bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A lacustrine record of the early stage of the Miocene Climatic Optimum in Central Europe from the Most Basin, Ohře (Eger) Graben, Czech Republic
Authors: MATYS GRYGAR TOMÁŠ , MACH KAREL , SCHNABL PETR , PRUNER PETR , LAURIN JIŘÍ , MARTINEZ MATHIEU 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis study reports on a ~ 150 m thick macrofossil-barren sequence of siliciclastic sediments from a Burdigalian age (Early Miocene) freshwater lake. The lake was located within an incipient rift system of the Most Basin in the Ohře (Eger) Graben, which was part of the European Cenozoic Rift System, and had an original area of ≈ 1000 km2. Sediments from the HK591 core that cover the entire thickness of the lake deposits and some of the adjacent stratigraphic units were analysed by X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (a proxy for element composition) and magnetic polarity measurement. The element proxies were subjected to frequency analysis, which provided estimated sedimentation rates, and allowed for sediment dating by magnetostratigraphy and orbital tuning of the age model. Based on the resulting age model and the known biostratigraphy, the lake was present between 17.4 and 16.6 Ma, which includes the onset of the Miocene Climatic Optimum in the latest Early Miocene. The identification of orbital forcing (precession, obliquity and short eccentricity cycles) confirms the stability of the sedimentary environment of the perennial lake in an underfilled basin. The dating allowed the sediment record to be interpreted in the context of the current knowledge of the European climate during that period. The stability of the sedimentary environment confirms that precipitation was relatively stable over the period recorded by the sediments.
Use of used vs. fresh cheese brines and the effect of pH and salt concentration on the survival of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Schirmer Bjørn C T , Heir Even , Lindstedt Bjørn-Arne , Møretrø Trond , Langsrud Solveig 
Published: January 2014

The aim of the study was to investigate how the use of fresh cheese brines compared with used brines and various combinations of pH and NaCl concentrations affected the survival of Listeria monocytogenes. Cheese brines from five Norwegian small scale cheese producers were analysed and showed great variations in pH (4·54–6·01) and NaCl concentrations (14·1–26·9 %). The survival of five strains of List. monocytogenes (two clinical isolates, two food isolates and one animal isolate) in four different cheese brines (three used and one fresh) was investigated. Results showed significant differences in survival both depending on the strains and the brines. Strains of human outbreak listeriosis cases showed greater ability to survive in the brines compared with food isolates and a List. monocytogenes reference strain (1–2 log10 difference after 200 d). All strains showed highest survival in the freshly prepared brine compared with the used brines. Molecular typing by multiple locus variable number tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) showed that there were no detectable alterations in the examined variable number tandem repeats of the genome in five strains after 200 d storage in any of the salt brines. Combined effects of pH (4·5, 5·25 and 6·0) and NaCl (15, 20 and 25 %) in fresh, filter sterilised brines on the survival of List. monocytogenes were examined and results showed that pathogen populations decreased over time in all brines. Death rates at any given NaCl concentration were highest at low pH (4·5) and death rates at any given pH were highest at low NaCl concentrations (15 %). In conclusion, the use of used brines reduced the survival of List. monocytogenes and a combination of low pH (4·5) and low salt concentrations (15 %) decreased the risk of List. monocytogenes survival compared with higher pH (5·25 or 6·0) and higher NaCl concentrations (20 or 25 %).
Thyroid gland involvement in carcinoma of the hypopharynx
Authors: Joshi P , Nair S , Chaturvedi P , Nair D , Shivakumar T , D'Cruz A K 
Published: January 2014

