bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overt Coordination in Additive Numerals of Minority Languages in South China
Authors: He Chuansheng , Her One‐Soon , Hu Xiaoshi , Zhu Weijing 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper explores a typology of overt coordination in additive numerals in a number of minority languages in South China. Among approximately 100 minority languages surveyed, 26 languages feature different coordinators for additive numerals and noun phrases. We show that these two types of coordinators are not semantically, etymologically, or morphologically related. This phenomenon presents a serious challenge to the proposal that additive numerals do not form constituents and that numeral coordination is derived from underlying nominal coordination in such languages.
Nevus of Ota (oculodermal melanocytosis) in a dog
Authors: Malho Pedro , Shea Anita , Donaldson David 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA 5‐year‐old, female, spayed Rhodesian Ridgeback presented with ocular melanocytosis and skin hyperpigmentation involving the distribution of the first and second divisions of the trigeminal nerve on the right side of the face. The dermatomal pattern of the hyperpigmentation was similar to nevus of Ota or oculodermal melanocytosis reported in humans. This condition has been associated with increased risk of developing secondary glaucoma and melanoma transformation in skin, ocular, orbital tissues, and the central nervous system. The clinical investigation and description of oculodermal melanocytosis (nevus of Ota) are presented for the first time in the dog.
Horizontal Gene Transfer of Functional Type VI Killing Genes by Natural Transformation
Authors: Thomas Jacob , Watve Samit S. , Ratcliff William C. , Hammer Brian K. 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Horizontal gene transfer (HGT) can have profound effects on bacterial evolution by allowing individuals to rapidly acquire adaptive traits that shape their strategies for competition. One strategy for intermicrobial antagonism often used by
Proteobacteria
is the genetically encoded contact-dependent type VI secretion system (T6SS), a weapon used to kill heteroclonal neighbors by direct injection of toxic effectors. Here, we experimentally demonstrate that
Vibrio cholerae
can acquire new T6SS effector genes via horizontal transfer and utilize them to kill neighboring cells. Replacement of one or more parental alleles with novel effectors allows the recombinant strain to dramatically outcompete its parent. Using spatially explicit modeling, we examine how this process could affect the ecology and evolution of surface-attached microbial populations. HGT of T6SS effector-immunity pairs is risky: transformation brings a cell into conflict with its former clone mates but can be adaptive when superior T6SS alleles are acquired. More generally, we find that these costs and benefits are not symmetric and that high rates of HGT can act as a hedge against competitors with unpredictable T6SS efficacy. We conclude that antagonism and horizontal transfer drive successive rounds of weapon optimization and selective sweeps, dynamically shaping the composition of microbial communities.

IMPORTANCE
The contact-dependent type VI secretion system (T6SS) is frequently used by
Proteobacteria
to kill adjacent competitors. While DNA released by T6 killing can be horizontally acquired, it remains untested whether T6 genes themselves can be horizontally acquired and then utilized to compete with neighboring cells. Using naturally transformable
Vibrio cholerae
, we provide the first direct empirical support for the hypothesis that T6 genes are exchanged horizontally (e.g., from dead competitors) and functionally deployed to compete with neighboring cells. Using computational simulations, we also demonstrate that high rates of HGT can be adaptive, allowing
V. cholerae
to improve upon existing T6 weaponry and survive direct encounters with otherwise superior competitors. We anticipate that our evolutionary results are of broad microbiological relevance, applying to many bacteria capable of HGT that utilize the T6SS or similar antagonistic systems, and highlight the profound impact of HGT in shaping microbial community structure.
Curative Treatment of Severe Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections by a New Class of Antibiotics Targeting LpxC
Authors: Lemaître Nadine , Liang Xiaofei , Najeeb Javaria , Lee Chul-Jin , Titecat Marie , Leteurtre Emmanuelle , Simonet Michel , Toone Eric J. , Zhou Pei , Sebbane Florent 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

