Radial Extension Research Articles

Protective effect of vanilloids against chemical stress on the white-rot fungus Ganoderma lucidum

Bioremediation of contaminated sites by biosorption of pollutants onto a wide range of materials has emerged as a promising treatment for recalcitrant aromatic compounds or heavy metals. When adsorption occurs on living white-rot fungi mycelia, the pollutants may be degraded by ligninolytic enzymes. However, the survival of mycelia in harsh conditions is one of the drawbacks of those methodologies. In this study, it was demonstrated that culture media supplemented with several guaiacol derivatives (vanilloids) increased the resistance of Ganoderma lucidum E47 cultures to chemical stress by enhancing the adsorptive capacity of the extracellular mucilaginous material (ECMM). The toxicity of the fungicides gentian violet (GV), malachite green (MG) and clotrimazole, and the heavy metal Cadmium was noticeably diminished in fungal cultures supplemented with the guaiacol derivative vanillic acid (VA). No degradation of the tested compounds was detected. The activity of the oxidative enzymatic systems like laccase, a well-known oxidase associated to dye degradation, was only detectable after complete growth on plates. Extremely low concentrations of VA caused a significant protective effect, radial extension of the growth halo in plates supplemented with 0.0001 mM of VA plus GV was up to 20% to that obtained in control plates (without addition of GV and VA). Therefore, the protective effect could not be attributable to VA per se. ECMM separated from the mycelium exhibited a much higher increase in the adsorptive capacity when isolated from liquid cultures containing VA, while that obtained from unsupplemented cultures showed an almost null adsorptive capacity.

Conceptual design for the superconducting magnet system of a pulsed DEMO reactor

A methodology has been developed to consistently investigate, taking into account main reactor components, possible magnet solutions for a pulsed fusion reactor aiming at a large solenoid flux swing duration within the 2–3h range. In a conceptual approach, investigations are carried out in the equatorial plane, taking into account the radial extension of the blanket-shielding zone, of the toroidal field magnet system inner leg and of the central solenoid for estimation of the pulsed swing.Design criteria are presented for the radial extension of the superconducting magnets, which is mostly driven by the structures (casings and conductor jacket). Typical available cable current densities are presented as a function of the magnetic field and of the temperature margin.The magnet design criteria have been integrated into SYCOMORE, a code for reactor modeling presently in development at CEA/IRFM in Cadarache, using the tools of the EFDA Integrated Tokamak Modeling task force.Possible solutions are investigated for a 2GW fusion power reactor with different aspect ratios.The final adjustment of the DEMO pulsed reactor parameters will have to be consistently done, considering all reactor components, when the final goals of the machine will be completely clarified.

Developmental Anatomy in the Zonular Connection with Lens Capsule in Macaque Eye

Morphological analyses of zonule conjugated with lens capsule were performed on the developmental change in eyes from the age of fetus to 7 years old of the rhesus macaques (Macaca fuscata). The zonule was filamentous network in late fetus. After birth, the zonular microfibrils originated from the nonpigmented epithelium of the ciliary process. On the extending path toward the lens capsule through the chamber, microfibril assembled with neighbor fibril and also cohered with one another forming bundle. With growth, these bundles bifurcated into anterior and posterior groups on the equatorial region of capsule. The developmental distribution of bundles in the capsule was characteristic on anterior group, that is, bifurcation into radial and circumferential extension. On the other hand, the posterior bundle undivided but radially extended within short distance from the equator. In the process of fixating with capsule, bundles untangled into fibrils and penetrated circumferentially into the superficial layer and radially into deep apical layer of the capsule. Zonule was composed fibrillin 1 microfibrils and on the extending path toward the lens capsule through the chamber, microfibril self-assembled with neighbored fibril in composition of fascicle and also cohered with one another forming bundle. Each bundle had alternating pale and dense horizontal bands in the intracapsular extension and the stripe pattern changed in flaccid or extensive tension of zonule between capsule and process. Zonular fibril intermingled with collagen fibril of capsule with interlacing molecule of laminin. At the base of ciliary muscle, elastin-positive connective tissue intercalated circumferentially between ciliary processes. The developmental changes of the intralamellar distribution and extension of zonule with striped pattern informed the functional role upon the elasticity in coordination with the lens capsule micromolecules.

