bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drivers of Interbasin Transfers in the United States: Insights from Sampling
Authors: Dickson Kerim E. , Dzombak David A.
Published: April 2019

Interbasin transfers (IBTs) are manmade transfers of water that cross basin boundaries. In an analysis of 2016 data, this work identified 2,161 reaches crossing United States (U.S.) Geological Survey hydrologic unit code 6 boundaries in the U.S. The objectives of this study were to characterize and classify IBTs, and examine the development drivers for a subset of 109 (~5%) of the IBT reaches through examination of samples from different climate regions of the U.S. The IBTs were classified as being near irrigated agricultural lands, near cities, or rural IBTs not near cities or irrigated land. IBTs near both cities and irrigated agricultural land were designated as city + irrigated agriculture. The 109 samples were selected, based on approximate proportional distribution to the total number of IBTs within each climate region, with representation of areas having a high density of IBTs. Analysis of the samples revealed that in the U.S., there have been four major drivers for basin transfers: irrigation for agriculture, municipal and industrial water supply, commercial shipping or navigation, and drainage or flood management. The most common has been drainage or flood management, though IBTs at least partially driven by agricultural needs are also prevalent. The majority of the sampled IBTs were constructed between 1880 and 1980, with peaks in development between 1900–1910 and 1960–1970. The samples also showed the drivers of IBT development evolved over time, reflecting changes in regional economies, populations, and needs.
α‐Synuclein toxicity in yeast and human cells is caused by cell cycle re‐entry and autophagy degradation of ribonucleotide reductase 1
Authors: Sampaio‐Marques Belém , Guedes Ana , Vasilevskiy Igor , Gonçalves Susana , Outeiro Tiago F. , Winderickx Joris , Burhans William C. , Ludovico Paula
Published: April 2019

α‐Synuclein (aSyn) toxicity is associated with cell cycle alterations, activation of DNA damage responses (DDR), and deregulation of autophagy. However, the relationships between these phenomena remain largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that in a yeast model of aSyn toxicity and aging, aSyn expression induces Ras2‐dependent growth signaling, cell cycle re‐entry, DDR activation, autophagy, and autophagic degradation of ribonucleotide reductase 1 (Rnr1), a protein required for the activity of ribonucleotide reductase and dNTP synthesis. These events lead to cell death and aging, which are abrogated by deleting RAS2, inhibiting DDR or autophagy, or overexpressing RNR1. aSyn expression in human H4 neuroglioma cells also induces cell cycle re‐entry and S‐phase arrest, autophagy, and degradation of RRM1, the human homologue of RNR1, and inhibiting autophagic degradation of RRM1 rescues cells from cell death. Our findings represent a model for aSyn toxicity that has important implications for understanding synucleinopathies and other age‐related neurodegenerative diseases.
Crossed Eye/Hand Laterality and Left‐Eyedness Predict a Positive 24‐Month Outcome in Alcohol‐Dependent Patients
Authors: Weinland Christian , Mühle Christiane , Kornhuber Johannes , Lenz Bernd
Published: April 2019

Background

Available predictors of hospital readmission following withdrawal in alcohol‐dependent patients are limited. However, such parameters are needed to optimize individualized treatment strategies. This study investigated whether crossed eye/hand laterality, eyedness, and handedness may predict outcomes in alcohol dependence.

Methods

The prospective study included 200 early‐abstinent alcohol‐dependent inpatients (n[males] = 113, n[females] = 87) and 240 control subjects (n[males] = 133, n[females] = 107). We assessed eyedness and handedness using the hole‐in‐the‐card and Shimizu tests and documented alcohol‐related readmissions over 12 and 24 months.

Results

Crossed eye/hand laterality and left‐eyedness were associated with a reduced risk for alcohol‐related readmission (12‐month: odds ratios [OR] = 0.41, p = 0.008, OR = 0.42, p = 0.004; 24‐month: OR = 0.57, p = 0.097, OR = 0.47, p = 0.016), fewer median readmissions (12‐month: 0 vs. 1, p = 0.005, 0 vs. 1, p = 0.005; 24‐month: 1 vs. 2, p = 0.014, 1 vs. 2, p = 0.006), and more mean days to the first readmission (12‐month: 270 vs. 209, p = 0.007, 269 vs. 207, p = 0.003; 24‐month: 462 vs. 335, p = 0.039, 461 vs. 323, p = 0.005). They also interacted with treatment and alcohol drinking history to predict the outcome. In sex‐specific analyses, most of these effects remained significant in males but not in females. Handedness alone did not significantly predict outcome. Moreover, the laterality markers did not significantly differ between alcohol‐dependent patients and control subjects.

Conclusions

Determining crossed eye/hand laterality and eyedness may help to individualize relapse prevention in the future. Both are easily accessible predictors of alcohol‐related readmission following inpatient withdrawal treatment.
Oral health behaviours of older Australian men: the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project
Authors: Tran J , Wright FAC , Takara S , Shu C‐C , Chu SK‐Y , Naganathan V , Hirani V , Blyth FM , Le Couteur DG , Waite LM , Handelsman DJ , Seibel MJ , Milledge KL , Cumming RG
Published: April 2019

Background

The Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP) is a cohort study of the health of a representative sample of older Australian men. The aim of this paper is to describe the oral health behaviours and dental service use of CHAMP participants and explore associations between oral health behaviours with and general health status.

