bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assemblage accumulation curves: A framework for resolving species accumulation in biological communities using DNA sequences
Authors: van der Merwe Marlien , Yap Jia‐Yee S. , Bragg Jason G. , Cristofolini Caroline , Foster Charles S. P. , Ho Simon Y. W. , Rossetto Maurizio 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

The timing and tempo of the processes involved in community assembly are of substantial concern to community ecologists and conservation managers. The fossil record is a valuable source of data for studying past changes in community composition, but it is not always detailed enough to allow the process of community assembly to be resolved at regional or site scales while tracing the trajectories of known species with associated known traits.

We present a three‐step framework for studying present‐day species accumulation through time: DNA sampling from multiple individuals from multiple species within a community; estimates of coalescence times for each species using molecular dating methods; and plotting the accumulation of present‐day species through time using the inferred population ages. Our approach is illustrated using whole‐chloroplast genomes from plants from three rainforest communities in eastern Australia. Expected times to coalescence for multiple species in each community were inferred from pooled high‐throughput sequence libraries. Local assemblage accumulation curves for each community were constructed. We also explored the variation in assemblage accumulation curves of species with different functional traits.

Models of equilibrium species richness informed our null hypothesis and largely explained the shape of the assemblage accumulation curves. They indicated that the complexities of the accumulation process should be explored with additional parameters, for example, allowing species classes with different extinction rates. The assemblage accumulation curves for the study sites showed evidence of recent population expansions within each of the communities. This signal of recent accumulation is consistent with the increase in suitable rainforest habitat that followed the Last Glacial Maximum.

