bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A quantitative review of MHC‐based mating preference: the role of diversity and dissimilarity
Authors: Kamiya T. , O'Dwyer K. , Westerdahl H. , Senior A. , Nakagawa S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractSexual selection hypotheses stipulate that the major histocompatibility complex genes (MHC) constitute a key molecular underpinning for mate choice in vertebrates. The last four decades saw growing empirical literature on the role of MHC diversity and dissimilarity in mate choice for a wide range of vertebrate animals, but with mixed support for its significance in natural populations. Using formal phylogenetic meta‐analysis and meta‐regression techniques, we quantitatively review the existing literature on MHC‐dependent mating preferences in nonhuman vertebrates with a focus on the role of MHC diversity and dissimilarity. Overall, we found small, statistically nonsignificant, average effect sizes for both diversity‐ and dissimilarity‐based mate choice (r = 0.113 and 0.064, respectively). Importantly, however, meta‐regression models revealed statistically significant support regarding female choice for diversity, and choice for dissimilarity (regardless of choosy sex) only when dissimilarity is characterized across multiple loci. Little difference was found among vertebrate taxa; however, the lack of statistical power meant statistically significant effects were limited to some taxa. We found little sign of publication bias; thus, our results are likely to be robust. In light of our quantitative assessment, methodological improvements and fruitful future avenues of research are highlighted.
Blacktip reef sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus, have high genetic structure and varying demographic histories in their Indo‐Pacific range
Authors: Vignaud Thomas M. , Mourier Johann , Maynard Jeffrey A. , Leblois Raphael , Spaet Julia L.Y. , Clua Eric , Neglia Valentina , Planes Serge 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFor free‐swimming marine species like sharks, only population genetics and demographic history analyses can be used to assess population health/status as baseline population numbers are usually unknown. We investigated the population genetics of blacktip reef sharks, Carcharhinus melanopterus; one of the most abundant reef‐associated sharks and the apex predator of many shallow water reefs of the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Our sampling includes 4 widely separated locations in the Indo‐Pacific and 11 islands in French Polynesia with different levels of coastal development. Four‐teen microsatellite loci were analysed for samples from all locations and two mitochondrial DNA fragments, the control region and cytochrome b, were examined for 10 locations. For microsatellites, genetic diversity is higher for the locations in the large open systems of the Red Sea and Australia than for the fragmented habitat of the smaller islands of French Polynesia. Strong significant structure was found for distant locations with FST values as high as ~0.3, and a smaller but still significant structure is found within French Polynesia. Both mitochondrial genes show only a few mutations across the sequences with a dominant shared haplotype in French Polynesia and New Caledonia suggesting a common lineage different to that of East Australia. Demographic history analyses indicate population expansions in the Red Sea and Australia that may coincide with sea level changes after climatic events. Expansions and flat signals are indicated for French Polynesia as well as a significant recent bottleneck for Moorea, the most human‐impacted lagoon of the locations in French Polynesia.
Impact of osmotic stress on protein diffusion in Lactococcus lactis
Authors: Mika Jacek T. , Schavemaker Paul E. , Krasnikov Victor , Poolman Bert 
Published: September 2014

SummaryWe measured translational diffusion of proteins in the cytoplasm and plasma membrane of the Gram‐positive bacterium Lactococcus lactis and probed the effect of osmotic upshift. For cells in standard growth medium the diffusion coefficients for cytosolic proteins (27 and 582 kDa) and 12‐transmembrane helix membrane proteins are similar to those in Escherichia coli. The translational diffusion of GFP in L. lactis drops by two orders of magnitude when the medium osmolality is increased by ∼ 1.9 Osm, and the decrease in mobility is partly reversed in the presence of osmoprotectants. We find a large spread in diffusion coefficients over the full population of cells but a smaller spread if only sister cells are compared. While in general the diffusion coefficients we measure under normal osmotic conditions in L. lactis are similar to those reported in E. coli, the decrease in translational diffusion upon osmotic challenge in L. lactis is smaller than in E. coli. An even more striking difference is that in L. lactis the GFP diffusion coefficient drops much more rapidly with volume than in E. coli. We discuss these findings in the light of differences in turgor, cell volume, crowding and cytoplasmic structure of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria.
The redundant aminotransferases in lysine and arginine synthesis and the extent of aminotransferase redundancy in Escherichia coli
Authors: Lal Piyush Behari , Schneider Barbara L. , Vu Khoan , Reitzer Larry 
Published: September 2014