AbstractObjective:The thyroid gland is removed en bloc during laryngectomy. There are no objective criteria for deciding the extent of thyroid gland resection in primary hypopharyngeal cancer cases. The present study aimed to determine the incidence of thyroid gland involvement in hypopharyngeal cancer and identify the various predictors of this involvement.Method:This paper reports a retrospective analysis of 358 patients with hypopharyngeal cancer, who underwent total laryngectomy with partial or total pharyngectomy at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai between 2004 and 2010.Results:The mean age of this population was 61 years. The pyriform sinus was the most common hypopharyngeal subsite involved (in 89 per cent of cases). Most patients underwent hemi-thyroidectomy as part of their surgery. The thyroid gland was involved in only 13 per cent of cases.Conclusion:Thyroid gland involvement is not common in hypopharyngeal cancer. Cases that involved the post-cricoid area, subglottic extension, extralaryngeal spread or prior tracheostomy were associated with a higher risk of thyroid gland involvement. Ipsilateral thyroidectomy is sufficient in most patients undergoing surgery (laryngectomy with partial or total pharyngectomy) for hypopharyngeal cancers.
Reproductive strategies of two invasive sun corals (Tubastraeaspp.) in the southwestern Atlantic
Authors: de Paula Alline Figueira , de Oliveira Pires Débora , Creed Joel Christopher 
Published: January 2014

The azooxanthellate sun coralsTubastraea coccineaandT. tagusensisare invasive species which were introduced into Brazilian shallow-water tropical rocky reefs by oil and gas platforms. Both species are simultaneous hermaphrodites and brooders. Histological analysis shows a continuous reproduction with the presence of different stages of development of oocytes, spermatic cysts and larvae occurring together in the same polyps (overlapping). Gametogenesis, embryogenesis, planulation and settlement were observed. Although most of the colonies showed only oocytes, none had only testes. Spermatic cysts were observed in 8.3% ofT. coccineacolonies and in 5.5% of colonies ofT. tagusensis. The maximum diameter of oocyte ofT. tagusensis(1252.5 µm) was greater thanT. coccinea(901.8 µm) and mature spermaries 700 µm in diameter formed the typical arrangement of ‘bouquets’. Although all colonies showed oocytes throughout the year, two reproductive peaks of 3–4 months duration were observed. The larvae ofT. coccineaandT. tagusensishad a competency period of 18 d in aquaria and settled near the parental colony. The investigation of gametogenesis, temporal patterns of reproduction, fecundity and sexual maturation helps to explain the rapid expansion in to new habitats and high population growth in these invasive sun corals.
Evaluation of a low-cost, non-invasive survey technique to assess the relative abundance, diversity and behaviour of sharks on Sudanese reefs (Southern Red Sea)
Authors: Rezzolla Danilo , Boldrocchi Ginevra , Storai Tiziano 
Published: January 2014

A low-cost and non-invasive survey technique focused on pelagic sharks was evaluated during an ecotourism cruise on two Sudanese reefs, Angarosh and Sha'ab Rumi, in the Southern Red Sea. The research technology was based on a set of small, underwater video recording cameras and a pair of laser pointers. Video footage provided insight into shark biodiversity on the two reefs, detecting five species, Alopias vulpinus, Sphyrna lewini, Triaenodon obesus, Carcharhinus amblyrhynchos and Galeocerdo cuvier, during 15.8 h of video recording. These recordings also provided preliminary information on aggregations of S. lewini. The laser pointers were used to measure the size of sharks, providing seven total length (TL) measurements for S. lewini (N = 2) and C. amblyrhynchos (N = 5), confirming the possibility of easily obtaining size parameters using this tool. These low-cost and user-friendly instruments provide ecotourism divers with an opportunity to become involved in marine research projects.
A new species of alcyonacean octocoral from the Peruvian zoogeographic region
Authors: Breedy Odalisca , Guzman Hector M. 
Published: January 2014

