bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phosphorylation of the cell division protein GpsB regulates PrkC kinase activity through a negative feedback loop in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Pompeo Frédérique , Foulquier Elodie , Serrano Bastien , Grangeasse Christophe , Galinier Anne 
Published: April 2015

SummaryAlthough many membrane Ser/Thr‐kinases with PASTA motifs have been shown to control bacterial cell division and morphogenesis, inactivation of the Ser/Thr‐kinase PrkC does not impact Bacillus subtilis cell division. In this study, we show that PrkC localizes at the division septum. In addition, three proteins involved in cell division/elongation, GpsB, DivIVA and EzrA are required for stimulating PrkC activity in vivo. We show that GpsB interacts with the catalytic subunit of PrkC that, in turn, phosphorylates GpsB. These observations are not made with DivIVA and EzrA. Consistent with the phosphorylated residue previously detected for GpsB in a high‐throughput phosphoproteomic analysis of B. subtilis, we show that threonine 75 is the single PrkC‐mediated phosphorylation site in GpsB. Importantly, the substitution of this threonine by a phospho‐mimetic residue induces a loss of PrkC kinase activity in vivo and a reduced growth under high salt conditions as observed for gpsB and prkC null mutants. Conversely, substitution of threonine 75 by a phospho‐ablative residue does not induce such growth and PrkC kinase activity defects. Altogether, these data show that proteins of the divisome control PrkC activity and thereby phosphorylation of PrkC substrates through a negative feedback loop in B. subtilis.
Deletion analysis of Streptococcus pneumoniae late competence genes distinguishes virulence determinants that are dependent or independent of competence induction
Authors: Zhu Luchang , Lin Jingjun , Kuang Zhizhou , Vidal Jorge E. , Lau Gee W. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe competence regulon of Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) is crucial for genetic transformation. During competence development, the alternative sigma factor ComX is activated, which in turn, initiates transcription of 80 ‘late’ competence genes. Interestingly, only 16 late genes are essential for genetic transformation. We hypothesized that these late genes that are dispensable for competence are beneficial to pneumococcal fitness during infection. These late genes were systematically deleted, and the resulting mutants were examined for their fitness during mouse models of bacteremia and acute pneumonia. Among these, 14 late genes were important for fitness in mice. Significantly, deletion of some late genes attenuated pneumococcal fitness to the same level in both wild‐type and ComX‐null genetic backgrounds, suggesting that the constitutive baseline expression of these genes was important for bacterial fitness. In contrast, some mutants were attenuated only in the wild‐type genetic background but not in the ComX‐null background, suggesting that specific expression of these genes during competence state contributed to pneumococcal fitness. Increased virulence during competence state was partially caused by the induction of allolytic enzymes that enhanced pneumolysin release. These results distinguish the role of basal expression versus competence induction in virulence functions encoded by ComX‐regulated late competence genes.
Quantitative assessment of species identification in aerial transect surveys for ice‐associated seals
Authors: McClintock Brett T. , Moreland Erin E. , London Joshua M. , Dahle Shawn P. , Brady Gavin M. , Richmond Erin L. , Yano Kymberly M. , Boveng Peter L. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTechnological advances have facilitated collection of vast quantities of photographic data from aerial surveys of marine mammals. However, when it is difficult to distinguish species from a distance, reliable identification from aerial images can often be challenging. This is the case for ice‐associated seals, species for which global climate change has motivated intensive monitoring efforts in recent years. We assess species and age class identification from aerial images of four ice seal species (bearded seals, Erignathus barbatus; ribbon seals, Histriophoca fasciata; ringed seals, Pusa hispida; spotted seals, Phoca largha) in the Bering Sea. We also investigate the specific phenomenological and behavioral traits commonly associated with species identification and observer confidence. We generally found species and age class misidentification occurred at relatively low levels, but only 83% of spotted seals tended to be correctly identified (with 11% mistaken as ribbon seals). We also found certain traits were strong predictors for observed species, age class, or observer confidence. Our findings add to the growing body of evidence that species misidentification is pervasive in passive sampling of animal populations. Even low levels of misidentification have been demonstrated to induce substantial biases in estimators of species distribution and abundance, and it is important that statistical models account for such errors.