SummaryAminotransferases can be redundant or promiscuous, but the extent and significance of these properties is not known in any organism, even in Escherichia coli. To determine the extent of redundancy, it was first necessary to identify the redundant aminotransferases in arginine and lysine synthesis, and then complement all aminotransferase‐deficient mutants with genes for all aminotransferases. The enzymes with N‐acetylornithine aminotransferase (ACOAT) activity in arginine synthesis were ArgD, AstC, GabT and PuuE; the major anaerobic ACOAT was ArgD. The major enzymes with N‐succinyl‐l,l‐diaminopimelate aminotransferase (SDAP‐AT) activity in lysine synthesis were ArgD, AstC, and SerC. Seven other aminotransferases, when overproduced, complemented the defect in a triple mutant. Lysine availability did not regulate synthesis of the major SDAP‐ATs. Complementation analysis of mutants lacking aminotransferases showed that the SDAP‐ATs and alanine aminotransferases were exceptionally redundant, and it is proposed that this redundancy may ensure peptidoglycan synthesis. An overview of all aminotransferase reactions indicates that redundancy and broad specificity are common properties of aminotransferases.
Diguanylate cyclase NicD‐based signalling mechanism of nutrient‐induced dispersion by Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Basu Roy Ankita , Sauer Karin 
Published: September 2014

