bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metazoan/microbial biostalactites from present‐day submarine caves in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Sanfilippo Rossana , Rosso Antonietta , Guido Adriano , Mastandrea Adelaide , Russo Franco , Riding Robert , Taddei Ruggiero Emma 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBiostalactites formed by metazoan–microbialite associations from three submerged marine caves in the Plemmirio Peninsula (south of Syracuse, Ionian Sea) are randomly distributed and show different sizes and morphologies, as well as variations in surface roughness/smoothness. The biostalactites consist of crusts a few centimeters thick of small serpulids and other metazoans, associated with fine‐grained carbonate; the larger ones often include a nucleus of serpulid tubes (Protula). The metazoans include mainly serpuloideans, sponges, bryozoans and foraminifers but microbial carbonates are also significant components. The composition of both the living communities and thanatocoenoses on the outer surfaces, as well as the composition and fabric of the internal framework, were analysed and used to reconstruct the history of the caves. All of the identified sessile faunas mainly consist of cryptic and sciaphilic dwellers that reflect cave conditions and their variations through time. The distribution pattern, composition and abundance of the present‐day dwellers largely depend on the degree of roughness of the biostalactite surfaces and their positions within the caves. It has been suggested that the Protula specimens in the nuclei represent pioneer populations that formed aggregates during the early cave colonization phase, in response to relatively high food supply from seawater inflow and intruding continental waters. By contrast, the outer metazoan–microbialite carbonates reflect more confined conditions in the caves caused by Holocene sea‐level rises. Hypotheses are proposed for biostalactite growth, taking into account information about the growth rates of some constituents, and evidence of dissolution effects. Similarities and differences between these biostalactites and other Holocene deposits previously described from submarine caves in the Mediterranean Sea and in tropical reefs are discussed.
Phylogeography ofvargene repertoires reveals fine‐scale geospatial clustering ofPlasmodium falciparumpopulations in a highly endemic area
Authors: Tessema Sofonias K. , Monk Stephanie L. , Schultz Mark B. , Tavul Livingstone , Reeder John C. , Siba Peter M. , Mueller Ivo , Barry Alyssa E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPlasmodium falciparummalaria is a major global health problem that is being targeted for progressive elimination. Knowledge of local disease transmission patterns in endemic countries is critical to these elimination efforts. To investigate fine‐scale patterns of malaria transmission, we have compared repertoires of rapidly evolvingvargenes in a highly endemic area. A total of 3680 high‐qualityDBLα‐sequences were obtained from 68P. falciparumisolates from ten villages spread over two distinct catchment areas on the north coast of Papua New Guinea (PNG). Modelling of the extent ofvargene diversity in the two parasite populations predicts more than twice as manyvargene alleles circulating within each catchment (Mugil = 906; Wosera = 1094) than previously recognized inPNG(Amele = 369). In addition, there were limited levels ofvargene sharing between populations, consistent with local parasite population structure. Phylogeographic analyses demonstrate that while neutrally evolving microsatellite markers identified population structure only at the catchment level,vargene repertoires reveal further fine‐scale geospatial clustering of parasite isolates. The clustering of parasite isolates by village in Mugil, but not in Wosera was consistent with the physical and cultural isolation of the human populations in the two catchments. The study highlights the microheterogeneity ofP. falciparumtransmission in highly endemic areas and demonstrates the potential ofvargenes as markers of local patterns of parasite population structure.