Method

Information collected related to socio‐demographics, general health, oral health service‐use and oral health behaviours. Key general health conditions were ascertained from the health questionnaire and included physical capacity and cognitive status.

Results

Fifty‐seven percent of the men reported visiting a dental provider at least once or more a year and 56.7% did so for a “dental check‐up”. Of those with some natural teeth, 59.3% claimed to brush their teeth at least twice or more a day. Most men (96%) used a standard fluoride toothpaste. Few participants used dental floss, tooth picks or mouth‐rinses to supplement oral hygiene. Cognitive status and self‐rated general health were associated with dental visiting patterns and toothbrushing behaviour.

Conclusions

Most older men in CHAMP perform favourable oral health behaviours. Smoking behaviour is associated with less favourable dental visiting patterns, and cognitive status with toothbrushing behaviour.
Characteristics of chiropractors who manage people aged 65 and older: A nationally representative sample of 1903 chiropractors
Authors: Moore Craig , de Luca Katie , Wong Arnold Y. L. , Fernandez Matthew , Swain Michael , Hartvigsen Jan , Adams Jon , Peng Wenbo
Published: April 2019

Objective

To examine the prevalence and profile of chiropractors who frequently manage people aged 65 years and older.

Methods

A national cross‐sectional survey collected practitioner characteristics, practice settings and clinical management characteristics. Multiple logistic regression was conducted on 1903 chiropractors to determine the factors associated with the frequent treatment of people 65 years and older.

Results

In total, 73.5% of participants report “often” treating those aged 65 years and older. These chiropractors were associated with treating degenerative spine conditions (OR [odds ratio] 2.25; 95% [confidence interval] CI 1.72‐2.94), working in a non‐urban area (OR 1.85; 95% CI 1.35‐2.54), treating low back pain (referred/radicular) (OR 1.74; 95% CI 1.26‐2.40) and lower limb musculoskeletal disorders (OR 1.50; 95% CI 1.15‐1.96).

Conclusions

The majority of chiropractors report often providing treatment to older people. Our findings call for more research to better understand older patient complaints that are common to chiropractic practice and the care provided by chiropractors for this patient group.
Decreased effector regulatory T cells and increased activated CD4+ T cells in premature ovarian insufficiency
Authors: Kobayashi Mutsumi , Nakashima Akitoshi , Yoshino Osamu , Yoshie Masanori , Ushijima Akemi , Ito Masami , Ono Yosuke , Shima Tomoko , Kawamura Kazuhiro , Ishizuka Bunpei , Saito Shigeru
Published: April 2019

Problem

Premature ovarian insufficiency (POI) is a clinical syndrome defined by the loss of ovarian activity before 40 years old. An autoimmune mechanism is suggested to be involved in the development of POI. Therefore, we examined the relationship between peripheral blood regulatory T (Treg) cells and autoantibodies in POI.

Method of study

Thirty POI patients and 23 control women were enrolled in the study. Using flow cytometry, we measured the abundance of CD4+ T, CD4+CD69+ T, CD8+ T, CD8+CD69+ T, naive Treg, effector Treg, and FOXP3+ effector T cells in peripheral blood. Antinuclear and anti‐thyroglobulin antibody (Tg‐Ab) titers were measured in POI patients.

Results

The number of CD4+ T or CD4+CD69+ T cells was significantly higher in POI patients (P = 0.045, and P = 0.030), and there were significantly fewer effector Treg cells in POI patients (P = 0.016) than in the controls. There were significant negative correlations between effector Treg cells and Tg‐Abs (r = −0.584, P = 0.0282), and between effector Treg cells and CD4+CD69+ T cells (r = −0.415, P = 0.0226) in POI patients.

Conclusion

This is the first report of decreased numbers of effector Treg cells and increased CD4+CD69+ activated T cells in peripheral blood in POI, suggesting that POI is an autoimmune disease.
Naïve regulatory T cells in infancy: Associations with perinatal factors and development of food allergy
Authors: Collier Fiona , Ponsonby Anne‐Louise , O'Hely Martin , Tang Mimi L.K. , Saffery Richard , Molloy John , Gray Lawrence E. , Ranganathan Sarath , Burgner David , Allen Katrina J. , Brix Susanne , Vuillermin Peter J. ,   the BIS Investigator Group
Published: April 2019

Background

In previous studies, deficits in regulatory T‐cell (Treg) number and function at birth have been linked with subsequent allergic disease. However, longitudinal studies that account for relevant perinatal factors are required. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between perinatal factors, naïve Treg (nTreg) over the first postnatal year and development of food allergy.

Methods

In a birth cohort (n = 1074), the proportion of nTreg in the CD4+ T‐cell compartment was measured by flow cytometry at birth (n = 463), 6 (n = 600) and 12 (n = 675) months. IgE‐mediated food allergy was determined by food challenge at 1 year. Associations between perinatal factors (gestation, labour, sex, birth size), nTreg at each time point and food allergy at 1 year were examined by linear regression.

Results

A higher proportion of nTreg at birth, larger birth size and male sex was each associated with higher nTreg in infancy. Exposure to labour, as compared to delivery by prelabour Caesarean section, was associated with a transient decrease nTreg. Infants that developed food allergy had decreased nTreg at birth, and the labour‐associated decrease in nTreg at birth was more evident among infants with subsequent food allergy. Mode of birth was not associated with risk of food allergy, and there was no evidence that nTreg at either 6 or 12 months were related to food allergy.

