bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual resting cyst production by the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea: a potential mechanism contributing to the ubiquitous distribution of a harmful alga
Authors: Tang Ying Zhong , Gobler Christopher J. 
Published: January 2015

The dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea is a well known, cosmopolitan harmful microalga that frequently forms harmful algal blooms (HABs) in marine estuaries from temperate to tropical waters, and has posed a severe threat to fish, shellfish, and sea birds. Therefore, it is important to understand the ecology of this species, particularly the mechanisms regulating its ubiquitous geographic distribution and frequent recurrence of. To date, the mechanisms regulating distribution and recurrence of HABs by this species have been poorly understood. While resting cyst production can play a central role in the geographic expansion and initiation of HABs, studies of the life cycle of this alga, including cyst production, have been lacking. Here, we demonstrate that A. sanguinea produces sexual resting cysts homothallically. We present evidence for cell pairs in sexual mating, biflagellated planozygote formation, and cysts of different morphologies, and we describe time series for germination of cysts to germlings with two longitudinal flagella, along with studies of possible factors affecting cyst production. Phylogenetic analysis of large sub‐unit rDNA sequences revealed a monophyly of this species and thus possibly a recent common ancestor for all global populations. The discovery of resting cyst production by A. sanguinea suggests its frequent recurrence of blooms and global distribution may have been facilitated by the natural and anthropogenic transport of resting cysts.
Improving children's performance on photographic line‐ups: Do the physical properties of a ‘wildcard’ make a difference?
Authors: Zajac Rachel , Jack Fiona 
Published: January 2015

PurposeChildren's performance on target‐absent photographic line‐ups may improve when they have the option of pointing to a wildcard – a photo of a silhouetted figure with a question mark superimposed. We investigated whether the wildcard's physical properties influence its success.MethodsChildren (7–11 years, N = 237) briefly saw one of two confederates during a staged event; 1–2 days later, they completed either a target‐present or target‐absent line‐up task. Within each condition, children either saw a wildcard with a plausible silhouette (i.e., consistent with the silhouette of the target), a wildcard with an implausible silhouette (i.e., inconsistent with the silhouette of the target), a wildcard with no silhouette (i.e., a question mark only), or no wildcard.ResultsWildcard condition did not influence children's target‐present performance. On target‐absent line‐ups only the plausible wildcard increased children's accuracy above that of children in the no wildcard control condition.ConclusionsThe wildcard may only be successful to the extent that its silhouette is a plausible representation of the target. Possible explanations for this outcome and implications for using wildcards in investigative practice are discussed.
Do Effects on Bowel Patterns Imposed by Solifenacin Always Have Negative Impacts on Treating Patients with Overactive Bladder (OAB)?
Authors: CHO Sung Yong , PARK Sohyun , LEE Seung Bae , PAICK Jae‐Seung , SON Hwancheol 
Published: January 2015