Stable coexistence of incompatible Wolbachia along a narrow contact zone in mosquito field populations
Authors: Atyame Célestine M. , Labbé Pierrick , Rousset François , Beji Marwa , Makoundou Patrick , Duron Olivier , Dumas Emilie , Pasteur Nicole , Bouattour Ali , Fort Philippe , Weill Mylène 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIn arthropods, the intracellular bacteria Wolbachia often induce cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) between sperm and egg, which causes conditional embryonic death and promotes the spatial spread of Wolbachia infections into host populations. The ability of Wolbachia to spread in natural populations through CI has attracted attention for using these bacteria in vector‐borne disease control. The dynamics of incompatible Wolbachia infections have been deeply investigated theoretically, whereas in natural populations, there are only few examples described, especially among incompatible infected hosts. Here, we have surveyed the distribution of two molecular Wolbachia strains (wPip11 and wPip31) infecting the mosquito Culex pipiens in Tunisia. We delineated a clear spatial structure of both infections, with a sharp contact zone separating their distribution areas. Crossing experiments with isofemale lines from different localities showed three crossing types: wPip11‐infected males always sterilize wPip31‐infected females; however, while most wPip31‐infected males were compatible with wPip11‐infected females, a few completely sterilize them. The wPip11 strain was thus expected to spread, but temporal dynamics over 7 years of monitoring shows the stability of the contact zone. We examined which factors may contribute to the observed stability, both theoretically and empirically. Population cage experiments, field samples and modelling did not support significant impacts of local adaptation or assortative mating on the stability of wPip infection structure. By contrast, low dispersal probability and metapopulation dynamics in the host Cx. pipiens probably play major roles. This study highlights the need of understanding CI dynamics in natural populations to design effective and sustainable Wolbachia‐based control strategies.
Genomic evidence of geographically widespread effect of gene flow from polar bears into brown bears
Authors: Cahill James A. , Stirling Ian , Kistler Logan , Salamzade Rauf , Ersmark Erik , Fulton Tara L. , Stiller Mathias , Green Richard E. , Shapiro Beth 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPolar bears are an arctic, marine adapted species that is closely related to brown bears. Genome analyses have shown that polar bears are distinct and genetically homogeneous in comparison to brown bears. However, these analyses have also revealed a remarkable episode of polar bear gene flow into the population of brown bears that colonized the Admiralty, Baranof and Chichagof islands (ABC islands) of Alaska. Here, we present an analysis of data from a large panel of polar bear and brown bear genomes that includes brown bears from the ABC islands, the Alaskan mainland and Europe. Our results provide clear evidence that gene flow between the two species had a geographically wide impact, with polar bear DNA found within the genomes of brown bears living both on the ABC islands and in the Alaskan mainland. Intriguingly, while brown bear genomes contain up to 8.8% polar bear ancestry, polar bear genomes appear to be devoid of brown bear ancestry, suggesting the presence of a barrier to gene flow in that direction.
Heterogeneity in Kv7 Channel Function in the Cerebral and Coronary Circulation
Authors: Lee Sewon , Yang Yan , Tanner Miles A. , Li Min , Hill Michael A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectivesKv7 channels are considered important regulators of vascular smooth muscle contractility. The present study aimed to examine the hypotheses that (i) Kv7 channels are present in mouse cerebral and coronary arteries and regulate vascular reactivity and (ii) regional differences exist in the activity of these channels.Methods and ResultsPCR confirmed that basilar, Circle of Willis and LAD arteries express predominantly Kv7.1 and 7.4. Western blot analysis, however, showed greater Kv7.4 protein levels in the cerebral vessels. Relaxation to the Kv7 channel activator, retigabine (1–50 μM) was significantly greater in the basilar artery compared to the LAD artery. Similarly, the Kv7 channel inhibitor, linopirdine (10 μM) caused a stronger contraction of the basilar artery. Furthermore, pre‐incubation with linopirdine reduced forskolin (cAMP activator)‐induced vasorelaxation in basilar while not altering forskolin‐induced vasorelaxation of the LAD, suggesting that Kv7 channels play a more prominent role in the cerebral than in the coronary circulation. Consistent with the vessel data, whole cell Kv7 currents in cerebral VSMCs were potentiated by retigabine and inhibited by linopirdine, while these responses were blunted in coronary VSMCs.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that mouse Kv7 channels may contribute differently to regulating the functional properties of cerebral and coronary arteries. Such heterogeneity has important implications for developing novel therapeutics for cardiovascular dysfunction.
