bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forced oscillation measurements of seismic wave attenuation and stiffness moduli dispersion in glycerine‐saturated Berea sandstone
Authors: Chapman Samuel , Borgomano Jan V. M. , Yin Hanjun , Fortin Jerome , Quintal Beatriz
Published: October 2018

Fluid pressure diffusion occurring on the microscopic scale is believed to be a significant source of intrinsic attenuation of mechanical waves propagating through fully saturated porous rocks. The so‐called squirt flow arises from compressibility heterogeneities in the microstructure of the rocks. To study squirt flow experimentally at seismic frequencies the forced oscillation method is the most adequate, but such studies are still scarce. Here we present the results of forced hydrostatic and axial oscillation experiments on dry and glycerine‐saturated Berea sandstone, from which we determine the dynamic stiffness moduli and attenuation at micro‐seismic and seismic frequencies (0.004–30 Hz). We observe frequency‐dependent attenuation and the associated moduli dispersion in response to the drained–undrained transition (∼0.1 Hz) and squirt flow (>3 Hz), which are in fairly good agreement with the results of the corresponding analytical solutions. The comparison with very similar experiments performed also on Berea sandstone in addition shows that squirt flow can potentially be a source of wave attenuation across a wide range of frequencies because of its sensitivity to small variations in the rock microstructure, especially in the aspect ratio of micro‐cracks or grain contacts.
The Spatial‐Political Outcome of Urban Development Conflicts: Emancipatory Dynamics of Protests against Gentrification in Peñalolén, Santiago de Chile
Authors: Hölzl Corinna
Published: October 2018

This study addresses the spatial‐political impact and lasting emancipatory potential of urban development conflicts. It is based on a case from Santiago de Chile, where activists from different social backgrounds struggle against processes of gentrification and structural densification within the context of current urban planning measures. The (temporary) peak of the conflict constituted a referendum, by means of which the social movements were able to refuse a new land‐use plan. Theoretically, the article builds on the combination of radical democratic and spatial perspectives. A frame analysis serves to capture the spatial‐political approach for the empirical analysis. Findings reveal a range of emancipatory practices, such as counter‐hegemonic and self‐organized housing and planning policies. Furthermore, my research shows that maintaining agonistic spaces enables experimental social orderings that symbolize sustained contestations of neoliberal spatial policy.
Can Neck Contusions in Unexplained Pediatric Deaths be Explained by Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation?
Authors: Wells Kimberly , Castellani Rudy J. , deJong Joyce L.
Published: October 2018

The distribution of cutaneous contusions in infants may raise the possibility of maltreatment. Neck contusions are particularly problematic since they seldom occur outside the setting of abuse, while cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)‐related maneuvers may involve the neck. To address the role of CPR in neck findings, we examined 260 consecutive pediatric autopsies in which CPR was attempted. No neck contusions were identified in manners of death classified as natural, undetermined, or suicide. Contusions were present in two of 80 deaths classified as accident and had obvious accidental causes. About 26% of deaths classified as homicide had neck contusions with no explanation provided by the caregiver (p < 0.0001). In conclusion, neck contusions in deceased children with no apparent explanation should be regarded as suspicious for abuse and investigated accordingly. CPR is not a plausible explanation for neck contusions in children.
Construction of an efficient genomic editing system with CRISPR/Cas9 in the vector mosquito Aedes albopictus
Authors: Liu Tong , Yang Wen‐Qiang , Xie Yu‐Gu , Liu Pei‐Wen , Xie Li‐Hua , Lin Feng , Li Chen‐Ying , Gu Jin‐Bao , Wu Kun , Yan Gui‐Yun , Chen Xiao‐Guang
Published: October 2018

Aedes (Stegomyia) albopictus, also known as the Asian tiger mosquito, is a mosquito which originated in Asia. In recent years, it has become increasingly rampant throughout the world. This mosquito can transmit several arboviruses, including dengue, Zika and chikungunya viruses, and is considered a public health threat. Despite the urgent need of genome engineering to analyze specific gene functions, progress in genetical manipulation of Ae. albopictus has been slow due to a lack of efficient methods and genetic markers. In the present study, we established targeted disruptions in two genes, kynurenine hydroxylase (kh) and dopachrome conversion enzyme (yellow), to analyze the feasibility of generating visible phenotypes with genome editing by the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / CRISPR‐associated protein 9 (Cas9) system in Ae. albopictus. Following Cas9 single guide RNA ribonucleoprotein injection into the posterior end of pre‐blastoderm embryos, 30%–50% of fertile survivors produced alleles that failed to complement existing kh and yellow mutations. Complete eye and body pigmentation defects were readily observed in G1 pupae and adults, indicating successful generation of highly heritable mutations. We conclude that the CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated gene editing system can be used in Ae. albopictus and that it can be adopted as an efficient tool for genome‐scale analysis and biological study.
Exploration of Māori household experiences of food insecurity
Authors: Beavis Brittani S. , McKerchar Christina , Maaka Juanita , Mainvil Louise A.
Published: October 2018

Aim

Researchers explored how food insecurity was experienced in Māori households and how this can affect hauora (well‐being).

