bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Presence of viruses in wild eels Anguilla anguilla L, from the Albufera Lake (Spain)
Authors: Bandín I , Souto S , Cutrín J M , López‐Vázquez C , Olveira J G , Esteve C , Alcaide E , Dopazo C P 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA virological analysis was conducted on wild eels from the Albufera Lake (Spain). A total of 179 individuals at different growth stages were collected in two different surveys (2004 and 2008). Presence of anguillid herpesvirus (AngHV‐1), aquabirnavirus and betanodavirus was confirmed by PCR procedures in both surveys, although the number of detections was clearly higher in 2008 (83% of the eels analysed resulted positive for virus presence). AngHV‐1 was the viral agent most frequently detected, followed by aquabirnaviruses. Betanodaviruses were detected by the first time in wild eels, and although the detections were only made by nested PCR, high percentage of positives were achieved. In addition, in 2008, seven aquabirnaviruses were isolated. Phylogenetic analysis performed using partial sequences of both genomic segments of aquabirnaviruses indicated that the seven isolates could be typed as WB (genogroup I) on the basis of segment A sequences, but when segment B was used six of them clustered with C1 strain (genogroup V) and one was typed as Ab (genogroup II). These results indicate natural reassortment between different strains of aquabirnaviruses in the eels. Although betanodaviruses were not isolated in cell culture, the analysis of the sequence of the nested PCR product indicated that they clustered with SJNNV genotype. The diversity of viral agents and the high level of viral detections suggest that viral infections may play a more prominent role in the decline of the European eel than initially thought.
Reduced fecundity in non‐parasitic lampreys may not be due to heterochronic shift in ovarian differentiation
Authors: Spice E. K. , Docker M. F. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHeterochrony is an important mechanism for the evolution of differences between and within species. In lampreys, heterochrony has been suggested as a mechanism contributing to fecundity differences in non‐parasitic versus parasitic species. Non‐parasitic lampreys, which do not feed at all after metamorphosis, have much smaller body sizes at maturation and therefore much lower fecundity than parasitic lampreys. Previous studies have suggested that this fecundity difference is established in the larval stage through ovarian differentiation at a younger age (and therefore smaller body size) in non‐parasitic females, leading to production of fewer oocytes. The current study examined whether this pattern is applicable in two additional lamprey species. The timing of histological ovarian differentiation was determined in larval parasitic chestnut lamprey Ichthyomyzon castaneus and non‐parasitic northern brook lamprey I. fossor in southeastern Manitoba, Canada, and potential fecundity was compared through oocyte counts in differentiated females of both species. Ovarian differentiation occurred in age classes 1 and 2 in both chestnut and northern brook lampreys, and there were no significant differences in the timing of ovarian differentiation between species; this indicates that the timing of ovarian differentiation is not a reliable marker of life history type. Factors such as growth and body condition may determine whether an individual undergoes ovarian differentiation in age class 1 or 2. Chestnut and northern brook lampreys had similar minimum oocyte counts; however, the average and maximum oocyte counts were higher in chestnut lamprey in each age class. As the timing of ovarian differentiation is similar in chestnut and northern brook lampreys, the higher potential fecundity of chestnut lamprey must originate through mechanisms other than heterochrony.
The metabolic enzyme AdhE controls the virulence of Escherichia coli O157:H7
Authors: Beckham Katherine S. H. , Connolly James P. R. , Ritchie Jennifer M. , Wang Dai , Gawthorne Jayde A. , Tahoun Amin , Gally David L. , Burgess Karl , Burchmore Richard J. , Smith Brian O. , Beatson Scott A. , Byron Olwyn , Wolfe Alan J. , Douce Gillian R. , Roe Andrew J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryClassical studies have focused on the role that individual regulators play in controlling virulence gene expression. An emerging theme, however, is that bacterial metabolism also plays a key role in this process. Our previous work identified a series of proteins that were implicated in the regulation of virulence. One of these proteins was AdhE, a bi‐functional acetaldehyde‐CoA dehydrogenase and alcohol dehydrogenase. Deletion of its gene (adhE) resulted in elevated levels of extracellular acetate and a stark pleiotropic phenotype: strong suppression of the Type Three Secretion System (T3SS) and overexpression of non‐functional flagella. Correspondingly, the adhE mutant bound poorly to host cells and was unable to swim. Furthermore, the mutant was significantly less virulent than its parent when tested in vivo, which supports the hypothesis that attachment and motility are central to the colonization process. The molecular basis by which AdhE affects virulence gene regulation was found to be multifactorial, involving acetate‐stimulated transcription of flagella expression and post‐transcriptional regulation of the T3SS through Hfq. Our study reveals fascinating insights into the links between bacterial physiology, the expression of virulence genes, and the underlying molecular mechanism mechanisms by which these processes are regulated.
Defective Kernel 1 (DEK1) is required for three‐dimensional growth in Physcomitrella patens
Authors: Perroud Pierre‐François , Demko Viktor , Johansen Wenche , Wilson Robert C. , Olsen Odd‐Arne , Quatrano Ralph S. 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Orientation of cell division is critical for plant morphogenesis. This is evident in the formation and function of meristems and for morphogenetic transitions. Mosses undergo such transitions: from two‐dimensional tip‐growing filaments (protonema) to the generation of three‐dimensional leaf‐like structures (gametophores).

