bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined hydroxyurea and ETA receptor blockade reduces renal injury in the humanized sickle cell mouse
Authors: Taylor Crystal , Kasztan Malgorzata , Tao Binli , Pollock Jennifer S. , Pollock David M.
Published: August 2018

Aim

The objective of this study is to determine if ambrisentan (ETA selective antagonist) and hydroxyurea (HU) treatment has a synergistic effect on renal injury in sickle cell nephropathy when compared to HU treatment alone. The premise of the study is based on recent studies showing that endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) contributes to the pathophysiology of nephropathy in sickle cell disease (SCD) and that ETA receptor blockade improves renal function and protects against renal injury. Hydroxyurea (HU) is commonly prescribed for the treatment of SCD and has been shown to reduce renal injury in patients with SCD.

Methods

Male 12‐week‐old humanized sickle mice (HbSS) and their genetic controls (HbAA) were treated with vehicle, HU, ambrisentan, or HU with ambrisentan for 2 weeks and renal structure and function were assessed.

Results

Vehicle treated HbSS mice exhibited significant proteinuria compared to vehicle treated HbAA mice. HbSS mice also displayed significantly elevated plasma ET‐1 concentrations and decreased urine osmolality compared to HbAA controls. Proteinuria was significantly lower in both HU and ambrisentan treated animals compared to vehicle treated HbSS mice; however, there was no additional improvement in HbSS mice treated with combined ambrisentan and HU. The combination of HU and ambrisentan resulted in significantly lower KIM‐1 excretion, glomerular injury, and interstitial inflammation than HU alone.

Conclusion

These findings indicate that HU and ETA receptor blockade produce similar reductions in renal injury in the humanized sickle mouse suggesting that both treatments may converge on the same mechanistic pathway.
Distinct patterns of skeletal muscle mitochondria fusion, fission and mitophagy upon duration of exercise training
Authors: Arribat Yoan , Broskey Nicholas T. , Greggio Chiara , Boutant Marie , Conde Alonso Sonia , Kulkarni Sameer S. , Lagarrigue Sylviane , Carnero Elvis A. , Besson Cyril , Cantó Carles , Amati Francesca
Published: August 2018

Aim

Healthy ageing interventions encompass regular exercise to prevent mitochondrial dysfunction, key player in sarcopenia pathogenesis. Mitochondrial biogenesis has been well documented, but mitochondrial remodelling in response to exercise training is poorly understood. Here we investigated fusion, fission and mitophagy before and after an exercise intervention in older adults.

Methods

Skeletal muscle biopsies were collected from 22 healthy sedentary men and women before and after 4 months of supervised training. Eight lifelong trained age‐ and gender‐matched volunteers served as positive controls. Transmission electron microscopy was used to estimate mitochondrial content. Western blotting and qRT‐PCR were used to detect changes in specific proteins and transcripts.

Results

After intervention, mitochondrial content increased to levels of controls. While enhancement of fusion was prevalent after intervention, inhibition of fission and increased mitophagy were dominant in controls. Similarly to PARKIN, BCL2L13 content was higher in controls. The observed molecular adaptations paralleled long‐term effects of training on physical fitness, exercise efficiency and oxidative capacity.

Conclusions

This study describes distinct patterns of molecular adaptations in human skeletal muscle under chronic exercise training. After 16 weeks of exercise, the pattern was dominated by fusion to increase mitochondrial content to the metabolic demands of exercise. In lifelong exercise, the pattern was dominated by mitophagy synchronized with increased fusion and decreased fission, indicating an increased mitochondrial turnover. In addition to these temporally distinct adaptive mechanisms, this study suggests for the first time a specific role of BCL2L13 in chronic exercise that requires constant maintenance of mitochondrial quality.
The Influence of Integrated Reporting on Business Model and Strategy Disclosures
Authors: Sukhari Aneetha , de Villiers Charl
Published: August 2018

Business model (BM) and strategy disclosures could provide investors with relevant information. This study offers a platform for future research on BM and strategy disclosure and is the first to analyse the change in BM and strategy disclosures after the introduction of an integrated reporting (IR) requirement, to propose a framework for disclosure quality analyses, and to analyse how companies disclose the relationship between their BM and strategy. The findings show that BMs and strategy were not disclosed before the requirement to publish an integrated report in South Africa, but were disclosed thereafter. By 2014, companies used diagrams, flow charts, and informative narratives of business plans and value chains. Companies now disclose their strategic goals more transparently, but still do not link these goals to BMs, key performance indicators, risks or opportunities. The findings provide insight into disclosures that improved since the IR requirement and matters that are still not fully disclosed, which would be of interest to regulators tasked with investor protection.
Elevation of androgen receptor promotes prostate cancer metastasis by induction of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and reduction of KAT5
Authors: Lin Ching‐Yu , Jan Yee‐Jee , Kuo Li‐Kuo , Wang Bi‐Juan , Huo Chieh , Jiang Shih Sheng , Chen Shyh‐Chang , Kuo Ying‐Yu , Chang Chuang‐Rung , Chuu Chih‐Pin
Published: August 2018

