bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interactions between below‐ground traits and rhizosheath fungal and bacterial communities for phosphorus acquisition
Authors: Honvault Nicolas , Houben David , Firmin Stéphane , Meglouli Hacène , Laruelle Frédéric , Fontaine Joël , Lounès‐Hadj Sahraoui Anissa , Coutu Arnaud , Lambers Hans , Faucon Michel‐Pierre 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Plant–soil–microbe interactions play a central role in plant nutrient acquisition and thus ecosystem functioning and nutrient availability in agroecosystems. Adjustments in root morphology, root exudation and associations with micro‐organisms such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi are common for phosphorus acquisition. Yet how plant below‐ground functional traits interact with microbial communities for P acquisition remains largely unknown, limiting our understanding of phosphorus availability in agroecosystems.

Interactions between below‐ground functional traits and rhizosheath soil microbial communities for P acquisition were investigated across eight herbaceous species with contrasting root traits. Root morphological and physiological traits involved in P acquisition were quantified simultaneously with PLFA (phospholipid fatty acid) and NLFA (neutral lipid fatty acid) microbial bioindicators.

Multiple correlations were observed between root morphology, root exudates and rhizosheath fungal and bacterial communities. Root exudates and in particular release of malate and malonate were strongly linked with indicators of Gram‐negative bacteria, which were correlated with changes in rhizosheath soil P concentration and plant P content.

Our results suggest that root exudation of carboxylates may play an important role in plant–soil–microbe interactions for P acquisition, underlining their likely role in shaping microbial communities. Incorporating these interactions in biogeochemical models would lead to better predicting power and understanding of P cycling and ecosystem functioning.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
The past, present, and future of herbivore impacts on savanna vegetation
Authors: Staver A. Carla , Abraham Joel O. , Hempson Gareth P. , Karp Allison T. , Faith J. Tyler 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Herbivory is a key process structuring vegetation in savannas, especially in Africa where large mammal herbivore communities remain intact. Exclusion experiments consistently show that herbivores impact savanna vegetation, but effect size variation has resisted explanation, limiting our understanding of the past, present and future roles of herbivory in savanna ecosystems.

Synthesis of vegetation responses to herbivore exclusion shows that herbivory decreased grass abundance by 57.0% and tree abundance by 30.6% across African savannas.

The magnitude of herbivore exclusion effects scaled with herbivore abundance: more grazing herbivores resulted in larger grass responses and more browsing herbivores in larger tree responses. However, existing experiments are concentrated in semi‐arid savannas (400–800‐mm rainfall) and soils data are mostly lacking, which makes disentangling environmental constraints a challenge and priority for future research.

Observed herbivore impacts were ~2.1× larger than existing estimates modelled based on consumption. Wildlife metabolic rates may be higher than are usually used for estimating consumption, which offers one clear avenue for reconciling estimated herbivore consumption with observed herbivore impacts. Plant‐soil feedbacks, plant community composition, and the phenological or demographic timing of herbivory may also influence vegetation productivity, thereby magnifying herbivore impacts.

Because herbivore abundance so closely predicts vegetation impact, changes in herbivore abundance through time are likely predictive of the past and future of their impacts. Grazer diversity in Africa has declined from its peak 1 million years ago and wild grazer abundance has declined historically, suggesting that grazing likely had larger impacts in the past than it does today.

Current wildlife impacts are dominated by small‐bodied mixed feeders, which will likely continue into the future, but the magnitude of top‐down control may also depend on changing climate, fire and atmospheric CO2.