Methods

This Māori‐centred research was conducted in New Zealand by Māori dietetic students with Māori supervision. Kaupapa Māori methodology guided the inductive thematic analysis of observational and discussion data (40+ hours per household) from four Māori households (18 individuals) that participated in a 3‐month ethnographic‐style investigation in 2011.

Results

Four themes were identified. ‘Overcoming socioeconomic hardship’ was most clearly observed within the low‐income whānau (family), however, all whānau had experienced food insecurity. This experience had short‐ and long‐term impacts on well‐being. Other themes identified strategies whānau developed to reduce the severity of food insecurity: sharing food, gardening food, and teaching food and nutrition skills. Selected text for themes revealed expressed Māori values and/or hauora influences. The values of manaakitanga (sharing food/hospitality), whānaungatanga (family relationships) and kaitiakitanga (caring for the environment) were observed and analysed deductively.

Conclusions

All households had experienced income‐related food insecurity, and its short‐ and long‐term impacts on well‐being were observed. Whānau had developed many strategies to reduce the severity of food insecurity, relying on support from extended whānau and the wider community, but households remained food insecure. Health and other professionals should advocate for social justice and policy solutions that change systems perpetuating social and health inequity. All households need sufficient income to afford basic needs including food. When basic needs are met, households and individuals can thrive and make meaningful contributions to society.
Therapeutic targeting of cellular stress responses in cancer
Authors: Chen Miao , Xie Songbo
Published: October 2018

Similar to bacteria, yeast, and other organisms that have evolved pathways to respond to environmental stresses, cancer cells develop mechanisms that increase genetic diversity to facilitate adaptation to a variety of stressful conditions, including hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, exposure to DNA‐damaging agents, and immune responses. To survive, cancer cells trigger mechanisms that drive genomic instability and mutation, alter gene expression programs, and reprogram the metabolic pathways to evade growth inhibition signaling and immune surveillance. A deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie the pathways used by cancer cells to overcome stresses will allow us to develop more efficacious strategies for cancer therapy. Herein, we overview several key stresses imposed on cancer cells, including oxidative, metabolic, mechanical, and genotoxic, and discuss the mechanisms that drive cancer cell responses. The therapeutic implications of these responses are also considered, as these factors pave the way for the targeting of stress adaption pathways in order to slow cancer progression and block resistance to therapy.
Auditing Estimates in Financial Statements: A Case Study of a Fish Farm's Biological Asset
Authors: Lento Camillo , Bujaki Merridee , Yeung Wing Him
Published: October 2018

Recent decades have witnessed an increase in the overall uncertainty inherent in financial statements. It is now common for the financial statements of a public company to include estimates with measurement uncertainties that exceed materiality. As a result, auditing students are now required to have a more profound understanding of (i) the impact of accounting estimates on risk assessment and (ii) the development of audit procedures to deal with accounting estimates. This case allows students to explore CAS 540 – Accounting Estimates by assuming the role of Atlantic Canada Aquaculture's (ACA's) auditor. ACA operates in Eastern Canada and is prohibited by Canadian regulations to catch and release the fish in their farm to determine their biological asset value. As a result, ACA developed a statistical model to determine the number and weight of the fish in their farm. The model is based on various estimates, such as water temperature, survival rates, and food quality. Students are required to explore the impacts of the model's estimates on the inherent risks in the financial statements and assess the reasonability of the model from an external auditor's perspective. The case also allows students to explore CAS 620 – Using the work of an Auditor's Expert and CAS 701 – Communicating Key Audit Matters in the Independent Auditor's Report in the context of the audit of biological assets.
Barriers to Transferring Auditing Research to Standard Setters
Authors: Hoang Kris , Salterio Steven E. , Sylph Jim
Published: October 2018

Auditing researchers have published over 24,000 academic articles (Google Scholar September 2016) since 1970. Auditing standard setters and regulators frequently describe an inability to engage with and utilize this research to make evidence‐informed standard setting and regulatory decisions. For society to benefit from the large investment in audit research, the knowledge needs to systematically and effectively transferred to auditing policymakers. We draw on the knowledge transfer literature to identify barriers to transferring academic knowledge and discuss how these concepts apply to audit standard setting. We then examine a paradigmatic example of academic knowledge transfer to policymaking: evidence‐based medicine. Based on this analysis, we propose a tentative strategy to address the barriers to transferring audit research knowledge to policymaking and sketch out potential avenues for research. We conclude with an illustrative example of how to implement a knowledge transfer strategy that is effective in systematically transferring knowledge in other policymaking settings to the context of a specific audit standard‐setting project: group audits.
Commentary: The opioid overdose epidemic: Evidence‐based interventions
Authors: Barglow Peter
Published: October 2018

Background and Objectives

Outcome intervention data from Medicare, veteran, prison, and United States’ public populations can identify best practices to decrease opioid misuse. Prescription policies for treating pain in the United States and other countries are relevant to preventing overdose.

Methods

Three strategies are considered: (1) Demand Reduction counsels and educates patients and current or potential opioid users about risks and treatment options to reduce motivation to consume opioids. (2) Supply Reduction limits access and dosage of opioids and co‐drugs such as benzodiazepines. It encourages use of safest prescribing practices for treating pain. (3) Harm Reduction reduces opioid deaths through medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) combining opioid substitution therapy (OST), provision of opioid antagonists like Naltrexone, and behavioral health services.

