bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic revision and species delimitation of coccoid green algae currently assigned to the genus Dictyochloropsis (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Škaloud Pavel , Friedl Thomas , Hallmann Christine , Beck Andreas , Dal Grande Francesco 
Published: May 2016

Coccoid green algae traditionally classified in Dictyochloropsis have a complex, reticulate chloroplast, when mature, without a pyrenoid. They occupy remarkably diverse ecological niches as free‐living organisms or in association with lichen‐forming fungi and were recently shown to form two distinct lineages within Trebouxiophyceae. We used a polyphasic approach to revise the taxonomy of the genus. Based on phylogenetic analysis of the 18S rRNA gene, and detailed morphological investigation using comparative conventional light and confocal microscopy, we have assigned these lineages to two genera, Dictyochloropsis and Symbiochloris gen. nov. We have reconsidered the diagnostic generic features as follows: Dictyochloropsis comprises only free‐living algae with a reticulate chloroplast, forming lobes in a parallel arrangement at some ontogenetic stages, and which reproduce only by means of autospores. This agrees with Geitler's original diagnosis of Dictyochloropsis, but not with the later emendation by Tschermak‐Woess. Consequently, the species of Dictyochloropsis sensu Tschermak‐Woess are assigned to Symbiochloris, with new combinations proposed. Symbiochloris encompasses free‐living and/or lichenized algae with lobed chloroplasts and that reproduce by forming zoospores characterized by two subapical isokont flagella that emerge symmetrically near the flattened apex. In addition, using coalescent‐based approaches, morphological characters and secondary structure of ITS transcripts, we inferred species boundaries and taxonomic relationships within the newly proposed genera. Two species of Dictyochloropsis and nine species of Symbiochloris are delimited, including the newly described species D. asterochloroides, S. handae, S. tropica, and S. tschermakiae. Our results further support the non‐monophyly of autosporine taxa within Trebouxiophyceae.
Identification and phylogeny of putative PEPC genes in three toxin‐producing Karenia (Dinophyta) species
Authors: Ryan Darcie E. , Campbell Lisa 
Published: May 2016

Dense blooms of toxin‐producing Karenia brevis increase local surface ocean pH through CO2 uptake. To identify genes that may contribute to bloom‐related environmental pH and pCO2 changes, transcriptomes with RNA from K. brevis Wilson cultures that had been acclimated to low CO2 (250 ppm) or recent CO2 (350 ppm) pCO2 levels were assembled. Among the annotated transcripts were PEPC, PPDK, and PEPCK enzymes found in the model C4 carbon fixation pathway. Previous studies have demonstrated that the enzymatic activity of PEPC, PPDK, and/or PEPCK in some algae species, including marine diatoms, is influenced by variations in dissolved inorganic carbon. We found significantly similar PEPC, PPDK, and PEPCK enzymes in the transcriptomes of K. brevis and two sister species Karenia papilionacea, and Karenia mikimotoi. One or more isoforms of PEPC were also identified in the transcriptomes of thirty additional photosynthetic phytoplankton species from nine phyla. Phylogenetic trees were constructed with neighbor joining and maximum likelihood techniques to characterize the evolutionary relationship among phytoplankton, terrestrial plant C4, and terrestrial plant C3 PEPC sequences. Based on the nucleotide trees constructed during this study, the Karenia PEPC transcripts were more closely related to the terrestrial C4 genes than the terrestrial C3 genes. Furthermore, PEPC phylogeny among phytoplankton closely resembles phylogenetic trees constructed with ribosomal RNA. This study confirmed that the toxin‐producing dinoflagellates K. brevis, K. mikimotoi, and K. papilionacea express putative PEPC, PEPCK, and PPDK transcripts.
Systemic treatment with resveratrol and/or curcumin reduces the progression of experimental periodontitis in rats
Authors: Corrêa M. G. , Pires P. R. , Ribeiro F. V. , Pimentel S. Z. , Casarin R. C. V. , Cirano F. R. , Tenenbaum H. T. , Casati M. Z. 