Synthesis. Herbivore biomass determines the magnitude of their impacts on savanna vegetation, with effect sizes based on direct observation that outstrip existing modelled estimates across African savannas. Findings suggest substantial ecosystem impacts of herbivory and allow us to generate evidence‐based hypotheses of the past and future impacts of herbivores on savanna vegetation.
From aims to actions: A critical analysis of government intervention in cultural drivers of domestic and family violence
Authors: Kuskoff Ella 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAddressing the cultural drivers of domestic and family violence (DFV) has become a core policy priority for governments across Australia. Over the last five years, the Queensland Government has taken a particularly strong stance on the issue through its Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026. This strategy identifies the Queensland Government's leading aim of changing the community culture that drives DFV. Although there is significant evidence to support this aim, there is equally important evidence suggesting that public policies often contain problematic assumptions and ideologies that limit their ability to achieve their aims. This article presents a critical discourse analysis of Queensland's Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Strategy 2016–2026 and related policy documents to examine the assumptions and ideologies underpinning Queensland's policy and their potential to impact on policy outcomes. The findings broadly identify three areas of concern, namely an assumed link between attitudes and behaviours; a disproportionate focus on general community members compared to DFV perpetrators; and an implicit reinforcement of the gender hierarchy. The article concludes with a discussion of the broader implications of these findings for future policy development in Australia.
Profile of the super rich in China: A social space analysis
Authors: Lu Peng , Fan Xiaoguang , Fu Fan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVarious “rich lists” indicate that China now has one of the highest percentages of super rich people worldwide. However, very little is known about their sociopolitical profiles. Based on the annual Hurun China Rich Lists from 2000 to 2018, we created a new dataset of China's super rich that combines information from various sources. Using a multiple correspondent analysis, we reveal that the social spaces of China's super rich are derived from their political, cultural, and social capital. The Chinese super rich are mainly distinguished by their cultural and political capital, while their social capital is not fully independent from political capital. We also identify a division among the super‐rich who first appeared on the rich list during different periods. These divisions can inform the understanding of the emergence of the super‐rich in an economy that has only recently embraced capitalism and can help predict their evolution in an increasingly glocalized system.
From workers to capitalists in less than two generations: A study of Chinese urban top group transformation between 1988 and 2013
Authors: Yang Li , Novokmet Filip , Milanovic Branko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractEconomic and social transformation of China during the past 40 years is without precedent in human history. While the economic transformation was extensively studied, social transformation was not. In this paper, we use for the first time harmonized household surveys covering the period 1988–2013 to study the changes in the characteristics of the richest 5 percent of China's urban population. We find that it changed from being composed of high government officials, clerical staff, and workers in 1988 to professionals and small and large business owners in 2013. The educational level of the top group increased substantially. Membership in CCP has a positive (albeit small) effect on one's income but is particularly valuable to large business owners.
Survival and pretreatment prognostic factors for extensive‐stage small cell lung cancer: A comprehensive analysis of 358 patients
Authors: Huang Li‐Ling , Hu Xing‐Sheng , Wang Yan , Li Jun‐Ling , Wang Hong‐Yu , Liu Peng , Xu Jian‐Ping , He Xiao‐Hui , Hao Xue‐Zhi , Jiang Pei‐Di , Liu Yu‐Tao , Luo Jian , Zhou Sheng‐Yu , Wang Jin‐Wan , Yang Jian‐Liang , Qin Yan , Yuan Peng , Lin Lin , Shi Yuan‐Kai 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundExtensive‐stage small cell lung cancer (ES‐SCLC) is deemed as a fatal malignancy with a poor prognosis. Although immunotherapy has gradually played an important role in the treatment of ES‐SCLC since 2018, ES‐SCLC treatment data and patient outcome before 2018, when chemotherapy served as a fundamental therapeutic strategy, is still meaningful as a summary of the situation regarding previous medical treatment and is a baseline for comparative data. In addition, the prognostic factors of ES‐SCLC have failed to reach a consensus until now. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate survival and identify the prognostic factors in an ES‐SCLC population.MethodsWe retrospectively collected the detailed medical records of 358 patients with ES‐SCLC from January 1, 2011 to December 31, 2018 in a Chinese top‐level cancer hospital. The prognostic factors were evaluated by Cox univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsThe median overall survival (OS) of ES‐SCLC patients (N = 358) was 14.0 months, the one‐ and two‐year OS rates were 56.2% and 21.7%, respectively. Moreover, we identified two demographic characters (age ≥ 70, smoking index ≥ 400), one tumor burden factor (bone multimetastasis), two tumor biomarkers (cyfra211, CA125) and two laboratory indexes (decreased Na, PLR < 76) as independent prognostic factors for OS in this patient population. Progression‐free survival (PFS) data of 238 patients was obtained for further analysis, and the median PFS was 6.2 months, and six‐month and one‐year PFS rates were 51.7% and 14.3%, respectively. Elevated cyfra211, decreased Hb and Na were identified as independent prognostic factors for PFS.ConclusionsThis study provides real‐world evidence of the survival and prognosis of ES‐SCLC patients which will enable better evaluation and clinical decision‐making in the future.