Results

Demand Reduction is often inadequate to treat severe pain or in the presence of major psychopathology like opioid abuse disorder (OUD). Among veterans, lower opioid doses for pain treatment were associated with diminished death rates. Supply Reduction interventions have disadvantages. Banning drugs has poor long‐term success with prison inmates, because abstinence is difficult to enforce after discharge. Limiting opioid supplies does not increase survival rates for Medicare patients.

Discussion and Conclusions

Sharp opioid dose restriction in outpatient treatment increases heroin and fentanyl use, explaining why recent years’ decrease in United States opioid prescriptions has not reduced national mortality rates. Although Harm Reduction is the safest, most effective single approach, combining three interventions while improving pain and addiction prescribing practices is optimal.

Scientific Significance

Scientific research needs to inform choice of opioid overuse interventions. (Am J Addict 2018;XX:1–3)
Gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist induces downregulation of tensin 1 in women with endometriosis
Authors: Rahmawati Endah , Yang Wei‐Chung V. , Lei Yen‐Ping , Maurya Pawan K. , Chen Huei‐Wen , Tzeng Chii‐Ruey
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Many cell migration‐related molecules are associated with endometriosis. Tensin 1 (TNS1), which has been implicated in cell migration, may play a role in endometriosis. The study goal was to evaluate the TNS1 expression in endometrial tissue and serum from women with endometriosis treated with gonadotropin‐releasing hormone agonist (GnRHa).

Material and methods

Tissue and serum samples were collected from women with endometriosis who were treated (n = 29) with GnRHa or untreated (n = 30). TNS1 mRNA was examined using quantitative PCR. TNS1 protein levels in tissue and serum samples were investigated using Western blot, immunohistochemistry and ELISA. Eleven women with endometriosis participated in a follow‐up investigation of serum TNS1 before and after GnRHa treatment.

Results

TNS1 mRNA (P = 0.006) and protein (P = 0.001) were significantly downregulated in endometriotic tissue from women with endometriosis who received GnRHa. Immunolocalization of TNS1 showed strong expression in the epithelial and stromal cells of endometriotic tissue from women untreated with GnRHa, whereas endometriotic tissue from GnRHa‐treated women showed low TNS1 expression. Follow‐up monitoring of serum TNS1 concentration in 11 women showed an average decrease in concentration of 53%, from 294.9 ± 66.69 to 140.3 ± 55.21 pg/mL, following GnRHa treatment (P = 0.003).

Conclusions

GnRHa induces downregulation of TNS1 in tissue and serum in women with endometriosis. These results emphasize the importance TNS1 as a potential therapeutic molecular target for the treatment of endometriosis with GnRHa.
The Effect of LVAD Pressure Sensitivity on the Assisted Circulation Under Consideration of a Mitral Insufficiency: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Graefe Roland , Beyel Christof , Henseler Andreas , Körfer Reiner , Steinseifer Ulrich , Tenderich Gero
Published: October 2018

Current left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) differ with respect to their pump characteristics as described by the pump characteristic curve (also called HQ‐curve). Pressure sensitive LVADs depict a flat characteristic curve while most available LVADs have a steep, less pressure sensitive characteristic curve. This in vitro study investigated the effect of LVAD pressure sensitivity with a focus on the afterload of the right ventricle (RV) which is one out of many factors influencing right heart failure (RHF). To this end, two laboratory pumps differing in pressure sensitivity were tested as LVAD in an established, active mock circulation loop (MCL). The MCL represented patients with left heart failure and mitral insufficiency as another contributing factor to RV afterload. The results show that the pressure‐volume loop (PV‐loop) of the left ventricle (LV) undergoes a leftward and thus somewhat of a downward‐shift for highly pressure sensitive support. Consequently, the LV is unloaded to a higher degree at comparable arterial blood pressure and identical cardiac output, pulmonary and systemic vascular resistance and ventricular contractility. This causes a concomitant decrease of RV afterload. This effect seems to be due to increased unloading during systole. In case of a severe concomitant mitral insufficiency and looking at left atrial pressure, the difference is 18.5%. Without mitral insufficiency, the difference is reduced to 10.2%.
Contextualising Risk and Building Resilience: Returnees Versus Local Entrepreneurs in China
Authors: Liu Yipeng
Published: October 2018

Risk is a pivotal concept in entrepreneurship research, as entrepreneurs constantly face uncertainty, ambiguity, setbacks, and stressful situations. Attitudes toward risk vary contingent upon individual risk preferences and cultural influences. Building resilience is critical for entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles, deal with risk, and grow their ventures. By juxtaposing effectuation theory and resilience literature, we compare the perceptions of risk held by Chinese returnees and local entrepreneurs and their coping strategies in building resilience. Our research reveals two types of coping approaches, namely effectual coping and causal coping. This study contributes to the comparative international entrepreneurship literature by contextualising the notion of risk held by entrepreneurs influenced by Eastern and Western cultures. Our study further contributes to the nascent literature on resilience in organisations by specifying the entrepreneurial occupational context and exploring the influence of cultures on resilience, and by identifying distinctive resilience‐building coping strategies based upon cultural influences and interpretations of risk. Furthermore, we suggest that resilience can constitute one micro‐foundation of effectuation theory in the context of entrepreneurship dealing with risk.
Mandatory medication content in the curricula of six health care personnel types with patient contact in Denmark
Authors: Druedahl Louise C. , Mølby Hansen Johanne , Freese Ellen Linnea , Almarsdóttir Anna Birna , Traulsen Janine M.
Published: October 2018