SummaryDispersion enables the transition from the biofilm to the planktonic growth state in response to various cues. While several Pseudomonas aeruginosa proteins, including BdlA and the c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterases DipA, RbdA, and NbdA, have been shown to be required for dispersion to occur, little is known about dispersion cue sensing and the signalling translating these cues into the modulation c‐di‐GMP levels to enable dispersion. Using glutamate‐induced dispersion as a model, we report that dispersion‐inducing nutrient cues are sensed via an outside‐in signalling mechanism by the diguanylate cyclase NicD belonging to a family of seven transmembrane (7TM) receptors. NicD directly interacts with BdlA and the phosphodiesterase DipA, with NicD, BdlA, and DipA being part of the same pathway required for dispersion. Glutamate sensing by NicD results in NicD dephosphorylation and increased cyclase activity. Active NicD contributes to the non‐processive proteolysis and activation of BdlA via phosphorylation and temporarily elevated c‐di‐GMP levels. BdlA, in turn, activates DipA, resulting in the overall reduction of c‐di‐GMP levels. Our results provide a basis for understanding the signalling mechanism based on NicD to induce biofilm dispersion that may be applicable to various biofilm‐forming species and may have implications for the control of biofilm‐related infections.
The decomposition of the Danish imperial monarchy
Authors: Jensen Jason O. , Hall John A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractOne of the classical questions in the study of nationalism concerns the end of empires. Is nationalism, to use the phrase of Hiers and Wimmer, the cause or consequence of the end of empire? This paper considers a neglected case, that of the decomposition of the Danish imperial monarchy in the years between 1848 and 1864. We find that nationalist conflicts indisputably caused the end of this political entity. Crucially, Danish nationalists in the imperial core preferred to downsize the territories controlled by the Oldenburgs rather than to share power with German speakers in the periphery. Decomposition was not, however, inevitable: an early introduction of power‐sharing schemes might have saved the imperial monarchy.
Between religion and nationalism in thePalestinian diaspora
Authors: Vicente Pèrez Michael 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis article examinesPalestinian refugee articulations of thePalestinian homeland and struggle in relation to religion and nationalism. My contention is that the impact ofHamas's electoral victory inPalestine is visible within the discourse ofPalestinians inJordan. This discourse suggests a transformation of the meaning ofPalestinian nationalism in which religion is taking an important albeit complex role in nationalism. Using the concept of intertwining, this article considers howIslam has been intertwined withPalestinian nationalism in ways that have privileged particular ideas about the national homeland and fight for liberation. While many suggest thatIslamist politics is incompatible with nationalism, this article takes the local discourse of refugees and argues thatHamas and its supporters have yet to abandon the framework of nationalism, although certain tensions exist.
The role of classical music in the construction of nationalism: a cross‐national perspective
Authors: Brincker Benedikte 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis paper explores the role of classical music in the construction of nationalism in the twentieth century. It takes its point of departure in the Danish composer Carl Nielsen and analyses competing interpretations and receptions of his works. The paper seeks to move beyond the single case study. Hence, it includes three additional cases: the Soviet composer Dimitry Shostacovich (particularly the reception of his 5th Symphony); the position of Paul Hindemith in the Third Reich; and finally the development in Aron Copland's oeuvre. In so doing, it aims to clarify the relationship between classical music and nationalism.
Apoptosis in the kidneys of rats that experienced intrauterine growth restriction
Authors: He Xiaori , Xie Zongde , Dong Qingyi , Chen Pingyang , Hu Jingtao , Wang Tao 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimIntrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) can affect kidney development, leading to reduction in glomerular number. However, the associated cellular and molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. This study investigated cell apoptosis and Bcl‐2 and Bax expression in the kidney of IUGR pups.MethodsThe IUGR model was established in pregnant rats with 10% low‐protein diet. Renal cell apoptosis was detected using TUNEL staining. Ki67 protein expression was measured by immunohistochemistry. Bcl‐2 and Bax mRNA expression was measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsSignificant decreases in the number of glomeruli was observed in the kidney of IUGR pups 2 and 3 months after birth (P < 0.01). Obvious apoptosis was observed in the kidney in both groups 1 d, 7 d, and 21 d after birth with a peak at 7 d. Significantly higher apoptosis index was observed in the kidney of IUGR pups compared to control pups (P < 0.01). No significant difference in proliferation was observed between the two groups. Significantly lower Bcl‐2 mRNA expression, Bcl‐2/Bax ratio, and higher Bax mRNA expression were observed in IUGR pups compared to control pups after birth (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe reduction in glomerular number in IUGR pups is associated with increase in renal cell apoptosis. The reduction in Bcl‐2/Bax ratio may play a crucial role in renal cell apoptosis in IUGR pups.
Citalopram for pediatric functional abdominal pain: a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Roohafza H. , Pourmoghaddas Z. , Saneian H. , Gholamrezaei A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundAntidepressants are effective in adults with pain‐related functional gastrointestinal disorders. We investigated the effectiveness of citalopram in the treatment of childhood functional abdominal pain (FAP).MethodsChildren with FAP, based on the Rome III criteria (n = 115, aged 6–18 years), were randomized to receive either citalopram 20 mg/day or placebo for 4 weeks. Treatment response was defined as ≥2 point reduction in the 6‐point Faces pain rating scale or ‘no pain’. Depression, anxiety, somatization, and physician‐rated global severity and improvement were also evaluated. Patients were followed up for 8 weeks after medication period.Key ResultsEighty‐six patients completed the medication (43 in each group). Response rate in the citalopram and placebo groups based on per‐protocol (intention‐to‐treat) analysis was 55.8% (40.6%) and 39.5% (30.3%) at week 4 (p = 0.097 [0.169]) and 72.0% (52.5%) and 53.4% (41.0%) at week 12 (p = 0.059 [0.148]), respectively. In per‐protocol analysis, more reduction was observed in pain (F = 3.84, p = 0.024) and global severity scores (F = 4.12, p = 0.021) in the citalopram group compared with the placebo group over the study period. Such differences were not present in the intention‐to‐treat analysis. No difference was found between the two groups regarding change in depression, anxiety, or somatization score over the study.Conclusions & InferencesOverall, we found a trend toward the effectiveness of citalopram in the treatment of children with FAP. Trials with longer treatment duration in larger samples of patients are required in this regard.
Shading decreases plant carbon preferential allocation towards the most beneficial mycorrhizal mutualist
Authors: Zheng Chaoyuan , Ji Baoming , Zhang Junling , Zhang Fusuo , Bever James D. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Preferential allocation towards the most beneficial mutualist could maintain mycorrhizal mutualism. Context dependence of preferential allocation could then determine environmental patterns in abundance of mycorrhizal mutualists.