Spermidine inhibits vascular calcification in chronic kidney disease through modulation of SIRT1 signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Chen An , Liang Qingchun , Yang Xiulin , Dong Qianqian , Fu Mingwei , Wang Siyi , Li Yining , Ye Yuanzhi , Lan Zirong , Chen Yanting , Ou Jing‐Song , Yang Pingzhen , Lu Lihe , Yan Jianyun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractVascular calcification is a common pathologic condition in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and aging individuals. It has been established that vascular calcification is a gene‐regulated biological process resembling osteogenesis involving osteogenic differentiation. However, there is no efficient treatment available for vascular calcification so far. The natural polyamine spermidine has been demonstrated to increase life span and protect against cardiovascular disease. It is unclear whether spermidine supplementation inhibits vascular calcification in CKD. Alizarin red staining and quantification of calcium content showed that spermidine treatment markedly reduced mineral deposition in both rat and human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) under osteogenic conditions. Additionally, western blot analysis revealed that spermidine treatment inhibited osteogenic differentiation of rat and human VSMCs. Moreover, spermidine treatment remarkably attenuated calcification of rat and human arterial rings ex vivo and aortic calcification in rats with CKD. Furthermore, treatment with spermidine induced the upregulation of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) in VSMCs and resulted in the downregulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling components, such as activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) and CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). Both pharmacological inhibition of SIRT1 by SIRT1 inhibitor EX527 and knockdown of SIRT1 by siRNA markedly blocked the inhibitory effect of spermidine on VSMC calcification. Consistently, EX527 abrogated the inhibitory effect of spermidine on aortic calcification in CKD rats. We for the first time demonstrate that spermidine alleviates vascular calcification in CKD by upregulating SIRT1 and inhibiting ER stress, and this may develop a promising therapeutic treatment to ameliorate vascular calcification in CKD.
An exhausted phenotype of TH2 cells is primed by allergen exposure, but not reinforced by allergen‐specific immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Shu‐Hung , Zissler Ulrich M. , Buettner Maren , Heine Sonja , Heldner Alexander , Kotz Sebastian , Pechtold Lisa , Kau Josephine , Plaschke Mirjam , Ullmann Julia T. , Guerth Ferdinand , Oelsner Madlen , Alessandrini Francesca , Blank Simon , Chaker Adam M. , Schmidt‐Weber Carsten B. , Jakwerth Constanze A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundStudies show that proallergic TH2 cells decrease after successful allergen‐specific immunotherapy (AIT). It is likely that iatrogenic administration of allergens drives these cells to exhaustion due to chronic T‐cell receptor stimulation. This study aimed to investigate the exhaustion of T cells in connection with allergen exposure during AIT in mice and two independent patient cohorts.MethodsOVA‐sensitized C57BL/6J mice were challenged and treated with OVA, and the development of exhaustion in local and systemic TH2 cells was analyzed. In patients, the expression of exhaustion‐associated surface markers on TH2 cells was evaluated using flow cytometry in a cross‐sectional grass pollen allergy cohort with and without AIT. The treatment effect was further studied in PBMC collected from a prospective long‐term AIT cohort.ResultsThe exhaustion‐associated surface markers CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 were significantly upregulated on TH2 cells upon OVA aerosol exposure in OVA‐allergic compared to non‐allergic mice. CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 decreased after AIT, in particular on the surface of local lung TH2 cells. Similarly, CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 expression was enhanced on TH2 cells from patients with allergic rhinitis with an even stronger effect in those with concomitant asthma. Using an unbiased Louvain clustering analysis, we discovered a late‐differentiated TH2 population expressing both markers that decreased during up‐dosing but persisted long term during the maintenance phase.ConclusionsThis study shows that allergen exposure promotes CTLA‐4 and PD‐1 expression on TH2 cells and that the dynamic change in frequencies of exhausted TH2 cells exhibits a differential pattern during the up‐dosing versus the maintenance phases of AIT.
Integrating numerical cognition research and mathematics education to strengthen the teaching and learning of early number