Medication use is a complex process involving different types of health care personnel. This study investigated and compared mandatory medication content in the curricula of six types of health care personnel with patient contact. Using content analysis, three independent raters analysed the mandatory medication content for physicians, pharmacists, pharmaconomists, nurses, health care assistants and support workers in the Capital Region of Denmark. Three dimensions were analysed as follows: communication with patients about medication, medication use or pharmacology and medication formulation and production. ECTS credits were totalled for courses analysed to have high or medium content, and inter‐rater reliability was tested with Fleiss’ kappa. The total mandatory medication content for pharmacists was 197.0 ECTS, physicians 136.0 ECTS, pharmaconomists 123.3 ECTS, nurses 52.0 ECTS, health care assistants 17.8 ECTS and support workers 0.0 ECTS. Communication with patients about medication was included to the greatest extent in the educations of pharmaconomists (112.0 ECTS), pharmacists (37.5 ECTS) and physicians (25.0 ECTS). Knowledge about medication use and pharmacology was taught primarily to pharmacists (146.5 ECTS), physicians (123.6 ECTS) and pharmaconomists (89.8 ECTS) and to a lesser extent nurses (52.0 ECTS), health care assistants (17.8 ECTS) and support workers (0.0 ECTS). Medication formulation and production were taught only to pharmacists (93.0 ECTS) and pharmaconomists (25.1 ECTS). Mapping the basic competencies about medication taught to each of the six health care personnel types can lead to a better understanding of how they can complement each other in patient care. The study points to weaknesses in medication curriculum content for health care personnel with the most patient contact.
Service Delivery Networks and Employment Relations at German Airports: Jeopardizing Industrial Peace on the Ground?
Authors: Helfen Markus , Sydow Jörg , Wirth Carsten
Published: October 2018

In this article, we ask how organizational restructuring towards a network form of service delivery challenges an established form of employment relations in Germany, that is labour–management collaboration. Building on a theoretical discussion of the marketization hypothesis, we develop a structuration perspective on the relationship between network restructuring and labour–management collaboration, which highlights the political economy of inter‐firm networks. Empirically, we focus on two major airport authorities in Germany. Our findings show how these authorities at the core of service delivery networks face a strategic trade‐off between short‐term labour cost reductions and more adversarial employment relations. Apart from coinciding with a deterioration in working conditions for service workers, the handling of this trade‐off depends on managers’ and worker representatives’ commitment to collaboration across the network. While unions and works councils initially continued with social partnership‐type practices, the more adversarial management practices for enacting the network restructuring cause a fragmentation on the workers’ side and increase the conflict potential. We conclude that the agency of management and worker representatives in the enactment of inter‐firm networks oscillates between more partnership‐like and more conflictive practices, which turn the network restructuring into a political process with divergent outcomes for employment relations.
Development of a robot‐assisted kidney transplantation programme from deceased donors in a referral academic centre: technical nuances and preliminary results
Authors: Vignolini Graziano , Campi Riccardo , Sessa Francesco , Greco Isabella , Larti Aida , Giancane Saverio , Sebastianelli Arcangelo , Gacci Mauro , Peris Adriano , Li Marzi Vincenzo , Breda Alberto , Siena Giampaolo , Serni Sergio
Published: October 2018

Objective

To report the development of the first robot‐assisted kidney transplantation (RAKT) programme from deceased donors, examining technical feasibility and early perioperative and functional outcomes at a referral academic centre.

Patients and Methods

A RAKT programme was developed in 2016 at our institution following structured modular training. Specific inclusion/exclusion criteria for both living and deceased donors were set. Data from patients undergoing RAKT from January 2017 to April 2018 were prospectively collected in an a priori developed web‐based data set. RAKT followed the principles of the Vattikuti Urology Institute–Medanta technique, with specific technical modifications based on clinical recipient characteristics, as well as surgeon's skills and preference during the learning curve. Technical feasibility of RAKT from deceased donors and evaluation of perioperative and early functional outcomes were the main study endpoints.

Results

In all, 17 RAKTs were performed during the study period. Of these, six were from living donors and 11 were from deceased donors. All RAKTs were successfully completed without need of conversion. The median (interquartile range [IQR]) console time was 190 (160–220) min and the median (IQR) estimated blood loss was 120 (110–140) mL. The median times to complete venous, arterial and uretero–vesical anastomoses were 21, 22 and 21 min, respectively. The median (IQR) length of stay was 8 (6–12) days. At a median (IQR) follow‐up of 8 (6–11) months, five (30%) complications were recorded. Of these, four (24%) were minor (Clavien–Dindo Grade I–II) and one major (Clavien–Dindo Grade IIIb, requiring graft nephrectomy). Overall, two patients were still on dialysis at last follow‐up. A significant improvement in graft function was recorded progressively at all postoperative time points.