The Defective Kernel 1 (DEK1) protein plays a key role in the perception of and/or response to positional cues that specify the formation and function of the epidermal layer in developing seeds of flowering plants. The moss Physcomitrella patens contains the highly conserved DEK1 gene.

Using efficient gene targeting, we generated a precise PpDEK1 deletion (∆dek1), which resulted in normal filamentous growth of protonema. Two distinct mutant phenotypes were observed: an excess of buds on the protonema, and abnormal cell divisions in the emerging buds resulting in developmental arrest and the absence of three‐dimensional growth. Overexpression of a complete PpDEK1 cDNA, or the calpain domain of PpDEK1 alone, successfully complements both phenotypes.

These results in P. patens demonstrate the morphogenetic importance of the DEK1 protein in the control of oriented cell divisions. As it is not for protonema, it will allow dissection of the structure/function relationships of the different domains of DEK1 using gene targeting in null mutant background.
The intracellular delivery of TAT‐aequorin reveals calcium‐mediated sensing of environmental and symbiotic signals by the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus Gigaspora margarita
Authors: Moscatiello Roberto , Sello Simone , Novero Mara , Negro Alessandro , Bonfante Paola , Navazio Lorella 
Published: May 2014

Summary

Arbuscular mycorrhiza (AM) is an ecologically relevant symbiosis between most land plants and Glomeromycota fungi. The peculiar traits of AM fungi have so far limited traditional approaches such as genetic transformation. The aim of this work was to investigate whether the protein transduction domain of the HIV‐1 transactivator of transcription (TAT) protein, previously shown to act as a potent nanocarrier for macromolecule delivery in both animal and plant cells, may translocate protein cargoes into AM fungi.

We evaluated the internalization into germinated spores of Gigaspora margarita of two recombinant TAT fusion proteins consisting of either a fluorescent (GFP) or a luminescent (aequorin) reporter linked to the TAT peptide.

Both TAT‐fused proteins were found to enter AM fungal mycelia after a short incubation period (5–10 min). Ca2+ measurements in G. margarita mycelia pre‐incubated with TAT‐aequorin demonstrated the occurrence of changes in the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration in response to relevant stimuli, such as touch, cold, salinity, and strigolactones, symbiosis‐related plant signals.

