bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A large genomic island allows Neisseria meningitidis to utilize propionic acid, with implications for colonization of the human nasopharynx
Authors: Catenazzi Maria Chiara E. , Jones Helen , Wallace Iain , Clifton Jacqueline , Chong James P. J. , Jackson Matthew A. , Macdonald Sandy , Edwards James , Moir James W. B. 
Published: June 2014

SummaryNeisseria meningitidis is an important human pathogen that is capable of killing within hours of infection. Its normal habitat is the nasopharynx of adult humans. Here we identify a genomic island (the prp gene cluster) in N. meningitidis that enables this species to utilize propionic acid as a supplementary carbon source during growth, particularly under nutrient poor growth conditions. The prp gene cluster encodes enzymes for a methylcitrate cycle. Novel aspects of the methylcitrate cycle in N. meningitidis include a propionate kinase which was purified and characterized, and a putative propionate transporter. This genomic island is absent from the close relative of N. meningitidis, the commensal Neisseria lactamica, which chiefly colonizes infants not adults. We reason that the possession of the prp genes provides a metabolic advantage to N. meningitidis in the adult oral cavity, which is rich in propionic acid‐generating bacteria. Data from classical microbiological and sequence‐based microbiome studies provide several lines of supporting evidence that N. meningitidis colonization is correlated with propionic acid generating bacteria, with a strong correlation between prp‐containing Neisseria and propionic acid generating bacteria from the genus Porphyromonas, and that this may explain adolescent/adult colonization by N. meningitidis.
Enhancement of extraplastidic oil synthesis in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii using a type‐2 diacylglycerol acyltransferase with a phosphorus starvation–inducible promoter
Authors: Iwai Masako , Ikeda Keiko , Shimojima Mie , Ohta Hiroyuki 
Published: June 2014

SummaryWhen cultivated under stress conditions, many plants and algae accumulate oil. The unicellular green microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii accumulates neutral lipids (triacylglycerols; TAGs) during nutrient stress conditions. Temporal changes in TAG levels in nitrogen (N)‐ and phosphorus (P)‐starved cells were examined to compare the effects of nutrient depletion on TAG accumulation in C. reinhardtii. TAG accumulation and fatty acid composition were substantially changed depending on the cultivation stage before nutrient starvation. Profiles of TAG accumulation also differed between N and P starvation. Logarithmic‐growth‐phase cells diluted into fresh medium showed substantial TAG accumulation with both N and P deprivation. N deprivation induced formation of oil droplets concomitant with the breakdown of thylakoid membranes. In contrast, P deprivation substantially induced accumulation of oil droplets in the cytosol and maintaining thylakoid membranes. As a consequence, P limitation accumulated more TAG both per cell and per culture medium under these conditions. To enhance oil accumulation under P deprivation, we constructed a P deprivation‐dependent overexpressor of a Chlamydomonas type‐2 diacylglycerol acyl‐CoA acyltransferase (DGTT4) using a sulphoquinovosyldiacylglycerol 2 (SQD2) promoter, which was up‐regulated during P starvation. The transformant strongly enhanced TAG accumulation with a slight increase in 18 : 1 content, which is a preferred substrate of DGTT4. These results demonstrated enhanced TAG accumulation using a P starvation–inducible promoter.
Akrasia and the Problem of the Unity of Reason
Authors: Baker Derek 
Published: June 2014