Androgen receptor (AR), an androgen‐activated transcription factor, belongs to the nuclear receptor superfamily. AR plays an important role in the development and progression of prostate cancer (PCa). However, the role of AR in PCa metastasis is not fully understood. To investigate the role of AR in PCa metastasis, we examined AR expression level in primary and metastatic PCa by analyzing gene array data of 378 primary prostate tumors and 120 metastatic prostate tumors from Oncomine, as well as carrying out immunohistochemical (IHC) staining of 56 prostate cancer samples. Expression of mRNA and protein of AR as well as its target gene prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) was much higher in metastatic prostate tumors than in primary prostate tumors. Knockdown of AR with siRNA or treating with anti‐androgen Casodex reduced migration and invasion ability of C4‐2B PCa cells. Knockdown of AR increased protein expression of E‐cadherin and AR coregulator KAT5 but reduced expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker proteins Slug, Snail, MMP‐2, vimentin, and β‐catenin. Knockdown of KAT5 increased migration of C4‐2B cells, whereas overexpression of KAT5 suppressed cell migration. KAT5 knockdown rescues the suppressive effect of AR knockdown on migration of C4‐2B cells. Gene expression level of AR and KAT5 showed a negative correlation. PCa patients with higher AR expression or lower KAT5 expression correlated with shorter recurrence‐free survival. Our study suggested that elevation of AR expression and AR signaling in prostate tumors promotes PCa metastasis by induction of EMT and reduction of KAT5.
Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition is activated in CD44‐positive malignant ascites tumor cells of gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: Nakano Michitaka , Ito Mamoru , Tanaka Risa , Ariyama Hiroshi , Mitsugi Kenji , Makiyama Akitaka , Uchino Keita , Esaki Taito , Tsuruta Nobuhiro , Hanamura Fumiyasu , Yamaguchi Kyoko , Okumura Yuta , Sagara Kosuke , Takayoshi Kotoe , Nio Kenta , Tsuchihashi Kenji , Tamura Shingo , Shimokawa Hozumi , Arita Shuji , Miyawaki Kohta , Kusaba Hitoshi , Akashi Koichi , Baba Eishi
Published: August 2018

Disseminated cancer cells in malignant ascites possess unique properties that differ from primary tumors. However, the biological features of ascites tumor cells (ATC) have not been fully investigated. By analyzing ascites fluid from 65 gastrointestinal cancer patients, the distinguishing characteristics of ATC were identified. High frequency of CD44+ cells was observed in ATC using flow cytometry (n = 48). Multiplex quantitative PCR (n = 15) showed higher gene expression of epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related genes and transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐beta)‐related genes in ATC than in the primary tissues. Immunohistochemistry (n = 10) showed that ATC also had much higher expression of phosphorylated SMAD2 than that in the corresponding primary tissues. TGF‐beta 1 was detected in all cases of malignant ascites by enzyme‐linked immunoassay (n = 38), suggesting the possible interaction of ATC and the ascites microenvironment. In vitro experiments revealed that these ATC properties were maintained by TGF‐beta 1 in cultured ATC(n = 3). Here, we showed that ATCrevealed high frequencies of CD44 and possessed distinct EMT features from primary tissues that were mainly maintained by TGF‐beta 1 in the ascites.
Clinical pharmacology of alemtuzumab, an anti-CD52 immunomodulator, in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Li Z , Richards S , Surks H K , Jacobs A , Panzara M A
Published: August 2018

Alemtuzumab, a humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody, is approved for treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (MS). In the Phase II/III trials, patients received 12 or 24 mg/day of alemtuzumab in two treatment courses (5 days for course 1 and 3 days for course 2), 12 months apart. Serum concentrations of alemtuzumab peaked on the last day of dosing in each course and mostly fell below the limit of quantitation by day 30. Alemtuzumab rapidly depleted circulating T and B lymphocytes, with the lowest observed values occurring within days. Lymphocytes repopulated over time, with B cell recovery usually complete within 6 months. T lymphocytes recovered more slowly and generally did not return to baseline by 12 months post-treatment. Approximately 40 and 80% of patients had total lymphocyte counts, reaching the lower limit of normal by 6 and 12 months after each course, respectively. The clearance of alemtuzumab is dependent on circulating lymphocyte count. A majority of treated patients tested positive for anti-alemtuzumab antibodies, including inhibitory antibodies, during the 2-year studies, and a higher proportion of patients tested positive in course 2 than in course 1. The presence of anti-alemtuzumab antibody appeared to be associated with slower clearance of alemtuzumab from the circulation but had no impact on the pharmacodynamics. No effects of age, race or gender on the pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics were observed. Together, the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and immunogenicity results support the continued development and use of alemtuzumab for the treatment of MS, and probably explain its sustained effects beyond the dosing interval.
Long‐term results of osseointegrated implant‐based dental rehabilitation in oncology patients reconstructed with a fibula free flap
Authors: Pellegrino Gerardo , Tarsitano Achille , Ferri Agnese , Corinaldesi Giuseppe , Bianchi Alberto , Marchetti Claudio
Published: August 2018

Background

Dental rehabilitation with conventional prostheses after microvascular jaw reconstruction is often unsuccessful because of the altered oral anatomy and the lack of adequate dentition for fixation.