These data indicate that the cell‐penetrating properties of the TAT peptide can be used as an effective strategy for intracellularly delivering proteins of interest and shed new light on Ca2+ homeostasis and signalling in AM fungi.
Associations between sedentary behaviour and physical activity in children and adolescents: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Pearson N. , Braithwaite R. E. , Biddle S. J. H. , van Sluijs E. M. F. , Atkin A. J. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryPhysical activity and sedentary behaviour are associated with metabolic and mental health during childhood and adolescence. Understanding the inter‐relationships between these behaviours will help to inform intervention design. This systematic review and meta‐analysis synthesized evidence from observational studies describing the association between sedentary behaviour and physical activity in young people (<18 years). English‐language publications up to August 2013 were located through electronic and manual searches. Included studies presented statistical associations between at least one measure of sedentary behaviour and one measure of physical activity. One hundred sixty‐three papers were included in the meta‐analysis, from which data on 254 independent samples was extracted. In the summary meta‐analytic model (k = 230), a small, but significant, negative association between sedentary behaviour and physical activity was observed (r = −0.108, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.128, −0.087). In moderator analyses, studies that recruited smaller samples (n < 100, r = −0.193, 95% CI = −0.276, −0.109) employed objective methods of measurement (objectively measured physical activity; r = −0.233, 95% CI = −0.330, −0.137) or were assessed to be of higher methodological quality (r = −0.176, 95% CI = −0.215, −0.138) reported stronger associations, although effect sizes remained small. The association between sedentary behaviour and physical activity in young people is negative, but small, suggesting that these behaviours do not directly displace one another.
Interim Response of Dissolved Oxygen to Reestablished Flow in the Kissimmee River, Florida, U.S.A.
Authors: Colangelo David J. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRestoration of the Kissimmee River should have multiple ecological benefits including improved dissolved oxygen (DO) within the river channel. Channelization of the Kissimmee River virtually eliminated flow through the natural river channel. After channelization, chronically low DO concentrations were observed in the stagnant remnant channel. Although no DO data from before channelization exist, reference estimates of pre‐channelization conditions were derived from seven relatively unimpacted streams. Stations along the Kissimmee River were sampled for 3 years before construction of the first phase of the restoration project began and for up to 8 years after the completion of construction. After Phase I construction, DO concentrations in the area of the river channel to which flow had been restored increased significantly from 2.2 to 4.9 mg/L, which is similar to DO concentrations observed in the reference streams. Mean DO concentrations for the reference streams ranged from 4.6 to 6.7 mg/L. Comparison of reference data to data from the pre‐Phase I and post‐Phase I system suggests that channelization had a negative impact on DO and that DO concentrations in the post‐Phase I Kissimmee River channel have made a significant recovery. Long‐term data trends demonstrate that DO concentrations can be negatively impacted by high flow events and that recovery from these events is generally quick, suggesting some degree of resilience in the system.
Quantifying Inefficient Expenditure in Local Government: A Free Disposable Hull Analysis of a Sample of South African Municipalities
Authors: Mahabir Jugal 
Published: May 2014

