bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A hyperparasite affects the population dynamics of a wild plant pathogen
Authors: Tollenaere C. , Pernechele B. , Mäkinen H. S. , Parratt S. R. , Németh M. Z. , Kovács G. M. , Kiss L. , Tack A. J. M. , Laine A.‐L. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAssessing the impact of natural enemies of plant and animal pathogens on their host's population dynamics is needed to determine the role of hyperparasites in affecting disease dynamics, and their potential for use in efficient control strategies of pathogens. Here, we focus on the long‐term study describing metapopulation dynamics of an obligate pathogen, the powdery mildew (Podosphaera plantaginis) naturally infecting its wild host plant (Plantago lanceolata) in the fragmented landscape of theÅland archipelago (southwestFinland). Regionally, the pathogen persists through a balance of extinctions and colonizations, yet factors affecting extinction rates remain poorly understood. Mycoparasites of the genusAmpelomycesappear as good candidates for testing the role of a hyperparasite, i.e. a parasite of other parasites, in the regulation of their fungal hosts' population dynamics. For this purpose, we first designed a quantitativePCRassay for detection ofAmpelomycesspp. in field‐collected samples. This newly developed molecular test was then applied to a large‐scale sampling within theÅland archipelago, revealing thatAmpelomycesis a widespread hyperparasite in this system, with high variability in prevalence among populations. We found that the hyperparasite was more common on leaves where multiple powdery mildew strains coexist, a pattern that may be attributed to differential exposure. Moreover, the prevalence ofAmpelomycesat the plant level negatively affected the overwinter survival of its fungal host. We conclude that this hyperparasite may likely impact on its host population dynamics and argue for increased focus on the role of hyperparasites in disease dynamics.
TSE strain differentiation in mice by immunohistochemical PrPSc profiles and triplex Western blot
Authors: van Keulen Lucien J. M. , Langeveld Jan P. M. , Dolstra Corry H. , Jacobs Jorg , Bossers Alex , van Zijderveld Fred G. 
Published: September 2014

TSE strains are routinely identified by their incubation period and vacuolation profile in the brain after intracerebral inoculation and serial passaging in inbred mouse lines. There are some major drawbacks to this method that are related to the variation in vacuolation that exists in the brains of mice infected with the same TSE strain and to variation between observers and laboratories in scoring vacuolation and determining the final incubation period.AimWe investigated the potential of PrPSc immunohistochemistry and triplex Western blotting as possible alternative methods to differentiate between TSE strains.MethodsTSE reference strains ME7, 87A/87V, 22A/22C, 79A/79V and 301C/301V were intracerebrally inoculated in RIII or VM inbred mice that differ in their PrP genotype. Immunohistochemical PrPSc profiles were drawn up by scanning light microscopy both on coronal and sagittal sections.ResultsOn the basis of the localization of PrPSc in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellar cortex and the overall type of PrPSc staining, all TSE strains could be well differentiated from each other through their typical strain dependent characteristics. In addition, Western blot showed that the combination of glycosylation profile and 12B2 epitope content of PrPSc allowed to distinguish between all reference strains except for ME7 and 22A in VM mice.ConclusionTSE strains in mice can be identified on the basis of their PrPSc profile alone. The potential to identify TSE strains in ruminants with these PrPSc profiles after a single primary passage in mice will be the topic of future studies.
Low intensity ultrasound inhibits brain oedema formation in rats: potential action on AQP4 membrane localization
Authors: Karmacharya Mrigendra Bir , Kim Kil Hwan , Kim See Yoon , Chung Joonho , Min Byoung‐Hyun , Park So Ra , Choi Byung Hyune 
Published: September 2014