Purpose

This retrospective study evaluated the long‐term outcomes of patients who underwent jaws reconstruction with a fibula free flap and subsequent rehabilitation with implant‐supported prostheses.

Materials and Methods

In total, 21 patients were enrolled; 108 osseointegrated dental implants, positioned on 21 fibular free flaps were assessed. Follow‐up examinations were performed according to a standardized protocol, including clinical and radiological evaluations. The mean follow‐up after implant insertion was 90.2 (range, 20‐204) months.

Results

The overall implant survival rate was 97.2% at the 12‐month follow‐up, 86.5% at 60 months, and 79.3% at 120 months. The rate of overall implant success was 95.4% at the 12‐month follow‐up, 73.5% at 60 months, and 64.7% at 120 months. Implant failure was more common in patients that had implants placed after they underwent radiation therapy.

Peri‐implantitis and mucositis were identified in 14.8% and 20.3% of surviving implants, respectively, at the 5‐ and 10‐year follow‐up. The risk of developing peri‐implantitis was estimated to be higher (odds ratio = 1.5) for patients without connective tissue or skin grafts versus patients with one of them (18.2% vs 9.5%).

Conclusions

Long‐term implant‐related outcomes show that the survival rate of implants placed into the fibula is acceptable. Radiotherapy negatively impacts survival and success, in particular in the short and medium‐term follow‐up. Moreover, a relevant peri‐implant bone resorption does occur over time and ultimately influences implants success, and it is mainly related to peri‐implant gingival mucositis. In this regard skin or connective tissue grafts seem to offer an aid to manage this problem.
Toddlers, teenagers, and terminal heights: the importance of puberty for male adult stature, Flanders, 1800–76
Authors: Depauw Ewout , Oxley Deborah
Published: August 2018

Does adult stature capture conditions at birth or at some other stage in the growth cycle? Anthropometrics is lauded as a method for capturing net nutritional status over all the growing years. However, it is frequently assumed that conditions at birth were most influential. Was this true for historical populations? This article examines the heights of Flemish men born between 1800 and 1876 to tease apart which moments of growth were most sensitive to disruption and reflected in final heights. It exploits two proximate crises in 1846–9 and 1853–6 as shocks that permit age effects to be revealed. These are affirmed through a study of food prices and death rates. Both approaches suggest a shift of the critical moment away from the first few years of life and towards the adolescent growth spurt as the most influential on terminal stature. Furthermore, just as height is accumulated over the growing years, conditions influencing growth need to be understood cumulatively. Economic conditions at the time of birth were not explanatory, but their collective effects from ages 11 to 18 years were strongly influential. At these ages, both health and nutrition mattered, to varying degrees. Teenagers, rather than toddlers, should be our guides to the past.
Effect of the phase of force production on corticomuscular coherence with agonist and antagonist muscles
Authors: Desmyttere Gauthier , Mathieu Emilie , Begon Mickael , Simoneau‐Buessinger Emilie , Cremoux Sylvain
Published: August 2018

During isometric contractions, the net joint torque stability is modulated with the force production phases, i.e., increasing (IFP), holding (HFP), and decreasing force (DFP) phases. It was hypothesized that this modulation results from an altered cortical control of agonist and antagonist muscle activations. Eleven healthy participants performed 50 submaximal isometric ankle plantar flexion contractions. The force production phase effect (IFP, HFP and DFP) was assessed on the net joint torque stability, agonist and antagonist muscles activations, cortical activation, and corticomuscular coherence (CMC) with agonist and antagonist muscles. In comparison to HFP, the net joint torque stability, the agonist muscles activation and the CMC with agonist muscles were lower during IFP and even more during DFP. Antagonist muscle activations, cortical activations and CMC with antagonist muscles were higher during HFP than during IFP only. Increased CMC with agonist and antagonist muscles appeared to enhance the fine motor control. At a cortical level, agonist and antagonist muscle activations seemed to be controlled independently according to their muscle function and the phase of force production. Results revealed that CMC was an adequate measure to investigate the cortical regulation of agonist and antagonist muscle activations. This may have potential applications for patients with altered muscle activations.
Modulating auditory selective attention by non‐invasive brain stimulation: Differential effects of transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation and transcranial random noise stimulation
Authors: Rufener Katharina S. , Geyer Ulrike , Janitzky Kathrin , Heinze Hans‐Jochen , Zaehle Tino
Published: August 2018