Conclusion

The proportion of nTreg at birth is a major determinant of the proportion present throughout infancy, highlighting the importance of prenatal immune development. Exposure to the inflammatory stimulus of labour appears to reveal differences in immune function among infants at risk of food allergy.
Peer problems, bullying involvement, and affective decision‐making in adolescence
Authors: Flouri Eirini , Papachristou Efstathios
Published: April 2019

We investigated, using a cross‐lagged design, the longitudinal association of bullying involvement and peer problems with affective decision‐making in adolescence (ages 11 and 14 years) in 13,888 participants of the Millennium Cohort Study. Affective decision‐making (risk‐taking, quality of decision‐making, risk adjustment, deliberation time, and delay aversion) was measured with the Cambridge Gambling Task, bullying involvement (bully, bully–victim, victim, or ‘neutral’ status) with self‐report measures, and peer problems with the parent‐reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. In general, peer problems were associated with decision‐making in the unadjusted model but not after controlling for confounding. However, bullying involvement was related to decision‐making even after adjustment. Compared to ‘neutral’ males, bullies and bully–victims improved over time in risk adjustment, and bully–victims in deliberation time, too. In both sexes, bullies showed more risk‐taking compared to their ‘neutral’ counterparts. It seems that bullies are more sensitive to reward (or less sensitive to punishment) than those not involved in bullying. The finding that male bullies show improvement in decision‐making warrants further research.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

In adults, decision‐making deficits and social exclusion or rejection are linked

In youth, only two studies have explored this link with gambling tasks measuring real‐world difficulties in decision‐making.

Both studies were cross‐sectional and small‐scale.

What does this study add?

We explore this link in adolescence, using a large, general population longitudinal sample and the Cambridge Gambling Task.

Bullies were more sensitive to reward (or less sensitive to punishment) than those not involved in bullying.

Male bullies improved over time in risk adjustment, a finding that warrants further research.
Global effects of non‐native tree species on multiple ecosystem services
Authors: Castro‐Díez Pilar , Vaz Ana Sofia , Silva Joaquim S. , van Loo Marcela , Alonso Álvaro , Aponte Cristina , Bayón Álvaro , Bellingham Peter J. , Chiuffo Mariana C. , DiManno Nicole , Julian Kahua , Kandert Susanne , La Porta Nicola , Marchante Hélia , Maule Hamish G. , Mayfield Margaret M. , Metcalfe Daniel , Monteverdi M. Cristina , Núñez Martín A. , Ostertag Rebecca , Parker Ingrid M. , Peltzer Duane A. , Potgieter Luke J. , Raymundo Maia , Rayome Donald , Reisman‐Berman Orna , Richardson David M. , Roos Ruben E. , Saldaña Asunción , Shackleton Ross T. , Torres Agostina , Trudgen Melinda , Urban Josef , Vicente Joana R. , Vilà Montserrat , Ylioja Tiina , Zenni Rafael D. , Godoy Oscar
Published: April 2019

Non‐native tree (NNT) species have been transported worldwide to create or enhance services that are fundamental for human well‐being, such as timber provision, erosion control or ornamental value; yet NNTs can also produce undesired effects, such as fire proneness or pollen allergenicity. Despite the variety of effects that NNTs have on multiple ecosystem services, a global quantitative assessment of their costs and benefits is still lacking. Such information is critical for decision‐making, management and sustainable exploitation of NNTs. We present here a global assessment of NNT effects on the three main categories of ecosystem services, including regulating (RES), provisioning (PES) and cultural services (CES), and on an ecosystem disservice (EDS), i.e. pollen allergenicity. By searching the scientific literature, country forestry reports, and social media, we compiled a global data set of 1683 case studies from over 125 NNT species, covering 44 countries, all continents but Antarctica, and seven biomes. Using different meta‐analysis techniques, we found that, while NNTs increase most RES (e.g. climate regulation, soil erosion control, fertility and formation), they decrease PES (e.g. NNTs contribute less than native trees to global timber provision). Also, they have different effects on CES (e.g. increase aesthetic values but decrease scientific interest), and no effect on the EDS considered. NNT effects on each ecosystem (dis)service showed a strong context dependency, varying across NNT types, biomes and socio‐economic conditions. For instance, some RES are increased more by NNTs able to fix atmospheric nitrogen, and when the ecosystem is located in low‐latitude biomes; some CES are increased more by NNTs in less‐wealthy countries or in countries with higher gross domestic products. The effects of NNTs on several ecosystem (dis)services exhibited some synergies (e.g. among soil fertility, soil formation and climate regulation or between aesthetic values and pollen allergenicity), but also trade‐offs (e.g. between fire regulation and soil erosion control). Our analyses provide a quantitative understanding of the complex synergies, trade‐offs and context dependencies involved for the effects of NNTs that is essential for attaining a sustained provision of ecosystem services.
“This is an Indigenous city; why don't we see it?” Indigenous urbanism and spatial production in Winnipeg
Authors: Nejad Sarem , Walker Ryan , Macdougall Brenda , Belanger Yale , Newhouse David
Published: April 2019

