bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a new‐to‐science cyanobacterium, Toxifilum mysidocida gen. nov. & sp. nov. (Cyanobacteria, Cyanophyceae)
Authors: Zimba Paul V. , Huang I‐Shuo , Foley Jennifer E. , Linton Eric W. 
Published: November 2016

Cyanobacteria occupy many niches within terrestrial, planktonic, and benthic habitats. The diversity of habitats colonized, similarity of morphology, and phenotypic plasticity all contribute to the difficulty of cyanobacterial identification. An unknown marine filamentous cyanobacterium was isolated from an aquatic animal rearing facility having mysid mortality events. The cyanobacterium originated from Corpus Christi Bay, TX. Filaments are rarely solitary, benthic mat forming, unbranched, and narrowing at the ends. Cells are 2.1 × 3.1 μm (width × length). Thylakoids are peripherally arranged on the outer third of the cell; cyanophycin granules and polyphosphate bodies are present. Molecular phylogenetic analysis in addition to morphology (transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy) and chemical composition all confirm it as a new genus and species we name Toxifilum mysidocida. At least one identified Leptolyngbya appears (based on genetic evidence and TEM) to belong to this new genus.
Induction of humoral and cellular immune response to hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine can be upregulated by CpG oligonucleotides complexed with Dectin‐1 ligand
Authors: Ito H. , Ando T. , Nakamura M. , Ishida H. , Kanbe A. , Kobiyama K. , Yamamoto T. , Ishii K. J. , Hara A. , Seishima M. , Ishikawa T. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryA persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is characterized by a lack of or a weak immune response to HBV, which may be reflective of tolerance to HBV. Efficient induction of HBV‐specific immune response leads to the clearance of HBV in patients with a chronic HBV infection. CpG oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) has a powerful adjuvant effect in HBV vaccination. A recent report demonstrated that the immunization by B/K CpG ODN (K3) wrapped by the nonagonistic Dectin‐1 ligand, schizophyllan (SPG), namely K3‐SPG, was more effective in the induction of antigen‐specific immune response than that by K3. In this study, we examined the efficacy of K3‐SPG as a HBV vaccine adjuvant. Wild‐type (WT) mice and HBV transgenic (HBV‐Tg) mice were subcutaneously immunized with hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) alone, HBsAg and K3, or HBsAg and K3‐SPG. The vaccination with HBsAg and K3‐SPG significantly enhanced humoral and cellular immune response to HBV antigen compared to the other vaccinations in WT and HBV‐Tg mice. K3‐SPG induced the accumulation of dendritic cells (DCs) into draining lymph node and the activation of DCs. The expression of cytokines and chemokines related to Th1 and Th2 responses was upregulated after the vaccination including with K3‐SPG. In conclusion, these results indicated that the vaccination using K3‐SPG may overcome tolerance even in patients with chronic HBV infection.
Soft or Hard Power? Discourse Patterns in Brazil's Foreign Policy Toward South America
Authors: Lustig Carola M. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThis article analyzes the discourse of Brazil's foreign policy toward South America from 1995 to 2010 by means of quantifying, codifying, and weighting all speeches registered in the homogeneous and periodic official documentation of Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs using a discourse analysis approach. The aim is to investigate discourse patterns in order to qualify Brazil's foreign policy as either hard power or soft power and to identify the orientation and differences in its discourse of foreign policy regarding each country of South America during the presidential terms of Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995–2002) and Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (2003–2010).
