bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Competition suppresses shrubs during early, but not late, stages of arid grassland–shrubland state transition
Authors: Pierce Nathan A. , Archer Steven R. , Bestelmeyer Brandon T. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Transitions from grass to woody plant dominance, widely reported in arid systems, are typically attributed to changes in disturbance regimes in combination with abiotic feedbacks, whereas biotic mechanisms such as competition and facilitation are often overlooked. Yet, research in semi‐arid and subhumid savannas indicates that biotic interactions are important drivers in systems at risk for state transition. We sought to bridge this divide by experimentally manipulating grass‐on‐shrub and shrub‐on‐shrub interactions in early and late stages of grassland–shrubland state transition, respectively, and to assess the extent to which these interactions might influence arid land state transition dynamics.

Target Prosopis glandulosa shrubs had surrounding grasses or conspecific neighbours left intact or killed with foliar herbicide, and metrics of plant performance were monitored over multiple years for shrubs with and without grass or shrub neighbours.

Productivity of small shrubs was enhanced by grass removal in years with above‐average precipitation, a result not evident in larger shrubs or during dry years. Proxy evidence based on nearest neighbour metrics suggested shrub–shrub competition was at play, but our experimental manipulations revealed no such influence.

Competition from grasses appears to attenuate the rate at which shrubs achieve the size necessary to modify the physical environment in self‐reinforcing ways, but only during the early stages of shrub encroachment. Our results further suggest that at late stages of grassland‐to‐shrubland state transitions, shrub–shrub competition will not slow the rate of shrub expansion, and suggest that maximum shrub cover is regulated by something other than density‐dependent mechanisms. We conclude that grass effects on shrubs should be included in assessments of desert grassland state transition probabilities and rates, and that desertification models in arid ecosystems that traditionally focus on disturbance and abiotic feedbacks should be broadened to incorporate spatial and temporal variations in competitive effects.