The Inherent Single‐Molecule Magnet Character of Trivalent Uranium

SMMs are often based on transition-metal clusters, but significant attention has recently focused on complexes of single and multiple lanthanoid ions, because the crystal-field splitting of the lowest Russell–Saunders multiplet engenders large magnetic anisotropies. [5–11] These anisotropies are responsible for high relaxation barriers and therefore slow magnetic relaxation. However, well isolated high-spin ground states are difficult to achieve within polynuclear lanthanoid SMMs because the valence 4f orbitals have limited radial extension and are usually energetically incompatible with ligand orbitals. These inherent 4f orbital properties give predominantly ionic interactions and results in weak magnetic exchange coupling with neighboring spin centers, with very few exceptions. [7, 12] In principle, actinoids, and in particular uranium, possess properties that render these ions ideal candidates from which to construct SMMs. This is because, compared to the lanthanoids, uranium exhibits enhanced crystal field splitting, [13, 14] as well as increased covalency, the latter enabling significant spin couplings in polynuclear systems, [15] and therefore both stronger magnetic exchange and anisotropies can be envisaged. This premise was realized recently with reports of several closely related single-ion pyrazolylborate uranium(III) complexes which were shown to display SMM behavior. [14, 16–20] In addition, two neptunium complexes were shown to display slow relaxation of the magnetization. [15, 21] The fact that all uranium(III) SMMs reported to date are closely related to each other raises the question as to how sensitive SMM behavior in trivalent uranium is to the composition of the coordination sphere and its symmetry. SMM behavior in all published examples is much more pronounced in an external field than in zero field, which suggests that quantum tunneling of the magnetization plays a significant role in shortening the relaxation times. However, in principle, low-symmetry crystal field components cannot induce tunneling of the magnetization, because uranium(III) is a Kramers half-integer angular momentum ion. Also the nuclear spin I = 0o f 238 U cannot induce tunneling of the

Covalency in Metal–Oxygen Multiple Bonds Evaluated Using Oxygen K-edge Spectroscopy and Electronic Structure Theory

Advancing theories of how metal-oxygen bonding influences metal oxo properties can expose new avenues for innovation in materials science, catalysis, and biochemistry. Historically, spectroscopic analyses of the transition metal MO(4)(x-) anions have formed the basis for new M-O bonding theories. Herein, relative changes in M-O orbital mixing in MO(4)(2-) (M = Cr, Mo, W) and MO(4)(-) (M = Mn, Tc, Re) are evaluated for the first time by nonresonant inelastic X-ray scattering, X-ray absorption spectroscopy using fluorescence and transmission (via a scanning transmission X-ray microscope), and time-dependent density functional theory. The results suggest that moving from Group 6 to Group 7 or down the triads increases M-O e* (π*) mixing; for example, it more than doubles in ReO(4)(-) relative to CrO(4)(2-). Mixing in the t(2)* orbitals (σ* + π*) remains relatively constant within the same Group, but increases on moving from Group 6 to Group 7. These unexpected changes in orbital energy and composition for formally isoelectronic tetraoxometalates are evaluated in terms of periodic trends in d orbital energy and radial extension.

The Range of Movement of the Thumb

The movements at each thumb joint are flexion and extension (called radial abduction in the CMCJ) and additional movements of anteposition, retroposition and opposition at the CMCJ, due to the saddle shape of the articulation. Our study was designed to provide a means of thumb movement measurement and provide a range for each. A prospective cohort study was performed looking at 100 consecutive individuals without thumb pathology to determine thumb joint range of movements and evaluate the reliability of such measurements. The mean age was 26 (range of 18-37) with 62 female individuals. The mean range of movement of the IPJ was flexion of 88° (80-90°) and extension of 12° (0-45°). That of the MCPJ was flexion of 60° (43-70°) and extension of 8.1° (0-15°). That of the CMCJ was anteposition of 61.2° (50-71°), retroposition of 31.1mm (25-38mm), radial abduction of 62.9° (53-71°), opposition Kapandji grade 9 (grades 9-10) and adduction of 10.2 ± 4° (5-20°). CMC adduction was difficult to measure with a poor intra- and inter-observer correlation (inter-reliability correlation coefficient of 0.02 and intra-reliability coefficient of 0.04). For the remaining measurements, the mean inter-reliability correlation coefficient was 0.82 (p < 0.01) while the mean intra-reliability correlation coefficient was 0.93 (p < 0.01). There was negative correlation identified between IPJ extension and MCPJ extension (-0.50) and between CMCJ radial abduction and MCPJ extension (-0.60). Having established the normal ranges of movements for the thumb joints and shown that our measurement methods are reliable and reproducible, we have identified that a reduction in certain thumb joint movements appears to be compensated for by an increased movement range in the other joints.