Reproductive synchrony in a diverse Acropora assemblage, Vamizi Island, Mozambique
Authors: Sola Erwan , Marques da Silva Isabel , Glassom David 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMulti‐specific synchronous spawning has never been documented for East Africa, but coral spawn‐slicks are observed annually around Vamizi Island, Northern Mozambique. We monitored gamete development in Acropora species from July 2012 to October 2013 and from August to September 2014 to describe patterns of reproductive seasonality and synchrony within and amongst species of Acropora. Gamete maturation was highly synchronized within and amongst Acropora species and culminated in multi‐specific spawning events lasting 1–3 nights in each year of the study, in late August or September. In 2013 and 2014, 50% or more of the colonies of over 50% of the species sampled prior to the spawning events had mature gametes. In all years, 91–99% colonies sampled after the spawning events had no visible gametes. The percentage of colonies with mature gametes was up to 100% for some species. In other species, the absence of mature gametes throughout the study period indicates that they might not spawn in certain years. The analysis of a 8‐year record of observations of spawn‐slicks showed that spawning generally occurred once a year for a few consecutive days between September and December, during periods of rising sea surface temperature and low wind speed and rainfall. This study is the first to quantitatively document coral reproduction in Mozambique and multi‐specific synchronous spawning off the coast of Africa. These findings contrast with the asynchronous breeding reported for Kenyan reefs and support the absence of breakdown in coral reproductive synchrony towards low latitudes.
Redox regulation of transient receptor potential channels in the endothelium
Authors: Pires Paulo Wagner , Earley Scott 
Published: November 2016

AbstractROS and RNS are important mediators of signaling pathways in the endothelium. Specific members of the TRP superfamily of cation channels act as important Ca2+ influx pathways in endothelial cells and are involved in endothelium‐dependent vasodilation, regulation of barrier permeability, and angiogenesis. ROS and RNS can modulate the activity of certain TRP channels mainly by modifying specific cysteine residues or by stimulating the production of second messengers. In this review, we highlight the recent literature describing redox regulation of TRP channel activity in endothelial cells as well as the physiological importance of these pathways and implication for cardiovascular diseases.
Flow motion dynamics of microvascular blood flow and oxygenation: Evidence of adaptive changes in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus/insulin resistance
Authors: Clough Geraldine F. , Kuliga Katarzyna Z. , Chipperfield Andrew J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAn altered spatial heterogeneity and temporal stability of network perfusion can give rise to a limited adaptive ability to meet metabolic demands. Derangement of local flow motion activity is associated with reduced microvascular blood flow and tissue oxygenation, and it has been suggested that changes in flow motion activity may provide an early indicator of declining, endothelial, neurogenic, and myogenic regulatory mechanisms and signal the onset and progression of microvascular pathophysiology. This short conference review article explores some of the evidence for altered flow motion dynamics of blood flux signals acquired using laser Doppler fluximetry in the skin in individuals at risk of developing or with cardiometabolic disease.
Association between Heat Shock Protein‐60 and Development of Atrial Fibrillation: Results from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)
Authors: MAAN ABHISHEK , JORGENSEN NEAL W. , MANSOUR MOUSSA , DUDLEY SAMUEL , JENNY NANCY S. , DEFILIPPI CHRISTOPHER , SZKLO MOYSES , ALONSO ALVARO , REFAAT MARWAN M. , RUSKIN JEREMY , HECKBERT SUSAN R. , HEIST E. KEVIN 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundDuring atrial fibrillation (AF), a high rate of myocyte activation causes cellular stress and initiates the process of atrial remodeling, which further promotes persistence of AF. Although heat shock proteins (HSPs) have been shown to prevent atrial remodeling and suppress the occurrence of AF in cellular and animal experimental models, increased levels of HSP‐60 have been observed in patients with postoperative AF, likely reflecting a response to cellular stress. To better understand the role of HSP‐60 in relation to AF, we examined the association of HSP‐60 levels in relation to the future development of AF in the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA).MethodsMESA is a cohort study that recruited 6,814 participants aged 45–84 years and free of known cardiovascular disease at baseline (2000–2002) from six field centers. We investigated 983 participants, selected at random from the total cohort, who had HSP‐60 measured and were free of AF at baseline. We tested the association of HSP‐60 levels with the incidence of AF using multivariate Cox models after adjustment for demographics, clinical characteristics, and biomarkers.ResultsDuring an average of 10.6 years of follow‐up, 77 participants developed AF. We did not observe a significant association between the log‐transformed HSP‐60 levels and development of AF on either unadjusted or multivariate analysis (adjusted hazard ratio: 1.02 per unit difference on natural log scale, 95% confidence interval: 0.77–1.34 ln (ng/mL).ConclusionContrary to the findings from the preclinical studies, which demonstrated an important role of HSP‐60 in the pathogenesis of AF, we did not observe a significant association between HSP‐60 and occurrence of AF.