Our method of constructing assemblage accumulation curves provides a simple approach for visualizing species accumulation data. It can be used to test hypotheses such as the relative survival potential of species‐specific ecological attributes. Although our example used single‐nucleotide polymorphisms derived from whole‐chloroplast sequencing, this framework can be applied to mitochondrial genomes and to communities of other organisms.
NAD+ supplementation rejuvenates aged gut adult stem cells
Authors: Igarashi Masaki , Miura Masaomi , Williams Eric , Jaksch Frank , Kadowaki Takashi , Yamauchi Toshimasa , Guarente Leonard 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe tissue decline due to aging is associated with the deterioration of adult stem cell function. Here we show the number and proliferative activity of intestinal stem cells (ISCs) but not Paneth cells decline during aging, as does ISC function assessed ex vivo. Levels of SIRT1 and activity of mTORC1 also decline with aging. The treatment with the NAD(+) precursor nicotinamide riboside (NR) rejuvenates ISCs from aged mice and reverses an impaired ability to repair gut damage. The effect of NR is blocked by the mTORC1 inhibitor rapamycin or the SIRT1 inhibitor EX527. These findings demonstrate that small molecules affecting the NAD/SIRT1/mTORC1 axis may guide a translational path for maintenance of the intestine during aging.
IL‐1α cleavage by inflammatory caspases of the noncanonical inflammasome controls the senescence‐associated secretory phenotype
Authors: Wiggins Kimberley A. , Parry Aled J. , Cassidy Liam D. , Humphry Melanie , Webster Steve J. , Goodall Jane C. , Narita Masashi , Clarke Murray C. H. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractInterleukin‐1 alpha (IL‐1α) is a powerful cytokine that modulates immunity, and requires canonical cleavage by calpain for full activity. Mature IL‐1α is produced after inflammasome activation and during cell senescence, but the protease cleaving IL‐1α in these contexts is unknown. We show IL‐1α is activated by caspase‐5 or caspase‐11 cleavage at a conserved site. Caspase‐5 drives cleaved IL‐1α release after human macrophage inflammasome activation, while IL‐1α secretion from murine macrophages only requires caspase‐11, with IL‐1β release needing caspase‐11 and caspase‐1. Importantly, senescent human cells require caspase‐5 for the IL‐1α‐dependent senescence‐associated secretory phenotype (SASP) in vitro, while senescent mouse hepatocytes need caspase‐11 for the SASP‐driven immune surveillance of senescent cells in vivo. Together, we identify IL‐1α as a novel substrate of noncanonical inflammatory caspases and finally provide a mechanism for how IL‐1α is activated during senescence. Thus, targeting caspase‐5 may reduce inflammation and limit the deleterious effects of accumulated senescent cells during disease and Aging.
Long‐term caloric restriction ameliorates deleterious effects of aging on white and brown adipose tissue plasticity
Authors: Corrales Patricia , Vivas Yurena , Izquierdo‐Lahuerta Adriana , Horrillo Daniel , Seoane‐Collazo Patricia , Velasco Ismael , Torres Lucia , Lopez Yamila , Martínez Carmen , López Miguel , Ros Manuel , Obregon Maria Jesus , Medina‐Gomez Gema 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAge‐related increased adiposity is an important contributory factor in the development of insulin resistance (IR) and is associated with metabolic defects. Caloric restriction (CR) is known to induce weight loss and to decrease adiposity while preventing metabolic risk factors. Here, we show that moderate 20% CR delays early deleterious effects of aging on white and brown adipose tissue (WAT and BAT, respectively) function and improves peripheral IR. To elucidate the role of CR in delaying early signs of aging, young (3 months), middle‐aged (12 months), and old (20 months) mice fed al libitum and middle‐aged and old mice subjected to early‐onset CR were used. We show that impaired plasticity of subcutaneous WAT (scWAT) contributes to IR, which is already evident in middle‐aged mice. Moreover, alteration of thyroid axis status with age is an important factor contributing to BAT dysfunction in middle‐aged animals. Both defects in WAT and BAT/beige cells are ameliorated by CR. Accordingly, CR attenuated the age‐related decline in scWAT function and decreased the extent of fibro‐inflammation. Furthermore, CR promoted scWAT browning. In brief, our study identifies the contribution of scWAT impairment to age‐associated metabolic dysfunction and identifies browning in response to food restriction, as a potential therapeutic strategy to prevent the adverse metabolic effects in middle‐aged animals.
Is Temperature Exogenous? The Impact of Civil Conflict on the Instrumental Climate Record in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Schultz Kenneth A. , Mankin Justin S. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractResearch into the effects of climate on political and economic outcomes assumes that short‐term variation in weather is exogenous to the phenomena being studied. However, weather data are derived from stations operated by national governments, whose political capacity and stability affect the quality and continuity of coverage. We show that civil conflict risk in sub‐Saharan Africa is negatively correlated with the number and density of weather stations contributing to a country's temperature record. This effect is both cross‐sectional—countries with higher average conflict risk tend to have poorer coverage—and cross‐temporal—civil conflict leads to loss of weather stations. Poor coverage induces a small downward bias in one widely used temperature data set, due to its interpolation method, and increases measurement error, potentially attenuating estimates of the temperature–conflict relationship. Combining multiple observational data sets to reduce measurement error almost doubles the estimated effect of temperature anomalies on civil conflict risk.
Short‐term effect on the ocular circulation induced by unilateral intravitreal injection of aflibercept in age‐related maculopathy
Authors: Mursch‐Edlmayr Anna Sophie , Luft Nikolaus , Podkowinski Dominika , Ring Michael , Schmetterer Leopold , Bolz Matthias 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPurposeIntravitreal injection of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) is the standard treatment for neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD). As VEGF is a physiological key player for regulating retinal vascular tone, questions have been raised whether the application of anti‐VEGF could induce alterations in ocular perfusion.MethodsThe study included 20 eyes from 20 Caucasian patients with unilateral neovascular AMD and 20 fellow eyes. All eyes were treated with standard intravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA). Measurements of blood flow at the optic nerve head (ONH) and the choroid were performed with laser speckle flowgraphy (LSFG). The intraocular pressure (IOP), systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, mean arterial pressure (MAP) and ocular perfusion pressure (OPP) were analysed. Measurements were performed at baseline and repeated immediately after the injection and 30 and 45 min later.ResultsMean time between injection of aflibercept and first follow‐up was 8:56 ± 4:25 min. The injection led to significant rise in IOP. In the injected eyes, mean blur rate (MBR, i.e. a relative measure of perfusion and the main outcome parameter of LSFG) within the major vessels of the ONH as well as at the entire ONH region decreased significantly (p < 0.001). No change in MBR was observed in the fellow eye. Choroidal blood flow was maintained stable in both eyes.ConclusionIntravitreal injection of aflibercept (IVA) led to a short‐term reduction in perfusion only in the treated eye. This was independent from IOP, indicating a direct pharmacological effect. No changes in choroidal perfusion were observed during the first 45 min after the injection.
Editorial: metabolomic biomarkers for colorectal adenocarcinoma and in the differentiation between irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis in clinical remission – confounded by the gut microbiome? Authors’ reply
Authors: Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Madsen Karen L. , Mandal Rupasri , Boeckxstaens Guy E. , Bercik Premysl , De Palma Giada , Reed David E. , Wishart David , Vanner Stephen , Dieleman Levinus A. 
Published: March 2019