Conclusion

Our preliminary experience outlines that: (i) the development of a RAKT programme is feasible in centres experienced in robotic surgery and open kidney transplantation; (ii) RAKT from deceased donors is feasible from both a technical and logistical perspective; and (iii) RAKT from deceased donors appears to achieve favourable early postoperative and functional outcomes. Larger studies with longer follow‐up are needed to confirm these findings and compare the outcomes of RAKT from deceased donors with those from living donors.
Role of house dust mite‐derived extracellular vesicles in a murine model of airway inflammation
Authors: Choi Jun‐Pyo , Jeon Seong Gyu , Kim Yoon‐Keun , Cho You Sook
Published: October 2018

Background

House dust mite (HDM) is the major source of indoor allergens that cause airway disease. Recent evidence suggests that Gram‐negative/positive bacteria produce nano‐sized extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing diverse components, including various immunostimulatory molecules. However, the association between bacteria‐derived EVs and development of airway disease is unclear.

Objective

To identify and isolate HDM‐derived EVs and to evaluate their effect on the development of airway inflammation.

Methods

Extracellular vesicles were isolated from crude HDM extracts by ultra‐centrifugation, and their physical and immunological characteristics and roles in airway inflammation were tested in vitro and in murine models of airway inflammation. In addition, 16s metagenome analysis of nucleic acid from EVs was performed to identify their origin.

Results

Round, bilayered vesicles measuring 80‐100 nanometres and containing abundant amounts of LPS were isolated. These vesicles induced innate immune responses both in vitro and in vivo. Intranasal exposure of naïve mice to HDM EVs induced production of cytokines associated with development of Th2‐mediated and mixed (Th1‐/Th2‐/Th17‐mediated) airway inflammation to allergen. Metagenome analysis identified Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria as the probable sources of HDM EVs.

Conclusion

House dust mite EVs originating from Gram‐negative bacteria may play an important role on the development of airway inflammation.
Accuracy of hydrocortisone dose administration via nasogastric tube
Authors: Daniel Eleni , Whitaker Martin J. , Keevil Brian , Wales Jerry , Ross Richard J.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Hydrocortisone via nasogastric (NG) tube is used in sick children with adrenal insufficiency; however, there is no licensed formulation for NG administration.

Methods

We investigated hydrocortisone recovery after passage through NG tubes in vitro for three formulations: liquid suspension, crushed tablets mixed with water, and hydrocortisone granules designed for oral administration to children. Cortisol was measured by LC‐MS/MS.

Results

Hydrocortisone content was variable and recovery low after preparation in syringe and prior to passage through NG tubes. For doses, 0.5 and 2.0 mg mean percentage recovery was as follows: liquid suspension 57% and 58%; crushed tablets 46% and 30%; and hydrocortisone granules 78% and 71%. Flushing the administering syringe increased recovery. Hydrocortisone recovery after passage with flushing through 6‐12Fr gauge NG tubes was variable: liquid suspension 61%‐92%, crushed tablets 40%‐174%, hydrocortisone granules 61%‐92%. Administration of hydrocortisone granules occluded 6 and 8Fr NG tubes; however, administration using a sampling needle to prevent granules being administered gave a recovery of 74%‐98%.

Conclusions

The administration of hydrocortisone through NG tubes is possible; however, current methods deliver a variable dose of hydrocortisone, generally less than that prescribed. Attention should be placed on the technique used to optimize drug delivery such as flushing of the administering syringe. Hydrocortisone granules block small NG tubes but behaved as well as the commonly used liquid suspension when prepared with a filtering needle that filters out granules.
Complete but not partial inhibition of glutamate transporters exacerbates cortical excitability in the R6/2 mouse model of Huntington’s disease
Authors: Estrada‐Sánchez Ana María , Castro Daniel , Portillo‐Ortiz Kenia , Jang Katrina , Nedjat‐Haiem Michael , Levine Michael S. , Cepeda Carlos
Published: October 2018

Aim

Deficient glutamate reuptake occurs in the cerebral cortex of Huntington's disease (HD) patients and murine models. Here, we examine the effects of partial or complete blockade of glutamate transporters on excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) of cortical pyramidal neurons (CPNs).

Methods

Whole‐cell patch clamp recordings of CPNs in slices from symptomatic R6/2 mice and wild‐type (WT) littermates were used to examine the effects of selective or concurrent inhibition of glutamate reuptake transporters.

Results

Selective inhibition of the glial glutamate transporter 1 (GLT‐1) or the glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) produced slight decreases in decay time of evoked EPSCs in CPNs from WT and R6/2 mice with no significant differences between genotypes. In contrast, concurrent inhibition of both transporters with DL‐TBOA induced a significant increase in area and decay time and this effect was significantly greater in R6/2 CPNs. Furthermore, full blockade also reduced spontaneous EPSC frequency and exacerbated epileptiform activity in CPNs from symptomatic R6/2 mice.