Behavior of Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) in relation to temporal variation in predation risk by white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) around a seal rookery in False Bay, South Africa
Authors: De Vos Alta , Justin O'Riain M. , Meyer Michael A. , Kotze P. Gideon H. , Kock Alison A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe marked differences in predation risk posed by white sharks (Carcarodon carcarias) at island rookeries of Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) offer a quasi‐experimental design within a natural system for exploring how prey adjust their behavior in response to temporal variation in predation risk. Here we compare movement of juvenile and adult Cape fur seals at a high risk (Seal Island) and low risk (Egg Island) rookery. We further compare juveniles and adults at Seal Island in low and high risk seasons and at low and high risk times of day within those seasons. Adult fur seals at Seal Island avoided traversing the zone of high white shark predation risk during the high risk period (0700–0959) in the season of high risk (winter), but not during the low risk season (summer). By contrast, adult fur seals at Egg Island showed no temporal discretion in either season. Unlike juvenile fur seals at Egg Island, juveniles at Seal Island adjusted their temporal movement patterns to more closely mimic adult seal movement patterns. This suggests that exposure to predators is the primary driver of temporal adjustments to movement by prey species commuting from a central place.
Sex differences in residency patterns of Risso's dolphins (Grampus griseus) in the Azores: Causes and management implications
Authors: Hartman Karin Louise , Fernandez Marc , Wittich Anja , Azevedo José Manuel N. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractKnowledge of the residency patterns of marine mammals is an important element for management and conservation strategies. Here we investigate a population of Grampus griseus off Pico Island, Azores. Our data set covers the period 2004–2007, based on at‐sea observations of 1,250 individually identified animals, 303 of known or assumed sex. Using photo identification and GPS locations we calculated mean monthly sighting rates and lagged identification rates to analyze temporal patterns, and estimated kernel density to study the home range. Our results show site fidelity and relatively restricted home ranges, which corroborate the existence of a resident population on the study site. We further document sex differences, including a higher number of males present in the area at any given time but females staying for longer consecutive periods, and male home ranges with significantly less overlap than those of females. These observations are consistent with a mating system based on multimale pods defending areas where females periodically return. We hypothesize that squid distribution is a major factor in structuring these patterns. These findings reinforce the need for a precautionary management approach that would include limiting pressure from commercial activities.
Phylogenetic identification and population differentiation of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) in Melanesia, as revealed by mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Oremus Marc , Garrigue Claire , Tezanos‐Pinto Gabriela , Scott Baker C. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe taxonomic status of many dolphin populations remains uncertain in poorly studied regions of the world's ocean. Here we attempt to clarify the phylogenetic identity of two distinct forms of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops spp.) described in the Melanesian region of the Pacific Ocean. Mitochondrial DNA control region sequences from samples collected in New Caledonia (n = 88) and the Solomon Islands (n = 19) were compared to previously published sequences of Tursiops spp., representing four phylogenetic units currently recognized within the genus. Phylogenetic reconstructions confirm that the smaller coastal form in Melanesia belongs to the same phylogenetic unit as T. aduncus populations in the Pacific, but differs from T. aduncus in Africa, and that the larger more oceanic form belongs to the species T. truncatus. Analyses of population diversity reveal high levels of regional population structuring among the two forms, with contrasting levels of diversity. From a conservation perspective, genetic isolation of T. aduncus in the Solomon Islands raises further concern about recent impacts of the commercial, live‐capture export industry. Furthermore, the low level of mtDNA diversity in T. aduncus of New Caledonia suggests a recent population bottleneck or founder effect and isolation. This raises concerns for the conservation status of these local populations.
Age estimation of belugas, Delphinapterus leucas, using fatty acid composition: A promising method
Authors: Marcoux Marianne , Lesage Véronique , Thiemann Gregory W. , Iverson Sara J. , Ferguson Steven H. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractData about age‐specific survival and mortality rate, as well as life history parameters are essential for studying population demography. However, noninvasive methods for ageing free‐ranging marine mammals are generally lacking. Recently, a few studies have highlighted the potential of using fatty acid (FA) composition in blubber biopsy samples to estimate age in some cetaceans. Here, we explore the opportunity of using this technique to estimate the age of free‐ranging belugas from three different populations. Belugas (Delphinapterus leucas) were sampled postmortem for blubber FA analysis and aged by counting the number of growth layer groups in teeth dentine. We found significant positive and negative relationships between some FAs and age. These relationships were stronger with outer blubber layer samples, the layer most accessible via biopsy, than with inner or middle layer samples, a pattern that is consistent with observed turnover rates and biological function across the blubber depth. The FA 12:0, 14:1n‐7, and 14:1n‐9 were promising correlates of age in belugas, allowing estimation of age with a precision of ±7–10 yr. Further work is required to determine the mechanisms underlying changes in FA composition with age and whether these mechanisms are stable through time and across populations.