Modeling of divertor particle and heat loads during application of resonant magnetic perturbation fields for ELM control in ITER

First results from three-dimensional modeling of the divertor heat and particle flux pattern during application of resonant magnetic perturbation fields as ELM control scheme in ITER with the EMC3-Eirene fluid plasma and kinetic neutral transport code are discussed. The formation of a helical magnetic footprint breaks the toroidal symmetry of the heat and particle fluxes. Expansion of the flux pattern as far as 60cm away from the unperturbed strike line is seen with vacuum RMP fields, resulting in a preferable heat flux spreading. Inclusion of plasma response reduces the radial extension of the heat and particle fluxes and results in a heat flux peaking closer to the unperturbed level. A strong reduction of the particle confinement is found. 3D flow channels are identified as a consistent reason due to direct parallel outflow from inside of the separatrix. Their radial inward expansion and hence the level of particle pump out is shown to be dependent on the perturbation level.

Plio-Quaternary Stress State in the Burdur Basin, SW-Turkey

This study defines the Plio-Quaternary to present day stress regime in the Burdur Basin, located at the northeastern end of the Fethiye–Burdur Fault Zone in SW Turkey. This fault length, which is considered the landward continuation of the Pliny-Strabo trench, is an important feature in SW Turkey. The inversion slip vectors measured on fault planes indicate a consistent normal faulting stress regime during Plio-Quaternary time, continuing into recent times as indicated by earthquake focal mechanism inversions. Both states have consistent NW–SE trending horizontal minimum stress axes (σ3). The orientation of fault sets is predominantly around the NE–SW direction in the major Fethiye–Burdur Fault Zone, making the extension NW–SE. The mean stress ratio is 0.74 indicating a triaxial stress state, which is clearly different from radial extension. The NW–SE extension is probably responsible for the formation of the Burdur Basin during Plio-Quaternary time. This extension, which is probably caused by slab-pull force due to the subduction process along the Cyprus arc, produces a dominant normal motion along the FBFZ.

The volcanic history of Syria Planum, Mars

A field of small (10s of km in diameter) volcanoes in the Syria Planum region of Mars is mapped to determine abundance, distribution, and alignments of vents. These data are used to assess possible variations in eruption style across space and time. Each eruption site is assigned a point location. Nearest neighbor and two-point azimuth analyses are conducted to assess the spacing and orientations between vents across the study area. Two vent fields are identified as unique volcanic units along with the previously identified Syria Mons volcano. Superposition relationships and crater retention rates indicate that these three volcanic episodes span ~900Ma, beginning in the early Hesperian and ending in the Early Amazonian. No clear hiatus in eruptive activity is identified between these events, although a progression from eruptions at Syria Mons, to regionally distributed eruptions that form the bulk of the Syria Planum plains, to a final migration of dispersed eruptions to Syria's northwest is identified. Nearest neighbor analyses suggest a non-random distribution among the entire population of Syria Planum, which is interpreted as resulting from the interaction of independent magma bodies ascending through the crust during different stress regimes throughout the region's eruptive history. Two-point azimuth results identify three orientations of enhanced alignments, which match well with radial extensions of three major tectonic centers to the south, east, and northwest of the study area. As such, Syria Planum volcanism evolved from a central vent volcano to dispersed shield field development over several hundred million years, during which the independent magma bodies related to each small volcano interacted to some extent with one or more of at least three buried tectonic patterns in the older crust. These results show a strong relationship between independent mapping efforts of tectonic and volcanic features. Continued integration of volcano-tectonic mapping should provide direct constraints for future geodynamic models of magma production and thermal evolution of the Tharsis province.