Clinical usefulness of Western blotting and ELISA avidity for the diagnosis of human toxocariasis
Authors: Rudzińska M. , Kowalewska B. , Sikorska K. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryThe serodiagnosis of human toxocariasis is difficult. Specific IgGs detected routinely with ELISA based on Toxocara excretory–secretory (TES) antigens often persist for years at an elevated level, which does not allow either the differentiation between an active and persistent infection or monitoring of the effect of treatment. Additionally, false‐positive results may occur in co‐infections with other helminths due to cross‐reactions. We evaluated the usefulness of an IgG avidity index (AI) and a Western blotting (WB) IgG in the diagnosis of patients suspected of Toxocara infection. We studied 138 subjects who were submitted to serological testing two or more times. Confirmation of an infection by WB was achieved in 73.2% of patients. A high AI was obtained in 89.1% of patients, and low AI and borderline AI were found in only 10.9%. Low and borderline values of AI remained at similar levels in subsequent studies over 2‐3 years. The results showed the necessity of obligatory verification of all ELISA IgG positive and questionable results by WB. The index of IgG avidity may be helpful in excluding recent infection, but its usefulness in detecting an active phase of invasion requires further research.
Epidemiological analysis of reproductive performances and kitten mortality rates in 5,303 purebred queens of 45 different breeds and 28,065 kittens in France
Authors: Fournier A , Masson M , Corbière F , Mila H , Mariani C , Grellet A , Chastant‐Maillard S 
Published: November 2016

ContentsReproduction management and performances are evaluated in the feline species only through a limited number of animals and studies. Our objective was to provide reference figures in purebred cats, from a large‐scale sample. Data were collected from an online software dedicated to cattery management (Breeding Management System®, BMS, Royal Canin, Aimargues, France). Information was recorded on a voluntary basis by French breeders between 2011 and 2014. Data were anonymously transferred for analysis. A total of 9,063 oestrous periods (in contact with a male) from 5,303 queens (45 breeds) were recorded from 1,521 breeders. Most matings (70.1%) occurred during increasing day length periods. The mean age at mating (±SD) was 2.7 ± 1.6 years for queens and 2.9 ± 1.9 years for tomcats. Pregnancy rate (based on breeders declaration) was 85.2%. Among queens declared pregnant, 8.4% failed to maintain pregnancy. Globally, 78% of the mated females gave birth to 28,065 kittens within 7,075 L. Mean litter size was 4.0 ± 1.9 kittens among which 8.5% were stillborn. Neonatal and paediatric mortality rate was 8.2%. In total, 16.0% of kittens born died before weaning. The results of this study are based on the largest feline database ever analysed. The figures collected can thus be used as reference to define average reproductive performances in numerous breeds for cat breeders. Further analysis will identify factors influencing reproductive performances and early mortality in the feline species.