AimsBrain oedema is a major contributing factor to the morbidity and mortality of a variety of brain disorders. Although there has been considerable progress in our understanding of pathophysiological and molecular mechanisms associated with brain oedema so far, more effective treatment is required and is still awaited. Here we intended to study the effects of low intensity ultrasound (LIUS) on brain oedema.MethodsWe prepared the rat hippocampal slice in vitro and acute water intoxication in vivo models of brain oedema. We applied LIUS stimulation in these models and studied the molecular mechanisms of LIUS action on brain oedema.ResultsWe found that LIUS stimulation markedly inhibited the oedema formation in both of these models. LIUS stimulation significantly reduced brain water content and intracranial pressure resulting in increased survival of the rats. Here, we showed that the AQP4 localization was increased in the astrocytic foot processes in the oedematous hippocampal slices, while it was significantly reduced in the LIUS‐stimulated hippocampal slices. In the in vivo model too, AQP4 expression was markedly increased in the microvessels of the cerebral cortex and hippocampus after water intoxication but was reduced in the LIUS‐stimulated rats.ConclusionsThese data show that LIUS has an inhibitory effect on cytotoxic brain oedema and suggest its therapeutic potential to treat brain oedema. We propose that LIUS reduces the AQP4 localization around the astrocytic foot processes thereby decreasing water permeability into the brain tissue.
Influence of cinaciguat on gastrointestinal motility in apo‐sGC mice
Authors: Cosyns Sarah M. R. , Huyghe Leander , Thoonen Robrecht , Stasch Johannes‐Peter , Brouckaert Peter , Lefebvre Romain A. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundCinaciguat (BAY 58‐2667), an NO‐ and heme‐independent sGC activator, was shown to be more effective when the heme‐group of sGC is oxidized in vascular tissue. In apo‐sGC mice (sGCβ1His105Pheknockin) both sGC isoforms (sGCα1β1 and sGCα2β1) are heme‐deficient and can no longer be activated by NO; these mice, showing decreased gastrointestinal nitrergic relaxation and decreased gastric emptying, can be considered as a model to study the consequence of heme‐oxidation in sGC. Our aim was to compare the influence of cinaciguat, on in vitro muscle tone of gastrointestinal tissues, and on gastric emptying in WT and apo‐sGC mice.MethodsGastrointestinal smooth muscle strips were mounted in organ baths for isometric force recording and cGMP levels were determined by enzyme immunoassay. Protein levels of sGC subunits were assessed by immunoblotting. Gastric emptying was determined by phenol red recovery.Key ResultsAlthough protein levels of the sGC subunits were lower in gastrointestinal tissues of apo‐sGC mice, cinaciguat induced concentration‐dependent relaxations and increased cGMP levels in apo‐sGC fundus and colon to a similar or greater extent than in WT mice. The sGC inhibitor ODQ increased cinaciguat‐induced relaxations and cGMP levels in WT fundus and colon. In apo‐sGC antrum, pylorus and jejunum, cinaciguat was not able to induce relaxations. Cinaciguat did not improve delayed gastric emptying in apo‐sGC mice.Conclusions & InferencesCinaciguat relaxes the fundus and colon efficiently when sGC is in the heme‐free condition; the non‐effect of cinaciguat in pylorus explains its inability to improve the delayed gastric emptying in apo‐sGC mice.
Reconcilable differences: a joint calibration of fine‐root turnover times with radiocarbon and minirhizotrons
Authors: Ahrens Bernhard , Hansson Karna , Solly Emily F. , Schrumpf Marion 
Published: September 2014

Summary

We used bomb‐radiocarbon and raw minirhizotron lifetimes of fine roots (< 0.5 mm in diameter) in the organic layer of Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests in southern Sweden to test if different models are able to reconcile the apparently contradicting turnover time estimates from both techniques.

We present a framework based on survival functions that is able to jointly model bomb‐radiocarbon and minirhizotron data. At the same time we integrate prior knowledge about biases of both techniques – the classification of dead roots in minirhizotrons and the use of carbon reserves to grow new roots.

Two‐pool models, either in parallel or in serial setting, were able to reconcile the bomb‐radiocarbon and minirhizotron data. These models yielded a mean residence time of 3.80 ± 0.16 yr (mean ± SD). On average 60 ± 2% of fine roots turned over within 0.75 ± 0.10 yr, while the rest was turning over within 8.4 ± 0.2 yr. Bomb‐radiocarbon and minirhizotron data alone give a biased estimate of fine‐root turnover.