The Zafarraya Polje (Betic Cordillera, Granada, Spain), a basin open by lateral displacement and bending

The Zafarraya Polje is situated in the Subbetic (Betic External Zone), near the contact with the Betic Internal Zone. This is a small tectonic basin delimited by faults of which the main component is normal, but located among folds and reverse and dextral-reverse faults formed in a compressive context. One N–S fault marks the western border of the basin and shows major dextral displacements in its southern part (at the SW of the basin but directly outside the basin) and major normal movements in the northern part (on the west side of the basin). This fault took on great importance in the formation of the basin, and its movements are not compatible with the stress ellipsoids existing during the Neotectonic period. The basin appeared just at the end of the formation process of the compressive structures, probably at the beginning of the late Tortonian, as the result of the westward push of the Internal Zone in the southernmost part of the Subbetic in this area. This resulted in an intense local compression on the present southern border of the basin, causing a southward bending of this border and the dextral displacements of the N–S fault. Simultaneously, this movement created tension in the interior of the basin, forming different normal faults within the basin. The whole structure constitutes a basin formed by lateral displacement and bending. Nevertheless, the sinking process of the basin has continued until the present owing to the later radial extension in the region.

Thin disk kinematics from RAVE and the solar motion

Aims. We study the Milky Way thin disk with the Radial Velocity Experiment (RAVE) survey. We consider the thin and thick disks as different Galactic components and present a technique to statistically disentangle the two populations. Then we focus our attention on the thin disk component. Methods. We disentangle the thin disk component from amixture of the thin and thick disks using a data set providing radial velocities, proper motions, and photometrically determined distances. Results. We present the trend of the velocity dispersions in the thin disk component of the Milky Way (MW) in the radial direction above and below the Galactic plane using data from the RAdial Velocity Experiment (RAVE). The selected sample is a limited subsample from the entire RAVE catalogue, roughly mapping up to 500 pc above and below the Galactic plane, a few degrees in azimuthal direction and covering a radial extension of 2.0 kpc around the solar position. The solar motion relative to the local standard of rest is also re-determined with the isolated thin disk component. Major results are the trend of the velocity mean and dispersion in the radial and vertical direction. In addition the azimuthal components of the solar motion relative to the local standard of rest and the velocity dispersion are discussed.

Asymmetry of Io's outer atmosphere: Constraints from five Galileo flybys

The Galileo spacecraft probed the Io atmosphere/torus interaction region along six flybys between 1995 and 2001. The instruments on board provided measurements of the plasma density, average ion temperature, composition, flow, and magnetic perturbations to which we compare models and from which we constrain Io's atmosphere asymmetries. We have developed a model of the local interaction at Io that couples an MHD model of the flow and magnetic perturbations around the moon with a multispecies chemistry model that includes the physical chemistry of the main species: atoms, molecules, and ions derived from Io's volcanic gases (S, O, SO2, SO). We prescribe several scenarios of the multicomponent neutral atmosphere of Io based on observations and compare our results with the plasma properties inferred from the Galileo measurements. Owing to limited data on the I25 flyby, it is excluded to make a total of five flybys for our comparisons. We show that the ion average temperature profile is a key quantity to constrain the radial extension and longitudinal asymmetries of the atmosphere of Io. We propose that the atmosphere has longitudinal asymmetries: its radial extension is limited upstream and significantly larger on the anti‐Jovian downstream side. A very extended corona of SO2and SO is present mainly downstream of Io. We discuss the possible temporal variability of Io's plasma‐atmosphere interaction by comparing two flybys at different times at approximately the same location in the wake. We also discuss the plasma composition in the wake and the O1356A auroral emissions observed on the flanks of Io.

A key-formula to compute the gravitational potential of inhomogeneous discs in cylindrical coordinates

We have established the exact expression for the gravitational potential of a homogeneous polar cell—an elementary pattern used in hydrodynamical simulations of gravitating discs. This formula, which is a closed-form, works for any opening angle and radial extension of the cell. It is valid at any point in space, i.e. in the plane of the distribution (inside and outside) as well as off-plane, thereby generalizing the results reported by Durand (Electrostatique. Vol. I. Les Distributions, 1953) for the circular disc. The three components of the gravitational acceleration are given. The mathematical demonstration proceeds from the incomplete version of Durand’s formula for the potential (based on complete elliptic integrals). We determine first the potential due to the circular sector (i.e. a pie-slice sheet), and then deduce that of the polar cell (from convenient radial scaling and subtraction). As a by-product, we generate an integral theorem stating that “the angular average of the potential of any circular sector along its tangent circle is $${\frac{2}{\pi}}$$ times the value at the corner”. A few examples are presented. For numerical resolutions and cell shapes commonly used in disc simulations, we quantify the importance of curvature effects by performing a direct comparison between the potential of the polar cell and that of the Cartesian (i.e. rectangular) cell having the same mass. Edge values are found to deviate roughly like $${2 \times 10^{-3}\times N/256}$$ in relative (N is the number of grid points in the radial direction), while the agreement is typically four orders of magnitude better for values at the cell’s center. We also produce a reliable approximation for the potential, valid in the cell’s plane, inside and close to the cell. Its remarkable accuracy, about $${5\times 10^{-4}\times N/256}$$ in relative, is sufficient to estimate the cell’s self-acceleration.