Age‐specific vibrissae growth rates: A tool for determining the timing of ecologically important events in Steller sea lions
Authors: Rea Lorrie D. , Christ Aaron M. , Hayden Alison B. , Stegall Vicki K. , Farley Sean D. , Stricker Craig A. , Mellish Jo‐Ann E. , Maniscalco John M. , Waite Jason N. , Burkanov Vladimir N. , Pitcher Kenneth W. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractSteller sea lions (SSL; Eumetopias jubatus) grow their vibrissae continually, providing a multiyear record suitable for ecological and physiological studies based on stable isotopes. An accurate age‐specific vibrissae growth rate is essential for registering a chronology along the length of the record, and for interpreting the timing of ecologically important events. We utilized four methods to estimate the growth rate of vibrissae in fetal, rookery pup, young‐of‐the‐year (YOY), yearling, subadult, and adult SSL. The majority of vibrissae were collected from SSL live‐captured in Alaska and Russia between 2000 and 2013 (n = 1,115), however, vibrissae were also collected from six adult SSL found dead on haul‐outs and rookeries during field excursions to increase the sample size of this underrepresented age group. Growth rates of vibrissae were generally slower in adult (0.44 ± 0.15 cm/mo) and subadult (0.61 ± 0.10 cm/mo) SSL than in YOY (0.87 ± 0.28 cm/mo) and fetal (0.73 ± 0.05 cm/mo) animals, but there was high individual variability in these growth rates within each age group. Some variability in vibrissae growth rates was attributed to the somatic growth rate of YOY sea lions between capture events (P = 0.014, r2 = 0.206, n = 29).
Transcriptional and morphological changes in the transition from mycetophagous to phytophagous phase in the plant‐parasitic nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus
Authors: Tsai Isheng J. , Tanaka Ryusei , Kanzaki Natsumi , Akiba Mitsuteru , Yokoi Toshiro , Espada Margarida , Jones John T. , Kikuchi Taisei 
Published: April 2015

SummaryDrastic physiological and morphological changes in parasites are crucial for the establishment of a successful infection. The nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the pathogenic agent of pine wilt disease, and little is known about the physiology and morphology in this nematode at the initial stage of infection. In this study, we devised an infection system using pine stem cuttings that allowed us to observe transcriptional and morphological changes in the host‐infecting phytophagous phase. We found that 60 genes enriched in xenobiotic detoxification were up‐regulated in two independent post‐inoculation events, whereas down‐regulation was observed in multiple members of collagen gene families. After 48 h of inoculation, the tails in some of the adult females exposed to the host changed in morphology. These results suggest that B. xylophilus may change its physiology and morphology to protect itself and to adapt to the host pine wood environment.
Long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid status in obesity: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Fekete K. , Györei E. , Lohner S. , Verduci E. , Agostoni C. , Decsi T. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryLong‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCPUFA) status has recently been related to the pathogenesis of obesity. Our aims were to systematically review observational studies investigating LCPUFA status from different blood compartments in overweight or obese subjects and to assess the relationship between LCPUFA profile and obesity. The Ovid MEDLINE, Scopus and Cochrane Library CENTRAL databases were searched from inception to January 2014. The meta‐analysis showed significant differences in the LCPUFA composition of total plasma lipids, plasma phospholipids and plasma cholesteryl esters between overweight or obese subjects and controls. Dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (DGLA) values were significantly higher in overweight or obese subjects compared with controls in all the investigated biomarkers. In addition, the DGLA/linoleic acid ratio (surrogate parameter for Δ6 desaturase activity) in plasma phospholipids was significantly elevated (mean difference [MD]: 0.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.02, 0.08; n = 280), while the arachidonic acid/DGLA ratio (surrogate parameter for Δ5 desaturase activity) was significantly decreased (MD: −0.55; 95% CI: −0.71, −0.39; n = 347) in overweight or obese subjects compared with controls. The results of the present meta‐analysis confirm that LCPUFA profile is altered in obesity and suggest that the differences observed in desaturase activities may be responsible for the disturbed LCPUFA metabolism in obesity.
Counting the Children: The Role of Children in the Production of Finger Flutings in Four Upper Palaeolithic Caves
Authors: Van Gelder Leslie 
Published: April 2015

SummaryChildren and young adults are believed to have represented up to 40 per cent of Upper Palaeolithic populations, yet little is known of their engagement in deep caves besides evidence of their hand and footprints. In this study we examine finger flutings, lines drawn with fingers in soft surfaces, in 12 Franco‐Cantabrian Upper Palaeolithic caves to look for forensic evidence of unique individuals. We find evidence of children as finger fluters in four caves (El Castillo, Las Chimeneas, Rouffignac and Gargas). We discuss the types, locations and frequency of their flutings, as well as the relationship between their flutings and those made by non‐children in the same caves and chambers. The small number of participants calls into question past theories of children's engagement in ritual and initiation in these particular caves.