This paper examines indigeneity and spatial production in the city of Winnipeg, home to the largest urban Indigenous population in Canada. Using data from semi‐structured interviews with Indigenous inhabitants, municipal officials, and Indigenous leaders, this paper argues that the right to the city and to difference are deradicalized for urban Indigenous communities. Indigenous engagement in processes of everyday urbanism occurs through broadly participatory public consultation and through mechanisms designed by City Hall to communicate with Indigenous communities about municipal initiatives. To arrive at a more robust and meaningful Indigenous urban visibility in Canadian cities, spatial production and programming mechanisms will need to be reconstituted. Guided by the perspectives of Indigenous participants, this paper considers some of what Indigenous urbanism might yet entail. Fulfilling coexistence and reconciliation is dependent on enabling Indigenous urbanism to guide the course taken in urban governance, spatial planning, and the built environment of Canadian cities.
Epigenetic silencing of SOCS5 potentiates JAK‐STAT signaling and progression of T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Sharma Nitesh D. , Nickl Christian K. , Kang Huining , Ornatowski Wojciech , Brown Roger , Ness Scott A. , Loh Mignon L. , Mullighan Charles G. , Winter Stuart S. , Hunger Stephen P. , Cannon Judy L. , Matlawska‐Wasowska Ksenia
Published: April 2019

Activating mutations in cytokine receptors and transcriptional regulators govern aberrant signal transduction in T‐cell lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL). However, the roles played by suppressors of cytokine signaling remain incompletely understood. We examined the regulatory roles of suppressor of cytokine signaling 5 (SOCS5) in T‐ALL cellular signaling networks and leukemia progression. We found that SOCS5 was differentially expressed in primary T‐ALL and its expression levels were lowered in HOXA‐deregulated leukemia harboring KMT2A gene rearrangements. Here, we report that SOCS5 expression is epigenetically regulated by DNA methyltransferase‐3A‐mediated DNA methylation and methyl CpG binding protein‐2‐mediated histone deacetylation. We show that SOCS5 negatively regulates T‐ALL cell growth and cell cycle progression but has no effect on apoptotic cell death. Mechanistically, SOCS5 silencing induces activation of JAK‐STAT signaling, and negatively regulates interleukin‐7 and interleukin‐4 receptors. Using a human T‐ALL murine xenograft model, we show that genetic inactivation of SOCS5 accelerates leukemia engraftment and progression, and leukemia burden. We postulate that SOCS5 is epigenetically deregulated in T‐ALL and serves as an important regulator of T‐ALL cell proliferation and leukemic progression. Our results link aberrant downregulation of SOCS5 expression to the enhanced activation of the JAK‐STAT and cytokine receptor‐signaling cascade in T‐ALL.
Higher human lymphocyte antigen class I expression in early‐stage cancer cells leads to high sensitivity for cytotoxic T lymphocytes
Authors: Akazawa Yu , Nobuoka Daisuke , Takahashi Mari , Yoshikawa Toshiaki , Shimomura Manami , Mizuno Shoichi , Fujiwara Toshiyoshi , Nakamoto Yasunari , Nakatsura Tetsuya
Published: April 2019

Human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules play a central role in cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL)‐based antitumor immunity. However, the expression rate of HLA class I in cancer cells remains a topic of discussion. We compared HLA class I expression levels between cancer cells and surrounding non–tumorous hepatocytes in 20 early‐stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients by immunohistochemistry using EMR 8‐5. The expression levels of HLA class I were classified as negative, incomplete positive or complete positive. Similarly, for various types of solid cancers, HLA class I expression was examined. For the HLA class I expression in cancer cells, among 20 HCC patients, 13 were complete positive, 3 were incomplete positive, and 4 were negative. In addition, 15 (75.0%) had higher expression levels of HLA class I in cancer cells compared with that in surrounding non–tumorous hepatocytes. An interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) enzyme‐linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay indicated that cancer cells with positive expression of HLA class I had strong sensitivity to antigen‐specific CTL. We suggested that HLA class I expression in cancer cells could be involved in the clinical prognosis of HCC patients. Similarly, 66.7%, 100.0%, 66.7% and 62.5% of patients with early‐stage pancreatic, gallbladder, esophageal and breast cancers, respectively, had higher expression levels of HLA class I in cancer cells than in surrounding normal tissue cells. We suggest that in several early‐stage solid cancers, including HCC, HLA class I expression levels in cancer cells are higher than that in surrounding normal tissue cells, which could result in the anti–tumor effect of CTL‐based cancer immunotherapy.
Independent relationships between bone mineral density, regional body fat and insulin sensitivity in white males
Authors: Loh Wann Jia , Stevenson John C. , Godsland Ian F.
Published: April 2019

Background

Adiposity and insulin sensitivity may affect bone mineral density (BMD), but the confounding effect of weight hinders discrimination of independent associations. We explored whether regional fat masses and insulin sensitivity are independently related to BMD.

Materials and methods

Relationships between total and regional body fat, insulin sensitivity and measures of BMD in 8 different regions were evaluated in a cross section of 590 generally healthy, white males, 274 of whom received measurement of insulin sensitivity (Si) using the intravenous glucose tolerance test. Measurements included total, android and gynoid fat and lean body mass and regional BMDs by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Linear regression analyses were combined in a mediation analysis to explore associations with each regional BMD.

