bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variations in leaf economics spectrum traits for an evergreen coniferous species: Tree size dominates over environment factors
Authors: Liu Zhili , Hikosaka Kouki , Li Fengri , Jin Guangze 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Many leaf traits strongly vary with tree size and environmental factors, but the importance of these factors to intraspecific variations of leaf traits in forest trees has rarely been simultaneously evaluated.

We measured needle longevity and specific leaf area (SLA) and nitrogen (N) content of every needle age (0‐ to 4‐year old) for 65 individuals with 0.3–100 cm diameter at breast height (DBH) for an evergreen coniferous species, Pinus koraiensis Sieb. et Zucc., in Northeast China. We simultaneously evaluated the effects of tree size (DBH or tree height) and environment factors (light intensity, soil N content and water availability) on the needle longevity, SLA, foliage N content as well as the slopes of regressions of SLA and foliage N content against needle age.

All of the studied leaf traits and slopes of regressions of SLA and foliage N content against needle age were significantly related to tree size. Tree height had a greater impact on SLA and area‐based leaf N content (Narea), whereas DBH was more important for needle longevity and mass‐based leaf N content (Nmass). The environment variables, light intensity, soil N content and water availability, were rather minor factors for trait variations compared with tree size. Significant influence of light intensity was found only on needle longevity, and soil N and water availability had no effects on the leaf traits.

Our study clearly showed that tree size is an important driver of intraspecific variations in the key leaf traits of P. koraiensis in a natural forest. We also emphasize the importance of DBH or tree height varies depending on leaf traits, suggesting various mechanisms of size effects on the intraspecific variations in leaf traits. We suggest that ecological significance of leaf trait variations needs reconsideration incorporating tree size effect.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Urologists’ referral and radiation oncologists’ treatment patterns regarding high‐risk prostate cancer patients receiving radiotherapy within 6 months after radical prostatectomy: A prospective cohort analysis
Authors: Egger Sam , Smith David P , Brown Bernadette (Bea) , Kneebone Andrew B , Dominello Amanda , Brooks Andrew J , Young Jane , Xhilaga Miranda , Haines Mary , O’Connell Dianne L 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIntroductionPrevious studies have observed low rates of adjuvant radiotherapy after radical prostatectomy (RP) for high‐risk prostate cancer patients. However, it is not clear the extent to which these low rates are driven by urologists’ referral and radiation oncologists’ treatment patterns.MethodThe Clinician‐Led Improvement in Cancer Care (CLICC) implementation trial was conducted in nine public hospitals in New South Wales, Australia. Men who underwent RP for prostate cancer during 2013–2015 and had at least one high‐risk pathological feature of extracapsular extension, seminal vesicle invasion and/or positive surgical margins were included in these analyses. Outcomes were as follows: (i) referral to a radiation oncologist within 4 months after RP (‘referred’); (ii) commencement of radiotherapy within 6 months after RP among those who consulted a radiation oncologist (‘radiotherapy after consultation’).ResultsThree hundred and twenty‐five (30%) of 1071 patients were ‘referred’, and 74 (61%) of 121 patients received ‘radiotherapy after consultation’. Overall, the probability of receiving radiotherapy within 6 months after RP was 15%. The probability of being ‘referred’ increased according to higher 5‐year risk of cancer‐recurrence (P < 0.001).ConclusionOnly 30% of patients with high‐risk features are referred to a radiation oncologist with the likelihood of referral being influenced by the perceived risk of cancer‐recurrence as well as the urologist’s institutional/personal preference. When patients are seen by a radiation oncologist, 61% receive radiotherapy within 6 months after RP with the likelihood of receiving radiotherapy not being heavily influenced by increasing risk of recurrence. This suggests many suitable patients would receive radiotherapy if referred and seen by a radiation oncologist.
Can Terrorism Abroad Influence Migration Attitudes at Home?
Authors: Böhmelt Tobias , Bove Vincenzo , Nussio Enzo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis article demonstrates that public opinion on migration “at home” is systematically driven by terrorism in other countries. Although there is little substantive evidence linking refugees or migrants to most recent terror attacks in Europe, news about terrorist attacks can trigger more negative views of immigrants. However, the spatial dynamics of this process are neglected in existing research. We argue that feelings of imminent danger and a more salient perception of migration threats do not stop at national borders. The empirical results based on spatial econometrics and data on all terrorist attacks in Europe for the post‐9/11 period support these claims. The effect of terrorism on migration concern is strongly present within a country but also diffuses across states in Europe. This finding improves our understanding of public opinion on migration, as well as the spillover effects of terrorism, and it highlights crucial lessons for scholars interested in the security implications of population movements.
CSR processes in governance systems and structures: The development of mental modes of CSR
Authors: de Graaf Frank Jan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWhen corporate social responsibility (CSR) as a sensemaking process is assessed from a corporate governance perspective, this implies that stakeholders do not only influence companies by promoting and enforcing regulations and other corporate guidelines. They also influence companies by promoting regulation on influence pathways, by demanding that companies develop formal mechanisms that allow companies and stakeholders to discuss and in some cases agree on changes to principles and policies. This perspective suggests that regulation is an outcome of power relations and is, as such, a reflection of certain mental models. As such, mental models reveal the political bias in corporate governance perspectives. For this reason, CSR research needs to be clear about the underlying assumptions about corporate governance, and corporate governance research needs to disclose which mental models of CSR influence the outcomes. Taking a governance perspective on the development of mental models of CSR helps to understand the interaction between CSR and processes of sensemaking at the institutional, organizational and individual levels.
The IL-2RG R328X nonsense mutation allows partial STAT-5 phosphorylation and defines a critical region involved in the leaky-SCID phenotype
Authors: Arcas-García A , Garcia-Prat M , Magallón-Lorenz M , Martín-Nalda A , Drechsel O , Ossowski S , Alonso L , Rivière J G , Soler-Palacín P , Colobran R , Sayós J , Martínez-Gallo M , Franco-Jarava C 
Published: December 2019