Published: May 2016

Background and ObjectivePeriodontitis is a chronic inflammatory disease of periodontal tissues that leads to the destruction of bone and other connective tissues. Resveratrol and curcumin are plant‐derived substances with biological properties that may have immunomodulatory properties. This study investigated the effect of continuous administration of resveratrol and curcumin and the association of resveratrol and curcumin on the progression of experimental periodontitis in rats.Material and MethodsForty Wistar rats were assigned randomly to the following groups: group 1, experimental periodontitis + placebo (PL) (n = 10); group 2, experimental periodontitis + resveratrol (RSV) (n = 10); group 3, experimental periodontitis + curcumin (C) (n = 10); and group 4, experimental periodontitis + resveratrol + curcumin (COMBI) (n = 10). Periodontitis was induced in rats by tying a silk suture, as a ligature, around one of the first molars. Daily administration of the placebo solution, 10 mg/kg of resveratrol, 100 mg/kg of curcumin or 10 mg/kg of resveratrol plus 100 mg/kg of curcumin was carried out from day 0 to day 30. At the end of the relevant experimental periods, rats were killed and the specimens obtained were processed for morphometric analysis of bone loss. Gingival tissues surrounding the first molar were collected for quantification of interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐4, interferon‐gamma (IFN‐γ) and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) using a Luminex/MAGPIX assay.ResultsIntergroup comparisons of the morphometric outcomes revealed higher bone‐loss values in the PL group (p < 0.05) when compared with RSV, C and COMBI groups. There was no difference in bone‐loss values among RSV, C and COMBI groups (p > 0.05). The immunoenzymatic assay of the gingival tissue showed a lower concentration of IL‐1β in the COMBI group in comparison with the PL group (p < 0.05). Higher values of IL‐4 were demonstrated in groups RSV, C and COMBI in comparison with the PL group (p < 0.05). Only RSV caused a reduction in the levels of IFN‐γ (p < 0.05). There was no difference in the concentration of TNF‐α amongst the four groups (p > 0.05).ConclusionResveratrol and curcumin are capable of reducing alveolar bone loss in an animal model of periodontitis. This occurred when these agents were added singly or in combination with one another, but there did not appear to be either synergistic or additive effects.
Phylogenetic placement of Psilopeganum, a rare monotypic genus of Rutaceae (the citrus family) endemic to China
Authors: Appelhans Marc S. , Krohm Sabrina , Manafzadeh Sara , Wen Jun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPsilopeganum (Rutaceae) is a rare monotypic genus endemic to the vicinity of the Yangtze River valley in Chongqing, Hubei, Sichuan and Guizhou provinces in China. It differs from most Rutaceae taxa by its herbaceous habit and has been treated as a member of the tribe Ruteae. Our study is the first attempt to place Psilopeganum in a phylogenetic context and our results show that the genus belongs to a clade with Boenninghausenia, Ruta and Thamnosma, which are part of Ruteae. Within this group, the position of Psilopeganum remains unclear because the Boenninghausenia‐Thamnosma clade, Psilopeganum and Ruta form a trichotomy in most analyses. The ITS dataset placed Psilopeganum as sister to the Mediterranean and Canarian genus Ruta, which is corroborated by morphological similarities. Our studies support that Ruteae is paraphyletic with respect to Aurantioideae and that Dictamnus does not belong to Ruteae. The Indian, Sri Lankan, and Malagasy genus Chloroxylon is sister to the Boenninghausenia‐Psilopeganum‐Ruta‐Thamnosma clade, despite its traditional placement in the subfamily Flindersioideae. The placement of Chloroxylon is consistent with an origin of the group of Chloroxylon, Boenninghausenia, Psilopeganum, Ruta and Thamnosma in southern Asia. The rapid uplifts of the Himalayas could account for one or two vicariance events splitting the lineages of the Boenninghausenia‐Psilopeganum‐Ruta‐Thamnosma clade, and may explain the short branch length and low support for the relationships among Psilopeganum, Ruta, and the Boenninghausenia‐Thamnosma clade.