We assessed the preferential allocation of carbon (C) and differential phosphorus (P) uptake across four light treatments between the host plant Allium vineale and two arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi within a split‐root system. The ratios of C allocation and P uptake between the beneficial and nonbeneficial AM fungi were measured using isotopic labelling.

Allium vineale preferentially allocated more C towards roots infected with the most beneficial AM fungus in high light and, in return, received more P from the beneficial fungus. Preferential allocation declined with shading, as A. vineale allocated 25% of labelled C to roots infected with beneficial AM fungi in high light, but only 15% with shading, a similar percentage to that allocated to roots infected with nonbeneficial fungi regardless of shading.

Our findings demonstrate that plant preferential allocation towards the most beneficial mycorrhizal mutualist depends upon above‐ground resources, suggesting that the abundance of beneficial mycorrhizal fungi will increase with amount of above‐ground resources, with implications for mycorrhizal mediation of plant productivity with anthropogenic change.
Cytosolic calcium signals elicited by the pathogen‐associated molecular pattern flg22 in stomatal guard cells are of an oscillatory nature
Authors: Thor Kathrin , Peiter Edgar 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Changes in cytosolic free calcium ([Ca2+]cyt) are an early and essential element of signalling networks activated by the perception of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), such as flg22. The flg22‐induced calcium signal has been described on whole‐plant, but not on single‐cell scale so far. Also, the Ca2+ sources and channels contributing to its generation are still obscure.

Ratiometric fluorescence imaging employing the calcium reporter Yellow Cameleon 3.6 was performed to analyse the flg22‐induced calcium signature in single guard cells of Arabidopsis thaliana. Calcium stores and channel types involved in its generation were determined by a pharmacological approach.

In contrast to the calcium signal determined on whole‐plant level, the signature on single‐cell level is not characterized by one sustained response, but by oscillations in [Ca2+]cyt. These oscillations were abolished by EGTA and lanthanum, as well as by U73122, neomycin and TMB‐8, but only partially or not at all affected by inhibitors of glutamate receptor‐like channels and cyclic nucleotide‐gated channels.

Our analyses suggest that the response observed on whole‐plant level is the summary of oscillations occurring in single cells. Parallel to external calcium, influx via channels located at internal stores contributes to the signal.
Nodular Lichen Myxedematosus During Childhood: A Case Report
Authors: Zeng Rong , Li Min , Jiang Yiqun , Liu Weida 
Published: September 2014

AbstractNodular lichen myxedematosus (LM) is a rare disease and is one of the five subtypes of localized LM. It is distinctly characterized by multiple nodules on the trunk and limbs with or without papular lesions. A healthy 6‐year‐old boy presented with complaints of “knots” on his right chest, upper limb, and thigh for 4 months. To our knowledge this is the first case of nodular LM reported in a child.
Novel R634W c‐kit Mutation Identified in Familial Mastocytosis
Authors: Pollard Whitney L. , Beachkofsky Thomas M. , Kobayashi Todd T. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractFamilial mastocytosis is a well‐documented but rare entity, with fewer than 100 cases reported in the literature. The etiology has most commonly been linked to activating c‐kit mutations, with several mutations reported to date. We present a novel familial mastocytosis‐associated c‐kit mutation (R634W) in three siblings with urticaria pigmentosa. This mutation has been previously described in mucosal melanoma, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, and acute myeloid leukemia. Because this is a rare mutation, it is unclear whether screening for other disease states associated with the mutation would be of benefit.
Antibiotic prophylaxis in the management of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in infants and children
Authors: Engelmann Guido , Wenning Daniel , Fertig Eduard , Lenhartz Henning , Hoffmann Georg Friedrich , Teufel Ulrike 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn randomized controlled trials in adult patients the use of prophylactic broad‐spectrum antibiotic reduces the number of insertion site and systemic infections, associated with placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tubes. For pediatric patients no such trials exist. The aim of this study was to assess the value of antibiotic prophylaxis in PEG placement in pediatric patients.MethodsIn a retrospective chart review PEG placement in infants and children performed in a tertiary care center was analyzed. All PEG procedures were performed by an experienced pediatric gastroenterologist using the pull‐through technique under general anesthesia.ResultsA total of 103 procedures were analyzed; 33 patients received antibiotic prophylaxis and 70 did not. Two (6%) of the patients receiving prophylaxis developed local or systemic infections after PEG placement, whereas seven (10%) without prophylaxis suffered from a PEG‐related infection. This difference was not significant on chi‐squared test (P = 0.5). Sixty patients had a body temperature >38°C within the first 3 days after the PEG procedure. A total of 77% of these patients had no antibiotic prophylaxis. Mean body temperature differed significantly between patients with and without prophylaxis (37.9°C vs. 38.3°C, respectively; P = 0.02).ConclusionsThe incidence of PEG‐related local or systemic infection after PEG‐placement was not significantly different between patients with and without antibiotic prophylaxis, but the latter had a significantly higher mean body temperature after the PEG procedure. Taking elevated mean body temperature as a marker for putative bacteremia it is suggested that antibiotic prophylaxis is indicated in all pediatric patients after PEG placement.
Children with short‐limbed short stature in pediatric endocrinological services in Japan
Authors: Hasegawa Kosei , Tanaka Hiroyuki 
Published: September 2014

