bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Concordance of bacterial communities of two tick species and blood of their shared rodent host
Authors: Rynkiewicz Evelyn C. , Hemmerich Chris , Rusch Douglas B. , Fuqua Clay , Clay Keith 
Published: April 2015

AbstractHigh‐throughput sequencing is revealing that most macro‐organisms house diverse microbial communities. Of particular interest are disease vectors whose microbiome could potentially affect pathogen transmission and vector competence. We investigated bacterial community composition and diversity of the ticks Dermacentor variabilis (n = 68) and Ixodes scapularis (n = 15) and blood of their shared rodent host, Peromyscus leucopus (n = 45) to quantify bacterial diversity and concordance. The 16S rRNA gene was amplified from genomic DNA from field‐collected tick and rodent blood samples, and 454 pyrosequencing was used to elucidate their bacterial communities. After quality control, over 300 000 sequences were obtained and classified into 118 operational taxonomic units (OTUs, clustered at 97% similarity). Analysis of rarefied communities revealed that the most abundant OTUs were tick species‐specific endosymbionts, Francisella and Rickettsia, and the commonly flea‐associated bacterium Bartonella in rodent blood. An Arsenophonus and additional Francisella endosymbiont were also present in D. variabilis samples. Rickettsia was found in both tick species but not in rodent blood, suggesting that it is not transmitted during feeding. Bartonella was present in larvae and nymphs of both tick species, even those scored as unengorged. Relatively, few OTUs (e.g. Bartonella, Lactobacillus) were found in all sample types. Overall, bacterial communities from each sample type were significantly different and highly structured, independent of their dominant OTUs. Our results point to complex microbial assemblages inhabiting ticks and host blood including infectious agents, tick‐specific endosymbionts and environmental bacteria that could potentially affect arthropod‐vectored disease dynamics.
Phenotypic plasticity in gene expression contributes to divergence of locally adapted populations ofFundulus heteroclitus
Authors: Dayan David I. , Crawford Douglas L. , Oleksiak Marjorie F. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWe examine the interaction between phenotypic plasticity and evolutionary adaptation using muscle gene expression levels among populations of the fishFundulus heteroclitusacclimated to three temperatures. Our analysis reveals shared patterns of phenotypic plasticity due to thermal acclimation as well as non‐neutral patterns of variation among populations adapted to different thermal environments. For the majority of significant differences in gene expression levels, phenotypic plasticity and adaptation operate on different suites of genes. The subset of genes that demonstrate both adaptive differences and phenotypic plasticity, however, exhibit countergradient variation of expression. Thus, expression differences among populations counteract environmental effects, reducing the phenotypic differentiation between populations. Finally, gene‐by‐environment interactions among genes with non‐neutral patterns of expression suggest that the penetrance of adaptive variation depends on the environmental conditions experienced by the individual.
Integration of the catalytic subunit activates deneddylase activity in vivo as final step in fungal COP9 signalosome assembly
Authors: Beckmann Elena A. , Köhler Anna M. , Meister Cindy , Christmann Martin , Draht Oliver W. , Rakebrandt Nikolas , Valerius Oliver , Braus Gerhard H. 
Published: April 2015