Conclusions

R6/2 CPNs are more sensitive to glutamate accumulation during full inhibition of both glutamate transporters, and these neurons have homeostatic mechanisms to cope with inhibition of GLT‐1 or GLAST by a mechanism that involves upregulation of either transporter when the other is deficient.
Circuit‐theory applications to connectivity science and conservation
Authors: Dickson Brett G. , Albano Christine M. , Anantharaman Ranjan , Beier Paul , Fargione Joe , Graves Tabitha A. , Gray Miranda E. , Hall Kimberly R. , Lawler Josh J. , Leonard Paul B. , Littlefield Caitlin E. , McClure Meredith L. , Novembre John , Schloss Carrie A. , Schumaker Nathan H. , Shah Viral B. , Theobald David M.
Published: October 2018

Conservation practitioners have long recognized ecological connectivity as a global priority for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem function. In the early years of conservation science, ecologists extended principles of island biogeography to assess connectivity based on source patch proximity and other metrics derived from binary maps of habitat. From 2006 to 2008, the late Brad McRae introduced circuit theory as an alternative approach to model gene flow and the dispersal or movement routes of organisms. He posited concepts and metrics from electrical circuit theory as a robust way to quantify movement across multiple possible paths in a landscape, not just a single least‐cost path or corridor. Circuit theory offers many theoretical, conceptual, and practical linkages to conservation science. We reviewed 459 recent studies citing circuit theory or the open‐source software Circuitscape. We focused on applications of circuit theory to the science and practice of connectivity conservation, including topics in landscape and population genetics, movement and dispersal paths of organisms, anthropogenic barriers to connectivity, fire behavior, water flow, and ecosystem services. Circuit theory is likely to have an effect on conservation science and practitioners through improved insights into landscape dynamics, animal movement, and habitat‐use studies and through the development of new software tools for data analysis and visualization. The influence of circuit theory on conservation comes from the theoretical basis and elegance of the approach and the powerful collaborations and active user community that have emerged. Circuit theory provides a springboard for ecological understanding and will remain an important conservation tool for researchers and practitioners around the globe.
CAN GREATER ATTENTION TO WOMEN'S RIGHTS HELP ADDRESS INCOME INEQUALITY?
Authors: Dutta Nabamita , Giddings Lisa , Roy Sanjukta
Published: October 2018

We investigate the relationship between women's economic, social, and political rights with the level of income inequality. We use dynamic panel estimation to check our hypothesis that that strong rights for women translate into higher participation in economic productive activities, improve income and education and support for future generations, thus reducing the overall income inequality in the economy. We further look at how a country's overall economic performance and the status of women's education alter the relationship. The relationship is strengthened if countries are either in the higher‐income spectrum or have higher levels of female educational attainment. (JELO1, I00, H00)
Preoperative beta blockade and severe intraoperative bradycardia in liver transplantation
Authors: Fu Hong , Sun Kai , Li Jun , Gong Weiyi , Agopian Vatche , Yan Min , Busuttil Ronald W. , Steadman Randolph H. , Xia Victor W.
Published: October 2018

Nonselective Beta blockade (NSBB) is commonly prescribed for liver transplantation (LT) candidates, but its impact on intraoperative hemodynamics is not well understood. In this study, we investigated if preoperative NSBB was associated with severe bradycardia during LT and if severe intraoperative bradycardia was associated with 30‐day mortality. Adult patients undergoing LT between 2005 and 2014 were included. Propensity matching was used to control selection bias. Intraoperative hemodynamics were compared between patients with and without preoperative NSBB. Univariate and multivariate methods were used in statistical analysis. Of 1452 patients, 370 who received preoperative NSBB were matched in a 1:1 ratio with those who did not. Propensity matching eliminated all significant differences between the two groups. Patients who received preoperative NSBB had a significantly higher incidence of severe intraoperative bradycardia compared with the non‐BB group (9.6% vs 3.2%, P = 0.001, OR 2.95, 95% CI 1.42‐6.12, P = 0.004). Intraoperative hypotension and postreperfusion syndrome were not significantly different between the two groups. Severe intraoperative bradycardia was associated with increased 30‐day mortality. In conclusion, preoperative NSBB was associated with severe intraoperative bradycardia in LT. In patients who receive preoperative NSBB, severe intraoperative bradycardia should be closely monitored in LT. Further studies assessing safety of preoperative NSBB and intraoperative bradycardia in LT are warranted.
The relationships between markers of tubular injury and intrarenal haemodynamic function in adults with and without type 1 diabetes: Results from the Canadian Study of Longevity in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Bjornstad Petter , Singh Sunita K. , Snell‐Bergeon Janet K. , Lovshin Julie A. , Lytvyn Yuliya , Lovblom Leif E. , Rewers Marian J. , Boulet Genevieve , Lai Vesta , Tse Josephine , Cham Leslie , Orszag Andrej , Weisman Alanna , Keenan Hillary A. , Brent Michael H. , Paul Narinder , Bril Vera , Perkins Bruce A. , Cherney David Z. I.
Published: October 2018

Objective

Our aim was to define the relationships between plasma biomarkers of kidney injury and intrarenal haemodynamic function (glomerular filtration rate [GFR], effective renal plasma flow [ERPF], renal vascular resistance [RVR]) in adults with type 1 diabetes (T1D).