Predominance of parallel‐ and cross‐predation in anglerfish
Authors: Yasugi Masaki , Hori Michio 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSeveral studies in the last 20 years have revealed that morphological asymmetry in fish can be characterized as ‘antisymmetry’. Antisymmetry is a lateral dimorphism in which each population consists of individuals with well‐developed left sides (lefties) and well‐developed right sides (righties). This dimorphism influences predator–prey interactions. In some piscivorous fishes, it has been found that predators can catch more prey of the opposite morphological type to themselves (cross‐predation) than of the same morphological type (parallel‐predation). Our previous work clarified that the predominance of cross‐predation is caused by lateralized behaviors of predators and prey that correspond to their morphological antisymmetry. Moreover, based on the results of our behavioral observations, we hypothesized that parallel‐predation can predominate when predators encounter the potential prey frontally. To test this hypothesis, in the present study we investigated the relationship between lateral morphological types of anglerfish (Lophiomus setigerus) and those of the prey fishes found in their stomachs. Anglerfish attract potential prey using their first dorsal fin (illicium) as a lure, and their frontal encounters with potential prey fishes were photographed in situ and observed in an aquarium. The results of a stomach contents analysis indicated that parallel‐predation predominated in five benthopelagic prey fish species (perches and eels). By contrast, five benthic prey fishes (gobies and weevers) exhibited the predominance of cross‐predation. These results not only demonstrate the predominance of parallel‐predation in a natural fish community, but also suggest that the relationship between morphological types of predator and prey species can be reversed depending on the lifestyle of prey.
Nutritional status and social behavior in preschool children: the mediating effects of neurocognitive functioning
Authors: Liu Jianghong , Raine Adrian 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEarly malnutritional status has been associated with reduced cognitive ability in childhood. However, there are almost no studies on the effect of malnutrition on positive social behavior, and no tests of possible mediating mechanisms. This study tests the hypothesis that poor nutritional status is associated with impaired social functioning in childhood, and that neurocognitive ability mediates this relationship. We assessed 1553 male and female 3‐year‐olds from a birth cohort on measures of malnutrition, social behavior and verbal and spatial neurocognitive functions. Children with indicators of malnutrition showed impaired social behavior (p < .0001) as compared with children in the control group with adequate nutritional status. These associations even persisted after controlling for social adversity and parental education. Findings were not moderated by gender or ethnicity, and there was no interaction effect with parental education. A dose–response relationship was observed between degree of malnutrition and degree of social behavior, with increased malnutrition associated with more impaired social behavior. Neurocognitive ability was found to mediate the nutrition–social behavior relationship. The mediation effect of neurocognitive functioning suggests that poor nutrition negatively impacts brain areas that play important roles in developing positive social behavior. Findings suggest that reducing poor nutrition, alternatively promoting good nutrition, may help promote positive social behavior in early childhood during a critical period for social and neurocognitive development, with implications for improving positive health in adulthood.
A haplotype method detects diverse scenarios of local adaptation from genomic sequence variation
Authors: Lange Jeremy D. , Pool John E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIdentifying genomic targets of population‐specific positive selection is a major goal in several areas of basic and applied biology. However, it is unclear how often such selection should act on new mutations versus standing genetic variation or recurrent mutation, and furthermore, favoured alleles may either become fixed or remain variable in the population. Very few population genetic statistics are sensitive to all of these modes of selection. Here, we introduce and evaluate the Comparative Haplotype Identity statistic (χMD), which assesses whether pairwise haplotype sharing at a locus in one population is unusually large compared with another population, relative to genomewide trends. Using simulations that emulate human and Drosophila genetic variation, we find that χMD is sensitive to a wide range of selection scenarios, and for some very challenging cases (e.g. partial soft sweeps), it outperforms other two‐population statistics. We also find that, as with FST, our haplotype approach has the ability to detect surprisingly ancient selective sweeps. Particularly for the scenarios resembling human variation, we find that χMD outperforms other frequency‐ and haplotype‐based statistics for soft and/or partial selective sweeps. Applying χMD and other between‐population statistics to published population genomic data from D. melanogaster, we find both shared and unique genes and functional categories identified by each statistic. The broad utility and computational simplicity of χMD will make it an especially valuable tool in the search for genes targeted by local adaptation.