SummaryThe eight‐subunit COP9 signalosome (CSN) is conserved from filamentous fungi to humans and functions at the interface between cellular signalling and protein half‐life control. CSN consists of six PCI and two MPN domain proteins and forms a scaffold for additional interacting proteins. CSN controls protein stability in the ubiquitin‐proteasome system where the MPN domain CSN5/CsnE subunit inactivates cullin‐RING ligases. The CSN5/CsnE isopeptidase functions as deneddylase and removes the ubiquitin‐like protein Nedd8. The six PCI domain proteins of human CSN form a horseshoe‐like ring and all eight subunits are connected by a bundle of C‐terminal α‐helices. We show that single deletions of any csn subunit of Aspergillus nidulans resulted in the lack of deneddylase activity and identical defects in the coordination of development and secondary metabolism. The CSN1/CsnA N‐terminus is dispensable for deneddylase activity but required for asexual spore formation. Complex analyses in mutant strains revealed the presence of a seven‐subunit pre‐CSN without catalytic activity. Reconstitution experiments with crude extracts of deletion strains and recombinant proteins allowed the integration of CSN5/CsnE into pre‐CSN resulting in an active deneddylase. This supports a stable seven subunit pre‐CSN intermediate where deneddylase activation in vivo can be controlled by CSN5/CsnE integration as final assembly step.
Behavior of Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) in response to spatial variation in white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) predation risk
Authors: De Vos Alta , Justin O'Riain M. , Meÿer Michael A. , Kotze P. Gideon. H. , Kock Alison A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractForaging and predation risk are often separated at rookeries of marine central place foragers, thus offering an opportunity to gain insight into how predator‐avoidance shapes the behavior of prey. Here we compare the behavior of Cape fur seals (Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus) at two island rookeries with and without white shark (Carcharodon carcharias) predations, and assess seal behavior in relation to marked spatiotemporal variation in risk at the high‐risk site (Seal Island, South Africa). Our results show that seal behavior at the two sites is comparatively similar in summer, when predation risk is low at both sites, but not in winter. Compared to seals at the “low‐risk” site, seals at Seal Island avoided deep‐water habitat around the island at high risk times and restricted their use of this habitat in favor of safe, shallow waters when engaging in social and thermoregulatory behaviors. Seals increased their frequency of jostling, porpoising, and diving when moving through the danger zone and seals in groups were safer than single individuals. Overall, our results suggest that seal behavior around the high‐risk site is strongly affected by predation risk, and show this rookery to be an excellent predator‐prey system at which to evaluate long‐standing ecological hypotheses.
How does social behavior differ among sperm whale clans?
Authors: Cantor Maurício , Whitehead Hal 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWhen individuals primarily associate with and learn from those who behave similarly, society and culture become closely tied. Sperm whales (Physeter macrocephalus) exhibit multilevel social structure, the levels of which are differentiated in part by characteristic cultural behaviors. Sperm whales are organized into sympatric clans, with distinctive vocal repertoires that are socially learned. Other behaviors, such as movement patterns and foraging, also differ among clans. Here we ask whether the clan partition also includes divergences in social behavior. Off the Galápagos Islands, members of two clans differed consistently in diving synchrony, heterogeneity, and temporal stability of social relationships. While number of associates (indicated by social unit, group, and cluster sizes) were similar between clans, Regular clan members dived more synchronously and had more homogeneous relationships than the Plus‐One clan members. Plus‐One social units had generally longer associations than those of the Regular clan. Differences in surface‐time coordination and quality of social relationships are likely byproducts of the clan segregation, which could affect alloparental care giving, therefore scaling up to differential calf survival rates between clans. This new dimension of behavioral divergence between sperm whale clans indicates that sympatric, socio‐cultural entities of nonhumans can also display characteristic social behavior.
An apparent population decrease, or change in distribution, of Weddell seals along the Victoria Land coast
Authors: Ainley David G. , Larue Michelle A. , Stirling Ian , Stammerjohn Sharon , Siniff Donald B. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractGround counts during 1959–1968 compared with counts using high resolution (0.6 m2) satellite imagery during 2008–2012 indicated many fewer Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) at two major molting areas in the western Ross Sea: Edisto Inlet‐Moubray Bay, northern Victoria Land, and McMurdo Sound, southern Victoria Land. Breeding seals have largely disappeared from Edisto‐Moubray, though the breeding population in McMurdo Sound appears to have recovered from harvest in the 1960s. The timing of decline, or perhaps spreading (lower numbers of seals in more places), is unknown but appears unrelated to changes in sea ice conditions. We analyzed both historic and satellite‐derived ice data confirming a large expansion of pack ice mostly offshore of the Ross Sea, and not over the continental shelf (main Weddell seal habitat), and a thinning of fast ice along Victoria Land (conceivably beneficial to seals). Timing of fast ice presence and extent in coves and bays along Victoria Land, remains the same. The reduction in numbers is consistent with an altered food web, the reasons for which are complex. In the context of a recent industrial fishery targeting a seal prey species, a large‐scale seal monitoring program is required to increase understanding of seal population changes.
An in vitro bioassay for the quantitative evaluation of mosquito repellents against Stegomyia aegypti (=Aedes aegypti) mosquitoes using a novel cocktail meal
Authors: HUANG T.‐H. , TIEN N.‐Y. , LUO Y.‐P. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractTo assess the efficacy of new insect repellents, an efficient and safe in vitro bioassay system using a multiple‐membrane blood‐feeding device and a cocktail meal was developed. The multiple‐membrane blood‐feeding device facilitates the identification of new insect repellents by the high‐throughput screening of candidate chemicals. A cocktail meal was developed as a replacement for blood for feeding females of Stegomyia aegypti (=Aedes aegypti) (L.) (Diptera: Culicidae). The cocktail meal consisted of a mixture of salt, albumin and dextrose, to which adenosine triphosphate was added to induce engorging. Feeding rates of St. aegypti on the cocktail meal and pig blood, respectively, did not differ significantly, but were significantly higher than the feeding rate on citrate phosphate dextrose‐adenine 1 (CPDA‐1) solutions, which had been used to replace bloodmeals in previous repellent assays. Dose‐dependent biting inhibition rates were analysed using probit analysis. The RD50 (the dose producing 50% repellence of mosquito feeding) values of DEET, citronella, carvacrol, geraniol, eugenol and thymol were 1.62, 14.40, 22.51, 23.29, 23.83 and 68.05 µg/cm2, respectively.
Beyond the Thomas–Kilmann Model: Into Extreme Conflict
Authors: Trippe Blair , Baumoel Douglas 
Published: April 2015