Genetic analysis of Escherichia coli RadA: functional motifs and genetic interactions
Authors: Cooper Deani L. , Boyle Daniel C. , Lovett Susan T. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryThe RadA/Sms protein is a RecA‐related protein found universally in eubacteria and plants, implicated in processing of recombination intermediates. Here we show that the putative Zn finger, Walker A motif, KNRXG motif and Lon protease homology domain of the Escherichia coli RadA protein are required for DNA damage survival. RadA is unlikely to possess protease activity as the putative active site serine is not required. Mutants in RadA have strong synergistic phenotypes with those in the branch migration protein RecG. Sensitivity of radA recG mutants to azidothymidine (AZT) can be rescued by blocking recombination with recA or recF mutations or by overexpression of RuvAB, suggesting that lethal recombination intermediates accumulate in the absence of RadA and RecG. Synthetic genetic interactions for survival to AZT or ciprofloxacin exposure were observed between RadA and known or putative helicases including DinG, Lhr, PriA, Rep, RuvAB, UvrD, YejH and YoaA. These represent the first affected phenotypes reported for Lhr, YejH and YoaA. The specificity of these effects sheds new light on the role of these proteins in DNA damage avoidance and repair and implicates a role in replication gap processing for DinG and YoaA and a role in double‐strand break repair for YejH.
Pulsed signal properties of free‐ranging bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in the central Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Buscaino Giuseppa , Buffa Gaspare , Filiciotto Francesco , Maccarrone Vincenzo , Di Stefano Vincenzo , Ceraulo Maria , Mazzola Salvatore , Alonge Giuseppe 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis study describes pulsed signals from bottlenose dolphins of the central Mediterranean Sea. Data were collected during 2011 and 2012 in 27 surveys in the Sicilian Channel, during which 163 animals were sighted. Based mainly on the pulse repetition rate, the signals were classified as Low‐frequency click (LF; single clicks without a regular pulse rate), Train click (TC; with a interclick interval of 80 ± 2 ms), Burst (with a interclick interval of 3.4 ± 0.2 ms), or Packed click (with a lower number of clicks per train and median interclick interval of 3.2 ± 0.0 ms). The measured parameters were peak sound pressure level (SPLpk); signal duration; the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd peak of frequency; number of peaks frequency; bandwidth; centroid frequency; and the 10th, 25th, 75th, and 90th percentiles of the power spectrum distribution. Most of the parameters were significantly different among the groups, reflecting the different functions of these signals. LF clicks showed a lower peak frequency and percentiles and a longer duration and could be used to explore a wide area without a specific target focalization and with less resolution. The TC showed a higher SPLpk, higher peak frequency, lower duration, and lower number of secondary peaks frequency, showing a better resolution to investigate a specific target.
Decreased levels of guanosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate (cGMP) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are associated with cognitive decline and amyloid pathology in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ugarte Ana , Gil‐Bea Francisco , García‐Barroso Carolina , Cedazo‐Minguez Ángel , Ramírez M. Javier , Franco Rafael , García‐Osta Ana , Oyarzabal Julen , Cuadrado‐Tejedor Mar 
Published: December 2014

AimsLevels of the cyclic nucleotides guanosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate (cGMP) or adenosine 3′, 5′‐monophosphate (cAMP) that play important roles in memory processes are not characterized in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The aim of this study was to analyse the levels of these nucleotides in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from patients diagnosed with clinical and prodromal stages of AD and study the expression level of the enzymes that hydrolyzed them [phosphodiesterases (PDEs)] in the brain of AD patients vs. controls.MethodsFor cGMP and cAMP CSF analysis, the cohort (n = 79) included cognitively normal participants (subjective cognitive impairment), individuals with stable mild cognitive impairment or AD converters (sMCI and cMCI), and mild AD patients. A high throughput liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was used. Interactions between CSF cGMP or cAMP with mini–mental state examination (MMSE) score, CSF Aβ(1–42) and CSF p‐tau were analysed. For PDE4, 5, 9 and 10 expression analysis, brains of AD patients vs. controls (n = 7 and n = 8) were used.ResultscGMP, and not cAMP levels, were significantly lower in the CSF of patients diagnosed with mild AD when compared with nondemented controls. CSF levels of cGMP showed a significant association with MMSE‐diagnosed clinical dementia and with CSF biomarker Aβ42 in AD patients. Significant increase in PDE5 expression was detected in temporal cortex of AD patients compared with that of age‐matched healthy control subjects. No changes in the expression of others PDEs were detected.ConclusionsThese results support the potential involvement of cGMP in the pathological and clinical development of AD. The cGMP reduction in early stages of AD might participate in the aggravation of amyloid pathology and cognitive decline.