AbstractMunicipalities in South Africa play a pivotal role in the provision of basic services to communities. However, local government as a sphere in the country is notorious for its spending inefficiency, which is cited as a major factor in service delivery failure. This paper quantifies inefficient expenditure at the local government level by estimating efficiency scores for a sample of 129 municipalities in South Africa from the 2005/2006 to the 2009/2010 municipal financial years. In essence, this paper examines the technical efficiency of municipalities by using the nonparametric free disposable hull approach and finds that 10 municipalities are constantly efficient over the period. On average, input efficiency scores range from 42% to 46%, suggesting that, in general, municipalities can achieve the same output levels with over 50% less resources. Quantitatively for the 2009/2010 financial year, this amounts to a total of R80 billion being spent inefficiently, which equates to R220 million being “wasted” per day.
The Expression ofHMGB1 on Microparticles from Jurkat andHL‐60 Cells Undergoing Apoptosisin vitro
Authors: Spencer D. M. , Mobarrez F. , Wallén H. , Pisetsky D. S. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractHMGB1 is a highly conserved nuclear protein that displays important biological activities inside as well as outside the cell and serves as a prototypic alarmin to activate innate immunity. The translocation ofHMGB1 from inside to outside the cell occurs with cell activation as well as cell death, including apoptosis. Apoptosis is also a setting for the release of cellular microparticles (MPs), which are small membrane‐bound vesicles that represent an important source of extracellular nuclear molecules. To investigate whetherHMGB1 released from cells during apoptosis is also present onMPs, we determined the presence ofHMGB1 on particles released from Jurkat andHL‐60 cells induced to undergo apoptosisin vitroby treatment with either etoposide or staurosporine;MPs released from cells undergoing necrosis by freeze–thaw were also characterized. As shown by both Western blot analysis and flow cytometry,MPs from apoptotic cells containHMGB1, with binding by antibodies indicating an accessible location in the particle structure. These results indicate thatHMGB1, like other nuclear molecules, can translocate intoMPs during apoptosis and demonstrate another biochemical form of this molecule that may be immunologically active.
Transfusion‐related acute lung injury–associated HNA‐3a antibodies recognize complex determinants on choline transporter‐like protein 2
Authors: Bougie Daniel W. , Peterson Julie A. , Kanack Adam J. , Curtis Brian R. , Aster Richard H. 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundHNA‐3a–specific antibodies can cause severe, sometimes fatal, transfusion‐related acute lung injury when present in transfused blood. The HNA3‐a/b antigens are determined by an R154Q polymorphism in the first of five extracellular (EC) loops of the 10‐membrane‐spanning choline transporter‐like protein 2 (CTL2) expressed on neutrophils, lymphocytes, and other tissues. Approximately 50% of HNA‐3a antibodies (Type 1) can be detected using CTL2 Loop 1 peptides containing R154; the remaining 50% (Type 2) fail to recognize this target. Understanding the basis for this difference could guide efforts to develop practical assays to screen blood donors for HNA‐3 antibodies.Study Design and MethodsReactions of HNA‐3a antibodies against recombinant versions of human, mouse, and human/mouse (chimeric) CTL2 were characterized using flow cytometry and various solid‐phase assays.ResultsThe findings show that, for binding to CTL2, Type 2 HNA‐3a antibodies require nonpolymorphic amino acid residues in the third, and possibly the second, EC loops of CTL2 to be in a configuration comparable to that found naturally in the cell membrane. In contrast, Type 1 antibodies require only peptides from the first EC loop that contain R154 for recognition.ConclusionAlthough Type 1 HNA‐3a antibodies can readily be detected in solid‐phase assays that use a CTL2 peptide containing R154 as a target, development of a practical test to screen blood donors for Type 2 antibodies will pose a serious technical challenge because of the complex nature of the epitope(s) recognized by this antibody subgroup.
ALTRUISM AND THE GOLDEN RULE
Authors: Goodman Jonathan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis essay addresses recent claims about the compatibility of the sociobiological theory of reciprocal altruism with standard Western formulations of the Golden Rule. Derek Parfit claims that the theory of reciprocal altruism teaches us to be “reciprocal altruists,” who benefit only those people from whom we can reasonably expect benefits in the future. The Golden Rule, on the other hand, teaches us to benefit anyone regardless of their intention or ability to return the favor, or as Parfit puts it, the Golden Rule teaches us to be “suckers.” I argue that this distinction is founded on a misconception of the nature of the theory of reciprocal altruism, which is sociobiological as opposed to moral, and that this distinction accordingly confusesiswithought. Sociobiological theories may explain underlying psychological motivations in individuals (and perhaps even in populations), but these theories do not prescribe any sort of moral behavior. Furthermore, the theory of reciprocal altruism does not imply mental states of which agents are aware. The unconscious motivations assumed by this theory are in fact compatible with certain formulations of the Golden Rule; I will accordingly argue for the view that certain words with moral content related to the Golden Rule—such as “altruism” and “selfishness”—exist only insofar as they are social tools, which can further the self‐interests of an individual in any group.
THE FRUITS OF PLURALISM: A VISION FOR THE NEXT SEVEN YEARS IN RELIGION/SCIENCE
Authors: Clayton Philip 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis article offers a vision for work at the intersection of science and religion over the coming seven years. Because predictions are inherently risky and are more often than not false, the text first offers an assessment of the current state of the science‐religion discussion and a quick survey of the last 50 years of work in this field. The implications of the six features of this vision for the future of the field are then presented in some detail. Rather than bemoaning the current diversity of approaches and conclusions as a negative result, I endorse it as a healthy sign—if acknowledged honestly and managed well.
METAPHYSICS MATTERS: METAPHYSICS AND SOTERIOLOGY IN JEROME STONE'S AND DONALD CROSBY'S VARIETIES OF RELIGIOUS NATURALISM
Authors: Ruper Stefani 
Published: May 2014