This article discusses an extension to the Thomas–Kilmann conflict mode instrument (Thomas and Kilmann 1977) designed specifically for conflict situations in which strong negative emotional relationships are at play. The Thomas–Kilmann (TK) model is widely used to help participants (disputants and mediators) identify how two basic conflict characteristics interact to influence how stakeholders shape their actions with regard to their interests. Essentially the TK Model is built on the premise that the two salient conflict variables are the relative importance of the relationships at hand and the substantive issues being discussed. These variables are illustrated with a simple matrix that shows how each party will interact with the other based on the relative importance it places on these variables. Graphically illustrating where the behaviors fall on the matrix can explicate parties' behaviors to add a new perspective that may change the dynamic of the conflict.But the TK Model does not address scenarios in which individuals have very negative or destructive relationships, and sabotage, blocking, and exclusion are behavioral norms. Hence, we developed the Baumoel–Trippe (BT) Extension to the TK Model to address the highly negative and often identity‐based conflicts that are often found in the world of family business. Accordingly, the BT Extension to the TK Model explores conflicts in which the relationships are not merely unimportant or uncooperative, but where they become negative to downright vengeful. There is so much at stake for family business stakeholders that the family relationships may become so adversarial that the very business and family harmony all parties value are at risk. With our extension of the TK Model, we seek to provide insight into how decisions might be made when stakeholders are in highly negative, conflictual relationships.
A new method to estimate catheter length for esophageal multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring in children
Authors: Mutalib M. , Sintusek P. , Punpanich D. , Thapar N. , Lindley K. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundMultichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pH (MII‐pH) is the gold standard test for diagnosing gastro‐esophageal reflux disease (GERD). It provides an opportunity to study acid and non‐acid GOR and temporal association between symptoms and reflux. Accurate catheter placement is essential to prevent erroneous recording of reflux events. The aims of our study were to assess the accuracy of our devised method in predicting the catheter length for MII‐pH in children (Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) Table) and to compare the results with Strobel and Monreau methods.MethodsRetrospective review of all records of infants and children who underwent MII‐pH studies between January to October 2014. Desired catheter position was calculated using Strobel, Monreau and GOSH formulas and compared to X ray position.Key ResultsOne hundred and forty‐four children were included; mean age was 5.1 (±4.5) years, 73 males and 71 females. In the whole group, the correlation between desired catheter position and GOSH Table was 0.95, for Strobel was 0.84, and Monreau was 0.85. In the first group (age <3 years), the correlation was: GOSH Table 0.91, Strobel 0.56, and Monreau 0.6; in the second group (3–10 years): GOSH Table 0.78, Strobel 0.82, and Monreau 0.82; the third group (>10 years): GOSH 0.81, Strobel 0.43, and Monreau 0.43.Conclusions & InferencesGOSH Table is an accurate method to estimate the insertion length of MII‐pH catheters from nares to a point of approximately two vertebral bodies above the diaphragm in children. Although radiography is required to confirm final catheter position, using GOSH Table will reduce the need for repeated catheter manipulation after initial insertion and will reduce the use of a mathematically complicated formulae
Pronounced gradients of light, photosynthesis and O2 consumption in the tissue of the brown alga Fucus serratus
Authors: Lichtenberg Mads , Kühl Michael 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Macroalgae live in an ever‐changing light environment affected by wave motion, self‐shading and light‐scattering effects, and on the thallus scale, gradients of light and chemical parameters influence algal photosynthesis. However, the thallus microenvironment and internal gradients remain underexplored.