The infectious diseases caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria pose serious threats to humankind. It has been suggested that an antibiotic targeting LpxC of the lipid A biosynthetic pathway in Gram-negative bacteria is a promising strategy for curing Gram-negative bacterial infections. However, experimental proof of this concept is lacking. Here, we describe our discovery and characterization of a biphenylacetylene-based inhibitor of LpxC, an essential enzyme in the biosynthesis of the lipid A component of the outer membrane of Gram-negative bacteria. The compound LPC-069 has no known adverse effects in mice and is effective
in vitro
against a broad panel of Gram-negative clinical isolates, including several multiresistant and extremely drug-resistant strains involved in nosocomial infections. Furthermore, LPC-069 is curative in a murine model of one of the most severe human diseases, bubonic plague, which is caused by the Gram-negative bacterium
Yersinia pestis
. Our results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of LpxC inhibitors as a new class of antibiotic against fatal infections caused by extremely virulent pathogens. The present findings also highlight the potential of LpxC inhibitors for clinical development as therapeutics for infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria.

IMPORTANCE
The rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance among Gram-negative bacilli highlights the urgent need for new antibiotics. Here, we describe a new class of antibiotics lacking cross-resistance with conventional antibiotics. The compounds inhibit LpxC, a key enzyme in the lipid A biosynthetic pathway in Gram-negative bacteria, and are active
in vitro
against a broad panel of clinical isolates of Gram-negative bacilli involved in nosocomial and community infections. The present study also constitutes the first demonstration of the curative treatment of bubonic plague by a novel, broad-spectrum antibiotic targeting LpxC. Hence, the data highlight the therapeutic potential of LpxC inhibitors against a wide variety of Gram-negative bacterial infections, including the most severe ones caused by
Y. pestis
and by multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant carbapenemase-producing strains.
Stringent Expression Control of Pathogenic R-body Production in Legume Symbiont
Azorhizobium caulinodans
Authors: Matsuoka Jun-ichi , Ishizuna Fumiko , Kurumisawa Keigo , Morohashi Kengo , Ogawa Tetsuhiro , Hidaka Makoto , Saito Katsuharu , Ezawa Tatsuhiro , Aono Toshihiro 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

R bodies are insoluble large polymers consisting of small proteins encoded by
reb
genes and are coiled into cylindrical structures in bacterial cells. They were first discovered in
Caedibacter
species, which are obligate endosymbionts of paramecia.
Caedibacter
confers a killer trait on the host paramecia. R-body-producing symbionts are released from their host paramecia and kill symbiont-free paramecia after ingestion. The roles of R bodies have not been explained in bacteria other than
Caedibacter
.
Azorhizobium caulinodans
ORS571, a microsymbiont of the legume
Sesbania rostrata
, carries a
reb
operon containing four
reb
genes that are regulated by the repressor PraR. Herein, deletion of the
praR
gene resulted in R-body formation and death of host plant cells. The
rebR
gene in the
reb
operon encodes an activator. Three PraR binding sites and a RebR binding site are present in the promoter region of the
reb
operon. Expression analyses using strains with mutations within the PraR binding site and/or the RebR binding site revealed that PraR and RebR directly control the expression of the
reb
operon and that PraR dominantly represses
reb
expression. Furthermore, we found that the
reb
operon is highly expressed at low temperatures and that 2-oxoglutarate induces the expression of the
reb
operon by inhibiting PraR binding to the
reb
promoter. We conclude that R bodies are toxic not only in paramecium symbiosis but also in relationships between other bacteria and eukaryotic cells and that R-body formation is controlled by environmental factors.

IMPORTANCE
Caedibacter
species, which are obligate endosymbiotic bacteria of paramecia, produce R bodies, and R-body-producing endosymbionts that are released from their hosts are pathogenic to symbiont-free paramecia. Besides
Caedibacter
species, R bodies have also been observed in a few free-living bacteria, but the significance of R-body production in these bacteria is still unknown. Recent advances in genome sequencing technologies revealed that many Gram-negative bacteria possess
reb
genes encoding R-body components, and interestingly, many of them are animal and plant pathogens.
Azorhizobium caulinodans
, a microsymbiont of the tropical legume
Sesbania rostrata
, also possesses
reb
genes. In this study, we demonstrate that
A. caulinodans
has ability to kill the host plant cells by producing R bodies, suggesting that pathogenicity conferred by an R body might be universal in bacteria possessing
reb
genes. Furthermore, we provide the first insight into the molecular mechanism underlying the expression of R-body production in response to environmental factors, such as temperature and 2-oxoglutarate.
Lethal digenic mutations in the K+ channels Kir4.1 (KCNJ10) and SLACK (KCNT1) associated with severe-disabling seizures and neurodevelopmental delay
Authors: Hasan Sonia , Balobaid Ameera , Grottesi Alessandro , Dabbagh Omar , Cenciarini Marta , Rawashdeh Rifaat , Al-Sagheir Afaf , Bove Cecilia , Macchioni Lara , Pessia Mauro , Al-Owain Mohammed , D’Adamo Maria Cristina 
Published: July 2017