AbstractReligious naturalism is distinct from supernatural religion largely because of metaphysical minimalism. Certain varieties of religious naturalism are more minimalist than others, however, and some even eschew metaphysics altogether. But is anything lost in that process? To determine metaphysics’ degree of relevance to religious function, I compare the soteriology of the “ontologically reticent”Minimalist Visionof Jerome Stone to that of the ontologically richReligion of Natureof Donald Crosby. I demonstrate that for these varieties of religious naturalism: (1) metaphysics influences soteriology; (2) metaphysical minimalism limits soteriological potential; and (3) metaphysics enhances soteriological potential. These conclusions lead me to assert the relevance of metaphysics to religious function, specifically for these varieties of religious naturalism, as well as to urge investigation into religious experience and quality as they may relate to metaphysics.
The spiritual environment in New Zealand hospice care: identifying organisational commitment to spiritual care
Authors: Egan Richard , MacLeod Rod , Jaye Chrystal , McGee Rob , Baxter Joanne , Herbison Peter 
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesSpiritual matters naturally arise in many people who have either a serious illness or are nearing end-of-life. The literature shows many examples of spiritual assessments, interventions and care; however, there is a lack of focus on organisational support for spiritual care. We aimed to ascertain the structural and operational capacity of New Zealand's hospices to attend to the spiritual needs and concerns of patients, families and staff.MethodsAs part of a larger study, a mail out cross-sectional survey was distributed to 25 New Zealand hospices and asked details from staff about facilities, practices and organisational aspects of spiritual care. Data were collated by creating a ‘hospice setting spiritual score’ based on an aggregate of eight items from the survey.ResultsThere was a 66% response rate. Summary scores ranged from 2 to 7 indicating that while sites delivered a range of spiritual services, all could improve the level of spiritual care they provide. The two most common items missing were ‘spiritual professional development’ and ‘formal spiritual assessment.’ConclusionsThis simple setting spiritual score provides a snapshot of a hospice's commitment to spiritual care. It could be used as a preliminary auditing tool to assist hospices in identifying organisational and operational aspects that could be improved to enhance spiritual care delivery.
Socioeconomic gradients in body mass index (BMI) in US immigrants during the transition to adulthood: examining the roles of parental education and intergenerational educational mobility
Authors: Albrecht Sandra S , Gordon-Larsen Penny 
Published: May 2014

BackgroundDespite comparatively lower socioeconomic status (SES), immigrants tend to have lower body weight and weaker SES gradients relative to US-born individuals. Yet, it is unknown how changes in SES over the life-course relate to body weight in immigrants versus US-born individuals.MethodsWe used longitudinal data from a nationally representative, diverse sample of 13 701 adolescents followed into adulthood to investigate whether associations between SES mobility categories (educational attainment reported by individuals as adults and by their parents during adolescence) and body mass index (BMI) measured in adulthood varied by immigrant generation. Weighted multivariable linear regression models were adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity and immigrant generation.ResultsAmong first-generation immigrants, although parental education was not associated with adult BMI, an immigrant's own education attainment was inversely associated with BMI (β=−2.6 kg/m2; SE=0.9, p<0.01). In addition, upward educational mobility was associated with lower adult mean BMI than remaining low SES (β=−2.5 kg/m2; SE=1.2, p<0.05). In contrast, among US-born respondents, college education in adulthood did not attenuate the negative association between parental education and adult BMI. Although an SES gradient emerged in adulthood for immigrants, remaining low SES from adolescence to adulthood was not associated with loss of health advantage relative to US-born respondents of US-born parents of similar SES.ConclusionsImmigrants were able to translate higher SES in adulthood into a lower adult mean BMI regardless of childhood SES, whereas the consequences of lower childhood SES had a longer reach even among the upwardly mobile US born.