ObjectivesTo investigate whether solifenacin intervention leads to any changes in bowel symptoms, and the types of impacts imposed on bowel symptoms in patients with overactive bladder (OAB).MethodsThis prospective, single‐arm observational study included 40 adult patients who underwent anticholinergic treatment for OAB. Outcome measures were determined by examining differences in voiding and bowel symptoms, before and after patients commenced anticholinergic therapy. Patients were evaluated at baseline, 4, and 12 weeks via questionnaires on OAB and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), side‐effects, and overall satisfaction with the treatment.ResultsA total of 22 patients completed follow‐up visits. Mean age was 62.1 ± 10.3 years. The most common side‐effects were constipation and dry mouth. OAB symptom scores improved, with significant changes in urgency, incontinence, and total symptom scores and borderline significant changes in frequency. All bowel symptoms except diarrhea became aggravated. Average constipation and overall quality of life worsened with significance. Aside from the specific bowel habit changes, solifenacin treatment resulted in changes in patient status of IBS, as well. Patients were mostly satisfied with the treatment, despite some aggravations in discomfort due to defecation problems.ConclusionsThis study shows that solifenacin treatment is effective for treating urinary incontinence but may lead to changes in bowel patterns and affects overall quality of life (QoL). Effects on bowel patterns imposed by solifenacin can be positive or negative, therefore, physicians should consider more holistic therapy by addressing overall bowel symptoms when treating OAB patients.
Impact of lipid‐based nutrient supplementation (LNS) on children's diet adequacy in Western Uganda
Authors: Ickes Scott B. , Adair Linda S. , Brahe Catherine A. , Thirumurthy Harsha , Charles Baguma , Myhre Jennifer A. , Bentley Margaret E. , Ammerman Alice S. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractLipid‐based nutrient supplements (LNS) can help treat undernutrition; however, the dietary adequacy of children supplemented with LNS, and household utilisation patterns are not well understood. We assessed diet adequacy and the quality of complementary foods by conducting a diet assessment of 128 Ugandan children, ages 6–59 months, who participated in a 10‐week programme for children with moderate acute malnutrition (MAM, defined as weight‐for‐age z‐score < −2). Caregivers were given a weekly ration of 650 kcal day−1 (126 g day−1) of a peanut/soy LNS. Two 24‐h dietary recalls were administered per child. LNS was offered to 86% of targeted children at least once. Among non‐breastfed children, over 90% met their estimated average requirement (EAR) cut‐points for all examined nutrients. Over 90% of breastfed children met EAR cut‐points for nutrient density for most nutrients, except for zinc where 11.7% met cut‐points. A lower proportion of both breastfed and non‐breastfed children met adjusted EARs for the specific nutritional needs of MAM. Fewer than 20% of breastfed children met EAR nutrient‐density guidelines for MAM for zinc, vitamin C, vitamin A and folate. Underweight status, the presence of a father in the child's home, and higher programme attendance were all associated with greater odds of feeding LNS to targeted children. Children in this community‐based supplemental feeding programme who received a locally produced LNS exhibited substantial micronutrient deficiencies given the special dietary needs of this population. These results can help inform programme strategies to improve LNS targeting, and highlight potential nutrient inadequacies for consumers of LNS in community‐based settings.
High osmolarity glycerol response PtcB phosphatase is important for Aspergillus fumigatus virulence
Authors: Winkelströter Lizziane K. , Bom Vinícius Leite Pedro , de Castro Patrícia Alves , Ramalho Leandra Naira Zambelli , Goldman Maria Helena S. , Brown Neil Andrew , Rajendran Ranjith , Ramage Gordon , Bovier Elodie , dos Reis Thaila Fernanda , Savoldi Marcela , Hagiwara Daisuke , Goldman Gustavo H. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryAspergillus fumigatus is a fungal pathogen that is capable of adapting to different host niches and to avoid host defenses. An enhanced understanding of how, and which, A. fumigatus signal transduction pathways are engaged in the regulation of these processes is essential for the development of improved disease control strategies. Protein phosphatases are central to numerous signal transduction pathways. To comprehend the functions of protein phosphatases in A. fumigatus, 32 phosphatase catalytic subunit encoding genes were identified. We have recognized PtcB as one of the phosphatases involved in the high osmolarity glycerol response (HOG) pathway. The ΔptcB mutant has both increased phosphorylation of the p38 MAPK (SakA) and expression of osmo‐dependent genes. The ΔptcB strain was more sensitive to cell wall damaging agents, had increased chitin and β‐1,3‐glucan, and impaired biofilm formation. The ΔptcB strain was avirulent in a murine model of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis. These results stress the importance of the HOG pathway in the regulation of pathogenicity determinants and virulence in A. fumigatus.