Results

Weight correlated positively with total fat mass (R2 = 0.67, P < 0.001) and negatively with Si (R2 = 0.14, P < 0.001). Body composition measures were consistently positively related to BMD in all regions except lumbar and thoracic spine. Accounting for body weight rendered negative majority of associations between total and regional fat masses and BMDs. An independent association between android fat and spine BMD was particularly apparent. Si was positively associated with total and limb BMD (P < 0.01) specifically among exercisers. Accounting for Si diminished the associations of total fat (negative) and lean body mass (positive) with total and limb BMD.

Conclusion

Android fat is independently negatively associated with spine BMD. Among those taking exercise, increased insulin sensitivity is associated with higher limb BMD and may underlie positive associations between lean body mass and BMD.
Clinical implications of the oncometabolite succinate in SDHx‐mutation carriers
Authors: Eijkelenkamp Karin , Osinga Thamara E. , Links Thera P. , van der Horst‐Schrivers Anouk N.A.
Published: April 2019

Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) mutations lead to the accumulation of succinate, which acts as an oncometabolite. Germline SDHx mutations predispose to paraganglioma (PGL) and pheochromocytoma (PCC), as well as to renal cell carcinoma and gastro‐intestinal stromal tumors. The SDHx genes were the first tumor suppressor genes discovered which encode for a mitochondrial enzyme, thereby supporting Otto Warburg's hypothesis in 1926 that a direct link existed between mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer. Accumulation of succinate is the hallmark of tumorigenesis in PGL and PCC. Succinate accumulation inhibits several α‐ketoglutarate dioxygenases, thereby inducing the pseudohypoxia pathway and causing epigenetic changes. Moreover, SDH loss as a consequence of SDHx mutations can lead to reprogramming of cell metabolism. Metabolomics can be used as a diagnostic tool, as succinate and other metabolites can be measured in tumor tissue, plasma and urine with different techniques. Furthermore, these pathophysiological characteristics provide insight into therapeutic targets for metastatic disease. This review provides an overview of the pathophysiology and clinical implications of oncometabolite succinate in SDHx mutations.
Mesh Parametrization Driven by Unit Normal Flow
Authors: Zhao Hui , Su Kehua , Li Chenchen , Zhang Boyu , Yang Lei , Lei Na , Wang Xiaoling , Gortler Steven J. , Gu Xianfeng
Published: April 2019

Based on mesh deformation, we present a unified mesh parametrization algorithm for both planar and spherical domains. Our approach can produce intermediate frames from the original meshes to the targets. We derive and define a novel geometric flow: ‘unit normal flow (UNF)’ and prove that if UNF converges, it will deform a surface to a constant mean curvature (CMC) surface, such as planes and spheres. Our method works by deforming meshes of disk topology to planes, and spherical meshes to spheres. Our algorithm is robust, efficient, simple to implement. To demonstrate the robustness and effectiveness of our method, we apply it to hundreds of models of varying complexities. Our experiments show that our algorithm can be a competing alternative approach to other state‐of‐the‐art mesh parametrization methods. The unit normal flow also suggests a potential direction for creating CMC surfaces.
Prophylactic treatment of hyperbaric oxygen treatment mitigates inflammatory response via mitochondria transfer
Authors: Lippert Trenton , Borlongan Cesario V.
Published: April 2019

Aims

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been widely used as postinjury treatment; however, we investigate its ability to mitigate potential damage as a preconditioning option. Here, we tested the hypothesis that HBOT preconditioning mitigates cell death in primary rat neuronal cells (PRNCs) through the transfer of mitochondria from astrocytes.

Methods

Primary rat neuronal cells were subjected to a 90‐minute HBOT treatment at 2.5 absolute atmospheres prior to either tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injury to simulate the inflammation‐plagued secondary cell death associated with stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI). After incubation with TNF‐alpha or LPS, the cell viability of each group was examined.

Results

There was a significant increase of cell viability accompanied by mitochondrial transfer in the injury groups that received HBOT preconditioning compared to the injury alone groups (44 ± 5.2 vs 68 ± 4.48, n = 20,P < 0.05). The transfer of mitochondria directly after HBOT treatment was visualized by capturing images in 5‐minute intervals, which revealed that the robust transfer of mitochondria begins soon after HBOT and persisted throughout the treatment.

Conclusion

This study shows that HBOT preconditioning stands as a robust prophylactic treatment for sequestration of inflammation inherent in stroke and TBI, possibly facilitating the transfer of resilient mitochondria from astrocytes to inflammation‐susceptible neuronal cells in mitigating cell death.
Urolithin A‐activated autophagy but not mitophagy protects against ischemic neuronal injury by inhibiting ER stress in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Ahsan Anil , Zheng Yan‐Rong , Wu Xiao‐Li , Tang Wei‐Dong , Liu Meng‐Ru , Ma Shi‐Jia , Jiang Lei , Hu Wei‐Wei , Zhang Xiang‐Nan , Chen Zhong
Published: April 2019

Aim

Mitochondrial autophagy (mitophagy) clears damaged mitochondria and attenuates ischemic neuronal injury. Urolithin A (Uro‐A) activates mitophagy in mammal cells and Caenorhabditis elegans. We explored neuroprotection of Uro‐A against ischemic neuronal injury.