Selective attention is a basic process required to maintain goal‐directed behavior by appropriately responding to target stimuli and suppressing reactions to non‐target stimuli. It has been proposed that auditory selective attention is linked to the activity of the locus coeruleus‐norepinergic (LC‐NE) system and a large‐scale fronto‐parietal cortical network, but there is still sparse causal evidence for these assumptions. By applying transcutaneous vagal nerve stimulation (tVNS) and transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) over the frontal cortex, we systematically assessed the involvement of these subcortical and cortical components in the regulation of auditory selective attention. Using a single‐blinded, sham‐controlled, within‐subject design we analyzed online effects of tVNS and tRNS in 20 healthy participants during an auditory oddball paradigm. We show significant stimulation‐dependent modulations of auditory selective attention on the behavioral and electrophysiological level. Compared to sham, tVNS increased the P3 amplitude, while tRNS reduced the reaction time to target stimuli. Moreover, both techniques reduced the P3 latency. Our data provide evidence for the functional relevance of the subcortical NE system in the regulation of neural resources that allows a phasic response to incoming target stimuli. They indicate that frontal cortex structures are crucially involved in the successful evaluation of the respective information. Moreover, our results are in favor of the LC‐P3 hypothesis claiming the vital role of the NE system in auditory selective attention and in the generation of the P3. Of note, the effects of tVNS on auditory selective attention are comparable with those evoked by pharmacological interventions and invasive vagal nerve stimulation.
Acute effects of meditation training on the waking and sleeping brain: Is it all about homeostasis?
Authors: Dentico Daniela , Bachhuber David , Riedner Brady A. , Ferrarelli Fabio , Tononi Giulio , Davidson Richard J. , Lutz Antoine
Published: August 2018

Our recent finding of a meditation‐related increase in low‐frequency NREM sleep EEG oscillatory activities peaking in the theta‐alpha range (4–12 Hz) was not predicted. From a consolidated body of research on sleep homeostasis, we would expect a change peaking in slow wave activity (1–4 Hz) following an intense meditation session. Here we compared these changes in sleep with the post‐meditation changes in waking rest scalp power to further characterize their functional significance. High‐density EEG recordings were acquired from 27 long‐term meditators (LTM) on three separate days at baseline and following two 8‐hr sessions of either mindfulness or compassion‐and‐loving‐kindness meditation. Thirty‐one meditation‐naïve participants (MNP) were recorded at the same time points. As a common effect of meditation practice, we found increases in low and fast waking EEG oscillations for LTM only, peaking at eight and 15 Hz respectively, over prefrontal, and left centro‐parietal electrodes. Paralleling our previous findings in sleep, there was no significant difference between meditation styles in LTM as well as no difference between matched sessions in MNP. Meditation‐related changes in wakefulness and NREM sleep were correlated across space and frequency. A significant correlation was found in the EEG low frequencies (<12 Hz). Since the peak of coupling was observed in the theta‐alpha oscillatory range, sleep homeostatic response to meditation practice is not sufficient to explain our findings. Another likely phenomenon into play is a reverberation of meditation‐related processes during subsequent sleep. Future studies should ascertain the interplay between these processes in promoting the beneficial effects of meditation practice.
Techniques for placement of stereotactic electroencephalographic depth electrodes: Comparison of implantation and tracking accuracies in a cadaveric human study
Authors: Jones Jaes C. , Alomar Soha , McGovern Robert A. , Firl Daniel , Fitzgerald Zachary , Gale John , Gonzalez‐Martinez Jorge A.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Stereotactic electroencephalography (SEEG) is used for the evaluation and identification of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) in patients suffering from medically refractory seizures and relies upon the accurate implantation of depth electrodes. Accurate implantation is critical for identification of the EZ. Multiple electrodes and implantation systems exist, but these have not previously been systematically evaluated for implantation accuracy. This study compares the accuracy of two SEEG electrode implantation methods.

Methods

Thirteen “technique 1” electrodes (applying guiding bolts and external stylets) and 13 “technique 2” electrodes (without guiding bolts and external stylets) were implanted into four cadaver heads (52 total of each) according to each product's instructions for use using a stereotactic robot. Postimplantation computed tomography scans were compared to preimplantation computed tomography scans and to the previously defined targets. Electrode entry and final depth location were measured by Euclidean coordinates. The mean errors of each technique were compared using linear mixed effects models.

Results

Primary analysis revealed that the mean error difference of the technique 1 and 2 electrodes at entry and target favored the technique 1 electrode implantation accuracy (P < 0.001). Secondary analysis demonstrated that orthogonal implantation trajectories were more accurate than oblique trajectories at entry for technique 1 electrodes (P = 0.002). Furthermore, deep implantations were significantly less accurate than shallow implantations for technique 2 electrodes (P = 0.005), but not for technique 1 electrodes (P = 0.50).