Methods

The study sample comprised patients with longstanding T1D (duration ≥50 years), among whom 44 were diabetic kidney disease (DKD) resistors (eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m2 and <30 mg/d urine albumin excretion) and 22 had DKD, in addition to 73 control participants. GFRINULIN and ERPFPAH were measured, RVR was calculated, and afferent (RA)/efferent (RE) areteriolar resistances were derived from Gomez equations. Plasma neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), β2 microglobulin (B2M), osteopontin (OPN) and uromodulin (UMOD) were measured using immunoassay kits from Meso Scale Discovery.

Results

Plasma NGAL, B2M and OPN were higher and UMOD was lower in DKD patients vs DKD resistors and non‐diabetic controls. In participants with T1D, plasma NGAL inversely correlated with GFR (r = −0.33; P = 0.006) and ERPF (r = −0.34; P = 0.006), and correlated positively with RA (r = 0.26; P = 0.03) and RVR (r = 0.31; P = 0.01). In participants without T1D, NGAL and B2M inversely correlated with GFR (NGAL r = −0.18; P = 0.13 and B2M r = −0.49; P < 0.0001) and with ERPF (NGAL r = −0.19; P = 0.1 and B2M r = −0.42; P = 0.0003), and correlated positively with RA (NGAL r = 0.19; P = 0.10 and B2M r = 0.3; P = 0.01) and with RVR (NGAL r = 0.20; P = 0.09 and B2M r = 0.34; P = 0.003). Differences were significant after adjusting for age, sex, HbA1c, SBP and LDL. There were statistical interactions between T1D status, B2M and intrarenal haemodynamic function (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Elevated NGAL relates to intrarenal haemodynamic dysfunction in T1D, whereas elevated NGAL and B2M relate to intrarenal haemodynamic dysfunction in adults without T1D. These data may define a diabetes‐specific interplay between tubular injury and intrarenal haemodynamic dysfunction.
Degree of feeding niche overlap uniformises the distribution of interspecific territories in a Malawian cichlid community
Authors: Kawakami Masaki , Zatha Richard , Rusuwa Bosco , Maruyama Atsushi
Published: October 2018

Cichlid fishes in the rocky littoral zones of Lake Malawi are among the most diverse endemic fish communities of the world. They segregate food resources, but considerable niche overlaps have been reported by numerous studies in this field. If their niches largely overlap, the heterospecific individuals are expected to behave like conspecific individuals. Instead of studying their niche segregation, we investigated the spatial distribution patterns of adult males of nine abundant cichlid species by point process analysis, with due attention to niche partitioning, as measured by stable isotope analysis. Because their feeding habitats are restricted by intra‐ and interspecific interferences over the mating and feeding territories respectively, we hypothesised that the interspecific feeding territories of species with nearly similar niche tended to be distributed uniformly. Although the typical territorial animals are expected to be distributed uniformly, the distribution pattern of intraspecific mating territory was judged to be uniform only for two out of nine species. This result suggests that each species has its specific preference for territorial locations or their locations are restricted by interspecific interactions. The latter explanation was partially supported by the agreed locations of gravity centres between intraspecific mating and interspecific feeding territories. Species pairs with similar isotope ratios tended to show a uniform distribution of interspecific feeding territories. Thus, individual species pairs keep a certain distance from each other by using nearly similar food resources. This result suggests that some cichlid species coexist not only through niche segregation but also through territorial interactions, like conspecific individuals.
An expanded modern coexistence theory for empirical applications
Authors: Ellner Stephen P. , Snyder Robin E. , Adler Peter B. , Hooker Giles
Published: October 2018

Understanding long‐term coexistence of numerous competing species is a longstanding challenge in ecology. Progress requires determining which processes and species differences are most important for coexistence when multiple processes operate and species differ in many ways. Modern coexistence theory (MCT), formalised by Chesson, holds out the promise of doing that, but empirical applications remain scarce. We argue that MCT's mathematical complexity and subtlety have obscured the simplicity and power of its underlying ideas and hindered applications. We present a general computational approach that extends our previous solution for the storage effect to all of standard MCT's spatial and temporal coexistence mechanisms, and also process‐defined mechanisms amenable to direct study such as resource partitioning, indirect competition, and life history trade‐offs. The main components are a method to partition population growth rates into contributions from different mechanisms and their interactions, and numerical calculations in which some mechanisms are removed and others retained. We illustrate how our approach handles features that have not been analysed in the standard framework through several case studies: competing diatom species under fluctuating temperature, plant–soil feedbacks in grasslands, facilitation in a beach grass community, and niche differences with independent effects on recruitment, survival and growth in sagebrush steppe.
Epilepsy and associated mortality in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Chou I. J. , Kuo C. F. , Tanasescu R. , Tench C. R. , Tiley C. G. , Constantinescu C. S. , Whitehouse W. P.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

We aimed to determine the prevalence of epilepsy in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) at diagnosis, the risk of developing epilepsy after the diagnosis of MS and the relative risk of mortality associated with epilepsy.