The two‐pool models allow a mechanistic interpretation for the coexistence of fast‐ and slow‐cycling roots – suberization and branching for the serial‐two‐pool model and branching due to ectomycorrhizal fungi–root interactions for the parallel‐two‐pool model.
Integrating ecology and physiology of root‐hemiparasitic interaction: interactive effects of abiotic resources shape the interplay between parasitism and autotrophy
Authors: Těšitel Jakub , Těšitelová Tamara , Fisher James P. , Lepš Jan , Cameron Duncan D. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Root hemiparasites are green photosynthetic plants, which parasitically acquire resources from host xylem. Mineral nutrients and water, two principal below‐ground abiotic resources, were assumed to affect the interaction between hemiparasites and their hosts. The shape of these effects and the underlying physiological mechanisms have, however, remained unclear.

We conducted a glasshouse experiment with root‐hemiparasitic Rhinanthus alectorolophus, in which we manipulated the availability of mineral nutrients and water. Biomass production and Chl fluorescence of the hemiparasites and hosts were recorded, together with proportion of host‐derived carbon in hemiparasite biomass.

The abiotic resources had profound interactive effects on the performance of both the hemiparasite and the hosts, as well as the balance of above‐ground biomass between them. These effects were mainly based on an increase of growth and photosynthetic efficiency under high nutrient concentrations, on the hemiparasite's ability to induce strong water stress on the hosts if water is limiting, and on release of the host from parasitism by simultaneous abundance of both resources.

Hemiparasitism is a highly variable interaction, in which environmental conditions affect both the parasitic and autotrophic (and thus competitive) components. A hemiparasite's own photosynthesis plays a crucial role in the assimilation of parasitized mineral resources and their transformation into growth and fitness.
New insights into mechanisms driving carbon allocation in tropical forests
Authors: Hofhansl Florian , Schnecker Jörg , Singer Gabriel , Wanek Wolfgang 
Published: September 2014

Summary

The proportion of carbon allocated to wood production is an important determinant of the carbon sink strength of global forest ecosystems. Understanding the mechanisms controlling wood production and its responses to environmental drivers is essential for parameterization of global vegetation models and to accurately predict future responses of tropical forests in terms of carbon sequestration.

Here, we synthesize data from 105 pantropical old‐growth rainforests to investigate environmental controls on the partitioning of net primary production to wood production (%WP) using structural equation modeling.

Our results reveal that %WP is governed by two independent pathways of direct and indirect environmental controls. While temperature and soil phosphorus availability indirectly affected %WP via increasing productivity, precipitation and dry season length both directly increased %WP via tradeoffs along the plant economics spectrum.

We provide new insights into the mechanisms driving %WP, allowing us to conclude that projected climate change could enhance %WP in less productive tropical forests, thus increasing carbon sequestration in montane forests, but adversely affecting lowland forests.
Hijacking of an autophagy‐like process is critical for the life cycle of a DNA virus infecting oceanic algal blooms
Authors: Schatz Daniella , Shemi Adva , Rosenwasser Shilo , Sabanay Helena , Wolf Sharon G. , Ben‐Dor Shifra , Vardi Assaf 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Marine photosynthetic microorganisms are the basis of marine food webs and are responsible for nearly 50% of the global primary production. Emiliania huxleyi forms massive oceanic blooms that are routinely terminated by large double‐stranded DNA coccolithoviruses. The cellular mechanisms that govern the replication cycle of these giant viruses are largely unknown.

We used diverse techniques, including fluorescence microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, cryoelectron tomography, immunolabeling and biochemical methodologies to investigate the role of autophagy in host–virus interactions.

Hallmarks of autophagy are induced during the lytic phase of E. huxleyi viral infection, concomitant with up‐regulation of autophagy‐related genes (ATG genes). Pretreatment of the infected cells with an autophagy inhibitor causes a major reduction in the production of extracellular viral particles, without reducing viral DNA replication within the cell. The host‐encoded Atg8 protein was detected within purified virions, demonstrating the pivotal role of the autophagy‐like process in viral assembly and egress.