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Microbial diversity of an Antarctic subglacial community and high‐resolution replicate sampling inform hydrological connectivity in a polar desert
Authors: Campen Richard , Kowalski Julia , Lyons W. Berry , Tulaczyk Slawek , Dachwald Bernd , Pettit Erin , Welch Kathleen A. , Mikucki Jill A. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryAntarctic subglacial environments host microbial ecosystems and are proving to be geochemically and biologically diverse. The Taylor Glacier, Antarctica, periodically expels iron‐rich brine through a conduit sourced from a deep subglacial aquifer, creating a dramatic red surface feature known as Blood Falls. We used Illumina MiSeq sequencing to describe the core microbiome of this subglacial brine and identified previously undetected but abundant groups including the candidate bacterial phylum Atribacteria and archaeal phylum Pacearchaeota. Our work represents the first microbial characterization of samples collected from within a glacier using a melt probe, and the only Antarctic subglacial aquatic environment that, to date, has been sampled twice. A comparative analysis showed the brine community to be stable at the operational taxonomic unit level of 99% identity over a decade. Higher resolution sequencing enabled deconvolution of the microbiome of subglacial brine from mixtures of materials collected at the glacier surface. Diversity patterns between this brine and samples from the surrounding landscape provide insight into the hydrological connectivity of subglacial fluids to the surface polar desert environment. Understanding subice brines collected on the surfaces of thick ice covers has implications for analyses of expelled materials that may be sampled on icy extraterrestrial worlds.
Why Human Rights Matter for Our Future: The Views of Three Young People
Authors: Smith Jude , Richard Khalil , Siguake Natasha ,   and the charity ‘sheffield futures’
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article consists of statements by three young people with a passion for human rights. Two of the young people, Jude Smith (aged thirteen) and Khalil Richard (aged twenty) are members of the Sheffield Youth Cabinet. The third young person, Natasha Siguake (aged twenty), is a Young Advisor for Sheffield Futures. The three contributors talk about the human rights that are most important to them and why human rights are important for the future.
Encouraging Knowledge Transfer in Food Science and Nutrition Education: Suggestions from Cognitive Research
Authors: Sumeracki Megan A. , Weinstein-Jones Yana , Nebel Cynthia L. , Schmidt Shelly J. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractFor several decades, cognitive psychologists have been studying how we learn, and from this work it becomes possible to identify ways to help students learn in the classroom effectively. Importantly, this work does not just inform how to memorize facts, but also how to learn complex material in a way that allows students to apply what they are learning in future situations. The laboratory to classroom model used by many researchers to apply cognitive psychology to real educational situations, such as classroom learning and students’ independent studying, is described first. Then the focus turns to important issues within education, such as students’ ability to transfer knowledge to new situations and understand complex material. Finally, three learning strategies are discussed (concrete examples, elaborative interrogation, and retrieval practice) that instructors can implement to help students to both acquire knowledge and apply it to new situations, integrating examples from food science and nutrition.
Proceedings of the Inaugural Strategy Meeting for the Establishment of a Southeast Asia Regional Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Consortium for Neurological Disorders
Authors: Viswanathan Shanthi , Appiwatanakul Metha , Nayak Ashwini , Islam Badrul , Khatri Bhupendra , Pangeran David , Bambardekar Himanshu , Maharani Kartika , Tan Kevin , Alexander Mathew , Hussain Mohammad E , Adenan Mohd S , Danapaul Nabil AA , Khalife Najib , Ohnmar Ohnmar , Ong Beng Hooi , Estiasari Riwanti , Hanifa Sari N , Siritho Sasitorn , Ng Chen Fei , Ratna Sylvanie , Umapathi Thirugnanam , Thit Win M , Ramli Yetty , Lee Yvonne YL , Hiew Fu Liong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn conjunction with the third regional Southeast Asian (SEA) therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 25 clinicians and researchers from SEA and South Asian countries attended the inaugural strategy meeting for the establishment of a regional TPE consortium for neurological disorders. The primary objective was to establish regional collaboration to improve delivery of TPE services in SEA. A pre‐meeting survey was conducted to gather insights on disease spectrum, contextual practice challenges, and the need for a regional TPE consensus. Challenges identified include limited healthcare funding in support of diagnostic workup, TPE therapy, as well as development of clinical infrastructure and expertise capacity building. There was favorable interest in developing a working plan contextualized to this region. Strategies to overcome challenges were discussed. This included the need for a comprehensive referral system and network of regional TPE centers suited to local needs, supported by innovative TPE delivery programs.
Long‐term efficacy and safety of vedolizumab in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases: A real‐life experience from a tertiary referral center
Authors: Dragoni Gabriele , Bagnoli Siro , Le Grazie Marco , Campani Claudia , Rogai Francesca , Manetti Natalia , Bensi Carolina , Macrì Giuseppe , Galli Andrea , Milla Monica 
Published: March 2019

