattentive and Hyperactive Kindergarteners
Authors: Motamedi Mojdeh , Bierman Karen , Huang‐Pollock Cynthia L.
Published: July 2015

This study examined emotional reactivity to rejection and executive function (EF) skills as potential mediators of the social behavior problems of inattentive and hyperactive kindergarteners. Participants included 171 children, including 107 with clinical levels of ADHD symptoms, 23 with sub‐clinical levels of ADHD symptoms, and 41 typically developing children (63 percent male; 73 percent Caucasian, 11 percent African‐American, 4 percent Latino/Hispanic, 1 percent Asian, and 11 percent multiracial; Mage = 5.2 years). Inattention (but not hyperactivity) was uniquely associated with poor EF, social withdrawal, and aggression. In structural equation models, EF skills mediated the associations between inattention and both aggression and social withdrawal. Hyperactivity (but not inattention) was uniquely associated with rejection reactivity and each contributed uniquely to aggression. Findings suggest that difficulties with emotion regulation may warrant more attention in early interventions planned for children with high levels of ADHD symptoms.
Evaluation of mesotherapy as a transdermal drug delivery tool
Authors: Kim S. , Kye J. , Lee M. , Park B.
Published: July 2015

Background

There has been no research about the exact mechanism of transdermal drug delivery during mesotherapy.

Objective

We aimed to evaluate whether the commercial mesogun can be an appropriate technique for a transdermal drug delivery.

Materials and Methods

We injected blue ink into the polyurethane foam or pig skin with three types of mesotherapy using a commercial mesogun, or local made intradermal injector, or a manual injection of syringe. To assess the internal pressure of the cylinder and drug delivery time, we designed the evaluation setup using a needle tip pressure transducer.

Result

All types of injectors induced adequate penetration of blue ink into the polyurethane foam without backflow. In the pig skin, blue ink leaked out rapidly with the backward movement of the needle in the commercial mesogun in contrast to the local made injector or the manual injection of syringe. When the time for backward movement of the syringe approaches 1000 ms, the cylinder pressure of the syringe is saturated at around 25 mmHg which can be translated into the dermal pressure of the pig skin.

Conclusion

There should be sufficient time between the insertion and withdrawal of the needle of injector for the adequate transdermal drug delivery and it must be considered for mesotherapy.
Genetic association of complement component 2 polymorphism with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Chen H.‐H. , Tsai L.‐J. , Lee K.‐R. , Chen Y.‐M. , Hung W.‐T. , Chen D.‐Y.
Published: July 2015

Complement component 2 (C2), an early member of the classical pathway, mainly participates in apoptotic cell clearance. We hypothesize that C2 polymorphism may confer genetic susceptibility to complement dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The major aim of our study was to investigate the clinical and serological associations of C2 variants in Chinese patients with SLE. The single‐nucleotide polymorphism (rs2844455, G/A SNP) located in the intron region of C2 gene was genotyped by direct sequencing in 95 SLE patients and 95 matched normal control subjects. The gene expression profiles were generated by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and reverse transcription PCR. Our results showed that the AA genotype was observed more frequently in SLE patients than in normal control subjects (22.1% vs 9.5%, P < 0.05). The A allele was strongly associated with the occurrence of hair loss, photosensitivity and anti‐cardiolipin antibodies; whereas, the G allele was associated with lower frequencies of these clinical presentations. Relative expression levels were significantly lower in patients with the AA genotype [median: 18.86, interquartile range (IQR) 11.36–22.43, P = 0.002] than in those with the GG genotype (35.76, IQR: 19.33–49.71). As expected, we confirmed the A allele as a risk factor for SLE development in a Chinese population, in contrast, the G allele might be a protective factor against the pathogenic autoantibody formation and cutaneous manifestations in SLE patients.
Quantification of both normal and right‐lateral late Quaternary activity along the Kongur Shan extensional system, Chinese Pamir
Authors: Chevalier Marie‐Luce , Pan Jiawei , Li Haibing , Liu Dongliang , Wang Meng
Published: July 2015

The Kongur Shan Extensional System (KES) is a ~250 km long normal fault system that bounds the Muji–Tashkorgan basin of the Chinese Pamir. It accommodates E–W extension due to the northward indentation of the Pamir salient, and its late Miocene activity has been the focus of tectonic studies. While the KES has a main normal component, ~WNW–ESE‐striking segments have an additional right‐lateral strike‐slip component. Here, we quantify late Quaternary horizontal and vertical slip rates at three locations along the KES, where active faults cut and offset abandoned geomorphic features. We find rates of >3–4 mm a−1 (horizontal) along the western Muji fault in the north and of ~1.7 mm a−1 (vertical) and ~1 mm a−1 (horizontal) along the Kongur Shan fault in the south during the late Pleistocene. These rates are consistent with GPS and late Miocene rates, and imply that E–W extension in the Muji–Tashkorgan basin is faster in the north than in the south.
No Luck in the Distance: A Reply to Freitag
Authors: Broncano‐Berrocal Fernando
Published: July 2015

In a recent article in this journal, Wolfgang Freitag argues that Gettier‐style cases that are based on the notion of “distant” epistemic luck cannot be ruled out as cases of knowledge by modal conditions such as safety or sensitivity. I argue that (1) safety and sensitivity can be easily fixed and that (2) Freitag provides no convincing reason for the existence of “distant” epistemic luck.