We show that autophagy, which is classically considered as a defense mechanism, is essential for viral propagation and for facilitating a high burst size. This cellular mechanism may have a major impact on the fate of the viral‐infected blooms, and therefore on the cycling of nutrients within the marine ecosystem.
Ontogeny of the sheathing leaf base in maize (Zea mays)
Authors: Johnston Robyn , Leiboff Samuel , Scanlon Michael J. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryLeaves develop from the shoot apical meristem (SAM) via recruitment of leaf founder cells. Unlike eudicots, most monocot leaves display parallel venation and sheathing bases wherein the margins overlap the stem.Here we utilized computed tomography (CT) imaging, localization of PIN‐FORMED1 (PIN1) auxin transport proteins, andin situhybridization of leaf developmental transcripts to analyze the ontogeny of monocot leaf morphology in maize (Zea mays).CTimaging of whole‐mounted shoot apices illustrates the plastochron‐specific stages during initiation of the basal sheath margins from the tubular disc of insertion (DOI).PIN1 localizations identify basipetal auxin transport in theSAML1 layer at the site of leaf initiation, a process that continues reiteratively during later recruitment of lateral leaf domains. Refinement of these auxin transport domains results in multiple, parallel provascular strands within the initiating primordium. By contrast, auxin is transported from the L2 toward the L1 at the developing margins of the leaf sheath. Transcripts involved in organ boundary formation and dorsiventral patterning accumulate within theDOI, preceding the outgrowth of the overlapping margins of the sheathing leaf base.We suggest a model wherein sheathing bases and parallel veins are both patterned via the extended recruitment of lateral maize leaf domains from theSAM.
Physiological characterization of aluminum tolerance and accumulation in tartary and wild buckwheat
Authors: Wang Hua , Chen Rong Fu , Iwashita Takashi , Shen Ren Fang , Ma Jian Feng 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Ionic aluminum (Al) is toxic for plant growth, but some plant species are able to accumulate Al at high concentrations without showing toxicity symptoms.

In order to determine whether other species in the genus Fagopyrum are able to accumulate Al like common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum), we investigated the external and internal detoxification mechanisms of Al in two self‐compatible species: tartary (Fagopyrum tataricum) and wild buckwheat (Fagopyrum homotropicum).

Both tartary and wild buckwheat showed high Al tolerance comparable to common buckwheat. Furthermore, these two species also secreted oxalate rapidly from the roots in response to Al in a time‐dependent manner. Both tartary and wild buckwheat accumulated > 1 mg g−1 Al in the leaves after short‐term exposure to Al. Analysis with 27Al‐nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) revealed that Al was present in the form of Al‐oxalate (1 : 3 ratio) in the roots and leaves, but in the form of Al‐citrate (1 : 1 ratio) in the xylem sap in both species.

These results indicate that similar to common buckwheat, both tartary and wild buckwheat detoxify Al externally and internally, respectively, by secreting oxalate from the roots and by forming the Al‐oxalate complex, which is a nonphytotoxic form. These features of Al response and accumulation may be conserved in genus Fagopyrum.
Conservation of Male Sterility 2 function during spore and pollen wall development supports an evolutionarily early recruitment of a core component in the sporopollenin biosynthetic pathway
Authors: Wallace Simon , Chater Caspar C. , Kamisugi Yasuko , Cuming Andrew C. , Wellman Charles H. , Beerling David J. , Fleming Andrew J. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

The early evolution of plants required the acquisition of a number of key adaptations to overcome physiological difficulties associated with survival on land. One of these was a tough sporopollenin wall that enclosed reproductive propagules and provided protection from desiccation and UV‐B radiation. All land plants possess such walled spores (or their derived homologue, pollen).

We took a reverse genetics approach, consisting of knock‐out and complementation experiments to test the functional conservation of the sporopollenin‐associated gene MALE STERILTY 2 (which is essential for pollen wall development in Arabidopsis thaliana) in the bryophyte Physcomitrella patens.

Knock‐outs of a putative moss homologue of the A. thaliana MS2 gene, which is highly expressed in the moss sporophyte, led to spores with highly defective walls comparable to that observed in the A. thaliana ms2 mutant, and extremely compromised germination. Conversely, the moss MS2 gene could not rescue the A. thaliana ms2 phenotype.