Lipid composition of the canine sperm plasma membrane as markers of sperm motility
Authors: Lucio CF , Brito MM , Angrimani DSR , Belaz KRA , Morais D , Zampieri D , Losano JDA , Assumpção MEOA , Nichi M , Eberlin MN , Vannucchi CI 
Published: November 2016

ContentsThe fatty acid composition of the sperm membrane is an important factor involved in the overall sperm quality, including motility. However, in the canine species, the exact composition of the plasma membrane is still unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the plasma membrane lipid composition of motile sperm cells and to compare it with asthenospermic samples, as an attempt to determine possible involvements of membrane lipids in dog sperm cell motility. The sperm‐rich fraction of ten mature dogs was collected, and samples were subjected to density gradient centrifugation by Percoll®, in order to separate motile and asthenospermic samples. Processed semen samples were evaluated for sperm motility, plasma and acrosome membrane integrity, mitochondrial activity and susceptibility to oxidative stress. Lipid plasma membrane composition was identified by mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). The motile sperm samples presented the following phospholipids in a high frequency in the plasma membrane: phosphatidylcholine 38:4 (composed of stearic and arachidonic fatty acids), phosphatidylcholine 36:1 (stearic and oleic fatty acids), phosphatidylethanolamine 34:4 (myristic and arachidonic fatty acids), glycerophosphatidic acid 36:4 (palmitic and arachidonic fatty acids), phosphatidylcholine 40:4 plasmanyl and phosphatidylcholine 40:5 plasmenyl. Furthermore, no lipid markers were found in the asthenospermic samples. Results also indicate that differences on plasma membrane composition between motile and asthenospermic samples are crucial factors for determining sperm motility, sperm functionality and susceptibility to oxidative stress. In conclusion, plasma membrane lipid composition varies considerable between motile and asthenospermic samples. Therefore, lipid markers of sperm motility can be considered, such as phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine plasmanyl, phosphatidylcholine plasmenyl and phosphatidic acid.
Urethral catheterization and sperm vitrification for simplified semen banking in felids
Authors: Swanson WF , Bateman HL , Vansandt LM 
Published: November 2016

ContentsSemen banking of domestic cats and wild felids represents a vital resource for their long‐term conservation, but current methods require access to advanced training and specialized equipment. A newer method of semen collection, urethral catheterization of medetomidine‐treated cats, allows recovery of high sperm numbers, but it is unclear if this approach permits maximal sperm recovery or is feasible using less expensive alpha‐2 agonists. Similarly, a newer sperm preservation approach, vitrification, offers advantages of simplicity and minimal equipment needs, but its efficacy in combination with urethral catheterization has not been investigated. Our specific objectives were to (i) evaluate sequential semen recovery with urethral catheterization and electroejaculation in domestic cats, (ii) assess the effectiveness of a weak (xylazine) versus strong (dexmedetomidine) alpha‐2 agonist for inducing sperm release, and (iii) compare post‐thaw sperm motility, acrosome status and fertilizing capacity of catheter‐recovered samples after vitrification or straw freezing. Results indicated that electroejaculation following repeated catheterization allowed recovery of additional spermatozoa (range, 11–32 × 106 sperm/male) and that xylazine was ineffective for inducing meaningful sperm release (range, 0–0.4 × 106 sperm/male). Post‐thaw motility and acrosome status of vitrified catheter samples did not differ (p > .05) from that of straw frozen samples. Preliminary results indicated that in vitro fertilization success (9/30, 30%) of vitrified catheter sperm did not differ (p > .05) from that observed with straw frozen samples (17/30, 57%). In conclusion, urethral catheterization of dexmedetomidine‐treated cats allows recovery of substantial sperm numbers but electroejaculation still may be warranted for maximal sperm recovery. Xylazine is not suitable as an inexpensive alternative to dexmedetomidine for catheterization. Vitrification of catheter samples results in comparable post‐thaw parameters to straw freezing and may be adequate for use with oviductal insemination procedures.
Vertebrate herbivores are the main cause of seedling mortality in a logged African rainforest—implications for forest restoration
Authors: Piiroinen Tiina , Valtonen Anu , Roininen Heikki 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHigh seedling mortality can limit tropical forest regeneration after disturbance, such as selective logging. However, causes of seedling mortality are often poorly understood although this information is critical for designing appropriate restoration methods. We studied seedling mortality in a rainforest in Uganda where natural recovery has failed after selective logging carried out 40 years earlier and the sites are dominated by herbaceous vegetation. We established an experiment where seeds of 12 indigenous tree species were sown into different‐sized logging gaps in order to capture factors that cause early seedling mortality. We examined whether seedling mortality was influenced by vegetation cover (VC), vertebrate herbivores (VHs), gap size, or forest compartment and recorded causes of mortality. We found that seedling mortality was in general high but showed high tree species‐specific variation (ranging from 19 to 92% six months after emergence). VHs, particularly rodents, were the most important cause of mortality. Rotting caused mortality particularly in smaller gaps, but elephant trampling, drying, being washed away by rain and falling debris were only minor mortality causes. Dense VC was not a considerable barrier to seedling survival, but by providing shelter for rodents, it indirectly increased seedling herbivory. Our results show that high seedling mortality on logged sites can limit forest regeneration and rodents in particular can be a significant factor causing high seedling mortality.