The Radiocarbon Chronology of Southern Spain's Late Prehistory (5600–1000 cal BC): A Comparative Review
Authors: Balsera Verónica , Bernabeu Aubán Joan , Costa‐Caramé Manuel , Díaz‐del‐Río Pedro , García Sanjuán Leonardo , Pardo Salvador 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThis paper is the first updated review of the scope, depth and problems related to the current radiocarbon chronology of the late prehistory of southern Iberia. The aim is twofold. First, it critically analyses the quantity and quality of radiocarbon dates used to interpret the diverse trajectories of western Mediterranean societies throughout more than four millennia. Secondly, it reviews a set of three different and prominent archaeological phenomena from an inter‐regional comparative perspective: primary and secondary burial practices, domestic stone architecture and ditched enclosures. Our long‐term, geographically wide‐ranging approach locates similarities while highlighting the effects of local and historical conditions in certain divergent circumstances.
Balancing the Trade: Roman Cargo Shipments toIndia
Authors: Cobb Matthew Adam 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThere has been a continuing debate about the extent to which theRomanEmpire suffered an economic imbalance in its trade with India (and more broadly theEast), that is to say whether in volume or value theRomanEmpire imported more than it exported. This imbalance is often thought to be manifested in the export ofRoman gold and silver toIndia and the connected notion that other goods from theRomanEmpire were seen as merely items of ballast. It is the intention of this article to place this debate in a practical context by demonstrating not only the physical need for mixed cargoes on ships sailing toIndia, but also the negligible amount of space taken up by the gold and silver. It is argued that in terms of volume (if not value) goods in kind were far more significant.
Healing indicators after pterygium excision by optical coherence tomography
Authors: Pujol Pere , Julio Gemma , Barbany Miriam , Asaad Mouafk 
Published: April 2015

AbstractPurposeTo establish the sequence of tomographic changes in the tissue recovery process after pterygium excision and to propose healing indicators.MethodsOptical coherence tomography (OCT) images were taken at 1 week, 1, 3 and 6 months after lesion excision in 73 eyes of 73 patients (33 male, 40 female; mean age 50, S.D. 5.0, range 40–70 years) with primary nasal pterygium. Biomicroscopy was performed at each visit and at 12 months, to diagnose clinical healing or lesion recurrence. The presence of well demarcated corneal epithelium, conjunctival epithelium, limbal demarcation area, and graft thickening were analysed. Comparisons between tomographic data of both clinical situations were made at each time point using contingency tables.ResultsEleven eyes displayed lesion recurrence (R group) and 62 eyes showed no recurrence (NR group). Normal anatomical structures, corneal and conjunctival epithelium and limbal demarcation area, were identified by OCT images in a higher percentage of NR cases over time, compared to the R group where most of the cases presented without these markers of tissue recovery. In contrast, the variable graft thickening, which analysed a pathological event, revealed similar results in both groups (p > 0.05; Fisher's exact statistic), with a clear decrease of cases which showed graft thickening over time. Differences between groups started at 1 month, when no eye had yet presented clinical recurrence, with greater identification of corneal epithelium in the NR group (p = 0.04; Fisher's exact statistic). At 3 months, corneal and conjunctival epithelium identification tended to be more frequent in the NR than in the R group (in both cases, p = 0.0001; Fisher's exact statistic). Finally, at 6 months these different patterns consolidated, with a significantly higher number of limbal demarcation areas being identified in the NR group (p = 0.001; Fisher's exact statistic). In fact, this landmark of a normally structured limbus was never found in the R group.ConclusionsThe sequence of tissue restoration, according to OCT images, seems to start in the cornea and end in the limbal area, similar to the process of pterygium injury in reverse. Although the visualisation of corneal epithelium could be an early indicator of successful surgery, identification of the limbal demarcation area, as a normal limbal pattern in OCT images, seems to be a better positive predictive value in diagnosing healing.
Do cladistic and morphometric data capture common patterns of morphological disparity?
Authors: Hetherington Alexander J. , Sherratt Emma , Ruta Marcello , Wilkinson Mark , Deline Bradley , Donoghue Philip C. J. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe distinctly non‐random diversity of organismal form manifests itself in discrete clusters of taxa that share a common body plan. As a result, analyses of disparity require a scalable comparative framework. The difficulties of applying geometric morphometrics to disparity analyses of groups with vastly divergent body plans are overcome partly by the use of cladistic characters. Character‐based disparity analyses have become increasingly popular, but it is not clear how they are affected by character coding strategies or revisions of primary homology statements. Indeed, whether cladistic and morphometric data capture similar patterns of morphological variation remains a moot point. To address this issue, we employ both cladistic and geometric morphometric data in an exploratory study of disparity focussing on caecilian amphibians. Our results show no impact on relative intertaxon distances when different coding strategies for cladistic characters were used or when revised concepts of homology were considered. In all instances, we found no statistically significant difference between pairwise Euclidean and Procrustes distances, although the strength of the correlation among distance matrices varied. This suggests that cladistic and geometric morphometric data appear to summarize morphological variation in comparable ways. Our results support the use of cladistic data for characterizing organismal disparity.