Significance

Technique 1 displays greater accuracy following SEEG electrode implantation into human cadaver heads. Increased implantation accuracy may lead to increased success in identifying the EZ and increased seizure freedom rates following surgery.
A validity argument to support the ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL)
Authors: Cox Troy L. , Malone Margaret E.
Published: August 2018

This article presents evidence for a validity argument on the ACTFL Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency in Languages (AAPPL) tests (Interpersonal Listening/Speaking, Presentational Writing, Interpretive Listening, and Interpretive Reading) by summarizing an analysis of the 2014 test data from examinations administered in three languages (Chinese, French, and Spanish) to more than 10,000 students in grades 5 to 12. The specific stages the authors evaluated included the following: (1) the design of the instrument, (2) the effectiveness of the rating scale, (3) the reliability of the instrument, and (4) the extent to which ACTFL proficiency levels were generalizable across languages. As a complete test battery, there is validity evidence that the Assessment of Performance Toward Proficiency can be used to measure the performance of upper elementary, middle, and high school students as they develop increasingly sophisticated language proficiency. The strengths of the examinations are the productive skill areas, whereas the receptive skill areas have been targeted for continuing development.
Characterization of phenology, physiology, morphology and biomass traits across a broad Euro‐Mediterranean ecotypic panel of the lignocellulosic feedstock Arundo donax
Authors: Fabbrini Francesco , Ludovisi Riccardo , Alasia Omar , Flexas Jaume , Douthe Cyril , Ribas Carbó Miquel , Robson Paul , Taylor Gail , Scarascia‐Mugnozza Giuseppe , Keurentjes Joost J. B. , Harfouche Antoine
Published: August 2018

Giant reed (Arundo donax L.) is a perennial rhizomatous grass, which has attracted great attention as a potential lignocellulosic feedstock for bioethanol production due to high biomass yield in marginal land areas, high polysaccharide content and low inhibitor levels in microbial fermentations. However, little is known about the trait variation that is available across a broad ecotypic panel of A. donax nor the traits that contribute most significantly to yield and growth in drought prone environments. A collection of 82 ecotypes of A. donax sampled across the Mediterranean basin was planted in a common garden experimental field in Savigliano, Italy. We analysed the collection using 367 clumps representing replicate plantings of 82 ecotypes for variation in 21 traits important for biomass accumulation and to identify the particular set of ecotypes with the most promising potential for biomass production. We measured morpho‐physiological, phenological and biomass traits and analysed causal relationships between traits and productivity characteristics assessed at leaf and canopy levels. The results identified differences among the 82 ecotypes for all studied traits: those showing the highest level of variability included stomatal resistance, stem density (StN), stem dry mass (StDM) and total biomass production (TotDM). Multiple regression analysis revealed that leaf area index, StDM, StN, number of nodes per stem, stem height and diameter were the most significant predictors of TotDM and the most important early selection criteria for bioenergy production from A. donax. These traits were used in a hierarchical cluster analysis to identify groups of similar ecotypes, and a selection was made of promising ecotypes for multiyear and multisite testing for biomass production. Heritability estimates were significant for all traits. The potential of this ecotype collection as a resource for studies of germplasm diversity and for the analysis of traits underpinning high productivity of A. donax is highlighted.
Body size shifts influence effects of increasing temperatures on ectotherm metabolism
Authors: Riemer Kristina , Anderson‐Teixeira Kristina J. , Smith Felisa A. , Harris David J. , Ernest S. K. Morgan
Published: August 2018

Aim

Warmer temperatures directly increase metabolic rates of ectotherms, but temperature also indirectly affects metabolic rates. Higher temperatures result in smaller body sizes and associated decreases in metabolic rates, and it remains unknown whether this indirect effect of temperature increase could mitigate the direct positive effect of temperature on metabolic rate. Here, we assess whether temperature‐induced shifts in body size are likely to offset the direct influence of temperature on metabolic rate.

Location

Global.

Time period

1940–2011.

Major taxa studied

Ectotherms.

Methods

We compiled literature‐derived data on mass and temperature for 109 ectotherm species raised at various constant temperatures. Using an allometric equation to estimate metabolic rate from size and temperature, we determined the body masses necessary for species to maintain constant metabolic rates under increased temperatures. We also calculated and compared (a) change in metabolic rate attributable to increased temperature where body size does not change with (b) change in metabolic rate including empirical size change.

Results

Warmer temperatures resulted in increased metabolic rate estimates, but this was partly offset by decreased body sizes for the majority of species. For most species, observed decreases in body size at higher temperatures were insufficient to avoid metabolic rate increases.

Main conclusions

Although the indirect effect of temperature on metabolic rate via body size is not sufficient to counterbalance the direct effect, it limits the magnitude of the increase in metabolic rate. Thus, in a warming climate, ectotherms are likely to experience increases in energy use that are smaller than anticipated. Given that metabolic rates have substantial, diverse impacts on individuals, populations, and ecosystems, these indirect effects of temperature change will have complex cascading effects on ecological communities, but the impacts of increases in metabolic rate of these varying magnitudes are unknown.
Global drivers of population density in terrestrial vertebrates
Authors: Santini Luca , Isaac Nick J. B. , Maiorano Luigi , Ficetola Gentile Francesco , Huijbregts Mark A. J. , Carbone Chris , Thuiller Wilfried
Published: August 2018

Aim

Although the effects of life history traits on population density have been investigated widely, how spatial environmental variation influences population density for a large range of organisms and at a broad spatial scale is poorly known. Filling this knowledge gap is crucial for global species management and conservation planning and to understand the potential impact of environmental changes on multiple species.