Anti‐nationalist nationalism: the paradox of Dutch national identity
Authors: Kešić Josip , Duyvendak Jan Willem 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAcademic research on contemporary Dutch nationalism has mainly focused on its overt, xenophobic and chauvinist manifestations, which have become normalised since the early 2000s. As a result, less radical, more nuanced versions of Dutch nationalism have been overlooked. This article attempts to fill this gap by drawing attention to a peculiar self‐image among Dutch progressive intellectuals we call anti‐nationalist nationalism. Whereas this self‐image has had a long history as banal nationalism, it has come to be employed more explicitly for political positioning in an intensified nationalist climate. By dissecting it into its three constitutive dimensions – constructivism, lightness and essentialism – we show how this image of Dutchness is evoked precisely through the simultaneous rejection of ‘bad’ and enactment of ‘good’ nationalism. More generally, this article provides a nuanced understanding of contemporary Dutch nationalism. It also challenges prevalent assumptions in nationalism studies by showing that post‐modern anti‐nationalism does not exclude but rather constitutes essentialist nationalism.
Early life adversity in piglets induces long‐term upregulation of the enteric cholinergic nervous system and heightened, sex‐specific secretomotor neuron responses
Authors: Medland J. E. , Pohl C. S. , Edwards L. L. , Frandsen S. , Bagley K. , Li Y. , Moeser A. J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundEarly life adversity (ELA) is a risk factor for the later‐life onset of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS); however, the mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we utilized a porcine model of ELA, early weaning stress (EWS), to investigate the influence of ELA on the development and function of the enteric nervous system (ENS).MethodsFemale and castrated male (Male‐C) piglets were weaned from their sow either at 15 days of age (EWS) or 28 days of age (late weaning control, LWC). At 60 and 170 days of age, ileal mucosa‐submucosa preparations were mounted in Ussing chambers and veratridine‐ and corticotropin releasing factor (CRF)‐releasing factor‐evoked short circuit current (Isc) responses were recorded as indices of secretomotor neuron function. Enteric neuron numbers and the expression of select neurotransmitters and their receptors were also measured.Key ResultsCompared with LWC pigs, female, but not Male‐C EWS, pigs exhibited heightened veratridine‐induced Isc responses at 60 and 170 days of age that were inhibited with tetrodotoxin and atropine. Ileum from EWS pigs had higher numbers of enteric neurons that were choline acetyltransferase positive. Markers of increased cholinergic signaling (increased acetylcholinesterase) and downregulated mucosal muscarinic receptor 3 gene expression were also observed in EWS pigs.Conclusions & InferencesThis study demonstrated that EWS in pigs induces lasting and sex‐specific hypersensitivity of secretomotor neuron function and upregulation of the cholinergic ENS. These findings may represent a mechanistic link between ELA and lifelong susceptibility to GI diseases such as IBS.
Brain responses to uncertainty about upcoming rectal discomfort in quiescent Crohn's disease – a fMRI study
Authors: Rubio A. , Pellissier S. , Van Oudenhove L. , Ly H. G. , Dupont P. , Tack J. , Dantzer C. , Delon‐Martin C. , Bonaz B. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractBackgroundPatients with Crohn's disease (CD) in remission are exposed to chronic psychological distress, due to the constant risk of relapse. This permanent situation of anticipation and uncertainty can lead to anxiety, which may, in turn, trigger relapse. We aimed to investigate the effects of uncertainty on behavioral and brain responses to anticipation of visceral discomfort in quiescent CD patients.MethodsBarostat‐controlled rectal distensions were preceded by cued uncertain or certain anticipation in nine CD patients and nine matched healthy volunteers. Brain responses obtained before distension across the different anticipation conditions in regions of interest (ROI) involved in (anticipation of) pain were measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging and compared between CD and controls. The association between anxiety‐related psychological variables and cerebral anticipatory activity was tested.Key ResultsDuring uncertainty, CD patients had significantly stronger activations than controls in the cingulate cortex, insula, amygdala, and thalamus with trends in the hippocampus, prefrontal, and secondary somatosensory cortex. In patients, brain responses to uncertainty in the majority of ROI correlated positively with gastrointestinal symptom‐specific anxiety, trait‐anxiety, and intolerance of uncertainty.Conclusions & InferencesIn a context of uncertainty regarding occurrence of uncomfortable visceral sensations, CD is associated with excessive reactivity in brain regions known to be involved in sensory, cognitive and emotional aspects of pain processing and modulation, and threat appraisal. Our findings contribute to a better understanding of the role of emotional and cognitive processes in CD. This may, in turn, lead to the development of new (psycho)therapeutic approaches for management of symptoms and related anxiety.