A 2-yr-old boy presented profound developmental delay, failure to thrive, ataxia, hypotonia, and tonic-clonic seizures that caused the death of the patient. Targeted and whole exome sequencing revealed two heterozygous missense variants: a novel mutation in the KCNJ10 gene that encodes for the inward-rectifying K+ channel Kir4.1 and another previously characterized mutation in KCNT1 that encodes for the Na+-activated K+ channel known as Slo2.2 or SLACK. The objectives of this study were to perform the clinical and genetic characterization of the proband and his family and to examine the functional consequence of the Kir4.1 mutation. The mutant and wild-type KCNJ10 constructs were generated and heterologously expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, and whole cell K+ currents were measured using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique. The KCNJ10 mutation c.652C>T resulted in a p.L218F substitution at a highly conserved residue site. Wild-type KCNJ10 expression yielded robust Kir current, whereas currents from oocytes expressing the mutation were reduced, remarkably. Western Blot analysis revealed reduced protein expression by the mutation. Kir5.1 subunits display selective heteromultimerization with Kir4.1 constituting channels with unique kinetics. The effect of the mutation on Kir4.1/5.1 channel activity was twofold: a reduction in current amplitudes and an increase in the pH-dependent inhibition. We thus report a novel loss-of-function mutation in Kir4.1 found in a patient with a coexisting mutation in SLACK channels that results in a fatal disease. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We present and characterize a novel mutation in KCNJ10. Unlike previously reported EAST/SeSAME patients, our patient was heterozygous, and contrary to previous studies, mimicking the heterozygous state by coexpression resulted in loss of channel function. We report in the same patient co-occurrence of a KCNT1 mutation resulting in a more severe phenotype. This study provides new insights into the phenotypic spectrum and to the genotype-phenotype correlations associated with EAST/SeSAME and MMFSI.
<b>Captive breeding for conservation of Dussumier’s Catfish (Actinopterygii: Siluriformes: Clariidae: <I>Clarias dussumieri</I>) a Near Threatened endemic catfish of peninsular India</b>
Authors: Padmakumar K. G. , Bindu L. , Sreerekha P. S. , Joseph Nitta , Krishnan Anuradha , Manu P. S. , Basheer V. S. 
Published: July 2017

The peninsular Indian endemic Dussumier’s Catfish Clarias dussumieri once abundant in the wetlands and other water bodies of Kerala is now in rapid decline. The present paper focuses on an approach towards the conservation of this rare catfish through artificial propagation. Fishes were bred in captivity by the administration of fish pituitary extract at the rate of 20–40 mg.kg-1. Spawning occurred after 12–14 hr of injection and fertilized eggs hatched after 16:30hr. Larval rearing was carried out in cement cisterns and the larvae attained a mean size of 51.6±1.6mm in 60 days. Since brooders of this species have become extremely rare in nature, the present study on captive breeding by hormonal manipulation methods without sacrificing the male fishes, assumes significance for conserving this endemic species.
<b>New distribution records of three <I>Sarcophyton</I> species (Alcyonacea: Alcyoniidae) in Indian waters from Andaman Islands</b>
Authors: Rajendra Seepana , Raghunathan C. , Mondal Tamal 
Published: July 2017

Three alcyonacean corals—Sarcophyton acutum Tixier-Durivault, 1970, S. latum (Dana, 1846) and S. spongiosum Thompson & Dean, 1931—under the family Alcyoniidae are reported from Andaman Islands as new records to Indian waters. The paper deals with the detailed taxonomic description of these three newly recorded alcyonacean species along with a note on their previously known distribution.
<b>On the occurrence of the Black Spine-cheek Gudgeon <I>Eleotris melanosoma</I> Bleeker in Sri Lankan waters, with comments on the Green-backed Guavina <I>Bunaka gyrinoides</I> (Bleeker) (Teleostei: Eleotridae)</b>
Authors: Batuwita Sudesh , Udugampala Sampath , Edirisinghe Udeni 
Published: July 2017