Methods

Mice were subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion. The brain infarct and neurological deficit scores were measured. The N2a cells and primary cultured mice cortical neurons were subjected to oxygen‐glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD/R). Uro‐A was incubated during OGD/R, and cell injury was determined by MTT and LDH. Autophagosomes were visualized by transfecting mCherry‐microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3). The protein levels of LC3‐II, p62, Translocase Of Inner Mitochondrial Membrane 23 (TIMM23), and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 4 isoform 1 (COX4I1) were detected by Western blot. The ER stress markers, activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), were determined by reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results

Urolithin A alleviated OGD/R‐induced injury in N2a cells and neurons and reduced ischemic brain injury in mice. Uro‐A reinforced ischemia‐induced autophagy. Furthermore, Uro‐A‐conferred protection was abolished by 3‐methyladenine, suggesting the requirement of autophagy for neuroprotection. However, mitophagy was not further activated by Uro‐A. Instead, Uro‐A attenuated OGD/R‐induced ER stress, which was abolished by 3‐methyladenosine. Additionally, neuroprotection was reversed by ER stress inducer.

Conclusion

Urolithin A protected against ischemic neuronal injury by reinforcing autophagy rather than mitophagy. Autophagy activation by Uro‐A attenuated ischemic neuronal death by suppressing ER stress.
The fatal flaws of compassionate conservation
Authors: Oommen Meera Anna , Cooney Rosie , Ramesh Madhuri , Archer Michael , Brockington Daniel , Buscher Bram , Fletcher Robert , Natusch Daniel J.D. , Vanak Abi T. , Webb Grahame , Shanker Kartik
Published: April 2019

Article impact statement: Wallach et al.’s framing of compassionate conservation is flawed and impractical and could be dangerous for people, wildlife, and ecosystems.
The rise of an apex predator following deglaciation
Authors: Williams Perry J. , Hooten Mevin B. , Esslinger George G. , Womble Jamie N. , Bodkin James L. , Bower Michael R.
Published: April 2019

Aim

Sea otters (Enhydra lutris) are an apex predator of the nearshore marine community and nearly went extinct at the turn of the 20th century. Reintroductions and legal protection allowed sea otters to re‐colonize much of their former range. Our objective was to chronicle the colonization of this apex predator in Glacier Bay, Alaska, to help understand the mechanisms that governed their successful colonization.

Location

Glacier Bay is a tidewater glacier fjord in southeastern Alaska that was entirely covered by glaciers in the mid‐18th century. Since then, it has endured the fastest tidewater glacier retreat in recorded history.

Methods

We collected and analysed several data sets, spanning 20 years, to document the spatio‐temporal dynamics of an apex predator expanding into an area where they were formerly absent. We used novel quantitative tools to model the occupancy, abundance and colonization dynamics of sea otters, while accounting for uncertainty in the data collection process, the ecological process and model parameters.

Results

Twenty years after sea otters were first observed colonizing Glacier Bay, they became one of the most abundant and widely distributed marine mammal. The population grew exponentially at a rate of 20% per year. They colonized Glacier Bay at a maximum rate of 6 km per year, with faster colonization rates occurring early in the colonization process. During colonization, sea otters selected shallow areas, close to shore, with a steep bottom slope, and a relatively simple shoreline complexity index.

Main conclusions

The growth and expansion of sea otters in Glacier Bay demonstrate how legal protection and translocation of apex predators can facilitate their successful establishment into a community in which they were formerly absent. The success of sea otters was, in part, a consequence of habitat that was left largely unperturbed by humans for the past 250 years. Further, sea otters and other marine predators, whose distribution is limited by ice, have the potential to expand in distribution and abundance, reshaping future marine communities in the wake of deglaciation and global loss of sea ice.
Assembly processes of waterbird communities across subsidence wetlands in China: A functional and phylogenetic approach
Authors: Li Chunlin , Zhang Yong , Zha Daode , Yang Sen , Huang Zheng Y. X. , de Boer Willem F.
Published: April 2019

Aim

Although assembly processes have been studied in a wide range of taxa, determining assembly rules remains controversial, particularly in assemblages consisted of species with strong dispersal capacities. Moreover, few studies focused on communities in recently human‐created habitats. We tested two prevailing but opposing hypotheses, environmental filtering and limiting similarity, in waterbird communities across subsidence wetlands created by underground coal mining in China, with an aim to better understand assembly processes in communities composed of highly mobile species in human‐dominated landscape.

Location

The North China Plain.

Methods

We quantified taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity of the waterbird assemblages in different seasons and compared the mean pairwise distances (MPD) and the mean nearest taxon distances (MNTD) with null models to examine whether co‐occurring species were clustered or overdispersed on the functional dendrogram or phylogenetic tree. Independent contributions of multi‐scale habitat variables therein were determined using a hierarchical partitioning method.

Results

We showed asynchronous patterns of seasonal dynamics among the multiple diversity metrics, with highest species diversity during autumn migration. Generally, the co‐occurring species were functionally and phylogenetically clustered. Habitat variables had stronger effects on the functional structure than on the phylogenetic structure of the communities. The degree of functional clustering increased in older and larger wetlands, while the assemblages shifted from functional clustering to overdispersion with increasing habitat diversity, landscape connectivity and human disturbance.