Authors: Hawes Zachary , Merkley Rebecca , Stager Christine L. , Ansari Daniel 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundResearch into numerical cognition has contributed to a large body of knowledge on how children learn and perform mathematics. This knowledge has the potential to inform mathematics education. Unfortunately, numerical cognition research and mathematics education remain disconnected from one another, lacking the proper infrastructure to allow for productive and meaningful exchange between disciplines. The present study was designed to address this gap.AimThis study reports on the design, implementation, and effects of a 16‐week (25‐hour) mathematics Professional Development (PD) model for Kindergarten to Grade 3 educators and their students. A central goal of the PD was to better integrate numerical cognition research and mathematics education.SampleA total of 45 K‐3 educators and 180 of their students participated.MethodsTo test the reproducibility and replicability of the model, the study was carried out across two different sites, over a two‐year period, and involved a combination of two different study designs: a quasi‐experimental pre–post‐research design and a within‐group crossover intervention design.ResultThe results of the first implementation (Year 1), indicated that compared to a control group, both teachers and students benefited from the intervention. Teachers demonstrated gains on both a self‐report measure and a test of numerical cognition knowledge, while students demonstrated gains in number line estimation, arithmetic, and numeration. In Year 2, teachers in the intervention group demonstrated greater improvements than the control group on the self‐report measure, but not the test of numerical cognition knowledge. At the student level, there was some evidence of gains in numeration.ConclusionThe current PD model is a promising approach to better integrate research and practice. However, more research is needed to determine in which school contexts the model is most effective.
An improved synthesis of indanocine and antiproliferative activity of 2‐benzylindanocine via microtubule destabilization
Authors: Khwaja Sadiya , Fatima Kaneez , Mishra Divya , Babu Vineet , Kumar Yogesh , Malik Sumera Banu , Tabassum Misbah , Luqman Suaib , Bawankule Dnyaneshwar U. , Chanda Debabrata , Khan Feroz , Mondhe Dilip M. , Negi Arvind S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIndanocine, a potent anticancer investigational drug of National Cancer Institute‐USA, has been much discussed in recent years. Present communication aimed at total synthesis of indanocine and its close analogues. Total synthesis was improved by double yields than previously reported yields. Some of the benzylidene and 2‐benzyl derivatives with free rotation at C2 position exhibited potential cytotoxicities against various human cancer cell lines. Five such analogues exhibited potential antiproliferative effect against HCT‐116 and MIA PACA‐2 cell lines. Benzylindanocine 12i induced microtubule destabilization by occupying colchicine binding pocket of β‐tubulin. It also exhibited anti‐inflammatory activity by down‐regulating IL‐6 and TNF‐α. In Ehrlich ascites carcinoma model, 12i reduced 78.4% of EAC tumour in Swiss albino mice at 90 mg/kg (i.p.) dose. Further, in in vivo safety studies, 12i was found to be safe to rodents up to 1,000 mg/kg dose. Concomitant anticancer and anti‐inflammatory activity of benzylindanocine is distinctive, which suggests its further optimization for better efficacy and druggability.
Elucidating specificity of an allosteric inhibitor WNK476 among With‐No‐Lysine kinase isoforms using molecular dynamic simulations
Authors: Amarnath Jonniya Nisha , Sk Md Fulbabu , Kar Parimal 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSpecifically targeting the With‐No‐Lysine (WNK1) kinase, which is implicated in hypertension, renders a significant challenge in discovering competitive inhibitors due to the highly conserved ATP‐binding pocket. However, an allosteric inhibitor may impart high specificity against the WNK kinase isoforms since it targets the less conserved site and can provide greater efficacy even under high physiological ATP concentration. In the current study, we have investigated the structural and energetic basis of the specificity of the allosteric inhibitor WNK476 against WNK kinase isoforms by combining molecular dynamics simulations and free energy calculations using molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area. Our study reveals that the conformational stabilization of αC‐helix near the allosteric binding site, including conformational changes in activation and glycine‐rich loop regions, favors the specificity of WNK476 toward WNK1. The MM/PBSA calculations suggest that the non‐polar contribution from hydrophobic residues and polar solvation energy influences WNK/WNK476 complexation. Despite more favorable electrostatic and van der Waals interactions in WNK2/WNK476, WNK476 is more potent against WNK1 due to the lower contribution of disfavoring components—polar solvation and entropy. Further, we have identified that the hydrophobic residues of DLG, αC‐helix, β4, and β5 regions, and H‐bond network near the β4 strand play a critical role in the specificity of WNK476 against WNK1. Finally, our study reveals that residues Leu272, Val281, Phe283, and Leu369 of WNK1 actively contribute to the overall hydrophobic interactions for WNK1/WNK476. Overall, our study might help in the rational design of novel allosteric inhibitors against hypertension.
Tackling Scientific Misconceptions: The Element of Surprise
Authors: Theobald Maria , Brod Garvin 
Published: May 2021