Barbara's story: a thematic analysis of a relative's reflection of being in the intensive care unit
Authors: Christensen Martin , Probst Barbara 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTAimThe aim of this reflective account is to provide a view of the intensive care unit (ICU) relative's experiences of supporting and being supported in the ICU.BackgroundUnderstanding the relatives' experiences of ICU is important especially because a recent work has identified the potential for this group to develop post‐traumatic stress disorder, a condition that is normally equated with the ICU survivor.DesignA thematic analysis was used in identifying emerging themes that would be significant in an ICU nursing context.SettingThe incident took place in two 8‐bedded ICUs (Private and National Health Service) in October.ResultsTwo emergent themes were identified from the reflective story – fear of the technological environment and feeling hopeless and helpless.ConclusionThe use of relative stories as an insight into the live experiences of ICU relatives may give a deeper understanding of their life‐world. The loneliness, anguish and pain of the ICU relative extends beyond the walls of the ICU, and this is often negated as the focus of the ICU team is the patient.Relevance to clinical practiceDeveloping strategies to support relatives might include the use of relative diaries used concurrently with patient diaries to support this groups recovery or at the very least a gaining a sense of understanding for their ICU experience. Relative follow‐up clinics designed specifically to meet their needs where support and advice can be given by the ICU team, in addition to making timely and appropriate referrals to counselling services and perhaps involving spiritual leaders where appropriate.
Disturbances of gastrointestinal transit and autonomic functions in postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome
Authors: Loavenbruck A. , Iturrino J. , Singer W. , Sletten D. M. , Low P. A. , Zinsmeister A. R. , Bharucha A. E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundGastrointestinal symptoms are common in the postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). However, few studies have evaluated gastrointestinal transit in POTS. Our primary objectives were to evaluate gastrointestinal emptying and the relationship with autonomic dysfunctions in POTS.MethodsWe reviewed the complete medical records of all patients aged 18 years and older with POTS diagnosed by a standardized autonomic reflex screen who also had a scintigraphic assessment of gastrointestinal transit at Mayo Clinic Rochester between 1998 and 2012. Associations between specific gastric emptying and autonomic (i.e., cardiovagal, adrenergic, and sudomotor) disturbances were evaluated.Key ResultsAmong 163 patients (140 women, mean [±SEM] age 30 [±1] years), 55 (34%) had normal, 30 (18%) had delayed, and 78 (48%) had rapid gastric emptying. Fifty‐eight patients (36%) had clinical features of physical deconditioning, which was associated (p = 0.02) with rapid gastric emptying. Associations with delayed gastric emptying included vomiting, which was more common (p < 0.003), and anxiety or depression, which was less common (p = 0.02). The tilt‐associated increase in heart rate and reduction in systolic BP at 1 min was associated (p < 0.05), being greater in patients with delayed gastric emptying.Conclusions & InferencesTwo‐thirds of patients with POTS and GI symptoms had abnormal, most frequently rapid gastric emptying. Except for more severe adrenergic impairment in patients with delayed gastric emptying, the pattern of autonomic dysfunction did not discriminate among gastric emptying groups. Further studies are necessary to ascertain whether extravascular volume depletion and/or deconditioning contribute to POTS in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.