Main conclusions

The waterbird assemblages were mainly structured by environmental filtering, and the assembly processes were significantly affected by habitat variables, with stronger effects on functional diversity. Our study highlights the importance of environmental filtering and habitat variables in structuring assemblages dominated by species with high dispersal capacities and suggests that increasing habitat diversity and reducing disturbances will contribute to waterbird conservation in this human‐dominated landscape.
Fatigue, depression, and quality of life in children with multiple sclerosis: a comparative study with other demyelinating diseases
Authors: Florea Anca , Maurey Helene , Le Sauter Melanie , Bellesme Celine , Sevin Caroline , Deiva Kumaran
Published: April 2019

Aim

To evaluate fatigue, depression, and quality of life (QoL) of children with multiple sclerosis and compare to other acute demyelinating syndromes (ADS).

Method

Children followed in the National Referral Centre of rare inflammatory brain and spinal diseases were included in this study. The Expanded Disability Status Scale, the fatigue severity scale, the Multiscore Depression Inventory for Children, and the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory were used for evaluation.

Results

Thirty‐seven children (23 females, 14 males) were included in this study. Multiple sclerosis was diagnosed in 26 children and ADS in 11 children. Although not significant, severe fatigue was less frequently reported by patients with multiple sclerosis than children with ADS (44% vs 63%, p=0.2). Depression was reported more often in the multiple sclerosis group compared to the ADS group (24% vs 18%, p=0.6). Concerning the QoL in patients with multiple sclerosis, both parents and children reported poor emotional and school functioning. Physical and social functioning were rated as being good in both groups, and was significantly higher in the children's group (p=0.007).

Interpretation

This study highlights the importance of fatigue and depression in children with ADS and particularly in paediatric onset multiple sclerosis. Moreover, difficulties in school and emotional functioning were the main concerns for parents and children in the multiple sclerosis group which need to be taken in account during their care and treatment proposal.

What this paper adds

Invisible signs such as fatigue and depression affect all forms of acute demyelinating syndromes (ADS) in children.

Depression seems to be higher in children with multiple sclerosis than with other forms of ADS.

Fatigue seems to be lower in children with multiple sclerosis than with other forms of ADS.

Children with multiple sclerosis and their parents are most concerned with emotional and academic functioning.
Accuracy of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Moon Sun Jae , Hwang Jin Seub , Shin Ah Lahm , Kim Jae Yup , Bae Seung Min , Sheehy‐Knight Jennifer , Kim Jung W
Published: April 2019

Aim

To assess the accuracy of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) through systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Method

Studies that provided quantitative values for the reliability and validity for all versions of CARS were searched through MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Embase, and OpenDissertations.

Results

A total of 24 studies with 4433 participants were included in our analysis. Meta‐analysis showed that the summary Cronbach's alpha regarding a team of physicians and psychologists or others subgroup, derived from six studies (952 participants), was considered to be acceptable at 0.90 (95% confidence interval, 0.87–0.92) with moderate heterogeneity. Analysis of two ‘low risk of bias’ studies on the criterion validity for CARS with a cut‐off of 30 and DSM‐IV resulted in sensitivity of 0.86 and 0.71 and specificity of 0.79 and 0.75.

Interpretation

Through the results of the current systematic review and meta‐analysis, the internal consistency can be considered to be acceptable for a team of physicians and psychologists or others subgroup. In terms of the criterion validity, the sensitivity was thought to be acceptable although the specificity was not, suggesting that CARS should be used along with other confirmatory tools.

What this paper adds

The Childhood Autism Rating Scale can be considered as a supplementary diagnostic tool for autism spectrum disorder.
Effects of life‐history traits on stream fish abundances across spatial scales
Authors: Midway Stephen R. , Peoples Brandon K.
Published: April 2019

Identifying cross‐scale patterns of ecological processes is imperative, especially in hierarchically structured riverine ecosystems. The role of abiotic factors in determining cross‐scale spatial structure of stream fish populations and communities is well studied, but less is known about how species traits drive cross‐scale patterns. We investigated the role of species traits for explaining autocorrelation of stream fish abundance at spatial scales ranging from local stream reaches to major basins. We calculated intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) representing abundance autocorrelation within species (N = 47) at each of five spatial scales. A hierarchical Bayesian regression then modelled ICCs against spatial scale with the resulting regression coefficients modelled as functions of species traits. Finally, we ordinated the scale‐by‐species ICC matrix to calculate an overall metric describing species whose abundances were autocorrelated along a gradient of large to small scales, and modelled this metric as a function of species traits. Abundances of most species were autocorrelated at smaller spatial scales. Maximum fecundity had a significant positive relationship with abundance patterns across spatial scales. Species habitat affinities and body forms were significantly associated with overall abundance patterns across spatial scales: populations of upland/lotic‐affiliated species adapted to streams with high flow correlated at small (≤10 km2) spatial scales. Lowland/lacustrine species with laterally compressed bodies showed little correlation across scales. The appropriate spatial scale for modelling abundance is determined not only by exogenous (e.g. environmental) factors, but also endogenous factors, like traits. Careful consideration of traits and life history will aid researchers in designing more effective and efficient surveys and analyses.
“I am NN”: A Reconstruction of Anscombe's “The First Person”
Authors: Haddock Adrian
Published: April 2019