ObjectiveThe study aimed to evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of vedolizumab in a real‐life cohort of patients with inflammatory bowel diseases enrolled at a tertiary referral center.MethodsData were retrospectively collected from August 2016 to November 2018. The primary outcomes were clinical response and remission at 14, 24, and 52 weeks, and steroid‐free remission rate (SFRR) at 52 weeks. Endoscopic response and remission rates at 52 weeks were the secondary outcomes.ResultsAltogether 49 patients (22 with ulcerating colitis [UC] and 27 with Crohn’s Disease [CD]) were enrolled. The clinical response rate gradually dropped from 85% and 50% in CD and UC, respectively, at week 14 to 59% and 25% at week 52, with significantly a higher response in CD at week 14. The endoscopic response at week 52 was 55% in CD and 25% in UC (P = 0.21). CD group had a higher SFRR than UC group (41% vs 20%) at 52 weeks, although the difference was not statistically significant. Similar clinical and endoscopic rates were observed in biologic‐naive and ‐experienced patients. We reported no discontinuation due to adverse drug reactions, and only mild to moderate events.ConclusionsIn our cohort the clinical response in the induction phase was similar to those of registered trials, despite surprising better results for CD. During the maintenance phase we observed an higher drop out than in the reported literatures. Of note, its good safety profile makes vedolizumab a reliable choice in patients with contraindications to anti‐tumor necrosis factor agents.
Spatial analysis of a hydrocarbon waste‐remediating landfarm demonstrates influence of management practices on bacterial and fungal community structure
Authors: Bergsveinson Jordyn , Perry Benjamin J. , Simpson Gavin L. , Yost Christopher K. , Schutzman Robert J. , Hall Britt D. , Cameron Andrew D. S. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryCultivation of dedicated soil plots called ‘landfarms' is an effective technology for bioremediation of hydrocarbon waste generated by various industrial practices. To understand the influence of soil conditions on landfarm microbial communities, analysis of bacterial and fungal community structure using next‐generation sequencing at different sections and depths was performed across a hydrocarbon‐waste landfarm in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. While a core set of hydrocarbon‐associated bacterial and fungal taxa are present throughout the landfarm, unique bacterial and fungal operational taxonomic units are differentially abundant at sections within the landfarm, which correlate with differences in soil physiochemical properties and management practices. Increased frequency of waste application resulted in strong positive correlations between bacterial community assemblages and elevated amounts of oil, grease and F3 – F4 hydrocarbon fractions. In areas of standing water and lower application of hydrocarbon, microbial community structure correlated with soil pH, trace nutrients and metals. Overall, diversity and structure of bacterial communities remain relatively stable across the landfarm, while in contrast, fungal community structure appears more responsive to soil oxygen conditions. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that years of bioremediation activity have shaped microbial communities; however, several management practices can be undertaken to increase efficiency of remediation, including the removal of standing water and soil tilling across the landfarm.
PCSK9 is Increased in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Individuals With Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Lee Ji Soo , Rosoff Daniel , Luo Audrey , Longley Martha , Phillips Monte , Charlet Katrin , Muench Christine , Jung Jeesun , Lohoff Falk W. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundRecent studies have shown that alcohol use affects the regulation and expression of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin 9 (PCSK9). While a major role of PCSK9 in hepatic function and lipid regulation has been clearly established, other pleiotropic effects remain poorly understood. Existing research suggests a positive association between PCSK9 expression in the brain and psychopathology, with increased levels of PCSK9 in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of individuals with dementia and epigenetic modifications of PCSK9 associated with alcohol use disorder (AUD). In this study, we hypothesized that chronic alcohol use would increase PCSK9 expression in CSF.MethodsPCSK9 levels in CSF were measured in individuals with AUD (n = 42) admitted to an inpatient rehabilitation program and controls (n = 25). CSF samples in AUD were assessed at 2 time points, at day 5 and day 21 after admission. Furthermore, plasma samples were collected and measured from the individuals with AUD.ResultsPCSK9 in CSF was significantly increased in the AUD group at day 5 and day 21 compared to the controls (p < 0.0001). Plasma PCSK9 levels were correlated positively with CSF PCSK9 levels in AUD (p = 0.0493).ConclusionsOur data suggest that PCSK9 is elevated in the CSF of individuals with AUD, which may indicate a potential role of PCSK9 in AUD. Additional studies are necessary to further elucidate the functions of PCSK9 in the brain.
The effects of sustained virological response to direct‐acting anti‐viral therapy on the risk of extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C infection
Authors: El‐Serag Hashem B. , Christie Israel C. , Puenpatom Amy , Castillo Diana , Kanwal Fasiha , Kramer Jennifer R. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBackgroundDirect‐acting anti‐viral (DAA) therapy may have a beneficial role in extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, the available data are limited.AimTo examine the effects of DAA treatment on the risk of several extrahepatic manifestations of HCV.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of patients from the US Department of Veterans Affairs Corporate Data Warehouse who had a positive HCV RNA test and received first course of DAAs between 2012 and 2016. We calculated incidence rates by sustained virological response (SVR) status for six extrahepatic manifestations, and effect of SVR on these conditions was evaluated in adjusted Cox regression models.ResultsOf the 45 260 patients treated with DAA with mean follow‐up of 2.01 years, 41 711 (92.2%) experienced SVR. Incidence rates ranged from 0.17/1000 PY for porphyria cutanea tarda to 21.04/1000 PY for diabetes in the SVR group and 0.51/1000 PY for porphyria cutanea tarda to 23.11/1000 PY for diabetes in the no SVR group. The risk was reduced with SVR for mixed cryoglobulinaemia (adjusted HR (aHR) = 0.23; 95% CI 0.10‐0.56), glomerulonephritis (aHR = 0.61; 95% CI 0.41‐0.90) and lichen planus (aHR = 0.46; 95% CI 0.30‐0.70), but not for non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (aHR = 0.86; 95% CI 0.52‐1.43) or diabetes (aHR = 0.98; 95% CI 0.81‐1.19). Non significant risk reduction was seen for porphyria cutanea tarda (aHR = 0.33; 95% CI 0.11‐1.03).ConclusionsSuccessful DAA treatment resulting in SVR was associated with significant reductions in the risk of mixed cryoglobulinaemia, glomerulonephritis, lichen planus and possibly porphyria cutanea tarda, but not non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma or diabetes.
Trends in utilization and dosing of antipsychotic drugs in Scandinavia: Comparison of 2006 and 2016
Authors: Højlund Mikkel , Pottegård Anton , Johnsen Erik , Kroken Rune A. , Reutfors Johan , Munk‐Jørgensen Povl , Correll Christoph U. 
Published: March 2019

AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate time trends in dosing and prevalence of antipsychotic prescriptions in Scandinavia.MethodsWe retrieved data on antipsychotic use between 2006 and 2016 from Danish, Norwegian and Swedish national prescription registers. For each antipsychotic, we calculated prevalence of use and mean doses, overall and for specific age groups (young, adults and elderly).ResultsAntipsychotic use in Scandinavia increased from 16.5 to 17.2 users/1000 inhabitants between 2006 and 2016 (+2.4%, annual change: 0.07 users/1000 inhabitants/year, 95% CI: 0.02–0.20, P = 0.02). In 2006, chlorprothixene and levomepromazine were the most commonly used antipsychotics. By 2016, quetiapine was the most used antipsychotic in all three countries and across all age groups, with an overall 1‐year prevalence of 4.05–9.97 users/1000 inhabitants (annual change: 0.57 users/1000 inhabitants/year, 95% CI: 0.54–0.60, P < 0.001). Quetiapine showed a marked decrease in mean doses during the 11‐year study period (0.46–0.28 defined daily doses (DDD)/user/day: 39.1%, −0.02 DDD/user/day/year, 95% CI: −0.020 to −0.015, P < 0.001). In 2016, the highest mean doses were seen for clozapine (0.90–1.07 DDD/user/day) and olanzapine (0.66–0.88 DDD/user/day).ConclusionsThere is an increased prevalence of antipsychotic prescriptions that coincides with low and/or decreasing mean doses of the majority of commonly used antipsychotics in Scandinavia. Of all antipsychotics, this development was most pronounced for quetiapine. Reasons for and consequences of increased antipsychotic use that lasts shorter periods of time requires further study.
The role of visuo‐spatial abilities in environment learning from maps and navigation over the adult lifespan
Authors: Muffato Veronica , Meneghetti Chiara , De Beni Rossana 
Published: March 2019

Visuo‐spatial abilities have an important role in environment learning. The aim of the present study was to explore whether these abilities relate to spatial recall after learning an environment from a map or a video, and irrespective of the learner's age (from youth to old age). The study involved 431 participants from 25 to 84 years old, who were assessed for their visuo‐spatial working memory, object‐based mental rotation, and perspective‐taking abilities. Then, they learned environments from a map and a video, and performed pointing, map drawing, and route repetition tasks after learning from each type of input. The resulting path models showed that age related to visuo‐spatial abilities and (in some cases) to spatial accuracy, too. After accounting for age, visuo‐spatial abilities also related to spatial recall performance, whatever the type of learning input, especially in pointing tasks and, to a lesser degree, in map drawing and route repetition tasks. Overall, the relationship between individual visuo‐spatial abilities and environment learning relates to the learning input and the type of task used to assess recall. This relationship was found in a large and diverse sample of participants ranging from youth to old age.
Amlodipine induces vasodilation via Akt2/Sp1‐activated miR‐21 in smooth muscle cells
Authors: Fang Qin , Tian Min , Wang Feng , Zhang Zhihao , Du Tingyi , Wang Wei , Yang Yong , Li Xianqing , Chen Guangzhi , Xiao Lei , Wei Haoran , Wang Yan , Chen Chen , Wang Dao Wen 
Published: March 2019