AbstractJoseph Raz and Sergio Tenenbaum argue that the Guise of the Good thesis explains both the possibility of practical reason and its unity with theoretical reason, something Humean psychological theories may be unable to do. This paper will argue, however, that Raz and Tenenbaum face a dilemma: either the version of the Guise of the Good they offer is too strong to allow for weakness of will, or it will lose its theoretical advantage in preserving the unity of reason.
Physical comorbidities affect physical activity in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: A prospective cohort study
Authors: McNamara Renae J. , McKeough Zoe J. , McKenzie David K. , Alison Jennifer A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground and objectiveThe prevalence of physical comorbidities such as obesity, musculoskeletal or neurological conditions in people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is high, yet little is known about the impact of these physical comorbidities on physical activity. The primary aim of the study was to compare the physical activity levels of people with COPD with physical comorbidities (COPD + PC) to people with COPD without physical comorbidities (COPD) and healthy age‐matched volunteers (control group).MethodsTwenty‐five people with COPD + PC (mean (standard deviation (SD)) age 73 (11) years, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage II–IV), 25 people with COPD (70 (8) years, GOLD stage II–IV) and 25 controls (70 (7) years) wore the SenseWear Pro3 Armband for 7 days.ResultsEngagement in light intensity physical activity (1.5–3.0 metabolic equivalents (MET)) (140 (76) minutes per day (min/day)) and moderate intensity physical activity (3.0–6.0 MET) (25 (35) min/day) in the COPD + PC group was significantly reduced compared with the COPD (231 (76) and 104 (106), respectively) and control group (259 (75) and 114 (57), respectively). In the 16 daytime hours between 6 am and 10 pm, people with COPD + PC spent a mean (SD) of 771 (98) min/day engaged in sedentary behaviour (<1.5 MET). This was significantly greater than the group with COPD (603 (148) min/day) and the control group (567 (76) min/day) (P < 0.001).ConclusionsPeople with COPD + PC had significantly lower daily physical activity levels compared with people with COPD without physical comorbidities and healthy people.
Hospital nurses' work motivation
Authors: Toode Kristi , Routasalo Pirkko , Helminen Mika , Suominen Tarja 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundThe knowledge surrounding nurses' work motivation is currently insufficient, and previous studies have rarely taken into account the role of many influential background factors.AimThis study investigates the motivation of Estonian nurses in hospitals, and how individual and organisational background factors influence their motivation to work.MethodsThe study is quantitative and cross‐sectional. An electronically self‐reported questionnaire was used for data collection. The sample comprised of 201 Registered Nurses working in various hospital settings in Estonia. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, two‐sample Wilcoxon rank‐sum (Mann–Whitney) test, Kruskal–Wallis equality‐of‐populations rank test and Spearman's correlation.ResultsBoth extrinsic and intrinsic motivations were noted among hospital nurses. Nurses were moderately externally motivated (M = 3.63, SD = 0.89) and intrinsically strongly motivated (M = 4.98, SD = 1.03). A nurses' age and the duration of service were positively correlated with one particular area of extrinsic work motivation, namely introjected regulation (p < 0.001). Nurses who had professional training over 7 days per year had both a higher extrinsic motivation (p = 0.016) and intrinsic work motivation (p = 0.004).ConclusionsThe findings expand current knowledge of nurses' work motivation by describing the amount and orientation of work motivation among hospital nurses and highlighting background factors which should be taken into account in order to sustain and increase their intrinsic work motivation. The instrument used in the study can be an effective tool for nurse managers to determine a nurse's reasons to work and to choose a proper motivational strategy. Further research and testing of the instrument in different countries and in different contexts of nursing is however required.
Expression of the T Cell‐specific Adapter Protein in Human Tissues
Authors: Pandya A. D. , Leergaard T. B. , Dissen E. , Haraldsen G. , Spurkland A. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractT cell‐specific adapter protein (TSAd) encoded by the SH2D2A gene is expressed in activated T cells, NK cells and endothelial cells, but its tissue expression has not yet been mapped. Here, we have defined the specificity of two commercially available anti‐TSAd monoclonal reagents using peptide arrays. We found them to bind separate epitopes in the C‐terminal part of TSAd. We then used immunohistochemistry to examine TSAd expression in various human lymphoid and non‐lymphoid tissues. Immunostaining of adjacent tissue sections revealed that a substantial fraction of CD3‐positive cells in normal lymphoid and non‐lymphoid tissues expressed TSAd. In particular, essentially all intra‐epithelial T cells appeared to coexpress TSAd. In addition, TSAd expression was observed in endothelial cells of dermal microvessels, while it was not detected in endothelial cells of the other tested tissues. This work provides insight into the expression pattern of TSAd in various healthy human tissues.
Immunology and pathogenesis of canine demodicosis
Authors: Ferrer Lluis , Ravera Ivan , Silbermayr Katja 
Published: June 2014