A new record of Black Spine-cheek Gudgeon Eleotris melanosoma Bleeker is provided from the southern and western coasts of Sri Lanka. This species was previously confused with two closely resembling eleotrid species—E. fusca (Bloch & Schneider in Bloch) and Bunaka gyrinoides (Bleeker) of Sri Lanka. It is speculated that records of E. melanosoma juveniles from coastal areas and B. gyrinoides from inland freshwater habitats appear to be the elevated locality records of E. fusca in Sri Lanka. Data are provided to distinguish Eleotris melanosoma from E. fusca and from B. gyrinoides, to clarify their taxonomy, and also discuss their distribution and natural history. This study adds two new records of fishes to the Sri Lankan freshwater fish list. Previous records of Eleotris fusca from Sri Lanka have to be clarified in future studies.
<b>Butterflies of eastern Assam, India</b>
Authors: Singh Arun P. 
Published: July 2017

The paper provides information on butterfies sampled during random surveys from November 2014 to September2016 from eight reserve forest areas and Dehing-Patkai Wildlife Sanctuary, covering three districts (Tinsukhia, Dibrugarh & Sibasagar) in the eastern part of upper Assam which form part of the Indo-Burma hotspot. The survey revealed 237 species which included 33 species a listed as protected under various schedules of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 and 58 species that have distribution restricted to the eastern Himalaya and northeastern India in India. An anotated list of 375 species of butterflies so far recorded from eastern Assam that includes a large number of very rare species (Indian Yellow-vein Lancer Pyroneura margherita; Grey-lined Lascar Pantoporia dindinga assamica; Assamese/Conjoined Lascar Pantoporia assamica; Bi-coloured Hedgeblue Udara selma cerima; Vinous Oakblue Arhopala athada aphade; Magnificent Oakblue Arhopala anarte; White Punch Dodona henrici; Pale Striped Dawnfly Capilia zennara; Andaman Yellowbanded Flat Celaenorrhinus andamanicus hanna; Sikkim Ace Halpe sikkima; Baby Swift Polytremis minuta; Maculate Lancer Salanoemia sala; Veined Palmer Hidari bhawani; Pallid Forester Lethe satyavati; Peal’s Palmfly Elymnias peali; Blue Baron Euthalia telchinia; Blue Nawab Polyura schreiber assamensis; Tytler’s Dull Oakblue Arhopala ace arata; Orchid Tit Hypolycaena othona othona; Purple Brown Tailless Oakblue Arhopala arvina ardea; Malayan Bushblue Arhopala ammon ariel and Broad-branded Brilliant Simiskina phalena harterti) along with their site and month of record, endemicity and relative abundance status in India, is provided.
<b>A new species of Sarcinella (Ascomycetes) from Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, Warangal District, Telangana, India</b>
Authors: Mohammad Khaja Moinuddin , Gaddam Bagyanarayana , Kausar Rana 
Published: July 2017

During the survey (2011–2014) and documentation of foliicolous fungi of Pasra forest localities of Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary, a black mildew fungus infected leaves of Hardwickia binata Roxb.(Fabaceae) were collected. A critical microscopic examination revealed that it as an undescribed species of the genus Sarcinella.
<b>Three noteworthy additions to the flora of the western Himalaya, India</b>
Authors: Rai Ishwari Datt , Kumar Amit , Singh Gajendra , Adhikari Bhupendra Singh , Rawat Gopal Singh 
Published: July 2017

During recent botanical explorations in the western Himalaya, three interesting species were recorded from the subalpine-alpine areas, which were hitherto unknown from this region. Their occurrence in this region is phytogeographically significant and noteworthy. In this paper a brief description of these species along with phenology, distribution, ecology, photographs and phytogeographical notes are provided.
<b>The status of Arabian Gazelles <I>Gazella arabica</I> (Mammalia: Cetartiodactyla: Bovidae) in Al Wusta Wildlife Reserve and Ras Ash Shajar Nature Reserve, Oman</b>
Authors: Al Jahdhami Mansoor H. , Al Bulushi Sultan , Al Rawahi Haitham , Al Fazari Waheed , Al Amri Ahmed , Al Owaisi AbdulRahman , Al Rubaiey Salim , Al Abdulasalam Zahran , Al Ghafri Metab , Yadav Shaeilendra , Al Rahbi Sami , Ross Steven 
Published: July 2017