The first record of the plexaurid genusPsammogorgiafrom the shallow waters of Peru is reported here. A new species (Psammogorgia hookerisp. nov.) is described from Isla San Gallán, Paracas National Reserve. The new species was morphologically analysed using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. It is distinguished from the others in the genus by its small size; prominent calyces with wide lips around polyp apertures and without a special type of sclerites, but with a concentration of irregular, thorny spindles and wart-clubs around the calyx rim; coenenchymal sclerites that do not reach more than 0.2 mm long; the occurrence of conspicuous star-like radiates; and the colour of the colony and coenenchymal sclerites, which is coral red. The results increase species richness within a genus that has not been studied for more than a century, and contribute to the establishment of characters for further morphological studies. Additionally, the new species adds value to existing protected areas and to the octocoral biodiversity records for the Peruvian region and the eastern Pacific.
Hypothalamic inhibition of socio-sexual behaviour by increasing neuroestrogen synthesis
Authors: Ubuka Takayoshi , Haraguchi Shogo , Tobari Yasuko , Narihiro Misato , Ishikawa Kei , Hayashi Takanori , Harada Nobuhiro , Tsutsui Kazuyoshi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractGonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that inhibits gonadotropin secretion and socio-sexual behaviours. Oestrogen (neuroestrogen) synthesized in the brain from androgen by aromatase regulates male socio-sexual behaviours. Here we show that GnIH directly activates aromatase and increases neuroestrogen synthesis in the preoptic area (POA) and inhibits socio-sexual behaviours of male quail. Aromatase activity and neuroestrogen concentration in the POA are low in the morning when the birds are active, but neuroestrogen synthesis gradually increases until the evening when the birds become inactive. Centrally administered GnIH in the morning increases neuroestrogen synthesis in the POA and decreases socio-sexual behaviours. Centrally administered 17β-oestradiol at higher doses also inhibits socio-sexual behaviours in the morning. These results suggest that GnIH inhibits male socio-sexual behaviours by increasing neuroestrogen synthesis beyond its optimum concentration for the expression of socio-sexual behaviours. This is the first demonstration of any hypothalamic neuropeptide that directly regulates neuroestrogen synthesis.
A paracrine network regulates the cross-talk between human lung stem cells and the stroma
Authors: Ruiz E. Josue , Oeztuerk-Winder Feride , Ventura Juan-Jose 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe signals that regulate stem cell self-renewal and differentiation in the lung remain elusive. Lung stem cells undergo self-renewal or lineage commitment to replenish tissue, depending on cross-talk with their environment. This environment, also known as the niche, includes mesenchymal and endothelial tissues. Here we define molecular mechanisms involved in the interaction between human lung Lgr6+ stem cells (LSCs) and fibroblasts in a functional microenvironment. We reveal a central role for p38α MAPK in establishing and maintaining such cross-talk, acting in both cell types. In LSCs, p38α induces the expression of SDF-1, which activates the stroma. p38α is essential for fibroblast activation and induction of cytokine expression, in particular TNFα. This paracrine network induces a hierarchical activation leading to the recruitment of endothelium, establishing a functional microenvironment. Disruption of this cross-talk abrogates proper LSC differentiation in vivo and may lead to lung dysfunction and disease.
Trading Network Predicts Stock Price
Authors: Sun Xiao-Qian , Shen Hua-Wei , Cheng Xue-Qi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractStock price prediction is an important and challenging problem for studying financial markets. Existing studies are mainly based on the time series of stock price or the operation performance of listed company. In this paper, we propose to predict stock price based on investors' trading behavior. For each stock, we characterize the daily trading relationship among its investors using a trading network. We then classify the nodes of trading network into three roles according to their connectivity pattern. Strong Granger causality is found between stock price and trading relationship indices, i.e., the fraction of trading relationship among nodes with different roles. We further predict stock price by incorporating these trading relationship indices into a neural network based on time series of stock price. Experimental results on 51 stocks in two Chinese Stock Exchanges demonstrate the accuracy of stock price prediction is significantly improved by the inclusion of trading relationship indices.
How dolphins see the world: A comparison with chimpanzees and humans
Authors: Tomonaga Masaki , Uwano Yuka , Saito Toyoshi 
Published: January 2014