AbstractShort‐limbed short stature is a heterogeneous condition that can result from many diseases such as bone disorder, metabolic disease, and multiple malformation syndrome. We conducted a questionnaire survey of council members of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and doctors of affiliated hospitals in 2010 to investigate short‐limbed short stature. Among 91 hospitals, responses were obtained from 61 hospitals (67% response rate). This study also examined data of 193 short‐limbed short stature patients, among whom FGFR3‐related chondrodysplasia such as achondroplasia (n = 109; 56.5%) was found the most frequently. Second to achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia (n = 47; 24.4%) was the most frequently observed. Along with achondroplasia and hypochondroplasia, 31 patients with disorders of 13 other kinds and six undiagnosed patients were identified. Genetic testing for hypochondroplasia was conducted for only 27.7% of all hypochondroplasia patients, although hypochondroplasia is a heterogeneous condition with many causes, only one of which is FGFR3 mutation. We conducted a genetic analysis of 25 patients who had been clinically diagnosed as having “hypochondroplasia”. In these patients, other diseases such as acromicric dysplasia, geleophysic dysplasia, and Aarskog–Scott syndrome were included in addition to FGFR3‐related hypochondroplasia (n = 10). Clinical diagnosis of each disorder causing short‐limbed short stature is difficult. Therefore, not only clinical diagnosis but also genetic diagnosis play an important role in the diagnosis of short‐limb short stature. Diagnostic strategies must be created for each disorder.
Cycle‐Characteristic Odour of Cow Urine Can Be Detected by the Female Face Fly (Musca autumnalis)
Authors: Nordéus K , Webster B , Söderquist L , Båge R , Glinwood R 
Published: September 2014

ContentsDue to declining dairy cow fertility rates, there is great interest in developing tools for oestrus detection. Compounds in the volatile profile of oestrous cows are suggested as oestrus‐specific, but consistent results have not been presented. Certain haematophagous arthropods can discriminate stages of the mammalian reproductive cycle based on host volatiles. This study investigated whether the face fly, Musca autumnalis de Geer (Diptera: Muscidae), can discriminate between urine from cows in oestrus and urine collected during the luteal phase. Individual flies were tested in a two‐choice behavioural assay with choice between odour of oestrous or luteal urine and water (control). Flies chose the control arm significantly more when exposed to oestrous urine than when exposed to luteal urine. Analysis of volatiles showed that 1‐hexadecanol (cetyl alcohol) was released in greater amounts from oestrous urine than from urine collected during the luteal phase. In a dose response assay, flies were significantly attracted by 0.01 ng of 1‐hexadecanol but significantly repelled by 0.1 ng, a pattern consistent with fly responses to urine. In conclusion, M. autumnalis can discriminate between oestrous and luteal urine, and this may be mediated by differences in 1‐hexadecanol concentration.