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Keshteli et al and Leong et al papers. To view
these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15141, and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15171.
Editorial: biomarker predictors of non‐response to TNFα antagonists — the quest continues. Authors’ reply
Authors: Verstockt Bram , Vermeire Séverine , Ferrante Marc , Breynaert Christine 
Published: March 2019

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Verstockt et al and Shouval and Ben‐Horin papers. To view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15126, and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15198.
Letter: the end of duodenal biopsies in coeliac disease? Authors’ reply
Authors: Kurppa Kalle , Fuchs Valma , Kaukinen Katri 
Published: March 2019

Linked ContentThis article is linked to Fuchs et al and Scicluna and Ellul papers. To
view these articles, visit https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15109 and https://doi.org/10.1111/apt.15202.
Midterm functional outcome after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for external rectal prolapse
Authors: Tsunoda Akira , Takahashi Tomoko , Matsuda Satoshi , Oka Naoki , Kusanagi Hiroshi 
Published: March 2019

IntroductionAlthough long‐term crude outcomes of laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for external rectal prolapse (ERP) have been documented, repetitive functional and quality of life (QOL) assessments are scarce. This study assessed midterm annual functional results and QOL after laparoscopic ventral rectopexy for ERP.MethodsThis study consisted of 58 patients and was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data. The Fecal Incontinence Severity Index, the Constipation Scoring System, and QOL instruments (ie 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey and Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scale) were administered before and after operation.ResultsThere was no mortality or major morbidity. After a median follow‐up of 49 months (6‐92 months), recurrence of ERP was noted in one patient (2%). There were no mesh‐related complications. The median Fecal Incontinence Severity Index score was significantly reduced at 3 months (34 [10‐61] vs 12 [0‐50], P < 0.0001) and remained significantly reduced for 5 years. The median Constipation Scoring System score was significantly reduced at 3 months (14 [9‐20] vs 7 [0‐16], P < 0.0001) and remained significantly reduced for 4 years. No patients developed new‐onset constipation. All of the Fecal Incontinence Quality of Life scales significantly improved overtime for 4 years. All of the 36‐item Short‐Form Health Survey scales were significantly improved at 3 and 6 months, but none of the scales significantly improved after 2 years.ConclusionLaparoscopic ventral rectopexy for ERP was associated with low morbidity, low recurrence, and a midterm improvement in function and fecal incontinence‐specific QOL.
Reptarenaviruses in apparently healthy snakes in an Australian zoological collection
Authors: Hyndman TH , Marschang RE , Bruce M , Clark P , Vitali SD 
Published: March 2019