Background and PurposeThe calcium antagonist amlodipine exerts important cardioprotective effects by modulating smooth muscle and endothelial functions. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects are incompletely understood.Experimental ApproachWestern blotting was used to compare the expression of key genes involved in vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) phenotype conversion. Recombinant adeno‐associated virus system was used to regulate miRNA expression in rats via tail vein. Bioinformatics was used to predict the transcriptional regulation of miR‐21 upstream followed by biochemical validation using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, ChIP‐qPCR and EMSA assays.Key ResultsOnly the calcium antagonist amlodipine, and no other type of anti‐hypertensive drug, induced miR‐21 overexpression in plasma and aortic vessels in the animal model. Real‐time PCR and luciferase assays showed that amlodipine induced miR‐21 overexpression in vascular smooth muscle cells. Western blot and immunofluorescence assays demonstrated that amlodipine activated Akt2, rather than Akt1, followed by activation of transcription factor Sp1, which regulated VSMC phenotype conversion via binding to the miR‐21 promoter. Furthermore, bioinformatic analyses and luciferase assays demonstrated that amlodipine activated miR‐21 transcription at the ‐2034/‐2027 Sp1‐binding site, which was further demonstrated by ChIP‐qPCR and EMSA assays. Consistently, small‐interfering RNA‐mediated knockdown of Akt2 and Sp1 significantly attenuated the effects of amlodipine on miR‐21 expression in smooth muscle cells.Conclusion and ImplicationsThese results indicate that amlodipine induces smooth muscle cell differentiation via miR‐21, which is regulated by p‐Akt2 and Sp1 nuclear translocation, thereby providing a novel target for cardiovascular diseases.
Short lipopeptides specifically inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes with a dual antibacterial and anti‐inflammatory action
Authors: Yang Guang , Wang Jingyu , Lu Shengsheng , Chen Zhao , Fan Sheng , Chen Daiwei , Xue Huanxin , Shi Wenyuan , He Jian 
Published: March 2019

Background and PurposePropionibacterium acnes is a Gram‐positive bacterium associated with the skin disorder acne. In this study, as fatty acids are considered to be important in the life habitat of P. acnes, we tested our lipopeptide library in an attempt to create potent P. acnes‐specific antimicrobial agents.Experimental ApproachThe antimicrobial activity of various lipopeptides was determined by measuring their minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC). Lipids from P. acnes were used to explore their mode of action. RAW264.7 cells stimulated with LPS and P. acnes respectively were used to measure their anti‐inflammatory activity. Mice ears injected with P. acnes were used to assess the antimicrobial and anti‐inflammatory effects of the peptides tested in vivo.Key ResultsThe most potent candidate, C16‐KWKW, was observed to be more active against P. acnes than against other non‐targeted bacterial strains, such as Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. The mode of action of C16‐KWKW was observed to be through interference with the integrity of the bacterial membrane, thereby impairing membrane permeability and causing leakage of inner contents of bacterial cells. Furthermore, C16‐KWKW inhibited the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐1β, TNF‐α, and inducible NOS stimulated by both LPS and P. acnes, thus showing potential anti‐inflammatory activity, which was further verified in the in vivo animal studies.Conclusions and ImplicationsC16‐KWKW is a lipopeptide displaying both anti‐P. acnes and anti‐inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo and shows potential as a treatment for acne vulgaris induced by P. acnes.
Differential Influence of Same‐ and Cross‐Ethnic Friends on Ethnic‐Racial Identity Development in Early Adolescence
Authors: Jugert Philipp , Leszczensky Lars , Pink Sebastian 
Published: March 2019

Recent research has shown that peers influence ethnic‐racial identity (ERI) development during early adolescence. Arguments based on social identity theory, however, suggest that only same‐ethnic but not cross‐ethnic friends are important for ERI development. Using longitudinal social network analysis, we examined peer influence of both same‐ and cross‐ethnic friends on ERI attachment and private regard. Data were drawn from six ethnically diverse schools in Western Germany (N = 1,349;Mage = 13.3). Our results provide empirical evidence for early adolescents’ ERI being influenced by same‐ but less by cross‐ethnic friends. Considering peers’ ethnicity therefore is crucial for understanding peer influence on ERI development.