Summary
In addition to their detection in typical X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency, hypomorphic mutations in the interleukin (IL)-2 receptor common gamma chain gene (IL2RG) have been described in patients with atypical clinical and immunological phenotypes. In this leaky clinical phenotype the diagnosis is often delayed, limiting prompt therapy in these patients. Here, we report the biochemical and functional characterization of a nonsense mutation in exon 8 (p.R328X) of IL2RG in two siblings: a 4-year-old boy with lethal Epstein–Barr virus-related lymphoma and his asymptomatic 8-month-old brother with a TlowB+natural killer (NK)+ immunophenotype, dysgammaglobulinemia, abnormal lymphocyte proliferation and reduced levels of T cell receptor excision circles. After confirming normal IL-2RG expression (CD132) on T lymphocytes, signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT-5) phosphorylation was examined to evaluate the functionality of the common gamma chain (γc), which showed partially preserved function. Co-immunoprecipitation experiments were performed to assess the interaction capacity of the R328X mutant with Janus kinase (JAK)3, concluding that R328X impairs JAK3 binding to γc. Here, we describe how the R328X mutation in IL-2RG may allow partial phosphorylation of STAT-5 through a JAK3-independent pathway. We identified a region of three amino acids in the γc intracellular domain that may be critical for receptor stabilization and allow this alternative signaling. Identification of the functional consequences of pathogenic IL2RG variants at the cellular level is important to enable clearer understanding of partial defects leading to leaky phenotypes.
COL1‐related overlap disorder: A novel connective tissue disorder incorporating the osteogenesis imperfecta/Ehlers‐Danlos syndrome overlap
Authors: Morlino Silvia , Micale Lucia , Ritelli Marco , Rohrbach Marianne , Zoppi Nicoletta , Vandersteen Anthony , Mackay Sara , Agolini Emanuele , Cocciadiferro Dario , Sasaki Erina , Madeo Annalisa , Ferraris Alessandro , Reardon Willie , Di Rocco Maja , Novelli Antonio , Grammatico Paola , Malfait Fransiska , Mazza Tommaso , Hakim Alan , Giunta Cecilia , Colombi Marina , Castori Marco 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe 2017 classification of Ehlers‐Danlos syndromes (EDS) identifies three types associated with causative variants in COL1A1/COL1A2 and distinct from osteogenesis imperfecta (OI). Previously, patients have been described with variable features of both disorders, and causative variants in COL1A1/COL1A2; but this phenotype has not been included in the current classification. Here, we expand and re‐define this OI/EDS overlap as a missing EDS type. Twenty‐one individuals from 13 families were reported, in whom COL1A1/COL1A2 variants were found after a suspicion of EDS. None of them could be classified as affected by OI or by any of the three recognized EDS variants associated with COL1A1/COL1A2. This phenotype is dominated by EDS‐related features. OI‐related features were limited to mildly reduced bone mass, occasional fractures and short stature. Eight COL1A1/COL1A2 variants were novel and five recurrent with a predominance of glycine substitutions affecting residues within the procollagen N‐proteinase cleavage site of α1(I) and α2(I) procollagens. Selected variants were investigated by biochemical, ultrastructural and immunofluorescence studies. The pattern of observed changes in the dermis and in vitro for selected variants was more typical of EDS rather than OI. Our findings indicate the existence of a wider recognizable spectrum associated with COL1A1/COL1A2.
Melatonin protects against ischemic stroke by modulating microglia/macrophage polarization toward anti‐inflammatory phenotype through STAT3 pathway
Authors: Liu Zong‐Jian , Ran Yuan‐Yuan , Qie Shu‐Yan , Gong Wei‐Jun , Gao Fu‐Hai , Ding Zi‐Tong , Xi Jia‐Ning 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimsMicroglia and infiltrated macrophages play important roles in inflammatory processes after ischemic stroke. Modulating microglia/macrophage polarization from pro‐inflammatory phenotype to anti‐inflammatory state has been suggested as a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Melatonin has been shown to be neuroprotective in experimental stroke models. However, the effect of melatonin on microglia polarization after stroke and underlying mechanisms remain unknown.MethodsIn vivo, cerebral ischemia was induced by distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) in C57BL/6J mice. Melatonin was injected intraperitoneally (20 mg/kg) at 0 and 24 hours after ischemia. In vitro, the microglial cell line BV2 was stimulated to the pro‐inflammatory state with conditioned media (CM) collected from oxygen‐glucose deprivation (OGD) challenged neuronal cell line Neuro‐2a (N2a). Real‐time PCR was utilized to detect the mRNA expression of microglia phenotype markers. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway was determined by Western blot of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3). A neuron‐microglia co‐culture system was used to determine whether melatonin can inhibit the neurotoxic effect of pro‐inflammatory microglia to post‐OGD neurons.ResultsMelatonin treatment reduced brain infarct and improved neurological functions 3 days after dMCAO, which was accompanied by decreased expression of pro‐inflammatory markers and increased expression of anti‐inflammatory markers in the ischemic brain. In vitro studies confirmed that melatonin directly inhibited the pro‐inflammatory responses in BV2 cells upon exposure to OGD neuron CM. The microglia possessing pro‐inflammatory phenotype exacerbated post‐OGD N2a cells death, whereas melatonin reduced such neurotoxic effect. Further, melatonin enhanced the otherwise inhibited pSTAT3 expression in BV2 cells treated with OGD neuron CM. STAT3 blockade significantly reduced the effect of melatonin on microglial phenotype shift. Conclusion: Melatonin treatment ameliorates brain damage at least partially through shifting microglia phenotype from pro‐inflammatory to anti‐inflammatory polarity in a STAT3‐dependent manner.
Protected areas and freshwater biodiversity: a novel systematic review distils eight lessons for effective conservation
Authors: Acreman Michael , Hughes Kathy A. , Arthington Angela H. , Tickner David , Dueñas Manuel‐Angel 
Published: December 2019