Demodexmites colonized the hair follicles and sebaceous glands of mammals millions of years ago and have remained relatively unchanged in this protected ecologic niche since then.The host immune system detects and tolerates their presence. Toll‐like receptor‐2 of keratinocytes has been demonstrated to recognize mite chitin and to elicit an innate immune response. The subsequent acquired immune response is poorly understood at present, but there is experimental and clinical evidence that this is the main mechanism in the control of mite proliferation. A transgenic mouse model (STAT−/−/CD28−/−) has demonstrated that the immune response is complex, probably involving both cellular and humoral mechanisms and requiring the role of co‐stimulatory molecules (CD28).It is known that a genetic predisposition for developing canine juvenile generalized demodicosis exists; however, the primary defect leading to the disease remains unknown. Once the mite proliferation is advanced, dogs show a phenotype that is similar to theT‐cell exhaustion characterized by low interleukin‐2 production and high interleukin‐10 and transforming growth factor‐β production by lymphocytes, as described in other viral and parasitic diseases.Acaricidal treatment (macrocyclic lactones) decreases the antigenic load and reversesT‐cell exhaustion, leading to a clinical cure. Although in recent years there have been significant advances in the management and understanding of this important and complex canine disease, more research in areas such as the aetiology of the genetic predisposition and the immune control of the mite populations is clearly needed.
On the beta expansion of Salem numbers of degree 8
Authors: Hichri Hachem 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBoyd showed that the beta expansion of Salem numbers of degree 4 were always eventually periodic. Based on an heuristic argument, Boyd had conjectured that the same is true for Salem numbers of degree 6 but not for Salem numbers of degree 8. This paper examines Salem numbers of degree 8 and collects experimental evidence in support of Boyd’s conjecture.
The Effect of Rate of Weight Reduction on Serum Myostatin and Follistatin Concentrations in Competitive Wrestlers
Authors: Motevalli Mohamad S. , Dalbo Vincent J. , Attarzadeh Reza S. , Rashidlamir Amir , Tucker Patrick S. , Scanlan Aaron T. 
Published: June 2014

Purpose:To evaluate anthropometric measures and serum markers of myostatin-pathway activity after different weight-reduction protocols in wrestlers.Methods:Subjects were randomly assigned to a gradual-weight-reduction (GWR) or rapid-weight-reduction (RWR) group. Food logs were collected for the duration of the study. Anthropometric measurements and serum samples were collected after an 8-h fast at baseline and after the weight-reduction intervention. Subjects reduced body mass by 4%. The GWR group restricted calories over 12 d, while the RWR group restricted calories over 2 d. A series of 2 × 5 repeated-measures (RM) ANOVAs was conducted to examine differences in nutrient consumption, while separate 2 × 2 RM ANOVAs were conducted to examine differences in anthropometric measures and serum markers. When applicable, Tukey post hoc comparisons were conducted. Significance for all tests was set at P < .05.Results:There were no between-groups differences for any anthropometric measure (P > .05). Subjects in both groups experienced a significant reduction in body mass, fat mass, lean mass, and percent body fat (P < .05). There were no between-groups differences in serum markers of myostatin-pathway activity (P > .05), but subjects in the RWR condition experienced a significant increase in serum myostatin (P < .01), a decrease in follistatin (P < .01), and an increase in myostatin-to-follistatin ratio (P < .001).Conclusion:Although there were no between-groups differences for any outcome variables, the serum myostatin-to-follistatin ratio was significantly increased in the RWR group, possibly signaling the early stages of skeletal-muscle catabolism.
Anaerobic Work Calculated in Cycling Time Trials of Different Length
Authors: Mulder Roy C.M. , Noordhof Dionne A. , Malterer Katherine R. , Foster Carl , de Koning Jos J. 
Published: June 2014