AbstractBottlenose dolphins use auditory (or echoic) information to recognise their environments and many studies have described their echolocation perception abilities. However, relatively few systematic studies have examined their visual perception. We tested dolphins on a visual-matching task using two-dimensional geometric forms including various features. Based on error patterns, we used multidimensional scaling to analyse perceptual similarities among stimuli. In addition to dolphins, we conducted comparable tests with terrestrial species: chimpanzees were tested on a computer-controlled matching task and humans were tested on a rating task. The overall perceptual similarities among stimuli in dolphins were similar to those in the two species of primates. These results clearly indicate that the visual world is perceived similarly by the three species of mammals, even though each has adapted to a different environment and has differing degrees of dependence on vision.
Mysterious abrupt carbon-14 increase in coral contributed by a comet
Authors: Liu Yi , Zhang Zhao-feng , Peng Zi-cheng , Ling Ming-xing , Shen Chuan-Chou , Liu Wei-guo , Sun Xiao-chun , Shen Cheng-de , Liu Ke-xin , Sun Weidong 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA large and sudden increase in radiocarbon (14C) around AD 773 are documented in coral skeletons from the South China Sea. The 14C increased by ~ 15‰ during winter and remain elevated for more than 4 months, then increased and dropped down within two months, forming a spike of 45‰ high in late spring, followed by two smaller spikes. The 14C anomalies coincide with an historic comet collision with the Earth's atmosphere on 17 January AD 773. Comas are known to have percent-levels of nitrogen by weight and are exposed to cosmic radiation in space. Hence they may be expected to contain highly elevated 14C/12C ratios, as compared to the Earth's atmosphere. The significant input of 14C by comets may have contributed to the fluctuation of 14C in the atmosphere throughout the Earth's history, which should be considered carefully to better constrain the cosmic ray fluctuation.
The Rebel Barons of 1264 and the Commune of London: An Oath of Mutual Aid
Authors: Stone Ian 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In March 1264, the commune of London, led by its mayor Thomas fitz Thomas, allied with twenty other leading rebels to swear an oath of mutual support. This oath was mentioned by one contemporary chronicler. This article transcribes and translates this hitherto unpublished oath. It examines the significance of the agreement the rebels entered into, which was sworn just six weeks before the battle of Lewes. It analyses the text, placing it alongside other contemporary oaths in order to understand more fully its contents. Through detailed study of the oath’s unique witness list, it seeks to shed new light on the motivations and sympathies of many leading rebels of the day. Lastly, the article discusses what can be learnt about the attitudes of one of the leading chroniclers of the period of baronial reform and rebellion.
A Desulfitobacterium sp. strain PR reductively dechlorinates both 1,1,1‐trichloroethane and chloroform
Authors: Ding Chang , Zhao Siyan , He Jianzhong 
Published: January 2014