Location

Global.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Terrestrial amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Methods

We collected population density estimates for a range of terrestrial vertebrates, including 364 estimates for amphibians, 850 for reptiles, 5,667 for birds and 7,651 for mammals. We contrasted the importance of life history traits and environmental predictors using mixed models and tested different hypotheses to explain the variation in population density for the four groups. We assessed the predictive accuracy of models through cross‐validation and mapped the partial response of vertebrate population density to environmental variables globally.

Results

Amphibians were more abundant in wet areas with high productivity levels, whereas reptiles showed relatively higher densities in arid areas with low productivity and stable temperatures. The density of birds and mammals was typically high in temperate wet areas with intermediate levels of productivity. The models showed good predictive abilities, with pseudo‐R2ranging between 0.68 (birds) and 0.83 (reptiles).

Main conclusions

Traits determine most of the variation in population density across species, whereas environmental conditions explain the intraspecific variation across populations. Species traits, resource availability and climatic stability have a different influence on the population density of the four groups. These models can be used to predict the average species population density over large areas and be used to explore macroecological patterns and inform conservation analyses.
Congruence across taxa and spatial scales: Are we asking too much of species data?
Authors: Burrascano S. , de Andrade R. B. , Paillet Y. , Ódor P. , Antonini G. , Bouget C. , Campagnaro T. , Gosselin F. , Janssen P. , Persiani A. M. , Nascimbene J. , Sabatini F. M. , Sitzia T. , Blasi C.
Published: August 2018

Aim

Biodiversity monitoring and conservation are extremely complex, and surrogate taxa may represent proxies to test methods and solutions. However, cross‐taxon correlations in species diversity (i.e., cross‐taxon congruence) may vary widely with spatial scale. Our goal is to assess how cross‐taxon congruence varies with spatial scale in European temperate forests. We expect that congruence in species diversity increases when shifting from fine to coarse spatial scales, with differences between species richness and composition, and across pairs of taxonomic groups.

Location

European temperate forests.

Time period

Present.

Major taxa studied

Vascular plants, bryophytes, birds, epiphytic lichens, saproxylic beetles and wood‐inhabiting fungi.

Methods

We used field data (354 plots across 23 sites) encompassing Italy, France and Hungary, with species information for six taxonomic groups. We accounted separately for spatial grain (the size of elementary sampling unit) and extent (the geographical area included in the survey) and evaluated the relationships within all the possible pairs of taxa.

Results

Although no pair of taxa had its species richness consistently correlated across scales, we found no changes in the direction of correlations when analysing species composition. However, when increasing grain and extent, we did find a general increase in the magnitude of correlations in species composition and partial changes in significance, with plants having the highest number of significant correlations.

Main conclusions

Species richness congruence among taxa is strongly scale dependent owing to differences in the relative contribution of large‐ and small‐scale processes across taxa. Cross‐taxon congruence in species composition is scale dependent only for its magnitude, because life‐history traits of individual species make responses to environmental factors similar across scales. Forest monitoring should consider multi‐taxon sampling and limit the use of surrogates at specific spatial scales, especially for species richness. Sampling plant species composition in scattered plots across different sites may effectively summarize the whole community composition.
Response of guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) genotypes to intercropping with forage legumes under varying nitrogen management options
Authors: Choudhary Mukesh , Prabhu Govindasamy , Palsaniya Dana Ram
Published: August 2018

Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus) is an important source of forage in India but it remains dormant during the winter season. The space between rows of grass can be utilized by incorporating forage legumes. This 3‐year study evaluated two genotypes of guinea grass in monocropping and intercropping with cowpea and Egyptian clover under different N management options. Guinea grass genotype BG‐2 produced higher dry‐matter yields than BG‐1, both in monocropping and in intercropping. However, dry‐matter yield of forage legumes was higher under BG‐1. The yield advantage in terms of land equivalent ratio was higher in BG‐1 (1.69) than BG‐2 (1.60). BG‐1 was more dominant than BG‐2 in intercropping. Soil properties such as dehydrogenase activity, microbial biomass carbon and available N were improved under grass–legume intercropping compared with grass alone. Higher crude protein and N uptake were also observed in BG‐2. Net returns of grass–legumes intercropping were 30%–40% higher compared with monocropping of guinea grass. Among N management options, higher growth, crude protein content and forage yield were achieved with application of 40 kg N/ha after each cut of guinea grass in double split. Therefore, guinea grass + cowpea–Egyptian clover intercropping with 40 kg N/ha after each grass cut in double split can be suggested for higher forage productivity, profitability and soil properties.
Immune signalling by supramolecular assemblies
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Jain Shweta
Published: August 2018