AbstractProtected areas are a global cornerstone of biodiversity conservation and restoration. Yet freshwater biodiversity is continuing to decline rapidly. To date there has been no formal review of the effectiveness of protected areas for conserving or restoring biodiversity in rivers, lakes, and wetlands. We present the first assessment using a systematic review of the published scientific evidence of the effectiveness of freshwater protected areas. Systematic searches returned 2,586 separate publications, of which 44 provided quantitative evidence comprising 75 case studies. Of these, 38 reported positive, 25 neutral, and 12 negative outcomes for freshwater biodiversity conservation. Analysis revealed variable relationships between conservation effectiveness and factors such as taxa assessed, protected area size and characteristics, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) protected area category, and ecoregion. Lack of effectiveness was attributed to many anthropogenic factors, including fishing (often with a lack of law enforcement), water management (abstraction, dams, and flow regulation), habitat degradation, and invasive non‐native species. Drawing on the review and wider literature we distil eight lessons to enhance the effectiveness of protected areas for freshwater biodiversity conservation. We urge policymakers, protected area managers, and those who fund them to invest in well‐designed research and monitoring programs and publication of evidence of protected area effectiveness.
Biological bases of suicidal behaviours: A narrative review
Authors: Lengvenyte Aiste , Conejero Ismael , Courtet Philippe , Olié Emilie 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSuicidal behaviour is a multifaceted phenomenon that concerns all human populations. It has been suggested that a complex interaction between the individual genetic profile and environmental factors throughout life underlies the pathophysiology of suicidal behaviour. Although epidemiological and genetic studies suggest the existence of a genetic component, exposure to biological and psychosocial adversities, especially during critical developmental periods, also contributes to altering the biological responses to threat and pleasure. This results in amplified maladaptive cognitive and behavioural traits and states associated with suicidal behaviours. Alterations in the cognitive inhibition and decision‐making capacity have been implicated in suicidal behaviours. Structural and functional changes in key brain regions and networks, such as prefrontal cortex, insula and default mode network, may underlie this relationship. Furthermore, the shift from health to suicidal behaviour incorporates complex and dynamic changes in the immune and stress responses, monoaminergic system, gonadal system and neuroplasticity. In this review, we describe the major findings of epidemiological, genetic, neuroanatomical, neuropsychological, immunological and neuroendocrinological studies on suicide behaviours to provide a solid background for future research in this field. This broad overview of the biological bases of suicide should promote neuroscience research on suicidal behaviours. This might lead to improved biological models and to the identification of evidence‐based biomarkers, treatment options and preventive strategies.
Animal effects on dissolved organic carbon bioavailability in an algal controlled ecosystem
Authors: Parr Thomas B. , Vaughn Caryn C. , Gido Keith B. 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Animals exert both direct and indirect controls over elemental cycles, linking primary producer‐based (green) and decomposer‐based (brown) food webs through top‐down trophic interactions and bottom‐up element regeneration. Where animals are aggregated at high biomass, they create hotspots of elemental cycling. The relative importance of animal control on elemental cycling depends on animal biomass, species functional traits (i.e. feeding mode and stoichiometry), and their overlap.