The results presented here suggest that a core component of the biochemical and developmental pathway required for angiosperm pollen wall development was recruited early in land plant evolution but the continued increase in pollen wall complexity observed in angiosperms has been accompanied by divergence in MS2 gene function.
Protective immune responses to fungal infections
Authors: Rivera A. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryThe incidence of fungal infections has been on the rise over several decades. Fungal infections threaten animals, plants and humans alike and are thus of significant concern to scientists across disciplines. Over the last decade, significant advances on fungal immunology have lead to a better understanding of important mechanisms of host protection against fungi. In this article, I review recent advances of relevant mechanisms of immune‐mediated protection to fungal infections.
Class (Non)Voting in Switzerland 1971‐2011: Ruptures and Continuities in a Changing Political Landscape
Authors: Rennwald Line 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis article deals with the evolution of class voting in Switzerland from 1971 to 2011. It shows that class cleavage (working class versus owners/employers) has weakened in Switzerland. The existence of a large right‐wing party with strong support among the working class contributes to blurring the traditional class divisions in voting. However, the analysis indicates that class cleavage has not completely disappeared. The centre‐right parties display much continuity in their class basis over time, thus contributing to the persistence of class cleavage. Besides taking into account the diversity of the right‐wing parties, the article also offers a new perspective by including nonvoting. Class differences in turnout are important in Switzerland, but the findings suggest that the most important change over time concerns party choice and not turnout.
The detection of blood group phenotypes using paper diagnostics
Authors: Then W. L. , Li M. , McLiesh H. , Shen W. , Garnier G. 
Published: September 2014

Background and ObjectivesPaper biodiagnostics for blood typing are novel, cheap, fast and easy to use. Agglutinated red blood cells cannot travel through the porous structure of paper, indicating a positive antibody–antigen interaction has occurred. Conversely, non‐agglutinated blood can disperse and wick through the paper structure with the ease to indicate a negative result. This principle has been demonstrated to detect blood group phenotypes: ABO and RhD. However, typing for red blood cell antigens such as Rh, Kell, Duffy and Kidd has not yet been explored on paper.Materials and MethodsTwo paper testing methods – an elution and a direct flow‐through method – were investigated to detect red blood cell antigens excluding the ABO system and RhD. Antigens explored include the following: C, c, E, e, K, k, Fya, Fyb, Jka, Jkb, M, N, S and s, P1, Lea and Leb. The variables tested include the following: reaction time and reagent concentration. The importance of antibody type/structure for successful agglutination on paper was confirmed.ResultsSome blood group phenotypes showed less agglutination due to weaker antibody–antigen interactions. Most blood groups with antibodies available as IgM, such as C, c, E, e, K and k, and Jka and Jkb, and P1, were successful using both methods. However, other blood groups, especially those with antibodies only available as polyclonal antibodies, were unsuccessful and require further scrutiny.ConclusionPaper can be used as an alternative blood grouping diagnostic tool for selected blood group phenotypes.
New perspectives on the origin of hypertension; the role of the hypothalamic melanocortin system
Authors: Samuelsson Anne‐Maj 
Published: September 2014

New Findings
What is the topic of this review?
The growing epidemic of obesity has attracted increasing interest in the effect of obesity in pregnancy on the developing child. Independent associations have been reported between maternal obesity and hypertension in the offspring. This review focuses on novel advances in our comprehension of sympathetically mediated hypertension.
What advances does it highlight?
Our recent studies have unravelled important mechanisms of leptin and the melanocortin system in the early origins of hypertension. Offspring of obese dams have a heightened arterial pressure response to leptin, which is normalized by central administration of melanocortin receptor antagonist. The central melanocortin system may contribute to the elevated arterial pressure in juvenile offspring secondary to maternal obesity.
Maternal obesity is a major public health problem. Pregnant obese women have increased risk of adverse outcomes for mother and child. Recent observational studies from mother–child cohort studies suggest that obesity during pregnancy is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular diseases in the child later in life. We have previously shown that maternal obesity in rodents leads to sympathetically mediated hypertension in the juvenile offspring prior to obesity. This was associated with an exaggerated leptin surge in early postnatal life. Increased leptin during this critical period of development is likely to contribute to the onset of hypertension by altered leptin sensitivity and dysregulation of the normal neurotrophic action of leptin. Unpublished evidence also suggests that the central melanocortin system, including melanocortin 4 receptors, plays a key role in early origins of hypertension in offspring of obese rat dams. This review focuses on the role of the central leptin–melanocortin signalling pathways in the early origins of hypertension. The overall aim is to understand the central leptin–melanocortin system, with its multiple intracellular signalling pathways which differentially and independently regulate appetite, renal sympathetic nerve activity and blood pressure.