BackgroundInclusion body disease (IBD) is a disease of snakes with a global distribution and has recently been shown to be caused by reptarenaviruses. Testing for this group of viruses in asymptomatic snakes allows the association between infection and disease to be further elucidated.MethodsA reptarenavirus was detected by RT‐PCR in a reticulated python (Malayopython reticulatus) from an Australian zoological collection that was open‐mouth breathing and had erythematous oral mucosa. Another 27 pythons, 4 elapids, 2 colubrids and 2 boas from this collection were then screened. From these animals, swabs, whole blood and/or tissue were tested for reptarenaviruses by RT‐PCR. Additionally, blood films from 10 snakes were examined by light microscopy for the presence of inclusion bodies. The majority of samples were collected over a 484‐day period.ResultsA total of 8 animals were RT‐PCR‐positive (8/36 = 22.2%): 6 were pythons, 1 was a corn snake (Pantherophis guttatus) and 1 was a Madagascar tree boa (Sanzinia madagascariensis). From them, 57 samples were collected, but only one from each animal was RT‐PCR‐positive (8/57 = 14.0%). From all 36 animals in this study, 8/182 samples were RT‐PCR‐positive (4.4%). Inclusion bodies were not recognised in any of the blood films. Only the reticulated python showed signs of illness, which improved without any further intervention. All other RT‐PCR‐positive snakes were apparently healthy throughout the duration of the study.ConclusionThis study showed a weak association between the presence of reptarenaviruses and disease. Testing serially collected swab and whole‐blood samples increased the number of animals in which reptarenaviruses were detected.
Maximising business returns to corporate social responsibility communication: An empirical test
Authors: Pérez Andrea , del Mar García de los Salmones María , Liu Matthew Tingchi 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBased on a classic conceptual model of corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication, we developed an empirical research study to test how several aspects of CSR message content (i.e., issue importance, impact, motives, fit, commitment) are associated with external support responses (i.e., purchase, advocacy). We also tested the moderating role of stakeholder‐ and company‐specific factors (i.e., issue support and industry, respectively) in the proposed model. Data were collected from 302 participants who evaluated the same CSR information displayed in the websites of a fictitious bank and a fictitious restaurant chain. The findings suggest that better perceptions on how the CSR message reinforces issue importance, corporate CSR impact and altruistic motives lead to higher purchase and advocacy intentions. CSR fit is related only to advocacy, while CSR commitment does not have any significant impact on participants’ responses. Some new interdependence relationships are also identified among issue importance, motives, fit, and commitment. The moderating role of issue support and industry is confirmed.
The craftivists: Pushing for affective, materially informed pedagogy
Authors: Rowsell Jennifer , Shillitoe Mark 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe idea of making as a form of activism or, as we refer to it in this paper, craftivism, underpins our ambition to transform pedagogical environments into spaces of possibility through sensory and affective making practices. A craftivist agenda pushes for open teaching and learning with materials so that students can inhabit a what if space which ruptures institutional time and space. Beginning with a theorization of disruptive making and dissensus and then moving on to foreground a materialist stance on making, the paper illustrates how students experience materialities across two very different classroom environments and how these experiences led to greater presence, voice and agency for students. There is an underlying focus in the paper on embodied responses and affective flows. After theorizing craftivism, there are three sections that explore making, teaching and feeling through craftivist, postdigital methods.
A phase III randomized, multicentre, double blind, active controlled trial to compare the efficacy and safety of two different anagrelide formulations in patients with essential thrombocythaemia – the TEAM‐ET 2·0 trial
Authors: Gisslinger Heinz , Buxhofer‐Ausch Veronika , Hodisch Juri , Radinoff Atanas , Karyagina Elena , Kyrcz‐Krzemień Slawomira , Abdulkadyrov Kudrat , Gerbutavicius Rolandas , Melikyan Anait , Burgstaller Sonja , Hus Marek , Kłoczko Janusz , Yablokova Vera , Tzvetkov Nikolay , Całbecka Malgorzata , Shneyder Tatyana , Warzocha Krzysztof , Jurgutis Mindaugas , Kaplanov Kamil , Jilma Bernd , Schoergenhofer Christian , Klade Christoph 
Published: March 2019