In-vivo confirmation of the use of the dart thrower’s motion during activities of daily living

The dart thrower's motion is a wrist rotation along an oblique plane from radial extension to ulnar flexion. We report an in-vivo study to confirm the use of the dart thrower's motion during activities of daily living. Global wrist motion in ten volunteers was recorded using a three-dimensional optoelectronic motion capture system, in which digital infra-red cameras track the movement of retro-reflective marker clusters. Global wrist motion has been approximated to the dart thrower's motion when hammering a nail, throwing a ball, drinking from a glass, pouring from a jug and twisting the lid of a jar, but not when combing hair or manipulating buttons. The dart thrower's motion is the plane of global wrist motion used during most activities of daily living. Arthrodesis of the radiocarpal joint instead of the midcarpal joint will allow better wrist function during most activities of daily living by preserving the dart thrower's motion.

Uncharged compactlike and fractional Lorentz-violating BPS vortices in theCPT-even sector of the standard model extension

We have investigated and verified the existence of stable uncharged Bogomol'nyi-Prasad-Sommerfeld (BPS) vortices in the framework of an Abelian Maxwell-Higgs model supplemented with CPT-even and Lorentz-violating (LV) terms belonging to the gauge and Higgs sectors of the standard model extension. The analysis is performed in two situations: first, one by considering the Lorentz violation only in the gauge sector and then in both gauge and Higgs sectors. In the first case, it is observed that the model supports vortices somehow equivalent to the ones appearing in a dielectric medium. The Lorentz violation controls the radial extension (core of the solution) and the magnetic field amplitude of the Abrikosov-Nielsen-Olesen vortices, yielding compactlike defects in an alternative and simpler way than that of $k-$field models. At the end, we consider the Lorentz-violating terms in the gauge and Higgs sectors. It is shown that the full model also supports compactlike uncharged BPS vortices in a modified vacuum, but this time there are two LV parameters controlling the defect structure. Moreover, an interesting novelty is introduced by the LV-Higgs sector: fractional vortex solutions.

Main active faults in the Granada and Guadix-Baza Basins (Betic Cordillera)

The Granada and Guadix-Baza Basins, the largest Neogene-Quaternary intramontane basins of the Betic Cordillera (southern Spain), undergo active deformation with an associated moderate level of seismic activity. This deformation is controlled by a NNWSSE compressive regime and an approximate orthogonal tensional regime. The compression produced N70oE to E-W folds of several scales, the Sierra Nevada antiform being the largest one. The tension is accommodated mainly by NW-SE active normal faults, the most notable being the Baza Fault, in the Guadix-Baza Basin, and the Granada, Sierra Elvira-Dilar and Padul-Durcal Faults, in the Granada Basin. In addition, other active faults with different orientations also exist, such as the Alfahuara-Botardo and the Galera faults in the Guadix-Baza Basin, and the Huenes, Obeilar-Pinos Puente and N of Sierra Tejeda Faults in the Granada Basin. Moreover, in several sectors, the presence of orthogonal normal fault sets suggests alternating trends or even radial extension. Slip rates of these active faults, based on geologic markers, vary between 0.06 and 0.5 mm/year. Estimates for the maximum expected magnitude of earthquakes caused by these faults vary between MW 6.0 and 7.0. The N of Sierra Tejeda and the Baza Faults, the largest faults in the Granada and Guadix-Baza Basins, respectively, have the greatest seismic potential. They could cause events up to a magnitude of MW 6.5-7.0, although their reference earthquakes, computed for a return period of 475 years, are on the order of MW 5.0-5.5.