Previous research showed that gross efficiency (GE) declines during exercise and therefore influences the expenditure of anaerobic and aerobic resources.Purpose:To calculate the anaerobic work produced during cycling time trials of different length, with and without a GE correction.Methods:Anaerobic work was calculated in 18 trained competitive cyclists during 4 time trials (500, 1000, 2000, and 4000-m). Two additional time trials (1000 and 4000 m) that were stopped at 50% of the corresponding “full” time trial were performed to study the rate of the decline in GE.Results:Correcting for a declining GE during time-trial exercise resulted in a significant (P < .001) increase in anaerobically attributable work of 30%, with a 95% confidence interval of [25%, 36%]. A significant interaction effect between calculation method (constant GE, declining GE) and distance (500, 1000, 2000, 4000 m) was found (P < .001). Further analysis revealed that the constant-GE calculation method was different from the declining method for all distances and that anaerobic work calculated assuming a constant GE did not result in equal values for anaerobic work calculated over different time-trial distances (P < .001). However, correcting for a declining GE resulted in a constant value for anaerobically attributable work (P = .18).Conclusions:Anaerobic work calculated during short time trials (<4000 m) with a correction for a declining GE is increased by 30% [25%, 36%] and may represent anaerobic energy contributions during high-intensity exercise better than calculating anaerobic work assuming a constant GE.
Outcome in Phospholamban R14del Carriers
Authors: van Rijsingen Ingrid A.W. , van der Zwaag Paul A. , Groeneweg Judith A. , Nannenberg Eline A. , Jongbloed Jan D.H. , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Pinto Yigal M. , dit Deprez Ronald H. Lekanne , Post Jan G. , Tan Hanno L. , de Boer Rudolf A. , Hauer Richard N.W. , Christiaans Imke , van den Berg Maarten P. , van Tintelen J. Peter , Wilde Arthur A.M. 
Published: June 2014

Background—
The pathogenic phospholamban R14del mutation causes dilated and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathies and is associated with an increased risk of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and end-stage heart failure. We performed a multicentre study to evaluate mortality, cardiac disease outcome, and risk factors for malignant ventricular arrhythmias in a cohort of phospholamban R14del mutation carriers.

Methods and Results—
Using the family tree mortality ratio method in a cohort of 403 phospholamban R14del mutation carriers, we found a standardized mortality ratio of 1.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.4–2.0) with significant excess mortality starting from the age of 25 years. Cardiological data were available for 295 carriers. In a median follow-up period of 42 months, 55 (19%) individuals had a first episode of malignant ventricular arrhythmias and 33 (11%) had an end-stage heart failure event. The youngest age at which a malignant ventricular arrhythmia occurred was 20 years, whereas for an end-stage heart failure event this was 31 years. Independent risk factors for malignant ventricular arrhythmias were left ventricular ejection fraction <45% and sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia with hazard ratios of 4.0 (95% confidence interval, 1.9–8.1) and 2.6 (95% confidence interval, 1.5–4.5), respectively.

Conclusions—
Phospholamban R14del mutation carriers are at high risk for malignant ventricular arrhythmias and end-stage heart failure, with left ventricular ejection fraction <45% and sustained or nonsustained ventricular tachycardia as independent risk factors. High mortality and a poor prognosis are present from late adolescence. Genetic and cardiac screening is, therefore, advised from adolescence onwards.
Reading Trees
Authors: EBACH MALTE C. , WILLIAMS DAVID M. 
Published: June 2014