Formation of supramolecular assemblies appears to be a general mechanism in immune signalling pathways. These supramolecular assemblies appear to form through a nucleated polymerization mechanism. This review examines selected immune signalling pathways that involve supramolecular assemblies, describes the concepts of protein polymerization, and discusses how those concepts of protein polymerization implicate new elegant ways for signal amplification, setting threshold and noise reduction in these pathways.
γδ T cells modulate humoral immunity against Plasmodium berghei infection
Authors: Inoue Shin‐Ichi , Niikura Mamoru , Asahi Hiroko , Kawakami Yasushi , Kobayashi Fumie
Published: August 2018

It is unclear whether γδ T cells are involved in humoral immunity against Plasmodium infection. Here, we show that B‐cell‐immunodeficient mice and γδ T‐cell‐deficient mice were incapable of protecting against Plasmodium berghei XAT parasites. γδ T‐cell‐deficient mice developed reduced levels of antigen‐specific antibodies during the late phase of infection. The numbers of follicular helper T cells and germinal centre B cells in γδ T‐cell‐deficient mice were lower than in wild‐type mice during the late phase of infection. Expression profiling of humoral immunity‐related cytokines in γδ T cells showed that interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) are increased during the early stage of infection. Furthermore, blockade of IL‐21 and IFN‐γ signalling during the early stage of infection led to reduction in follicular helper T cells and germinal centre B cells. γδ T‐cell production of IL‐21 and IFN‐γ is crucial for the development and maintenance of follicular helper T cells and germinal centre B cells during the late phase of infection. Our data suggest that γδ T cells modulate humoral immunity against Plasmodium infection.
Financial Statement Comparability and Idiosyncratic Return Volatility
Authors: Habib Ahsan , Hasan Mostafa Monzur , Al‐Hadi Ahmed
Published: August 2018

This study examines the association between financial statement comparability and idiosyncratic return volatility (IRV). A greater degree of comparability lowers information acquisition costs, reduces the uncertainties associated with performance evaluation, and increases the overall quantity and quality of information available to corporate outsiders, which, in turn, helps investors to understand and evaluate the cash flow and performance of firms more accurately. Therefore, we hypothesize a negative association between financial statement comparability and IRV. Using a large US sample from 1981 to 2013, we show that financial statement comparability is associated with lower level of IRV significantly. We also find this association to be more pronounced in a poor information environment. This study contributes to the emerging research that stresses the benefits of financial statement comparability.
Differences in surface failure modes of soda lime silica glass under normal indentation versus tangential shear: A comparative study on Na+/K+‐ion exchange effects
Authors: Luo Jiawei , Grisales William , Rabii Matthew , Pantano Carlo G. , Kim Seong H.
Published: August 2018

The effects of exchanging Na+with K+on the mechanical and mechanochemical properties of a soda lime silica (SLS) glass were investigated. It is known that replacing smaller modifier ions with bigger ions in the silicate glass network, at temperatures below the glass transition (Tg), produces a compressive stress in the subsurface region that enhances resistance to mechanical damages. This study found that when Na+ions inSLSare exchanged with K+ions at 400°C, the hardness, indentation fracture toughness, and crack initiation load of the surface are increased, which is consistent with the chemical strengthening effect. However, the resistance to mechanochemical wear in a near‐saturation humidity condition (relative humidityRH = 90%) is deteriorated. When K+ions are exchanged back with Na+ions at 350°C, the wear resistance in high humidity conditions is recovered. These results indicate that the improvement of mechanical properties under indentation normal to the surface is irrelevant with the resistance to mechanochemical wear under tangential shear at the surface. Based on the analysis of the surface chemical composition, silicate network structure, and hydrogen‐bonding interactions of hydrous species in the subsurface region, it is proposed that the leachable Na+associated with non‐bridging oxygen and subsurface hydrous species in the silicate network play more important roles in the mechanochemical wear ofSLSat highRH.
Facebook as a learning environment for language teaching and learning: A critical analysis of the literature from 2010 to 2017
Authors: Barrot Jessie S.
Published: August 2018

The increasing popularity of Facebook has prompted scholars and educators to explore its potentials as a learning environment for various fields of education. Along this line, several reviews of literature have been written about the educational use of Facebook; however, none of them have focused on a specific field of interest such as language pedagogy. Thus, this paper defines the contour of scholarly literature on Facebook as a technology‐enhanced learning environment in language teaching and learning. Using Scopus database as a source, 41 scholarly documents were retrieved and analysed. The demographics of the selected studies show that most of the published research came from Asia and were conducted in the higher education context. In terms of foci of interest, most of the studies focused on developing students' general language proficiency and productive skills. Although a great majority of the studies relied on self‐report data and preexperimental research, the current literature suggests the viability of integrating Facebook into language pedagogy. Suggestions for future studies are discussed.
Implementing Prudent Healthcare in the NHS in Wales; what are the barriers and enablers for clinicians?
Authors: Addis Samia , Holland‐Hart Daniella , Edwards Adrian , Neal Richard D. , Wood Fiona
Published: August 2018

Rationale

Prudent Healthcare is a strategy adopted by the Welsh Government in response to the challenge of improving health care during times of austerity and when needs and demand are rising. Four principles underlie Prudent Healthcare: to achieve health and wellbeing through co production; care for those with the greatest health needs first; do only what is needed; and reduce inappropriate variation. For Prudent Healthcare to be implemented in Wales, it is necessary for health professionals to adopt these principles in practice.