We conducted distance sampling surveys of the Arabian Gazelle (Gazella arabica) in two protected areas, Al Wusta Wildife Reserve (WWR) and Ras Ash Shajar Nature Reserve (RSNR), regarded as important for gazelle conservation in northern and central Oman. The survey in WWR estimated a gazelle density of 0.161 gazelles/km2 in the surveyed area, and in RSNR an estimated density of 25.8 gazelles/km2. The density of Arabian Gazelle in RSNR is the highest recorded for a wild population. Using gazelle sighting frequency in non-surveyed parts of each reserve, we estimate Arabian Gazelle populations of 498 and 505 in WWR and RSNR, respectively. Our surveys demonstrated the potential for a high density of gazelles in well protected and productive habitats, but also that the Arabian Gazelle are in decline in WWR, most likely as a result of poaching and competition with domestic livestock.
<b>A new distribution record of the European Free-tailed Bat <I>Tadarida teniotis</I> (Chiroptera: Molossidae) from the western Himalaya, India</b>
Authors: Chakravarty Rohit 
Published: July 2017

The distribution of the European Free-tailed Bat Tadarida teniotis extends from southern Europe and northern Africa to Myanmar. In India it is known only from Bihar, West Bengal and Kerala. This study records the species for the first time in the western Himalayan state of Uttarakhand. Echolocation calls were found to be higher in frequency and shorter in duration than reported in previous studies. Extensive acoustic surveys are recommended to assess the distribution of this species in India.
Erro gen. n. a new genus of featherwing beetles (Coleoptera: Ptiliidae) from Angola and Madagascar
Authors: DARBY MICHAEL 
Published: July 2017

Erro gen. n. a new genus of Ptiliidae (Coleoptera) with the new species impiger sp. n. and angolensis sp. n. is described and figured based on material collected in Angola and Madagascar. Pending further work on the phylogeny of the Ptiliidae the new genus is placed in the subfamily Ptiliinae where it appears to occupy a place close to the tribe Discheramocephalini.
Home-based step training using videogame technology in people with Parkinson’s disease: a single-blinded randomised controlled trial
Authors: Song Jooeun , Paul Serene S , Caetano Maria Joana D , Smith Stuart , Dibble Leland E , Love Rachelle , Schoene Daniel , Menant Jasmine C , Sherrington Cathie , Lord Stephen R , Canning Colleen G , Allen Natalie E 
Published: July 2017

Objectives: To determine whether 12-week home-based exergame step training can improve stepping performance, gait and complementary physical and neuropsychological measures associated with falls in Parkinson’s disease. Design: A single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Setting: Community (experimental intervention), university laboratory (outcome measures). Subjects: Sixty community-dwelling people with Parkinson’s disease. Interventions: Home-based step training using videogame technology. Main measures: The primary outcomes were the choice stepping reaction time test and Functional Gait Assessment. Secondary outcomes included physical and neuropsychological measures associated with falls in Parkinson’s disease, number of falls over six months and self-reported mobility and balance. Results: Post intervention, there were no differences between the intervention ( n = 28) and control ( n = 25) groups in the primary or secondary outcomes except for the Timed Up and Go test, where there was a significant difference in favour of the control group ( P = 0.02). Intervention participants reported mobility improvement, whereas control participants reported mobility deterioration—between-group difference on an 11-point scale = 0.9 (95% confidence interval: −1.8 to −0.1, P = 0.03). Interaction effects between intervention and disease severity on physical function measures were observed ( P = 0.01 to P = 0.08) with seemingly positive effects for the low-severity group and potentially negative effects for the high-severity group. Conclusion: Overall, home-based exergame step training was not effective in improving the outcomes assessed. However, the improved physical function in the lower disease severity intervention participants as well as the self-reported improved mobility in the intervention group suggest home-based exergame step training may have benefits for some people with Parkinson’s disease.