SummaryAnagrelide is an established treatment option for essential thrombocythaemia (ET). A prolonged release formulation was developed with the aim of reducing dosing frequency and improving tolerability, without diminishing efficacy. This multicentre, randomized, double blind, active‐controlled, non‐inferiority trial investigated the efficacy, safety and tolerability of anagrelide prolonged release (A‐PR) over a reference product in high‐risk ET patients, either anagrelide‐naïve or ‐experienced. In a 6 to 12‐week titration period the individual dose for the consecutive 4‐week maintenance period was identified. The primary endpoint was the mean platelet count during the maintenance period (3 consecutive measurements, day 0, 14, 28). Of 112 included patients 106 were randomized. The mean screening platelet counts were 822 × 109/l (95% confidence interval (CI) 707–936 × 109/l) and 797 × 109/l (95% CI 708–883 × 109/l) for A‐PR and the reference product, respectively. Both treatments effectively reduced platelet counts, to mean 281 × 109/l for A‐PR (95% CI 254–311) and 305 × 109/l (95% CI 276–337) for the reference product (P < 0·0001, for non‐inferiority). Safety and tolerability were comparable between both drugs. The novel prolonged‐release formulation was equally effective and well tolerated compared to the reference product. A‐PR provides a more convenient dosing schedule and will offer an alternative to licensed immediate‐release anagrelide formulations.
Comparison of Rituximab originator (MabThera) to biosimilar (Truxima) in patients with immune‐mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Authors: Stubbs Matthew J. , Low Ryan , McGuckin Siobhan , Newton Rosalind , Thomas Mari , Westwood John P. , Shah Raakhee , Cheesman Simon , Scully Marie A. 
Published: March 2019

SummaryImmune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is an acute, multisystem thrombotic microangiopathy mediated by ADAMTS13 (a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) autoantibodies. Immunosuppression with anti‐CD20 therapy is the mainstay of treatment. MabThera's patent has now expired and biosimilars have been approved. Eighty‐four consecutive patient episodes over 2 years, prior to and following our switch to Truxima are presented. Day 1 (D1), Day 28 (D28) and 3‐month platelet counts, ADAMTS13 activity, and CD19 levels, adverse reactions and infective complications were recorded. Platelet counts were not significantly different between acute MabThera and Truxima treatment (D1 P = 0.085, D28 P = 0.77, 3 months P = 0.71) and electively (D1 P = 0.79, D28 P = 0.68, 3 months P = 0.99). ADAMTS13 recovery also was not significantly different acutely (D1 P = 0.99, D28 P = 0.27, 3 months P = 0.26) and electively (D1 P = 0.59, D28 P = 0.61, 3 months P = 0.34). CD19% depletion at D1 and 3 months was not significantly different acutely (D1 P = 0.52, 3 months P = 0.56) and electively (D1 P = 0.22, 3 months P = 0.19). Infusion reactions and infective complications were comparable with both therapies. This is the first series of the Rituximab biosimilar Truxima to be reported in iTTP, demonstrating equivalence to MabThera in terms of ADAMTS13 recovery, CD19 depletion, and platelet count at D28 and 3 months post‐administration, with comparable infusion and infective complications. The financial benefit of the biosimilar anti‐CD20 is considerable.
EFFECT OF OIL PRICES ON STOCK MARKETS: EVIDENCE FROM NEW GENERATION OF STAR MODEL
Authors: Harb Nermeen , Abdelsalam Mamdouh Abdelmoula M. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTThis paper aims to introduce an evidence of new generations of smooth transition regression model (STAR). It proposes two different forms of STAR model. First: a time varying STAR model (TVSTAR), which identify the estimated coefficients at each point of time. Second: a full specification STAR model (FSSTAR) which provides a consistent estimate even in the existence of some measurement errors, omitted variables and even if the true functional form is unknown. This study will consider the two proposed models and the traditional STAR model to examine the nonlinear relation between oil price and stock market index for two countries (Egypt and Turkey). Our results confirm the existing of a non‐linear relation between oil prices and stock return for both countries. The suggested models gives more accurate information about the time varying effect of oil price changes on stock markets and robust forecasts.