In this study, microsensors were used to quantify gradients of light, O2 concentration, variable chlorophyll fluorescence, photosynthesis and O2 consumption as a function of irradiance in the cortex and medulla layers of Fucus serratus.

The two cortex layers showed more efficient light utilization compared to the medulla, calculated both from electron transport rates through photosystem II and from photosynthesis–irradiance curves. At moderate irradiance, the upper cortex exhibited onset of photosynthetic saturation, whereas lower thallus layers exhibited net O2 consumption. O2 consumption rates in light varied with depth and irradiance and were more than two‐fold higher than dark respiration.

We show that the thallus microenvironment of F. serratus exhibits a highly stratified balance of production and consumption of O2, and when the frond was held in a fixed position, high incident irradiance levels on the upper cortex did not saturate photosynthesis in the lower thallus layers. We discuss possible photoadaptive responses and consequences for optimizing photosynthetic activity on the basis of vertical differences in light attenuation coefficients.
Plant‐based oral delivery of β‐glucocerebrosidase as an enzyme replacement therapy for Gaucher's disease
Authors: Shaaltiel Yoseph , Gingis–Velitski Svetlana , Tzaban Salit , Fiks Nadia , Tekoah Yoram , Aviezer David 
Published: April 2015

SummaryGaucher's disease (GD), a lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the gene encoding glucocerebrosidase (GCD), is currently treated by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) using recombinant GCD that is administered intravenously every 2 weeks. However, intravenous administration includes discomfort or pain and might cause local and systemic infections that may lead to low patient compliance. An orally administered drug has the potential to alleviate these problems. In this study, we describe the potential use of plant cells as a vehicle for the oral delivery of recombinant human GCD (prGCD) expressed in carrot cells. The in vitro results demonstrate that the plant cells protect the recombinant protein in the gastric fluids and may enable absorption into the blood. Feeding experiments, with rat and pig as model animals, using carrot cells containing prGCD, show that active recombinant prGCD was found in the digestive tract and blood system and reached both, liver and spleen, the target organs in GD. These results demonstrate that the oral administration of proteins encapsulated in plant cells is feasible. Specifically, carrot cells containing recombinant human prGCD can be used as an oral delivery system and are a feasible alternative to intravenous administration of ERT for GD.
Cyst‐theca relationships and phylogenetic positions of Peridiniales (Dinophyceae) with two anterior intercalary plates, with description of Archaeperidinium bailongense sp. nov. and Protoperidinium fuzhouense sp. nov
Authors: Liu Tingting , Mertens Kenneth Neil , Ribeiro Sofia , Ellegaard Marianne , Matsuoka Kazumi , Gu Haifeng 
Published: April 2015