Misconceptions about scientific concepts often prevail even if learners are confronted with conflicting evidence. This study tested the facilitative role of surprise in children’s revision of misconceptions regarding water displacement in a sample of German children (N = 94, aged 6–9 years, 46% female). Surprise was measured via the pupil dilation response. It was induced by letting children generate predictions before presenting them with outcomes that conflicted with their misconception. Compared to a control condition, generating predictions boosted children’s surprise and led to a greater revision of misconceptions (d = 0.56). Surprise further predicted successful belief revision during the learning phase. These results suggest that surprise increases the salience of a cognitive conflict, thereby facilitating the revision of misconceptions.
The learning curve of transanal total mesorectal excision for rectal cancer is associated with local recurrence: results from a multicentre external audit
Authors: Van Oostendorp Stefan E. , Belgers H. J. (Eric) , Hol Jeroen C. , Doornebosch Pascal G. , Belt Eric J. Th. , Oosterling Steven J. , Kusters Miranda , Bonjer H. J. (Jaap) , Sietses Colin , Tuynman Jurriaan B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimTransanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) has been suggested as a potential solution for the resection of challenging mid and low rectal cancer. This relatively complex procedure has been implemented in many centres over the last years, despite the absence of long‐term safety data. Recently, concern has arisen because of an increase in local recurrence in the implementation phase. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between accumulated experience and local recurrences.MethodAn independent clinical researcher performed an external audit of consecutive series of all TaTME procedures in six centres in the Netherlands. Kaplan–Meier estimated local recurrence rates were calculated and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis performed to assess risk factors for local recurrence. Primary outcome was the local recurrence rate in the initial implementation (cases 1–10), continued adoption (cases 11‐40) and prolonged experience (case 41 onward).ResultsSix hundred and twenty‐four consecutive patients underwent TaTME for rectal cancer with a median follow‐up of 27 months (range 1–82 months). The estimated 2‐ and 3‐year local recurrence rates were 4.6% and 6.6%, respectively. Cox proportional hazards regression revealed procedural experience to be an independent factor in multivariate analysis next to advanced stage (ycMRF+, pT3‐4, pN+) and pelvic sepsis. Corrected analysis projected the 3‐year local recurrence rates to be 9.7%, 3.3% and 3.5% for the implementation, continued adoption and prolonged experience cohorts, respectively.ConclusionThis multicentre study shows a high local recurrence rate (12.5%) after implementation of TaTME which lowers to an acceptable rate (3.4%) when experience increases. Therefore, intensified proctoring and further precautions must be implemented to reduce the unacceptably high risk of local recurrence at units starting this technique.