We evaluated how animal community complexity affects the mechanisms regulating energy flow to the brown food web. We conducted a mesocosm experiment where we varied the biomass and overlap of animals with different life history and stoichiometric traits (stream fish and mussels) and measured how this influenced the quantity and fraction of labile carbon available to microbes. We used linear models and structural equation modelling to evaluate direct (excretion) and indirect (herbivory, nutrient availability, and nutrient stoichiometry) effects of animals on bioavailable dissolved organic carbon (BDOC) concentration.

In experimental stream mesocosms, we found support for both direct (DOC excretion) and indirect (grazing) animal influences on BDOC concentration. Although we found that snail, fish, and mussel biomass increased nutrient concentrations, neither nutrient concentration nor stoichiometry had a significant effect on BDOC concentration. This has been due to the high background nutrient concentration context of our stream mesocosm water. Snails, probably due to their high biomass and small body size, exerted a significant positive direct control on BDOC concentration. Fish and mussels exerted a significant negative indirect control on BDOC via their effects (grazing and bioturbation) on algal biomass.

Our results imply that primary consumers with different feeding strategies provide a key mechanism regulating the flow of DOC into the brown food web through direct (excretion) and indirect (grazing) controls on primary producers. This highlights that animals can provide important controls on the production of bioavailable organic energy supporting microbes in aquatic ecosystems, but the importance of these controls depends on the nutrient context and the distribution of primary producer and animal biomasses.
Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 controls maternal care, maternal motivation and maternal aggression in mice
Authors: Gryksa Katharina , Mittmann Laura , Bauer Angelika , Peterlik Daniel , Flor Peter J. , Uschold‐Schmidt Nicole , Bosch Oliver J. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe group III metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7 (mGlu7) is an important regulator of glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission and known to mediate emotionality and male social behavior. However, a possible regulatory role in maternal behavior remains unknown to date. Adequate expression of maternal behavior is essential for successful rearing and healthy development of the young. By understanding genetic and neural mechanisms underlying this important prosocial behavior, we gain valuable insights into possible dysregulations. Using genetic ablation as well as pharmacological modulation, we studied various parameters of maternal behavior in two different mouse strains under the influence of mGlu7. We can clearly show a regulatory role of mGlu7 in maternal behavior. Naïve virgin female C57BL/6 mGlu7 knockout mice showed more often nursing postures and less spontaneous maternal aggression compared to their heterozygous and wildtype littermates. In lactating C57BL/6 wildtype mice, acute central activation of mGlu7 by the selective agonist AMN082 reduced arched back nursing and accelerated pup retrieval without affecting maternal aggression. In addition, in lactating CD1 wildtype mice the selective mGlu7 antagonist XAP044 increased both pup retrieval and maternal aggression. With respect to receptor expression levels, mGlu7 mRNA expression was higher in lactating vs virgin C57BL/6 mice in the prefrontal cortex, but not hypothalamus or hippocampus. In conclusion, these findings highlight a significant role of the mGlu7 receptor subtype in mediating maternal behavior in mice. Region‐dependent studies are warranted to further extend our knowledge on the specific function of the brain glutamate system in maternal behavior.
Microstructure characteristics of tea seed dietary fibre and its effect on cholesterol, glucose and nitrite ion adsorption capacities in vitro: a comparison study among different modifications
Authors: Zhang Fangfang , Yi Wangrui , Cao Jun , He Kunming , Liu Yawen , Bai Xinpeng 
Published: December 2019

SummaryThe effects of xylanase–cellulase hydrolysis, ultrasonic modification and enzymatic‐ultrasonic treatment on the physicochemical properties, morphological structures and adsorption capacities in vitro of purified fibre (PF) from tea seed were determined. The results showed the ultrasonically treated fibre (UTF) had a higher water‐holding capacity (60.15 g g−1), oil‐binding capacity (30.42 g g−1), swelling capacity (29.93 mL g−1), emulsification activity (381.36 m2 g−1) and emulsification stability (20.20) than PF, enzymatically hydrolysed fibre (EHF) and enzymatic‐ultrasonic treated fibre (EUF). The structures of PF, UTF, EHF and EUF were characterised by scanning electron microscope, Laser particle size analyzer, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectra. Furthermore, compared with PF, the adsorption capacity of UTF, EHF and EUF for cholesterol, glucose and nitrite ions during simulative gastrointestinal tract was improved to different degrees. This study can provide guidance for the comprehensive utilisation of byproduct of tea seed and designing novel functional dietary fibre.
Tea components influencing bioavailability of fluoride and potential transport mechanism in the Caco‐2 cell line model
Authors: Peng Yun , Xi Junjun , Sun Yue , Chen Guijie , Li Daxiang , Peng Chuanyi , Wan Xiaochun , Cai Huimei 
Published: December 2019

SummaryPrevious work showed that the bioavailability of fluoride in dark tea was lower than NaF solution. However, limited information is available indicating the effects of tea components on the fluoride bioavailability. In this study, the effects of the components in tea on the bioavailability of fluoride were evaluated in the Caco‐2 cell line model. Additionally, the mechanism of effect of aluminium on fluoride transport was investigated. The result showed that 10–100 μm of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) could not influence fluoride transport. Al3+ significantly decreased fluoride transport in both apical‐basolateral and basolateral‐apical directions. Moreover, aluminium could form different forms of aluminium fluoride complexes, which were transported through Caco‐2 cells by different pathways. F− transport was mainly dependent on the paracellular pathway and active transport involving Cl− channels. The paracellular pathway played a predominant role in transport of AlF3. The paracellular pathway and active transport both participated in AlF2+ transport.