Facial biometry of Amazon indigenous people of the Xingu River – Perspectives on genetic and environmental contributions to variation in human facial morphology
Authors: Barbosa M. , Vieira E. P. , Quintão C. C. A. , Normando D. 
Published: May 2016

Structured AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate facial morphology of non‐mixed indigenous people living in the Xingu region. Studies on these populations report that the total genetic diversity is as high as that observed for other continental populations. On the other hand, eating habits are different between indigenous and urban population, as indigenous people still have traditional habits.Setting and sample populationThe sample consisted of 106 indigenous subjects, in permanent dentition stage, belonging to four groups: Arara‐Laranjal (n = 35), Arara‐Iriri (n = 20), Xikrin‐Kaiapó (n = 24), and Assurini (n = 27).Material and methodsStandardized facial photographs were obtained, and fourteen measurements were analyzed. Intra‐ and intergroup homogeneities were examined by discriminant analysis, followed by anova and Kruskal–Wallis tests. Sexual dimorphism to each village was analyzed by Student's t‐test or Mann–Whitney test, at p < 0.05.ResultsSignificant facial differences were found between male and female, indicating that sex data should not be grouped for intergroup comparison. Discriminant analysis showed a large intergroup heterogeneity, while an intragroup homogeneity was found, especially for females. It was also observed that some morphological features of the face are specific to some villages, regardless of ethnicity.ConclusionsFacial morphological characteristics were strongly different among groups, even comparing villages from the same ethnicity. Furthermore, a low diversity within groups was observed. Our findings, supported by previous reports on genetics and eating habits in these populations, reinforce the role of the genetic determination on craniofacial morphology.
Expression of perforin, granzyme A and Fas ligand mRNA in caecal tissues upon Eimeria tenella infection of naïve and immune chickens
Authors: Wattrang E. , Magnusson S. E. , Näslund K. , Thebo P. , Hagström Å. , Smith A. L. , Lundén A. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryCytotoxic cells of the immune system may kill infected or transformed host cells via the perforin/granzyme or the Fas ligand (FasL) pathways. The purpose of this study was to determine mRNA expression of perforin, granzyme A and FasL in Eimeria tenella‐infected tissues at primary infection and infection of immune chickens as an indirect measure of cytotoxic cell activity. Chickens were rendered immune by repeated E. tenella infections, which were manifested as an absence of clinical signs or pathological lesions and significantly reduced oocyst production upon challenge infection. During primary E. tenella infection, perforin, granzyme A and FasL mRNA expression in caecal tissue was significantly increased at 10 days after infection, compared to uninfected birds. In contrast, at infection of immune birds, perforin and granzyme A mRNA expression in caecal tissue was significantly increased during the early stages of E. tenella challenge infection, days 1–4, which coincided with a substantial reduction of parasite replication in these birds. These results indicate the activation of cytotoxic pathways in immune birds and support a role for cytotoxic T cells in the protection against Eimeria infections.
Antigenic profile, isolation and characterization of whole body extract of Paramphistomum gracile
Authors: Anuracpreeda P. , Chawengkirttikul R. , Sobhon P. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryAn antigenic component of adult Paramphistomum gracile was characterized by means of indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (indirect ELISA), sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and immunoblotting using sera from cattle naturally infected with P. gracile, Eurytrema pancreaticum, Fasciola gigantica, Moniezia benedeni, strongylids, Trichuris sp. and Strongyloides sp. The whole body (WB) extracts of P. gracile were fractionated by gel filtration chromatography in a Sephadex G‐200 column. It was found that the WB extract fractions, F1–F3 were highly antigenic, F5 was moderately antigenic and F4 was poorly antigenic. For SDS‐PAGE and immunoblotting, the antigenic molecules of WB extract and all five fractions were mostly at molecular weights (MW) ranging from 12 to 150 kDa. One antigenic protein of 16 kDa detected in WB extract and F1–F3 was found to give a consistent reaction with sera from infected cattle. The antigenicity of the purified 16 kDa protein was confirmed by immunoblotting and indirect ELISA using a pool of sera and individual serum samples from infected cattle (at 1 : 78 125 dilution) and hyperimmunized rabbit (at 1 : 390 625 dilution). This finding suggests that the 16 kDa protein may be a potential antigen for the immunodiagnosis of cattle paramphistomosis caused by P. gracile.