Summary1,1,1‐Trichloroethane (TCA) and chloroform are two notorious groundwater pollutants. Here we report the isolation and characterization of Desulfitobacterium sp. strain PR that rapidly dechlorinates both compounds. In pyruvate‐amended medium, strain PR reductively dechlorinates ∼ 1.0 mM TCA completely to monochloroethane within 15 days. Under the same conditions, strain PR dechlorinates ∼ 1.2 mM chloroform to predominantly dichloromethane (∼ 1.14 mM) and trace amount of monochloromethane (∼ 0.06 mM) within 10 days. Strain PR shares 96.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with its closest relative – Desulfitobacterium metallireducens strain 853‐15; however, it distinguishes itself from known Desulfitobacterium strains by its inability of utilizing several of their commonly shared substrates such as lactate, thiosulfate and sulfite. A reductive dehalogenase gene (ctrA) in strain PR was identified to be responsible for dechlorination of both TCA and chloroform, showing a maximum expression level of 5.95 ∼ 6.25 copies of transcripts cell‐1. CtrA shares 94% amino acid sequence identity with CfrA in Dehalobacter sp. strain CF50 and DcrA in Dehalobacter sp. strain DCA. Interestingly, strain PR could tolerate high aqueous concentrations (up to 0.45 mM) of trichloroethene, another groundwater pollutant that often coexists with TCA/chloroform. As the first chloroform‐respiring and the second TCA‐respiring isolate that has been identified, Desulfitobacterium sp. strain PR may prove useful in remediation of halogenated alkanes with trihalomethyl (‐CX3) groups.
Microscale sulfur cycling in the phototrophic pink berry consortia of the Sippewissett Salt Marsh
Authors: Wilbanks Elizabeth G. , Jaekel Ulrike , Salman Verena , Humphrey Parris T. , Eisen Jonathan A. , Facciotti Marc T. , Buckley Daniel H. , Zinder Stephen H. , Druschel Gregory K. , Fike David A. , Orphan Victoria J. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryMicrobial metabolism is the engine that drives global biogeochemical cycles, yet many key transformations are carried out by microbial consortia over short spatiotemporal scales that elude detection by traditional analytical approaches. We investigate syntrophic sulfur cycling in the ‘pink berry’ consortia of the Sippewissett Salt Marsh through an integrative study at the microbial scale. The pink berries are macroscopic, photosynthetic microbial aggregates composed primarily of two closely associated species: sulfide‐oxidizing purple sulfur bacteria (PB‐PSB1) and sulfate‐reducing bacteria (PB‐SRB1). Using metagenomic sequencing and 34S‐enriched sulfate stable isotope probing coupled with nanoSIMS, we demonstrate interspecies transfer of reduced sulfur metabolites from PB‐SRB1 to PB‐PSB1. The pink berries catalyse net sulfide oxidation and maintain internal sulfide concentrations of 0–500 μm. Sulfide within the berries, captured on silver wires and analysed using secondary ion mass spectrometer, increased in abundance towards the berry interior, while δ34S‐sulfide decreased from 6‰ to −31‰ from the exterior to interior of the berry. These values correspond to sulfate–sulfide isotopic fractionations (15–53‰) consistent with either sulfate reduction or a mixture of reductive and oxidative metabolisms. Together this combined metagenomic and high‐resolution isotopic analysis demonstrates active sulfur cycling at the microscale within well‐structured macroscopic consortia consisting of sulfide‐oxidizing anoxygenic phototrophs and sulfate‐reducing bacteria.
Genetics and regulation of bacterial alginate production
Authors: Hay Iain D. , Wang Yajie , Moradali Mohammed F. , Rehman Zahid U. , Rehm Bernd H. A. 
Published: January 2014

SummaryA vast range of extracellular polysaccharides are produced by bacteria in order to adapt to and thrive in diverse environmental niches. Many of these polymers have attracted great attention due to their implication in biofilm formation, capsule formation, virulence, or for their potential medical and industrial uses. One important exopolysaccharide, alginate, is produced by various Pseudomonas spp. and Azotobacter vinelandii. Alginate is of particular interest due to its role in the pathogenesis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lung infection in cystic fibrosis patients. Here, we will discuss the genetic organization and distribution of the genes involved in the biosynthesis of this significant polymer. The complex regulatory networks involved in the production of bacterial alginate will be reviewed, including transcriptional, posttranscriptional and posttranslational forms of regulation.
High levels of uric acid in systemic lupus erythematosus is associated with pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Kim Ki‐Jo , Baek In‐Woon , Park Yune‐Jung , Yoon Chong‐Hyeon , Kim Wan‐Uk , Cho Chul‐Soo 
Published: January 2014

AbstractAimTo estimate the point prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) and determine the associated factors for PH in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional study of 114 patients with SLE was conducted in a single tertiary center. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed to estimate the pulmonary arterial pressures. PH was defined as resting systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) ≥ 40 mmHg, in the absence of left heart disease.ResultsPH was identified in nine patients (7.9%) who had few cardiopulmonary symptoms. SLE patients with PH had higher SLE disease activity index score. In particular, serum uric acid (UA) was significantly higher in patients with PH than in those without PH. In multivariate analysis, UA remained significant for the presence of PH. Moreover, serum UA level correlated significantly with plasma NT‐pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide level as well as sPAP. At the cutoff level of 6.5 mg/dL, serum UA had reasonable accuracy for predicting the presence of PH in SLE patients (sensitivity 66.7% and specificity 96.2%).ConclusionA significant number of SLE patients in rheumatology practice have undiagnosed PH with few discernible symptoms. Serum UA level may be useful as a surrogate marker for screening of PH in patients with SLE.