Antibodies against the majority subunit of type IV pili disperse nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae biofilms in a LuxS‐dependent manner and confer therapeutic resolution of experimental otitis media
Authors: Novotny Laura A. , Jurcisek Joseph A. , Ward Michael O. , Jordan Zachary B. , Goodman Steven D. , Bakaletz Lauren O. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryDespite resulting in a similar overall outcome, unlike antibodies directed against the DNABII protein, integration host factor (IHF), which induce catastrophic structural collapse of biofilms formed by nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHI), those directed against a recombinant soluble form of PilA [the majority subunit of Type IV pili (Tfp) produced by NTHI], mediated gradual ‘top‐down’ dispersal of NTHI from biofilms. This dispersal occurred via a mechanism that was dependent upon expression of both PilA (and by inference, Tfp) and production of AI‐2 quorum signaling molecules by LuxS. The addition of rsPilA to a biofilm‐targeted therapeutic vaccine formulation comprised of IHF plus the powerful adjuvant dmLT and delivered via a noninvasive transcutaneous immunization route induced an immune response that targeted two important determinants essential for biofilm formation by NTHI. This resulted in significantly earlier eradication of NTHI from both planktonic and adherent populations in the middle ear, disruption of mucosal biofilms already resident within middle ears prior to immunization and rapid resolution of signs of disease in an animal model of experimental otitis media. These data support continued development of this novel combinatorial immunization approach for resolution and/or prevention of multiple diseases of the respiratory tract caused by NTHI.
Histidine phosphocarrier protein regulates pyruvate kinase A activity in response to glucose in Vibrio vulnificus
Authors: Kim Hey‐Min , Park Young‐Ha , Yoon Chang‐Kyu , Seok Yeong‐Jae 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe bacterial phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system (PTS) consists of two general energy‐coupling proteins [enzyme I and histidine phosphocarrier protein (HPr)] and several sugar‐specific enzyme IIs. Although, in addition to the phosphorylation‐coupled transport of sugars, various regulatory roles of PTS components have been identified in Escherichia coli, much less is known about the PTS in the opportunistic human pathogen Vibrio vulnificus. In this study, we have identified pyruvate kinase A (PykA) as a binding partner of HPr in V. vulnificus. The interaction between HPr and PykA was strictly dependent on the presence of inorganic phosphate, and only dephosphorylated HPr interacted with PykA. Experiments involving domain swapping between the PykAs of V. vulnificus and E. coli revealed the requirement for the C‐terminal domain of V. vulnificus PykA for a specific interaction with V. vulnificus HPr. Dephosphorylated HPr decreased the Km of PykA for phosphoenolpyruvate by approximately fourfold without affecting Vmax. Taken together, these findings indicate that the V. vulnificus PTS catalyzing the first step of glycolysis stimulates the final step of glycolysis in the presence of glucose through the direct interaction of dephospho‐HPr with the C‐terminal domain of PykA.
Identification of Dck1 and Lmo1 as upstream regulators of the small GTPase Rho5 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Schmitz Hans‐Peter , Jendretzki Arne , Wittland Janina , Wiechert Johanna , Heinisch Jürgen J. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryThe exact function and regulation of the small GTPase Rho5, a putative homolog of mammalian Rac1, in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae have not yet been elucidated. In a genetic screen initially designed to identify novel regulators of cell wall integrity signaling, we identified the homologs of mammalian DOCK1 (Dck1) and ELMO (Lmo1) as upstream components which regulate Rho5. Deletion mutants in any of the encoding genes (DCK1, LMO1, RHO5) showed hyper‐resistance to cell wall stress agents, demonstrating a function in cell wall integrity signaling. Live‐cell fluorescence microscopy showed that Dck1, Lmo1 and Rho5 quickly relocate to mitochondria under oxidative stress and cell viability assays indicate a role of Dck1/Lmo1/Rho5 signaling in triggering cell death as a response to hydrogen peroxide treatment. A regulatory role in autophagy/mitophagy is suggested by the colocalization of Rho5 with autophagic markers and the decreased mitochondrial turnover observed in dck1, lmo1 and rho5 deletion mutants. Rho5 activation may thus serve as a central hub for the integration of different signaling pathways.
Cyanide enhances hydrogen peroxide toxicity by recruiting endogenous iron to trigger catastrophic chromosomal fragmentation
Authors: Mahaseth Tulip , Kuzminov Andrei 
Published: January 2015