The betrayed thief – the extraordinary strategy ofAristolochia rotundato deceive its pollinators
Authors: Oelschlägel Birgit , Nuss Matthias , von Tschirnhaus Michael , Pätzold Claudia , Neinhuis Christoph , Dötterl Stefan , Wanke Stefan 
Published: December 2014

SummaryPollination of several angiosperms is based on deceit. In such systems, the flowers advertise a reward that ultimately is not provided. We report on a previously unknown pollination/mimicry system discovered in deceptiveAristolochia rotunda(Aristolochiaceae).Pollinators were collected in the natural habitat and identified. Flower scent and the volatiles of insects (models) potentially mimicked were analyzed by chemical analytical techniques. Electrophysiological and behavioral tests on the pollinators identified the components that mediate the plant–pollinator interaction and revealed the model of the mimicry system.The main pollinators ofA. rotundawere female Chloropidae. They are food thieves that feed on secretions of true bugs (Miridae) while these are eaten by arthropod predators. Freshly killed mirids andAristolochiaflowers released the same scent components that chloropids use to find their food sources.Aristolochiaexploits these components to deceive their chloropid pollinators.Aristolochiaand other trap flowers were believed to lure saprophilous flies and mimic brood sites of pollinators. We demonstrate forA. rotunda,and hypothesize for other deceptive angiosperms, the evolution of a different, kleptomyiophilous pollination strategy. It involves scent mimicry and the exploitation of kleptoparasitic flies as pollinators. Our findings suggest a reconsideration of plants assumed to show sapromyiophilous pollination.
Literature review: perceptions and management of body size among normal weight and moderately overweight people
Authors: Nissen N. K. , Holm L. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryImproved understanding of how normal weight and moderately overweight people manage their body weight and shape could be used to inform initiatives to prevent and treat obesity. This literature review offers a thorough appraisal of existing research into perceptions and management of own body size among normal weight and moderately overweight people. The studies reported in the 47 publications reviewed here address various themes based on different conceptualizations. The studies point out that normal weight and moderately overweight people are much concerned about their body size, but huge discrepancies are found between their own perceptions and study categorizations. The studies also indicate that normal weight and moderately overweight people are actively engaged in managing their body size through numerous managing strategies, and dieting is widespread. Together the studies do not form a unified and coherent research field, and there is a bias towards North American study populations. Methodological problems were identified in some publications, raising questions about generalizability of the findings. Moreover, only few studies give deeper insight into the specific perceptions and actions. Repeated studies are needed in broader and more differentiated geographical, social and cultural contexts, and longitudinal studies and more in‐depth explorations are especially needed.
Obatoclax induces Beclin 1‐ and ATG5‐dependent apoptosis and autophagy in adenoid cystic carcinoma cells
Authors: Liang L‐Z , Ma B , Liang Y‐J , Liu H‐C , Zhang T‐H , Zheng G‐S , Su Y‐X , Liao G‐Q 
Published: December 2014

ObjectivesAdenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) is one of the most common salivary gland cancers. The prognosis of adenoid cystic carcinoma is poor for its high frequency of distant metastases and insensitivity to chemotherapy or molecular therapies. This study investigated the effect of Obatoclax on adenoid cystic carcinoma cells and its cytotoxic mechanism.MethodsWestern blot, transmission electron microscopy, and pEGFP‐LC3 plasmids transfection were carried out to detect autophagy in ACC cells treated with Obatoclax. 3‐MA and RNA interference against Beclin 1 and ATG5 were used to inhibit autophagy. Then we used Western blot and Hochest 33342 staining for apoptosis assessment. Finally, cell viability was assessed by MTT assay.ResultsWe found that Obatoclax induced cytoprotective autophagy which depended on ATG5 and partly on Beclin 1 in adenoid cystic carcinoma cells. Furthermore, pharmacologically inhibiting Obatoclax‐induced autophagy promoted apoptosis. Downregulation of Beclin 1 or ATG5 attenuated the cytotoxicity of Obatoclax by suppressing both autophagy and apoptosis. Finally, when apoptosis was pharmacologically inhibited, autophagic cell death was initiated in adenoid cystic carcinoma cells treated with Obatoclax.ConclusionIn summary, Beclin 1 and ATG5 play important roles in regulating both Obatoclax‐induced autophagy and apoptosis in adenoid cystic carcinoma.