Shakespeare, Easter 1916, and the Theatre of the Empire of Great Britain
Authors: Maley Willy 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIt is a commonplace to speak of the dramatic qualities of the Easter Rising; the staging of rebellions inevitably attracts theatrical comparisons. In the case of 1916, the dramatic aspect has arguably been overplayed. Either the focus is on amateur dramatics and improvization, with the Rising itself as a piece of theatre, which plays down the history and politics as well as the rich theatrical traditions behind the Rising, or the emphasis is on a drama of martyrdom and grand gesture, a political passion‐play with Padraig Pearse at its centre, which erases many of the conflict's complexities. That 1916 also coincided with the three‐hundredth anniversary of Shakespeare's death – events in Dublin interrupted planned celebrations there by the English playwright's Irish admirers – prompts us to reflect on an approach to history as drama – and drama as history – that does not see theatre merely in terms of spectacle or violence, a theatricality that goes beyond caricature, character assassination, pantomime, or the politics of a Punch and Judy show. This article suggests that a reading of 1916 in the context of the ongoing critical debate around Shakespeare's dramatic depictions of the Irish has more to teach us than invocations of theatricality of a more limited kind.
Ethnic and Regionalist Parties in Western Europe: A Party Family?
Authors: Fagerholm Andreas 
Published: November 2016

AbstractParties that defend the interest of one or a few ethnic groups and/or regions are, despite their differences, recurrently grouped together into a single party family. This article systematically applies the multidimensional framework offered by Mair and Mudde in order to provide an up‐to‐date inventory of the universe of ethnic and regionalist parties in Western Europe and assess whether they form a family. The evidence indicates that although the ethnic and regionalist family appears to be somewhat less coherent than more established families, there are clear similarities between the proposed (core) member parties. More specifically, the common denominators that distinguish the members of the ethnic and regionalist party family are their rather similar origins, sociologies, and policy orientations.
Equine Airway Mast Cells are Sensitive to Cell Death Induced by Lysosomotropic Agents
Authors: Wernersson S. , Riihimäki M. , Pejler G. , Waern I. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractMast cells are known for their detrimental effects in various inflammatory conditions. Regimens that induce selective mast cell apoptosis may therefore be of therapeutic significance. Earlier studies have demonstrated that murine‐ and human‐cultured mast cells are highly sensitive to apoptosis induced by the lysosomotropic agent LeuLeuOMe (LLME). However, the efficacy of lysosomotropic agents for inducing apoptosis of in vivo‐derived airway mast cells and the impact on mast cells in other species have not been assessed. Here we addressed whether lysosomotropic agents can induce cell death of equine in vivo‐derived mast cells. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids from horses were incubated with LLME at 15–100 μm for up to 48 h. The overall cell viability was unaffected by 15 μm LLME up to 48 h, whereas a relatively modest drop in total cell counts (~30%) was seen at the highest LLME dose used. In contrast to the relatively low effect on total cell counts, LLME efficiently and dose dependently reduced the number of mast cells in BAL fluids, with an almost complete depletion (96%) of mast cells after 24 h of incubation with 100 μm LLME. A significant but less dramatic reduction (up to ~45%) of lymphocytes was also seen, whereas macrophages and neutrophils were essentially resistant. The appearance of apoptotic bodies suggested a mechanism involving apoptosis rather than necrosis. These findings suggest that equine airway mast cells are highly sensitive to lysosomotropic agents. Possibly, lysosomotropic agents could be of therapeutic value to treat disorders involving harmful accumulation of mast cells in the airways.