Methods

We used the UK Clinical Practice Research Data‐link to identify 2526 patients with incident MS and 9980 age‐, sex‐ and index year‐matched non‐MS controls from 1997 to 2006. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios [95% confidence interval (CI)] for epilepsy and Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) (95% CI) for epilepsy and mortality.

Results

Patients with incident MS were on average 45 years old and 70.9% were female. At diagnosis, the prevalence of epilepsy in patients with MS was 1.30% compared with 0.57% in non‐MS controls. At diagnosis, MS was associated with an adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 2.11 (1.36–3.27) for pre‐existing epilepsy. Among epilepsy‐free patients, the cumulative probabilities of developing epilepsy, first recorded within 10 years of the index date, were 2.77% for patients with MS and 0.90% for controls. MS was associated with an adjusted HR (95% CI) of 6.01 (2.94–12.29) for epilepsy. Among patients with MS, epilepsy was associated with an HR (95% CI) of 2.23 (1.02–4.84) for all‐cause mortality.

Conclusions

This population‐based study found an increased prevalence of epilepsy in patients with MS at diagnosis when compared with non‐MS controls and the risk of developing epilepsy was also higher following the MS diagnosis. Patients with MS with epilepsy had a higher risk of mortality compared with those without.
Central nervous system involvement in late‐onset Pompe disease: clues from neuroimaging and neuropsychological analysis
Authors: Musumeci O. , Marino S. , Granata F. , Morabito R. , Bonanno L. , Brizzi T. , Lo Buono V. , Corallo F. , Longo M. , Toscano A.
Published: October 2018

Background and purpose

Late‐onset Pompe disease (LOPD) is a rare, multisystem disorder that is well established to mainly impair skeletal muscle function. Systematic studies exploring brain functions in LOPD are lacking. The aim of this study was to detect morphological and functional brain alterations as well as neuropsychological impairment in LOPD.

Methods

We studied 21 patients (10 male, mean age 49 ± 18.4 years) with defined diagnosis of LOPD, divided into two groups: one with pre‐symptomatic hyperCKemia with no muscle weakness and the second with limb‐girdle muscle weakness. All patients underwent 3T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to obtain morphological/angiographic evaluation as well as normalized cortical brain volume and resting‐state functional MRI. Fazekas score was applied to quantify white matter lesions, whereas Smoker's criteria were used to examine dolichoectasia. A complete neuropsychological assessment was performed.

Results

The MRI data showed that 12/21 patients (57%) demonstrated signs of cerebral vasculopathy, with a Fazekas score >2 in 67%. According to Smoker's criteria, 11/21 patients (52%) had a dolichoectasia of the vertebrobasilar system; an intracranial aneurysm was detected in 3/21 patients (14%). Resting‐state functional MRI demonstrated significantly decreased brain connectivity in the salience network with a more relevant reduction in the bilateral middle and superior frontal gyrus. Gray matter atrophy correlated with age and disease duration. A mild impairment in executive functions was also identified.

Conclusions

In this LOPD cohort the results showed morphological and functional brain alterations with mild neuropsychological dysfunction, mainly in the limb‐girdle muscle weakness group. Cerebrovascular alterations seemed to be not related to common risk factors, suggesting a major role of enzymatic deficiency in the pathogenesis of brain abnormalities.
Phylogenetic homogenization of bee communities across ecoregions
Authors: Harrison Tina , Gibbs Jason , Winfree Rachael
Published: October 2018

Aim

Land use change reorganizes local communities, resulting in complex changes in biodiversity at larger scales. The biotic homogenization hypothesis predicts that the replacement of sensitive loser species with widespread winner species will lead to loss of beta diversity and ultimately loss of regional diversity at multiple levels of ecological organization. We ask if land use is associated with biotic homogenization patterns in bee communities at two large spatial scales, using both species and phylogenetic dissimilarity indices.

Location

North‐eastern USA (New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania).

Time period

2013–2015.

Major taxa studied

Superfamily Apoidea (bees).

Methods

We sampled bee communities from replicated sites in forest, agriculture and urban land use types within a large spatial extent spanning four distinct ecoregions. We compared pairwise compositional dissimilarity within and between ecoregions, using both species and phylogenetic dissimilarity indices. We also investigated how compositional difference is related to geographic distance between sites.

Results

Forested, agricultural and urban landscapes did not differ detectably in either mean pairwise species dissimilarity or slope of distance‐decay. Dissimilarity among both agricultural and urban bee communities increased with geographic distance. However, urban landscapes had significantly lower phylogenetic pairwise dissimilarity, indicating strong phylogenetic homogenization at within‐ and between‐ecoregion scales.

Main conclusions

We did not detect bee species homogenization in agricultural or urban land use types. However, urban land use was associated with phylogenetic homogenization across a large regional extent. Urban bee communities are dominated by closely related species that maintain beta diversity at the species level, but contribute to low phylogenetic beta diversity relative to forest and agricultural bee communities. We observed similar levels of homogenization at landscape and regional spatial extents, despite inter‐site distances differing by an order of magnitude between these scales. Further urbanization could result in loss of bee biodiversity and evolutionary history at multiple spatial scales.