Objective

This paper reports a qualitative evaluation of clinicians' awareness, experiences, and views about Prudent Healthcare, identifying barriers and enablers to implementation from the clinician's perspective.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews (n = 28) and five focus groups (with 23 participants) were undertaken with a diverse range of health professionals working in primary and secondary care. Analysis was underpinned by the COM‐B model which provides a framework to understand behaviour change in context using three domains, Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation.

Results

Clinicians reported the importance and challenges of accessing and sharing information and evidence to inform practice (Capability). Reduced staffing levels and service availability were highlighted as possible barriers to Prudent Healthcare implementation while multidisciplinary working and reorganization of staff roles and services were considered enablers (Opportunity). Finally, although the principles of Prudent Healthcare were broadly welcomed (Motivation), a lack of awareness of the initiative and the management of patient expectations presented barriers.

Conclusion

While there was a positive response and widespread support for the principles of Prudent Healthcare by clinicians, increasing awareness of the initiative and improvement to systems to enable information sharing and the monitoring of patient outcomes could improve the consistency of implementation.
Factors promoting vulnerability to dysregulated stress reactivity and stress‐related disease
Authors: Russell Ashley L. , Tasker Jeffrey G. , Lucion Aldo B. , Fiedler Jenny , Munhoz Carolina D. , Wu Tao‐yiao John , Deak Terrence
Published: August 2018

Effective coordination of the biological stress response is integral for the behavioural well‐being of an organism. Stress reactivity is coordinated by an interplay of the neuroendocrine system and the sympathetic nervous system. The hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) axis plays a key role in orchestrating the bodily responses to stress, and the activity of the axis can be modified by a wide range of experiential events. This review focuses on several factors that influence subsequent HPA axis reactivity. Some of these factors include early‐life adversity, exposure to chronic stress, immune activation and traumatic brain injury. The central premise is that each of these experiences serves as a general vulnerability factor that accelerates future HPA axis reactivity in ways that make individuals more sensitive to stress challenges, therefore feeding forward into the exacerbation of ongoing (or greater susceptibility toward) future stress‐related disease states, especially as they pertain to negative affect and overall brain health.
Forestry conflict in Spain: Rethinking peasant protest and resistance
Authors: Serrano‐Álvarez José A.
Published: August 2018

This article examines forestry conflict in the Spanish province of León and the struggle between village communities and the state over the control of common lands and forests. One of this article's conclusions is that forestry conflict reflected, on the one hand, the struggle for economic control not only between the peasants and the state but also between the peasants themselves and, on the other hand, the clash between the market economy championed by the state and the traditional arrangements, values, and solidarities defended by the peasants. Another conclusion is that widely used concepts such as “weapons of the weak” or “environmentalism of the poor” are deemed inadequate regarding the peasant protest and resistance analysed here, which in turn calls for a definition of these new forms of rural resistance or a reformulation of those already in use.
Association between a national quality improvement program and excisional treatment of cervical dysplasia in Australia
Authors: Foster Leon , Robson Stephen J.
Published: August 2018

Aim

In Australia, the National Cervical Screening and HPV Vaccination Programs aim to reduce the incidence of cervical cancer. Identification and treatment of preinvasive disease is important, but excisional treatment has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. A national quality improvement program (Cervical Quality Improvement Program [c‐QuIP]) aimed to reduce the rate of excisional treatment in young human papilloma virus (HPV)‐vaccinated women. This study examined national trends in the rate of excisional treatment in young women.

Methods

Comprehensive national data were obtained from Medicare Australia regarding incidence rates of excisional treatment for the 10‐year period 2007 to 2016 inclusive. These data were used to calculate age‐stratified incidence rates of excisional treatment in young (20–24 years), intermediate (25–34 years) and older (35–60 years) women.

Results

The rate of excisional treatment (procedures per 10 000 women) fell in young women (from 25 to 6/7, P < 0.005) and women of intermediate age (from 23 to 13, P < 0.005), but there was no significant change in the rate in women aged 35 to 60 years (from 7 to 6.5).

Conclusion

In the decade since introduction of the National HPV Vaccination Program the rate of excisional treatment of the cervix in Australia has fallen in women aged less than 35 years but has not changed for older women. The introduction of a national program aiming to reduce the rate appeared to have little impact.