SummaryProtoperidinium species with two anterior intercalary plates were originally classified by Jörgensen in the subgenus Archaeperidinium and assigned to the sections Excentrica, Avellana and Archaeperidinium by Taylor, on the basis of the relative size of anterior intercalary plates and the extent of cingulum displacement. Phylogenetic relationships among these three sections have not been fully explored. Recently, Archaeperidinium was reinstated as a genus, but several species fitting the emended description have not been transferred formally as molecular data were not available. In the present study we examined the cyst‐theca relationship of seven species with two anterior intercalary plates: four species assigned to Protoperidinium and three to Archaeperidinium, from the China Sea. Partial large subunit ribosomal DNA sequences were obtained from these seven species by single‐cell polymerase chain reaction, and for the cyst of Protoperidinium stellatum from France. Two new species, Archaeperidinium bailongense and Protoperidinium fuzhouense, were described based on both theca and cyst morphology, and the cyst‐theca relationships of A. constrictum and P. abei var. rotunda were established for the first time. Maximum‐likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses revealed that P. fuzhouense was nested within the Protoperidinium sensu stricto clade despite having only six postcingular plates, and sections Excentrica, Avellana and the genus Archaeperidinium were all monophyletic. Our results suggest that the presence/absence of a sulcal fin and antapical horns and the displacement of the cingulum are the most stable characteristics of the motile stages within the respective clades.
Cyst‐theca relationship of a new dinoflagellate with a spiny round brown cyst, Protoperidinium lewisiae sp. nov., and its comparison to the cyst of Oblea acanthocysta
Authors: Mertens Kenneth Neil , Takano Yoshihito , Gu Haifeng , Yamaguchi Aika , Pospelova Vera , Ellegaard Marianne , Matsuoka Kazumi 
Published: April 2015

SummaryRound spiny brown cysts with apiculocavate processes were isolated from sediments of Lake Saroma, Japan, Changle Harbor, East China Sea, China, Jinzhou Harbor, Bohai Sea, China, and San Pedro Harbor, California, USA. Superficially similar round spiny brown cysts of the species, Oblea acanthocysta were, for comparison, restudied through light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by sequencing of small subunit (SSU) and large subunit (LSU) rDNA obtained through a single cyst from Lake Saroma. These morphological measurements and SEM observations showed that the new cysts can be discriminated from O. acanthocysta by the archeopyle, number of processes, shape of process bases and its apiculocavate processes. Based on LSU sequences, the most closely related species was Protoperidinium monovelum, for which no cyst stage has been described so far. However, the thecal morphology of the specimens found in this study differed from P. monovelum in details of the sulcal plates and shape of apical pore and 2a plate. We therefore describe Protoperidinium lewisiae sp. nov., which can be found in estuarine subtropical to temperate waters of the Pacific Ocean.
What Are the Drivers of Fiscal Performance Gaps between Anglophone and Francophone Africa? A Blinder–Oaxaca Decomposition
Authors: Sarr Babacar 
Published: April 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we make use of the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition to examine how the quality of budget institutions affects fiscal performance – primary balance and public debt – in sub‐Saharan Africa. To organise our approach, we categorise sub‐Saharan Africa countries according to the two main systems of budgetary institutions: the English‐based system and the French‐based system. The quality of budget institutions is measured through five criteria: centralisation, comprehensiveness, fiscal and procedural rules, sustainability and credibility, and transparency.Our findings show that, on average, Anglophone Africa countries have better budgetary institutions than their Francophone counterparts, and this difference is the main determinant of the fiscal performance gaps between the two groups. These performance gaps are mostly due to the characteristics effect, meaning that the relative poor fiscal performance of Francophone countries is not due to the French‐based system itself but rather to the environment in which it operates. The budget process and procedures in these countries are relatively less comprehensive, sustainable and transparent and that adversely affects their fiscal performance.