SummaryHydrogen peroxide (HP) or cyanide (CN) are bacteriostatic at low‐millimolar concentrations for growing Escherichia coli, whereas CN + HP mixture is strongly bactericidal. We show that this synergistic toxicity is associated with catastrophic chromosomal fragmentation. Since CN alone does not kill at any concentration, while HP alone kills at 20 mM, CN must potentiate HP poisoning. The CN + HP killing is blocked by iron chelators, suggesting Fenton's reaction. Indeed, we show that CN enhances plasmid DNA relaxation due to Fenton's reaction in vitro. However, mutants with elevated iron or HP pools are not acutely sensitive to HP‐alone treatment, suggesting that, in addition, in vivo CN recruits iron from intracellular depots. We found that part of the CN‐recruited iron pool is managed by ferritin and Dps: ferritin releases iron on cue from CN, while Dps sequesters it, quelling Fenton's reaction. We propose that disrupting intracellular iron trafficking is a common strategy employed by the immune system to kill microbes.
Fungal oxalate decarboxylase activity contributes to Sclerotinia sclerotiorum early infection by affecting both compound appressoria development and function
Authors: Liang Xiaofei , Moomaw Ellen W. , Rollins Jeffrey A. 
Published: January 2015

SummarySclerotinia sclerotiorum pathogenesis requires the accumulation of high levels of oxalic acid (OA). To better understand the factors affecting OA accumulation, two putative oxalate decarboxylase (OxDC) genes (Ss‐odc1 and Ss‐odc2) were characterized. Ss‐odc1 transcripts exhibited significant accumulation in vegetative hyphae, apothecia, early stages of compound appressorium development and during plant colonization. Ss‐odc2 transcripts, in contrast, accumulated significantly only during mid to late stages of compound appressorium development. Neither gene was induced by low pH or exogenous OA in vegetative hyphae. A loss‐of‐function mutant for Ss‐odc1 (Δss‐odc1) showed wild‐type growth, morphogenesis and virulence, and was not characterized further. Δss‐odc2 mutants hyperaccumulated OA in vitro, were less efficient at compound appressorium differentiation and exhibited a virulence defect which could be fully bypassed by wounding the host plant prior to inoculation. All Δss‐odc2 phenotypes were restored to the wild‐type by ectopic complementation. An S. sclerotiorum strain overexpressing Ss‐odc2 exhibited strong OxDC, but no oxalate oxidase activity. Increasing inoculum nutrient levels increased compound appressorium development, but not penetration efficiency, of Δss‐odc2 mutants. Together, these results demonstrate differing roles for S. sclerotiorum OxDCs, with Odc2 playing a significant role in host infection related to compound appressorium formation and function.
The pep4 gene encoding proteinase A is involved in dimorphism and pathogenesis of Ustilago maydis
Authors: Soberanes‐Gutiérrez Cinthia V. , Juárez‐Montiel Margarita , Olguín‐Rodríguez Omar , Hernández‐Rodríguez César , Ruiz‐Herrera José , Villa‐Tanaca Lourdes 
Published: January 2015

SummaryVacuole proteases have important functions in different physiological processes in fungi. Taking this aspect into consideration, and as a continuation of our studies on the analysis of the proteolytic system of Ustilago maydis, a phytopathogenic member of the Basidiomycota, we have analysed the role of the pep4 gene encoding the vacuolar acid proteinase PrA in the pathogenesis and morphogenesis of the fungus. After confirmation of the location of the protease in the vacuole using fluorescent probes, we obtained deletion mutants of the gene in sexually compatible strains of U. maydis (FB1 and FB2), and analysed their phenotypes. It was observed that the yeast to mycelium dimorphic transition induced by a pH change in the medium, or the use of a fatty acid as sole carbon source, was severely reduced in Δpep4 mutants. In addition, the virulence of the mutants in maize seedlings was reduced, as revealed by the lower proportion of plants infected and the reduction in size of the tumours induced by the pathogen, when compared with wild‐type strains. All of these phenotypic alterations were reversed by complementation of the mutant strains with the wild‐type gene. These results provide evidence of the importance of the pep4 gene for the morphogenesis and virulence of U. maydis.
Purine metabolism gene deregulation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Garcia‐Esparcia Paula , Hernández‐Ortega Karina , Ansoleaga Belén , Carmona Margarita , Ferrer Isidre 
Published: January 2015