Motion-dependent levels of order in a relativistic universe

Consider a generally closed system of continuous three-space coordinates x with a differentiable amplitude function ψ(x). What is its level of order R? Define R by the property that it decreases (or stays constant) after the system is coarse grained. Then R turns out to obey R=8(-1)L(2)I,where quantity I=4∫dx[nabla]ψ(*)·[nabla]ψ is the classical Fisher information in the system and L is the longest chord that can connect two points on the system surface. In general, order R is (i) unitless, and (ii) invariant to uniform stretch or compression of the system. On this basis, the order R in the Universe was previously found to be invariant in time despite its Hubble expansion, and with value R=26.0×10(60) for flat space. By comparison, here we model the Universe as a string-based "holostar," with amplitude function ψ(x)[proportionality]1/r over radial interval r=(r(0),r(H)). Here r(0) is of order the Planck length and r(H) is the radial extension of the holostar, estimated as the known value of the Hubble radius. Curvature of space and relative motion of the observer must now be taken into account. It results that a stationary observer observes a level of order R=(8/9)(r(H)/r(0))(3/2)=0.42×10(90); while for a free-falling observer R=2(-1)(r(H)/r(0))(2)=0.85×10(120). Both order values greatly exceed the above flat-space value. Interestingly, they are purely geometric measures, depending solely upon ratio r(H)/r(0). Remarkably, the free-fall value ~10(120) of R approximates the negentropy of a universe modeled as discrete. This might mean that the Universe contains about equal amounts of continuous and discrete structure.

Extensor carpi radialis longus avulsion: Presentation, treatment rationale and outcome of an unusual fracture

Avulsion fracture of the base of the second metacarpal is a rare injury due to the stability of the carpometacarpal joints. There are few documented cases in the literature of extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) avulsion. The ECRL avulses from the base of the second metacarpal usually as a result of forced wrist hyperflexion and can be exacerbated with the hand in ulnar deviation. This is often as a result of a fall and the patient usually presents with pain in the region of, and dorsal to, the anatomical snuffbox. The base of the second metacarpal articulates with the base of the third metacarpal, capitate, trapezium and trapezoid. The ECRL has its origin on the lower third of the lateral epicondyle and the supracondylar ridge of the humerus and inserts distally into the base of the second metacarpal. The actions of ECRL are wrist radial deviation and wrist extension, the ECRL imparting a greater moment for radial deviation than the extensor carpi radialis brevis, while the opposite relationship is found for wrist extension. This paper presents the case of a patient with this injury, the diagnostic images, subsequent surgical and therapy management and final outcome.

Crystal Structure of Lymnaea stagnalis AChBP Complexed with the Potent nAChR Antagonist DHβE Suggests a Unique Mode of Antagonism

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are pentameric ligand-gated ion channels that belong to the Cys-loop receptor superfamily. These receptors are allosteric proteins that exist in different conformational states, including resting (closed), activated (open), and desensitized (closed) states. The acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) is a structural homologue of the extracellular ligand-binding domain of nAChRs. In previous studies, the degree of the C-loop radial extension of AChBP has been assigned to different conformational states of nAChRs. It has been suggested that a closed C-loop is preferred for the active conformation of nAChRs in complex with agonists whereas an open C-loop reflects an antagonist-bound (closed) state. In this work, we have determined the crystal structure of AChBP from the water snail Lymnaea stagnalis (Ls) in complex with dihydro-β-erythroidine (DHβE), which is a potent competitive antagonist of nAChRs. The structure reveals that binding of DHβE to AChBP imposes closure of the C-loop as agonists, but also a shift perpendicular to previously observed C-loop movements. These observations suggest that DHβE may antagonize the receptor via a different mechanism compared to prototypical antagonists and toxins.

GmcA Is a Putative Glucose-Methanol-Choline Oxidoreductase Required for the Induction of Asexual Development in Aspergillus nidulans

Aspergillus nidulans asexual differentiation is induced by Upstream Developmental Activators (UDAs) that include the bZIP-type Transcription Factor (TF) FlbB. A 2D-PAGE/MS-MS-coupled screen for proteins differentially expressed in the presence and absence of FlbB identified 18 candidates. Most candidates belong to GO term classes involved in osmotic and/or oxidative stress response. Among these, we focused on GmcA, a putative glucose-methanol-choline oxidoreductase which is upregulated in a ΔflbB background. GmcA is not required for growth since no differences were detected in the radial extension upon deletion of gmcA. However, its activity is required to induce conidiation under specific culture conditions. A ΔgmcA strain conidiates profusely under acid conditions but displays a characteristic fluffy aconidial phenotype in alkaline medium. The absence of asexual development in a ΔgmcA strain can be suppressed, on one hand, using high concentrations of non-fermentable carbon sources like glycerol, and on the other hand, when the cMyb-type UDA TF flbD is overexpressed. Overall, the results obtained in this work support a role for GmcA at early stages of conidiophore initiation.