Are birds dinosaurs? Answers to this question yield various responses, depending on a particular viewpoint. From the perspective of a common understanding of recent theories of the origin of birds and their potential precursor (ancestral) animals, then, yes, birds are a kind of dinosaur, having evolved from one or another non-avian dinosaur (Bostwick 2003). From the perspective of public understanding of science (how to inform the general public of biology’s latest findings), then, yes, birds are dinosaurs, at least they are a kind of dinosaur, one that young children can actually hold in their hands (e.g., Maugh 2012). These two perspectives, largely derived from phylogenetic reasoning, contrast with the perspective from classification, which asks different questions: What are birds; what are dinosaurs; and how are they related to one another? Addressing these questions raises the issue of trees in classification (phylogenetic or otherwise) and how to read them. This is not as easy a task as is often suggested in the recent literature on tree-reading and tree-thinking (first noted long ago by O’Hara 1988, see Baum and Smith 2012 for a first book-length treatment). The role of tree-thinking in classification is applied after a tree has been constructed and natural groups established. For instance, it would seem premature to infer phylogenies on poorly classified taxa, such as invertebrates, reptiles and so on, as these groupings are artificial. Doing so would only result in erroneous hypotheses that cannot be substantiated. The role of classification, however, is to make sure that the natural groups are justified, and in order to do this it is vital that those groups are understood. Birds represent a monophyletic group, which has series of unique characteristics that it shares with other theropods (i.e., bipedal saurischian dinosaurs). Dinosaurs, as usually conceived, are a group of non-monophyletic organisms that variously share closer characteristics (i.e., relationships) with other taxa rather than uniquely among themselves. In the case of dinosaurs (as Dinosauria) and classification, what is at stake is a taxonomic name, rather than a unique group of character traits. Below we outline and compare two contrasting ways of reading trees, one way, concerned with classification, yielding the view that, no, birds are not dinosaurs.
Mechanisms of Forced Tropical Meridional Energy Flux Change
Authors: Hill Spencer A. , Ming Yi , Held Isaac M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Anthropogenically forced changes to the mean and spatial pattern of sea surface temperatures (SSTs) alter tropical atmospheric meridional energy transport throughout the seasonal cycle—in total, its partitioning between the Hadley cells and eddies and, for the Hadley cells, the relative roles of the mass flux and the gross moist stability (GMS). The authors investigate this behavior using an atmospheric general circulation model forced with SST anomalies caused by either historical greenhouse gas or aerosol forcing, dividing the SST anomalies into two components: the tropical mean SST anomaly applied uniformly and the full SST anomalies minus the tropical mean.
For greenhouse gases, the polar-amplified SST spatial pattern partially negates enhanced eddy poleward energy transport driven by mean warming. Both SST components weaken winter Hadley cell circulation and alter GMS. The Northern Hemisphere–focused aerosol cooling induces northward energy flux anomalies in the deep tropics, which manifest partially via strengthened northern and weakened southern Hadley cell overturning. Aerosol-induced GMS changes also contribute to the northward energy fluxes. A simple thermodynamic scaling qualitatively captures these changes, although it performs less well for the greenhouse gas simulations. The scaling provides an explanation for the tight correlation demonstrated in previous studies between shifts in the intertropical convergence zone and cross-equatorial energy fluxes.
Current issues in chronic graft-versus-host disease
Authors: Socié Gérard , Ritz Jerome 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent and potentially life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Increased transplantation of older patients and the more frequent use of unrelated donors has led to increased numbers of patients with this painful complication. Recent advances have been made in understanding the pathophysiology of chronic GVHD and in establishing precise criteria for diagnosis and classification of disease manifestations. These advances will hopefully pave the way for improving both the prophylaxis and treatment of chronic GVHD.
Conditioning regimens for hematopoietic cell transplantation: one size does not fit all
Authors: Gyurkocza Boglarka , Sandmaier Brenda M. 
Published: June 2014

Abstract
An essential component of allogeneic and autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is the conditioning regimen administered before the hematopoietic cell infusion. Early regimens relied on dose intensity, assuming that high-dose chemoradiotherapy would eliminate malignant disease and reinfusion of the graft would then restore hematopoiesis. However, as the contribution of graft-versus-tumor effects to the success of allogeneic HCT was recognized over time, in an effort to exploit these, many investigators lowered the dose of radiation and chemotherapeutic agents in the preparative regimen. This resulted in a major paradigm shift, and consequently, the pool of eligible patients underwent a remarkable expansion. In this article, we provide a review of the definition of high-dose, reduced-intensity, and nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens, the most commonly used agents and combinations, and the evolution of some early regimens. We also provide a brief review of the toxicities associated with these regimens.