AimsTo explore alterations in the expression of genes encoding enzymes involved in purine metabolism in Parkinson's disease (PD) brains as purines are the core of the DNA, RNA, nucleosides and nucleotides which participate in a wide variety of crucial metabolic pathways.MethodsAnalysis of mRNA using real‐time quantitative PCR of 22 genes involved in purine metabolism in the substantia nigra, putamen and cerebral cortex area 8 in PD at different stages of disease progression, and localization of selected purine metabolism‐related enzymes with immunohistochemistry.ResultsReduced expression of adenylate kinase 2 (AKA2), AK3, AK4, adenine phosphoribosyltransferase, ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (ENTPD1), ENTPD3, nonmetastatic cells 3, nucleoside‐diphosphatese kinase 3 (NME1), NME7 and purine nucleoside phosphorylase 1 (PNP1) mRNA in the substantia nigra at stages 3–6; up‐regulation of ADA mRNA in the frontal cortex area 8 at stages 3–4 and of AK1, AK5, NME4, NME5, NME6, 5′‐nucleotidase (NT5E), PNP1 and prune homolog Drosophila at stages 5–6. There is no modification in the expression of these genes in the putamen at stages 3–5.ConclusionsGene down‐regulation in the substantia nigra may be interpreted as a consequence of dopaminergic cell death as ENTPD3, NME1, NME7, AK1 and PNP1 are mainly expressed in neurons. Yet ENTPD1 and NT5E, also down‐regulated in the substantia nigra, are expressed in astrocytes, probably pericytes and microglia, respectively. In contrast, gene up‐regulation in the frontal cortex area 8 at advanced stages of the disease suggests a primary manifestation or a compensation of altered purine metabolism in this region.
The Hope of Catholic Biblical Interpretation: Progress and Gaps in the Manifestation of Scripture Since Vatican II
Authors: Flynn Shawn W. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe results of Vatican II for the study of Scripture produced both expected and unexpected fruits. Those combined fruits provide the opportunity for some reflection on the current status of biblical scholarship in relation to the Church. This current status helps identify what we must appreciate and celebrate, but also helps identify remaining gaps to be filled. By assessing some of the gaps, the fruits of the second Vatican council are used to provide one way of approaching these remaining gaps, and charting a hopeful way ahead.
Christ's Acquired Knowledge According to Thomas Aquinas: How Aquinas's
Philosophy Helped and Hindered his Account
Authors: Gaine Simon Francis 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
Thomas Aquinas is celebrated for many things in the history of Christian
theology, but one is the revolutionary place he gives to the thesis that
Christ acquired knowledge by way of empirical experience. That his claim
should be so revolutionary strikes us today as odd. Any reflection on
Christ's knowledge ordinarily begins today by stressing how the Word of God
assumed our ordinary human limited ways of knowing. In medieval times,
however, theologians found it extremely difficult to accept that Christ
acquired knowledge by the normal empirical, experiential route. A crucial
role in Aquinas's theological advance beyond this position was played by his
philosophical commitments, within the wider context of the soteriological
character of his Christology. However, there are problems involved in
Aquinas's particular theological position on Christ's acquired knowledge and
his wider picture of Christ's knowledge. The same philosophical means that
enabled Aquinas to recognise the reality of Christ's acquiring knowledge
also led him into an overall picture of the perfection of Christ's knowledge
that was not so satisfactory. Part of the solution to the difficulties into
which Aquinas gets himself can be found in a philosophical position already
employed by him in his mature account of Christ's knowledge.
The evolutionary reality of species and higher taxa in plants: a survey of post‐modern opinion and evidence
Authors: Barraclough Timothy G. , Humphreys Aelys M. 
Published: January 2015

SummarySpecies are normally considered to be the fundamental unit for understanding the evolution of biodiversity. Yet, in a survey of botanists in 1940, twice as many felt that plant genera were more natural units than plant species. Revisiting the survey, we found more people now regarded species as a more evolutionarily real unit, but a sizeable number still felt that genera were more evolutionarily real than species. Definitions of ‘evolutionarily real’ split into those based on shared evolutionary history and those based on shared evolutionary fate via ongoing evolutionary processes. We discuss recent work testing for shared evolutionary fate at the species and higher levels and present preliminary evidence for evolutionarily significant higher taxa in plants.

Contents

Summary
291

I.
Introduction
291

II.
A survey of post‐modern opinion
292

III.
Empirical evidence for species and higher taxa with shared evolutionary fate
293

IV.
Conclusions
295

Acknowledgements
295

References
296