This paper develops a way of understanding G. E. M. Anscombe's essay “The First Person” at the heart of which are the following two ideas: first, that the point of her essay is to show that it is not possible for anyone to understand what they express with “I” as an Art des Gegebenseins—a way of thinking of an object that constitutes identifying knowledge of which object is being thought of; and second, that the argument through which her essay seeks to show this is itself first personal in character. Understanding Anscombe's essay in this light has the merit of showing much of what it says to be correct. But it sets us the task of saying what it is that we understand ourselves to express with “I” if not an Art des Gegebenseins, and in particular what it is that we understand ourselves to express with sentences with “I” as subject that might seem to express identity judgments, such as “I am NN”, and “I am this body”.
Making social media an instrument of democracy
Authors: Wischmeyer Thomas
Published: April 2019

In recent years, the responsibility of social media platforms towards their users and society at large has become a major political issue. However, the regulatory responses to the crisis of social media are still mostly considered unsatisfactory, as demonstrated by the widespread criticism of the German Network Enforcement Act of 2017. This article compares the current constitutional discourse on social media regulation with the debates that accompanied the last major transformation of the media landscape: the rise of broadcasting. While we certainly do not find a roadmap for social media regulation in the past, the key concept of the broadcasting discourse—the idea of media as a sphere of ‘institutional freedom’—can be applied to the challenges of today and can be used to strengthen the democratic function of social media.
Chilling effects and transatlantic privacy
Authors: Penney Jonathon
Published: April 2019

Can the European and American privacy divide be bridged? Bilyana Petkova, in this issue, offers compelling reasons to be sceptical. One recent solution, advanced by Pierluigi Perri and David Thaw, is that common concerns about chilling effects can bridge that divide. However, their discussion of chilling effects was narrow and their analysis limited to procedural transatlantic convergence. This essay explores this idea with a more systematic and sustained discussion of chilling effects theory and research, while arguing that chilling effects does, in fact, provide possibilities for substantive transatlantic privacy. I argue that “chilling effects” is often treated as an ahistorical singular idea but there are, in fact, three separate paradigms of chilling effects theory, research and understanding: (1) speech; (2) privacy and autonomy; and (3) collectivist. I set out each and argue that the conceptualisation of chilling effects exemplified by the second paradigm—focused on privacy‐related chilling effects—offers a shared normative and theoretical foundation to bridge the transatlantic privacy divide. I also explore how new chilling effects theory and research can impact substantive and procedural transatlantic privacy efforts, including re‐thinking consent; empowering stronger judicial enforcement of privacy claims; and balancing competing claims in substantive proposals like the Right to be Forgotten (RTBF).
Automatic assignment of reviewers in an online peer assessment task based on social interactions
Authors: Anaya Antonio R. , Luque Manuel , Letón Emilio , Hernández‐del‐Olmo Félix
Published: April 2019

Online peer assessment tasks are very popular and have unique characteristics that improve learning and encourage social interactions in a distance education environment. Unfortunately, social factors have usually been ignored in the process of selecting reviewers for online peer assessment tasks. We hypothesise that this fact could have some influence on the lack of engagement and participation by some learners. For this reason, we propose an approach in which social network analysis techniques, expert criteria, and Bayesian reasoning are applied to select reviewers with the objective of increasing participation in peer review tasks. The approach is divided into two elements. On the one hand, we have developed an influence diagram template that structures a set of proposed social network analysis variables in accordance with expert criteria. This influence diagram template can be easily updated for any course simply by eliciting a minimal set of parameters. On the other hand, we have instantiated the proposed influence diagram template to produce an influence diagram network to quantify the quality of reviewer assignment for an online peer assessment task. In an online experiment, we verified that the consideration of social factors can increase participation in a peer assessment task.
Thirty years of change and the future of Alaskan fisheries: Shifts in fishing participation and diversification in response to environmental, regulatory and economic pressures
Authors: Beaudreau Anne H. , Ward Eric J. , Brenner Richard E. , Shelton Andrew O. , Watson Jordan T. , Womack Jennifer C. , Anderson Sean C. , Haynie Alan C. , Marshall Kristin N. , Williams Benjamin C.
Published: April 2019

Heterogeneity in human responses and decision‐making can contribute to the resilience of social–ecological systems in the face of environmental, political and economic pressures. In fishery systems worldwide, the ability of harvesters to maintain a diverse portfolio of fishing strategies is important for building adaptive capacity. We used a case‐study approach to examine the complexity of factors that inhibit or promote diversification in fisheries of Alaska, one of the major fishing regions of the world. Through a combination of harvest records and literature review, we explored shifts in participation and portfolio diversity in Alaskan fisheries over three decades. The four case‐studies examined the responses of fishers, fleets and communities to multiple, intersecting pressures, including biological declines, market and price dynamics, fishery privatization and the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. These cases illustrate how stressors acting at multiple scales can encourage or constrain opportunities for diversification, and that these opportunities may be spread inequitably across participants. Overall, we found evidence for reduced participation and increasing specialization in Alaskan commercial fisheries. While numerous factors explain these trends, policies like individual quota systems and the increasing cost of entry into fisheries are forcing consolidation at local to regional scales. A portfolio approach to managing fisheries that reduces barriers to diversification and includes broad representation of resource users and communities in management may help to maintain opportunity and choice for fishers.